[English-Japanese Annotation Book]

The Long Goodbye

長いお別れ

by Raymond Chandler

sections=53, paragraphs=3663, sentences=11958

words=120169, characters=617424, annotations=13079

Contents

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License

The copyright is reserved by the original author. The generator of this book insists no rights for this book. You should use and/or redestribute this book in accordance with the copyright of the original text.

This book was automatically generated by extracting sentences from the original text and applying machine translation for each sentence. Therefore, translation quality should not be considered to be the same level as translation by human. Annotations were also generated automatically with an AI model.

[1]

The first time I laid eyes on Terry Lennox he was drunk in a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith outside the terrace of The Dancers.

first time (初めて) [名] the first occasion on which something happens or is done

lay eyes on (見かける) [動] to see something or someone for the first time

Terry Lennox (テリー・レノックス) [名] a character in the story

drunk (酔っ払った) [形] affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties or behavior

Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith (ロールスロイス・シルバー・レイス) [名] a car model

outside (外) [名] the space or area outside a building or other structure

The Dancers (ダンサーズ・テラス) [名] a place in the story

私が初めてテリー・レノックスを見かけた時、彼はダンサーズ・テラスの外でロールスロイス・シルバー・レイスの中で酔っ払っていた。

The parking lot attendant had brought the car out and he was still holding the door open because Terry Lennox's left foot was still dangling outside, as if he had forgotten he had one.

parking lot attendant (駐車場係) [名] a person who works in a parking lot

bring out (運び出す) [動] to take or carry something from inside to outside

hold open (開けたままにする) [動] to keep something open

left foot (左足) [名] the foot on the left side of the body

dangle (ぶらぶらする) [動] to hang or swing loosely

forget (忘れる) [動] to not be able to remember something

駐車場係が車を運び出し、テリー・レノックスの左足がまだ外でぶらぶらしていたため、彼がまだドアを開けたままにしていた。まるで彼が自分の足があることを忘れているかのようだった。

He had a young-looking face but his hair was bone white.

young-looking (若く見える) [形] appearing young

face (顔) [名] the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

hair (髪) [名] a threadlike structure that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals

bone white (真っ白) [形] of a very light shade of gray or a very light shade of yellow

彼は若く見える顔をしていたが、髪は真っ白だった。

You could tell by his eyes that he was plastered to the hairline, but otherwise he looked like any other nice young guy in a dinner jacket who had been spending too much money in a joint that exists for that purpose and for no other.

tell (わかる) [動] to communicate or express something

eye (目) [名] the organ of vision

hairline (生え際) [名] the edge of the hair on a person's head

look like (~のように見える) [動] to have the appearance of

dinner jacket (ディナージャケット) [名] a man's dinner jacket

spend (かける) [動] to pay out money

purpose (目的) [名] the intention to do something

exist (存在する) [動] to have real being

彼の目を見れば、彼が髪の生え際まで酔っ払っていることがわかったが、それ以外は、ディナージャケットを着た他の素敵な若い男性と同じように、その目的のためだけに存在する店でお金をかけすぎているようだった。

There was a girl beside him.

beside (横に) [前] at the side of; next to

girl (女の子) [名] a young female human being

彼の横には女の子がいた。

Her hair was a lovely shade of dark red and she had a distant smile on her lips and over her shoulders she had a blue mink that almost made the Rolls-Royce look like just another automobile.

lovely (美しい) [形] very beautiful or attractive

shade (色合い) [名] a colour, especially one of the many varieties of a particular colour

dark red (暗い赤) [名] a dark shade of red

distant (遠い) [形] far away in space or time

smile (微笑み) [名] a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

lip (唇) [名] either of the two fleshy parts that form the upper and lower edges of the opening to the mouth

shoulder (肩) [名] the upper joint of the human arm and the part of the body between this and the neck

blue (青い) [形] of the color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day

mink (ミンク) [名] a small semiaquatic carnivorous mammal of the weasel family, native to North America and northern Eurasia, with a dark brown coat that is highly valued for its fur

Rolls-Royce (ロールスロイス) [名] a British manufacturer of luxury cars

automobile (自動車) [名] a road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine and able to carry a small number of people

彼女の髪は暗い赤の美しい色合いで、彼女は唇に遠い微笑みを浮かべ、肩越しにロールスロイスをただの別の自動車のように見せる青いミンクを着ていた。

It didn't quite.

quite (全く) [副] to the fullest extent; completely

全くそうはいかなかった。

Nothing can.

nothing (何も) [名] not anything; no single thing

can (できる) [助] be able to; have the ability to

何もできない。

The attendant was the usual half-tough character in a white coat with the name of the restaurant stitched across the front of it in red.

attendant (係員) [名] a person who looks after people or things

usual (いつもの) [形] happening or done often or regularly

half-tough (半分タフな) [形] somewhat tough

character (キャラクター) [名] a person in a novel, play, or film

white (白い) [形] of the color intermediate between black and gray

coat (コート) [名] a garment worn on top of other clothes for warmth

name (名前) [名] a word or set of words using which a person is referred to

restaurant (レストラン) [名] a place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises

stitch (縫い付ける) [動] sew or fasten with stitches

front (前面) [名] the side or part of something that faces forward or is most prominent

red (赤) [形] of a color intermediate between orange and violet, as of blood, fire, or rubies

係員は、レストランの名前が赤で前面に縫い付けられた白いコートを着た、いつもの半分タフなキャラクターだった。

He was getting fed up.

get fed up (うんざりする) [動] to become annoyed or bored with something

彼はうんざりしていた。

“Look, mister,” he said with an edge to his voice, “would you mind a whole lot pulling your leg into the car so I can kind of shut the door?

look (ねえ) [間] used to attract someone's attention

mister (旦那) [名] a man

voice (声) [名] the sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song

pull (引っ込める) [動] exert force on (someone or something) so as to move them toward oneself or the origin of the force

leg (足) [名] each of the limbs on which a person or animal walks and stands

car (車) [名] a wheeled, self-propelled vehicle used for transportation

door (ドア) [名] a hinged barrier used to close an entrance to a room or building

「ねえ、旦那」と彼は声を荒げて言った、「足を車の中に引っ込めてドアを閉めてもらえませんか?

Or should I open it all the way so you can fall out?”

open (開ける) [動] move a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

all the way (ずっと) [副] to the full extent

fall out (落ちる) [動] move or come quickly from a higher to a lower level

それとも、あなたが落ちるように、私はそれをずっと開けるべきですか?」

The girl gave him a look which ought to have stuck at least four inches out of his back.

give (向ける) [動] cause (someone or something) to receive or be given something

look (視線) [名] the action of directing one's gaze in a specified direction

stick (突き出る) [動] be or become fixed or embedded in something

back (背中) [名] the part of a person's body between the neck and the top of the legs

少女は彼に、背中から少なくとも4インチは突き出ているはずの視線を向けた。

It didn't bother him enough to give him the shakes.

bother (気にする) [動] to be concerned or worried about something

give (与える) [動] to cause someone or something to have or experience something

shake (震える) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

彼は震えるほどには気にしなかった。

At The Dancers they get the sort of people that disillusion you about what a lot of golfing money can do for the personality.

The Dancers (ダンサーズ) [名] a nightclub in Los Angeles

sort (種類) [名] a category of things or people having similar characteristics

disillusion (幻滅させる) [動] to disappoint someone by not being as good as they had hoped

money (お金) [名] a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes

personality (人格) [名] the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character

ダンサーズには、ゴルフのお金が人格に何ができるかについて幻滅させるような人々が集まる。

A low-swung foreign speedster with no top drifted into the parking lot and a man got out of it and used the dash lighter on a long cigarette.

low-swung (低い) [形] having a low position or level

foreign (外国製) [形] of or from a country other than your own

speedster (スピードスター) [名] a fast car

no top (屋根のない) [名] the highest point of something

drift (流れ込む) [動] be carried along by a current of air or water

parking lot (駐車場) [名] an area of land where cars can be parked

get out of (降りる) [動] leave or escape from

use (使う) [動] convert to one's own purposes

dash lighter (ダッシュライター) [名] a lighter that is built into the dashboard of a car

long (長い) [形] having a great distance or duration

屋根のない低い外国製のスピードスターが駐車場に流れ込み、男が車から降りて、長いタバコにダッシュライターを使った。

He was wearing a pullover check shirt, yellow slacks, and riding boots.

wear (着る) [動] have on one's person as clothing

pullover (プルオーバー) [名] a sweater or other garment put on over the head

check shirt (チェックシャツ) [名] a shirt with a pattern of squares

yellow slacks (黄色のスラック) [名] a pair of trousers made of a soft material

riding boots (乗馬ブーツ) [名] a pair of boots worn for riding horses

彼はプルオーバーのチェックシャツ、黄色のスラックスと乗馬ブーツを履いていた。

He strolled off trailing clouds of incense, not even bothering to look towards the Rolls-Royce.

stroll off (歩き去る) [動] walk away

trail (引きずる) [動] drag or be dragged along behind

cloud (雲) [名] a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere typically high above the general level of the ground

incense (お香) [名] a substance that is burned for the pleasant smell that it produces

彼はロールスロイスの方をちらっと見ることさえせず、お香の雲を引きずりながら歩き去った。

He probably thought it was corny.

probably (おそらく) [副] almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell

think (思う) [動] have a particular opinion about something

corny (陳腐な) [形] unoriginal or sentimental in a way that is considered foolish or tiresome

彼はおそらくそれが陳腐だと思ったのだろう。

At the foot of the steps up to the terrace he paused to stick a monocle in his eye.

foot (ふもと) [名] the end of the leg on which a person or animal stands or walks

step (階段) [名] a staircase

terrace (テラス) [名] a flat area of land next to a house

pause (立ち止まる) [動] stop doing something for a short period of time

stick (当てる) [動] push something into or through something else

monocle (片眼鏡) [名] a single eyeglass for one eye

テラスへの階段のふもとで、彼は片眼鏡を目に当てるために立ち止まった。

The girl said with a nice burst of charm: “I have a wonderful idea, darling.

say (言う) [動] express (something) in words

nice (素敵な) [形] pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory

burst (ほとばしる) [動] break or cause to break suddenly and violently

charm (魅力) [名] the power or quality of giving delight or arousing admiration

idea (考え) [名] a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action

darling (ダーリン) [名] a person who is very dear to someone

少女は魅力的な笑顔で言った。「いい考えがあるよ、ダーリン。

Why don't we just take a cab to your place and get your convertible out?

take a cab (タクシーに乗る) [動] to ride in a taxi

get out (出す) [動] to take or bring something out of a place

タクシーであなたのところまで行って、あなたのオープンカーを出せばいいじゃない?

It's such a wonderful night for a run up the coast to Montecito.

run up (走る) [動] move at a speed faster than a walk

coast (海岸) [名] the land next to the sea

Montecito (モンテシト) [名] a small town in California

モンテシトまで海岸を走るにはとても素晴らしい夜だ。

I know some people there who are throwing a dance around the pool.”

know (知っている) [動] be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information

throw (踊っている) [動] move or cause to move in a specified way

dance (ダンス) [名] a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music

プールの周りでダンスを踊っている人を知っているよ」

The white-haired lad said politely: “Awfully sorry, but I don't have it any more.

white-haired (白髪の) [形] having white hair

lad (若者) [名] a young man

politely (丁寧に) [副] in a polite manner

awfully (本当に) [副] very

sorry (申し訳ない) [形] feeling regret or guilt

any more (もう) [副] no longer

白髪の若者は丁寧に言った。「本当に申し訳ありませんが、もう持っていません。

I was compelled to sell it.”

be compelled to (せざるを得ない) [動] be forced or obliged to do something

sell (売る) [動] give or hand over (something) in exchange for money

売らざるを得ませんでした」

From his voice and articulation you wouldn't have known he had had anything stronger than orange juice to drink.

articulation (発音) [名] the action of pronouncing words clearly

strong (強い) [形] having the power to perform well or to withstand force, pressure, or wear

orange juice (オレンジジュース) [名] a juice made from oranges

drink (飲む) [動] take into the mouth and swallow (a liquid)

彼の声と発音から、彼がオレンジジュースよりも強いものを飲んだことがあるとは知らなかっただろう。

“Sold it, darling? How do you mean?”

mean (意味する) [動] intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (something)

「売っちゃったの、ダーリン? どういうこと?」

She slid away from him along the seat but her voice slid away a lot farther than that.

slide away (離れる) [動] move smoothly and quickly

seat (座席) [名] a place where you can sit

far (遠く) [副] a long way off; a great distance

彼女は座席に沿って彼から離れたが、彼女の声はそれよりもずっと遠くに離れた。

“I mean I had to,” he said.

have to (せざるを得ない) [助] be obliged to; must

「つまり、そうせざるを得なかったんだ」と彼は言った。

“For eating money.”

eat (食べる) [動] take into the body by the mouth

「食事代に」

“Oh, I see.”

see (なるほど) [動] understand or comprehend

「ああ、なるほど」

A slice of spumoni wouldn't have melted on her now.

slice (一切れ) [名] a thin, broad piece of food cut from a larger portion

spumoni (スプモーニ) [名] a molded Italian ice cream containing candied fruits and nuts

melt (溶ける) [動] change from a solid to a liquid state

スプモーニの一切れでも彼女の上で溶けなかっただろう。

The attendant had the white-haired boy right where he could reach him--in a low-income bracket.

have (置く) [動] to be in possession of

reach (届く) [動] to stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

low-income bracket (低所得層) [名] a group of people with low incomes

係員は白髪の少年を彼が届く場所に置いていた--低所得層に。

“Look, buster,” he said, “I've got to put a car away.

buster (バスター) [名] a person who breaks something

put away (片付ける) [動] to store something in its proper place

「おい、バスター」と彼は言った。「車を片付けなきゃならないんだ。

See you some more some other time--maybe.”

see (会う) [動] perceive with the eyes

some more (また) [名] an additional amount or number

some other time (今度) [名] at some other time

maybe (多分) [副] perhaps

また今度会おう--多分」

He let the door swing open.

let (~のままにする) [動] not prevent or forbid

swing open (開く) [動] move or cause to move freely and easily

彼はドアを開けたままにした。

The drunk promptly slid off the seat and landed on the blacktop on the seat of his pants.

drunk (酔っ払い) [名] a person who is drunk

promptly (すぐに) [副] without delay

slide off (滑り落ちる) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

land (着地する) [動] come or bring down to the ground

blacktop (アスファルト) [名] a type of road surfacing material

seat of one's pants (ズボンの座席) [名] the part of a pair of pants that covers the buttocks

酔っ払いはすぐに座席から滑り落ち、ズボンの座席のアスファルトに着地した。

So I went over and dropped my nickel.

go over (行く) [動] move or travel toward or into a place

drop (落とす) [動] let or make something fall

nickel (5セント玉) [名] a United States coin with a value of five cents

だから私はそこへ行き、5セント玉を落とした。

I guess it's always a mistake to interfere with a drunk.

interfere (干渉する) [動] to get in the way of; to hinder

酔っ払いに干渉するのはいつも間違いだと思う。

Even if he knows and likes you he is always liable to haul off and poke you in the teeth.

like (好き) [動] find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory

be liable to (責任がある) [動] be legally responsible for

haul off (殴る) [動] to move or carry something with great effort

poke (突き刺す) [動] to push or jab something with a pointed object

彼があなたを知っていて好きであっても、彼はいつもあなたを殴り、歯を突き刺す責任がある。

I got him under the arms and got him up on his feet.

get (抱える) [動] to hold or carry

arm (脇) [名] the upper limb of the human body

私は彼を脇の下に抱え、彼を立たせた。

“Thank you so very much,” he said politely.

thank (ありがとう) [動] express gratitude to

very (とても) [副] to a great degree or extent

「どうもありがとう」と彼は丁寧に言った。

The girl slid under the wheel.

slide (滑り込む) [動] move along a smooth surface while maintaining continuous contact with it

少女はハンドルの下に滑り込んだ。

“He gets so goddam English when he's loaded,” she said in a stainless-steel voice.

get (なる) [動] become

English (イギリス人っぽい) [形] of or relating to England or its people or language

stainless-steel (ステンレススチールのような) [形] made of stainless steel

「彼は酔っ払うととてもイギリス人っぽくなるの」と彼女はステンレススチールのような声で言った。

“Thanks for catching him.”

thanks (ありがとう) [名] an expression of gratitude

catch (捕まえる) [動] to take or keep in possession, especially after pursuit

「彼を捕まえてくれてありがとう」

“I'll get him in the back of the car,” I said.

get (乗せる) [動] cause to move or be moved into a place

back (後部座席) [名] the rear part of something

「彼を車の後部座席に乗せる」と私は言った。

“I'm terribly sorry.

terribly (本当に) [副] to a very great degree

「本当に申し訳ない。

I'm late for an engagement.”

be late for (遅れる) [動] arrive after the usual or expected time

engagement (約束) [名] a promise to do something or to be somewhere at a particular time

約束に遅れてしまった」

She let the clutch in and the Rolls started to glide.

let (踏む) [動] allow to pass

clutch (クラッチ) [名] a device for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the transmission

Rolls (ロールスロイス) [名] a British luxury car manufacturer

glide (滑り出す) [動] move smoothly and effortlessly

彼女はクラッチを踏み、ロールスロイスは滑り出した。

“He's just a lost dog,” she added with a cool smile.

just (ただ) [副] only; simply

lost (迷い) [形] unable to find one's way

dog (犬) [名] a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice

add (付け加える) [動] say or write something further

cool (冷たい) [形] of or at a fairly low temperature

「彼はただの迷い犬よ」と彼女は冷たい笑みを浮かべて付け加えた。

“Perhaps you can find a home for him.

find (見つける) [動] discover or notice

home (家) [名] the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

「彼に家を見つけてあげられるかもしれないよ。

He's housebroken--more or less.”

housebroken (家で飼われている) [形] trained to urinate and defecate outdoors or in a designated place

more or less (多かれ少なかれ) [副] to some extent; in some degree

彼は家で飼われている犬よ--多かれ少なかれ」

And the Rolls ticked down the entrance driveway onto Sunset Boulevard, made a right turn, and was gone.

tick (音を立てる) [動] to make a sound like that of a clock or watch

entrance (入口) [名] an opening allowing access and vision

driveway (私道) [名] a type of private road for local access

Sunset Boulevard (サンセット大通り) [名] a boulevard in the central and western part of Los Angeles, California

make a right turn (右折する) [動] to turn to the right

be gone (去っていく) [動] to leave a place

そしてロールスロイスはサンセット大通りへの入口の私道を下り、右折して去っていった。

I was looking after her when the attendant came back.

look after (見送る) [動] take care of

私が彼女を見送っていると、係員が戻ってきた。

And I was still holding the man up and he was now sound asleep.

hold up (支える) [動] to support or keep from falling

sound asleep (ぐっすりと眠る) [形] in a deep sleep

そして私はまだ男を支えており、彼は今やぐっすりと眠っていた。

“Well, that's one way of doing it,” I told the white coat.

one way (一つの方法) [名] a method or manner of doing something

tell (言う) [動] communicate with words

white coat (白衣) [名] a coat worn by a doctor or scientist

「まあ、それは一つの方法だ」と私は白衣に言った。

“Sure,” he said cynically.

Sure (もちろん) [副] certainly; definitely

cynically (皮肉を込めて) [副] in a cynical manner

「もちろん」と彼は皮肉を込めて言った。

“Why waste it on a lush?

waste (無駄にする) [動] use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

lush (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks alcohol to excess

「なぜ酒飲みに無駄にする?

Them curves and all.”

curve (曲線) [名] a line that gradually deviates from being straight

あの曲線と全て。」

“You know him?”

him (彼) [代] the male person or animal previously mentioned

「彼を知っている?」

“I heard the dame call him Terry.

hear (聞く) [動] perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)

dame (女) [名] a woman

call (呼ぶ) [動] give a name to

Terry (テリー) [名] a male given name

「あの女が彼をテリーと呼ぶのを聞いた。

Otherwise I don't know him from a cow's caboose.

otherwise (そうでなければ) [副] in a different way

know (区別する) [動] be aware of

cow (牛) [名] a large domesticated ungulate

caboose (車掌車) [名] a crew car on a freight train

そうでなければ彼を牛の車掌車と区別できない。

But I only been here two weeks.”

only (しか) [副] and no one or nothing more or else

two weeks (二週間) [名] a period of 14 days

でも私はここに来て二週間しか経っていない。」

“Get my car, will you?”

get (取って来る) [動] go and fetch

「私の車を取って来てくれる?」

I gave him the ticket.

give (渡す) [動] transfer the possession of something to someone

ticket (チケット) [名] a piece of paper or card that gives you the right to enter a place, travel on a vehicle, or see a show

私は彼にチケットを渡した。

By the time he brought my Olds over I felt as if I was holding up a sack of lead.

by the time (までに) [接] before a particular time

bring (持ってくる) [動] to cause to come or go with oneself

feel (感じる) [動] to be aware of (something) through touch

sack (袋) [名] a large bag made of a strong material

lead (鉛) [名] a soft, heavy, toxic, malleable, ductile, gray, metallic element that is a poor conductor of electricity and is used in batteries, alloys, solder, paints, and weights

彼が私のオールズを持って来るまでには私は鉛の袋を抱えているように感じていた。

The white coat helped me get him into the front seat.

help (手伝う) [動] make it easier for someone to do something; make a contribution to the success of something

front seat (前部座席) [名] a seat in the front of a vehicle

白衣の男は私が彼を前部座席に乗せるのを手伝ってくれた。

The customer opened an eye and thanked us and went to sleep again.

customer (客) [名] a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business

go to sleep (眠りつく) [動] begin to sleep

客は目を開けて私達に礼を言い、また眠りについた。

“He's the politest drunk I ever met,” I said to the white coat.

polite (礼儀正しい) [形] showing good manners

「彼は私が今まで会った中で一番礼儀正しい酔っ払いだ」と私は白衣の男に言った。

“They come all sizes and shapes and all kinds of manners,” he said.

come (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

size (サイズ) [名] the physical magnitude of something

shape (形) [名] the external form or appearance characteristic of someone or something

manner (態度) [名] a way of behaving or a way of doing something

「彼らはあらゆるサイズと形とあらゆる種類の態度で来る」と彼は言った。

“And they're all bums.

bum (浮浪者) [名] a person who has no place to live and no job

「そして彼らは皆浮浪者だ。

Looks like this one had a plastic job one time.”

plastic job (整形手術) [名] a surgical procedure to repair or restore the appearance of body parts

こいつは一度整形手術を受けたようだ」

“Yeah.” I gave him a dollar and he thanked me.

dollar (ドル) [名] the basic monetary unit of the United States

「ああ」私は彼に1ドル渡し、彼は私に礼を言った。

He was right about the plastic job.

be right (正しい) [動] be correct or true

彼は整形手術については正しかった。

The right side of my new friend's face was frozen and whitish and seamed with thin fine scars.

right side (右側) [名] the side of the body that is to the east when the person is facing north

frozen (凍り付いた) [形] turned into ice

whitish (白っぽい) [形] somewhat white

seam (縫い合わせる) [動] join by sewing

scar (傷跡) [名] a mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed

私の新しい友人の顔の右側は凍り付いて白っぽく、細い傷跡が縫い合わされていた。

The skin had a glossy look along the scars.

skin (皮膚) [名] the outer layer of the body of a person or animal

have a look (外観をしている) [動] to have a certain appearance

皮膚は傷跡に沿って光沢のある外観をしていた。

A plastic job and a pretty drastic one.

pretty (かなり) [副] to a moderately high degree

drastic (大がかりな) [形] extreme in effect or action

整形手術、しかもかなり大がかりな。

“Whatcha aim to do with him?”

aim to do (するつもりだ) [動] intend to do something

with (と) [前] accompanied by

「彼をどうするつもりだ?」

“Take him home and sober him up enough to tell me where he lives.”

take (連れて帰る) [動] carry or bring with oneself

sober (酔いを醒ます) [動] make or become sober

enough (くらい) [形] as much or as many as required

tell (教える) [動] communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words

「彼を家に連れて帰り、住所を教えてくれるくらい酔いを醒まさせる」

The white coat grinned at me.

grin (ニヤリと笑う) [動] smile broadly

at (で) [前] the place where something happens

白衣の男は私にニヤリと笑った。

“Okay, sucker. If it was me, I'd just drop him in the gutter and keep going.

Okay (いいだろう) [間] used to express agreement or acceptance

sucker (カモ) [名] a person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of

If it was me (私なら) [条] if I were in that situation

gutter (側溝) [名] a channel at the side of a road or path that carries away rainwater

keep going (そのまま行く) [動] continue doing something

「いいだろう、カモ。私なら、彼を側溝に放り込んでそのまま行くだろう。

Them booze hounds just make a man a lot of trouble for no fun.

booze hound (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks a lot of alcohol

make trouble (面倒をかける) [動] cause difficulty or problems

no fun (面白くない) [形] not enjoyable or entertaining

酒飲みはただ人に面倒をかけるばかりで、面白くない。

I got a philosophy about them things.

get (持つ) [動] to receive, obtain, or acquire

philosophy (哲学) [名] the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline

私はそういうことについて哲学を持っている。

The way the competition is nowadays a guy has to save his strength to protect hisself in the clinches.”

competition (競争) [名] the activity or condition of competing

nowadays (最近) [副] at the present time

save (温存する) [動] keep and store up

strength (体力) [名] the quality or state of being physically strong

protect (守る) [動] keep safe from harm or injury

clinch (クリンチ) [名] a close fight or struggle

最近の競争のやり方では、男はクリンチで自分を守るために体力を温存しなければならない」

“I can see you've made a big success out of it,” I said.

make a big success (大成功を収める) [動] achieve a great deal of success

out of (~から) [前] from

I said (私は言った) [動] say something

「それで大成功を収めたことがわかります」と私は言った。

He looked puzzled and then he started to get mad, but by that time I was in the car and moving.

look puzzled (困惑したように見える) [動] to appear to be confused or perplexed

get mad (怒り始める) [動] to become angry

by that time (その時までには) [副] at or before the time mentioned

in the car (車に乗って) [名] a wheeled, self-propelled vehicle used for transportation

moving (移動していた) [動] to change position or location

彼は困惑したように見え、それから怒り始めたが、その時までには私は車に乗って移動していた。

He was partly right of course.

partly (部分的に) [副] to some extent; in some degree

right (正しい) [形] correct or true

もちろん彼は部分的には正しかった。

Terry Lennox made me plenty of trouble.

make (起こす) [動] cause to happen or exist

plenty (多くの) [名] a lot of something

trouble (問題) [名] difficulty or problems

テリー・レノックスは私に多くの問題を起こした。

But after all that's my line of work.

after all (結局のところ) [副] in spite of everything; nevertheless

line of work (仕事) [名] the type of work that a person does

しかし結局のところそれが私の仕事だ。

* * * * *

I was living that year in a house on Yucca Avenue in the Laurel Canyon district.

that year (その年) [名] the year being discussed

live (住む) [動] have as one's permanent home

house (家) [名] a place where people live permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

Laurel Canyon (ローレル・キャニオン) [名] a neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills

Yucca Avenue (ユッカ・アベニュー) [名] a street in the Hollywood Hills

その年私はローレル・キャニオン地区のユッカ・アベニューにある家に住んでいた。

It was a small hillside house on a dead-end street with a long flight of redwood steps to the front door and a grove of eucalyptus trees across the way.

hillside (丘の中腹) [名] the side of a hill

dead-end (行き止まり) [名] a street, alley, etc., with only one outlet

redwood (レッドウッド) [名] a very tall tree that grows in California and Oregon

eucalyptus (ユーカリ) [名] an evergreen tree native to Australia

それは行き止まりの道にある小さな丘の中腹の家で、玄関まで長いレッドウッドの階段があり、道の向こうにはユーカリの木立があった。

It was furnished, and it belonged to a woman who had gone to Idaho to live with her widowed daughter for a while.

furnish (家具付き) [動] provide with furniture

belong (ものだった) [動] be owned by

Idaho (アイダホ) [名] a state in the northwestern U.S.

widowed (未亡人の) [形] having lost one's spouse by death

daughter (娘) [名] a female offspring

while (しばらく) [名] a period of time

家具付きで、アイダホに住む未亡人の娘としばらく暮らすためにアイダホに行った女性のものだった。

The rent was low, partly because the owner wanted to be able to come back on short notice, and partly because of the steps.

rent (家賃) [名] a payment made by a tenant to a landlord in return for the use of property

low (安い) [形] of small extent from top to bottom or from head to foot

owner (所有者) [名] a person who owns something

come back (戻って来る) [動] return to a place

short notice (急遽) [名] a very short period of time

家賃は安かったが、それは所有者が急遽戻って来られるようにしたいという理由と、階段があるという理由からだった。

She was getting too old to face them every time she came home.

get too old (年を取りすぎる) [動] become too old

face (直面する) [動] be confronted with

every time (たびに) [名] on each occasion

come home (帰宅する) [動] return home

彼女は年を取りすぎて、帰宅するたびに階段に直面することができなくなっていた。

I got the drunk up them somehow.

up (上) [前] in a direction from lower to higher

私はどうにかして酔っ払いを階段を上らせた。

He was eager to help but his legs were rubber and he kept falling asleep in the middle of an apologetic sentence.

eager (熱心な) [形] strongly wanting to do or have something

rubber (ゴム) [名] a strong elastic substance made from the latex of a tropical tree or synthetically

keep (続ける) [動] continue doing something

fall asleep (眠り込む) [動] go to sleep

middle (途中) [名] the part of something that is equally distant from the ends, sides, or top and bottom

sentence (文) [名] a group of words which forms a complete thought

彼は手伝いたそうにしていたが、足がゴムのようになっていて、謝罪の言葉の途中で眠り込んでしまうのだった。

I got the door unlocked and dragged him inside and spread him on the long couch, threw a rug over him and let him go back to sleep.

get the door unlocked (ドアの鍵を開ける) [動] unlock the door

drag (引きずり込む) [動] pull or move with difficulty or effort

spread (寝かせる) [動] stretch out or open

let (眠らせる) [動] allow to do something

私はドアの鍵を開けて彼を中に引きずり込み、長いソファに寝かせ、敷物をかけて眠らせた。

He snored like a grampus for an hour.

snore (いびきをかく) [動] breathe noisily during sleep

hour (時間) [名] a period of time equal to 60 minutes

grampus (イルカ) [名] a large marine mammal of the dolphin family

彼は1時間ほどイルカのようにいびきをかいていた。

Then he came awake all of a sudden and wanted to go to the bathroom.

come awake (目を覚ます) [動] to become conscious after sleeping

all of a sudden (突然) [副] quickly and without warning

want (欲しがる) [動] feel a need or a wish for

それから彼は突然目を覚まし、トイレに行きたがった。

When he came back he looked at me peeringly, squinting his eyes, and wanted to know where the hell he was.

look at (見つめる) [動] direct one's gaze at

peer (じっと見る) [動] look intently or with difficulty

squint (目を細める) [動] look with the eyes partly closed

want to know (知りたい) [動] wish to know

where the hell (いったいどこ) [名] what place

彼が戻ってきたとき、彼は私をじっと見つめ、目を細め、いったいどこにいるんだと知りたがった。

I told him.

私は彼に言った。

He said his name was Terry Lennox and that he lived in an apartment in Westwood and no one was waiting up for him.

apartment (アパート) [名] a place to live in a large building

Westwood (ウェストウッド) [名] a district in Los Angeles

no one (誰も) [代] not a single person

wait (待つ) [動] stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens

彼は自分のことはテリー・レノックスと言い、ウェストウッドのアパートに住んでいて、誰も彼を待っていないと言った。

His voice was clear and unslurred.

clear (はっきりしている) [形] easy to understand

unslurred (不明瞭ではない) [形] not slurred

彼の声ははっきりしていて、不明瞭ではなかった。

He said he could handle a cup of black coffee.

handle (飲める) [動] to deal with or manage

cup (杯) [名] a small container with a handle, used for drinking from

black coffee (ブラックコーヒー) [名] coffee without milk or cream

彼はブラックコーヒーなら飲めると言った。

When I brought it he sipped it carefully holding the saucer close under the cup.

sip (すする) [動] drink in small quantities

carefully (注意深く) [副] taking care to avoid damage or risk

hold (持つ) [動] keep in a certain position

saucer (受け皿) [名] a small dish on which a cup is placed

close (すぐ下) [形] near in space or time

私がそれを持ってくると、彼はカップのすぐ下に受け皿を持ちながら、それを注意深くすすった。

“How come I'm here?” he asked, looking around.

how come (どうして) [副] for what reason or cause

ask (尋ねる) [動] say something in order to obtain an answer or some information

look around (見回す) [動] turn your head or your body in order to see what is around you

「どうして私はここにいるんだ?」彼は周りを見回しながら尋ねた。

“You squiffed out at The Dancers in a Rolls.

squiffed (酔っ払った) [動] drunk

out (で) [前] away from home

「君はロールスロイスでダンサーズで酔っ払ったんだ。

Your girl friend ditched you.”

girl friend (ガールフレンド) [名] a woman or girl who is a friend

ditch (捨てる) [動] to get rid of something or someone

君のガールフレンドは君を捨てたんだ。」

“Quite,” he said.

「全くだ」と彼は言った。

“No doubt she was entirely justified.”

no doubt (間違いなく) [副] certainly; without doubt

entirely (完全に) [副] completely; totally

justified (正しかった) [形] having, done for, or marked by a good or legitimate reason

「彼女は間違いなく正しかった」

“You English?”

English (イギリス人) [名] a person from England

「イギリス人?」

“I've lived there.

「私はそこに住んでいたことがある。

I wasn't born there.

be born (生まれる) [動] come into existence as a living being

there (そこ) [副] in or at that place

私はそこで生まれたわけではない。

If I might call a taxi, I'll take myself off.”

call a taxi (タクシーを呼ぶ) [動] to request a taxi to come to your location

take oneself off (帰る) [動] to leave a place

タクシーを呼んでもらえれば、私は帰ります」

“You've got one waiting.”

get (待っている) [動] receive

one (タクシー) [名] a taxi

wait (待っている) [動] stay in one place until someone or something arrives or happens

「タクシーは待っている」

He made the steps on his own going down.

make (降りる) [動] move in a specified direction

on one's own (自分で) [副] without help or support from other people

彼は自分で階段を降りていった。

He didn't say much on the way to Westwood, except that it was very kind of me and he was sorry to be such a nuisance.

on the way (道中) [名] during a journey

kind (親切) [形] having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

nuisance (迷惑) [名] a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance

彼はウェストウッドに向かう道中、私に親切にしてもらって申し訳ないと言う以外はほとんど何も言わなかった。

He had probably said it so often and to so many people that it was automatic.

so often (とても頻繁に) [副] very often

so many (とても多くの) [限] a lot of

automatic (自動的) [形] happening or done without conscious control

彼はおそらくそれをとても頻繁に、とても多くの人に言っていたので、それは自動的だった。

His apartment was small and stuffy and impersonal.

small (狭い) [形] of a size that is less than average

stuffy (息苦しい) [形] lacking fresh air

impersonal (個性的でない) [形] lacking human elements or characteristics

彼のアパートは狭くて息苦しく、個性的ではなかった。

He might have moved in that afternoon.

move in (引っ越してくる) [動] to start living in a new place

that afternoon (その日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the day being talked about

彼はその日の午後引っ越してきたのかもしれない。

On a coffee table in front of a hard green davenport there was a half empty Scotch bottle and melted ice in a bowl and three empty fizzwater bottles and two glasses and a glass ash tray loaded with stubs with and without lipstick.

coffee table (コーヒーテーブル) [名] a low table, typically in front of a sofa, for serving coffee and other refreshments

hard (硬い) [形] firm and solid to the touch; not soft

green (緑色) [形] of the color intermediate between blue and yellow in the spectrum

davenport (ソファ) [名] a large sofa, typically upholstered and with a back and arms

half (半分) [名] one of two equal parts into which something is or can be divided

empty (空の) [形] containing nothing; not filled or occupied

Scotch (スコッチ) [名] a type of whiskey

bottle (ボトル) [名] a container, typically made of glass or plastic and with a narrow neck, used for storing liquids

ice (氷) [名] water frozen into a solid state

bowl (ボウル) [名] a round, deep dish with a flat bottom used for holding food or liquid

three (3) [数] the number 3

fizzwater (炭酸水) [名] a type of carbonated water

two (2) [数] the number 2

glass (グラス) [名] a container made of glass, typically one with a stem and used for drinking

ash tray (灰皿) [名] a container for holding ashes from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

load (入れる) [動] to put a load on or in (something)

stub (吸い殻) [名] the remaining part of a cigarette or cigar that has been smoked

lipstick (口紅) [名] a cosmetic in the form of a stick or cream, used to color the lips

硬い緑色のソファの前のコーヒーテーブルには、半分空のスコッチのボトルとボウルに入った溶けた氷、3本の空の炭酸水のボトルと2つのグラス、口紅のついた吸い殻と口紅のついていない吸い殻が入ったガラス製の灰皿があった。

There wasn't a photograph or a personal article of any kind in the place.

photograph (写真) [名] a picture made using a camera

personal article (私物) [名] an object that belongs to a particular person

any kind (一切) [名] any type or sort

そこには写真や私物は一切なかった。

It might have been a hotel room rented for a meeting or a farewell, for a few drinks and a talk, for a roll in the hay.

hotel room (ホテルの部屋) [名] a room in a hotel

rent (借りる) [動] pay money for the temporary use of something

meeting (会合) [名] an assembly of people for formal discussions

farewell (別れ) [名] a goodbye

drink (酒) [名] a liquid that can be swallowed

talk (話) [名] an informal conversation

roll (転がる) [動] move by turning over and over

hay (干し草) [名] dried grass

そこは、会合や別れのために借りたホテルの部屋だったのかもしれないし、酒を飲んで話をしたり、干し草の中で転がったりするための部屋だったのかもしれない。

It didn't look like a place where anyone lived.

place (場所) [名] a particular position, point, or area in space

誰かが住んでいる場所には見えなかった。

He offered me a drink.

offer (勧める) [動] present or suggest something for consideration or discussion

彼は私に酒を勧めた。

I said no thanks.

no (いいえ) [間] a negative response

私は断った。

I didn't sit down.

sit down (座る) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

私は座らなかった。

When I left he thanked me some more, but not as if I had climbed a mountain for him, nor as if it was nothing at all.

leave (去る) [動] go away from a place

climb (登る) [動] go up

mountain (山) [名] a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level or a large steep hill

私が去るとき、彼は私にもう少し感謝したが、私が彼のために山に登ったかのようにでも、それが全く何もなかったかのようにでもなかった。

He was a little shaky and a little shy but polite as hell.

a little (少し) [形] small in amount, degree, or extent

shaky (震えている) [形] not firm or stable

shy (恥ずかしがり屋) [形] being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people

彼は少し震えていて、少し恥ずかしがり屋だったが、とても礼儀正しかった。

He stood in the open door until the automatic elevator came up and I got into it.

stand (立つ) [動] be in or assume a position in which you put your weight chiefly on your feet and not on your knees or other parts of your body

open (開いた) [形] not closed or blocked

automatic (自動) [形] working by itself with little or no direct human control

elevator (エレベーター) [名] a machine that moves people or goods up and down in a building

come up (上がってくる) [動] move from a lower to a higher position

get into (乗り込む) [動] enter or go into

彼は自動エレベーターが上がってきて私が乗り込むまで開いたドアに立っていた。

Whatever he didn't have he had manners.

have (ある) [動] to possess, own, or hold

manner (マナー) [名] a way of behaving

彼には何が欠けていてもマナーはあった。

He hadn't mentioned the girl again.

mention (言及する) [動] to speak about briefly

彼は再びその少女に言及しなかった。

Also, he hadn't mentioned that he had no job and no prospects and that almost his last dollar had gone into paying the check at The Dancers for a bit of high class fluff that couldn't stick around long enough to make sure he didn't get tossed in the sneezer by some prowl car boys, or rolled by a tough hackie and dumped out in a vacant lot.

Also (また) [副] in addition; too; as well

job (仕事) [名] a regular paid work

prospect (見込み) [名] the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring

last (最後の) [形] coming after all others in time or order

go into (支払う) [動] be used to pay for something

check (小切手) [名] a written order to pay a stated sum from a particular account, whereas a cheque is a form of payment that is written on a piece of paper

Dancers (ダンサーズ) [名] a place where people go to dance

bit (少し) [名] a small piece, part, or amount

high class (上品な) [形] of high quality or status

fluff (女性) [名] a young woman, especially one who is attractive but not very intelligent

stick around (一緒にいる) [動] to stay in a place or situation

long enough (十分に長く) [形] as long as necessary

make sure (~しないよう) [動] to be certain about something

get tossed (逮捕される) [動] to be thrown or flung

sneezer (パトカー) [名] a police car

prowl car (パトカー) [名] a police car

boys (警官) [名] a male police officer

rolled (襲われる) [動] to be attacked or assaulted

tough (タクシー運転手) [形] strong and aggressive

hackie (タクシー運転手) [名] a taxi driver

dumped (捨てられる) [動] to be discarded or abandoned

out (~に) [前] away from the inside of a place

vacant lot (空き地) [名] an area of land that is not being used

また、彼は仕事も見込みもないということや、彼がパトカーの警官に逮捕されたり、タクシー運転手に襲われて空き地に捨てられたりしないよう、十分に長く一緒にいることができなかった上品な女性のために、最後の1ドルをダンサーズで支払ったことにも言及しなかった。

On the way down in the elevator I had an impulse to go back up and take the Scotch bottle away from him.

on the way down (降りる途中) [名] while going down

have an impulse (衝動に駆られる) [動] to have a sudden strong desire to do something

go back up (上に戻る) [動] to go back to a higher place

take away (取り上げる) [動] to remove something from someone or something

エレベーターで降りる途中、私は上に戻ってスコッチのボトルを彼から取り上げたいという衝動に駆られた。

But it wasn't any of my business and it never does any good anyway.

business (知ったこと) [名] a person's work or profession

do (立たない) [動] perform, execute, or accomplish

good (役) [名] something that is beneficial or advantageous

しかし、それは私の知ったことではないし、とにかく何の役にも立たない。

They always find a way to get it if they have to have it.

way (方法) [名] how something is done or how it happens

get (手に入れる) [動] come into possession of

彼らは、飲まなければならない時には、いつもそれを手に入れる方法を見つける。

I drove home chewing my lip.

drive (車を走らせる) [動] operate and control the course of a vehicle, such as a car or train

私は唇を噛みながら家まで車を走らせた。

I'm supposed to be tough but there was something about the guy that got me.

be supposed to (はずである) [助] be expected to

tough (タフ) [形] strong and resilient

get (惹かれる) [動] attract or charm

guy (男) [名] a man

私はタフなはずだが、この男には何か惹かれるものがあった。

I didn't know what it was unless it was the white hair and the scarred face and the clear voice and the politeness.

white hair (白い髪) [名] hair that has turned white

scarred face (傷ついた顔) [名] a face that has been damaged

clear voice (澄んだ声) [名] a voice that is easy to understand

politeness (礼儀正しさ) [名] the quality of being polite

それが白い髪と傷ついた顔と澄んだ声と礼儀正しさでなければ、私はそれが何であるかを知らなかった。

Maybe that was enough.

that (それ) [代] the thing mentioned before

be enough (十分である) [動] as much or as many as required

たぶんそれで十分だったのだろう。

There was no reason why I should ever see him again.

reason (理由) [名] a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event

ever (二度と) [副] at any time in the past or future; on any occasion; at all

彼に二度と会う理由はなかった。

He was just a lost dog, like the girl said.

彼は少女が言ったように、ただの迷い犬だった。

[2]

It was the week after Thanksgiving when I saw him again.

Thanksgiving (感謝祭) [名] a national holiday in the United States and Canada

week (週) [名] a period of seven days

私が彼に再会したのは感謝祭の翌週だった。

The stores along Hollywood Boulevard were already beginning to fill up with overpriced Christmas junk, and the daily papers were beginning to scream about how terrible it would be if you didn't get your Christmas shopping done early.

Hollywood Boulevard (ハリウッド大通り) [名] a street in Hollywood, California

store (店) [名] a place where you can buy things

begin (始める) [動] start to do something

fill up (いっぱいになる) [動] become full

overpriced (高額な) [形] too expensive

Christmas (クリスマス) [名] a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus

junk (ガラクタ) [名] old or discarded articles that are considered useless or of little value

daily paper (日刊紙) [名] a newspaper that is published every day

scream (叫ぶ) [動] to say something very loudly, usually because you are very angry, excited, or frightened

terrible (ひどい) [形] very bad or serious

Christmas shopping (クリスマスの買い物) [名] the activity of buying presents for Christmas

early (早く) [副] before the usual or expected time

ハリウッド大通り沿いの店はすでに高額なクリスマスのガラクタでいっぱいになり始め、日刊紙はクリスマスの買い物を早く済ませないとどれほどひどいことになるかについて叫び始めていた。

It would be terrible anyway;

be terrible (ひどいことになる) [動] be very bad or serious

anyway (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case; no matter what happens

いずれにせよひどいことになるだろう。

it always is.

always (いつも) [副] on all occasions; at all times; without exception

be (である) [動] to exist or live

いつもそうなのだから。

It was about three blocks from my office building that I saw a cop car double-parked and the two buttons in it staring at something over by a shop window on the sidewalk.

about three blocks (3ブロックほど) [名] a distance of three blocks

office building (オフィスビル) [名] a building where people work, usually sitting at desks

cop car (パトカー) [名] a police car

double-parked (二重駐車) [形] parked next to a car that is already parked at the curb

two buttons (2人の警官) [名] two police officers

sidewalk (歩道) [名] a paved area for pedestrians, usually beside a road

shop window (ショーウィンドウ) [名] a window in a store where goods are displayed for sale

私のオフィスビルから3ブロックほど離れたところに、パトカーが二重駐車しているのが見え、その中の2人の警官が歩道のショーウィンドウのそばにある何かを見つめていた。

The something was Terry Lennox--or what was left of him--and that little was not too attractive.

be left of (残っている) [動] remain after the removal or loss of the rest

little (あまり) [形] small in size, amount, or degree

attractive (魅力的な) [形] pleasing or appealing to the senses

その何かとはテリー・レノックス、あるいは彼の残骸であり、その残骸はあまり魅力的ではなかった。

He was leaning against a store front.

lean (もたれかかる) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

彼は店の正面にもたれかかっていた。

He had to lean against something.

against (-に) [前] in opposition to

something (何か) [名] an unspecified thing

彼は何かにもたれかかっていた。

His shirt was dirty and open at the neck and partly outside his jacket and partly not.

shirt (シャツ) [名] a garment for the upper body with a collar and sleeves

dirty (汚れた) [形] not clean

neck (首) [名] the part of a person's or animal's body that connects the head to the rest of the body

partly (一部) [副] to some extent

jacket (ジャケット) [名] a short coat

not (ない) [副] a word used to express negation

彼のシャツは汚れていて、首元が開き、一部はジャケットの外に出て、一部は出ていなかった。

He hadn't shaved for four or five days.

shave (髭を剃る) [動] cut the hair off your face with a razor

four or five days (4、5日) [名] a period of time

彼は4、5日髭を剃っていなかった。

His nose was pinched.

nose (鼻) [名] the part of the face that projects above the mouth and contains the nostrils

pinch (つぶれる) [動] squeeze or compress

彼の鼻はつぶれていた。

His skin was so pale that the long thin scars hardly showed.

pale (青白い) [形] light in color

hardly (ほとんど~ない) [副] almost not; barely

彼の肌は青白く、長く細い傷跡はほとんど見えなかった。

And his eyes were like holes poked in a snowbank.

be like (~のようである) [動] to be similar to

hole (穴) [名] an opening in or through something

poke (開ける) [動] to make a hole in something with a sharp or pointed object

そして彼の目は雪の吹きだまりに開けた穴のようだった。

It was pretty obvious that the buttons in the prowl car were about ready to drop the hook on him, so I went over there fast and took hold of his arm.

button (警官) [名] a police officer

drop the hook (逮捕する) [動] to arrest someone

take hold of (掴む) [動] to grip or grasp something

パトカーの警官が彼を逮捕しようとしているのは明らかだったので、私は急いで彼の腕を掴んだ。

“Straighten up and walk,” I said, putting on the tough.

straighten up (まっすぐ歩く) [動] to stand or sit up straight

walk (歩く) [動] to move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

put on (厳しく言う) [動] to place on one's body

tough (厳しい) [形] requiring a great deal of effort or endurance

「まっすぐ歩け」と私は厳しく言った。

I winked at him from the side.

wink (ウィンクする) [動] shut one eye briefly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret or as a signal of affection or greeting

side (横) [名] a position to the left or right of an object, place, or central point

私は横から彼にウィンクした。

“Can you make it? Are you stinko?”

make it (できる) [動] to be able to do something

stinko (酔っ払って) [形] drunk

「できるか? 酔っ払ってるのか?」

He looked me over vaguely and then smiled his little one-sided smile.

look over (眺める) [動] to examine or inspect

vaguely (ぼんやりと) [副] in a way that is not clear or definite

smile (笑みを浮かべる) [動] to form a smile

彼はぼんやりと私を眺め、それから小さく片側だけの笑みを浮かべた。

“I have been,” he breathed.

breathe (息を吐く) [動] take air into and expel it from the lungs

「そうだった」と彼は息を吐いた。

“Right now I guess I'm just a little--empty.”

right now (今) [副] at this moment

guess (思う) [動] to think or suppose

a little (ちょっとだけ) [副] to a small extent

empty (空っぽ) [形] containing nothing

「今はちょっとだけ空っぽなんだ」

“Okay, but make with the feet.

make with (動かす) [動] to move or cause to move

「いいよ、でも足を動かして。

You're halfway into the drunk tank already.”

halfway (半分) [副] to the extent of half

drunk tank (酔っ払いタンク) [名] a jail cell for temporarily holding drunks

君はもう半分酔っ払いタンクにいるよ」

He made the effort and let me walk him through the sidewalk loafers to the edge of the curb.

make the effort (努力する) [動] use your energy to do something

let (~させる) [動] allow or permit

loafer (怠け者) [名] a person who idles away their time

edge (端) [名] the outside limit of an object

curb (縁石) [名] a raised edge of a pavement or sidewalk

彼は努力して、私に歩道の怠け者たちを通り抜けて縁石の端まで歩かせてくれた。

There was a taxi stand there and I yanked open the door.

taxi stand (タクシー乗り場) [名] a place where taxis wait for passengers

yank (ぐいと開ける) [動] to pull or jerk with a quick, vigorous movement

そこにタクシー乗り場があり、私はドアをぐいと開けた。

“He goes first,” the hackie said, jerking a thumb at the cab ahead.

go first (先に行く) [動] be the first to do something

jerk (ぐいと指さす) [動] move or cause to move with a quick, sharp, sudden movement

「彼が先だ」と運転手は親指で前方のタクシーをぐいと指さした。

He swung his head around and saw Terry.

swing (振り返る) [動] move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side

彼は頭を振り返り、テリーを見つけた。

“If at all,” he added.

at all (あったとしても) [副] in any way; to any extent

「もしあったとしても」と彼は付け加えた。

“This is an emergency.

emergency (緊急事態) [名] a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment

「これは緊急事態だ。

My friend is sick.”

friend (友人) [名] a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

be sick (病気だ) [動] to be affected by a disease or other ailment

私の友人が病気だ」

“Yeah,” the hackie said.

「ああ」とタクシー運転手は言った。

“He could get sick somewheres else.”

get sick (病気になる) [動] become ill

somewheres else (どこか別の場所) [名] some other place

「彼はどこか別の場所で病気になったかもしれない」

“Five bucks,” I said, “and let's see that beautiful smile.”

five bucks (5ドル) [名] five dollars

let's see (見せてください) [動] to allow or enable someone to see something

beautiful (美しい) [形] pleasing to the senses or the mind

「5ドル」と私は言った。「そしてその美しい笑顔を見せて」

“Oh well,” he said, and stuck a magazine with a Martian on the cover behind his mirror.

Oh well (ああ、そうか) [間] an expression of resignation

stick (突っ込む) [動] to push or thrust something into or through something else

Martian (火星人) [名] a hypothetical or fictional being from the planet Mars

cover (表紙) [名] the front or back of a book or magazine

mirror (鏡) [名] a surface that reflects light

「ああ、そうか」と彼は言い、表紙に火星人が載っている雑誌を鏡の後ろに突っ込んだ。

I reached in and got the door open.

reach (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

get (開ける) [動] cause to come or go to a place

私は手を伸ばしてドアを開けた。

I got Terry Lennox in and the shadow of the prowl car blocked the far window.

shadow (影) [名] a dark area or shape produced by an object blocking the light

block (ふさぐ) [動] to stop or obstruct the passage of

私はテリー・レノックスを乗せ、パトカーの影が遠くの窓をふさいだ。

A gray-haired cop got out and came over.

gray-haired (白髪の) [形] having gray hair

cop (警官) [名] a police officer

get out (降りる) [動] leave a place

come over (近づく) [動] move or travel toward someone or something

白髪の警官が降りてきて、近づいてきた。

I went around the taxi and met him.

go around (回る) [動] move in a circular motion

meet (会う) [動] come together with someone by chance or arrangement

私はタクシーを回って彼に会った。

“Just a minute, Mac.

Just a minute (ちょっと待って) [名] a short period of time

Mac (マック) [名] a nickname for someone whose surname is Mc-something

「ちょっと待って、マック。

What have we got here?

have got (持っている) [動] to have or possess

here (ここ) [副] in this place

ここに何がある?

Is the gentleman in the soiled laundry a real close friend of yours?”

gentleman (紳士) [名] a man who is well mannered, courteous, or honorable

soiled laundry (汚れた洗濯物) [名] laundry that has been soiled

real close friend (本当に親しい友人) [名] a friend who is very close to you

汚れた洗濯物姿の紳士はあなたの本当に親しい友人ですか?」

“Close enough for me to know he needs a friend. He's not drunk.”

close (親しい) [形] having a strong bond of friendship

need (必要としている) [動] require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable

「彼が友人を必要としていることを私が知っているくらいには親しい。彼は酔っていない」

“For financial reasons, no doubt,” the cop said.

financial (金銭的な) [形] of or relating to money

「金銭的な理由で、間違いなく」警官は言った。

He put his hand out and I put my license in it.

put one's hand out (手を差し出す) [動] to stretch out one's hand

put (入れる) [動] to move something to a place

license (免許証) [名] a document that gives you official permission to do something

彼は手を差し出し、私はその中に免許証を入れた。

He looked at it and handed it back.

hand back (返す) [動] return something to someone

彼はそれを見て、返した。

“Oh-oh,” he said.

oh-oh (おっと) [間] used to express surprise or disappointment

「おっと」彼は言った。

“A P.I. picking up a client.”

P.I. (私立探偵) [名] a private investigator

pick up (迎えに来た) [動] to collect or fetch someone or something

client (依頼人) [名] a person using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company

「私立探偵が依頼人を迎えに来た」

His voice changed and got tough.

change (変わる) [動] become different

get tough (厳しくなる) [動] become more difficult or challenging

彼の声は変わり、厳しくなった。

“That tells a little something about you, Mr. Marlowe. What about him?”

about (について) [前] on the subject of; concerning

Marlowe (マーロウ) [名] the protagonist of the story

what about (については) [句] used to ask about something or someone that has not yet been mentioned

「それはあなたについて少し何かを語っている、マーロウさん。彼については?」

“His name's Terry Lennox.

「彼の名前はテリー・レノックス。

He works in pictures.”

work (働く) [動] be engaged in a job or other activity

picture (映画) [名] a movie

彼は映画の仕事をしている。」

“That's nice.”

「それはいい。」

He leaned into the taxi and stared at Terry back in the corner.

taxi (タクシー) [名] a means of transport with a driver

stare (見つめる) [動] look fixedly or intently

corner (隅) [名] the area or space where two or more sides or edges meet

彼はタクシーの中を覗き込み、隅に座っているテリーをじっと見つめた。

“I'd say he didn't work too lately.

「彼は最近あまり働いていないと思う。

I'd say he didn't sleep indoors too lately.

sleep (寝る) [動] rest with the eyes closed

indoors (屋内) [副] inside a building

lately (最近) [副] recently

彼は最近あまり屋内で寝ていないと思う。

I'd even say he was a vag and so maybe we ought to take him in.”

vag (浮浪者) [名] a person who has no permanent home and wanders from place to place

take in (連行する) [動] to take someone to a police station

彼は浮浪者で、だから彼を連行するべきかもしれない。」

“Your arrest record can't be that low,” I said.

arrest record (逮捕記録) [名] a record of the number of times a person has been arrested

low (低い) [形] not high or tall

「あなたの逮捕記録はそんなに低くないはずだ」と私は言った。

“Not in Hollywood.”

Hollywood (ハリウッド) [名] a district in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

「ハリウッドではね。」

He was still looking in at Terry.

look in (中を見る) [動] to look inside something

彼はまだテリーを見ていた。

“What's your friend's name, buddy?”

What's (何) [他] what is

buddy (君) [名] a friend

「君の友達の名前はなんだい?」

“Philip Marlowe,” Terry said slowly.

Philip Marlowe (フィリップ・マーロウ) [名] the protagonist of the story

「フィリップ・マーロウ」とテリーはゆっくりと言った。

“He lives on Yucca Avenue, Laurel Canyon.”

Yucca Avenue (ユッカ通り) [名] a street in Laurel Canyon

「彼はローレルキャニオンのユッカ通りに住んでいる。」

The cop pulled his head out of the window space.

head (頭) [名] the upper part of the human body or the front part of an animal's body, containing the brain, mouth, and sense organs

window (窓) [名] an opening in a wall or roof that allows light and air to come in

警官は窓から頭を引っ込めた。

He turned, and made a gesture with his hand.

turn (振り返る) [動] change direction

make a gesture (合図をする) [動] make a movement or gesture with the hands or body

彼は振り返り、手で合図をした。

“You could of just told him.”

could (できた) [助] have the ability or opportunity to do something

「彼に言えばよかったのに。」

“I could have, but I didn't.”

didn't (しなかった) [助] did not

「そうすることもできたが、しなかった。」

He stared at me for a second or two.

second (秒) [名] a unit of time equal to 1/60 of a minute

彼は私を1、2秒見つめた。

“I'll buy it this time,” he said.

buy (払う) [動] obtain in exchange for payment

this time (今回は) [名] the present occasion

he said (彼は言った) [動] he said

「今回は私が払うよ」と彼は言った。

“But get him off the street.”

get (どかす) [動] move or cause to move from one place to another

off (から) [前] away from

street (道) [名] a road in a city, town, or village, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides

「でも彼を道からどかして。」

He got into the police car and the police car went away.

police car (パトカー) [名] a car used by the police

go away (去っていく) [動] leave a place

彼はパトカーに乗り込み、パトカーは去っていった。

I got into the taxi and we went the three-odd blocks to my parking lot and shifted to my car.

get into (乗る) [動] enter or board a vehicle

go (行く) [動] move or travel

block (ブロック) [名] a large building or group of buildings

shift (乗り換える) [動] change from one thing to another

私はタクシーに乗り、3ブロックほど離れた駐車場まで行き、自分の車に乗り換えた。

I held out the five-spot to the hackie.

hold out (差し出す) [動] to offer or give something to someone

five-spot (5ドル札) [名] a five-dollar bill

私は5ドル札をタクシー運転手に差し出した。

He gave me a stiff look and shook his head.

stiff (じろりとした) [形] not easily bent or changed in shape

look (見る) [動] direct one's gaze

shake (振る) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

彼は私をじろりと見て、首を横に振った。

“Just what's on the meter, Jack, or an even buck if you feel like it.

on the meter (メーター通り) [名] the amount of money that a taxi driver charges you, which is shown on the meter in the taxi

Jack (ジャック) [名] a common male given name

buck (1ドル) [名] a dollar

「メーター通りでいいですよ、ジャック、あるいは、もしそうしたいなら、1ドルでも。

I been down and out myself.

be down and out (落ちぶれる) [動] to be in a very bad situation, especially with no money or job

私も落ちぶれたことがある。

In Frisco.

Frisco (サンフランシスコ) [名] a city in California

サンフランシスコで。

Nobody picked me up in no taxi either.

nobody (誰も) [代] no person; not a single person

pick up (乗せる) [動] to take or carry someone or something with you in a vehicle

誰も私をタクシーに乗せてくれなかった。

There's one stony-hearted town.”

stony-hearted (冷たい) [形] lacking in feeling or warmth

town (街) [名] a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city

冷たい街だ」

“San Francisco,” I said mechanically.

San Francisco (サンフランシスコ) [名] a city in California

「サンフランシスコ」私は機械的に言った。

“I call it Frisco,” he said.

「私はサンフランシスコと呼ぶ」と彼は言った。

“The hell with them minority groups. Thanks.”

minority (少数派) [名] a small group of people within a larger group

group (グループ) [名] a collection of people or things that are put together or considered as a unit

「少数派なんてくそくらえだ。ありがとう」

He took the dollar and went away.

take (受け取る) [動] get into one's possession, power, or control

彼は1ドルを受け取って去っていった。

We went to a drive-in where they made hamburgers that didn't taste like something the dog wouldn't eat.

drive-in (ドライブイン) [名] a restaurant where you can order and eat food in your car

hamburger (ハンバーガー) [名] a sandwich consisting of a patty of ground meat usually in a split bun with various condiments

私たちはドライブインに行き、犬が食べないような味のハンバーガーを食べた。

I fed Terry Lennox a couple and a bottle of beer and drove him home.

feed (食べさせる) [動] give food to

couple (2つ) [名] two things of the same sort considered together

bottle (1本) [名] a container made of glass or plastic

beer (ビール) [名] an alcoholic drink made from fermented grain

私はテリー・レノックスに2つとビール1本を食べさせ、彼を家まで送った。

The steps were still tough on him but he grinned and panted and made the climb.

pant (息を切らす) [動] breathe with short, quick gasps

階段は彼にとってまだきつかったようだが、彼はニヤニヤしながら息を切らして登った。

An hour later he was shaved and bathed and he looked human again.

later (後で) [副] at a time in the future; afterwards

bathe (入浴する) [動] wash and clean yourself in a bath

look (らしくなる) [動] seem or appear

human (人間) [名] a human being

1時間後、彼は髭を剃り、入浴し、再び人間らしくなった。

We sat down over a couple of very mild drinks.

couple (2杯) [名] two people considered as a unit

mild (軽い) [形] not very strong or intense

私たちは2杯のとても軽い飲み物を飲みながら座った。

“Lucky you remembered my name,” I said.

remember (覚えている) [動] have in or be able to bring to mind an awareness of someone or something that one has seen, known, or experienced before

「私の名前を覚えていてよかったですね」と私は言った。

“I made a point of it,” he said.

make a point of (強調する) [動] to emphasize something

「私はそれを強調した」と彼は言った。

“I looked you up too.

look up (調べる) [動] to search for and find information about something

「私もあなたを調べた。

Could I do less?”

could (できる) [助] be able to

do (する) [動] perform an action

less (それ以下) [形] not as much or as many

私にそれ以下のことができただろうか?」

“So why not give me a ring?

give me a ring (電話をくれる) [動] call me on the phone

「それならなぜ私に電話をくれなかったんだ?

I live here all the time.

all the time (ずっと) [副] on every occasion; always

私はずっとここに住んでいる。

I have an office as well.”

office (事務所) [名] a room or set of rooms or a building where people work, usually sitting at desks

事務所もある。」

“Why should I bother you?”

bother (迷惑をかける) [動] to give trouble to

you (あなた) [代] the person being spoken to

「なぜあなたに迷惑をかけなければならないんだ?」

“Looks like you had to bother somebody.

somebody (誰か) [代] some person

「誰かに迷惑をかけなければならなかったようだな。

Looks like you don't have many friends.”

友達があまりいないようだな。」

“Oh I have friends,” he said, “of a sort.”

「ああ、友達はいるよ」と彼は言った、「ある種のね。」

He turned his glass on the table top.

turn (回す) [動] move or cause to move in a circular motion

table top (テーブルの上) [名] the upper surface of a table

彼はグラスをテーブルの上で回した。

“Asking for help doesn't come easy--especially when it's all your own fault.”

ask for (求める) [動] to express a wish or desire for

help (助け) [名] the action of helping someone by sharing work, providing money, or doing a task

come easy (簡単である) [動] to be easy to do or achieve

fault (せい) [名] responsibility for a bad situation or event

「助けを求めるのは簡単なことではない、特にそれがすべて自分のせいである場合は。」

He looked up with a tired smile.

look up (見上げる) [動] direct one's gaze upward

tired (疲れた) [形] in need of rest or sleep

彼は疲れた笑顔で上を見上げた。

“Maybe I can quit drinking one of these days.

quit (止める) [動] stop doing something

drinking (酒) [名] the act of drinking alcohol

「そのうち酒を止められるかもしれない。

They all say that, don't they?”

don't (そうだろう) [助] used in questions to express a negative assumption

みんなそう言うんだ、そうだろう?」

“It takes about three years.”

take (かかる) [動] require (a period of time)

about (くらい) [前] approximately

three years (3年) [名] a period of three years

「3年くらいかかる。」

“Three years?”

「3年?」

He looked shocked.

look (ようだった) [動] to seem or appear

shocked (ショックを受けた) [形] surprised and upset

彼はショックを受けたようだった。

“Usually it does.

usually (普通は) [副] under normal conditions

do (かかる) [動] to be engaged in an activity

「普通はかかる。

It's a different world.

different (違う) [形] not the same as another or each other

world (世界) [名] the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

違う世界だ。

You have to get used to a paler set of colors, a quieter lot of sounds.

get used to (慣れる) [動] become familiar with something through repeated exposure

pale (淡い) [形] light in color or having little color

color (色彩) [名] the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light

quiet (静かな) [形] making little or no noise

sound (音) [名] vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear

より淡い色彩、より静かな音に慣れなければならない。

You have to allow for relapses.

allow for (許容する) [動] to take into account or make provision for

relapse (再発) [名] a return to a previous condition or behavior

再発を許容しなければならない。

All the people you used to know well will get to be just a little strange.

used to (よく~したものだ) [助] did or experienced something regularly in the past

well (よく) [副] in a good or satisfactory manner

get to (~になる) [動] reach a state or condition

just (少しだけ) [副] only; merely

strange (奇妙な) [形] unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand

よく知っていた人々は皆、少しだけ奇妙になる。

You won't even like most of them, and they won't like you too well.”

most (ほとんど) [限] the majority of

well (あまり) [副] to a great extent or degree

あなたはそのほとんどを好きになることさえなく、彼らもあなたをあまり好きにはならないだろう。」

“That wouldn't be much of a change,” he said.

change (変化) [名] the act or instance of making or becoming different

much (あまり) [副] to a great extent or degree

「それはあまり変化ではないだろう」と彼は言った。

He turned and looked at the clock.

彼は振り返って時計を見た。

“I have a two-hundred-dollar suitcase checked at the Hollywood bus station.

two-hundred-dollar (200ドルの) [形] an amount of money

suitcase (スーツケース) [名] a case with a handle and a hinged lid, used for carrying clothes and personal possessions

check (預ける) [動] to deposit temporarily for safekeeping or as a pledge

bus station (バス停) [名] a place where buses regularly stop

「私はハリウッドのバス停に200ドルのスーツケースを預けた。

If I could bail it out I could buy a cheap one and pawn the one that's checked for enough to get to Vegas on the bus.

bail (引き出す) [動] to release or secure the release of someone by providing security

buy (買う) [動] to obtain in exchange for money or its equivalent

pawn (質に入れる) [動] to deposit with a pawnbroker as security for money lent

get to (行く) [動] to reach a destination

Vegas (ベガス) [名] a city in the U.S. state of Nevada

もしそれを引き出せたら、安いのを買って、預けた方を質に入れれば、バスでベガスまで行けるだけの金になる。

I can get a job there.”

get a job (仕事に就く) [動] be hired for a job

そこで仕事に就ける」

I didn't say anything.

anything (何も) [代] something, no matter what

私は何も言わなかった。

I just nodded and sat there nursing my drink.

nod (うなずく) [動] move your head to show that you agree, understand, or are saying yes

sit (座る) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

nurse (飲む) [動] drink slowly

私はただうなずき、飲み物を飲みながらそこに座った。

“You're thinking that idea might have come to me a little sooner,” he said quietly.

come to (浮かぶ) [動] to reach a destination

sooner (早く) [副] earlier

quietly (静かに) [副] with little or no noise

「その考えがもう少し早く私に浮かんだかもしれないと思っているのですね」と彼は静かに言った。

“I'm thinking there's something behind all this that's none of my business.

behind (背後) [前] at or to the back of

none (関係のない) [名] not any of the people or things previously mentioned

「このすべての背後に何か私には関係のないことがあるのだと考えています。

Is the job for sure or just a hope?”

for sure (確実に) [副] without doubt

hope (希望) [名] a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen

その仕事は確実なものですか、それともただの希望ですか?」

“It's for sure. Fellow I knew very well in the army runs a big club there, the Terrapin Club.

for sure (確実な) [形] certain; definite

fellow (仲間) [名] a man or boy

army (軍隊) [名] the military forces of a country

run (経営する) [動] be in charge of or manage

club (クラブ) [名] an association dedicated to a particular interest or activity

「それは確実なものです。軍隊でよく知っていた仲間がそこで大きなクラブ、テラピン・クラブを経営している。

He's part racketeer, of course, they all are--but the other part is a nice guy.”

part (半分) [名] a piece or segment of something such as an object, area, or period of time

racketeer (ギャング) [名] a person who makes money by dishonest or illegal means

of course (もちろん) [副] as expected; naturally

other (もう半分) [形] used to refer to a person or thing that is different or separate from one already mentioned or known about

彼は半分はギャングだ、もちろん、彼らはみんなそうだが、もう半分はいいやつだ」

“I can manage the bus fare and something over.

bus fare (バス代) [名] the money paid to ride a bus

manage (なんとかする) [動] to be able to do something

something over (少し余裕があるくらい) [名] a small amount of money in excess of what is needed

「バス代と少し余裕があるくらいならなんとかできる。

But I'd just as soon it bought something that would stay bought for a while.

stay (留まる) [動] remain in a place

for a while (しばらく) [名] a period of time

しかし、私はそれがしばらく買ったままになる何かを買ったとすぐに思った。

Better talk to him on the phone.”

talk to (話す) [動] speak or converse with

phone (電話) [名] a device for transmitting sound over a distance using wire or radio

電話で彼と話したほうがいい」

“Thank you, but it's not necessary.

necessary (必要) [形] being essential, indispensable, or requisite

「ありがとう、でも必要はない。

Randy Starr won't let me down.

Randy Starr (ランディ・スター) [名] a person's name

let down (失望させる) [動] disappoint

ランディ・スターは私を失望させないだろう。

He never has.

never (決して) [副] not ever; on no occasion; at no time in the past or future; not at all

have (そうする) [動] possess, own, or hold

彼は決してそうしなかった。

And the suitcase will pawn for fifty dollars.

pawn (質入れする) [動] deposit something as security for a loan

fifty dollars (50ドル) [名] an amount of money

そしてスーツケースは50ドルで質入れされるだろう。

I know from experience.”

experience (経験) [名] practical contact with and observation of facts or events

私は経験から知っている。」

“Look,” I said, “I'd put up what you need.

put up (用意する) [動] to provide or supply

need (必要とする) [動] to require (something) because it is essential or very important

「見ろ」と私は言った。「私はあなたが必要とするものを用意する。

I'm no big soft-hearted slob.

soft-hearted (心の優しい) [形] having a kind and gentle nature

slob (大馬鹿者) [名] a person who is lazy and has low standards of cleanliness

私は心の優しい大馬鹿者ではない。

So you take what's offered and be good.

offer (差し出す) [動] present for acceptance or rejection

be good (いい子にする) [動] behave well

だから、差し出されたものを受け取って、いい子にしてろ。

I want you out of my hair because I've got a feeling about you.”

because (なぜなら) [接] for the reason that

got (得る) [動] receive or be given, presented with, or paid

feeling (感じ) [名] an emotional state or reaction

私はあなたを私の髪の毛から取り除きたい。なぜなら、私はあなたについて感じるものがある。」

“Really?” He looked down into his glass.

really (本当に) [副] in reality; in fact

look down (覗き込む) [動] to direct one's gaze downward

「本当に?」彼はグラスを覗き込んだ。

He was only sipping the stuff.

stuff (それ) [名] an unspecified thing

彼はただそれをすすっていた。

“We've only met twice and you've been more than white to me both times.

twice (2回) [副] two times

more than (以上) [形] to a greater degree or extent than

white (白) [名] the color of milk or fresh snow

「私たちはたった2回しか会っていないし、あなたは2回とも私に白以上だった。

What sort of feeling?”

どんな感じ?」

“A feeling that next time I'll find you in worse trouble than I can get you out of.

next time (次に) [名] the next occasion

「次に会う時は、私があなたを助け出せるよりももっとひどいトラブルに巻き込まれているような気がする。

I don't know just why I have the feeling, but I have it.”

have the feeling (そんな気がする) [動] to have a feeling or opinion about something

don't know (わからない) [動] to not know something

just why (なぜ) [副] for what reason or purpose

なぜそんな気がするのかわからないけど、そんな気がする」

He touched the right side of his face gently with two fingertips.

touch (触る) [動] come into or be in contact with

right (右) [形] on or to the side of the human body or of a thing that is to the east when the person or thing is facing north

gently (そっと) [副] in a gentle manner

fingertip (指先) [名] the tip of a finger

彼は顔の右側を2本の指先でそっと触った。

“Maybe it's this.

「たぶんこれだ。

It does make me look a little sinister, I suppose.

make (見える) [動] cause to appear or seem

sinister (不吉) [形] giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen

確かに少し不吉に見えるかもしれない。

But it's an honorable wound--or anyhow the result of one.”

wound (傷) [名] physical injury or damage

honorable (名誉ある) [形] worthy of honor or respect

result (結果) [名] something that happens or comes about as a consequence of something else

でもこれは名誉ある傷だ--あるいはとにかくその結果だ」

“It's not that. That doesn't bother me at all.

bother (気になる) [動] to cause to be anxious or worried

「そうじゃない。それは全く気にならない。

I'm a private dick.

private dick (私立探偵) [名] a private investigator

私は私立探偵だ。

You're a problem that I don't have to solve.

problem (問題) [名] a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

solve (解決する) [動] find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with a problem or question

君は私が解決する必要のない問題だ。

But the problem is there.

be there (そこにある) [動] be present or available

しかし問題はそこにある。

Call it a hunch. If you want to be extra polite, call it a sense of character.

hunch (勘) [名] a feeling or guess based on intuition rather than fact

sense (センス) [名] a feeling that something is the case

character (人格) [名] the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

それを勘と呼ぶ。もしあなたがとても礼儀正しくしたいなら、それを人格のセンスとでも呼べばいい。

Maybe that girl didn't walk out on you at The Dancers just because you were drunk.

walk out on (捨てる) [動] leave someone or something

just because (というだけで) [接] for the sole reason that

もしかしたら、あの娘はあなたが酔っ払ったからというだけでダンサーズであなたを捨てたわけではないかもしれない。

Maybe she had a feeling too.”

have a feeling (何かを感じる) [動] to have a hunch or suspicion

彼女も何か感じたのかもしれない。」

He smiled faintly.

faintly (かすかに) [副] in a faint manner

彼はかすかに微笑んだ。

“I was married to her once.

be married to (結婚している) [動] be in a state of marriage with

once (かつて) [副] at one time in the past

「私はかつて彼女と結婚していた。

Her name is Sylvia Lennox.

Sylvia Lennox (シルヴィア・レノックス) [名] a female character in the story

彼女の名前はシルヴィア・レノックスだ。

I married her for her money.”

marry (結婚する) [動] take as one's wife or husband

私は彼女のお金のために結婚した。」

I stood up scowling at him.

stand up (立ち上がる) [動] rise to a standing position

scowl (睨みつける) [動] to look at someone or something in an angry or threatening way

私は彼を睨みつけながら立ち上がった。

“I'll fix you some scrambled eggs. You need food.”

fix (作る) [動] prepare or make

scrambled eggs (スクランブルエッグ) [名] eggs that are stirred or beaten while being cooked

「スクランブルエッグを作るよ。あなたは食べ物が必要だよ。」

“Wait a minute, Marlowe.

wait a minute (ちょっと待って) [動] stop doing something for a short period of time

「ちょっと待って、マーロウ。

You're wondering why if I was down and out and Sylvia had plenty I couldn't ask her for a few bucks.

wonder (思う) [動] to be curious or in doubt about

down and out (落ちぶれた) [形] having no money or place to live

plenty (金持ち) [名] a large or sufficient amount or supply

ask (頼む) [動] to make a request for something

a few bucks (数ドル) [名] a small amount of money

君は私が落ちぶれて、シルヴィアが金持ちなら、なぜ彼女に数ドルを頼まなかったのかと思っているだろう。

Did you ever hear of pride?”

pride (プライド) [名] a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired

プライドって言葉を聞いたことがあるか?」

“You're killing me, Lennox.”

kill (殺す) [動] cause the death of

Lennox (レノックス) [名] a Scottish name

「君は私を殺す気か、レノックス。」

“Am I? My kind of pride is different.

kind (種類) [名] a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic

「そうか? 私のプライドは違う。

It's the pride of a man who has nothing else.

else (他に) [副] in addition; besides; as well

それは他に何も持たない男のプライドだ。

I'm sorry if I annoy you.”

annoy (迷惑をかける) [動] to irritate or bother someone

be sorry (ごめんなさい) [動] to feel regret or guilt

迷惑をかけたらごめんなさい。」

I went out to my kitchen and cooked up some Canadian bacon and scrambled eggs and coffee and toast.

go out (行く) [動] move or travel from inside to outside

kitchen (台所) [名] a room or area where food is prepared and cooked

cook up (作る) [動] prepare a meal

Canadian bacon (カナダのベーコン) [名] a type of back bacon that is cured and smoked

coffee (コーヒー) [名] a hot drink made from the roasted and ground beans of a tropical shrub

toast (トースト) [名] bread that has been browned by toasting

私は台所に行って、カナダのベーコンとスクランブルエッグとコーヒーとトーストを作った。

We ate in the breakfast nook.

breakfast nook (朝食コーナー) [名] a small area in a kitchen or dining room that is used for eating breakfast

私たちは朝食コーナーで食べた。

The house belonged to the period that always had one.

belong to (属する) [動] be a member of

period (時代) [名] a length or portion of time

その家はいつもそれがあった時代に属していた。

I said I had to go to the office and would pick up his suitcase on the way back.

go to (行く) [動] move or travel toward or into

pick up (受け取る) [動] take or carry (someone or something) with one

私は事務所に行かなければならないので、帰りに彼のスーツケースを受け取ると言った。

He gave me the check ticket.

check ticket (預かり証) [名] a ticket that is given to you when you leave something with someone else

彼は私に預かり証をくれた。

His face now had a little color and the eyes were not so far back in his head that you had to grope for them.

grope (手探りで探す) [動] to feel about or search blindly or uncertainly

彼の顔には少し色がつき、目は頭の奥深くにあるわけではないので、手探りで探す必要があった。

Before I went out I put the whiskey bottle on the table in front of the couch.

go out (出かける) [動] leave a place

put (置く) [動] move something to a specified place

whiskey bottle (ウィスキーの瓶) [名] a bottle containing whiskey

table (テーブル) [名] a piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working at

in front of (の前に) [前] in a position that is further forward than someone or something else

couch (ソファ) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

出かける前に、私はウィスキーの瓶をソファの前のテーブルに置いた。

“Use your pride on that,” I said.

「そのプライドを使ってみろ」と私は言った。

“And call Vegas, if only as a favor to me.”

call (電話する) [動] to communicate with (someone) by telephone

「そして、私への恩返しとして、ベガスに電話してくれ」

He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

shrug (すくめる) [動] to raise and lower the shoulders quickly

彼はただ微笑んで肩をすくめた。

I was still sore going down the steps.

go down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

階段を降りるときもまだ痛かった。

I didn't know why, any more than I knew why a man would starve and walk the streets rather than pawn his wardrobe.

starve (飢える) [動] suffer or die from lack of food

なぜか私にはわからなかった。なぜ人が服を質に入れるよりも飢え、道を歩くのかわからないのと同じだ。

Whatever his rules were he played by them.

rule (ルール) [名] a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement, etc.

play by (従って行動する) [動] to act in accordance with

彼のルールが何であれ、彼はそれに従って行動した。

* * * * *

The suitcase was the damndest thing you ever saw.

damndest (ひどい) [形] deserving strong condemnation

そのスーツケースは今まで見た中で一番ひどいものだった。

It was bleached pigskin and when new had been a pale cream color.

bleach (漂白する) [動] whiten by exposure to sunlight or by a chemical process

pigskin (豚皮) [名] the skin of a pig

cream (クリーム) [名] a soft, thick liquid that is produced from milk

それは漂白した豚皮で、新品だった頃は薄いクリーム色だった。

The fittings were gold.

fitting (金具) [名] a small part or accessory that is used to connect, fasten, or operate something

gold (金) [名] a precious metal of high economic value

金具は金だった。

It was English made and if you could buy it here at all, it would cost more like eight hundred than two.

two (200ドル) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one

eight hundred (800ドル) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of eight and one hundred

それはイギリス製で、もしここで買えたとしても、200ドルというより800ドルくらいするだろう。

I planked it down in front of him.

plank (置く) [動] put or place something somewhere

down (下に) [副] to or in a lower place or position

私はそれを彼の前に置いた。

I looked at the bottle on the cocktail table.

cocktail table (カクテルテーブル) [名] a low table

私はカクテルテーブルの上のボトルを見た。

He hadn't touched it.

彼はそれに触れていなかった。

He was as sober as I was.

sober (しらふ) [形] not drunk

as (同じくらい) [接] to the same extent or degree

I (私) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

彼は私と同じくらいしらふだった。

He was smoking, but not liking that very well.

smoke (吸う) [動] to inhale and exhale the smoke of a burning or smoldering substance, especially tobacco

彼はタバコを吸っていたが、あまり好きではなかった。

“I called Randy,” he said.

Randy (ランディ) [名] a male given name

「ランディに電話した」と彼は言った。

“He was sore because I hadn't called him before.”

be sore (腹を立てる) [動] be angry or annoyed

「彼は私が彼に電話しなかったことに腹を立てていた」

“It takes a stranger to help you,” I said.

stranger (見知らぬ人) [名] a person whom one does not know

「あなたを助けるのは見知らぬ人だ」と私は言った。

“A present from Sylvia?”

present (プレゼント) [名] a gift

Sylvia (シルビア) [名] a female given name

「シルビアからのプレゼント?」

I pointed at the suitcase.

point (指さす) [動] direct someone's attention to something

私はスーツケースを指さした。

He looked out of the window.

look out of (外を見る) [動] to look through a window

彼は窓の外を見た。

“No. That was given to me in England, long before I met her.

England (イギリス) [名] a division of the United Kingdom

long before (ずっと前に) [副] a long time before

「いいえ。それは彼女に会うずっと前にイギリスで私に与えられた。

Very long ago indeed.

long ago (ずっと前) [副] in the distant past

indeed (本当に) [副] used to emphasize a statement or response

本当にずっと前だ。

I'd like to leave it with you, if you could lend me an old one.”

lend (貸す) [動] give someone money that you expect them to pay back

old (古い) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

古いやつを貸してくれるなら、それを預けたい」

I got five double sawbucks out of my wallet and dropped them in front of him.

get (取り出す) [動] to obtain, acquire, or receive

wallet (財布) [名] a small flat case of leather or plastic used for carrying money, typically in a pocket

drop (置く) [動] to let or make something fall

front (前) [名] the part of something that faces forward or that is seen first

私は財布から10ドル札を5枚取り出し、彼の前に置いた。

“I don't need security.”

security (保証) [名] the state of being free from danger or threat

「保証は要らない」

“That wasn't the idea at all.

「そんなつもりは全くなかった。

You're no pawnbroker.

pawnbroker (質屋) [名] a person who lends money at interest on the security of personal property deposited with him or her

あなたは質屋ではない。

I just don't want it with me in Vegas.

ベガスには持っていきたくないだけだ。

And I don't need this much money.”

そして、私はそんなにお金は要らない」

“Okay. You keep the money and I'll keep the suitcase.

keep (預かる) [動] have or retain possession of

「分かった。君は金を預かり、私はスーツケースを預かろう。

But this house is easy to burgle.”

easy (簡単) [形] able to be achieved without great effort

しかし、この家は簡単に強盗に入られる」

“It wouldn't matter,” he said indifferently.

matter (問題) [名] a subject of concern

indifferently (平然と) [副] without care or concern

「それは問題ではない」と彼は平然と言った。

“It wouldn't matter at all.”

「それは全く問題ではない」

He changed his clothes and we ate dinner at Musso's about five-thirty. No drinks.

change (着替える) [動] put on different clothes

dinner (夕食) [名] the last meal of the day

彼は着替え、私たちは5時半頃にムッソで夕食を食べた。酒は飲まなかった。

He caught the bus on Cahuenga and I drove home thinking about this and that.

catch (乗る) [動] get on or into a vehicle

bus (バス) [名] a large motor vehicle carrying passengers

drive (走らせる) [動] cause to move or be moved by using a vehicle

彼はカフエンガでバスに乗り、私はあれこれ考えながら家まで車を走らせた。

His empty suitcase was on my bed where he had unpacked it and put his stuff in a lightweight job of mine.

bed (ベッド) [名] a place where you sleep

unpack (荷解きする) [動] remove the contents of a suitcase, trunk, or other container

stuff (荷物) [名] personal belongings

lightweight (軽量の) [形] of relatively low weight

job (スーツケース) [名] a task or work that is paid for

彼の空のスーツケースは私のベッドの上にあり、彼は荷物を解いて私の軽量のスーツケースに入れていた。

His had a gold key which was in one of the locks.

gold (金色) [形] of the color gold

key (鍵) [名] a small piece of metal that is used to open a lock

lock (鍵穴) [名] a device that fastens or secures something (such as a door) with a key or a combination

彼の鍵は金色で、鍵穴の1つに差し込まれていた。

I locked the suitcase up empty and tied the key to the handle and put it on the high shelf on my clothes closet.

lock up (鍵をかける) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

handle (ハンドル) [名] the part by which a thing is held, carried, or controlled

shelf (棚) [名] a long, flat piece of wood or rigid material, attached to a wall or forming part of a bookcase or other furniture, that provides a surface for the storage or display of objects

私はスーツケースを空のまま鍵をかけ、鍵をハンドルに結びつけ、衣装棚の高い棚に置いた。

It didn't feel quite empty, but what was in it was no business of mine.

what (中身) [名] the thing that

no business of mine (私の知ったことではない) [名] not my concern

スーツケースは空っぽには感じられなかったが、中身は私の知ったことではなかった。

It was a quiet night and the house seemed emptier than usual.

night (夜) [名] the period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours

seem (思われる) [動] appear to be; give the impression of being

静かな夜で、家はいつもより空っぽに感じられた。

I set out the chessmen and played a French defense against Steinitz.

set out (並べる) [動] to arrange or display in a certain way

chessman (チェスの駒) [名] a piece used in the game of chess

play (指す) [動] to perform (an action, a piece of music, etc.)

French defense (フレンチ・ディフェンス) [名] a chess opening for Black against 1.e4

Steinitz (シュタイニッツ) [名] a chess player

私はチェスの駒を並べ、シュタイニッツに対してフレンチ・ディフェンスを指した。

He beat me in forty-four moves, but I had him sweating a couple of times.

beat (負かす) [動] defeat or overcome in a battle, game, or other competition

forty-four (44) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of forty-three and one

move (手) [名] an action that is calculated to achieve an end

sweat (冷や汗をかく) [動] to emit moisture through the pores of the skin

a couple of (2回ほど) [名] an indefinite small number

彼は44手で私を負かしたが、私は彼を2回ほど冷や汗をかかせた。

The phone rang at nine-thirty and the voice that spoke was one I had heard before.

ring (鳴る) [動] to make or cause to make a clear resonant sound

nine-thirty (9時半) [名] the time half past nine

9時半に電話が鳴り、以前聞いたことのある声がした。

“Is this Mr. Philip Marlowe?”

「フィリップ・マーロウさんですか?」

“Yeah. I'm Marlowe.”

Yeah (ああ) [間] yes

「ああ。マーロウです」

“This is Sylvia Lennox, Mr. Marlowe.

「マーロウさん、シルヴィア・レノックスです。

We met very briefly in front of The Dancers one night last month.

briefly (少しだけ) [副] for a short time

last month (先月) [名] the month before the present one

先月のある夜、ダンサーズの前で少しだけお会いしました。

I heard afterwards that you had been kind enough to see that Terry got home.”

afterwards (後で) [副] at a later time; subsequently

get home (帰宅する) [動] arrive at one's home

後で聞いたのですが、テリーが無事に帰宅するのを見届けてくださったそうですね」

“I did that.”

「そうしました」

“I suppose you know that we are not married any more, but I've been a little worried about him.

suppose (思う) [動] think or assume that something is true or probable

married (結婚している) [形] in a state of marriage

worried (心配している) [形] feeling or showing worry or concern

「私たちがもう結婚していないことはご存じでしょうが、彼のことが少し心配なのです。

He gave up the apartment he had in Westwood

give up (引き払う) [動] to stop doing something

彼はウェストウッドのアパートを引き払い

and nobody seems to know where he is.”

seem (~のようだ) [動] appear to be

where (どこ) [副] in or to what place or position

誰も彼の居場所を知らないようです」

“I noticed how worried you were the night we met.”

notice (気づく) [動] become aware of

「私たちが会った夜、あなたがどれほど心配していたか気づきました」

“Look, Mr. Marlowe, I've been married to the man.

Mr. (さん) [名] a title used before a man's surname

「ほら、マーロウさん、私は彼と結婚していたんです。

I'm not very sympathetic to drunks.

be sympathetic to (同情する) [動] feel or show sympathy for

私は酔っ払いにあまり同情しない。

Perhaps I was a little unfeeling and perhaps I had something rather important to do.

perhaps (おそらく) [副] used to express uncertainty or possibility

unfeeling (無情な) [形] lacking in compassion or feeling

rather (かなり) [副] to some extent; quite; fairly

important (重要な) [形] of great significance or value

おそらく私は少し無情だったし、おそらく何かかなり重要なことをしなければならなかった。

You're a private detective and this can be put on a professional basis, if you prefer it.”

private detective (私立探偵) [名] a person who is paid to investigate crimes or other problems

put on (する) [動] to place or position something on something else

professional basis (プロとしての仕事) [名] the foundation or groundwork of a profession

あなたは私立探偵で、もしあなたが望むなら、これはプロとしての仕事にできる」

“It doesn't have to be put on any basis at all, Mrs. Lennox.

put on (基づく) [動] to be based on or founded on

basis (根拠) [名] the underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process

Mrs. Lennox (レノックス夫人) [名] a married woman

「それは全く何の根拠にも基づかなくていいんです、レノックス夫人。

He's on a bus going to Las Vegas.

be on (乗っている) [動] be on top of

彼はラスベガス行きのバスに乗っている。

He has a friend there who will give him a job.”

彼にはそこで仕事をくれる友人がいる」

She brightened up very suddenly.

brighten up (明るくなる) [動] become more cheerful

彼女は突然明るくなった。

“Oh--to Las Vegas?

Las Vegas (ラスベガス) [名] a city in the U.S. state of Nevada

「ああ、ラスベガスへ?

How sentimental of him.

sentimental (センチメンタルな) [形] expressing or appealing to the emotions rather than to reason or intellect

彼はなんてセンチメンタルなんだろう。

That's where we were married.”

That's where (そこが) [名] the place where

we (私たち) [代] I and another or others

were married (結婚した) [動] be in a state of marriage

私たちが結婚した場所だ」

“I guess he forgot,” I said, “or he would have gone somewhere else.”

guess (推測する) [動] estimate or suppose (something) without having all the facts

somewhere else (どこか別の場所) [名] some other place

「彼は忘れたんだろう」と私は言った。「さもなければどこか別の場所に行っただろう」

Instead of hanging up on me she laughed.

hang up (電話を切る) [動] to end a telephone conversation by replacing the receiver

instead of (代わりに) [前] as an alternative to; rather than

彼女は電話を切る代わりに笑った。

It was a cute little laugh.

cute (可愛らしい) [形] attractive in a pretty or endearing way

little (小さい) [形] small in size

laugh (笑い声) [名] the sound of laughing

それは可愛らしい笑い声だった。

“Are you always as rude as this to your clients?”

rude (失礼な) [形] lacking good manners or respect for others

client (クライアント) [名] a person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company

「いつもクライアントにこんな失礼な態度を取るのか?」

“You're not a client, Mrs. Lennox.”

Mrs. (夫人) [名] a title used before the surname of a married woman

「あなたはクライアントではない、レノックス夫人」

“I might be someday. Who knows?

might (かもしれない) [助] expressing possibility or probability

someday (いつか) [副] at some future time

「いつかクライアントになるかもしれない。誰にもわからないでしょう?

Let's say to your lady friends, then.”

lady (女性) [名] a woman of refinement

では、あなたの女性の友人にしましょう」

“Same answer. The guy was down and out, starving, dirty, without a bean.

starving (飢えた) [形] very hungry

without a bean (一文無し) [形] having no money

「同じ答えだ。その男は落ちぶれ、飢え、汚れ、一文無しだった。

You could have found him if it had been worth your time.

time (時間) [名] the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole

時間をかければ彼を見つけられただろう。

He didn't want anything from you then and he probably doesn't want anything from you now.”

then (その時) [副] at that time

now (今) [副] at the present time

彼はあなたから何も欲しがらなかったし、今もおそらく何も欲しがっていないでしょう」

“That,” she said coolly, “is something you couldn't possibly know anything about. Good night.”

coolly (冷静に) [副] in a calm and unemotional way

possibly (おそらく) [副] perhaps; maybe

「それは」と彼女は冷静に言った。「あなたが知ることができないことです。おやすみなさい」

And she hung up.

そして彼女は電話を切った。

She was dead right, of course, and I was dead wrong.

dead right (完全に正しい) [形] absolutely correct

dead wrong (完全に間違っている) [形] absolutely incorrect

もちろん彼女は完全に正しかったし、私は完全に間違っていた。

But I didn't feel wrong.

wrong (間違っている) [形] not correct or true

しかし私は間違っているとは思わなかった。

I just felt sore.

sore (痛み) [名] a painful place on your body

私はただ痛みを感じた。

If she had called up half an hour earlier I might have been sore enough to beat the hell out of Steinitz--except that he had been dead for fifty years and the chess game was out of a book.

half an hour (30分) [名] a period of time equal to thirty minutes

call up (電話をかける) [動] to make a telephone call to someone

beat the hell out of (打ち負かす) [動] to defeat someone or something thoroughly

fifty years (50年) [名] a period of time equal to fifty years

chess game (チェスのゲーム) [名] a game of chess

book (本) [名] a written work or composition that has been published

もし彼女が30分前に電話をかけてきたら、私はシュタイニッツを打ち負かすほど痛みを感じていたかもしれない。ただ彼は50年前に死んでいて、チェスのゲームは本から出ていた。

[3]

Three days before Christmas I got a cashier's check on a Las Vegas bank for $100.

Three days before Christmas (クリスマスの3日前) [名] the 3 days before Christmas

$100 (100ドル) [名] 100 U.S. dollars

クリスマスの3日前に私はラスベガスの銀行で100ドルの小切手を受け取った。

A note written on hotel paper came with it.

note (メモ) [名] a short written message

write (書く) [動] mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement

paper (紙) [名] a material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, printing, or wrapping

ホテルの紙に書かれたメモが一緒に入っていた。

He thanked me, wished me a Merry Christmas and all kinds of luck and said he hoped to see me again soon.

wish (祈る) [動] want something to happen or be true

Merry Christmas (メリークリスマス) [名] a greeting used on or before Christmas Day

luck (幸運) [名] success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions

hope (望む) [動] want something to happen or be the case

彼は私に感謝し、メリークリスマスと幸運を祈り、またすぐに会いたいと言っていた。

The kick was in a postscript.

kick (衝撃) [名] a sudden forceful blow delivered with the foot

be in (にある) [動] be contained or enclosed by

postscript (追伸) [名] an additional message added to a letter after it has been signed

衝撃は追伸にあった。

“Sylvia and I are starting a second honeymoon.

start (出発する) [動] begin doing something

second (2度目の) [形] coming after the first in position or time

honeymoon (新婚旅行) [名] a holiday taken by a newly married couple

「シルヴィアと私は2度目の新婚旅行に出発する。

She says please don't be sore at her for wanting to try again.”

sore (恨む) [形] feeling pain in a part of your body

try (試す) [動] make an attempt or effort to do something

彼女は、もう一度やり直したいと思うからといって、彼女を恨まないでほしいと言っている」

I caught the rest of it in one of those snob columns in the society section of the paper.

catch (知る) [動] to get or become affected by

rest (残り) [名] the remaining part

one (1つ) [名] the lowest cardinal number

those (あの) [限] used to refer to a specific person or thing that is already known about

snob (俗物) [名] a person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people

column (コラム) [名] a vertical division of a page or text

paper (新聞) [名] a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

残りは新聞の社交欄にある、あの俗物コラムの1つで知った。

I don't read them often, only when I run out of things to dislike.

read (読む) [動] to be able to understand the written word

often (よく) [副] frequently; many times

run out of (なくなる) [動] to use up all of something

dislike (嫌い) [名] a feeling of not liking something or someone

私はあまり読まないのだが、嫌いなものがなくなってしまった時にだけ読む。

“Your correspondent is all fluttery at the news that Terry and Sylvia Lennox have rehitched at Las Vegas, the dears.

correspondent (特派員) [名] a journalist who reports news from a particular place

fluttery (舞い上がる) [形] in a state of nervous excitement

remarry (再婚する) [動] marry again

「テリー・レノックスとシルヴィア・レノックスがラスベガスで再婚したというニュースに、この特派員はすっかり舞い上がっています。

She's the younger daughter of multimillionaire Harlan Potter of San Francisco and Pebble Beach, of course.

younger daughter (次女) [名] the younger of two daughters

multimillionaire (大富豪) [名] a person who is worth several million dollars

Pebble Beach (ペブルビーチ) [名] a city in California

彼女はサンフランシスコとペブルビーチの大富豪ハーラン・ポッターの次女だ。

Sylvia is having Marcel and Jeanne Duhaux redecorate the entire mansion in Encino from basement to roof in the most devastatingly dernier cri.

Marcel (マルセル) [名] a male given name

Jeanne (ジャンヌ) [名] a female given name

Duhaux (デュオー) [名] a surname

redecorate (改装する) [動] decorate again or differently

mansion (邸宅) [名] a large, impressive house

basement (地下) [名] the floor of a building that is below ground level

roof (屋根) [名] the structure forming the upper covering of a building or vehicle

devastatingly (破壊的に) [副] in a way that causes a lot of damage or harm

dernier cri (デニエ・クリ) [名] the latest fashion

シルヴィアは、マルセルとジャンヌ・デュオーに、エンシノの邸宅全体を地下から屋根まで、最も破壊的なデニエ・クリで改装させている。

Curt Westerheym, Sylvia's last but one, my dears, gave her the little eighteen-room shack for a wedding present, you may remember.

Curt Westerheym (カート・ウェスターハイム) [名] a person's name

last but one (最後から2番目) [名] the second last

my dears (皆さん) [名] a term of endearment

give (贈る) [動] to freely transfer the possession of something to someone

eighteen-room (18部屋) [形] having eighteen rooms

shack (小屋) [名] a small, crudely built cabin

wedding present (結婚祝い) [名] a gift given to a couple on the occasion of their wedding

シルヴィアの最後から2番目の夫、カート・ウェスターハイムが、結婚祝いに18部屋の小さな小屋を贈ったことを覚えているかもしれない。

And whatever happened to Curt, you ask?

whatever (何が) [代] no matter what

happen (起こる) [動] take place; occur

カートはどうなったかって?

Or do you?

or (あるいは) [接] used to connect alternatives

あるいは、そうだろうか?

St. Tropez has the answer, and permanently I hear.

St. Tropez (サントロペ) [名] a town in southeastern France

answer (答え) [名] a reply to a question

permanently (永久に) [副] for all time; forever

hear (聞いた) [動] to be told or informed of

サントロペが答えを知っている、しかも永久に、と私は聞いた。

Also a certain very, very blue-blooded French duchess with two perfectly adorable children.

blue-blooded (高貴な血筋の) [形] of noble or aristocratic descent

French (フランスの) [形] of or relating to France or its people or language

duchess (公爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a duke

two (二人) [数] one more than one

perfectly (とても) [副] to a high degree; extremely

adorable (愛らしい) [形] deserving love or respect

children (子供たち) [名] a son or daughter of human parents

それに、とてもとても高貴な血筋のフランス公爵夫人と、とても愛らしい二人の子供たち。

And what does Harlan Potter think of the remarriage, you may also ask?

Harlan Potter (ハーラン・ポッター) [名] a character in the story

remarriage (再婚) [名] the act of marrying again

ハーラン・ポッターは再婚についてどう思っているのか、とあなたは尋ねるかもしれない。

One can only guess.

推測するしかない。

Mr. Potter is one person who but never gives an interview.

Mr. Potter (ポッター氏) [名] a person

one person (一人) [名] a single person

give (応じる) [動] to present as a gift

interview (インタビュー) [名] a conversation between a journalist and a person of public interest

ポッター氏はインタビューに応じない人物である。

How exclusive can you get, darlings?”

exclusive (特別な) [形] not shared with others

どれだけ特別なことができるかしら、ダーリン?」

I threw the paper into the corner and turned on the TV set.

throw (投げる) [動] propel through the air with a rapid movement of the arm and hand

turn on (つける) [動] cause to operate or function

TV set (テレビ) [名] a device with a screen for receiving television signals

私は新聞を隅に投げ捨ててテレビをつけた。

After the society page dog vomit even the wrestlers looked good.

society page (社交欄) [名] a section of a newspaper that reports on social events

vomit (嘔吐物) [名] the act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth

wrestler (レスラー) [名] an athlete who engages in wrestling

社交欄の犬の嘔吐物を見たら、レスラーでさえよく見えた。

But the facts were probably right.

fact (事実) [名] something that is known or proved to be true

しかし、事実はおそらく正しかった。

On the society page they better be.

better (そうであるべきだ) [形] more desirable or preferable

社交欄ではそうであるべきだ。

I had a mental picture of the kind of eighteen-room shack that would go with a few of the Potter millions, not to mention decorations by Duhaux in the last subphallic symbolism.

have a mental picture (頭に浮かぶ) [動] to imagine something

go with (建てられる) [動] to be built with

Potter (ポッター) [名] a surname

million (何百万) [名] a thousand thousands

not to mention (言うまでもなく) [副] in addition to; besides

decoration (装飾) [名] something that is added to something else in order to make it more attractive

last (最新の) [形] most recent

subphallic (男性器を連想させる) [形] resembling a phallus

symbolism (象徴) [名] the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities

ポッターの何百万ドルかで建てられる18部屋の掘っ立て小屋の絵が頭に浮かんだ。言うまでもなく、デュオーによる最新の男性器を連想させる装飾が施されている。

But I had no mental picture at all of Terry Lennox loafing around one of the swimming pools in Bermuda shorts and phoning the butler by R/T to ice the champagne and get the grouse atoasting.

loaf (ぶらぶらする) [動] spend time doing nothing in particular

Bermuda shorts (バミューダショーツ) [名] a type of short trousers

swimming pool (プール) [名] a large tank of water for swimming or diving

butler (執事) [名] the chief male servant of a house

champagne (シャンパン) [名] a type of sparkling white wine

grouse (ライチョウ) [名] a type of game bird

toast (焼く) [動] cook by exposure to radiant heat

しかし、バミューダショーツを履いてプールの周りをぶらぶらしているテリー・レノックスが、シャンパンを冷やしてライチョウを焼くように執事に電話をかけている姿は全く想像できなかった。

There was no reason why I should have.

should (すべき) [助] used to express obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions

私がそうすべき理由はなかった。

If the guy wanted to be somebody's woolly bear, it was no skin off my teeth.

woolly bear (毛虫) [名] a larva of a tiger moth

skin off my teeth (私の知ったことではない) [名] something that is not my concern

もし彼が誰かの毛虫になりたいのなら、それは私の知ったことではない。

I just didn't want to see him again.

私はただ彼に二度と会いたくなかった。

But I knew I would--if only on account of his goddamn gold-plated pigskin suitcase.

know (分かる) [動] to be aware of

goddamn (忌々しい) [形] damned

gold-plated (金メッキの) [形] covered with a thin layer of gold

しかし、私は彼に会うだろうと分かっていた。彼の忌々しい金メッキの豚革のスーツケースのせいで。

It was five o'clock of a wet March evening when he walked into my down-at-heels brain emporium.

five o'clock (五時) [名] the time of day that is five hours after noon

wet (雨の降る) [形] covered or saturated with water or another liquid

March (三月) [名] the third month of the year

evening (夕方) [名] the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night

walk into (歩いて入ってくる) [動] enter a place by walking

down-at-heels (みすぼらしい) [形] shabby or dilapidated

brain emporium (頭脳販売店) [名] a store that sells brains

彼が私のみすぼらしい頭脳販売店に歩いて入ってきたのは、雨の降る三月の夕方の五時だった。

He looked changed.

彼は変わったように見えた。

Older, very sober and severe and beautifully calm.

older (年をとる) [形] having lived for a long time

severe (厳しい) [形] very great or intense

beautifully (美しく) [副] in a way that is pleasing to the eye or the ear

calm (穏やかな) [形] not windy

年をとり、とても落ち着いていて、厳しく、美しく穏やかだった。

He looked like a guy who had learned to roll with a punch.

learn (学ぶ) [動] gain knowledge or skills

roll with a punch (パンチをかわす) [動] to move with a punch in order to reduce its impact

彼はパンチをかわすことを学んだ男のように見えた。

He wore an oyster-white raincoat and gloves and no hat and his white hair was as smooth as a bird's breast.

oyster-white (カキ色) [形] having a color like that of an oyster

raincoat (レインコート) [名] a coat made of waterproof or water-resistant material

glove (手袋) [名] a covering for the hand

hat (帽子) [名] a covering for the head

smooth (滑らか) [形] having a surface without projections or roughness

bird (鳥) [名] a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal with feathers and wings

彼はカキ色のレインコートと手袋を着用し、帽子はかぶらず、白い髪は鳥の胸のように滑らかだった。

“Let's go to some quiet bar and have a drink,” he said, as if he had been in ten minutes before.

bar (バー) [名] a place where alcohol and sometimes food is served

have a drink (一杯飲む) [動] consume an alcoholic beverage

ten minutes (10分) [名] a period of time equal to 600 seconds

before (前に) [前] earlier than; in front of

「静かなバーに行って一杯飲もう」と彼は10分前にいたかのように言った。

“If you have the time, that is.”

have time (時間がある) [動] be available

that is (つまり) [慣] in other words

「時間があれば、だが」

We didn't shake hands.

shake hands (握手する) [動] to clasp someone's right hand in one's own at meeting or parting, in reconciliation, or as a sign of agreement

私たちは握手しなかった。

We never did.

私たちは握手したことがなかった。

Englishmen don't shake hands all the time like Americans and although he wasn't English he had some of the mannerisms.

Englishman (イギリス人) [名] a person from England

American (アメリカ人) [名] a person from the United States

although (ではないが) [接] in spite of the fact that

mannerism (マンネリズム) [名] a habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving that is characteristic of a person

イギリス人はアメリカ人のようにいつも握手するわけではないし、彼はイギリス人ではないが、イギリス人のマンネリズムをいくつか持っていた。

I said: “Let's go by my place and pick up your fancy suitcase.

go by (行く) [動] move past or through

pick up (拾う) [動] take hold of something and lift it up

私は言った。「私の家に行って、あなたの素敵なスーツケースを拾おう。

It kind of worries me.”

kind of (ちょっと) [副] to some extent or in some way

worry (心配する) [動] feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems

それがちょっと心配だ」

He shook his head.

彼は首を横に振った。

“It would be kind of you to keep it for me.”

keep (保管する) [動] to continue to have or do something

for (のために) [前] in order to get or reach

me (私) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

「私のために保管しておいてくれるとありがたい」

“Why?”

why (なぜ) [副] for what reason or purpose

「なぜ?」

“I just feel that way. Do you mind?

mind (構う) [動] to be worried or annoyed by (something)

「ただそう感じるだけだ。構わないか?

It's a sort of link with a time when I wasn't a no-good waster.”

link (つながり) [名] a relationship or connection between two or more things

no-good (無能な) [形] worthless or useless

waster (浪費家) [名] a person who spends money or resources carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

私が無能な浪費家ではなかった頃の一種のつながりなんだ」

“Nuts to that,” I said.

nuts (くだらない) [形] crazy or foolish

「そんなのくだらない」と私は言った。

“But it's your business.”

business (仕事) [名] a person's regular occupation, profession, or trade

「でもそれは君の仕事だ」

“If it bothers you because you think it might be stolen--”

steal (盗む) [動] to take something without permission

「盗品かもしれないと思うから気になるのなら」

“That's your business too.

「それも君の仕事だ。

Let's go get that drink.”

get (飲む) [動] to drink

飲みに行こう」

We went to Victor's.

Victor's (ヴィクターズ) [名] a restaurant

私たちはヴィクターズに行った。

He drove me in a rust-colored Jupiter-Jowett with a flimsy canvas rain top under which there was only just room for the two of us.

drive (連れて行く) [動] to take or carry someone or something somewhere in a vehicle

rust-colored (錆びた色の) [形] having a color like that of rust

Jupiter-Jowett (ジュピター・ジョウェット) [名] a type of car

flimsy (薄っぺらな) [形] very thin and weak

canvas (キャンバス) [名] a strong, heavy cloth made from cotton

rain top (雨よけ) [名] a covering for a vehicle that protects the occupants from the rain

under (下) [前] below or beneath something

room (スペース) [名] an area or amount of space that is available or free

彼は私を錆びた色のジュピター・ジョウェットに連れて行った。それは薄っぺらなキャンバス製の雨よけがついていて、その下には私たち二人が乗れるだけのスペースしかなかった。

It had pale leather upholstery and what looked like silver fittings.

leather (革) [名] a material made from the skin of an animal

upholstery (張り) [名] the covering of a piece of furniture with fabric, leather, etc.

silver (銀) [名] a white shiny metal that is used to make coins, jewelry, etc.

淡い色の革張りで、銀色の金具が付いていた。

I'm not too fussy about cars, but the damn thing did make my mouth water a little.

fussy (うるさい) [形] excessively particular or careful about something

make one's mouth water (食指が動く) [動] to make someone very eager to have or do something

私は車にあまりうるさくないが、この車には少し食指が動いた。

He said it would do sixty-five in second.

sixty-five (65) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of sixty-four and one

彼はそれが65秒でできると言った。

It had a squatty little gear shift that barely came up to his knee.

barely (かろうじて) [副] only just; almost not

come up (届く) [動] reach a certain level or standard

knee (膝) [名] the joint between the thigh and the lower leg

彼の膝までかろうじて届くような小さなギアシフトがあった。

“Four speeds,” he said.

four (4) [数] the number 4

speed (速度) [名] the rate at which someone or something moves or operates, or at which something happens or changes

「4速だ」と彼は言った。

“They haven't invented an automatic shift that will work for one of these jobs yet.

invent (発明する) [動] create or design something that has not existed before

work (役立つ) [動] be effective or successful

「彼らはまだこれらの仕事の1つに役立つオートマチックシフトを発明していない。

You don't really need one.

あなたは本当にそれを必要としていない。

You can start it in third even uphill and that's as high as you can shift in traffic anyway.”

third (3速) [名] the position in a sequence corresponding to the number three

uphill (上り坂) [名] a slope rising upwards

traffic (渋滞) [名] the movement of people or vehicles

shift (シフトアップする) [動] change position, direction, or course

上り坂でも3速でスタートできるし、渋滞の中ではそこまでしかシフトアップできない」

“Wedding present?”

wedding (結婚) [名] the ceremony where two people get married

「結婚祝い?」

“Just a casual 'I happened to see this gadget in a window' sort of present.

casual (何気ない) [形] without definite or serious intention

happen to (たまたま) [動] do or experience something by chance

gadget (小物) [名] a small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

「ただの何気ない『たまたまこの小物をショーウィンドウで見た』というようなプレゼントだ。

I'm a very pampered guy.”

pamper (甘やかす) [動] treat with excessive indulgence

私はとても甘やかされた男だ」

“Nice,” I said.

「いいですね」と私は言った。

“If there's no price tag.”

price tag (値札) [名] a label showing the price of an item

「値札がなければ」

He glanced at me quickly and then put his eyes back on the wet pavement.

glance (ちらっと見る) [動] to look at someone or something quickly

pavement (歩道) [名] a hard surface of ground, usually covering a road or path

彼は私をちらっと見た後、濡れた歩道に目を戻した。

Double wipers swished gently over the little windscreen.

double (二つの) [形] having two parts, elements, or aspects

wiper (ワイパー) [名] a device for wiping a surface

swish (動く) [動] move or cause to move with a hissing, rustling, or brushing sound

windscreen (フロントガラス) [名] a screen of glass at the front of a vehicle

二つのワイパーが小さなフロントガラスの上を優しく動いていた。

“Price tag? There's always a price tag, chum.

chum (相棒) [名] a close friend

「値札? 値札はいつもあるよ、相棒。

You think I'm not happy maybe?”

happy (幸せ) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

私が幸せじゃないと思うのかい?」

“Sorry. I was out of line.”

out of line (失礼しました) [形] behaving in a way that is not acceptable

「すみません。失礼しました」

“I'm rich. Who the hell wants to be happy?”

rich (金持ち) [形] having a great deal of money or property

hell (地獄) [名] a place regarded in various religions as a spiritual realm of evil and suffering, often traditionally depicted as a place of perpetual fire beneath the earth where the wicked are punished after death

「私は金持ちだ。誰が幸せになりたいなんて思うんだ?」

There was a bitterness in his voice that was new to me.

bitterness (苦々しさ) [名] the quality of being bitter

new (初めて) [形] not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time

彼の声には私にとって初めての苦々しさがあった。

“How's your drinking?”

「酒はどうなってる?」

“Perfectly elegant, old top.

perfectly (完璧に) [副] in a perfect manner

elegant (優雅な) [形] graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

old top (親友) [名] a person's best friend

「完璧に優雅だ、親友。

For some strange reason I seem to be able to handle the stuff.

for some strange reason (何か奇妙な理由で) [句] for some reason that is not known or understood

seem to be (らしい) [助] appear to be

stuff (酒) [名] a material, substance, or collection of things

何か奇妙な理由で私はその酒を扱えるらしい。

But you never know, do you?”

never know (わからない) [動] be uncertain about something

do (だよね) [助] used in questions to ask for confirmation

でも、わからないよね?」

“Perhaps you were never really a drunk.”

「おそらく君は本当に酔っぱらいではなかったんだ。」

We sat in a corner of the bar at Victor's and drank gimlets.

corner (コーナー) [名] the area or region of a surface or space that is farthest from the center and is bounded by two converging lines or edges

私たちはビクターのバーのコーナーに座り、ギムレットを飲んだ。

“They don't know how to make them here,” he said.

make (作る) [動] create, produce, or construct

「彼らはここでそれらを作る方法を知らない」と彼は言った。

“What they call a gimlet is just some lime or lemon juice and gin with a dash of sugar and bitters.

gimlet (ギムレット) [名] a cocktail made of gin or vodka and lime juice

lime (ライム) [名] a round green citrus fruit

lemon (レモン) [名] a round yellow citrus fruit

juice (汁) [名] the liquid that can be extracted from a fruit or vegetable

gin (ジン) [名] a type of alcoholic drink

sugar (砂糖) [名] a type of carbohydrate that is sweet

bitters (ビターズ) [名] a type of alcoholic drink that is bitter

「彼らがギムレットと呼ぶものは、ライムやレモン汁とジンに砂糖とビターズを少し加えたものにすぎない。

A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose's Lime Juice and nothing else.

real (本物の) [形] not fake or false

Rose's Lime Juice (ローズのライムジュース) [名] a brand of lime juice

本物のギムレットは半分ジンで半分ローズのライムジュースだけで、他には何も入っていない。

It beats martinis hollow.”

beat (勝る) [動] be greater or better than

martini (マティーニ) [名] a cocktail made with gin or vodka and dry vermouth

マティーニよりずっといい」

“I was never fussy about drinks.

「私は飲み物にうるさかったことはなかった。

How did you get on with Randy Starr?

get on with (知り合う) [動] to be friendly with someone

ランディ・スターとはどうやって知り合ったんだ?

Down my street he's called a tough number.”

down my street (私の界隈では) [名] in my neighborhood

tough number (タフな奴) [名] a tough person

私の界隈では彼はタフな奴と呼ばれている」

He leaned back and looked thoughtful.

lean back (後ろにもたれかかる) [動] to move your body so that it is resting against the back of a chair

look thoughtful (考え込んでいるようだった) [動] to appear to be thinking about something seriously

彼は後ろにもたれかかり、考え込んでいるようだった。

“I guess he is. I guess they all are.

they (彼ら) [代] the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified

「そうだろうね。みんなそうだろうね。

But it doesn't show on him.

show (表れる) [動] be or become visible

on (に) [前] in contact with and supported by (a surface)

でも彼にはそれが表れていない。

I could name you a couple of lads in the same racket in Hollywood that act the part.

name (挙げる) [動] give a name to

lads (若者) [名] a young man

act (している) [動] do something

part (こと) [名] a piece of something

ハリウッドで同じことをしている若者を何人か挙げることができる。

Randy doesn't bother.

ランディは気にしない。

In Las Vegas he's a legitimate businessman.

legitimate (合法的な) [形] in accordance with the law or with established and approved patterns and standards

businessman (ビジネスマン) [名] a man who works in business

ラスベガスでは彼は合法的なビジネスマンだ。

You look him up next time you're there.

look up (訪ねる) [動] to visit or contact someone

be there (そこに行く) [動] to be present at a place

次にそこに行ったときに彼を訪ねてみろ。

He'll be your pal.”

pal (仲間) [名] a friend

彼は君の仲間になるだろう。」

“Not too likely. I don't like hoodlums.”

likely (ありそう) [形] having a high probability of occurring or being true

hoodlum (チンピラ) [名] a young man who is a member of a gang and who causes trouble

「あまりありそうにない。私はチンピラは好きではない。」

“That's just a word, Marlowe.

word (言葉) [名] a unit of language that native speakers can identify

「それはただの言葉だ、マーロウ。

We have that kind of world.

have (住んでいる) [動] live in

私たちはそういう世界に住んでいる。

Two wars gave it to us and we are going to keep it.

war (戦争) [名] a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state

keep (守り続ける) [動] continue to have, do, or be something

二つの戦争がそれを私たちに与え、私たちはそれを守り続けるつもりだ。

Randy and I and another fellow were in a jam once.

another (もう一人の) [形] one more; an additional

be in a jam (窮地に陥る) [動] be in a difficult situation

ランディと私ともう一人の仲間がかつて窮地に陥ったことがある。

It made a sort of bond between us.”

make (結ぶ) [動] form or create

bond (絆) [名] a connection or link between people or things

それが私たちの間に一種の絆を結んだんだ」

“Then why didn't you ask him for help when you needed it?”

「それなら、なぜ助けが必要な時に彼に頼まなかったんだ?」

He drank up his drink and signaled the waiter.

drink up (飲み干す) [動] drink all of something

signal (合図する) [動] make a gesture or sound to give a particular message

彼は飲み物を飲み干し、ウェイターに合図した。

“Because he couldn't refuse.”

refuse (断る) [動] express unwillingness to accept or consider something

「彼は断れなかったからだ」

The waiter brought fresh drinks and I said: “That's just talk to me.

waiter (ウェイター) [名] a person who works at a restaurant and brings food and drinks to customers

fresh (新しい) [形] recently produced or harvested

talk (言い訳) [名] an informal speech or conversation

ウェイターが新しい飲み物を持ってきて、私は言った。「それは私にはただの言い訳に聞こえる。

If by any chance the guy owed you something, think of his end.

by any chance (万が一) [副] if there is even the slightest possibility

owe (借りがある) [動] have an obligation to pay or repay in return for something received

think of (思い出す) [動] direct one's mind to someone or something; recall

もし万が一、その男が君に何か借りがあったのなら、彼の最期を思い出せばいい。

He'd like a chance to pay something back.”

like (欲しい) [動] feel attraction toward or take pleasure in

chance (機会) [名] a possibility of something happening

pay back (返済する) [動] return money that you have borrowed

彼は何か返済する機会が欲しいんだ」

He shook his head slowly.

slowly (ゆっくりと) [副] at a low speed; gradually

彼はゆっくりと首を横に振った。

“I know you're right.

「君が正しいのはわかっている。

Of course I did ask him for a job.

もちろん、私は彼に仕事を頼んだ。

But I worked at it while I had it.

work at (取り組む) [動] to try to do something

しかし、私はそれを手に入れている間はそれに取り組んだ。

As for asking favors or handouts, no.”

ask (求める) [動] to say or write something in order to obtain an answer or some information

favor (頼み事) [名] an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual

handout (施し) [名] something given free, often for promotional purposes

no (違う) [間] used to express refusal, denial, disbelief, or disagreement

頼み事や施しを求めることについては、違う。」

“But you'll take them from a stranger.”

「しかし、あなたは見知らぬ人からそれらを受け取る。」

He looked me straight in the eye.

straight (まっすぐ) [形] without a bend or curve

彼は私の目をまっすぐに見た。

“The stranger can keep going and pretend not to hear.”

pretend (ふりをする) [動] act as if something is the case when in fact it is not

not to hear (聞こえない) [動] to be unable to hear

「見知らぬ人は歩き続け、聞こえないふりをすることができる。」

We had three gimlets, not doubles, and it didn't do a thing to him.

have (飲む) [動] to drink

double (ダブル) [名] a drink that is twice the usual size

do (影響する) [動] to have an effect on

thing (影響) [名] an effect or consequence

私たちはダブルではなく、3杯のギムレットを飲んだが、彼には何の影響もなかった。

That much would just get a real souse started.

that much (その程度) [名] that amount

get started (始まったばかりだ) [動] start doing something

その程度では、本物の酔っぱらいは始まったばかりだ。

So I guess maybe he was cured at that.

maybe (かもしれない) [副] perhaps; possibly

cure (治す) [動] relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition

だから、彼はそれで治ったのかもしれないと思う。

Then he drove me back to the office.

back (まで) [副] to the place where someone or something was before

それから彼は私を事務所まで送ってくれた。

“We have dinner at eight-fifteen,” he said.

have dinner (夕食を食べる) [動] eat dinner

eight-fifteen (8時15分) [名] 8:15

「夕食は8時15分だ」と彼は言った。

“Only millionaires can afford it.

millionaire (億万長者) [名] a person whose wealth is greater than one million dollars

afford (買う余裕がある) [動] have enough money to pay for

「億万長者だけがそれを買う余裕がある。

Only millionaires' servants will stand for it nowadays.

servant (召使) [名] a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant

stand for (我慢する) [動] to tolerate or accept something

億万長者の召使だけが今でもそれを我慢する。

Lots of lovely people coming.”

lot (たくさん) [名] a large number or amount

people (人々) [名] human beings in general or considered collectively

たくさんの素敵な人たちが来るのよ」

* * * * *

From then on it got to be a sort of habit with him to drop in around five o'clock.

from then on (それからというもの) [副] from that time forward

get to be (なる) [動] become

sort of (一種の) [副] to some extent; rather

habit (習慣) [名] a settled or regular tendency or practice

drop in (立ち寄る) [動] visit casually or unexpectedly

around (頃) [副] near or about in time, number, or degree

それからというもの、彼は五時頃に立ち寄るのが習慣になった。

We didn't always go to the same bar, but oftener to Victor's than anywhere else.

same (同じ) [形] not different or other

oftener (より頻繁に) [副] more often

anywhere (どこでも) [副] in or to any place

いつも同じバーに行くわけではなく、他のどこよりもヴィクターズに行くことが多かった。

It may have had some association for him that I didn't know about.

association (思い出) [名] a connection or relationship between things or people

彼にとって何か思い出があったのかもしれない。

He never drank too much, and that surprised him.

too much (飲み過ぎる) [名] an excessive amount

surprise (驚く) [動] cause to feel or show surprise

彼は決して飲み過ぎることはなく、そのことに驚いていた。

“It must be something like the tertian ague,” he said.

must (違いない) [助] expressing a strong belief that something is the case

like (みたいな) [前] similar to

tertian ague (三日熱) [名] a fever that recurs every third day

「三日熱みたいなもんだ」と彼は言った。

“When it hits you it's bad.

hit (襲う) [動] strike with a blow

bad (ひどい) [形] of poor quality or a low standard

「襲われるとひどいものだ。

When you don't have it, it's as though you never did have it.”

have (襲われる) [動] experience or be affected by

never (なかった) [副] not ever; at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not at all

襲われていない時は、まるでなかったかのようさ」

“What I don't get is why a guy with your privileges would want to drink with a private eye.”

get (わかる) [動] to understand something

privilege (特権) [名] a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people

private eye (私立探偵) [名] a person who is paid to investigate crimes or find missing people

「私にはわからないのは、あなたのような特権階級の人がなぜ私立探偵と飲みたがるのかということです」

“Are you being modest?”

be modest (謙遜している) [動] not to talk about your own abilities or achievements

「謙遜しているのか?」

“Nope. I'm just puzzled.

nope (いいえ) [間] no

puzzled (困惑している) [形] confused or perplexed

「いいえ、ただ困惑しているだけです。

I'm a reasonably friendly type but we don't live in the same world.

reasonably (かなり) [副] to a fair extent

friendly (友好的な) [形] kind and pleasant

type (タイプ) [名] a category of people or things having similar characteristics

私はかなり友好的なタイプだが、私たちは同じ世界に住んでいない。

I don't even know where you hang out except that it's Encino.

hang out (住んでいる) [動] spend a lot of time in a place

Encino (エンシノ) [名] a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California

エンシノ以外にどこに住んでいるのかさえ知らない。

I should guess your home life is adequate.”

home life (家庭生活) [名] the life of a person or family in their home

be adequate (十分である) [動] be enough or good enough for a particular purpose

家庭生活は十分に満足していると思うが」

“I don't have any home life.”

「家庭生活なんてない」

We were drinking gimlets again.

私たちはまたギムレットを飲んでいた。

The place was almost empty.

place (店) [名] a building where people can buy or be served food, drink, or other goods

almost (ほとんど) [副] very nearly; all but

店はほとんど空だった。

There was the usual light scattering of compulsive drinkers getting tuned up at the bar on the stools, the kind that reach very slowly for the first one and watch their hands so they won't knock anything over.

light scattering (ちらほら) [名] a small number of people or things spread over a large area

compulsive drinker (常連客) [名] a person who drinks alcohol regularly and excessively

get tuned up (酒を飲み始める) [動] to start drinking alcohol

stool (スツール) [名] a seat without a back or arms

first one (最初の一杯) [名] the first drink of alcohol

knock over (倒す) [動] to cause to fall over

いつものように、バーカウンターのスツールに座って酒を飲み始める常連客がちらほらいた。最初の一杯に手を伸ばす時はとてもゆっくりで、何かを倒さないように自分の手を見ている。

“I don't get that.

「それはわからないな。

Am I supposed to?”

be supposed to (するべきである) [助] be expected to do something

わかるべきなのか?」

“Big production, no story, as they say around the movie lots.

big production (大作) [名] a large-scale production

no story (ストーリーがない) [名] a narrative of events

movie lot (映画界) [名] the movie industry

「映画界でよく言われるように、大作だがストーリーがない。

I guess Sylvia is happy enough, though not necessarily with me.

not necessarily (必ずしも~ではない) [副] not always; not in every case

シルヴィアは十分幸せだと思うが、必ずしも私と一緒ではない。

In our circle that's not too important.

circle (仲間) [名] a group of people who have the same interests or who know each other well

私たちの仲間内では、それはあまり重要ではない。

There's always something to do if you don't have to work or consider the cost.

consider (心配する) [動] think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision

cost (お金) [名] an amount that has to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something

働く必要がなくて、お金の心配もなければ、いつでも何かすることがある。

It's no real fun but the rich don't know that.

real fun (本当の楽しみ) [名] something that is very enjoyable

本当の楽しみではないが、金持ちはそれを知らない。

They never had any.

彼らは一度も持ったことがない。

They never want anything very hard except maybe somebody else's wife and that's a pretty pale desire compared with the way a plumber's wife wants new curtains for the living room.”

hard (強く) [副] with a great deal of force or strength

somebody else's wife (他人の妻) [名] the wife of someone other than the speaker

plumber (配管工) [名] a person who installs and repairs pipes, fittings, and fixtures

living room (居間) [名] a room in a house for general everyday use

彼らは他人の妻以外には何も強く欲しがらないし、それは配管工の妻が居間の新しいカーテンを欲しがるのと比べればかなり薄い欲望だ。」

I didn't say anything.

私は何も言わなかった。

I let him carry the ball.

carry (運ぶ) [動] take or bring from one place to another

私は彼にボールを運ばせた。

“Mostly I just kill time,” he said, “and it dies hard.

kill time (時間をつぶす) [動] to do something to pass the time

die hard (なかなか死なない) [動] to be very difficult to change or get rid of

「ほとんどはただ時間をつぶしているだけだ」と彼は言った。「そしてそれはなかなか死なない。

A little tennis, a little golf, a little swimming and horseback riding, and the exquisite pleasure of watching Sylvia's friends trying to hold out to lunch time before they start killing their hangovers.”

tennis (テニス) [名] a game played on a rectangular court by two players or two pairs of players using rackets to strike a ball over a net

golf (ゴルフ) [名] a game in which players use clubs to hit balls into holes on a course

swimming (水泳) [名] the sport or activity of moving through water by using one's limbs

horseback riding (乗馬) [名] the activity, sport, or exercise of riding a horse

exquisite (絶妙な) [形] extremely beautiful or delicate

pleasure (喜び) [名] a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment

watch (見る) [動] look at or observe attentively

hold out (我慢する) [動] to continue to do something in a difficult situation

kill (解消する) [動] cause to die

hangover (二日酔い) [名] a severe headache or other after-effects caused by drinking an excess of alcohol

テニス、ゴルフ、水泳、乗馬を少しずつやって、シルビアの友人たちが二日酔いを解消する前に昼食まで我慢しようとするのを見ている時の絶妙な喜びだ。」

“The night you went to Vegas she said she didn't like drunks.”

「あなたがラスベガスに行った夜、彼女は酔っ払いが好きではないと言っていた。」

He grinned crookedly.

crookedly (ゆがんだ) [副] in a bent or twisted manner

彼はゆがんだ笑みを浮かべた。

I was getting so used to his scarred face that I only noticed it when some change of expression emphasized its one-sided woodenness.

scarred (傷ついた) [形] having a scar or scars

expression (表情) [名] the way in which one expresses oneself

emphasize (強調する) [動] give special importance to

one-sided (片側の) [形] affecting or involving only one side

woodenness (木質感) [名] the quality or state of being wooden

私は彼の傷ついた顔に慣れてきて、表情の変化がその片側の木質感を強調した時にしか気づかなかった。

“She meant drunks without money.

「彼女はお金のない酔っ払いのことを言っていたんだ。

With money they are just heavy drinkers.

heavy drinker (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks a lot of alcohol

お金があれば、ただの酒飲みだ。

If they vomit in the lanai, that's for the butler to handle.”

vomit (吐く) [動] eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth

lanai (ベランダ) [名] a veranda or porch

彼らがベランダで吐いたら、それは執事が処理することになる。」

“You didn't have to have it the way it is.”

it (それ) [代] the thing that is being discussed or referred to

「こんな風にする必要はなかったのに」

He finished his drink at a gulp and stood up.

finish (飲み干す) [動] bring to an end; come to an end

gulp (一気) [名] a large mouthful of liquid

彼は一気に飲み干して立ち上がった。

“I've got to run, Marlowe.

have got to (~しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; be compelled to

run (行く) [動] move at a speed faster than a walk

「行かなきゃ、マーロウ。

Besides I'm boring you and God knows I'm boring myself.”

besides (それに) [副] in addition to; as well as

bore (退屈させる) [動] make someone feel bored

God (神) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being

myself (自分自身) [代] the person that is speaking or writing

それに、私はあなたを退屈させているし、神は私が自分自身を退屈させていることを知っている。」

“You're not boring me.

「あなたは私を退屈させていない。

I'm a trained listener.

trained (訓練された) [形] having been taught a skill or having undergone a course of study

listener (聞き手) [名] a person who listens to something

私は訓練された聞き手だ。

Sooner or later I may figure out why you like being a kept poodle.”

sooner or later (遅かれ早かれ) [副] eventually

figure out (理解する) [動] to understand something

like (好きである) [動] to find agreeable or attractive

poodle (プードル) [名] a breed of dog

遅かれ早かれ、あなたが飼い犬のプードルであることが好きである理由を理解するかもしれない。」

He touched his scars gently with a fingertip.

彼は指先でそっと傷跡に触れた。

He had a remote little smile.

remote (遠く) [形] far away in space or time

彼は遠くを見つめながら微笑んだ。

“You should wonder why she wants me around, not why I want to be there, waiting patiently on my satin cushion to have my head patted.”

around (そば) [副] in the area or vicinity

patiently (辛抱強く) [副] in a patient manner

cushion (クッション) [名] a soft pillow or pad used as a support for the body

pat (撫でる) [動] to stroke or tap gently with the hand

「彼女がなぜ私をそばに置きたがるのかを不思議に思うべきだ。私がなぜそこにいたいのか、サテンのクッションの上で頭を撫でてもらうのを辛抱強く待っているのかではない。」

“You like satin cushions,” I said, as I stood up to leave with him.

satin (サテン) [名] a fabric with a glossy surface and a dull back

「サテンのクッションが好きなんだね」と私は彼と一緒に出かけるために立ち上がった。

“You like silk sheets and bells to ring and the butler to come with his deferential smile.”

silk (シルク) [名] a fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms and used to make textiles and clothing

sheet (シーツ) [名] a large piece of cotton or other fabric used as a bed covering

bell (ベル) [名] a hollow metal object, typically in the shape of a cup with a flared opening, that sounds a clear ringing tone when struck

deferential (敬意を表する) [形] showing respect for someone or something

「シルクのシーツやベルが鳴って執事が敬意を表して微笑みながら来るのが好きなんだね」

“Could be. I was raised in an orphanage in Salt Lake City.”

could be (そうかもしれない) [助] it is possible that

raise (育つ) [動] to bring up a child

orphanage (孤児院) [名] a place where orphans are cared for

「そうかもしれない。私はソルトレイクシティの孤児院で育ったんだ。」

We went out into the tired evening and he said he wanted to walk.

私たちは疲れた夕暮れの中に出て行き、彼は歩きたいと言った。

We had come in my car, and for once I had been fast enough to grab the check.

for once (一度は) [副] on this occasion only

fast (素早い) [形] moving or capable of moving at high speed

grab (払う) [動] grip suddenly and forcibly

check (勘定) [名] a bill in a restaurant

私たちは私の車で来ていたし、一度は私が素早く勘定を払った。

I watched him out of sight.

out of sight (見えなくなる) [形] not visible

私は彼が見えなくなるまで見ていた。

The light from a store window caught the gleam of his white hair for a moment as he faded into the light mist.

catch (捉える) [動] to take hold of something

gleam (輝き) [名] a small amount of light

fade (消えていく) [動] to gradually disappear

light (薄い) [形] of little weight or density

mist (霧) [名] a cloud of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

彼が薄い霧の中に消えていく時、店の窓からの光が彼の白い髪の輝きを一瞬捉えた。

I liked him better drunk, down and out, hungry and beaten and proud.

hungry (空腹で) [形] feeling a need or desire to eat

beaten (殴られて) [形] struck or hit repeatedly

proud (誇り高く) [形] feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated

私は彼が酔っ払って、落ちぶれて、空腹で、殴られて、誇り高くある方が好きだった。

Or did I?

did (そうだったか) [助] used in questions to ask if something is true

あるいはそうだったか?

Maybe I just liked being top man.

top (一番上) [名] the highest or uppermost point, part, or level of something

man (男) [名] an adult male human being

たぶん私はただ一番上にいるのが好きだったのだろう。

His reasons for things were hard to figure.

hard (難しい) [形] not easy; requiring much effort or endurance

figure (理解する) [動] to understand or work out the meaning of something

彼の行動の理由は理解し難かった。

In my business there's a time to ask questions and a time to let your man simmer until he boils over.

question (質問) [名] a statement asking for something and expecting an answer

simmer (煮え立たせる) [動] cook slowly over low heat in liquid just below the boiling point

boil (沸騰する) [動] reach or cause to reach the temperature at which a liquid turns to a vapor

私の仕事では質問する時と相手が沸騰するまで煮え立たせる時がある。

Every good cop knows that.

good (優秀な) [形] to be desired or approved of

優秀な警官なら誰でもそれを知っている。

It's a good deal like chess or boxing.

a good deal (よく似ている) [名] a large amount or extent

chess (チェス) [名] a board game for two players

boxing (ボクシング) [名] the sport or practice of fighting with the fists, especially with padded gloves in a roped square ring according to prescribed rules

それはチェスやボクシングによく似ている。

Some people you have to crowd and keep off balance.

crowd (攻め立てる) [動] to move or press forward in a mass

keep off (崩す) [動] to not go on or onto

balance (バランス) [名] an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady

相手によっては攻め立ててバランスを崩さなければならない。

Some you just box and they will end up beating themselves.

some (相手によっては) [代] an unspecified number or amount of people or things

box (殴り合う) [動] fight with the fists

end up (自滅する) [動] reach a final or specified state after a period of time or a series of events

相手によってはただ殴り合うだけで相手が自滅する。

He would have told me the story of his life if I had asked him.

story (物語) [名] a tale or account of a series of events, true or fictional

life (人生) [名] the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death

私が尋ねれば彼は私に彼の人生の物語を語っただろう。

But I never even asked him how he got his face smashed.

smash (殴る) [動] hit or break something with great force

しかし私は彼に顔を殴られた理由を尋ねることさえしなかった。

If I had and he told me, it just possibly might have saved a couple of lives.

if (もし) [接] on the condition or supposition that; in the event that

save (救う) [動] prevent from being lost, wasted, or destroyed

もし私が尋ねて彼が私に話していたら、それはおそらく2人の命を救ったかもしれない。

Just possibly, no more.

just possibly (おそらく) [副] perhaps

no more (それ以上ではない) [副] not more than that

おそらく、それ以上ではない。

[4]

The last time we had a drink in a bar was in May and it was earlier than usual, just after four o'clock.

last time (最後に) [名] the last occasion on which something happened

have a drink (飲む) [動] consume a drink

May (5月) [名] the fifth month of the year

earlier than usual (いつもより早い) [形] happening or done before the usual or expected time

just after four o'clock (4時過ぎ) [名] a time that is a little after four o'clock

私たちが最後にバーで飲んだのは5月で、いつもより早い4時過ぎだった。

He looked tired and thinner but he looked around with a slow smile of pleasure.

thin (痩せた) [形] having little flesh or fat on the body

彼は疲れて痩せたように見えたが、ゆっくりと喜びの笑みを浮かべて周りを見回した。

“I like bars just after they open for the evening.

「私は夕方開店したばかりのバーが好きなの。

When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth.

air (空気) [名] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth

clean (きれい) [形] free from dirt, marks, or stains

shiny (ピカピカ) [形] bright and giving out or reflecting much light

barkeep (バーテンダー) [名] a person who mixes and serves drinks at a bar

中の空気がまだ冷たくてきれいで、すべてがピカピカで、バーテンダーが鏡でネクタイがまっすぐで髪が整っているかを確認しているとき。

I like the neat bottles on the bar back and the lovely shining glasses and the anticipation.

back (背後) [名] the part of something that is furthest from the front

anticipation (期待) [名] the expectation of something

バーの背後のきちんとしたボトルと素敵に輝くグラスと期待が好き。

I like to watch the man mix the first one of the evening and put it down on a crisp mat and put the little folded napkin beside it.

mix (混ぜる) [動] combine or blend together

put down (置く) [動] place on a surface

crisp (パリッとした) [形] firm and crunchy

バーテンダーがその夜最初のカクテルを混ぜて、パリッとしたマットの上に置き、その横に小さく折りたたんだナプキンを置くのを見るのが好きなの。

I like to taste it slowly.

taste (味わう) [動] to experience the flavor of something

ゆっくり味わうのが好き。

The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar--that's wonderful.”

first (最初の) [形] coming before all others in time or order

静かなバーで夜の最初の静かな一杯--それは素晴らしいよ」

I agreed with him.

agree (同意する) [動] have the same opinion about something

with (~に) [前] expressing the relationship between a verb and its object

私は彼に同意した。

“Alcohol is like love,” he said.

alcohol (酒) [名] an intoxicating drink

love (恋愛) [名] a strong feeling of affection

「酒は恋愛に似ている」と彼は言った。

“The first kiss is magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine.

third (3回目) [形] coming after the second in time or order

kiss (キス) [名] a touch or caress with the lips

magic (魔法) [名] the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces

intimate (親密) [形] having a very close personal relationship

routine (日常) [名] a sequence of actions regularly followed

「最初のキスは魔法、2回目は親密、3回目は日常。

After that you take the girl's clothes off.”

after that (その後) [副] after that time

take off (脱ぐ) [動] remove an item of clothing from your body

その後は女の子の服を脱がす」

“Is that bad?”

bad (悪い) [形] of poor quality; unsatisfactory; inadequate

「それは悪いことか?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“It's excitement of a high order, but it's an impure emotion--impure in the aesthetic sense.

excitement (興奮) [名] a feeling of great happiness or pleasure

high order (高次) [名] a high level or degree

impure (不純) [形] not pure; mixed with something else

emotion (感情) [名] a strong feeling

aesthetic (美的な) [形] concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

「それは高次の興奮だが、不純な感情だ。美的な意味で不純だ。

I'm not sneering at sex.

sneer (嘲笑する) [動] to smile or laugh in a way that shows that you do not respect or like someone or something

sex (セックス) [名] the act of copulation

私はセックスを嘲笑しているわけではない。

It's necessary and it doesn't have to be ugly.

ugly (醜い) [形] unpleasant to look at

それは必要だし、醜い必要はない。

But it always has to be managed.

always (常に) [副] at all times; on all occasions; ever; continually

be managed (管理される) [動] be handled or supervised with a degree of skill

しかし、それは常に管理されなければならない。

Making it glamorous is a billion-dollar industry and it costs every cent of it.”

glamorous (魅力的) [形] full of glamour

billion (10億) [名] a thousand million

industry (産業) [名] a particular form or branch of economic or commercial activity

cost (かかる) [動] require the payment of (a specified sum)

それを魅力的にするということは10億ドル産業であり、それには1セントまでかかる。」

He looked around and yawned.

yawn (あくびをする) [動] open your mouth and take a deep breath because you are tired or bored

彼は周りを見回してあくびをした。

“I haven't been sleeping well.

「私はよく眠れていない。

It's nice in here.

in here (ここ) [副] in this place

ここはいい。

But after a while the lushes will fill the place up and talk loud and laugh and the goddam women will start waving their hands and screwing up their faces and tinkling their goddam bracelets and making with the packaged charm which will later on in the evening have a slight but unmistakable odor of sweat.”

after a while (しばらくすると) [名] a short period of time

fill up (埋め尽くす) [動] to make or become full

talk loud (大声で話す) [動] to speak at a high volume

laugh (笑う) [動] to make the sounds and movements of the face that are the natural expression of amusement

goddam (忌々しい) [形] used to express anger or annoyance

wave (手を振る) [動] to move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal

screw up (顔をしかめる) [動] to make a face that shows that one is unhappy, angry, or confused

tinkle (鳴らす) [動] to make or cause to make a light, clear ringing sound

packaged (パッケージされた) [形] put into a package

later on (夕方になると) [名] at a later time

slight (わずかな) [形] small in degree; inconsiderable

unmistakable (紛れもない) [形] that cannot be mistaken or misunderstood

odor (臭い) [名] a quality of something that you can smell

しかし、しばらくすると、酔っ払いが店を埋め尽くし、大声で話し、笑い、そして、忌々しい女たちが手を振り、顔をしかめ、忌々しいブレスレットを鳴らし、パッケージされた魅力を作り始め、それは夕方になると、わずかではあるが紛れもない汗の臭いを放つようになる。」

“Take it easy,” I said.

take it easy (落ち着く) [動] relax

「落ち着いて」と私は言った。

“So they're human, they sweat, they get dirty, they have to go to the bathroom.

sweat (汗をかく) [動] to excrete heat slowly and steadily during workouts, when body temperature is lower

dirty (汚れる) [動] to make or become soiled or tarnished

「だから彼らは人間で、汗をかき、汚れ、トイレに行かなければならない。

What did you expect--golden butterflies hovering in a rosy mist?”

expect (期待する) [動] regard something as likely to happen

golden (金色の) [形] made of or colored like gold

butterfly (蝶) [名] an insect with two pairs of large wings that are covered with tiny scales

hover (舞う) [動] remain in one place in the air

rosy (バラ色の) [形] pink or reddish

何を期待していたんだ? バラ色の霧の中を舞う金色の蝶か?」

He emptied his glass and held it upside down and watched a slow drop form on the rim and then tremble and fall.

empty (空にする) [動] make or become empty

upside down (逆さまに) [副] with the upper part where the lower part should be

彼はグラスを空にして逆さまに持ち、縁にゆっくりと滴が形成され、震えて落ちるのを眺めた。

“I'm sorry for her,” he said slowly.

be sorry for (気の毒に思う) [動] feel regret or guilt for something

「彼女には気の毒に思う」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“She's such an absolute bitch.

absolute (ひどい) [形] complete and total

bitch (女) [名] a female dog

「彼女は本当にひどい女だ。

Could be I'm fond of her too in a remote sort of way.

be fond of (~が好きである) [動] to like someone or something a lot

私も彼女のことが好きかもしれない。

Some day she'll need me and I'll be the only guy around not holding a chisel.

some day (いつか) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

chisel (ノミ) [名] a hand tool with a shaped cutting edge (such as a wedge) at the end of a metal blade used especially for cutting or shaping wood, stone, or metal

いつか彼女は私を必要とするだろうし、私はノミを持っていない唯一の男になるだろう。

Likely enough then I'll flunk out.”

flunk out (失敗する) [動] fail a course or examination

おそらく私は失敗するだろう。」

I just looked at him.

私はただ彼を見た。

“You do a great job of selling yourself,” I said after a moment.

do a great job of (上手だ) [動] be good at

selling (売り込み) [名] the action of persuading someone to buy something

yourself (自分) [代] the person that you are

「君は自分の売り込みが上手だね」と私はしばらくしてから言った。

“Yeah, I know. I'm a weak character, without guts or ambition.

weak (弱い) [形] lacking the power to perform

character (人間) [名] a person

guts (根性) [名] courage and determination

ambition (野心) [名] a strong desire to achieve something

「ああ、分かってる。私は根性も野心もない弱い人間だ。

I caught the brass ring and it shocked me to find out it wasn't gold.

catch (つかむ) [動] to grab or seize

brass ring (真鍮の輪) [名] a ring made of brass

shock (ショック) [名] a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience

私は真鍮の輪をつかみ、それが金ではないと知ってショックを受けた。

A guy like me has one big moment in his life, one perfect swing on the high trapeze.

moment (瞬間) [名] a very brief period of time

swing (一振り) [名] a seat suspended by ropes or chains on which someone can sit and swing back and forth

trapeze (空中ブランコ) [名] a short horizontal bar hung by two ropes high above the ground, used by acrobats in a circus

私のような男は人生に一度だけ大きな瞬間がある、高い空中ブランコでの完璧な一振りだ。

Then he spends the rest of his time trying not to fall off the sidewalk into the gutter.”

spend (過ごす) [動] pass or occupy (time) in a specified way

fall (落ちる) [動] move or be moved from a higher to a lower level, typically rapidly and without control

それから残りの時間を歩道から側溝に落ちないように過ごすんだ」

“What's this in favor of?”

in favor of (賛成) [前] supporting or approving of

「これは何に賛成なんだ?」

I got out a pipe and started to fill it.

get out (取り出す) [動] to take something out of a place

pipe (パイプ) [名] a tube of metal, plastic, or other material used to convey liquids, gases, or other substances

fill (詰める) [動] to put something into a container until it is full

私はパイプを取り出し、それを詰め始めた。

“She's scared. She's scared stiff.”

scared (怖がっている) [形] feeling fear

「彼女は怖がっている。彼女は恐怖で硬直している」

“What of?”

what (何) [名] the thing that is referred to

of (の) [前] used to indicate a particular thing that is being referred to

「何を?」

“I don't know. We don't talk much any more.

don't talk (話さない) [動] not speak

「わからない。私たちはもうあまり話さない。

Maybe of the old man.

old man (老人) [名] a man who is old

たぶんあの老人を」

Harlan Potter is a coldhearted son of a bitch.

coldhearted (冷酷な) [形] lacking affection or warmth

son of a bitch (ろくでなし) [名] a despicable or contemptible person

ハーラン・ポッターは冷酷なろくでなしだ。

All Victorian dignity on the outside.

Victorian (ヴィクトリア朝) [形] of or relating to the reign of Queen Victoria

dignity (威厳) [名] the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect

外見はすべてヴィクトリア朝の威厳だ。

Inside he's as ruthless as a Gestapo thug.

inside (内面) [名] the inner part of something

ruthless (冷酷な) [形] having or showing no pity or compassion for others

Gestapo (ゲシュタポ) [名] the secret police of Nazi Germany

thug (チンピラ) [名] a violent criminal

内面はゲシュタポのチンピラのように冷酷だ。

Sylvia is a tramp.

tramp (ふしだらな女) [名] a woman who has many sexual partners

シルヴィアはふしだらな女だ。

He knows it and he hates it and there's nothing he can do about it.

hate (嫌う) [動] dislike intensely

there be (~がある) [動] exist

can do (できる) [動] be able to do

彼はそれを知っていて、それを嫌っているが、それについて彼にできることは何もない。

But he waits and he watches and if Sylvia ever gets into a big mess of scandal he'll break her in half and bury the two halves a thousand miles apart.”

get into (巻き込まれる) [動] become involved in

mess (大混乱) [名] a state of confusion or untidiness

scandal (スキャンダル) [名] an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage

break (引き裂く) [動] separate into pieces as a result of impact or force

bury (埋める) [動] put or hide under the ground

thousand (千) [名] the number 1000

mile (マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

しかし、彼は待ち、見守り、もしシルヴィアがスキャンダルの大混乱に巻き込まれたら、彼は彼女を真っ二つに引き裂き、その二つを千マイル離れた場所に埋めるだろう。」

“You're her husband.”

husband (夫) [名] a married man

「あなたは彼女の夫だ。」

He lifted the empty glass and brought it down hard on the edge of the table.

lift (持ち上げる) [動] move something to a higher position

bring down (打ち付ける) [動] cause to fall

彼は空のグラスを持ち上げ、テーブルの端に強く打ち付けた。

It smashed with a sharp ping.

smash (砕ける) [動] break or cause to break violently and noisily

sharp (鋭い) [形] having a very thin edge or point

ping (音) [名] a short high-pitched ringing sound

それは鋭い音を立てて砕けた。

The barman stared, but didn't say anything.

barman (バーテンダー) [名] a man who serves drinks at a bar

バーテンダーは見つめたが、何も言わなかった。

“Like that, chum. Like that.

like that (そんな感じだ) [副] in that manner

「そんな感じだ、相棒。そんな感じだ。

Oh sure. I'm her husband.

Oh sure (ああ、もちろん) [間] an expression of agreement

ああ、もちろん。私は彼女の夫だ。

That's what the record says.

record (記録) [名] a permanent account of something

say (書いてある) [動] to express (something) in words

記録にはそう書いてある。

I'm the three white steps and the big green front door and the brass knocker you rap one long and two short and the maid lets you into the hundred-dollar whorehouse.”

step (段) [名] a flat surface one can put one's foot on

big (大きな) [形] of great size or extent

front (玄関) [名] the part of a building that faces the street

brass (真鍮) [名] a yellow alloy of copper and zinc

knocker (ノッカー) [名] a device on a door for knocking

rap (叩く) [動] to strike sharply and quickly

one (一) [数] the number 1

short (短く) [形] having a small distance or duration

maid (メイド) [名] a female domestic servant

let (招き入れる) [動] to allow to enter

hundred (百) [数] the number 100

whorehouse (売春宿) [名] a place where prostitutes are available for hire

私は三段の白い階段と大きな緑の玄関と真鍮のノッカーで、長く一回、短く二回叩くとメイドがあなたを百ドルの売春宿に招き入れる。」

I stood up and dropped some money on the table.

私は立ち上がってテーブルにいくらかお金を置いた。

“You talk too damn much,” I said, “and it's too damn much about you. See you later.”

talk too damn much (話が長すぎる) [動] talk too much

too damn much (話ばかりだ) [副] too much

See you later (またな) [句] goodbye

「君は話が長すぎる」と私は言った。「しかも君の話ばかりだ。またな。」

I walked out leaving him sitting there shocked and white-faced as well as I could tell by the kind of light they have in bars.

walk out (立ち去る) [動] leave a place, especially angrily

white-faced (顔面蒼白) [形] having a very pale face

light (照明) [名] the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

私は彼をそこに座らせたまま立ち去った。バーの照明の具合から判断する限り、彼はショックを受けて顔面蒼白だった。

He called something after me, but I kept going.

call (叫ぶ) [動] to say something loudly

彼は私に何か叫んだが、私は歩き続けた。

Ten minutes later I was sorry.

be sorry (後悔する) [動] feel regret or guilt

10分後、私は後悔した。

But ten minutes later I was somewere else.

somewere else (別の場所) [名] a different place

しかし10分後、私は別の場所にいた。

He didn't come to the office any more.

彼は二度と事務所に来なかった。

Not at all, not once.

not at all (全く) [副] to no extent or degree; not in the least

not once (一度も~ない) [副] on no occasion; at no time

全く、一度も来なかった。

I had got to him where it hurt.

get to (突く) [動] reach a destination

where (ところ) [名] the place that

hurt (痛い) [動] feel pain in a part of your body

私は彼の痛いところを突いたのだ。

I didn't see him again for a month.

again (再び) [副] another time; once more

month (月) [名] one of the twelve divisions of the year

私は一ヶ月間彼に会わなかった。

When I did it was five o'clock in the morning and just beginning to get light.

morning (朝) [名] the period of a day from sunrise to noon

get light (明るくなる) [動] become light

私が起きたのは朝の五時で、ちょうど明るくなり始めていた。

The persistent ringing of the doorbell yanked me out of bed.

persistent (しつこい) [形] continuing firmly or obstinately

doorbell (ドアベル) [名] a bell or buzzer outside a door that can be rung by visitors

yank (飛び起きる) [動] to pull or move suddenly and forcefully

ドアベルがしつこく鳴り、私はベッドから飛び起きた。

I plowed down the hall and across the living room and opened up.

plow (突き進む) [動] move or travel with great speed or force

hall (廊下) [名] a long, wide passage in a building

across (横切って) [前] from one side to the other of

open up (開ける) [動] make or become accessible

私は廊下を突き進み、居間を横切ってドアを開けた。

He stood there looking as if he hadn't slept for a week.

彼はそこに立って、一週間も寝ていないかのようだった。

He had a light topcoat on with the collar turned up and he seemed to be shivering.

have on (着ている) [動] be wearing

turn up (立てる) [動] to increase the volume or intensity of

彼は軽いオーバーコートを着て、襟を立て、震えているようだった。

A dark felt hat was pulled down over his eyes.

pull down (引っ張る) [動] to move something to a lower position

黒いフェルト帽が彼の目の上に引っ張られていた。

He had a gun in his hand.

gun (銃) [名] a weapon that fires bullets

hand (手) [名] the end of an arm

彼は手に銃を持っていた。

[5]

The gun wasn't pointed at me, he was just holding it.

point (向ける) [動] direct or aim something at someone or something

hold (握る) [動] grasp, carry, or support with one's hands

銃は私に向けられておらず、彼はただそれを握っていた。

It was a medium-caliber automatic, foreign made, certainly not a Colt or a Savage.

medium-caliber (中口径) [形] of a size between small and large

Colt (コルト) [名] a type of gun

Savage (サベージ) [名] a type of gun

それは中口径の自動式で、外国製で、コルトやサベージではないのは確かだった。

With the white tired face and the scars and the turned-up collar and the pulled-down hat and the gun he could have stepped right out of an old fashioned kick-em-in-the-teeth gangster movie.

collar (襟) [名] a band of material around the neck of a garment, either upright or turned over

pull down (深くかぶる) [動] to cause to fall or collapse

step (抜け出す) [動] to move at a regular and fairly brisk pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

old fashioned (昔ながらの) [形] of a style or design that is no longer current

kick-em-in-the-teeth (ギャング) [名] a member of a gang of violent criminals

gangster (映画) [名] a cinema film

白い疲れた顔と傷跡、立てた襟、深くかぶった帽子、銃を携えた彼は、昔ながらのギャング映画から抜け出してきたかのようだった。

“You're driving me to Tijuana to get a plane at ten-fifteen,” he said.

Tijuana (ティファナ) [名] a city in Mexico

get (乗る) [動] go onto or into

plane (飛行機) [名] an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

ten-fifteen (10時15分) [名] the time 10:15

「あなたは私をティファナまで運転して、10時15分の飛行機に乗せる」と彼は言った。

“I have a passport and visa and I'm all set except for transportation.

passport (パスポート) [名] an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries

visa (ビザ) [名] an official document issued by a government, certifying that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country

transportation (交通手段) [名] the action of transporting someone or something

「パスポートとビザは持っているし、交通手段以外はすべて準備が整っている。

For certain reasons I can't take a train or a bus or a plane from L.A.

for certain reasons (ある理由で) [句] because of something

take a train (電車に乗る) [動] to travel by train

take a bus (バスに乗る) [動] to travel by bus

take a plane (飛行機に乗る) [動] to travel by plane

L.A. (ロサンゼルス) [名] a city in California

ある理由で、私はロサンゼルスから電車やバス、飛行機に乗ることができない。

Would five hundred bucks be a reasonable taxi fare?”

five hundred bucks (500ドル) [名] five hundred dollars

reasonable (妥当な) [形] fair and sensible

taxi fare (タクシー代) [名] the money you pay for a taxi ride

タクシー代として500ドルは妥当だろうか?」

I stood in the doorway and didn't move to let him in.

doorway (戸口) [名] an entrance to a room through a door

move (動く) [動] change position

let (入れる) [動] allow to enter

私は戸口に立ったまま、彼を中に入れようとは動かなかった。

“Five hundred plus the gat?” I asked.

five hundred (500ドル) [名] five hundred dollars

plus (と) [接] with the addition of; also; and

gat (銃) [名] a gun, especially a pistol

「500ドルと銃?」と私は尋ねた。

He looked down at it rather absently.

rather (むしろ) [副] to some extent; slightly; fairly

absently (ぼんやりと) [副] in a way that shows you are not thinking about or paying attention to what you are doing

彼はそれをぼんやりと見下ろした。

Then he dropped it into his pocket.

drop (入れる) [動] cause to fall

pocket (ポケット) [名] a small bag sewn into or on clothing so as to form part of it, used for carrying small articles

それから彼はそれをポケットに入れた。

“It might be a protection,” he said, “for you. Not for me.

protection (守り) [名] the action of protecting someone or something

for you (あなたを) [代] used to refer to the person or thing that is the object of a verb or preposition

for me (私には) [代] used to refer to the speaker

「それはあなたを守ってくれるかもしれない」と彼は言った。私にはそうではない。

“Come on in then.”

come on in (入って) [動] enter

then (それなら) [副] at that time; at the time in question

「それなら入って」

I stood to one side and he came in with an exhausted lunge and fell into a chair.

stand to one side (脇に立つ) [動] move to the side

come in (入ってくる) [動] enter

exhausted (疲れ切った) [形] very tired

lunge (突進) [名] a sudden forward movement

fall into (倒れ込む) [動] collapse into

私は脇に立って、彼は疲れ切った突進で入ってきて、椅子に倒れ込んだ。

The living room was still dark, because of the heavy growth of shrubbery the owner had allowed to mask the windows.

dark (暗い) [形] with little or no light

shrubbery (低木) [名] a group of shrubs

allow (許す) [動] to not prevent or forbid

mask (覆い隠す) [動] to cover or conceal

居間は、所有者が窓を覆い隠すように許した低木の繁茂のために、まだ暗かった。

I put a lamp on and mooched a cigarette.

put on (つける) [動] to place something on top of something else

mooch (吸う) [動] to obtain something by begging or asking for it

私はランプをつけて、タバコを吸った。

I lit it.

light (つける) [動] to cause to burn or to be on fire

私はそれをつけた。

I stared down at him.

stare down (見下ろす) [動] to look at someone or something with a fixed and direct gaze, especially in a hostile or intimidating way

私は彼を見下ろした。

I rumpled my hair which was already rumpled.

rumple (乱す) [動] make or become untidy

私はすでに乱れた髪を乱した。

I put the old tired grin on my face.

put (浮かべる) [動] to place or set in a specified position

grin (笑み) [名] a broad smile

私は顔に古い疲れた笑みを浮かべた。

“What the hell's the matter with me sleeping such a lovely morning away? Ten-fifteen, huh?

What the hell's the matter with me (いったいどうしたんだ) [名] an expression of annoyance or anger

sleeping (寝ている) [動] be in a state of sleep

such a lovely morning (こんな素敵な朝) [名] a morning that is very pleasant

「こんな素敵な朝に寝ているなんて、いったいどうしたんだ? 10時15分、ね?

Well, there's plenty of time.

まあ、時間は十分にある。

Let's go out to the kitchen and I'll brew some coffee.”

brew (入れる) [動] make a drink by mixing hot water with a substance

台所に行こう、コーヒーを入れるよ」

“I'm in a great deal of trouble, shamus.”

a great deal of (とても) [名] a lot of

shamus (探偵) [名] a detective

「私はとても困っているんだ、探偵」

Shamus, it was the first time he had called me that.

探偵、彼が私をそう呼んだのは初めてだった。

But it kind of went with his style of entry, the way he was dressed, the gun and all.

go with (似合う) [動] to be appropriate or suitable for

style (スタイル) [名] a distinctive manner of doing something

entry (入室) [名] the action of going or coming in

all (すべて) [名] the whole amount of something

しかし、それは彼の入室のスタイル、服装、銃、すべてに似合っていた。

“It's going to be a peach of a day.

peach (素晴らしい) [名] a round juicy fruit with a fuzzy yellow or pink skin and a hard stone

day (日) [名] a period of time from sunrise to sunset

「今日は素晴らしい日になるだろう。

Light breeze. You can hear those tough old eucalyptus trees across the street whispering to each other.

light breeze (そよ風) [名] a gentle wind

tough (頑丈な) [形] strong and durable

tree (木) [名] a woody perennial plant typically having a main stem or trunk

whisper (囁く) [動] speak softly using one's breath without one's vocal chords

そよ風が吹いている。通りの向こうにある頑丈な古いユーカリの木々が互いに囁き合っているのが聞こえる。

Talking about old times in Australia when the wallabies hopped about underneath the branches and the koala bears rode piggyback on each other.

talk about (語り合う) [動] discuss or speak about

old times (昔) [名] a time in the past

Australia (オーストラリア) [名] a country in the southern hemisphere

wallaby (ワラビー) [名] a small kangaroo

hop (飛び跳ねる) [動] move by jumping on one foot

branch (枝) [名] a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk

koala bear (コアラ) [名] a bearlike Australian marsupial living in trees and that has thick grey fur and feeds on eucalyptus leaves

piggyback (肩車) [名] the carrying of a person on one's shoulders

ワラビーが枝の下を飛び跳ね、コアラが互いに肩車をしていたオーストラリアの昔を語り合っている。

Yes, I got the general idea you were in some trouble.

general idea (大体) [名] the main or most important point

ああ、君が何かトラブルに巻き込まれていることは大体わかった。

Let's talk about it after I've had a couple of cups of coffee.

Let's (~しよう) [動] a suggestion to do something

talk (話す) [動] speak or converse

コーヒーを何杯か飲んだら話そう。

I'm always a little lightheaded when I first wake up.

wake up (目が覚める) [動] stop sleeping

lightheaded (頭がぼんやりする) [形] dizzy or faint

目が覚めた直後はいつも少し頭がぼんやりする。

Let us confer with Mr. Huggins and Mr. Young.”

confer (相談する) [動] to have a serious discussion about something

Mr. Huggins (ハギンズ氏) [名] a man with the last name Huggins

Mr. Young (ヤング氏) [名] a man with the last name Young

ハギンズ氏とヤング氏と相談しましょう」

“Look, Marlowe, this is not the time--”

this (今) [名] the present time

the time (そんな時) [名] the present time

「おい、マーロウ、今はそんな時じゃない」

“Fear nothing, old boy.

fear (恐れる) [動] be afraid of

old boy (あなた) [名] a male friend or acquaintance

「何も恐れるな、あなた。

Mr. Huggins and Mr. Young are two of the best.

best (最高) [形] of the highest quality, excellence, or standing

ハギンズ氏とヤング氏は最高の二人だ。

They make Huggins-Young coffee.

Huggins-Young (ハギンズ・ヤング) [名] a brand of coffee

彼らはハギンズ・ヤングコーヒーを作っている。

It's their life work, their pride and joy.

life work (ライフワーク) [名] the most important work of a person's career

joy (喜び) [名] a feeling of great pleasure or happiness

それは彼らのライフワークであり、誇りであり、喜びだ。

One of these days I'm going to see that they get the recognition they deserve.

one of these days (そのうちに) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

get (得る) [動] receive, obtain, or acquire

recognition (評価) [名] the action of recognizing something or someone

deserve (相応の) [動] be worthy of or entitled to

そのうちに彼らが相応の評価を得るようにするつもりだ。

So far all they're making is money.

so far (これまでのところ) [副] up to this point in time

make (得る) [動] earn or gain

これまでのところ彼らが得ているのはお金だけだ。

You couldn't expect that to satisfy them.”

satisfy (満足する) [動] meet the expectations, needs, or desires of

彼らがそれで満足するとは思えない」

I left him with that bright chatter and went out to the kitchen at the back.

bright (明るい) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; shining

chatter (おしゃべり) [名] talk rapidly and incessantly about trivial matters

私は彼をその明るいおしゃべりの中に残して、奥の台所に出た。

I turned the hot water on and got the coffee maker down off the shelf.

get down (取り出す) [動] to move from a higher to a lower position

私はお湯を沸かし、コーヒーメーカーを棚から取り出した。

I wet the rod and measured the stuff into the top and by that time the water was steaming.

wet (濡らす) [動] make or become damp or moist

rod (棒) [名] a long thin piece of wood or metal

measure (計る) [動] find out the size, amount, or degree of something

water (水) [名] the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is the major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compress...

私は棒を濡らし、上部にコーヒーの粉を計り入れ、その頃には水が沸騰していた。

I filled the lower half of the dingus and set it on the flame.

fill (満たす) [動] make or become full

lower half (下半分) [名] the lower half of something

set (かける) [動] put something in a place or position

flame (火) [名] a hot glowing body of ignited gas that is generated by a chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen

私はコーヒーメーカーの下半分を満たし、火にかけた。

I set the upper part on top and gave it a twist so it would bind.

set (セットする) [動] put something in a certain place

upper part (上部) [名] the part of something that is higher than the rest

twist (ねじる) [動] turn or cause to turn around and around

bind (固定する) [動] tie or fasten together

私は上部をセットし、ねじって固定した。

By that time he had come in after me.

after (後ろに) [前] later or following (the event mentioned)

その頃には彼は私の後ろに入ってきた。

He leaned in the doorway a moment and then edged across to the breakfast nook and slid into the seat.

moment (しばらく) [名] a very short period of time

彼はしばらく戸口に寄りかかり、それから朝食コーナーまで端に沿って歩き、席に滑り込んだ。

He was still shaking.

彼はまだ震えていた。

I got a bottle of Old Grand-Dad off the shelf and poured him a shot in a big glass.

pour (注ぐ) [動] cause to flow in a stream

shot (一杯) [名] a small drink, especially of distilled liquor

私は棚からオールド・グランド・ダッドのボトルを取り出し、大きなグラスに一杯注いだ。

I knew he would need a big glass.

彼には大きなグラスが必要だとわかっていた。

Even with that he had to use both hands to get it to his mouth.

even with that (それでも) [副] in spite of that

both hands (両手) [名] the two hands of a person

mouth (口) [名] the opening and cavity in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and vocal sounds are emitted

それでも彼は両手を使って口に運ばなければならなかった。

He swallowed, put the glass down with a thud, and hit the back of the seat with a jar.

swallow (飲み干す) [動] cause to pass from the mouth into the stomach

thud (ドン) [名] a dull sound as of a heavy object striking a solid surface

back (背もたれ) [名] the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips

seat (椅子) [名] a thing made or used for sitting on, such as a chair or stool

彼は飲み干し、グラスをドンと置き、椅子の背もたれをガタガタと揺らした。

“Almost passed out,” he muttered.

pass out (気絶する) [動] lose consciousness

mutter (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

「ほとんど気絶しそうだった」と彼はつぶやいた。

“Seems like I've been up for a week.

「一週間起きていたみたいだ。

Didn't sleep at all last night.”

last night (昨夜) [名] the night before the present day

昨夜は全く眠れなかった」

The coffee maker was almost ready to bubble.

coffee maker (コーヒーメーカー) [名] a kitchen appliance that brews coffee

bubble (泡立つ) [動] to form or produce bubbles

コーヒーメーカーは泡立つ寸前だった。

I turned the flame low and watched the water rise.

turn (弱める) [動] change the direction of something

私は火を弱め、水が沸騰するのを眺めた。

It hung a little at the bottom of the glass tube.

hang (ぶら下がる) [動] be suspended or held up

glass (ガラス) [名] a hard and brittle substance

tube (管) [名] a long hollow object

それはガラス管の底に少しぶら下がっていた。

I turned the flame up just enough to get it over the hump and then turned it low again quickly.

turn up (強める) [動] increase the volume or intensity of

hump (沸騰し始める) [名] a rounded raised area on the back of a camel

turn down (弱める) [動] reduce the volume or intensity of

私は火を強めて、コーヒーが沸騰し始めるとすぐに弱めた。

I stirred the coffee and covered it.

stir (かき混ぜる) [動] move a spoon or other implement round and round in a liquid or soft mixture

cover (蓋をする) [動] put a lid on a container

私はコーヒーをかき混ぜて蓋をした。

I set my timer for three minutes.

timer (タイマー) [名] a device that measures time

three minutes (3分) [名] a period of time equal to 180 seconds

私はタイマーを3分にセットした。

Very methodical guy, Marlowe.

methodical (几帳面な) [形] done or acting in a systematic and thorough way

とても几帳面な男だ、マーロウ。

Nothing must interfere with his coffee technique.

nothing (何もない) [名] not a thing; no single thing

must (~しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; be compelled to

interfere (邪魔する) [動] get in the way of; be in opposition to

technique (淹れ方) [名] a method of doing something

彼のコーヒーの淹れ方を邪魔するものは何もない。

Not even a gun in the hand of a desperate character.

not even (~でさえも) [副] not in the least

desperate (絶望的な) [形] having lost all hope

絶望的なキャラクターの手にある銃でさえも。

I poured him another slug.

slug (一杯) [名] a small drink of liquor

私は彼にもう一杯注いだ。

“Just sit there,” I said.

「そこに座って」と私は言った。

“Don't say a word. Just sit.”

say a word (言う) [動] to express (something) in words

「何も言うな。ただ座って」

He handled the second slug with one hand.

one hand (片手) [名] one of the two hands of a person

彼は二杯目を片手で飲んだ。

I did a fast wash-up in the bathroom and the bell of the timer went just as I got back.

do a fast wash-up (手早く洗う) [動] wash something quickly

bathroom (浴室) [名] a room with a bath or shower

get back (戻る) [動] return to a place

私は浴室で手早く洗い、戻るとちょうどタイマーのベルが鳴った。

I cut the flame and set the coffee maker on a straw mat on the table.

cut (消す) [動] stop the flow of

set (置く) [動] put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position

私は火を消し、コーヒーメーカーをテーブルの上の麦わらマットの上に置いた。

Why did I go into such detail?

go into (話す) [動] to discuss or examine in detail

detail (細かいところ) [名] an individual fact or item

なぜ私はそんな細かいところまで話すのか?

Because the charged atmosphere made every little thing stand out as a performance, a movement distinct and vastly important.

charged atmosphere (張り詰めた空気) [名] an atmosphere that is filled with tension or excitement

make (した) [動] cause to be or become

little thing (小さなこと) [名] something that is not important

stand out (際立たせる) [動] be noticeable or prominent

performance (パフォーマンス) [名] an act of presenting a play, a piece of music, or some other entertainment

movement (動き) [名] an act of moving

distinct (はっきりと) [形] clearly different or separate

vastly (非常に) [副] to a great extent

なぜなら、張り詰めた空気があらゆる小さなことをパフォーマンスとして際立たせ、動きをはっきりとさせ、非常に重要なものにしたからだ。

It was one of those hypersensitive moments when all your automatic movements, however long established, however habitual, become separate acts of will.

those (それらの) [限] used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

hypersensitive (過敏な) [形] having an unusually high sensitivity to a stimulus

automatic (無意識の) [形] done or occurring without conscious thought or intention

established (確立された) [形] having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted

habitual (習慣的) [形] done or doing something regularly or often

separate (分離した) [形] forming a unit that is distinct from others

act (行為) [名] something that is done

will (意志) [名] the faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action

それは、どんなに長く確立され、どんなに習慣的なものでも、自分の無意識の動きがすべて意志の分離した行為になる、過敏な瞬間の1つだった。

You are like a man learning to walk after polio.

polio (ポリオ) [名] an acute viral infectious disease spread from person to person, primarily via the fecal-oral route

あなたはポリオの後で歩くことを学ぶ人のようなものだ。

You take nothing for granted, absolutely nothing at all.

take for granted (当たり前のことと思う) [動] to assume that something is true or will happen without thinking about it

absolutely (全く) [副] completely; totally

あなたは何も当たり前のこととは思わない、全く何も。

The coffee was all down and the air rushed in with its usual fuss and the coffee bubbled and then became quiet.

rush in (流れ込む) [動] to come or go into a place in a hurry

fuss (騒ぎ) [名] a lot of unnecessary excitement or activity

become quiet (静かになる) [動] to become silent or still

コーヒーはすべて落ち、空気がいつものように騒がしく流れ込み、コーヒーは泡立って静かになった。

I removed the top of the maker and set it on the drainboard in the socket of the cover.

remove (取り外す) [動] take off or away

maker (メーカー) [名] a person or company that makes something

drainboard (水切り板) [名] a sloping board with grooves, used for draining dishes

socket (ソケット) [名] a device or part into which another part is fitted or screwed

私はコーヒーメーカーの上部を取り外し、カバーのソケットにある水切り板の上に置いた。

I poured two cups and added a slug to his.

cup (カップ) [名] a small bowl-shaped container with a handle, used for drinking from

add (加える) [動] join or combine two or more things together

slug (酒) [名] a drink of liquor

私は2杯注ぎ、彼のカップに酒を加えた。

“Black for you, Terry.”

black (ブラック) [名] the darkest color

「あなたはブラック、テリー」

I added two lumps of sugar and some cream to mine.

lump (角砂糖) [名] a small piece of sugar

mine (自分の) [代] belonging to or connected with the speaker

私は自分のカップに角砂糖を2つとクリームを加えた。

I was coming out of it by now.

come out of (抜け出す) [動] to leave or emerge from a place or situation

by now (今や) [副] at the present time; now

私は今やそれから抜け出そうとしていた。

I wasn't conscious of how I opened the Frig and got the cream carton.

carton (箱) [名] a small cardboard box

私は冷蔵庫を開けてクリームの箱を取り出したことを意識していなかった。

I sat down across from him.

from (から) [前] used to indicate a starting point

私は彼の向かいに座った。

He hadn't moved.

彼は動かなかった。

He was propped in the corner of the nook, rigid.

prop (支える) [動] support with or as if with a prop

corner (角) [名] the point or area where two or more things intersect, especially a projecting angle

nook (隅) [名] a corner or recess, especially one offering shelter or seclusion

rigid (硬直した) [形] not flexible or pliant

彼は隅の角に支えられて硬直していた。

Then without warning his head came down on the table and he was sobbing.

without warning (予告なしに) [副] without any notice or warning

come down (落ちる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

sob (すすり泣く) [動] cry noisily, making a series of short, sharp gasps

それから予告なしに彼の頭がテーブルに落ち、彼はすすり泣いていた。

He didn't pay any attention when I reached across and dug the gun out of his pocket.

pay attention (注意を払う) [動] direct one's mind to something

reach across (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

dig (取り出す) [動] move or cause to move with a tool or with the hands

私が手を伸ばして彼のポケットから銃を取り出した時、彼は全く注意を払わなかった。

It was a Mauser 7.65, a beauty.

Mauser (モーゼル) [名] a German arms manufacturer

7.65 (7.65) [名] a caliber of firearm

beauty (美しい銃) [名] a person or thing that is pleasing to the senses or the mind

それはモーゼル7.65、美しい銃だった。

I sniffed it.

sniff (嗅ぐ) [動] to draw air into the nose with a short, sharp inhalation

私はそれを嗅いだ。

I sprang the magazine loose.

spring (外す) [動] to move or cause to move suddenly and rapidly

magazine (マガジン) [名] a periodical publication containing articles and illustrations

私はマガジンを外した。

It was full.

full (いっぱい) [形] containing or holding as much or as many as possible

弾がいっぱいだった。

Nothing in the breach.

breach (薬室) [名] an opening made in a wall, barrier, or defence

薬室には何もなかった。

He lifted his head and saw the coffee and drank some slowly, not looking at me.

slowly (ゆっくり) [副] not fast; slowly

彼は頭を上げ、コーヒーを見て、私を見ずにゆっくりと飲んだ。

“I didn't shoot anybody,” he said.

shoot (撃つ) [動] hit or wound with a missile fired from a weapon

anybody (誰も) [代] any person

「私は誰も撃っていない」と彼は言った。

“Well--not recently anyhow.

recently (最近) [副] not long ago; lately

「まあ、とにかく最近はね。

And the gun would have had to be cleaned.

clean (掃除する) [動] make free of dirt, marks, or mess, especially by washing, wiping, or brushing

そして銃は掃除されていたはずだ。

I hardly think you shot anybody with this.”

これで誰かを撃ったとは思えない」

“I'll tell you about it,” he said.

he (彼) [代] a male person or animal that is being talked about

「それについては話す」と彼は言った。

“Wait just a minute.”

minute (ちょっと) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

「ちょっと待って」

I drank my coffee as quickly as the heat would let me.

quickly (素早く) [副] at a fast speed

heat (熱さ) [名] the quality of being hot; high temperature

私は熱さの許す限りコーヒーを飲み干した。

I refilled my cup.

refill (注ぎ足す) [動] fill something again

私はカップにコーヒーを注ぎ足した。

“It's like this,” I said.

like this (こういうことだ) [句] in this way

「こういうことだ」と私は言った。

“Be very careful what you tell me.

be careful (注意する) [動] take care to avoid damage, injury, or loss

「私に話すことには十分注意しなさい。

If you really want me to ride you down to Tijuana, there are two things I must not be told.

ride (乗せて行く) [動] travel on or in a vehicle

本当に私にティファナまで乗せて行って欲しいのなら、私に話さないことが二つある。

One--are you listening?”

listen (聞く) [動] give one's attention to a sound or action

一つ目は、聞いてるか?」

He nodded very slightly.

slightly (かすかに) [副] to a small degree; in a small manner

彼はかすかにうなずいた。

He was looking blank-eyed at the wall over my head.

look (眺める) [動] direct one's gaze in a specified direction

blank-eyed (ぼんやりと) [形] with a blank expression

wall (壁) [名] a continuous vertical brick or stone structure that encloses or divides an area of land

彼は私の頭上の壁をぼんやりと眺めていた。

The scars were very livid this morning.

this morning (今朝) [名] the morning of today

今朝は傷跡がとても青黒かった。

His skin was almost dead white but the scars seemed to shine out of it just the same.

dead (死人のような) [形] no longer alive

shine (輝く) [動] to give out or reflect light

彼の肌はほとんど死人のような白さだったが、傷跡は同じように輝いているように見えた。

“One,” I repeated slowly, “if you have committed a crime or anything the law calls a crime--a serious crime, I mean--I can't be told about it.

commit (犯す) [動] to do or perform

crime (犯罪) [名] an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law

law (法律) [名] the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties

serious (重大な) [形] requiring much thought or work

「一つ」私はゆっくりと繰り返した。「もしあなたが犯罪を犯したなら、あるいは法律が犯罪と呼ぶ何かを犯したなら、つまり重大な犯罪を犯したなら、私はそれについて聞かされてはいけない。

Two, if you have essential knowledge that such a crime has been committed, I can't be told about that either.

essential (重要な) [形] of the utmost importance

knowledge (知識) [名] information, understanding, and skills that you gain through education or experience

either (どちらも) [接] used to indicate that two or more alternatives are equally possible or acceptable

二つ、もしあなたがそのような犯罪が犯されたという重要な知識を持っているなら、私もそれについて聞かされてはいけない。

Not if you want me to drive you to Tijuana.

ティファナまで車で送ってほしいなら、そうはいかない。

That clear?”

clear (いい) [形] free from doubt or confusion

いいかな?」

He looked me in the eye.

彼は私の目を見た。

His eyes focused, but they were lifeless.

focus (焦点を合わせる) [動] to concentrate on something

lifeless (生気がない) [形] dead

彼の目は焦点を合わせたが、生気がなかった。

He had the coffee inside him.

have (飲み干した) [動] eat or drink

彼はコーヒーを飲み干した。

He had no color, but he was steady.

have no color (血色がない) [動] be pale

be steady (落ち着いている) [動] be calm and in control of oneself

彼は血色がなかったが、落ち着いていた。

I poured him some more and loaded it the same way.

load (飲ませる) [動] put a load on or in

the same way (同じように) [名] in the same manner

私は彼にもう少し注ぎ、同じように飲ませた。

“I told you I was in a jam,” he said.

jam (困っている) [名] a difficult or embarrassing situation

「困っていると言っただろう」と彼は言った。

“I heard you. I don't want to know what kind of jam.

「聞いたよ。どんな困り事かは知りたくない。

I have a living to earn, a license to protect.”

living (生活) [名] the condition or state of being alive

earn (稼ぐ) [動] to gain or make money

license (ライセンス) [名] a permit from an authority to own or use something

私には稼ぐべき生活と守るべきライセンスがある。」

“I could hold the gun on you,” he said.

hold the gun on (銃を突きつける) [動] to point a gun at someone

「銃を突きつけられるんだぞ」と彼は言った。

I grinned and pushed the gun across the table.

push (押しやる) [動] exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself or from the origin of the force

私はニヤリと笑って銃をテーブルの向こう側に押しやった。

He looked down at it but didn't touch it.

彼はそれをちらっと見たが触らなかった。

“Not to Tijuana you couldn't hold it on me, Terry.

hold (突きつける) [動] to keep or maintain in a specified state, position, or course

「ティファナまで銃を突きつけ続けることはできないよ、テリー。

Not across the border, not up the steps into a plane.

border (国境) [名] a line that marks the edge of an area

up (上って) [前] from a lower to a higher point on or in

国境を越えて、飛行機の階段を上ってまでできないよ。

I'm a man who occasionally has business with guns.

occasionally (時々) [副] at times; now and then

私は時々銃を扱う仕事をする。

We'll forget about the gun.

銃のことは忘れよう。

I'd look great telling the cops I was so scared I just had to do what you told me to.

look great (格好悪くなる) [動] to appear very attractive

scared (怖い) [形] frightened; afraid

警察に、怖くてあなたの言う通りにしかできなかったなんて言ったら、私は格好悪くなるよ。

Supposing, of course, which I don't know, that there was anything to tell the cops.”

suppose (仮定する) [動] assume that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge

警察に話すことがあったら、の話だけどね」

“Listen,” he said, “it will be noon or even later before anybody knocks at the door.

noon (正午) [名] twelve o'clock in the daytime

knock (ノックする) [動] strike a surface noisily, especially to attract attention

「聞いてくれ」と彼は言った。「誰かがドアをノックするのは正午かそれ以降になる。

The help knows better than to disturb her when she sleeps late.

help (使用人) [名] a person who works in another's house

know better than to (しないことをよく知っている) [動] to be wise enough not to do something

disturb (邪魔をする) [動] to interrupt someone's peace or quiet

使用人は彼女が遅くまで寝ているときに邪魔をしないことをよく知っている。

But by about noon her maid would knock and go in.

about noon (正午頃) [名] the middle of the day

go in (入る) [動] move or travel inward

しかし、正午頃には彼女のメイドがノックして入るだろう。

She wouldn't be in her room.”

be in (いる) [動] to be present in a place

room (部屋) [名] a part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling

彼女は部屋にはいない」

I sipped my coffee and said nothing.

私はコーヒーをすすり、何も言わなかった。

“The maid would see that her bed hadn't been slept in,” he went on.

go on (続ける) [動] continue

「メイドは彼女のベッドで寝ていないことを知るだろう」と彼は続けた。

“Then she would think of another place to look.

think of (考える) [動] to form an idea of

another (別の) [形] different from the one or ones already mentioned or considered

「それから彼女は探す別の場所を考えるだろう。

There's a big guest house pretty far back from the main house.

main house (本館) [名] the main building of a property

pretty far (かなり離れた) [形] a long distance

本館からかなり離れたところに大きなゲストハウスがある。

It has its own driveway and garage and so on.

garage (ガレージ) [名] a building for housing a motor vehicle or vehicles

専用の私道やガレージなどがある。

Sylvia spent the night there.

シルヴィアはそこで夜を過ごした。

The maid would eventually find her there.”

eventually (最終的に) [副] in the end or at last

メイドは最終的にそこで彼女を見つけるだろう。」

I frowned.

frown (眉をひそめる) [動] to wrinkle the brow in displeasure or concentration

私は眉をひそめた。

“I've got to be very careful what questions I ask you, Terry.

careful (注意深い) [形] taking care to avoid harm or damage

「私はあなたにどんな質問をするのかとても注意深くなければならない、テリー。

Couldn't she have spent the night away from home?”

away from (離れて) [副] at a distance from

彼女は家から離れて夜を過ごすことはできなかったのか?」

“Her clothes would be thrown all over her room.

「彼女の服は彼女の部屋中に投げ捨てられているだろう。

She never hangs anything up.

hang up (吊るす) [動] to put something on a hook or hanger

彼女は何も吊るさない。

The maid would know she had put a robe over her pajamas and gone out that way.

put (着る) [動] to place or position

robe (ローブ) [名] a loose outer garment

pajama (パジャマ) [名] a loose-fitting suit of clothes for sleeping

メイドは彼女がパジャマの上にローブを着て、そのようにして出て行ったことを知っているだろう。

So it would only be to the guest house.”

guest house (ゲストハウス) [名] a small hotel or inn

だから、それはゲストハウスだけだろう。」

“Not necessarily,” I said.

necessarily (必ずしも) [副] as a necessary result; inevitably

「必ずしもそうとは限らない」と私は言った。

“It would be to the guest house.

be to (だろう) [助] be likely to; be expected to

「それはゲストハウスだろう。

Hell, do you think they don't know what goes on in the guest house?

Hell (おい) [名] a place of great suffering

go on (起こる) [動] happen or take place

おい、彼らがゲストハウスで何が起こっているか知らないと思うのか?

Servants always know.”

使用人はいつも知っている。」

“Pass it,” I said.

pass (渡す) [動] move or cause to move in a specified direction

「渡してくれ」と私は言った。

He ran a finger down the side of his good cheek hard enough to leave a red streak.

finger (指) [名] one of the four long thin parts at the end of the hand

cheek (頬) [名] the side of the face below the eye and between the ear and the mouth

streak (筋) [名] a long thin mark of a different color from the surface it is on

彼は指を無傷の頬の横に走らせ、赤い筋を残すほど強くこすった。

“And in the guest house,” he went on slowly, “the maid would find--”

「そしてゲストハウスで」彼はゆっくりと続けた、「メイドが見つけるだろう・・・」

“Sylvia dead drunk, paralyzed, spifflicated, iced to the eyebrows,” I said harshly.

dead drunk (酔いつぶれ) [形] very drunk

paralyzed (麻痺し) [形] unable to move or feel part of your body

spifflicated (酔っ払い) [形] drunk

iced (氷で覆われている) [形] covered with ice

harshly (厳しく) [副] in a severe or strict manner

「シルヴィアは酔いつぶれ、麻痺し、酔っ払い、眉毛まで氷で覆われている」と私は厳しく言った。

“Oh.” He thought about it.

oh (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

think about (考える) [動] to direct one's mind toward someone or something; to use one's mind actively to form connected ideas

「ああ」彼はそれについて考えた。

Big think.

深く考えた。

“Of course,” he added, “that's how it would be.

how (どのように) [副] in what way or manner

be (なる) [動] exist or occur

「もちろん」彼は付け加えた、「そういうことになるだろう。

Sylvia is not a souse.

souse (酔っ払い) [名] a drunkard

シルヴィアは酔っ払いではない。

When she does get over the edge it's pretty drastic.”

get over (超える) [動] to go beyond or above

drastic (劇的) [形] extreme or radical

彼女が限界を超えるとかなり劇的だ。」

“That's the end of the story,” I said.

end (終わり) [名] the final part of something

「それで話は終わりだ」と私は言った。

“Or almost. Let me improvise.

almost (ほぼ) [副] very nearly

improvise (即興で話す) [動] to speak or perform without preparation

「あるいはほぼ。即興で話そう。

The last time we drank together I was a bit rough with you, walked out if you recall.

last time (前回) [名] the previous occasion

together (一緒に) [副] with or in the company of another person or other people

a bit (少し) [名] a small amount

rough (乱暴) [形] having a texture that is not smooth or level

recall (思い出す) [動] bring back to the mind

前回一緒に飲んだ時、私はあなたに少し乱暴で、思い出せば出て行った。

You irritated the hell out of me.

irritate (イライラさせる) [動] to make someone feel annoyed or slightly angry

あなたは私をとてもイライラさせた。

Thinking it over afterwards I could see that you were just trying to sneer yourself out of a feeling of disaster.

think over (考える) [動] to consider carefully

see (わかる) [動] to perceive or notice

disaster (災害) [名] a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life

後で考えてみると、あなたはただ災害の感覚から自分を嘲笑しようとしていたことがわかった。

You say you have a passport and a visa.

あなたはパスポートとビザを持っていると言う。

It takes a little time to get a visa to Mexico.

メキシコのビザを取得するには少し時間がかかる。

They don't let just anybody in.

彼らは誰でも入国させるわけではない。

So you've been planning to blow for some time.

plan (計画する) [動] decide on and make arrangements for future events

blow (逃げる) [動] leave quickly

for some time (しばらく) [副] for a period of time

だから、あなたはしばらく逃げる計画を立てていたんだ。

I was wondering how long you would stick.”

stick (粘る) [動] to remain attached or in contact

どれだけ長く粘るのかと思っていた」

“I guess I felt some vague kind of obligation to be around, some idea she might need me for something more than a front to keep the old man from nosing around too hard.

obligation (義務) [名] a legal or moral duty

around (周り) [副] in or near a place

nose (詮索) [動] to pry or inquire into

「私は彼女の周りにいるべきだという漠然とした義務感を感じていたと思う。彼女が私を必要としているのは、老人があまり詮索しないようにするための隠れ蓑以上の何かのためかもしれないという考えだ。

By the way, I tried to call you in the middle of the night.”

by the way (ところで) [副] used to introduce a new topic or to mention something that you have just thought of

in the middle of the night (夜中に) [名] the middle of the night

ところで、夜中に電話したんだが」

“I sleep hard. I didn't hear.”

sleep hard (ぐっすり眠る) [動] sleep deeply

「私はぐっすり眠る。聞こえなかった」

“Then I went to a Turkish bath place.

Turkish bath (トルコ風呂) [名] a steam bath in which the bather is washed and massaged

「それからトルコ風呂に行った。

I stayed a couple of hours, had a steam bath, a plunge, a needle shower, a rubdown and made a couple of phone calls from there.

couple of hours (数時間) [名] a period of time

steam bath (スチームバス) [名] a room or building that is filled with steam for the purpose of relaxation

plunge (水風呂) [名] a sudden and rapid fall or drop

needle shower (針状シャワー) [名] a shower that has a very thin and strong stream of water

rubdown (マッサージ) [名] a massage

make a phone call (電話をかける) [動] to contact someone by telephone

数時間滞在して、スチームバス、水風呂、針状シャワー、マッサージを受け、そこから数回電話をかけた。

I left the car at La Brea and Fountain.

La Brea (ラ・ブレア) [名] a street in Los Angeles

Fountain (ファウンテン) [名] a street in Los Angeles

私は車をラ・ブレアとファウンテンに置いてきた。

I walked from there.

そこから歩いた。

Nobody saw me turn into your street.”

turn into (入る) [動] change into something else

誰も私があなたの通りに入るのを見ていない。」

“Do these phone calls concern me?”

concern (関係がある) [動] be about or connected with

phone call (電話) [名] a telephone conversation

「その電話は私に関係がある?」

“One was to Harlan Potter.

「1つはハーラン・ポッターに。

The old man flew down to Pasadena yesterday, some business.

fly down (飛ぶ) [動] move through the air with wings or a winged structure

yesterday (昨日) [名] the day before today

some business (何かの用事) [名] a matter that is of importance to a person or group

老人は昨日、何かの用事でパサデナに飛んだ。

He hadn't been to the house.

be to (いる) [助] be scheduled or intended to

彼は家にはいなかった。

I had a lot of trouble getting him.

have a lot of trouble (苦労する) [動] have difficulty or problems

get (捕まえる) [動] capture or seize

彼を捕まえるのに苦労した。

But he finally talked to me.

finally (ついに) [副] after a long time, or after a lot of problems

しかし、彼はついに私に話した。

I told him I was sorry, but I was leaving.”

私は彼に申し訳ないが、私は去ると言った。」

He was looking a little sideways when he said this, towards the window over the sink and the tecoma bush that fretted against the screen.

look sideways (横目で見る) [動] to look at something or someone with a quick, sideways glance

sink (流し) [名] a large fixed container with taps to supply water, typically used for washing hands or dishes

tecoma bush (テコマの茂み) [名] a shrub or small tree of the genus Tecoma, native to tropical America and the West Indies

fret (当たって揺れる) [動] to be anxious or worried about something

彼はこれを言ったとき、流しの上の窓と網戸に当たって揺れるテコマの茂みの方を少し横目で見ていた。

“How did he take it?”

take (受け止める) [動] to receive or accept something

「彼はそれをどう受け止めた?」

“He was sorry. He wished me luck.

「彼は残念がっていた。彼は私に幸運を祈った。

Asked if I needed any money.”

お金が必要かどうか尋ねた。」

Terry laughed harshly.

harshly (荒々しく) [副] in a harsh manner

テリーは荒々しく笑った。

“Money. Those are the first five letters of his alphabet.

five (五) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

letter (文字) [名] a symbol used to represent a speech sound in writing

「お金。それは彼のアルファベットの最初の五文字だ。

I said I had plenty.

私は十分にあると言った。

Then I called Sylvia's sister.

sister (妹) [名] a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person

それから私はシルビアの妹に電話した。

Much the same story there.

ほとんど同じ話だった。

That's all.”

それだけだ」

“I want to ask this,” I said.

this (これ) [代] the person or thing that is close to you or that you are referring to

「これを聞きたい」と私は言った。

“Did you ever find her with a man in that guest house?”

「彼女があのゲストハウスで男性と一緒にいるところを見たことはあるか?」

He shook his head.

彼は首を横に振った。

“I never tried. It would not have been difficult.

difficult (難しい) [形] hard to do or understand

「私は試したことがない。難しくはなかっただろう。

It never has been.”

これまで一度もなかった。」

“Your coffee's getting cold.”

get cold (冷める) [動] become cold

「コーヒーが冷めてしまうよ」

“I don't want any more.”

「もういらない」

“Lots of men, huh?

「たくさんの男、ね?

But you went back and married her again.

go back (戻る) [動] return to a place

でも、あなたは戻って彼女と再婚した。

I realize that she's quite a dish, but all the same--”

realize (分かる) [動] be fully aware of

dish (美人) [名] a very attractive person

all the same (それでも) [副] nevertheless

彼女がかなりの美人だということは分かっているが、それでも--」

“I told you I was no good.

「私はろくでなしだと言ったでしょう。

Hell, why did I leave her the first time?

畜生、なぜ私は彼女を最初に捨てたんだ?

Why after that did I get stinking every time I saw her?

get stinking (酔っ払う) [動] become drunk

なぜその後、彼女に会うたびに私は酔っ払ったんだ?

Why did I roll in the gutter rather than ask her for money?

なぜ私は彼女に金を頼むよりドブに転がったのか?

She's been married five times, not including me.

be married (結婚している) [動] be in a state of marriage

five (5) [名] the number 5

time (回) [名] an instance or single occasion of something

彼女は私を含めて5回結婚している。

Any one of them would go back at the crook of her finger.

any one (誰も) [名] any person

crook (曲がり) [名] a bend or curve

彼らの誰もが彼女の指の曲がりで戻るだろう。

And not just for a million bucks.”

not just (だけではない) [副] not only

bucks (ドル) [名] the basic monetary unit of the United States

100万ドルだけではない。」

“She's quite a dish,” I said.

quite a dish (素晴らしい) [名] a very attractive person

「彼女は素晴らしい」と私は言った。

I looked at my watch.

watch (時計) [名] a small timepiece that is typically worn on a person's wrist

私は時計を見た。

“Just why does it have to be the ten-fifteen at Tijuana?”

「なぜティファナの10時15分でなくてはならないんだ?」

“There's always space on that flight.

flight (便) [名] a journey by plane

「その便にはいつも空席がある。

Nobody from L.A. wants to ride a DC-3 over mountains when he can take a Connie and make it in seven hours to Mexico City.

ride (乗る) [動] be carried or supported by

DC-3 (DC-3) [名] a Douglas Commercial 3

Connie (コンニー) [名] a Lockheed Constellation

make it (行く) [動] arrive at a place

seven hours (7時間) [名] a period of time

Mexico City (メキシコシティ) [名] the capital of Mexico

ロサンゼルスの人は誰も、コンニーに乗って7時間でメキシコシティに行けるのに、山を越えてDC-3に乗りたいとは思わない。

And the Connies don't stop where I want to go.”

stop (止まる) [動] come to a halt

それにコンニーは私が行きたいところには止まらない」

I stood up and leaned against the sink.

lean against (もたれる) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

私は立ち上がって流し台にもたれた。

“Now let's add it up and don't interrupt me.

add up (合計する) [動] to find the total of

interrupt (口を挟む) [動] to stop someone from doing or saying something by saying or doing something yourself

「では、それを合計してみよう。口を挟むな。

You came to me this morning in a highly emotional condition and wanted to be driven to Tijuana to catch an early plane.

come to (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

highly (非常に) [副] to a high degree or extent

emotional (感情的な) [形] of or relating to a person's emotions

condition (状態) [名] the state of something

be driven (車で送られる) [動] be taken somewhere in a vehicle

early (早朝の) [形] happening or done before the usual or expected time

あなたは今朝、非常に感情的な状態で私のところに来て、早朝の飛行機に乗るためにティファナまで車で送ってほしいと言った。

You had a gun in your pocket, but I needn't have seen it.

あなたはポケットに銃を持っていたが、私はそれを見る必要はなかった。

You told me you had stood things as long as you could but last night you blew up.

stand (我慢する) [動] to tolerate or endure

as long as (できるだけ長く) [接] for the whole time that

blow up (爆発する) [動] to explode

あなたは私に、できるだけ長く我慢していたが、昨夜は爆発してしまったと言った。

You found your wife dead drunk and a man had been with her.

wife (妻) [名] a married woman

be with (一緒にいる) [動] accompany

あなたは妻が酔いつぶれているのを見つけ、男が一緒にいた。

You got out and went to a Turkish bath to pass the time until morning and you phoned your wife's two closest relatives and told them what you were doing.

pass the time (時間を過ごす) [動] do something to make time seem to go faster

phone (電話する) [動] make a telephone call

あなたは外に出て、朝まで時間を過ごすためにトルコ風呂に行き、妻の最も近い2人の親戚に電話して、あなたがしていることを話した。

Where you went was none of my business.

あなたがどこに行ったかは私の知ったことではない。

You had the necessary documents to enter Mexico.

document (書類) [名] a piece of paper with writing on it that gives information about something

enter (入る) [動] to go or come in

あなたはメキシコに入るのに必要な書類を持っていた。

How you went was none of my business either.

none of (知ったことではない) [名] not at all; in no way

あなたがどうやって行ったかも私の知ったことではない。

We are friends and I did what you asked me without much thought.

without (なしに) [前] not having or not accompanied by

私たちは友人であり、私はあまり考えずにあなたが私に頼んだことをした。

Why wouldn't I?

would (だろう) [助] used to express a strong intention, wish, or determination

なぜそうしない?

You're not paying me anything.

pay (払う) [動] give money that you owe to someone

あなたは私に何も払っていない。

You had your car but you felt too upset to drive yourself.

upset (動揺している) [形] unhappy or disappointed

あなたは車を持っていたが、自分で運転するにはあまりにも動揺していた。

That's your business too.

your (あなたの) [代] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

それもあなたの仕事だ。

You're an emotional guy and you got yourself a bad wound in the war.

あなたは感情的な男で、戦争でひどい傷を負った。

I think I ought to pick up your car and shove it in a garage somewhere for storage.”

shove (押し込む) [動] to push or thrust something or someone with force

storage (保管) [名] the action or method of storing something

あなたの車を拾って、どこかのガレージに保管しておくべきだと思う。」

He reached into his clothes and pushed a leather keyholder across the table.

reach into (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

彼は服の中に手を伸ばし、革製のキーホルダーをテーブルの向こう側に押し出した。

“How does it sound?” he asked.

sound (聞こえる) [動] be perceived or understood

「どう聞こえる?」と彼は尋ねた。

“Depends who's listening.

depend (による) [動] be controlled or determined by

「誰が聞いているかによる。

I haven't finished.

finish (終わる) [動] come to an end; stop

まだ終わっていない。

You took nothing but the clothes you stood up in and some money you had from your father-in-law.

clothes (服) [名] things that people wear

stand up (着る) [動] be in or assume a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

father-in-law (義父) [名] the father of one's spouse

あなたは着ていた服と義父からもらったお金以外は何も持っていかなかった。

You left everything she had given you including that beautiful piece of machinery you parked at La Brea and Fountain.

everything (全てのもの) [名] all the things

park (駐車する) [動] leave a vehicle in a particular place

machine (機械) [名] an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task

あなたは彼女があなたに与えた全てのものを残していった。ラ・ブレアとファウンテンに駐車したあの美しい機械も含めて。

You wanted to go away as clean as it was possible for you to go and still go.

possible (可能な限り) [形] able to be done or achieved

still (今も) [副] even now or even then

go (去りたい) [動] leave a place

あなたは可能な限りきれいに去りたかったし、今も去りたいと思っている。

All right. I'll buy it.

all right (分かった) [間] an expression of agreement

分かった。それを買おう。

Now I shave and get dressed.”

get dressed (着替える) [動] put on clothes

髭を剃って着替える」

“Why are you doing it, Marlowe?”

「なぜそれをするんだ、マーロウ?」

“Buy yourself a drink while I shave.”

「私が髭を剃っている間に飲み物を買ってきて」

I walked out and left him sitting there hunched in the corner of the nook.

私は歩き出し、彼を隅の角に座らせたままにした。

He still had his hat and light topcoat on.

light (薄手の) [形] of little weight

topcoat (コート) [名] a lightweight overcoat

彼はまだ帽子と薄手のコートを着ていた。

But he looked a lot more alive.

alive (生きている) [形] having life; living

しかし、彼はずっと生き生きとしていた。

I went into the bathroom and shaved.

go into (入る) [動] move or travel into

私は浴室に入り、髭を剃った。

I was back in the bedroom knotting my tie when he came and stood in the doorway.

be back (戻る) [動] return to a place

bedroom (寝室) [名] a room of a house for sleeping

knot (結ぶ) [動] fasten or join together with a knot

tie (ネクタイ) [名] a long piece of cloth worn around the neck

私が寝室に戻ってネクタイを結んでいると、彼がやってきて戸口に立った。

“I washed the cups just in case,” he said.

wash (洗う) [動] clean with water

just in case (念のため) [副] in case something happens; as a precaution

「念のためカップを洗っておいた」と彼は言った。

“But I got thinking.

get thinking (考えた) [動] to start thinking about something

「しかし、考えたんだ。

Maybe it would be better if you called the police.”

police (警察) [名] the civil force of a state responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order

警察に電話した方がいいかもしれない」

“Call them yourself.

yourself (自分で) [代] you, used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is also you

「自分で電話しろ。

I haven't anything to tell them.”

haven't (持っていない) [助] have not

私は何も話すことがない」

“You want me to?”

「そうしろって?」

I turned around sharply and gave him a hard stare.

turn around (きびすを返す) [動] change direction

hard stare (じっと見つめる) [名] a long, direct, and usually angry or unfriendly look

私はきびすを返して彼をじっと見つめた。

“God damn it!” I almost yelled at him.

God damn it (畜生) [間] an expression of anger or annoyance

yell (叫ぶ) [動] to speak or shout loudly, as in pain, surprise, or anger

「畜生!」私は彼に向かって叫びそうになった。

“Can't you for Chrissake just leave it lay?”

for Chrissake (頼むから) [間] used to express annoyance or impatience

leave it lay (放っておく) [動] to not do anything about something

「頼むから放っておいてくれないか?」

“I'm sorry.”

「すみません」

“Sure you're sorry.

「もちろんすまないと思っているだろう。

Guys like you are always sorry, and always too late.”

like (のような) [前] having the same characteristics or qualities as

late (遅い) [形] coming or happening after the usual or expected time

あなたのような奴はいつもすまないと思っているし、いつも遅すぎる」

He turned and walked back along the hall to the living room.

彼は振り返り、廊下を歩いて居間に戻った。

I finished dressing and locked up the back part of the house.

dressing (着替え) [名] the action of putting on clothes

私は着替えを終え、家の裏側を施錠した。

When I got to the living room he had fallen asleep in a chair, his head on one side, his face drained of color, his whole body slack with exhaustion.

chair (椅子) [名] a seat with a back and usually four legs

whole (全身) [形] complete; entire

body (体) [名] the physical structure, including the bones, flesh and organs, of a person or an animal

slack (ぐったり) [形] not held or tied together, or not held or fastened firmly

exhaustion (疲労) [名] a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness

私が居間に行くと、彼は椅子で眠り込んでいて、頭を横に傾け、顔は血の気が失せ、全身が疲労でぐったりしていた。

He looked pitiful.

pitiful (哀れ) [形] deserving or arousing pity

彼は哀れに見えた。

When I touched his shoulder he came awake slowly as if it was a long way from where he was to where I was.

as if (まるで) [接] used to introduce a clause that expresses a possibility or hypothesis

long way (長い道のり) [名] a great distance

where I was (私のいる場所) [名] the place where I was

私が彼の肩に触れると、彼はまるで彼のいる場所から私のいる場所までが長い道のりであるかのようにゆっくりと目を覚ました。

When I had his attention I said, “What about a suitcase?

have one's attention (注意を引く) [動] to be noticed by someone

彼の注意を引くと、私は「スーツケースはどうした?

I still got that white pigskin job on the top shelf in my closet.”

job (やつ) [名] a task or work

クローゼットの一番上の棚に白い豚革のやつがまだある」

“It's empty,” he said without interest.

interest (興味) [名] a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

「空だ」と彼は興味なさそうに言った。

“Also it's too conspicuous.”

conspicuous (目立つ) [形] attracting notice or attention

「それに目立ちすぎる」

“You'd be more conspicuous without any baggage.”

baggage (荷物) [名] the bags, cases, and other items that a person carries with them when they travel

「荷物がないともっと目立つよ」

I walked back to the bedroom and stood up on the steps in the clothes closet and pulled the white pigskin job down off the high shelf.

walk back (戻る) [動] go back to a place

clothes closet (衣装戸棚) [名] a closet for storing clothes

pull (下ろす) [動] move something or someone with force

私は寝室に戻り、衣装戸棚の踏み台に上って、高い棚から白い豚革のやつを下ろした。

The square ceiling trap was right over my head, so I pushed that up and reached in as far as I could and dropped his leather keyholder behind one of the dusty tie beams or whatever they were.

square (四角い) [形] having four equal sides and four right angles

ceiling (天井) [名] the upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment

trap (トラップ) [名] a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit

right over (真上に) [前] directly above

far (できる限り) [副] to a great extent; a long way

leather (革製の) [形] made of leather

keyholder (キーホルダー) [名] a ring or chain for holding keys

dusty (埃っぽい) [形] covered with dust

tie beam (タイビーム) [名] a horizontal beam connecting two rafters to prevent them from spreading apart

whatever (何か) [代] no matter what; anything or everything that

四角い天井のトラップが私の頭の真上にあったので、私はそれを押し上げて、できる限り手を伸ばして、彼の革製のキーホルダーを埃っぽいタイビームか何かの後ろに落とした。

I climbed down with the suitcase, dusted it off, and shoved some things into it, a pair of pajamas never worn, toothpaste, an extra toothbrush, a couple of cheap towels and washcloths, a package of cotton handkerchiefs, a fifteen-cent tube of shaving cream, and one of the razors they give away with a package of blades.

climb down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower place

dust off (埃を払う) [動] remove dust from

pair (一組) [名] two things of the same type that are used together

pajamas (パジャマ) [名] a suit of loose clothing for sleeping in

toothpaste (歯磨き粉) [名] a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth

toothbrush (歯ブラシ) [名] an instrument with a handle and a head of bristles for cleaning the teeth

towel (タオル) [名] a piece of absorbent cloth or paper that is used for drying or wiping something

washcloth (洗面タオル) [名] a small cloth for washing oneself

handkerchief (ハンカチ) [名] a square of cloth used for wiping the nose or mouth

shaving cream (シェービングクリーム) [名] a cream or soap used to lubricate the face when shaving

razor (カミソリ) [名] an instrument with a sharp blade or blades, used to remove unwanted hair from the face or body

blade (刃) [名] the flat cutting edge of a knife, sword, or other weapon

私はスーツケースを持って降り、埃を払い、いくつかのものを押し込んだ。着たことのないパジャマ、歯磨き粉、予備の歯ブラシ、安物のタオルと洗面タオル、綿のハンカチのパッケージ、15セントのシェービングクリームのチューブ、そして刃のパッケージと一緒に配られるカミソリの一つ。

Nothing used, nothing marked, nothing conspicuous, except that his own stuff would be better.

used (使用した) [動] convert to one's own use

marked (印のついた) [動] put a mark on

except (除いて) [前] not including; other than

own (自身の) [形] belonging to (the person or thing mentioned)

stuff (もの) [名] the material or substance of which something is made or composed

better (もっとよかった) [形] of a more excellent or effective type or quality

使用したものも、印のついたものも、目立つものも何もなかったが、彼自身のものならもっとよかっただろう。

I added a pint of bourbon still in its wrapping paper.

pint (パイント) [名] a unit of liquid volume equal to 16 fluid ounces

bourbon (バーボン) [名] a type of American whiskey

wrapping paper (包装紙) [名] a decorative paper used to wrap a gift

私は包装紙に包まれたバーボンを1パイント加えた。

I locked the suitcase and left the key in one of the locks and carried it up front.

lock (鍵をかける) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

私はスーツケースに鍵をかけ、鍵を鍵穴の一つに残して、それを前まで運んだ。

He had gone to sleep again.

go to sleep (眠り込む) [動] fall asleep

again (また) [副] once more; another time

彼はまた眠り込んでしまった。

I opened the door without waking him and carried the suitcase down to the garage and put it in the convertible behind the front seat.

wake (起こす) [動] stop sleeping

私は彼を起こさずにドアを開け、スーツケースをガレージまで運び、それを前部座席の後ろのコンバーチブルに入れた。

I got the car out and locked the garage and went back up the steps to wake him.

私は車を出してガレージに鍵をかけ、彼を起こすために階段を上って戻った。

I finished locking up and we left.

私は鍵をかけ終え、私たちは出発した。

I drove fast but not fast enough to get tagged.

fast (速く) [副] at high speed

not fast enough (十分速くない) [形] not moving or able to move quickly enough

get tagged (捕まえられる) [動] be caught or captured

私は速く運転したが、捕まえられるほど速くはなかった。

We hardly spoke on the way down.

speak (話す) [動] say words

私たちは道中ほとんど話さなかった。

We didn't stop to eat either.

stop (立ち寄る) [動] temporarily halt

私たちは食事のために立ち寄ることもしなかった。

There wasn't that much time.

much (多くの) [形] a large amount or number of

それほど時間がなかった。

The border people had nothing to say to us.

people (人) [名] a human being

have nothing to say (何も言わない) [動] to not have anything to say

us (私たち) [代] the speaker and at least one other person

国境の人は私たちに何も言わなかった。

Up on the windy mesa where the Tijuana Airport is I parked close to the office and just sat while Terry got his ticket.

Tijuana Airport (ティファナ空港) [名] an airport in Tijuana, Mexico

ティファナ空港がある風の強い台地の上に私は事務所の近くに駐車し、テリーがチケットを買う間ただ座っていた。

The propellers of the DC-3 were already turning over slowly, just enough to keep warm.

propeller (プロペラ) [名] a device with two or more blades that is turned by an engine and causes a ship or aircraft to move

turn over (回転する) [動] to change from one position to another

just enough (十分に) [副] to the necessary degree or extent

keep warm (暖かく保つ) [動] to maintain a warm temperature

DC-3のプロペラはすでにゆっくりと回転しており、暖かく保つのに十分だった。

A tall dreamboat of a pilot in a gray uniform was chatting with a group of four people.

tall (背の高い) [形] of more than average height

dreamboat (ドリームボート) [名] a very attractive person

pilot (パイロット) [名] a person who flies an aircraft

gray (灰色の) [形] of a color intermediate between black and white

uniform (制服) [名] a distinctive outfit worn by members of an organization

chat (おしゃべりする) [動] talk in a friendly and informal way

灰色の制服を着たパイロットの背の高いドリームボートが4人のグループとおしゃべりをしていた。

One was about six feet four and carried a gun case.

six feet four (6フィート4インチ) [名] a height of 76 inches

gun case (銃ケース) [名] a case for storing or transporting a gun

1人は6フィート4インチくらいで、銃ケースを運んでいた。

There was a girl in slacks beside him, and a smallish middle-aged man and a gray-haired woman so tall that she made him look puny.

slacks (スラックス) [名] trousers for casual wear

smallish (小さめの) [形] somewhat small

middle-aged (中年の) [形] being between the ages of about 45 and 65

puny (小さい) [形] lacking in size or strength

彼の横にはスラックスをはいた少女がいて、小さめの中年の男性と白髪の女性は彼が小さく見えるほど背が高かった。

Three or four obvious Mexicans were standing around as well.

three or four (3、4人) [名] the number 3 or 4

Mexican (メキシコ人) [名] a person from Mexico

stand around (立っている) [動] to be standing without doing anything in particular

3、4人のメキシコ人らしき人々も立っていた。

That seemed to be the load.

load (荷物) [名] something that is carried; a burden

それが荷物のようだ。

The steps were at the door but nobody seemed anxious to get in.

get in (乗り込む) [動] enter a place or vehicle

階段はドアのところにあるが、誰も乗り込むのを心配していないようだった。

Then a Mexican flight steward came down the steps and stood waiting.

flight steward (客室乗務員) [名] a person who works on a plane and serves passengers

それからメキシコ人の客室乗務員が階段を降りてきて待っていた。

There didn't seem to be any loudspeaker equipment.

loudspeaker (スピーカー) [名] a device that converts electrical signals into sound

equipment (設備) [名] the set of tools, machinery, and other items that are used to do a particular job

スピーカー設備はないようだ。

The Mexicans climbed into the plane but the pilot was still chatting with the Americans.

climb (乗りこむ) [動] go up or down using one's hands and feet

メキシコ人たちは飛行機に乗りこんだが、パイロットはまだアメリカ人たちとおしゃべりをしていた。

There was a big Packard parked next to me.

Packard (パッカード) [名] a luxury car brand

next to (隣に) [前] in a position immediately next to someone or something

私の隣に大きなパッカードが駐車していた。

I got out and took a gander at the license on the post.

take a gander (じろじろ見る) [動] look at something carefully

私は降りて、ポストの免許証をじろじろ見た。

Maybe someday I'll learn to mind my own business.

mind (気にかける) [動] be concerned about or worried by

business (事) [名] a task or an undertaking

いつか自分のことを気にかけることを学ぶかもしれない。

As I pulled my head out I saw the tall woman staring in my direction.

woman (女性) [名] an adult human female

頭を抜くと、背の高い女性が私の方を見つめているのが見えた。

Then Terry came across the dusty gravel.

come across (渡って来る) [動] to find or meet by chance

gravel (砂利道) [名] a loose mixture of small stones and sand

それからテリーは埃っぽい砂利道を渡って来た。

“I'm all set,” he said.

all set (準備は万端だ) [形] completely ready

「準備は万端だ」と彼は言った。

“This is where I say goodbye.”

say goodbye (お別れだ) [動] express a farewell

「ここでお別れだ」

He put his hand out.

彼は手を差し出した。

I shook it.

私はそれを握った。

He looked pretty good now, just tired, just tired as all hell.

pretty good (かなり元気そう) [形] very good

all hell (ひどく) [名] a place or state of great suffering

彼は今ではかなり元気そうに見えた。ただ疲れているだけだった。ただひどく疲れているだけだった。

I lifted the pigskin suitcase out of the Olds and put it down on the gravel.

gravel (砂利) [名] small stones

私は豚革のスーツケースをオールズから持ち上げ、砂利の上に置いた。

He stared at it angrily.

angrily (怒って) [副] in an angry manner

彼はそれを怒って見つめた。

“I told you I didn't want it,” he said snappishly.

snappishly (きつい口調で) [副] in an irritable or sharp manner

「欲しくないって言っただろう」と彼はきつい口調で言った。

“There's a nice pint of hooch in it, Terry.

hooch (密造酒) [名] alcoholic liquor, especially inferior or illicit liquor

「そこにはいい密造酒が1パイント入っているよ、テリー。

Also some pajamas and stuff.

stuff (その他のもの) [名] things in general

パジャマやその他のものも。

And it's all anonymous.

anonymous (匿名) [形] of or relating to a person or thing having no known name

そして、それはすべて匿名だ。

If you don't want it, check it.

check (確認する) [動] examine or inspect for accuracy, quality, or completeness

欲しくないなら、確認して。

Or throw it away.”

throw (捨てる) [動] to get rid of something by letting it fall or be thrown

away (離れて) [副] from a place or position

または捨てて」

“I have reasons,” he said stiffly.

「理由がある」と彼は堅く言った。

“So have I.”

「私にも」

He smiled suddenly.

suddenly (突然) [副] quickly and without warning

彼は突然微笑んだ。

He picked up the suitcase and squeezed my arm with his free hand.

pick up (拾い上げる) [動] to lift or raise something

squeeze (握る) [動] to press firmly and usually from both sides

arm (腕) [名] an upper limb

彼はスーツケースを拾い上げ、空いた手で私の腕を握った。

“Okay, pal. You're the boss.

boss (ボス) [名] a person who is in charge of a worker or organization

「分かった、相棒。君がボスだ。

And remember, if things get tough, you have a blank check.

blank check (白紙の小切手) [名] a signed check with the amount left blank

そして覚えておいてほしい、もし事態が厳しくなったら、君には白紙の小切手がある。

You don't owe me a thing.

thing (もの) [名] an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to

君は私に何も借りていない。

We had a few drinks together and got to be friendly and I talked too much about me.

have a few drinks (何杯か飲む) [動] drink alcohol

talk too much (話しすぎる) [動] talk excessively

私たちは一緒に何杯か飲んで、親しくなり、私は自分のことを話しすぎた。

I left five C notes in your coffee can.

C note (500ドル札) [名] a 500-dollar bill

coffee can (コーヒー缶) [名] a can that contains coffee

コーヒー缶に500ドル札を5枚残しておいた。

Don't be sore at me.”

be sore at (恨む) [動] to be angry with someone

私を恨まないで」

“I'd rather you hadn't.”

hadn't (しなかった) [助] had not

「そうしないでほしい」

“I'll never spend half of what I have.”

spend (使う) [動] pay out (money) in buying or hiring goods or services

「持っているものの半分も使わない」

“Good luck, Terry.”

good luck (幸運を祈る) [名] a wish for success

「幸運を祈る、テリー」

The two Americans were going up the steps into the plane.

go up (上る) [動] move from a lower to a higher position

2人のアメリカ人は飛行機の階段を上っていた。

A squatty guy with a wide dark face came out of the door of the office building and waved and pointed.

squatty (ずんぐりした) [形] short and thick

wide (広い) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

dark (黒い) [形] having little or no light

come out (出てくる) [動] move or travel from inside to outside

広く黒い顔をしたずんぐりした男がオフィスビルのドアから出てきて、手を振って指さした。

“Climb aboard,” I said.

climb aboard (乗る) [動] get on or into a vehicle

said (言った) [動] express (something) in words

「乗って」と私は言った。

“I know you didn't kill her.

「君が彼女を殺さなかったことは知っている。

That's why I'm here.”

that's why (だから) [接] for that reason

I'm here (私はここにいる) [動] I am present in this place

だから私はここにいる。」

He braced himself.

brace oneself (身構える) [動] to prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant

彼は身構えた。

His whole body got stiff.

whole body (全身) [名] the entire body

get stiff (硬直する) [動] become rigid or inflexible

彼の全身が硬直した。

He turned slowly, then looked back.

look back (後ろを見る) [動] turn your head and body to look in the direction that is behind you

彼はゆっくりと振り返り、それから後ろを見た。

“I'm sorry,” he said quietly.

「すまない」と彼は静かに言った。

“But you're wrong about that.

「しかし、その点では君は間違っている。

I'm going to walk quite slowly to the plane.

私は飛行機までゆっくりと歩くつもりだ。

You have plenty of time to stop me.”

have plenty of (十分にある) [動] to have more than enough of something

stop (止める) [動] to cause to cease moving or operating

私を止めるのに十分な時間がある。」

He walked. I watched him.

彼は歩いた。私は彼を見た。

The guy in the doorway of the office was waiting, but not too impatient.

impatient (焦る) [形] showing or feeling a lack of patience

事務所の戸口にいる男は待っていたが、あまり焦ってはいなかった。

Mexicans seldom are.

seldom (めったに) [副] not often; rarely

メキシコ人はめったにそうではない。

He reached down and patted the pigskin suitcase and grinned at Terry.

reach down (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch one's hand downward

pat (軽く叩く) [動] to touch or stroke gently with the hand

彼は手を伸ばして豚革のスーツケースを軽く叩き、テリーにニヤリと笑った。

Then he stood aside and Terry went through the door.

stand aside (脇に寄る) [動] move to the side

go through (通って行く) [動] pass through

それから彼は脇に寄り、テリーはドアを通って行った。

In a little while Terry came out through the door on the other side, where the customs people are when you're coming in.

in a little while (しばらくすると) [副] after a short time

other side (反対側) [名] the side of something that is not the one that is being considered

customs (税関) [名] the authority or procedure by which a government or international organization inspects and regulates goods imported and exported by a country

when you're coming in (入国するときに) [副] when you enter a country

しばらくすると、テリーは反対側のドアから出てきた。そこは入国するときに税関の人がいるところだ。

He walked, still slowly, across the gravel to the steps.

彼はゆっくりと歩き、砂利を横切って階段まで歩いていった。

He stopped there and looked towards me.

stop (立ち止まる) [動] cease moving

彼はそこで立ち止まり、私の方を見た。

He didn't signal or wave.

signal (合図) [名] a gesture, action, or sound that is used to give information or instructions

彼は合図も手を振ることもしなかった。

Neither did I.

neither (どちらも) [接] not either; not one or the other

私もそうしなかった。

Then he went up into the plane, and the steps were pulled back.

go up (乗り込む) [動] move to a higher position

pull back (引き戻す) [動] move something away from the front or from a position in front

それから彼は飛行機に乗り込み、階段は引き戻された。

I got into the Olds and started it and backed and turned and moved halfway across the parking space.

start (かける) [動] cause to begin

back (バックする) [動] move backwards

私はオールズモビルに乗り込み、エンジンをかけ、バックして方向転換し、駐車場の半分まで移動した。

The tall woman and the short man were still out on the field.

short (背の低い) [形] of less than average height

out (外に) [副] not in a place

field (飛行場) [名] an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture

背の高い女性と背の低い男性はまだ飛行場にいた。

The woman had a handkerchief out to wave.

have (出す) [動] to hold or carry

女性はハンカチを出して手を振っていた。

The plane began to taxi down to the end of the field raising plenty of dust.

taxi (タキシングする) [動] move slowly on the ground before takeoff or after landing

raise (上げる) [動] lift or move to a higher position

plenty (たくさん) [名] a lot or more than enough of something

飛行機はたくさんのほこりを上げながら飛行場の端までタキシングを始めた。

It turned at the far end and the motors revved up in a thundering roar.

far end (遠端) [名] the point farthest away

motor (モーター) [名] a machine that provides power

rev up (回転数を上げる) [動] increase the speed of an engine

thundering roar (雷鳴のような轟音) [名] a very loud noise

飛行機は遠端で方向転換し、モーターが雷鳴のような轟音を立てて回転数を上げた。

It began to move forward picking up speed slowly.

move forward (前進する) [動] move ahead

pick up (上げる) [動] to increase in speed, intensity, or amount

飛行機はゆっくりと速度を上げながら前進し始めた。

The dust rose in clouds behind it.

dust (ほこり) [名] fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air

rise (舞い上がる) [動] go up or move up

飛行機の後ろにほこりが雲のように舞い上がった。

Then it was airborne.

airborne (離陸した) [形] transported by air

そして飛行機は離陸した。

I watched it lift slowly into the gusty air and fade off into the naked blue sky to the southeast.

lift (上昇する) [動] move or cause to move upwards

gusty (突風の) [形] characterized by strong winds

naked (むき出しの) [形] without covering or protection

sky (空) [名] the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth

私は飛行機が突風の中をゆっくりと上昇し、南東のむき出しの青い空に消えていくのを見守った。

Then I left.

それから私は立ち去った。

Nobody at the border gate looked at me as if my face meant as much as the hands on a clock.

border gate (国境の門) [名] a gate at a border

hand (針) [名] the pointer on a clock or watch

clock (時計) [名] a device with a numbered dial and moving pointers that shows the time

国境の門では誰も私の顔を時計の針と同じくらい意味があるかのように見なかった。

[6]

It's a long drag back from Tijuana and one of the dullest drives in the state.

drag (道のり) [名] a long and tiring journey

back (戻る) [副] to the place or person that was left

dull (退屈な) [形] lacking interest or excitement

drive (ドライブ) [名] a journey in a car

ティファナから戻るのは長い道のりで、州内でも最も退屈なドライブの1つだ。

Tijuana is nothing; all they want there is the buck.

ティファナは何もない。彼らが欲しているのは金だけだ。

The kid who sidles over to your car and looks at you with big wistful eyes and says, “One dime, please, mister,” will try to sell you his sister in the next sentence.

sidle (近づく) [動] move or walk in a furtive or stealthy manner

wistful (物欲しそうな) [形] having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

あなたの車に近づき、大きな物欲しそうな目であなたを見て、「10セントください、おじさん」と言う子供は、次の文であなたに妹を売ろうとするだろう。

Tijuana is not Mexico.

Mexico (メキシコ) [名] a country in the southern portion of North America

ティファナはメキシコではない。

No border town is anything but a border town, just as no waterfront is anything but a waterfront.

border town (国境の町) [名] a town on or near a border

waterfront (ウォーターフロント) [名] an area of land next to a large area of water

どの国境の町も国境の町に過ぎず、どのウォーターフロントもウォーターフロントに過ぎない。

San Diego? One of the most beautiful harbors in the world and nothing in it but navy and a few fishing boats.

San Diego (サンディエゴ) [名] a city in California

most (最も) [形] to the highest degree or extent

harbor (港) [名] a sheltered place on the coast where ships can dock

navy (海軍) [名] the branch of a nation's armed forces that is responsible for fighting at sea

few (数隻) [形] a small number of

fishing boat (漁船) [名] a boat used for fishing

サンディエゴ? 世界で最も美しい港の1つであり、海軍と数隻の漁船以外は何もない。

At night it is fairyland.

at night (夜) [副] during the night

fairyland (妖精の国) [名] the imaginary land of fairies

夜はそこは妖精の国だ。

The swell is as gentle as an old lady singing hymns.

swell (うねり) [名] a large wave or series of waves

gentle (穏やか) [形] not rough or violent; mild, moderate

old lady (老婦人) [名] a woman who is old

sing (歌う) [動] make musical sounds with the voice, usually words with a set tune

うねりは賛美歌を歌う老婦人のように穏やかだ。

But Marlowe has to get home and count the spoons.

count (数える) [動] determine the total number of

しかし、マーロウは家に帰ってスプーンを数えなければならない。

The road north is as monotonous as a sailor's chantey.

road (道) [名] a way on land between two places that has been paved to allow travel by transport

north (北) [名] the direction that is to your left when you are facing the rising sun

monotonous (単調) [形] lacking in variety; tediously uniform or unvarying

sailor (船乗り) [名] a person who works on a ship

chantey (シャンティ) [名] a song with alternating solo and chorus, of a kind originally sung by sailors

北への道は船乗りのシャンティのように単調だ。

You go through a town, down a hill, along a stretch of beach, through a town, down a hill, along a stretch of beach.

down (下りる) [前] from a higher to a lower place

hill (丘) [名] a small mountain

along (沿って) [前] in a line parallel to the length or direction of

beach (海岸) [名] an area of sand or stones next to an area of water

町を通り抜け、丘を下り、海岸線に沿って進み、町を通り抜け、丘を下り、海岸線に沿って進む。

It was two o'clock when I got back and they were waiting for me in a dark sedan with no police tags, no red light, only the double antenna, and not only police cars have those.

two o'clock (2時) [名] the time of day that is two hours after noon

police tag (警察のタグ) [名] a tag that identifies a police officer

red light (赤いライト) [名] a light that is red in color

double antenna (ダブルアンテナ) [名] an antenna that has two elements

私が戻ったのは2時だったが、彼らは警察のタグも赤いライトもなく、ダブルアンテナだけが付いた黒いセダンで私を待っていたが、パトカーだけがそれらを持っているわけではない。

I was halfway up the steps before they came out of it and yelled at me, the usual couple in the usual suits, with the usual stony leisure of movement, as if the world was waiting hushed and silent for them to tell it what to do.

halfway (半分ほど) [副] to the middle point

come out of (出てくる) [動] to move or travel from inside to outside

couple (二人組) [名] two people who are married, engaged, or otherwise closely associated romantically or sexually

suit (スーツ) [名] a man's formal suit of clothes

私が階段を半分ほど上ったところで、彼らが出てきて私に向かって叫んだ。いつものスーツを着たいつもの二人組で、いつものように石のようにゆっくりとした動きで、まるで世界が彼らの指示を待っているかのようだった。

“Your name Marlowe?

「名前はマーロウか?

We want to talk to you.”

話したいことがある」

He let me see the glint of a badge.

glint (ちらり) [名] a small flash of light

彼はバッジをちらりと見せた。

For all I caught of it he might have been Pest Control.

for all I caught of it (私が理解した限りでは) [句] to the extent of my knowledge

pest control (害虫駆除) [名] the regulation or reduction of the population of a pest

私が理解した限りでは、彼は害虫駆除業者だったかもしれない。

He was gray blond and looked sticky.

blond (金髪) [形] of a light yellowish color

sticky (べたべたした) [形] tending to stick or adhere

彼は白髪交じりの金髪で、べたべたした感じだった。

His partner was tall, good-looking, neat, and had a precise nastiness about him, a goon with an education.

partner (相棒) [名] a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or company with shared risks and profits

good-looking (ハンサム) [形] attractive in appearance

neat (きちんとした) [形] tidy, organized, or smart in appearance

precise (正確な) [形] exact or accurate

nastiness (嫌らしさ) [名] the quality of being unpleasant or disgusting

education (教育) [名] the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university

彼の相棒は背が高く、ハンサムで、きちんとしていて、彼には正確な嫌らしさがあった。教育を受けたチンピラだ。

They had watching and waiting eyes, patient and careful eyes, cool disdainful eyes, cops' eyes.

patient (忍耐強い) [形] able to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

cool (冷静な) [形] feeling or showing little or no emotion

disdainful (軽蔑的な) [形] showing a lack of respect for someone or something

彼らは観察し、待つ目、忍耐強く注意深い目、冷静で軽蔑的な目、警官の目をしていた。

They get them at the passing-out parade at the police school.

police school (警察学校) [名] a school that trains people to be police officers

彼らは警察学校の卒業式でそれを手に入れる。

“Sergeant Green, Central Homicide.

Sergeant (巡査部長) [名] a police officer of a rank above a constable and below an inspector

Green (グリーン) [名] a color intermediate between blue and yellow in the visible spectrum

Central (中央) [形] in or near the middle of something

Homicide (殺人課) [名] the killing of one human being by another

「グリーン巡査部長、中央殺人課。

This is Detective Dayton.”

detective (刑事) [名] a police officer who investigates crimes

こちらはデイトン刑事です」

I went on up and unlocked the door.

unlock (鍵を開ける) [動] open the lock of

私は上に行ってドアの鍵を開けた。

You don't shake hands with big city cops.

big city (大都市) [名] a large city

大都市の警官と握手はしない。

That close is too close.

close (近い) [形] having a small distance between two things

too (あまりに) [副] to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible

そんなに近いと近すぎる。

They sat in the living room.

彼らは居間に座った。

I opened the windows and the breeze whispered.

breeze (そよ風) [名] a gentle wind

私は窓を開け、そよ風がささやいた。

Green did the talking.

do the talking (話す) [動] to be the one who speaks

グリーンが話した。

“Man named Terry Lennox. Know him, huh?”

「テリー・レノックスという男。彼を知っているか?」

“We have a drink together once in a while.

have a drink (酒を飲む) [動] drink alcohol

once in a while (時々) [副] occasionally

「時々一緒に酒を飲む。

He lives in Encino, married money.

彼はエンシノに住んでいて、金持ちと結婚した。

I've never been where he lives.”

be never (行ったことがない) [動] not ever

彼の住んでいるところに行ったことはない」

“Once in a while,” Green said.

「時々」とグリーンは言った。

“How often would that be?”

how often (どのくらいの頻度で) [副] how frequently

「どのくらいの頻度で?」

“It's a vague expression.

vague (あいまいな) [形] of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning

「それはあいまいな表現だ。

I meant it that way.

そういう意味だ。

It could be once a week or once in two months.”

once (一度) [副] on one occasion or for one time only

two months (二ヶ月) [名] a period of eight weeks

週に一度かもしれないし、二ヶ月に一度かもしれない。」

“Met his wife?”

「奥さんに会った?」

“Once, very briefly, before they were married.”

「一度、彼らが結婚する前に、とても短時間だけ。」

“You saw him last when and where?”

when (いつ) [副] at what time

「最後に彼に会ったのはいつ、どこで?」

I took a pipe off the end table and filled it.

私はサイドテーブルからパイプを取り、それを詰めた。

Green leaned forward close to me.

forward (前方) [副] toward the front or the future

グリーンは私に近づいて前かがみになった。

The tall lad sat farther back holding a ball-point poised over a red-edged pad.

farther (さらに) [副] to a greater extent or degree

ball-point (ボールペン) [名] a pen with a small metal ball as its writing point

poise (構える) [動] be balanced or suspended

pad (メモ帳) [名] a number of sheets of blank or ruled paper fastened together at one edge

背の高い若者は、赤い縁のついたメモ帳の上にボールペンを構えて、さらに後ろに座っていた。

“This is where I say, 'What's this all about?'

what's this all about (これは一体どういうことなんだ) [名] what is the meaning of this

「ここで私は『これは一体どういうことなんだ?』と言う

and you say, 'We ask the questions.'”

そしてあなたは『質問するのは私たちだ』と言う」

“So you just answer them, huh?”

answer (答える) [動] say or write something in reply to a question

them (それら) [代] the people or things previously mentioned

huh (な) [間] used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion

「だからあなたはただ答えるだけだ、な?」

I lit the pipe.

light (火をつける) [動] cause to start burning

私はパイプに火をつけた。

The tobacco was a little too moist.

tobacco (タバコ) [名] a plant grown for its leaves, which are dried and fermented before being smoked or chewed

moist (湿った) [形] slightly wet

タバコは少し湿りすぎだった。

It took me some time to light it properly and three matches.

properly (きちんと) [副] in a correct manner

match (マッチ) [名] a small stick of wood or cardboard with a tip coated with a chemical that produces a flame when rubbed against a rough surface

きちんと火をつけるのに少し時間がかかり、マッチを3本使った。

“I got time,” Green said, “but I already used up a lot of it waiting around.

use up (使い果たす) [動] consume or expend completely

「時間はある」とグリーンは言った。「だが、すでに待っている間にかなり使ってしまった。

So snap it up, mister.

snap it up (急いでくれ) [動] to hurry up

だから急いでくれ、旦那。

We know who you are.

who (誰) [代] what or which person or people

私たちはあなたが誰か知っている。

And you know we ain't here to work up an appetite.”

work up (増進させる) [動] to increase or improve something

appetite (食欲) [名] a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food

そして、私たちが食欲を増進させるためにここにいるわけじゃないことは知っている。」

“I was just thinking,” I said.

「私はただ考えていた」と私は言った。

“We used to go to Victor's fairly often, and not so often to The Green Lantern and The Bull and Bear--that's the place down at the end of the Strip that tries to look like an English inn--”

fairly often (かなり頻繁に) [副] quite often

The Green Lantern (グリーンランタン) [名] a restaurant

The Bull and Bear (ブルアンドベア) [名] a restaurant

the Strip (ストリップ) [名] the Las Vegas Strip

inn (宿屋) [名] a small hotel

「私たちはビクターズにはかなり頻繁に行っていたし、グリーンランタンやブルアンドベアにはそんなに頻繁には行かなかった--そこはストリップの端にあるイギリスの宿屋のように見える場所だ--」

“Quit stalling.”

stall (ぐずぐずする) [動] delay or postpone an event or action

「ぐずぐずするな」

“Who's dead?”

「誰が死んだんだ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

Detective Dayton spoke up.

speak up (口を開く) [動] to say something clearly and loudly

デイトン刑事が口を開いた。

He had a hard, mature, don't-try-to-fool-with-me voice.

mature (大人びた) [形] having reached full development

don't-try-to-fool-with-me (私を騙そうとしないで) [動] deceive or trick

彼の声は硬く、大人びていて、私を騙そうとしないでという感じだった。

“Just answer the questions, Marlowe.

「質問に答えろ、マーロウ。

We are conducting a routine investigation.

conduct (行う) [動] to direct or manage

routine (通常の) [形] performed as part of a regular procedure

investigation (捜査) [名] an official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc.

我々は通常の捜査を行っている。

That's all you need to know.”

それがあなたが知る必要がある全てだ。」

Maybe I was tired and irritable.

irritable (イライラしている) [形] easily annoyed or angered

多分私は疲れていてイライラしていた。

Maybe I felt a little guilty.

guilty (罪悪感) [形] having committed a crime or done something wrong

多分私は少し罪悪感を感じていた。

I could learn to hate this guy without even knowing him.

hate (憎む) [動] dislike intensely or passionately

私は彼を知らずに彼を憎むことを学ぶことができた。

I could just look at him across the width of a cafeteria and want to kick his teeth in.

kick (蹴る) [動] strike or propel forcibly with the foot

tooth (歯) [名] one of the hard, white structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing

私はカフェテリアの幅を隔てて彼をただ見ることができ、彼の歯を蹴り飛ばしたかった。

“Shove it, Jack,” I said.

「押し込め、ジャック」と私は言った。

“Keep that guff for the juvenile bureau.

keep (取っておく) [動] to not give away or lose

juvenile (少年) [名] a young person who has not yet reached the age of majority

bureau (課) [名] a division of a government department

「少年課のためにその愚痴を取っておきなさい。

It's a horse laugh even to them.”

horse laugh (馬鹿げた話) [名] a loud, harsh, or derisive laugh

even (彼らにとっても) [副] to an extent or degree that is surprising or extreme

彼らにとってもそれは馬鹿げた話だ。」

Green chuckled.

chuckle (くすくす笑う) [動] to laugh quietly or inwardly

グリーンはくすくす笑った。

Nothing changed in Dayton's face that you could put a finger on but he suddenly looked ten years older and twenty years nastier.

put a finger on (指摘する) [動] to identify or point out something

ten years (10歳) [名] a period of ten years

twenty years (20歳) [名] a period of twenty years

デイトンの顔に指摘できるほどの変化はなかったが、彼は突然10歳年老いて20歳意地悪そうに見えた。

The breath going through his nose whistled faintly.

breath (息) [名] the air taken into or expelled from the lungs

go through (通る) [動] pass through or across

whistle (口笛を吹く) [動] make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing breath out through a small hole between one's lips

彼の鼻を通る息がかすかに口笛を吹いた。

“He passed the bar examination,” Green said.

pass (合格する) [動] to be successful in an examination

bar examination (司法試験) [名] an examination that must be passed in order to practice law

「彼は司法試験に合格した」とグリーンは言った。

“You can't fool around with Dayton.”

fool around (ふざける) [動] to behave in a silly or playful way

Dayton (デイトン) [名] a city in Ohio

「デイトンとはふざけられない」

I got up slowly and went over to the bookshelves.

get up (立ち上がる) [動] rise to a standing position

bookshelf (本棚) [名] a piece of furniture with shelves for books

私はゆっくりと立ち上がり、本棚のところへ行った。

I took down the bound copy of the California Penal Code.

take down (取り出す) [動] to remove something from a higher place

California Penal Code (カリフォルニア州刑法) [名] the criminal law of the state of California

私はカリフォルニア州刑法の製本されたコピーを取り出した。

I held it out to Dayton.

私はそれをデイトンに差し出した。

“Would you kindly find me the section that says I have to answer the questions?”

section (条項) [名] a distinct part or portion of something

「私が質問に答えなければならないと書いてある条項を探してくれないか?」

He was holding himself very still.

hold oneself (身動き一つしない) [動] to remain motionless

still (じっと) [副] motionless; stationary

彼は身動き一つしなかった。

He was going to slug me and we both knew it.

be going to (するつもりである) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

slug (殴りつける) [動] hit someone or something hard

彼は私を殴りつけようとしていたし、私たちは二人ともそれを知っていた。

But he was going to wait for the break.

break (休憩) [名] an interruption of continuity

しかし、彼は休憩を待つつもりだった。

Which meant that he didn't trust Green to back him up if he got out of line.

get out of line (道を踏み外す) [動] to behave in an unacceptable way

back up (バックアップする) [動] to support or assist

trust (信じる) [動] to have confidence in the reliability, truth, or ability of

つまり、彼はグリーンが彼が道を踏み外したときに彼をバックアップしてくれるとは信じていなかった。

He said: “Every citizen has to co-operate with the police.

citizen (市民) [名] an inhabitant of a city or town; especially : one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman

co-operate (協力する) [動] work together with one or more people in order to achieve something

彼は言った。「すべての市民は警察に協力しなければならない。

In all ways, even by physical action, and especially by answering any questions of a non-incriminating nature the police think it necessary to ask.”

in all ways (あらゆる方法で) [副] in every possible way

even (でさえ) [副] to an extreme or excessive degree

physical (身体的な) [形] of or relating to the body

action (行動) [名] the fact or process of doing something

especially (特に) [副] to a great extent; very much

non-incriminating (非犯罪的な) [形] not incriminating

nature (性質) [名] the basic or inherent features of something

あらゆる方法で、身体的な行動によってでさえ、そして特に警察が尋ねる必要があると思う非犯罪的な性質の質問に答えることによって。」

His voice saying this was hard and bright and smooth.

これを言う彼の声は硬く、明るく、滑らかだった。

“It works out that way,” I said.

work out (うまくいく) [動] to be successful or satisfactory

that way (そういう風に) [副] in that manner

「そういう風にうまくいくんだ」と私は言った。

“Mostly by a process of direct or indirect intimidation.

mostly (ほとんど) [副] for the most part; usually

process (プロセス) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end

direct (直接的) [形] without an intermediary

indirect (間接的) [形] not direct

intimidation (脅迫) [名] the action of intimidating someone, or the state of being intimidated

「ほとんどは直接的または間接的な脅迫によってだ。

In law no such obligation exists.

法律上、そのような義務は存在しない。

Nobody has to tell the police anything, any time, anywhere.”

any time (いつでも) [名] whenever

誰も警察に何も、いつでも、どこでも話す必要はない。」

“Aw shut up,” Green said impatiently.

shut up (黙れ) [動] stop talking

impatiently (焦って) [副] in a way that shows you are annoyed because you have to wait or because something is not happening quickly enough

「ああ、黙れ」とグリーンは焦って言った。

“You're crawfishing and you know it. Sit down.

crawfish (後ずさりする) [動] to move backwards

「あなたは後ずさりしているし、それを知っている。座れ。

Lennox's wife has been murdered.

be murdered (殺される) [動] to be killed unlawfully and with premeditation

レノックスの妻が殺された。

In a guest house at their place in Encino.

エンシノの彼らの家のゲストハウスで。

Lennox has skipped out.

skip out (逃げ出す) [動] leave quickly and secretly, especially to avoid paying a bill

レノックスは逃げ出した。

Anyway he can't be found.

anyway (とにかく) [副] in any case; at any rate; nevertheless

can't be found (見つからない) [動] be unable to be found

とにかく彼は見つからない。

So we're looking for a suspect in a murder case.

look for (探す) [動] try to find

suspect (容疑者) [名] a person who is thought to have committed a crime

murder case (殺人事件) [名] a case in which someone is killed

だから我々は殺人事件の容疑者を探している。

That satisfy you?”

satisfy (満足させる) [動] meet the requirements of; be good enough for

これで満足か?」

I threw the book in a chair and went back to the couch across the table from Green.

私は本を椅子に放り投げ、グリーンの向かいのテーブルの向こうにあるソファに戻った。

“So why come to me?” I asked.

come to (尋ねる) [動] visit

「それでなぜ私に?」と私は尋ねた。

“I've never been near the house.

「私はその家の近くに行ったことがない。

I told you that.”

言っただろう。」

Green patted his thighs, up and down, up and down.

pat (叩く) [動] to strike lightly with the hand

thigh (太もも) [名] the part of the leg between the hip and the knee

up and down (上下) [副] in an alternating upward and downward direction

グリーンは太ももを上下に上下と叩いた。

He grinned at me quietly.

彼は私に静かにニヤリと笑った。

Dayton was motionless in the chair.

motionless (動かない) [形] not moving

デイトンは椅子に座ったまま動かなかった。

His eyes ate me.

eat (食い入るように見つめる) [動] to take in through the mouth as food

彼の目は私を食い入るように見つめた。

“On account of your phone number was written on a pad in his room during the past twenty-four hours,” Green said.

on account of (~のために) [前] because of

phone number (電話番号) [名] a number that is assigned to a telephone line

be written (書かれる) [動] to be represented by letters or other characters

past twenty-four hours (過去24時間) [名] the period of time that has passed since the last 24 hours

「過去24時間の間に彼の部屋のメモ帳にあなたの電話番号が書かれていたからだ」とグリーンは言った。

“It's a date pad and yesterday was torn off but you could see the impression on today's page.

date pad (日付入りのメモ帳) [名] a pad of paper with the date printed on each sheet

tear off (破り取る) [動] to remove something by pulling it violently

today (今日) [名] the present day

「それは日付入りのメモ帳で、昨日のページは破り取られていたが、今日のページに筆圧の跡が見えた。

We don't know when he called you up.

彼がいつあなたに電話をかけたかはわからない。

We don't know where he went or why or when.

彼がどこに行ったのか、なぜ、いつ行ったのかはわからない。

But we got to ask, natch.”

got to (しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; have to

natch (当然) [副] naturally; of course

しかし、当然ながら聞かなければならない」

“Why in the guest house?” I asked, not expecting him to answer, but he did.

「なぜゲストハウスに?」私は彼が答えるとは思わずに尋ねたが、彼は答えた。

He blushed a little.

blush (顔を赤らめる) [動] to become red in the face

彼は少し顔を赤らめた。

“Seems she went there pretty often.

often (頻繁に) [副] many times; frequently

「彼女はそこへかなり頻繁に行っていたようだ。

At night. Had visitors.

have (あった) [動] to experience or undergo

visitor (訪問者) [名] a person who visits a place

夜に。訪問者があった。

The help can see down through the trees where the lights show.

see down (見下ろす) [動] look down

使用人は木々の間から明かりが見えるところを見下ろすことができる。

Cars come and go, sometimes late, sometimes very late.

come and go (行き来する) [動] move from one place to another and back again

sometimes (時には) [副] on some occasions or in some cases

late (遅く) [副] after the usual or expected time

車が行き来し、時には遅く、時にはとても遅く。

Too much is enough, huh?

やりすぎは十分だ、なあ?

Don't kid yourself.

kid (子供扱いする) [動] to deceive or mislead by joking or being playful

自分を子供扱いするな。

Lennox is our boy.

boy (息子) [名] a male child

レノックスはうちの息子だ。

He went down that way about one in the a.m.

about one (1時頃) [名] approximately one

a.m. (午前) [名] the period of time from midnight to noon

彼は午前1時頃にその道を下って行った。

The butler happened to see.

執事がたまたま見たんだ。

He come back alone, maybe twenty minutes later.

alone (一人で) [形] without other people

twenty minutes (20分) [名] a period of time

彼は20分後くらいに一人で戻ってきた。

After that nothing.

その後は何も。

The lights stayed on.

stay on (点いたままだった) [動] remain in operation

明かりは点いたままだった。

This morning no Lennox.

no Lennox (レノックスはいなかった) [名] a person's name

今朝はレノックスはいなかった。

The butler goes down by the guest house.

執事はゲストハウスのそばまで降りてきた。

The dame is as naked as a mermaid on the bed and let me tell you he don't recognize her by her face.

naked (裸) [形] without clothes

mermaid (人魚) [名] a legendary sea creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

recognize (認識する) [動] know or identify someone or something from having seen or encountered them before

女はベッドの上で人魚のように裸で、彼は彼女の顔を認識していなかった。

She practically ain't got one.

practically (事実上) [副] in a practical manner

ain't (持っていない) [動] am not; are not; is not; have not; has not

彼女は事実上、何も持っていなかった。

Beat to pieces with a bronze statuette of a monkey.”

beat (殴り殺す) [動] to hit someone or something repeatedly

piece (粉々) [名] a part of something

bronze (ブロンズ) [名] a metal alloy made of copper and tin

statuette (像) [名] a small statue

猿のブロンズ像で殴り殺された」

“Terry Lennox wouldn't do anything like that,” I said.

do anything like that (そんなことをする) [動] do something similar to that

「テリー・レノックスはそんなことはしない」と私は言った。

“Sure she cheated on him.

cheat on (裏切る) [動] be sexually unfaithful to

「確かに彼女は彼を裏切った。

Old stuff. She always had.

古いものだ。彼女はいつもそうだった。

They'd been divorced and remarried.

divorce (離婚) [名] the legal termination of a marriage

彼らは離婚して再婚していた。

I don't suppose it made him happy but why should he go crazy over it now?”

go crazy (狂ったように怒り出す) [動] become very angry or upset

彼がそれで幸せだったとは思わないが、なぜ今更狂ったように怒り出すのか?」

“Nobody knows that answer,” Green said patiently.

「誰もその答えを知らない」とグリーンは辛抱強く言った。

“It happens all the time.

all the time (いつも) [副] on every occasion; at all times

「それはいつも起こることだ。

Men and women both.

woman (女) [名] an adult female human being

both (両方) [限] the two people or things just mentioned

男も女も両方だ。

A guy takes it and takes it and takes it.

男はそれを受け入れ、受け入れ、受け入れる。

Then he don't. He probably don't know why himself, why at that particular instant he goes berserk.

don't (受け入れない) [助] do not

himself (自分自身) [代] he or him

particular (特定の) [形] of or relating to a single person, thing, or instance

instant (瞬間) [名] a very short period of time

berserk (狂乱する) [形] in a state of violent or destructive rage

そして彼は受け入れない。彼はおそらく自分自身でなぜかわからない、なぜその特定の瞬間に彼は狂乱するのか。

Only he does, and somebody's dead.

彼だけが知っていて、誰かが死ぬ。

So we got business to do.

だから私たちにはやるべきことがある。

So we ask you one simple question.

だから私たちはあなたに1つの簡単な質問をする。

So quit horsing around or we take you in.”

horsing around (ふざける) [動] play roughly or boisterously

take in (逮捕する) [動] arrest

だからふざけるのはやめろ、さもないと逮捕するぞ」

“He's not going to tell you, Sergeant,” Dayton said acidly.

acidly (辛辣に) [副] in a sharp and critical way

「彼はあなたに話すつもりはない、巡査部長」とデイトンは辛辣に言った。

“He read that law book.

law book (法律の本) [名] a book about law

「彼はあの法律の本を読んだ。

Like a lot of people that read a law book he thinks the law is in it.”

a lot of (多くの) [限] a large number or amount of

法律の本を読む多くの人々のように、彼は法律がその中にあると思っている」

“You make the notes,” Green said, “and leave your brains alone.

make (取る) [動] to create, produce, or bring into existence

leave (使わなくていい) [動] to go away from a place

「メモを取って、頭は使わなくていい」とグリーンは言った。

If you're real good we'll let you sing 'Mother Machree' at the police smoker.”

If you're real good (本当にいい子だったら) [条] if you behave well

Mother Machree (マザー・マクリー) [名] a song

本当にいい子だったら、警察の喫煙室で「マザー・マクリー」を歌わせてあげるよ」

“The hell with you, Sarge, if I may say so with proper respect for your rank.”

Sarge (巡査部長) [名] a police officer of a rank above a sergeant

rank (階級) [名] a position in the military or police force

「あなたの階級に敬意を払って言うなら、あなたなんてどうでもいいんです、巡査部長」

“Let's you and him fight,” I said to Green.

Let's (~しましょう) [助] used to make a suggestion

fight (戦う) [動] take part in a violent confrontation

「あなたと彼に戦ってもらいましょう」と私はグリーンに言った。

“I'll catch him when he drops.”

drop (倒れる) [動] to fall or cause to fall

「彼が倒れたら私が受け止めます」

Dayton laid his note pad and ball-point aside very carefully.

lay (置く) [動] put something in a flat position

note pad (メモ帳) [名] a pad of paper for writing notes

aside (脇に) [副] to or on one side

デイトンはメモ帳とボールペンをとても注意深く脇に置いた。

He stood up with a bright gleam in his eyes.

彼は目を輝かせて立ち上がった。

He walked over and stood in front of me.

walk over (歩いてくる) [動] come to a place by walking

stand in front of (前に立つ) [動] be in front of someone or something

彼は歩いてきて私の前に立った。

“On your feet, bright boy.

on one's feet (立って) [動] in a standing position

bright (利口な) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

「立って、利口な子。

Just because I went to college don't make me take any guff from a nit like you.”

go to college (大学に行く) [動] attend a college or university

take (奪う) [動] move something from one place to another

nit (シラミ) [名] the egg of a louse

私が大学に行ったからといって、あなたのようなシラミから何かを奪うわけではない。」

I started to get up.

get up (起き上がる) [動] rise from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

私は起き上がり始めた。

I was still off balance when he hit me.

off balance (バランスを崩す) [形] not in a state of equilibrium

彼が私を殴ったとき、私はまだバランスを崩していた。

He hooked me with a neat left and crossed it.

hook (引っ掛ける) [動] to catch or fasten with a hook

cross (交差させる) [動] to move or extend from one side to the other

彼は私を左手で引っ掛けて、それを交差させた。

Bells rang, but not for dinner.

ベルが鳴ったが、夕食のためではなかった。

I sat down hard and shook my head.

私は強く座り、頭を振った。

Dayton was still there.

デイトンはそこにいた。

He was smiling now.

彼は今微笑んでいた。

“Let's try again,” he said.

「もう一度試してみよう」と彼は言った。

“You weren't set that time.

set (準備ができている) [形] ready to start

「その時は準備ができていなかった。

It wasn't really kosher.”

kosher (公正) [形] legitimate, proper, or acceptable

本当に公正ではなかった」

I looked at Green.

私はグリーンに目をやった。

He was looking at his thumb as if studying a hangnail.

thumb (親指) [名] the short thick first digit of the human hand

study (調べる) [動] read and understand something

彼はささくれを調べているかのように親指を見ていた。

I didn't move or speak, waiting for him to look up.

私は彼が顔を上げるのを待って、動かず、話さなかった。

If I stood up again, Dayton would slug me again.

slug (殴る) [動] hit hard

私が再び立ち上がれば、デイトンは再び私を殴るだろう。

He might slug me again anyhow.

彼はとにかく私を再び殴るかもしれない。

But if I stood up and he slugged me, I would take him to pieces, because the blows proved he was strictly a boxer.

take to pieces (バラバラにする) [動] break into pieces

blow (殴打) [名] a powerful or violent stroke with a hand or weapon

prove (証明する) [動] to show or make clear that something is true or valid

strictly (厳密に) [副] in a way that is exact or accurate

boxer (ボクサー) [名] a person who boxes

しかし、私が立ち上がって彼が私を殴ったら、私は彼をバラバラにするだろう。なぜなら、その殴打は彼が厳密にボクサーであることを証明したからだ。

He put them in the right place but it would take a lot of them to wear me down.

put (当てる) [動] to place something in a specified place

right place (正しい場所) [名] the correct location

wear down (倒す) [動] to reduce the strength or effectiveness of something

彼は正しい場所にパンチを当てたが、私を倒すにはもっとたくさん必要だろう。

Green said almost absently: “Smart work, Billy boy.

work (仕事) [名] an activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose of result

Billy (ビリー) [名] a male given name

グリーンはほとんどぼんやりと言った。「いい仕事だ、ビリー坊や。

You gave the man exactly what he wanted.

exactly (正確に) [副] in a way that is accurate or exact

君は彼が望むものを正確に与えた。

Clam juice.”

clam juice (ハマグリの汁) [名] a liquid made from clams

ハマグリの汁」

Then he looked up and said mildly: “Once more, for the record, Marlowe.

look up (顔を上げる) [動] to direct one's gaze upward

mildly (穏やかに) [副] in a gentle and moderate manner

once more (もう一度) [副] one more time

for the record (記録のために) [副] so that there is no confusion or disagreement about what has been said or decided

それから彼は顔を上げ、穏やかに言った。「もう一度、記録のために、マーロウ。

Last time you saw Terry Lennox, where and how and what was talked about, and where did you come from just now.

talk about (話す) [動] speak about

come from (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

最後にテリー・レノックスに会ったのはいつ、どこで、どんな話をしたのか、そして今どこから来たのか。

Yes--or no?”

yes (はい) [間] used to express agreement, acceptance, or approval

はい、それとも、いいえ?」

Dayton was standing loosely, nicely balanced.

loosely (ゆったりと) [副] not held or tied together, or not held or fastened firmly

nicely (バランスよく) [副] in a pleasant way

balanced (バランスが取れている) [形] having a good mixture of different qualities

デイトンはゆったりと、バランスよく立っていた。

There was a soft sweet sheen in his eyes.

sheen (光沢) [名] a bright or shiny appearance

彼の目には柔らかく甘い光沢があった。

“How about the other guy?” I asked, ignoring him.

how about (はどうだ) [句] what do you think of

other (もう一人の) [形] the remaining one of two or more people or things

ignore (無視する) [動] refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally

「もう一人の男はどうだ?」私は彼を無視して尋ねた。

“What other guy was that?”

that (誰だ) [代] the person or thing mentioned before

「もう一人の男って誰だ?」

“In the hay, in the guest house. No clothes on.

「干し草の中、ゲストハウスの中。服を着ていない。

You're not saying she had to go down there to play solitaire.”

play (する) [動] engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

solitaire (ソリティア) [名] a card game for one player

彼女がソリティアをするためにそこまで行かなければならなかったとは言っていないだろう。」

“That comes later--when we get the husband.”

「それは後で、夫を捕まえてからだ。」

“Fine. If it's not too much trouble when you already have a patsy.”

fine (いいでしょう) [形] of high quality

too much trouble (面倒) [名] difficulty or problems

already (すでに) [副] before or by now or the time in question

patsy (犯人) [名] a person who is easily taken advantage of

「いいでしょう。すでに犯人がいるのに、面倒でなければ。」

“You don't talk, we take you in, Marlowe.”

「話さなければ、逮捕するぞ、マーロウ。」

“As a material witness?”

material witness (重要参考人) [名] a person who has information that is important to a case

「重要参考人として?」

“As a material my foot. As a suspect.

material (重要参考人) [名] a person who is important for the investigation of a crime

「重要参考人だと? 容疑者としてだ。

Suspicion of accessory after the fact of murder.

suspicion (容疑) [名] a feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true

accessory (幇助) [名] a person who helps another person commit a crime

murder (殺人) [名] the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought

殺人幇助の容疑だ。

Helping a suspect escape.

escape (逃亡) [動] get free from a place of confinement

容疑者の逃亡幇助だ。

My guess is you took the guy somewhere.

guess (推測) [名] an opinion or estimate formed without much thought or knowledge

私の推測では、君はどこかに彼を連れて行った。

And right now a guess is all I need.

そして今、推測が私に必要な全てだ。

The skipper is tough these days.

skipper (船長) [名] the master of a ship

最近、船長は厳しい。

He knows the rule book but he gets absent-minded.

rule book (規則書) [名] a book containing the rules of a game or sport

absent-minded (ぼんやりする) [形] not paying attention to what is happening around you

彼は規則書を知っているが、ぼんやりする。

This could be a misery for you.

misery (不幸) [名] a state of great suffering or unhappiness

これは君にとって不幸かもしれない。

One way or another we get a statement from you.

one way or another (いずれにせよ) [副] no matter what happens

statement (供述) [名] a formal account of facts or events

いずれにせよ、我々は君から供述を得る。

The harder it is to get, the surer we are we need it.”

sure (確信する) [形] having or showing no doubt or uncertainty

得るのが難しいほど、我々はそれを必要としていることをより確信する。」

“That's a lot of crap to him,” Dayton said.

crap (くだらない) [名] nonsense; rubbish

to (にとって) [前] for

「それは彼にとってくだらないことだ」とデイトンは言った。

“He knows the book.”

「彼はその本を知っている。」

“It's a lot of crap to everybody,” Green said calmly.

everybody (誰にとっても) [名] every person

calmly (落ち着いて) [副] in a calm manner

「それは誰にとってもくだらないことだ」とグリーンは落ち着いて言った。

“But it still works.

work (効果がある) [動] to have a desired effect or outcome

「しかし、それはまだ効果がある。

Come on, Marlowe.

come on (おい) [間] used to express encouragement, impatience, or disbelief

おい、マーロウ。

I'm blowing the whistle on you.”

blow the whistle (警笛を鳴らす) [動] to expose or report a wrongdoing

私はあなたに警笛を鳴らしている。」

“Okay,” I said.

「分かった」と私は言った。

“Blow it. Terry Lennox was my friend.

blow (吹く) [動] to move or be moved by the wind

「吹け。テリー・レノックスは私の友人だった。

I've got a reasonable amount of sentiment invested in him.

get (抱く) [動] receive, obtain, or have something

reasonable (かなりの) [形] fair, just, or appropriate

amount (量) [名] a quantity of something

sentiment (感情) [名] a thought, opinion, or feeling

invest (抱く) [動] put money into something with the hope of getting more money back

私は彼にかなりの感情を抱いている。

Enough not to spoil it just because a cop says come through.

spoil (台無しにする) [動] diminish the value or quality of

come through (来る) [動] arrive or reach a destination

警官が来いと言うからといってそれを台無しにしない程度には。

You've got a case against him, maybe far more than I hear from you.

get a case (告訴する) [動] to bring a case against someone

far more (ずっと多くの) [形] to a much greater extent or degree

hear from (聞く) [動] to receive a message from someone

あなたは彼を告訴するつもりだ、おそらく私があなたから聞いたよりもずっと多くのことで。

Motive, opportunity, and the fact that he skipped out.

motive (動機) [名] a reason for doing something

opportunity (機会) [名] a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something

skip (逃げる) [動] leave hurriedly and secretly

動機、機会、そして彼が逃げたという事実。

The motive is old stuff, long neutralized, almost part of the deal.

stuff (話) [名] the material that something is made of

neutralize (中和する) [動] to make ineffective or harmless

deal (取引) [名] an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit

動機は古い話で、長い間中和され、ほとんど取引の一部となっている。

I don't admire that kind of deal, but that's the kind of guy he is--a little weak and very gentle.

admire (賞賛する) [動] regard with respect or warm approval

私はそういう取引を賞賛するわけではないが、彼はそういう男なんだ、少し弱くてとても優しい。

The rest of it means nothing except that if he knew she was dead he knew he was a sitting duck for you.

sitting duck (格好の標的) [名] an easy target

それ以外のことは、もし彼が彼女が死んだことを知っていたら、彼はあなたにとって格好の標的であることを知っていたという以外には何も意味がない。

At the inquest if they have one and if they call me, I'll have to answer questions.

inquest (検死) [名] a judicial inquiry into the cause of a death

検死で、もし彼らが検死をしたら、そしてもし彼らが私を呼んだら、私は質問に答えなければならない。

I don't have to answer yours.

yours (あなたの) [代] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

私はあなたの質問に答える必要はない。

I can see you're a nice guy, Green.

君がいい人なのはわかるよ、グリーン。

Just as I can see your partner is just another goddam badge flasher with a power complex.

power complex (権力コンプレックス) [名] a desire to control others or to be in charge

badge flasher (バッジをちらつかせる) [名] a person who shows off their badge

goddam (ろくでなし) [形] damned; cursed

君の相棒が権力コンプレックスのあるただのバッジをちらつかせるだけのろくでなしだってわかるのと同じようにね。

If you want to get me in a real jam, let him hit me again.

get (困らせる) [動] cause to be in a specified state

real (本当の) [形] not imitation or artificial; genuine

jam (困った状況) [名] a difficult or awkward situation

私を本当に困らせたいなら、彼にもう一度殴らせてみろ。

I'll break his goddam pencil for him.”

break (折る) [動] separate into two or more pieces, or cause to do so

pencil (鉛筆) [名] a writing implement with a graphite lead inside a wooden casing

彼のろくでもない鉛筆を折ってやる。」

Green stood up and looked at me sadly.

グリーンは立ち上がって悲しそうに私を見た。

Dayton hadn't moved.

デイトンは動かなかった。

He was a one-shot tough guy.

one-shot (一発屋) [名] a person who is successful only once

tough guy (チンピラ) [名] a man who is violent and aggressive

彼は一発屋のチンピラだった。

He had to have time out to pat his back.

time out (休憩) [名] a short break in a game or other activity

彼は自分の背中を軽く叩くために時間を取らなければならなかった。

“I'll use the phone,” Green said.

「電話を使う」とグリーンは言った。

“But I know what answer I'll get.

「しかし、どんな答えが返ってくるか分かっている。

You're a sick chicken, Marlowe. A very sick chicken.

chicken (ニワトリ) [名] a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat

sick (病気の) [形] affected by a disease or illness

君は病気のニワトリだ、マーロウ。とても病気のニワトリだ。

Get the hell outa my way.” This last to Dayton.

get the hell outa my way (私の道からどけ) [動] move away from me

私の道からどけ」この最後はデイトンに向かって言った。

Dayton turned and went back and picked up his pad.

デイトンは振り返って戻り、メモ帳を拾った。

Green crossed to the phone and lifted it slowly, his plain face creased with the long slow thankless grind.

cross (行く) [動] move or travel from one side of something to the other

plain (平凡な) [形] not complicated or elaborate

crease (しわが寄る) [動] make a crease in

slow (ゆっくりとした) [形] not moving or operating quickly

thankless (感謝されない) [形] not likely to be appreciated

grind (仕事) [名] hard dull work

グリーンは電話に行き、ゆっくりと受話器を持ち上げた。彼の平凡な顔は長くゆっくりとした感謝されない仕事でしわが寄っていた。

That's the trouble with cops.

それが警察の困ったところだ。

You're all set to hate their guts and then you meet one that goes human on you.

go human (人間味がある) [動] show human characteristics

彼らの根性を憎む準備がすべて整ったと思ったら、人間味のある奴に出会ってしまう。

The Captain said to bring me in, and rough.

captain (キャプテン) [名] the person in charge of a ship, aircraft, or other type of vehicle

bring (連行する) [動] cause to come to a place

キャプテンは私を連行しろ、乱暴にしろと言った。

They put handcuffs on me.

handcuff (手錠) [名] a pair of metal rings that are joined by a chain and that can be locked around a person's wrists

彼らは私に手錠をかけた。

They didn't search the house, which seemed careless of them.

search (捜索する) [動] examine (something) thoroughly in order to find something

careless (不注意な) [形] not giving sufficient attention or care to avoiding harm or errors

彼らは家を捜索しなかったが、それは彼らの不注意に思えた。

Possibly they figured I would be too experienced to have anything there that could be dangerous to me.

figure (考える) [動] to think or believe something

experienced (経験豊富な) [形] having a lot of experience

dangerous (危険な) [形] able or likely to cause harm or injury

おそらく彼らは、私があまりにも経験豊富で、私にとって危険なものをそこに置いておくことはないと考えたのだろう。

In which they were wrong.

be wrong (間違っている) [動] not correct or true

その点で彼らは間違っていた。

Because if they had made any kind of job of it they would have found Terry Lennox's car keys.

make any kind of job of it (何か仕事をする) [動] do something

Terry Lennox's car keys (テリー・レノックスの車の鍵) [名] the keys to Terry Lennox's car

なぜなら、もし彼らが何か仕事をしていたら、テリー・レノックスの車の鍵を見つけていただろうからだ。

And when the car was found, as it would be sooner or later, they would fit the keys to it and know he had been in my company.

fit (差し込む) [動] be of the right shape and size to go into or onto something

company (会社) [名] a business organization

そして、遅かれ早かれ車が見つかれば、彼らはその鍵を車に差し込み、彼が私の会社にいたことを知るだろう。

Actually, as it turned out, that meant nothing.

actually (実際には) [副] in fact; really

turn out (判明する) [動] to become known or apparent

実際には、それが判明したように、それは何も意味しなかった。

The car was never found by any police.

その車は警察に見つからずに終わった。

It was stolen sometime in the night, driven most probably to El Paso, fitted with new keys and forged papers, and put on the market eventually in Mexico City.

El Paso (エルパソ) [名] a city in western Texas

market (市場) [名] a regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, and other commodities

それは夜中に盗まれ、おそらくエルパソまで運転され、新しい鍵と偽造書類が取り付けられ、最終的にはメキシコシティで市場に出された。

The procedure is routine.

procedure (手順) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end

手順は決まっている。

Mostly the money comes back in the form of heroin.

form (形) [名] the visible shape or configuration of something

ほとんどの場合、お金はヘロインの形で戻ってくる。

Part of the good-neighbor policy, as the hoodlums see it.

good-neighbor policy (善隣政策) [名] a policy of friendship and cooperation with the countries of the Western Hemisphere

チンピラから見れば、善隣政策の一環だ。

[7]

The homicide skipper that year was a Captain Gregorius, a type of copper that is getting rarer but by no means extinct, the kind that solves crimes with the bright light, the soft sap, the kick to the kidneys, the knee to the groin, the fist to the solar plexus, the night stick to the base of the spine.

homicide (殺人) [名] the killing of a human being by another human being

skipper (主任) [名] the captain of a ship

Captain Gregorius (グレゴリウス警部) [名] the name of a person

copper (刑事) [名] a police officer

rarer (珍しい) [形] not common

extinct (絶滅した) [形] no longer existing

bright light (明るい光) [名] a light that is bright

soft sap (柔らかい警棒) [名] a sap that is soft

kick (蹴り) [名] the act of hitting someone or something with your foot

kidneys (腎臓) [名] a pair of bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the blood and excrete them as urine

groin (股間) [名] the area between the abdomen and the thighs

fist (拳) [名] a hand with the fingers closed tightly into the palm

solar plexus (みぞおち) [名] a network of nerves at the pit of the stomach

night stick (警棒) [名] a police officer's club

base (付け根) [名] the lowest part of something

spine (背骨) [名] the vertebrae and their connecting ligaments and disks

その年の殺人課の主任はグレゴリウス警部で、最近では珍しくなってきたが絶滅したわけではないタイプの刑事で、明るい光、柔らかい警棒、腎臓への蹴り、股間への膝蹴り、みぞおちへの拳、背骨の付け根への警棒で犯罪を解決するタイプだった。

Six months later he was indicted for perjury before a grand jury, booted without trial, and later stamped to death by a big stallion on his ranch in Wyoming.

six months later (6ヶ月後) [名] six months after the time of writing

indict (起訴する) [動] formally accuse of or charge with a crime

perjury (偽証罪) [名] the intentional act of swearing a false oath or falsifying an affirmation to tell the truth, whether spoken or in writing, concerning matters material to an official proceeding

grand jury (大陪審員) [名] a jury that examines accusations against persons charged with serious crimes

trial (裁判) [名] a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings

boot (追い出す) [動] kick or drive out

stamp (踏み殺す) [動] bring down (one's foot) heavily and forcibly

death (死) [名] the end of all biological functions that sustain a living organism

Wyoming (ワイオミング) [名] a state in the western United States

6ヶ月後、彼は大陪審員の前で偽証罪で起訴され、裁判なしで追い出され、後にワイオミングの牧場で大きな種馬に踏み殺された。

Right now I was his raw meat.

raw meat (生肉) [名] uncooked meat

今は私が彼の生肉だった。

He sat behind his desk with his coat off and his sleeves rolled almost to his shoulders.

desk (机) [名] a piece of furniture with a flat or sloped surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work

coat (上着) [名] an outer garment worn on the upper part of the body for warmth

sleeve (袖) [名] the part of a garment that covers the arm

roll (まくりあげる) [動] move or cause to move in a particular direction by turning over and over on itself without sliding

彼は上着を脱いで袖を肩までまくりあげて机の前に座っていた。

He was as bald as a brick and getting heavy around the waist like all hard-muscled men in middle age.

bald (禿げている) [形] having little or no hair on the head

brick (レンガ) [名] a block of clay hardened by drying in the sun or burning in a kiln

middle age (中年) [名] the period of life from about 45 to about 65

muscled (筋肉質の) [形] having well-developed muscles

waist (腰) [名] the part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips

彼はレンガのように禿げており、中年の筋肉質の男性が皆そうであるように腰回りが重くなってきていた。

His eyes were fish gray.

fish (魚) [名] a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives in water

彼の目は魚のような灰色だった。

His big nose was a network of burst capillaries.

capillary (毛細血管) [名] a minute blood vessel connecting an artery to a vein

彼の大きな鼻は毛細血管が破れた網目状だった。

He was drinking coffee and not quietly.

彼はコーヒーを飲んでおり、静かには飲んでいなかった。

His blunt strong hands had hairs thick on their backs.

blunt (無骨な) [形] direct and outspoken, sometimes in a rude way

thick (密生した) [形] having a large number of things or people close together

彼の無骨で強い手の甲には毛が密生していた。

Grizzled tufts stuck out of his ears.

stick out (突き出る) [動] to be or become noticeable

ear (耳) [名] the organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates

耳からは灰色の房が突き出ていた。

He pawed something on his desk and looked at Green.

paw (ひっかく) [動] to touch or handle clumsily, rudely, or disrespectfully

彼は机の上の何かをひっかき、グリーンに目をやった。

Green said: “All we got on him is he won't tell us nothing, skipper.

All we got (得られたことは) [名] the only thing we have

on him (彼から) [前] from him

is (~です) [動] to be

he won't tell us nothing (彼が何も話さない) [動] he will not tell us anything

グリーンは言った。「彼から得られたことは、彼が何も話さないということだけです、船長。

The phone number makes us look him up.

電話番号から彼を調べることになった。

He's out riding and don't say where.

be out (出かけている) [動] not at home

riding (車で出かける) [動] travel in or on a vehicle

don't say (言っていない) [動] not say

彼は車で出かけていて、どこに行ったか言っていない。

He knows Lennox pretty well and don't say when he saw him last.”

pretty well (かなりよく) [副] to a moderately high degree

彼はレノックスをかなりよく知っているが、最後に彼に会ったのはいつかは言わない。」

“Thinks he's tough,” Gregorius said indifferently.

indifferently (冷淡に) [副] without caring about or being interested in something

「彼は自分がタフだと思っている」とグレゴリウスは冷淡に言った。

“We could change that.”

change (変える) [動] make or become different

「それを変えられるかもしれない」

He said it as if he didn't care one way or another.

care (気にする) [動] feel concern or interest

one way or another (どちらか) [名] one thing or another; one way or the other

彼はどちらでもいいというように言った。

He probably didn't.

彼はおそらくそうしなかった。

Nobody was tough to him.

to (に) [前] a function word to indicate motion toward a place, person, thing, or state

誰も彼に強く出なかった。

“Point is the D.A. smells a lot of headlines on this one.

point (要点) [名] the most important part of something

D.A. (検察官) [名] a lawyer who represents the state in criminal cases

smell (嗅ぎつける) [動] to sense the presence of something by means of the olfactory organs

headline (大見出し) [名] the title of a newspaper story

「要は検察官がこの事件で大見出しを嗅ぎつけたんだ。

Can't blame him, seeing who the girl's old man is.

blame (責める) [動] assign responsibility for a fault or wrong

old man (父親) [名] a man who is the father of someone

娘の父親が誰かを考えれば、彼を責めることはできない。

I guess we better pick this fellow's nose for him.”

pick (ほじくる) [動] to remove something from a surface or container with your fingers or a tool

私たちは彼のためにこの男の鼻をほじくった方がいいと思う」

He looked at me as if I was a cigarette stub, or an empty chair.

cigarette stub (タバコの吸い殻) [名] the part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked

empty chair (空の椅子) [名] a chair that is not occupied

彼は私をまるでタバコの吸い殻か空の椅子であるかのように見た。

Just something in his line of vision, without interest for him.

line of vision (視界) [名] the range of vision that can be seen when the eye is focused on a particular point

彼の視界にある何かで、彼にとって興味のないものだった。

Dayton said respectfully: “It's pretty obvious that his whole attitude was designed to create a situation where he could refuse to talk.

respectfully (敬意を込めて) [副] in a way that shows respect

attitude (態度) [名] a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something

whole (全体) [形] all of something

design (設計する) [動] to plan and make something for a particular purpose

situation (状況) [名] all the circumstances and conditions of a particular place or time

refuse (拒否する) [動] to say or show that you will not do or accept something

デイトンは敬意を込めて言った。「彼の態度全体が、彼が話すことを拒否できる状況を作り出すように設計されていたことはかなり明らかだ。

He quoted law at us and needles me into socking him.

quote (引用する) [動] repeat a group of words from a text or speech

needle (殴りつける) [動] to goad or provoke someone into doing something

sock (殴りつける) [動] to hit someone or something hard

彼は私たちに法律を引用し、私を殴りつけようとした。

I was out of line there, Captain.”

be out of line (行き過ぎである) [動] to behave in an unacceptable way

私はそこでは行き過ぎでした、キャプテン」

Gregorius eyed him bleakly.

eye (見つめる) [動] to look at someone or something with a particular expression

bleakly (冷たく) [副] in a cold and harsh way

グレゴリウスは彼を冷たく見つめた。

“You must needle easy if this punk can do it.

needle (針を刺す) [動] to use a needle to inject a drug

punk (チンピラ) [名] a young person who behaves in a violent and uncontrolled way

「このチンピラにできるなら、あなたは簡単に針を刺せるに違いない。

Who took the cuffs off?”

take off (外す) [動] remove something from a surface or place

cuff (手錠) [名] a band of metal that can be locked around a person's wrist, especially one used by the police to fasten a prisoner's hands together

誰が手錠を外したんだ?」

Green said he did.

グリーンは自分が外したと言った。

“Put them back on,” Gregorius said.

put back (かける) [動] to put something back in the place where it was before

Gregorius (グレゴリウス) [名] a male given name

「またかけろ」とグレゴリウスは言った。

“Tight. Give him something to brace him up.”

tight (きつく) [形] held or tied together, or held in position, very firmly

brace (元気づける) [動] make stronger or firmer

「きつく。彼を元気づける何かを飲ませろ」

Green put the cuffs back on or started to.

back (掛け直す) [副] to or toward the rear

グリーンは手錠を掛け直した、あるいは掛けようとした。

“Behind the back,” Gregorius barked.

behind (後ろで) [前] at or to the rear of

bark (吠える) [動] to make the sound that a dog makes

「後ろで」とグレゴリウスは吠えた。

Green cuffed my hands behind my back.

cuff (手錠をかける) [動] to put handcuffs on someone

グリーンは私の手を後ろで手錠をかけた。

I was sitting in a hard chair.

私は硬い椅子に座っていた。

“Tighter,” Gregorius said.

「もっときつく」とグレゴリウスは言った。

“Make them bite.”

make (させる) [動] cause (someone or something) to do something

bite (食い込む) [動] cut into or grip something with the teeth

「食い込ませろ」

Green made them tighter.

グリーンは手錠をきつくした。

My hands started to feel numb.

私の手は麻痺し始めた。

Gregorius looked at me finally.

グレゴリウスはついに私を見た。

“You can talk now. Make it snappy.”

snappy (手短な) [形] quick and energetic

「もう話せるぞ。手短に話せ」

I didn't answer him.

私は彼に答えなかった。

He leaned back and grinned.

彼は後ろにもたれかかり、ニヤリと笑った。

His hand went out slowly for his coffee cup and went around it.

go out (伸びる) [動] move or extend outward

coffee cup (コーヒーカップ) [名] a cup for drinking coffee

彼の手はゆっくりとコーヒーカップに伸び、それを握った。

He leaned forward a little.

彼は少し前かがみになった。

The cup jerked but I beat it by going sideways out of the chair.

beat (避ける) [動] avoid or escape from

go sideways (横に逃げる) [動] move to the side

カップがぐいと動いたが、私は椅子から横に逃げてそれを避けた。

I landed hard on my shoulder, rolled over and got up slowly.

roll over (転がる) [動] turn over by rotating

私は肩を強く打ちつけ、転がってゆっくりと起き上がった。

My hands were quite numb now.

be numb (しびれる) [動] to lose the power of feeling or movement

私の手は今やかなりしびれていた。

They didn't feel anything.

彼らは何も感じなかった。

The arms above the cuffs were beginning to ache.

手錠の上の腕が痛み始めていた。

Green helped me back into the chair.

グリーンは私が椅子に戻るのを手伝った。

The wet smear of the coffee was over the back and some of the seat, but most of it was on the floor.

smear (しみ) [名] a mark or stain left by something that has been rubbed or wiped across a surface

floor (床) [名] the lower surface of a room, on which people walk

コーヒーの湿ったしみが背もたれと座席の一部にかかっていたが、そのほとんどは床にあった。

“He don't like coffee,” Gregorius said.

「彼はコーヒーが好きじゃないんだ」とグレゴリウスは言った。

“He's a swifty. He moves fast. Good reflexes.”

swifty (すばしっこい) [形] moving or capable of moving with great speed

reflex (反射神経) [名] an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought

「彼はすばしっこい。彼は素早い。反射神経がいい」

Nobody said anything.

誰も何も言わなかった。

Gregorius looked me over with fish eyes.

fish eye (魚のような目) [名] a wide-angle lens that produces a strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image

グレゴリウスは魚のような目で私をじろじろ見た。

“In here, mister, a dick license don't mean any more than a calling card.

dick license (探偵の免許証) [名] a license for a detective

calling card (名刺) [名] a small card with a person's name and address printed on it

「ここでは、探偵の免許証は名刺以上の意味はない。

Now let's have your statement, verbal at first.

verbal (口頭) [形] relating to or consisting of words

first (まず) [副] before anything else; initially

では、まず口頭で供述を聞こう。

We'll take it down later.

take down (書き取る) [動] to write down

後で書き取る。

Make it complete.

complete (完璧) [形] having all the necessary or appropriate parts

完璧にしてくれ。

Let's have, say, a full account of your movements since ten p.m. last night. I mean full.

ten p.m. (午後十時) [名] ten o'clock in the evening

full account (すべて) [名] a complete and detailed report of an event or situation

昨日の午後十時からの行動をすべて話してくれ。すべてだ。

This office is investigating a murder and the prime suspect is missing.

investigate (捜査する) [動] examine or inspect officially and systematically

missing (行方不明) [形] not in the expected place

この署は殺人事件を捜査中で、第一容疑者が行方不明だ。

You connect with him.

connect (連絡を取る) [動] to join or link together

彼と連絡を取ってくれ。

Guy catches his wife cheating and beats her head to raw flesh and bone and bloodsoaked hair.

catch (押さえる) [動] to take or keep hold of, especially with the hands

cheat (浮気する) [動] to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage

raw (生) [形] not cooked

flesh (肉) [名] the soft substance consisting of muscle and fat that is found between the skin and bones of a person or an animal

bone (骨) [名] any of the hard parts inside the body of a person or an animal that are covered with muscle, skin etc

bloodsoaked (血まみれの) [形] covered or saturated with blood

男が妻の浮気現場を押さえ、頭を殴りつけ、生肉と骨と血まみれの髪の毛にしてしまう。

Our old friend the bronze statuette.

old friend (古い友人) [名] a person whom one has known for a long time

bronze statuette (ブロンズ像) [名] a small statue made of bronze

我々の古い友人、ブロンズ像だ。

Not original but it works.

original (独創的) [形] not copied or imitated from something else

独創的ではないが、効果がある。

You think any goddam private eye is going to quote law at me over this, mister, you got a hell of a tough time coming your way.

tough time (ひどい目) [名] a difficult or unpleasant experience

おい、この件で私に法律を持ち出す私立探偵がいると思うなら、あなたはひどい目に遭うぞ。

There ain't a police force in the country could do its job with a law book.

police force (警察) [名] the police of a country or area

law book (法律書) [名] a book containing the laws of a country or area

この国には法律書で仕事をする警察なんてない。

You got information and I want it.

information (情報) [名] facts or knowledge provided or learned

君は情報を得ているし、私はそれを欲しい。

You could of said no and I could of not believed you.

could of (できた) [助] have the ability or opportunity to do something

could of not (しなかったかもしれない) [助] have the ability or opportunity to not do something

believe (信じる) [動] accept that (something) is true, especially without proof

君は違うと言うこともできたし、私は君を信じなかったかもしれない。

But you didn't even say no.

だが君は違うとさえ言わなかった。

You're not dummying up on me, my friend.

dummy up (黙秘する) [動] to refuse to talk or give information

君は私に黙秘するつもりはないね、友よ。

Not six cents worth.

six cents (6セント) [名] a unit of money equal to one hundredth of a dollar

worth (値する) [形] having a specified value

6セントにも値しない。

Let's go.”

行こう」

“Would you take the cuffs off, Captain?” I asked.

captain (警部) [名] a police officer in charge of a police station

「手錠を外してくれませんか、警部?」と私は尋ねた。

“I mean if I made a statement?”

make a statement (供述する) [動] to say something formally or officially

「つまり、私が供述したら?」

“I might. Make it short.”

「そうするかもしれない。短くしてくれ」

“If I told you I hadn't seen Lennox within the last twenty-four hours, hadn't talked to him and had no idea where he might be--would that satisfy you, Captain?”

twenty-four hours (24時間) [名] the period of time corresponding to twenty-four hours

「もし私が、この24時間以内にレノックスに会っていないし、彼と話していないし、彼がどこにいるか全く知らないと言えば、警部は満足しますか?」

“It might--if I believed it.”

「そうかもしれないな、もし私がそれを信じるなら」

“If I told you I had seen him and where and when, but had no idea he had murdered anyone or that any crime had been committed, and further had no idea where he might be at this moment, that wouldn't satisfy you at all, would it?”

have no idea (全く知らない) [動] not know at all

murder (殺害) [動] kill (someone) unlawfully and with premeditation

further (さらに) [副] to a greater extent or degree

「もし私が、彼に会ったこと、どこでいつ会ったか、しかし彼が誰かを殺害したことや犯罪が犯されたことを全く知らず、さらに彼が今どこにいるか全く知らないと言えば、警部は全く満足しませんね?」

“With more detail I might listen.

「もっと詳細に話せば聞くかもしれない。

Things like where, when, what he looked like, what was talked about, where he was headed.

what (どんな) [形] of what kind or quality

look like (~のような様子) [動] to have the same appearance as someone or something

talk about (~について話す) [動] to speak about a particular subject

head (向かう) [動] to move in a specified direction

どこで、いつ、彼がどんな様子だったか、何を話したか、どこに向かったか、といったことだ。

It might grow into something.”

grow into (つながる) [動] become something eventually

何かにつながるかもしれない」

“With your treatment,” I said, “it would probably grow into making me an accessory.”

treatment (扱い方) [名] the way that someone or something is dealt with or handled

grow (膨らむ) [動] become larger or greater over a period of time

「警部の扱い方では」私は言った、「おそらく私が共犯者になるまで膨らむでしょう」

His jaw muscles bulged.

jaw (顎) [名] the lower part of the face below the mouth

muscle (筋肉) [名] a tissue in an animal's body that is made of cells that can contract

bulge (膨らむ) [動] swell or protrude

彼の顎の筋肉が膨らんだ。

His eyes were dirty ice.

彼の目は汚れた氷のようだった。

“So?”

so (それで) [接] therefore; consequently; as a result

「それで?」

“I don't know,” I said.

I don't know (知らない) [句] I am not sure

「知らない」私は言った。

“I need legal advice.

「法律のアドバイスが必要だ。

I'd like to co-operate.

協力したい。

How would it be if we had somebody from the D.A.'s office here?”

検察局から誰か来てもらったらどうだろう?」

He let out a short raucous laugh.

let out (出す) [動] to allow to go out

short (短い) [形] having little length or height

raucous (騒々しい) [形] making a lot of noise

彼は短く騒々しい笑い声を出した。

It was over very soon.

be over (終わる) [動] to be finished or completed

soon (すぐに) [副] in a short time; quickly

それはすぐに終わった。

He got up slowly and walked around the desk.

彼はゆっくりと立ち上がり、机の周りを歩いた。

He leaned down close to me, one big hand on the wood, and smiled.

lean down (近づく) [動] move or cause to move into a sloping position

close (近く) [形] having a small space between two things

wood (木) [名] the hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree

彼は私に近づき、片方の大きな手を木の上に置いて微笑んだ。

Then without change of expression he hit me on the side of the neck with a fist like a piece of iron.

without change of expression (表情を変えずに) [副] without changing the expression on one's face

iron (鉄) [名] a hard, strong metal that is used to make many different objects

それから彼は表情を変えずに、鉄の塊のような拳で私の首の横を殴った。

The blow traveled eight or ten inches, no more.

travel (届く) [動] move or go from one place to another

eight (8) [名] the number 8

ten (10) [名] the number 10

inch (インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

打撃は8インチか10インチしか届かなかった。

It nearly took my head off.

take one's head off (頭を吹き飛ばす) [動] to kill someone by shooting them in the head

私の頭はほとんど吹き飛ばされた。

Bile seeped into my mouth.

bile (胆汁) [名] a bitter greenish-yellow fluid that is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder

seep (染み出る) [動] ooze slowly

胆汁が口の中に染み出てきた。

I tasted blood mixed with it.

taste (味がする) [動] to have a particular flavor

blood (血) [名] the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of people and vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body

mix (混ざる) [動] to combine or be combined with something else

血が混ざった味がした。

I heard nothing but a roaring in my head.

頭の中で轟音が鳴り響く以外は何も聞こえなかった。

He leaned over me still smiling, his left hand still on the desk.

lean over (身を乗り出す) [動] to move your body forward and down

彼は笑顔のまま私の上に身を乗り出し、左手は机の上に置いたままだった。

His voice seemed to come from a long way off.

come from (聞こえてくる) [動] to be a native of a particular place

a long way off (遠く) [名] a great distance

彼の声は遠くから聞こえてくるようだった。

“I used to be tough but I'm getting old.

used to (昔は) [助] did or was something in the past

be tough (タフである) [動] strong and resilient

get old (年をとる) [動] become old

「昔はタフだったが、年をとった。

You take a good punch, mister, and that's all you get from me.

take a punch (パンチを食らう) [動] to be hit by a punch

that's all (それが全てだ) [名] that is the only thing

get from (得られる) [動] to receive or obtain something from someone or something

あなたはいいパンチを食らったね、旦那、そしてそれが私から得られる全てだ。

We got boys over at the City Jail that ought to be working in the stockyards.

get (いる) [動] to receive something

over (向こう) [前] above or across

city jail (市の刑務所) [名] a jail in a city

ought to (べきである) [助] should

stockyard (屠畜場) [名] a place where livestock are kept before being slaughtered

市の刑務所には、屠畜場で働くべき少年たちがいる。

Maybe we hadn't ought to have them because they ain't nice clean powderpuff punchers like Dayton here.

powderpuff (パウダーパフ) [名] a soft pad for applying powder to the skin

puncher (パンチャー) [名] a person or thing that punches

彼らはここにいるデイトンのような素敵できれいなパウダーパフパンチャーではないから、彼らをここに置くべきではなかったかもしれない。

They don't have four kids and a rose garden like Green.

kid (子供) [名] a young person

rose garden (バラ園) [名] a garden where roses are grown

彼らにはグリーンのような4人の子供とバラ園はない。

They live for different amusements.

live (生きる) [動] be alive

amusement (楽しみ) [名] something that is funny or entertaining

彼らは別の楽しみのために生きている。

It takes all kinds and labor's scarce.

take (必要である) [動] require as suitable or necessary

labor (労働力) [名] work, especially hard physical work

scarce (不足している) [形] insufficient for the demand

あらゆる種類の労働力が必要だが、労働力は不足している。

You got any more funny little ideas about what you might say, if you bothered to say it?”

bother (わざわざする) [動] take the trouble to do something

funny (面白い) [形] causing laughter or amusement

何か言う気があるなら、何か面白いことを言うつもりか?」

“Not with the cuffs on, Captain.”

「手錠をかけられたままでは、できませんよ、警部」

It hurt even to say that much.

それだけ言うのも痛かった。

He leaned farther towards me and I smelled his sweat and the gas of corruption.

smell (匂いを嗅ぐ) [動] perceive or detect the odor of

sweat (汗) [名] moisture or liquid exuded from the pores of the skin

corruption (腐敗) [名] the process by which dead organic matter decomposes into simpler forms of matter

彼は私に向かってさらに身を乗り出し、私は彼の汗と腐敗のガスの匂いを嗅いだ。

Then he straightened and went back around the desk and planted his solid buttocks in his chair.

straighten (体を起こす) [動] make or become straight

plant (乗せる) [動] put or set down firmly

solid (どっしりとした) [形] firm or strong in structure

buttocks (尻) [名] the two round fleshy parts that form the lower rear of a human trunk

それから彼は体を起こし、机の周りに戻り、椅子にどっしりとした尻を乗せた。

He picked up a three-cornered ruler and ran his thumb along one edge as if it was a knife.

pick up (手に取る) [動] to take something in your hands

three-cornered (三角の) [形] having three corners

ruler (定規) [名] a strip of wood, metal, or plastic with a straight edge that is used for measuring or drawing straight lines

knife (ナイフ) [名] a cutting instrument with a sharp blade

彼は三角定規を手に取ると、ナイフであるかのように親指を片方の端に沿って走らせた。

He looked at Green.

彼はグリーンに目をやった。

“What are you waiting for, Sergeant?”

「何を待っているんだ、巡査部長?」

“Orders.”

order (命令) [名] a command or instruction

「命令を」

Green ground out the word as if he hated the sound of his own voice.

ground out (吐き出す) [動] to say something in a low, harsh voice

hate (嫌い) [動] to dislike something or someone very much

グリーンは自分の声の音が嫌いかのように言葉を吐き出した。

“You got to be told?

be told (言われる) [動] be informed of something

「命令されなきゃいけないのか?

You're an experienced man, it says in the records.

記録によると、あなたは経験豊富な男だ。

I want a detailed statement of this man's movements for the past twenty-four hours.

detailed (詳細な) [形] having many details or facts

statement (報告書) [名] a report of the facts of a situation

past (過去) [名] the time that has already happened

この男の過去24時間の行動の詳細な報告書が欲しい。

Maybe longer, but that much at first.

longer (もっと長い) [形] having a greater length

at first (最初は) [副] in the beginning

もっと長くなるかもしれないが、最初はそんなところだ。

I want to know what he did every minute of the time.

every minute (毎分) [名] each minute

彼がその時間毎に何をしていたか知りたい。

I want it signed and witnessed and checked.

sign (署名) [動] write your name on a document

witness (証人) [名] a person who sees an event happen

check (確認) [動] make sure that something is correct or in the right condition

署名、証人、確認をしてもらいたい。

I want it in two hours.

two hours (2時間) [名] a period of time

2時間以内に欲しい。

Then I want him back here clean, tidy, and unmarked.

back (戻す) [副] to or toward the place or time from which someone or something came

tidy (きちんと) [形] arranged neatly and in order

unmarked (傷一つなく) [形] not marked or labeled

それから彼をきれいに、きちんと、傷一つなくここに戻して欲しい。

And one thing more, Sergeant.”

more (もっと) [形] a greater or additional amount or degree

そしてもう一つ、巡査部長」

He paused and gave Green a stare that would have frozen a fresh-baked potato.

stare (視線) [名] a long, direct, and often intense gaze

freeze (凍らせる) [動] become or cause to become solid or hard as a result of extreme cold

fresh-baked (焼きたての) [形] recently baked

potato (ジャガイモ) [名] a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum, native to the Andes and cultivated for its edible tubers

彼は間を置いて、焼きたてのジャガイモを凍らせそうな視線をグリーンに向けた。

“--next time I ask a suspect a few civil questions I don't want you standing there looking as if I had torn his ear off.”

civil (民事的な) [形] of or relating to the state or its citizens

tear (引きちぎる) [動] pull or rip something apart or to pieces with force

「次回私が容疑者にいくつかの民事的な質問をする時、私が彼の耳を引きちぎったかのようにそこに立って欲しくない」

“Yes, sir.”

sir (分かりました) [名] a respectful form of address for a man

「はい、分かりました」

Green turned to me.

turn to (向き直る) [動] change direction, position, or course

グリーンは私に向き直った。

“Let's go,” he said gruffly.

let's go (行こう) [動] a suggestion to move from one place to another

gruffly (ぶっきらぼうに) [副] in a rough or unfriendly manner

「行こう」と彼はぶっきらぼうに言った。

Gregorius bared his teeth at me.

bare (むき出す) [動] to uncover or expose

グレゴリウスは私に歯をむき出した。

They needed cleaning--badly.

cleaning (掃除) [名] the action of making something free of dirt, marks, or mess, especially by washing, wiping, or brushing

掃除が必要だった。ひどく。

“Let's have the exit line, chum.”

exit line (退場の言葉) [名] a line of dialogue spoken by an actor as they leave the stage

「退場の言葉をどうぞ、相棒」

“Yes, sir,” I said politely.

「はい、旦那」私は丁寧に言った。

“You probably didn't intend it, but you've done me a favor.

intend (意図する) [動] have as one's purpose or intention

「おそらく意図していなかっただろうが、君は私に恩を売った。

With an assist from Detective Dayton. You've solved a problem for me.

with an assist from (の助けを借りて) [前] with the help of

デイトン刑事の助けを借りて、君は私のために問題を解決してくれた。

No man likes to betray a friend but I wouldn't betray an enemy into your hands.

betray (裏切る) [動] be disloyal to

enemy (敵) [名] a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

誰も友人を裏切りたいとは思わないが、私は敵をあなたの手に渡すような裏切りはしない。

You're not only a gorilla, you're an incompetent.

gorilla (ゴリラ) [名] a large ape native to the forests of central Africa

incompetent (無能な) [形] lacking the necessary skill, knowledge, or ability to do something successfully

君はゴリラなだけじゃなくて無能だ。

You don't know how to operate a simple investigation.

operate (行う) [動] to perform or carry out

君は簡単な捜査のやり方さえ知らない。

I was balanced on a knife edge and you could have swung me either way.

balance (バランスをとる) [動] be in a state of equilibrium

knife edge (ナイフの刃先) [名] the cutting edge of a knife

私はナイフの刃先でバランスをとっていて、君は私をどちらの方向にも揺さぶることができた。

But you had to abuse me, throw coffee in my face, and use your fists on me when I was in a spot where all I could do was take it.

abuse (虐待する) [動] use something to bad effect or for a bad purpose

しかし、君は私を虐待し、私の顔にコーヒーを投げつけ、私がただそれを受け入れることしかできない場所にいるときに私に拳を振りかざさなければならなかった。

From now on I wouldn't tell you the time by the clock on your own wall.”

from now on (これから) [副] in the future

これからは君の壁にある時計でさえ時間を教えてあげない」

For some strange reason he sat there perfectly still and let me say it.

perfectly still (じっと) [副] without moving at all

何か奇妙な理由で、彼はそこにじっと座って、私にそれを言わせてくれた。

Then he grinned.

それから彼はニヤリと笑った。

“You're just a little old cop-hater, friend.

old (年老いた) [形] having lived for a long time

hater (嫌い) [名] a person who hates

「君はただの警官嫌いの老人だ、友よ。

That's all you are, shamus, just a little old cop-hater.”

cop-hater (警官嫌い) [名] a person who hates police officers

それが君のすべてだ、探偵、ただの警官嫌いの老人だ」

“There are places where cops are not hated, Captain.

「警官が嫌われていない場所もあるんですよ、警部。

But in those places you wouldn't be a cop.”

wouldn't (なれない) [助] would not

でもそういう場所ではあなたは警官にはなれないでしょう」

He took that too.

彼はそれも受け取った。

I guess he could afford it.

彼にはその余裕があったのだろう。

He'd probably taken worse many times.

take (受ける) [動] receive or accept something offered

worse (もっとひどい) [形] of poorer quality or lower standard

many times (何度も) [名] on many occasions

彼はおそらくもっとひどいことを何度も受けたことがあるのだろう。

Then the phone rang on his desk.

すると彼の机の上の電話が鳴った。

He looked at it and gestured.

gesture (身振りで示す) [動] make a gesture

彼はそれをちらっと見て、身振りで示した。

Dayton stepped smartly around the desk and lifted the receiver.

step (歩く) [動] move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

smartly (素早く) [副] in a quick and efficient way

receiver (受話器) [名] the part of a telephone that converts electrical signals into sounds and that you hold to your ear when you are using the telephone

デイトンは机の周りを素早く歩き、受話器を上げた。

“Captain Gregorius' office.

「グレゴリウス警部室です。

Detective Dayton speaking.”

デイトン刑事です」

He listened.

彼は耳を傾けた。

A tiny frown drew his handsome eyebrows together.

draw (寄る) [動] to move or cause to move toward or into a place

handsome (整った) [形] good-looking

彼は少し眉をひそめ、整った眉毛が寄った。

He said softly: “One moment, please, sir.”

softly (静かに) [副] in a soft manner

one moment (少々) [名] a brief period of time

please (ください) [動] cause to be pleased or satisfied

彼は静かに言った。「少々お待ちください」

He held the phone out to Gregorius.

彼は電話をグレゴリウスに差し出した。

“Commissioner Allbright, sir.”

Commissioner (本部長) [名] the head of a police department

Allbright (オールブライト) [名] a surname

「オールブライト本部長です」

Gregorius scowled.

scowl (顔をしかめる) [動] to make a frowning expression

グレゴリウスは顔をしかめた。

“Yeah? What's that snotty bastard want?”

snotty (生意気な) [形] arrogant and rude

bastard (野郎) [名] a person born of parents not married to each other

「ああ? あの生意気な野郎が何の用だ?」

He took the phone, held it a moment and smoothed his face out.

smooth (なめらかにする) [動] make smooth or smoother

彼は電話を受け取り、しばらく持ち、顔をなめらかにした。

“Gregorius, Commissioner.”

「グレゴリウスです、本部長」

He listened.

彼は聞いた。

“Yeah, he's here in my office, Commissioner. I been asking him a few questions.

「ああ、彼は私のオフィスにいます、本部長。私は彼にいくつか質問をしていました。

Not co-operative. Not co-operative at all... How's that again?”

co-operative (協力的) [形] involving the willingness to work together

how's that again (もう一度お願いします) [句] please repeat that

協力的ではありません。全く協力的ではありません...もう一度お願いします」

A sudden ferocious scowl twisted his face into dark knots.

sudden (突然の) [形] happening or done quickly and without warning

ferocious (激しい) [形] extremely violent or intense

scowl (しかめっ面) [名] a facial expression of disapproval or displeasure

twist (ねじ曲げる) [動] to turn or cause to turn around and around

knot (結び目) [名] a fastening made by tying together two or more pieces of rope or string

突然の激しいしかめっ面が彼の顔を暗い結び目にねじ曲げた。

The blood darkened his forehead.

darken (暗くする) [動] make or become dark or darker

forehead (額) [名] the part of the face above the eyes

血が彼の額を暗くした。

But his voice didn't change in tone by a fraction.

tone (トーン) [名] the quality of a sound or of a person's voice

fraction (少し) [名] a small part of something

しかし彼の声のトーンは少しも変わらなかった。

“If that's a direct order, it ought to come through the Chief of Detectives, Commissioner... Sure, I'll act on it until it's confirmed.

direct order (直接の命令) [名] an order that is given directly to someone

come through (~を通して来る) [動] to be received or communicated via a particular medium

Chief of Detectives (刑事部長) [名] the head of a police department's detective bureau

Commissioner (長官) [名] the head of a government department

Sure (確かに) [副] yes

act on (~に従って行動する) [動] to take action based on something

confirm (確認する) [動] to make sure that something is true or correct

「それが直接の命令なら、それは刑事部長を通して来るべきです、長官...確かに、私はそれが確認されるまでそれに従って行動します。

Sure... Hell, no. Nobody laid a glove on him... Yes, sir. Right away.”

laid a glove on (手袋をはめる) [動] to hit or attack someone

Yes, sir (はい、そうです) [間] a polite expression of agreement

Right away (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation

確かに...地獄、いいえ。誰も彼に手袋をはめなかった...はい、そうです。すぐに。」

He put the phone back in its cradle.

cradle (元の位置) [名] a support or holder for something

彼は電話を元の位置に戻した。

I thought his hand shook a little.

彼の手が少し震えたように思った。

His eyes moved up and across my face and then to Green.

彼の目は私の顔を横切って上へ動き、それからグリーンへと向かった。

“Take the cuffs off,” he said tonelessly.

tonelessly (抑揚のない声で) [副] without any change in the pitch or loudness of the voice

「手錠を外せ」と彼は抑揚のない声で言った。

Green unlocked the cuffs.

unlock (外す) [動] release the lock of

グリーンは手錠を外した。

I rubbed my hands together, waiting for the pins and needles of circulation.

rub (こする) [動] move one's hand or an object over a surface with pressure

私は手をこすり合わせ、血行が回復してチクチクするのを待った。

“Book him in the county jail,” Gregorius said slowly.

book (入れる) [動] to reserve or purchase a ticket for

county jail (郡刑務所) [名] a jail for people awaiting trial or serving short sentences

「彼を郡刑務所に入れろ」とグレゴリウスはゆっくりと言った。

“Suspicion of murder.

「殺人容疑だ。

The D.A. has glommed the case right out of our hands.

glom (奪い取る) [動] to take or steal something

検察がこの事件を我々の手から奪い取った。

Lovely system we got around here.”

system (システム) [名] a set of things working together as a mechanism or an interconnecting network

我々がここで得た素晴らしいシステムだ」

Nobody moved.

誰も動かなかった。

Green was close to me, breathing hard.

グリーンは私の近くにいて、激しく息をしていた。

Gregorius looked up at Dayton.

グレゴリウスはデイトンを見た。

“Whatcha waiting for, cream puff?

wait for (待つ) [動] to stay where you are or delay doing something until a particular time or until something else happens

cream puff (シュークリーム) [名] a small round cake made of pastry and filled with cream

「何を待っているんだ、シュークリーム?

An ice-cream cone maybe?”

ice-cream cone (アイスクリームコーン) [名] a cone-shaped wafer filled with ice cream

アイスクリームコーンかな?」

Dayton almost choked.

choke (息が詰まる) [動] have difficulty breathing

デイトンは息が詰まりそうになった。

“You didn't give me any orders, skipper.”

give (出す) [動] to make a present of

「あなたは私に命令を出さなかった、船長」

“Say sir to me, damn you!

damn (この野郎) [動] curse

「私にサーと言え、この野郎!

I'm skipper to sergeants and better.

sergeant (軍曹) [名] a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a corporal and below a staff sergeant

better (以上) [形] more desirable, satisfactory, or effective

私は軍曹以上の船長だ。

Not to you, kiddo.

kiddo (坊や) [名] a child or young person

君には違う、坊や。

Not to you.

not (違う) [副] a word that is used to say no or to express a negative

君には違う。

Out.”

out (終わり) [名] the end of something

終わり」

“Yes, sir.” Dayton walked quickly to the door and went out.

「はい、旦那」デイトンは素早くドアまで歩き、出て行った。

Gregorius heaved himself to his feet and moved to the window and stood with his back to the room.

heave (立ち上がる) [動] lift or carry with great effort

グレゴリウスは立ち上がり、窓まで歩き、部屋に背を向けて立った。

“Come on, let's drift,” Green muttered in my ear.

come on (さあ) [間] used to encourage someone to do something

drift (行く) [動] move slowly and smoothly

「さあ、行こう」グリーンが私の耳元でつぶやいた。

“Get him out of here before I kick his face in,” Gregorius said to the window.

「私が彼の顔を蹴り飛ばす前に彼をここから連れ出せ」グレゴリウスは窓に向かって言った。

Green went to the door and opened it.

go (歩く) [動] move at a regular and fairly rapid pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

グリーンはドアまで歩き、ドアを開けた。

I started through.

through (通り抜ける) [前] from one end or side to the other

私は歩き出した。

Gregorius barked suddenly: “Hold it! Shut that door!”

hold (待つ) [動] to wait

shut (閉める) [動] to move a door or window so that it is no longer open

グレゴリウスは突然吠えた。「待て! ドアを閉めろ!」

Green shut it and leaned his back to it.

グリーンはドアを閉め、ドアに背をもたれた。

“Come here, you!” Gregorius barked at me.

come here (こっちに来い) [動] move towards the speaker

「こっちに来い!」グレゴリウスは私に吠えた。

I didn't move. I stood and looked at him.

私は動かなかった。私は立って彼を見た。

Green didn't move either.

グリーンも動かなかった。

There was a grim pause.

grim (不気味な) [形] causing fear or disgust

pause (沈黙) [名] a temporary stop or rest

不気味な沈黙があった。

Then very slowly Gregorius walked across the room and stood facing me toe to toe.

very slowly (とてもゆっくりと) [副] at a low speed

walk across (横切って歩く) [動] walk from one side to the other

stand facing (~と向かい合って立つ) [動] be in a position in which you are upright and your weight is supported by your feet

toe to toe (つま先を合わせる) [名] with the front ends of the feet touching

それからグレゴリウスはとてもゆっくりと部屋を横切って歩き、私とつま先を合わせるように立った。

He put his big hard hands in his pockets.

彼は大きくて硬い手をポケットに入れた。

He rocked on his heels.

rock (揺れる) [動] move or cause to move slowly and gently from side to side or backwards and forwards

heel (かかと) [名] the end of a foot

彼はかかとで揺れた。

“Never laid a glove on him,” he said under his breath, as if talking to himself.

lay a glove on (手袋をはめる) [動] to hit or attack someone

under one's breath (小声で) [副] in a whisper

talking to oneself (独り言を言う) [動] to speak to oneself

「彼に手袋をはめたことは一度もない」と彼は独り言を言うように小声で言った。

His eyes were remote and expressionless.

expressionless (無表情) [形] lacking expression

彼の目は遠くを見つめ、無表情だった。

His mouth worked convulsively.

work (痙攣する) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

彼の口は痙攣した。

Then he spat in my face.

spit (唾を吐く) [動] eject saliva from the mouth

それから彼は私の顔に唾を吐いた。

He stepped back.

step back (後ろに下がる) [動] move backwards

彼は後ろに下がった。

“That will be all, thank you.”

「以上です、ありがとう」

He turned and went back to the window.

彼は振り返り、窓に戻った。

Green opened the door again.

グリーンは再びドアを開けた。

I went through it reaching for my handkerchief.

reach for (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

私はハンカチに手を伸ばしながらそれを通り抜けた。

[8]

Cell No. 3 in the felony tank has two bunks, Pullman style, but the tank was not very full and I had the cell to myself.

cell (独房) [名] a small room in a prison

felony (重罪) [名] a crime of high seriousness

tank (監房) [名] a place where people are kept in prison

bunk (2段ベッド) [名] a bed that is built one on top of another

Pullman (プルマン) [名] a type of railroad car

style (式) [名] a way of doing something

full (満員) [形] having no empty space

myself (私) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

重罪監房の3号室にはプルマン式の2段ベッドがあるが、監房は満員ではなく、私は独房だった。

In the felony tank they treat you pretty well.

felony tank (重罪監房) [名] a jail for people who have committed serious crimes

treat (扱う) [動] behave towards or deal with in a certain way

重罪監房では、彼らはあなたをかなりよく扱う。

You get two blankets, neither dirty nor clean, and a lumpy mattress two inches thick which goes over crisscrossed metal slats.

blanket (毛布) [名] a large piece of woollen material used as a bed covering

neither (どちらでもない) [接] not either

lumpy (ゴツゴツした) [形] having many lumps

mattress (マットレス) [名] a large, flat piece of material filled with soft material or springs, used as a bed

thick (厚い) [形] having a large distance between opposite sides

crisscross (十字に交差する) [動] to form a pattern of crossing lines

metal (金属) [名] a solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity

slat (スラット) [名] a thin, narrow piece of wood or metal

汚くもきれいでもない毛布を2枚と、十字に交差した金属製のスラットの上に敷く厚さ2インチのゴツゴツしたマットレスを渡される。

There is a flush toilet, a washbasin, paper towels and gritty gray soap.

flush toilet (水洗トイレ) [名] a toilet that disposes of waste by using water

washbasin (洗面台) [名] a large fixed container with taps to supply water for washing the hands and face

paper towel (ペーパータオル) [名] a disposable towel made from paper

gritty (ざらざらした) [形] having a rough texture

soap (石鹸) [名] a substance used with water for washing and cleaning

水洗トイレ、洗面台、ペーパータオル、ざらざらした灰色の石鹸がある。

The cell block is clean and doesn't smell of disinfectant.

cell block (独房) [名] a group of cells in a prison

smell (匂い) [名] the quality of something that you can sense with your nose

disinfectant (消毒剤) [名] a chemical liquid that kills bacteria

独房は清潔で、消毒剤の匂いがしない。

The trusties do the work.

trusty (信頼できる囚人) [名] a prisoner who is given special privileges as a result of good behavior

信頼できる囚人がその仕事をする。

The supply of trusties is always ample.

supply (供給) [名] the amount of something that is available

ample (十分な) [形] more than enough; plentiful

信頼できる囚人の供給は常に十分だ。

The jail deputies look you over and they have wise eyes.

jail (刑務所) [名] a place for the confinement of persons held in lawful custody specifically for convicted criminals of serious crimes

deputy (刑務官) [名] a person appointed to undertake the duties of a superior in the superior's absence

wise (賢い) [形] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

刑務官はあなたをじろじろと見回し、彼らは賢い目をしている。

Unless you are a drunk or a psycho or act like one you get to keep your matches and cigarettes.

psycho (精神病患者) [名] a person who is mentally ill

act (振る舞う) [動] behave in a particular manner

cigarette (タバコ) [名] a thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking

あなたが酔っ払いや精神病患者、あるいはそのように振る舞う人でない限り、マッチやタバコを持ち続けることができる。

Until preliminary you wear your own clothes.

preliminary (予審) [名] a preliminary examination or investigation

予審までは自分の服を着る。

After that you wear the jail denim, no tie, no belt, no shoelaces.

denim (デニム) [名] a sturdy cotton twill fabric

belt (ベルト) [名] a strip of leather or cloth worn around the waist

shoelace (靴ひも) [名] a string or cord used to fasten a shoe

その後は刑務所のデニムを着て、ネクタイもベルトも靴ひももない。

You sit on the bunk and wait.

あなたは寝台に座って待つ。

There is nothing else to do.

他に何もすることがない。

In the drunk tank it is not so good.

not so good (そうはいかない) [形] not very good

酔っ払い留置所ではそうはいかない。

No bunk, no chair, no blankets, no nothing.

寝台も椅子も毛布も何もない。

You lie on the concrete floor.

lie (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

concrete (コンクリート) [名] a hard strong material used for building that is made by mixing cement, sand, small stones, and water

あなたはコンクリートの床に横たわる。

You sit on the toilet and vomit in your own lap.

toilet (トイレ) [名] a large bowl-shaped container with a seat over it into which people urinate and defecate

あなたはトイレに座り、自分の膝の上に吐く。

That is the depth of misery.

depth (極み) [名] the deepest part of something

それが悲惨の極みだ。

I've seen it.

私はそれを見たことがある。

Although it was still daylight the lights were on in the ceiling.

daylight (日が明るい) [名] the light of day

まだ日が明るかったにもかかわらず、天井の照明が点いていた。

Inside the steel door of the cell block was a basket of steel bars around the Judas window.

steel door (鉄製のドア) [名] a door made of steel

steel bar (鉄格子) [名] a bar made of steel

Judas window (ユダの窓) [名] a small window in a door

独房の鉄製のドアの内側には、ユダの窓の周りに鉄格子のバスケットがあった。

The lights were controlled from outside the steel door.

control (制御する) [動] to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command

outside (外側) [名] the external part of something

steel (鉄製) [名] a hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron and carbon

照明は鉄製のドアの外側から制御されていた。

They went out at nine p.m.

nine p.m. (午後9時) [名] nine o'clock in the evening

彼らは午後9時に出かけた。

Nobody came through the door or said anything.

come through (入ってくる) [動] to enter through a door or other opening

誰もドアから入ってきたり、何かを言ったりしなかった。

You might be in the middle of a sentence in a newspaper or magazine.

be in the middle of (途中にいる) [動] to be in the process of doing something

newspaper (新聞) [名] a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

新聞や雑誌の文の途中にいるかもしれない。

Without any sound of a click or any warning--darkness.

click (カチッという音) [名] a short, sharp sound as of a switch being operated or of two hard objects striking each other

warning (警告) [名] a statement or event that indicates a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation

darkness (暗闇) [名] the absence of light

カチッという音も警告もなしに暗闇になった。

And there you were until the summer dawn with nothing to do but sleep if you could, smoke if you had anything to smoke, and think if you had anything to think about that didn't make you feel worse than not thinking at all.

summer (夏) [名] the season of the year between spring and autumn

dawn (夜明け) [名] the time of day when light first appears in the sky

そして、夏の夜明けまで、眠れるなら眠り、吸うものがあれば吸い、何も考えないよりも気分が悪くならないことを考える以外に何もすることがない。

In jail a man has no personality.

刑務所では人間には個性がない。

He is a minor disposal problem and a few entries on reports.

minor (小さな) [形] of little importance

disposal (処分) [名] the action or process of getting rid of something

report (報告書) [名] a statement of the results of an investigation or of any matter on which definite information is required

彼は小さな処分問題であり、報告書にいくつかの記入がある。

Nobody cares who loves or hates him, what he looks like, what he did with his life.

love (愛する) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for

look like (~のような顔をしている) [動] have the appearance of

do with (~で何をしたのか) [動] make, produce, or create

誰も彼を愛しているのか憎んでいるのか、彼がどんな顔をしているのか、彼が人生で何をしたのかを気にしない。

Nobody reacts to him unless he gives trouble.

react (反応する) [動] respond to something in a particular way

彼がトラブルを起こさない限り、誰も彼に反応しない。

Nobody abuses him.

誰も彼を虐待しない。

All that is asked of him is that he go quietly to the right cell and remain quiet when he gets there.

remain (いる) [動] to stay in the same place or condition

彼に求められているのは、静かに正しい独房に行き、そこに着いたら静かにしていることだけだ。

There is nothing to fight against, nothing to be mad at.

be mad at (怒る) [動] be angry with

戦うべきものも、怒るべきものもない。

The jailers are quiet men without animosity or sadism.

jailer (看守) [名] a person who is in charge of a jail or prison

animosity (敵意) [名] a strong feeling of dislike or hatred

sadism (サディズム) [名] the enjoyment of causing pain or humiliation to others

看守は敵意もサディズムもない静かな男たちだ。

All this stuff you read about men yelling and screaming, beating against the bars, running spoons along them, guards rushing in with clubs--all that is for the big house.

scream (叫び声を上げる) [動] to make a loud, high-pitched sound

beat (叩く) [動] to strike repeatedly

bar (鉄格子) [名] a long, thin piece of metal

spoon (スプーン) [名] a utensil with a handle and a small, shallow bowl

guard (警備員) [名] a person who guards or watches over something

rush (突入する) [動] to move or act with urgent haste

club (棍棒) [名] a heavy stick with a thick end

big house (大きな家) [名] a prison

男たちが叫び声を上げたり、鉄格子を叩いたり、スプーンを走らせたり、警備員が棍棒を持って突入したりといった話はすべて、大きな家のためのものだ。

A good jail is one of the quietest places in the world.

良い刑務所は世界で最も静かな場所の一つだ。

You could walk through the average cell block at night and look in through the bars and see a huddle of brown blanket, or a head of hair, or a pair of eyes looking at nothing.

walk through (歩く) [動] move at regular paces by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

look in (覗く) [動] direct one's gaze

huddle (くるまる) [動] crowd together

夜、普通の独房ブロックを歩いて鉄格子から中を覗くと、茶色い毛布にくるまった人や、髪の毛、何も見ていない目などが見える。

You might hear a snore.

snore (いびき) [名] the hoarse sound made in breathing during sleep

いびきが聞こえるかもしれない。

Once in a long while you might hear a nightmare.

once in a long while (たまに) [副] not often; infrequently

nightmare (悪夢) [名] a frightening or unpleasant dream

たまに悪夢を聞くかもしれない。

The life in a jail is in suspension, without purpose or meaning.

suspension (中断) [名] the interruption of a process or activity

meaning (意味) [名] what is meant by a word, text, concept, or action

刑務所での生活は、目的も意味もなく、中断されている。

In another cell you might see a man who cannot sleep or even try to sleep.

別の独房では、眠れない人や眠ろうともしない人がいるかもしれない。

He is sitting on the edge of his bunk doing nothing.

bunk (二段ベッド) [名] a bed that is one of two beds built one on top of the other

do nothing (何もしない) [動] be idle or inactive

彼は二段ベッドの端に座って何もしていない。

He looks at you or doesn't.

彼はあなたを見たり、見なかったりする。

You look at him.

あなたは彼を見る。

He says nothing and you say nothing.

彼は何も言わず、あなたも何も言わない。

There is nothing to communicate.

communicate (伝える) [動] share or exchange information, news, or ideas

伝えるべきことは何もない。

In the corner of the cell block there may be a second steel door that leads to the show-up box.

lead to (続く) [動] go or travel in a specified direction

show-up box (面会室) [名] a room in a prison where prisoners can meet with visitors

独房の角には、面会室に続く2つ目の鉄製のドアがあるかもしれない。

One of its walls is wire mesh painted black.

wire mesh (金網) [名] a network of wires with a regular pattern of holes

paint (塗る) [動] cover the surface of (something) with paint or a similar substance

black (黒) [形] of the darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light; the opposite of white

その壁の1つは黒く塗られた金網である。

On the back wall are ruled lines for height.

back wall (後ろの壁) [名] the wall at the back of a room

rule (引く) [動] to draw a straight line

height (身長) [名] the distance from the top to the bottom of something

後ろの壁には身長を測るための線が引かれている。

Overhead are floodlights.

overhead (頭上) [名] the general expenses of a business

be (ある) [動] exist

頭上には投光器がある。

You go in there in the morning as a rule, just before the night captain goes off duty.

go in (行く) [動] move or travel toward the inside of something

rule (規則) [名] a statement that tells you what you are allowed or not allowed to do

go off duty (退勤する) [動] stop working

通常は朝、夜勤の警部が退勤する直前にそこに行く。

You stand against the measuring lines and the lights glare at you and there is no light behind the wire mesh.

stand against (立つ) [動] be in or move into a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

measuring line (身長を測る線) [名] a line used to measure something

glare (まぶしく照らす) [動] shine with a very bright light

身長を測る線の前に立つと、ライトがまぶしく照らし、金網の向こうには光がない。

But plenty of people are out there: cops, detectives, citizens who have been robbed or assaulted or swindled or kicked out of their cars at gun point or conned out of their life savings.

plenty of (たくさんの) [名] a large number or amount

out there (そこに) [副] in or to that place

rob (強盗) [動] take something from someone by force

assault (暴行) [動] attack someone physically or verbally

swindle (詐欺) [動] cheat someone out of money or property

kick out (追い出す) [動] force someone to leave a place

gun point (銃で脅す) [名] the threat of being shot with a gun

life savings (貯金) [名] the money that someone has saved over their lifetime

しかし、そこにはたくさんの人がいる。警官、刑事、強盗や暴行、詐欺の被害者、銃で脅されて車から追い出されたり、貯金をだまし取られたりした市民たちだ。

You don't see or hear them.

彼らの姿も声も見聞きすることはできない。

You hear the voice of the night captain.

夜勤の警部の声が聞こえる。

You receive him loud and clear.

receive (聞こえる) [動] be given, presented with, or paid something

loud (はっきり) [形] producing or capable of producing much noise

clear (はっきり) [形] easy to understand; intelligible

彼の声ははっきりと聞こえる。

He puts you through your paces as if you were a performing dog.

put someone through their paces (歩かせる) [動] to test someone's ability or performance

performing dog (芸をする犬) [名] a dog that has been trained to perform tricks

彼はまるであなたが芸をする犬であるかのように、あなたを歩かせたりする。

He is tired and cynical and competent.

cynical (皮肉屋) [形] believing that people are motivated by selfishness and not by goodness

competent (有能) [形] having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully

彼は疲れていて、皮肉屋で、有能だ。

He is the stage manager of a play that has had the longest run in history, but it no longer interests him.

stage manager (舞台監督) [名] the person in charge of the technical aspects of a theatrical production

longest (最も長い) [形] of great or more than average length

history (歴史) [名] the study of past events

no longer (もはや) [副] not anymore; not now

彼は歴史上最も長く続いた劇の舞台監督だが、もはや彼はそれに興味がない。

“All right, you. Stand straight. Pull your belly in.

belly (お腹) [名] the front of the human trunk below the ribs

「よし、あなた。まっすぐ立って。お腹を引っ込めて。

Pull your chin in.

chin (顎) [名] the lower part of a person's face below the mouth

顎を引いて。

Keep your shoulders back.

keep (引く) [動] to hold or retain in a specified place, position, or state

肩を後ろに引いて。

Hold your head level.

hold (保つ) [動] keep in a certain state

level (水平) [形] having a flat and even surface

頭を水平に保って。

Look straight front.

straight (正面) [形] not crooked or bent

正面を向いて。

Turn left. Turn right. Face front again and hold your hands out.

turn left (左を向く) [動] rotate to the left

turn right (右を向く) [動] rotate to the right

face front (正面を向く) [動] rotate to the front

hold out (前に出す) [動] extend or stretch out

左を向いて。右を向いて。また正面を向いて手を前に出して。

Palms up. Palms down. Pull your sleeves back.

palm (手のひら) [名] the inner surface of the hand

down (下) [副] toward a lower place or position

手のひらを上にして。手のひらを下にして。袖をまくって。

No visible scars.

visible (目に見える) [形] able to be seen

目に見える傷はない。

Hair dark brown, some gray.

dark brown (暗い茶色) [形] a color that is a mix of red, yellow, and black

some (少し) [限] an unspecified amount or number of

gray (白髪) [形] a color that is a mix of black and white

髪は暗い茶色で、少し白髪がある。

Eyes brown. Height six feet, one half inch.

brown (茶色) [形] of the color intermediate between red and yellow in the spectrum; of a color produced by the combination of red, yellow, and black

six feet (6フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

one half inch (1.5インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot

目は茶色。身長は6フィート1.5インチ。

Weight about one ninety.

weight (体重) [名] the force of gravity on a body

one ninety (190) [名] the number 190

体重は約190ポンド。

Name, Philip Marlowe. Occupation private detective.

occupation (職業) [名] a person's regular paid work

名前はフィリップ・マーロウ。職業は私立探偵。

Well, well, nice to see you, Marlowe.

やあ、やあ、マーロウ、会えて嬉しいよ。

That's all. Next man.”

That's all (以上だ) [句] that is all there is to it

Next (次の) [形] immediately following the time of writing or speaking

以上だ。次の人」

Much obliged, Captain. Thanks for the time.

much obliged (とても感謝しています) [形] very grateful

thanks for the time (時間を割いていただきありがとうございました) [名] an expression of gratitude for someone's time

とても感謝しています、警部。時間を割いていただきありがとうございました。

You forgot to have me open my mouth.

have (させる) [動] cause or allow someone to do something

私に口を開けさせるのを忘れたね。

I have some nice inlays and one very high-class porcelain jacket crown.

inlay (インレー) [名] a piece of wood, metal, or other material set into a surface as a decoration

very (非常に) [副] to a high degree; extremely

high-class (高級な) [形] of high quality or status

porcelain (磁器) [名] a hard, white, translucent ceramic material made by firing clay at a high temperature

crown (クラウン) [名] a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority

私はいくつかの素敵なインレーと1つの非常に高級な磁器ジャケットクラウンを持っている。

Eighty-seven dollars worth of porcelain jacket crown.

eighty-seven dollars (87ドル) [名] a sum of money

worth (相当) [名] the quality that makes something worth having or doing

87ドル相当の磁器ジャケットクラウン。

You forgot to look inside my nose too, Captain.

too (も) [副] in addition; also; as well

警部、私の鼻の中を見るのも忘れたね。

A lot of scar tissue in there for you.

scar tissue (傷跡) [名] a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or other injury has not healed completely and fibrous connective tissue has developed

in there (そこに) [副] in that place

for you (あなたのために) [前] intended for or belonging to the person or thing mentioned

そこにはたくさんの傷跡がある。

Septum operation and was that guy a butcher!

septum operation (鼻中隔手術) [名] a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum

butcher (肉屋) [名] a person who prepares and sells meat

鼻中隔手術で、あの男は肉屋だった!

Two hours of it in those days.

those days (当時) [名] a period of time in the past

当時は2時間だった。

I hear they do it in twenty minutes now.

今は20分でできるらしい。

I got it playing football, Captain, a slight miscalculation in an attempt to block a punt.

football (フットボール) [名] a game played by two teams of eleven players with a round ball on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end

miscalculation (計算違い) [名] an error in calculation

attempt (試み) [名] an act of trying to do something

フットボールでやったんだ、キャプテン、パントブロックの試みでちょっとした計算違いがあったんだ。

I blocked the guy's foot instead--after he kicked the ball.

block (ブロックする) [動] to stop the movement of something

instead (代わりに) [副] as an alternative or substitute for

ball (ボール) [名] a round object with a smooth or rough surface that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game

代わりにボールを蹴った後の男の足をブロックしたんだ。

Fifteen yards penalty, and that's about how much stiff bloody tape they pulled out of my nose an inch at a time the day after the operation.

fifteen yards (15ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

penalty (ペナルティ) [名] a punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract

that's about (それは~だ) [句] that is approximately

bloody (血まみれの) [形] covered with or containing blood

tape (テープ) [名] a narrow strip of material, typically paper or plastic, coated with a sticky substance on one side

pull out (引っ張り出す) [動] to remove something from a place or position

operation (手術) [名] a medical procedure involving the cutting open of a patient's body to repair or remove damaged or diseased parts

15ヤードのペナルティ、そしてそれは手術の翌日に彼らが私の鼻から1インチずつ引っ張り出した硬い血まみれのテープの量だ。

I'm not bragging, Captain.

brag (自慢する) [動] to speak too proudly about oneself or one's achievements

自慢しているわけではない、キャプテン。

I'm just telling you.

ただ話しているだけだ。

It's the little things that count.

count (大事である) [動] be of importance or significance

小さなことが大事なんだ。

On the third day a deputy unlocked my cell in the middle of the morning.

on the third day (3日目) [名] three days after the present day

3日目の朝、看守が私の独房の鍵を開けた。

“Your lawyer's here.

lawyer (弁護士) [名] a person who is a member of the legal profession

「あなたの弁護士が来た。

Kill the butt--and not on the floor.”

kill (消す) [動] cause to die; put to death

butt (吸い殻) [名] the part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked

吸い殻を消せ。床に捨てるな」

I flushed it down the toilet.

flush (流す) [動] cause a sudden flow of water to wash away (something)

私はそれをトイレに流した。

He took me to the conference room.

conference room (会議室) [名] a room in which meetings are held

彼は私を会議室に連れて行った。

A tall pale dark-haired man was standing there looking out of the window.

dark-haired (黒髪の) [形] having dark-colored hair

背の高い青白い黒髪の男が窓の外を見ながら立っていた。

There was a fat brown briefcase on the table.

briefcase (ブリーフケース) [名] a flat, rectangular case for carrying papers and documents

テーブルの上には分厚い茶色のブリーフケースがあった。

He turned.

彼は振り返った。

He waited for the door to close.

close (閉まる) [動] move so as to cover an opening

彼はドアが閉まるのを待った。

Then he sat down near his briefcase on the far side of a scarred oak table that came out of the Ark.

far side (向こう側) [名] the side that is more distant

scarred (傷だらけの) [形] marked with a scar or scars

oak (オーク) [名] a tree that produces acorns

それから彼はブリーフケースの近くの傷だらけのオーク材のテーブルの向こう側に座った。

Noah bought it secondhand.

secondhand (中古) [形] having had a previous owner

ノアはそれを中古で買った。

The lawyer opened a hammered silver cigarette case and put it in front of him and looked me over.

hammered silver (打ち出し銀) [名] silver that has been shaped by hammering

cigarette case (シガレットケース) [名] a small flat case for holding cigarettes

弁護士は打ち出し銀のシガレットケースを開けて彼の前に置き、私をじろじろ見た。

“Sit down, Marlowe. Care for a cigarette?

care for (吸う) [動] would you like to have

「座れ、マーロウ。タバコは吸うか?

My name is Endicott. Sewell Endicott.

Endicott (エンディコット) [名] a surname

Sewell (スウェル) [名] a surname

私の名前はエンディコットだ。スウェル・エンディコット。

I've been instructed to represent you without cost or expense to you.

instruct (指示する) [動] teach or direct someone by giving information or advice

represent (代理を務める) [動] act on behalf of

cost (費用) [名] the price paid for something

expense (経費) [名] a cost incurred in making or doing something

私はあなたに費用や経費をかけずに代理を務めるよう指示を受けている。

I guess you'd like to get out of here, wouldn't you?”

get out of (出る) [動] leave a place

ここから出たいと思うだろう?」

I sat down and took one of the cigarettes.

私は座ってタバコを1本取った。

He held a lighter for me.

hold (差し出す) [動] to have or keep in the hand

lighter (ライター) [名] a device that produces a small flame, typically used to light cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

彼は私のためにライターを差し出した。

“Nice to see you again, Mr. Endicott.

「またお会いできて嬉しいです、エンディコットさん。

We've met before--while you were D.A.”

before (以前) [副] at a time in the past

while (頃) [接] during the time that

D.A. (地方検事) [名] a public official who acts as prosecutor for the state or the people

以前お会いしましたね、あなたが地方検事だった頃です」

He nodded.

彼はうなずいた。

“I don't remember, but it's quite possible.”

possible (あり得る) [形] that may or can happen or be done

「覚えていませんが、あり得ますね」

He smiled faintly.

彼はかすかに微笑んだ。

“That position was not quite in my line.

position (役職) [名] a job or a place in a company or organization

line (専門) [名] a type of work or business that a company does

「その役職は私の専門外でした。

I guess I don't have enough tiger in me.”

tiger (虎) [名] a large and powerful animal of the cat family that has orange-brown fur with black stripes

私には虎のような気質が足りないのでしょう」

“Who sent you?”

send (頼む) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

「誰に頼まれたんだ?」

“I'm not at liberty to say.

be at liberty to (許される) [動] be free to do something

「言うことは許されていません。

If you accept me as your attorney, the fee will be taken care of.”

accept (受け入れる) [動] to receive something willingly

attorney (弁護士) [名] a person who is a lawyer

fee (費用) [名] a sum of money charged for a service

take care of (負担する) [動] to deal with or manage something

私を弁護士として受け入れてくれるなら、費用は負担されます」

“I guess that means they've got him.”

「それは彼を捕まえたということだろう」

He just stared at me.

彼はただ私を見つめていた。

I puffed at the cigarette.

puff (吸う) [動] to draw in and blow out smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe

私はタバコを吸った。

It was one of those things with filters in them.

filter (フィルター) [名] a device or substance for removing impurities or unwanted elements from a fluid

それはフィルター付きのたばこだった。

It tasted like a high fog strained through cotton wool.

high fog (高山の霧) [名] a fog that occurs at high altitudes

strain (濾過する) [動] to pass through a filter

cotton wool (綿毛) [名] a soft, fluffy material made from the fibers of the cotton plant

綿毛を通して濾過した高山の霧のような味がした。

“If you mean Lennox,” he said, “and of course you do, no--they haven't got him.”

got (捕まっていない) [動] catch or capture (someone or something)

「レノックスのことなら」と彼は言った。「もちろんそうだろうが、いや、まだ捕まっていない」

“Why the mystery, Mr. Endicott?

mystery (謎) [名] something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain

「なぜ謎めかすんですか、エンディコットさん?

About who sent you.”

誰があなたを送ったのかについて」

“My principal wishes to remain anonymous.

principal (依頼人) [名] the person who employs a lawyer or other professional

「私の依頼人は匿名を望んでいます。

That is the privilege of my principal.

それは私の依頼人の特権です。

Do you accept me?”

私を受け入れますか?」

“I don't know,” I said.

「わからない」と私は言った。

“If they haven't got Terry, why are they holding me?

haven't got (捕まえていない) [動] do not have

holding (捕まえている) [動] grasp, carry, or support with one's hands

「彼らがテリーを捕まえていないのなら、なぜ私を捕まえているの?

Nobody has asked me anything, nobody has been near me.”

near (近く) [前] at or to a short distance from; close to

誰も私に何も尋ねないし、誰も私の近くに来ない。」

He frowned and looked down at his long white delicate fingers.

delicate (繊細な) [形] very fine in texture or structure; fragile

彼は眉をひそめ、長く白い繊細な指を見下ろした。

“District Attorney Springer has taken personal charge of this matter.

District Attorney (地方検事) [名] the prosecutor for a local government area

Springer (スプリンガー) [名] a surname

take charge of (担当する) [動] to be responsible for something or someone

matter (件) [名] a situation or event

「地方検事のスプリンガーがこの件を個人的に担当している。

He may have been too busy to question you yet.

busy (忙しい) [形] having a great deal to do

question (尋問する) [動] ask questions of

yet (まだ) [副] up until the present time; so far

彼は忙しすぎてまだあなたに尋問できないのかもしれない。

But you are entitled to arraignment and a preliminary hearing.

be entitled to (を受ける権利がある) [動] have a right to something

arraignment (起訴) [名] the action of bringing a criminal charge against someone

preliminary hearing (予備審問) [名] a hearing held in a court of law before a trial to decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial to take place

しかし、あなたには起訴と予備審問を受ける権利がある。

I can get you out on bail on a habeas corpus proceeding.

get you out (保釈してもらえる) [動] to be released from jail or prison after paying a sum of money

bail (保釈) [名] a sum of money that is paid to a court as a guarantee that a person will return to court when they are supposed to

habeas corpus (人身保護令状) [名] a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention

proceeding (手続き) [名] an official action or course of action

人身保護令状手続きで保釈してもらえる。

You probably know what the law is.”

あなたはおそらく法律が何であるか知っているだろう。」

“I'm booked on suspicion of murder.”

be booked (逮捕される) [動] to be arrested

「私は殺人容疑で逮捕された。」

He shrugged impatiently.

shrug (肩をすくめる) [動] raise and lower the shoulders to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference

彼はイライラして肩をすくめた。

“That's just a catch-all. You could have been booked in transit to Pittsburgh, or any one of a dozen charges.

catch-all (総称) [名] a category that includes a wide variety of things

book (逮捕する) [動] to take into custody and charge with a crime

transit (移送) [名] the process of moving people or goods from one place to another

Pittsburgh (ピッツバーグ) [名] a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

dozen (12件) [名] a group of twelve things

charge (容疑) [名] an accusation of a crime

「それはただの総称だ。ピッツバーグへの移送中や、12件の容疑のいずれかで逮捕された可能性がある。

What they probably mean is accessory after the fact.

彼らがおそらく意味しているのは事後従犯だ。

You took Lennox somewhere, didn't you?”

somewhere (どこか) [副] in or to some place

レノックスをどこかに連れて行ったんだね?」

I didn't answer.

私は答えなかった。

I dropped the tasteless cigarette on the floor and stepped on it.

step on (踏みつける) [動] press on something with the foot

私は味のないタバコを床に落とし、踏みつけた。

Endicott shrugged again and frowned.

エンディコットは再び肩をすくめて眉をひそめた。

“Assume you did then, just for the sake of argument.

assume (仮定する) [動] suppose to be the case, without proof

sake (ため) [名] purpose or reason

「議論のために、そうしたと仮定しよう。

To make you an accessory they have to prove intent.

君を共犯者にするには、彼らは意図を証明しなければならない。

In this case that would mean knowledge that a crime had been committed and that Lennox was a fugitive.

fugitive (逃亡者) [名] a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution

この場合、それは犯罪が犯されたこととレノックスが逃亡者であることを知っていることを意味する。

It's bailable in any case.

bailable (保釈可能) [形] able to be released on bail

any case (いずれにせよ) [名] in any situation or circumstance

いずれにせよ保釈は可能だ。

Of course what you really are is a material witness.

really (実際に) [副] in reality

material (重要な) [形] of or relating to matter

もちろん、君は実際には重要な証人だ。

But a man can't be held in prison as a material witness in this state except by court order.

be held (入れられる) [動] to be put or kept in a particular place or position

prison (刑務所) [名] a place where people are kept as a punishment

court order (裁判所命令) [名] a command issued by a court

しかし、この州では裁判所命令がない限り、重要な証人として刑務所に入れられることはない。

He's not a material witness unless a judge so declares.

judge (裁判官) [名] a public official who hears and decides cases in a court of law

declare (宣言する) [動] to make a formal statement about something

裁判官がそう宣言しない限り、彼は重要な証人ではない。

But the law enforcement people can always find a way to do what they want to do.”

law enforcement (警察) [名] the action of ensuring that laws are obeyed

しかし、警察はいつでもやりたいことをやる方法を見つけることができる。」

“Yeah,” I said.

「ああ」と私は言った。

“A detective named Dayton slugged me.

「デイトンという刑事が私を殴った。

A homicide captain named Gregorius threw a cup of coffee at me, hit me in the neck hard enough to bust an artery--you can see it's still swollen, and when a call from Police Commissioner Allbright kept him from turning me over to the wrecking crew, he spat in my face.

artery (動脈) [名] any of the tubes that carry blood away from the heart

bust (破裂する) [動] break or cause to break suddenly and violently

swell (腫れる) [動] become larger or rounder in size, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid

call (電話) [名] a telephone conversation

Police Commissioner (警察委員長) [名] the head of a police department

keep (阻止する) [動] cause to remain in a specified state

turn over (引き渡す) [動] give or transfer to another

wrecking crew (破壊班) [名] a team of people who demolish buildings

グレゴリウスという殺人課の警部が私にコーヒーを投げつけ、動脈が破裂するほど強く首を殴った。まだ腫れているのがわかるだろう。そして、警察委員長のオールブライトからの電話で私を破壊班に引き渡すのを阻止されたとき、彼は私の顔に唾を吐いた。

You're quite right, Mr. Endicott.

quite right (全くその通り) [形] absolutely correct

Mr. Endicott (エンドicottさん) [名] a man's name

全くその通りです、エンドicottさん。

The law boys can always do what they want to do.”

警察はいつでもやりたいことができる」

He looked at his wrist watch rather pointedly.

wrist watch (腕時計) [名] a watch that is worn on a strap around the wrist

pointedly (意味ありげに) [副] in a pointed manner

彼は腕時計をかなり意味ありげに見た。

“You want out on bail or don't you?”

want out (出たい) [動] want to leave

or (または) [接] used to link alternatives

「保釈されたいのか、そうじゃないのか?」

“Thanks. I don't think I do.

「ありがとう。そうは思わない。

A guy out on bail is already half guilty in the public mind.

out on bail (保釈された) [動] released from jail after paying a sum of money as a guarantee that you will return to court when required

public mind (世間の目) [名] the general opinion of the people

保釈された奴は世間の目にはすでに半分有罪だ。

If he gets off later on, he had a smart lawyer.”

get off (無罪になる) [動] be acquitted of a crime

smart (優秀な) [形] having or showing a high level of intelligence or knowledge

後で無罪になったら、優秀な弁護士がいたということさ。」

“That's silly,” he said impatiently.

silly (馬鹿げている) [形] foolish or stupid

「それは馬鹿げている」と彼は焦燥気味に言った。

“Okay, it's silly.

「分かった、馬鹿げている。

I'm silly. Otherwise I wouldn't be here.

be here (ここにいる) [動] be present in this place

私は馬鹿だ。そうでなければここにはいない。

If you're in touch with Lennox, tell him to quit bothering about me.

be in touch with (連絡を取っている) [動] to communicate with someone

tell (伝える) [動] to communicate information to someone

レノックスと連絡を取っているなら、私のことを気にするのをやめるように伝えてくれ。

I'm not in here for him.

私は彼のためにここにいるわけじゃない。

I'm in here for me.

私は私のためにここにいるんだ。

No complaints. It's part of the deal.

complaint (不満) [名] a statement that you are unhappy about something

不満はない。それは取引の一部だ。

I'm in a business where people come to me with troubles.

私は人々がトラブルを抱えて私のところにやってくる仕事をしている。

Big troubles, little troubles, but always troubles they don't want to take to the cops.

大きなトラブル、小さなトラブル、しかしいつも警察に持ち込みたくないトラブルだ。

How long would they come if any bruiser with a police shield could hold me upside down and drain my guts?”

police shield (警察の盾) [名] a shield used by police

drain (絞り出す) [動] to draw off or cause to flow away gradually

警察の盾を持ったどんな暴漢でも私を逆さまにして私の内臓を絞り出すことができたら、彼らはどれくらい来てくれるだろうか?」

“I see your point,” he said slowly.

see one's point (言いたいことが分かる) [動] understand what someone is trying to say

「あなたの言いたいことは分かる」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“But let me correct you on one thing.

correct (訂正する) [動] make or become free from error

「しかし、1つだけ訂正させてください。

I am not in touch with Lennox. I scarcely know him.

scarcely (ほとんど~ない) [副] only just; barely

私はレノックスとは連絡を取っていない。私は彼のことをほとんど知らない。

I'm an officer of the court, as all lawyers are.

officer (役人) [名] a person who has a position of authority in an organization

court (裁判所) [名] a place where legal cases are heard and decided

私はすべての弁護士がそうであるように、裁判所の役人だ。

If I knew where Lennox was, I couldn't conceal the information from the District Attorney.

もし私がレノックスの居場所を知っていたら、その情報を地方検察官から隠すことはできない。

The most I could do would be to agree to surrender him at a specified time and place after I had had an interview with him.”

the most (最大) [名] the highest or greatest amount or extent

surrender (引き渡す) [動] give up or hand over (something) on compulsion or demand

私にできる最大のことは、彼と面会した後、指定された時間と場所で彼を引き渡すことに同意することだろう。」

“Nobody else would bother to send you here to help me.”

else (他の) [形] other than the one or ones already mentioned

「他の誰も私を助けるためにあなたをここに送ることをわざわざしないだろう。」

“Are you calling me a liar?”

liar (嘘つき) [名] a person who does not tell the truth

「私を嘘つき呼ばわりするつもり?」

He reached down to rub out his cigarette stub on the underside of the table.

rub out (押しつぶす) [動] to destroy or eliminate something

underside (下側) [名] the bottom or lower side of something

彼は手を伸ばしてテーブルの下側でタバコの吸い殻を押しつぶした。

“I seem to remember that you're a Virginian, Mr. Endicott.

seem to remember (記憶している) [動] to have a vague recollection of something

Virginian (バージニア人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Virginia

「あなたはバージニア人だったように記憶しているが、エンドicottさん。

In this country we have a sort of historical fixation about Virginians.

country (国) [名] a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory

historical (歴史的な) [形] of or relating to history or past events

fixation (固定観念) [名] an obsessive interest in or attachment to something

この国では、バージニア人について一種の歴史的な固定観念がある。

We think of them as the flower of southern chivalry and honor.”

think of (思う) [動] to have an opinion about something or someone

flower (花) [名] the seed-bearing part of a plant

chivalry (騎士道) [名] the medieval institution of knighthood

honor (名誉) [名] high respect

我々は彼らを南部の騎士道と名誉の花だと思っている。」

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“That was nicely said.

「それはいい言葉だ。

I only wish it was true.

wish (願う) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

true (本当) [形] being in accordance with fact or reality

それが本当ならいいのに。

But we're wasting time.

しかし、我々は時間を無駄にしている。

If you had had a grain of sense you'd have told the police you hadn't seen Lennox for a week.

have a grain of sense (分別がある) [動] to be sensible or reasonable

hadn't seen (会っていない) [動] to not have seen

君が少しでも分別があったら、警察にレノックスに1週間会っていないと言っただろう。

It didn't have to be true.

be true (本当である) [動] be in accordance with fact or reality

それが本当である必要はなかった。

Under oath you could always have told the real story.

under oath (宣誓の下で) [名] a formal promise or statement of fact

宣誓の下で君はいつでも本当の話をすることができた。

There's no law against lying to the cops.

lie (嘘をつく) [動] to make an untrue statement with deliberate intent to deceive; to utter untruth knowingly, as with intent to deceive

警官に嘘をつくことを禁じる法律はない。

They expect it.

彼らはそれを期待している。

They feel much happier when you lie to them than when you refuse to talk to them.

彼らは君が彼らと話すことを拒否する時よりも君が彼らに嘘をつく時の方がずっと幸せに感じる。

That's a direct challenge to their authority.

challenge (挑戦) [名] a call to engage in a contest or fight

authority (権威) [名] the power to command or enforce obedience

それは彼らの権威に対する直接の挑戦だ。

What do you expect to gain by it?”

gain (得る) [動] obtain or win something

君はそれで何を得るつもりだ?」

I didn't answer.

私は答えなかった。

I didn't really have an answer.

私には本当に答えがなかった。

He stood up and reached for his hat and snapped his cigarette case shut and put it in his pocket.

snap (パチンと閉める) [動] break or cause to break with a sharp cracking sound

cigarette case (タバコケース) [名] a small, flat, usually metal container for holding cigarettes

彼は立ち上がって帽子を取り、タバコケースをパチンと閉めてポケットに入れた。

“You had to play the big scene,” he said coldly.

play (演じる) [動] act out the part of a character on stage or in a movie

scene (場面) [名] a place where an event occurs

coldly (冷たく) [副] in a cold manner

「君は大きな場面を演じなければならなかった」と彼は冷たく言った。

“Stand on your rights, talk about the law.

stand on (主張する) [動] to insist on or demand

right (権利) [名] a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something

「自分の権利を主張して、法律について話す。

How ingenuous can a man get, Marlowe? A man like you who is supposed to know his way around.

ingenuous (無邪気な) [形] innocent and unsuspecting

know one's way around (世慣れた) [動] be familiar with something

人はどれほど無邪気になれるのか、マーロウ? 君のような世慣れた男が。

The law isn't justice.

justice (正義) [名] just behaviour or treatment

法律は正義ではない。

It's a very imperfect mechanism.

imperfect (不完全な) [形] not perfect; having a defect or weakness

mechanism (メカニズム) [名] a system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery

それは非常に不完全なメカニズムだ。

If you press exactly the right buttons and are also lucky, justice may show up in the answer.

press (押す) [動] to push against something with steady force

button (ボタン) [名] a small round object that you press to operate a machine or to fasten or unfasten clothes

lucky (幸運な) [形] having, bringing, or resulting from good luck

show up (現れる) [動] to arrive or appear

正しいボタンを押して、運が良ければ、正義が答えに現れるかもしれない。

A mechanism is all the law was ever intended to be.

法律はメカニズムであることが意図されていた。

I guess you're not in any mood to be helped.

mood (気分) [名] a temporary state of mind or feeling

助けてもらう気分ではないようだな。

So I'll take myself off.

だから私は自分を連れ去る。

You can reach me if you change your mind.”

change one's mind (気が変わる) [動] decide to do something different from what you had previously decided to do

reach (連絡する) [動] to get in touch with someone

気が変わったら連絡してくれ」

“I'll stick it out for a day or two longer.

stick it out (我慢する) [動] to continue doing something even though it is difficult

「あと1日か2日我慢する。

If they catch Terry they won't care how he got away.

get away (逃げる) [動] to leave a place or situation, especially in order to avoid something

彼らがテリーを捕まえたら、彼がどうやって逃げたかなんて気にしないだろう。

All they'll care about is the circus they can make of the trial.

care about (気にする) [動] to be interested in or concerned about something

circus (サーカス) [名] a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances, typically in a series of different places, in a large tent, in a series of different places

彼らが気にするのは裁判でできるサーカスだけだ。

The murder of Mr. Harlan Potter's daughter is headline material all over the country.

headline (トップニュース) [名] the most important news story of the day

material (材料) [名] something that can be used to make something else

all over (全国的に) [副] everywhere

ハーラン・ポッター氏の娘の殺害は全国的にトップニュースだ。

A crowd-pleaser like Springer could ride himself right into Attorney General on that show, and from there into the governor's chair and from there--”

crowd-pleaser (人気取り) [名] a person who does things that are popular with the public

Springer (シュプリンガー) [名] a German surname

ride (乗り込む) [動] to travel on a vehicle

Attorney General (司法長官) [名] the chief law officer of a country or state

governor (知事) [名] the elected head of a state government

シュプリンガーのような人気取りは、その番組で司法長官に乗り込み、そこから知事の椅子に乗り、そこから--」

I stopped talking and let the rest of it float in the air.

stop (やめる) [動] cease an action

let (浮かべる) [動] allow to happen

float (浮かべる) [動] be suspended in or on a liquid or gas

私は話をやめて、残りの部分を空中に浮かべた。

Endicott smiled a slow derisive smile.

slow (ゆっくりと) [副] at a low speed

derisive (嘲笑的な) [形] expressing contempt or ridicule

エンディコットはゆっくりと嘲笑的な笑みを浮かべた。

“I don't think you know very much about Mr. Harlan Potter,” he said.

「あなたはハーラン・ポッター氏のことをあまり知らないようだ」と彼は言った。

“And if they don't get Lennox, they won't want to know how he got away, Mr. Endicott.

want (知りたがらない) [動] to feel a need or a wish for

「そして、彼らがレノックスを捕まえなければ、彼がどうやって逃げたのか知りたがらないでしょう、エンディコットさん。

They'll just want to forget the whole thing fast.”

彼らはただ全てを早く忘れたいと思うでしょう」

“Got it all figured out, haven't you, Marlowe?”

「全て理解したな、マーロウ?」

“I've had the time.

have the time (時間がある) [動] have the time to do something

「時間はあった。

All I know about Mr. Harlan Potter is that he is supposed to be worth a hundred million bucks, and that he owns nine or ten newspapers.

hundred million (1億) [名] a very large number

own (所有する) [動] have or possess

ハーラン・ポッター氏について私が知っているのは、彼が1億ドルの価値があると思われていることと、9つか10の新聞を所有していることだけだ。

How's the publicity going?”

publicity (宣伝) [名] the activity of making information about a product or service known to the public

宣伝はどう?」

“The publicity?”

「宣伝?」

His voice was ice cold saying it.

ice cold (氷のように冷たい) [形] very cold

彼の声はそれを言うとき氷のように冷たかった。

“Yeah. Nobody's interviewed me from the press.

interviewed (取材する) [動] ask questions of (someone) for a newspaper, magazine, or broadcast

press (報道) [名] newspapers and magazines

「ああ。誰も私に取材に来なかった。

I expected to make a big noise in the papers out of this.

noise (騒ぎ) [名] a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance

私はこれで新聞で大騒ぎになると思っていた。

Get lots of business.

たくさんの仕事が舞い込む。

Private eye goes to jail rather than split on a pal.”

go to jail (刑務所に行く) [動] be sent to prison

rather than (くらいなら) [接] instead of

split on (売る) [動] betray

私立探偵は仲間を売るくらいなら刑務所に行く」

He walked to the door and turned with his hand on the knob.

knob (ドアノブ) [名] a rounded protuberance on a door or drawer that is grasped to open it

彼はドアまで歩き、ドアノブに手をかけて振り返った。

“You amuse me, Marlowe.

amuse (面白い) [動] cause to laugh or smile

「君は面白いね、マーロウ。

You're childish in some ways.

childish (子供っぽい) [形] of or like a child

some ways (どこか) [名] a certain extent or degree

君はどこか子供っぽい。

True, a hundred million dollars can buy a great deal of publicity.

great deal (かなり) [名] a large amount or extent

確かに、1億ドルあればかなりの宣伝ができる。

It can also, my friend, if shrewdly employed, buy a great deal of silence.”

shrewdly (賢く) [副] in a shrewd manner

employ (使う) [動] use something as a means of doing something

silence (沈黙) [名] the absence of sound or noise

賢く使えば、かなりの沈黙を買うこともできるんだよ、友よ」

He opened the door and went out.

彼はドアを開けて出て行った。

Then a deputy came in and took me back to Cell No. 3 in the felony block.

Cell No. 3 (3号房) [名] a room in a prison

それから副保安官がやってきて、私を重罪ブロックの3号房に連れ戻した。

“Guess you won't be with us long, if you've got Endicott,” he said pleasantly as he locked me in.

be with (いる) [動] to be in the company of

pleasantly (愛想よく) [副] in a pleasant manner

lock in (閉じ込める) [動] to confine or enclose

「エンディコットがいるなら、長くここにはいないだろうね」と彼は私を閉じ込めながら愛想よく言った。

I said I hoped he was right.

私は彼が正しいことを願っていると言った。

[9]

The deputy on the early night shift was a big blond guy with meaty shoulders and a friendly grin.

early night shift (夜勤の早番) [名] the first part of the night shift

blond (金髪の) [形] having fair hair and skin

meaty (肉付きの良い) [形] having a lot of flesh

夜勤の早番の副保安官は、肉付きの良い肩と愛想の良い笑顔をした大きな金髪の男だった。

He was middle-aged and had long since outlived both pity and anger.

long since (長く) [副] a long time ago

outlive (生き抜く) [動] live longer than

pity (哀れみ) [名] a feeling of sympathy and sadness for someone else's misfortune

anger (怒り) [名] a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

彼は中年で、哀れみと怒りの両方を長く生き抜いてきた。

He wanted to put in eight easy hours and he looked as if almost anything would be easy down his street.

put in (過ごす) [動] to spend a period of time in a particular way

anything (何でも) [代] a thing of any kind

down (で) [前] in a lower place or position

彼は楽な8時間を過ごしたいと思っていて、彼の道ではほとんど何でも楽にできそうだった。

He unlocked my door.

彼は私のドアの鍵を開けた。

“Company for you.

company (来客) [名] a guest or guests

「来客だ。

Guy from the D.A.'s office.

検察局の男だ。

No sleep, huh?”

no sleep (寝てない) [名] the state of not sleeping

寝てないのかい?」

“It's a little early for me.

「私にはちょっと早い。

What time is it?”

what time (何時) [名] the time of day

今何時?」

“Ten-fourteen.”

ten-fourteen (10時14分) [名] the time 10:14

「10時14分」

He stood in the doorway and looked over the cell.

look over (見渡す) [動] examine or inspect

彼は戸口に立って独房を見渡した。

One blanket was spread on the lower bunk, one was folded for a pillow.

spread (広げる) [動] stretch out so as to cover a larger area

lower (下の) [形] below average in height

fold (折り畳む) [動] bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself so that one part of it covers another

pillow (枕) [名] a cushion for resting one's head on, especially in bed

毛布が1枚下の寝台に広げられ、もう1枚は枕に折り畳まれていた。

There were a couple of used paper towels in the trash bucket and a small wad of toilet paper on the edge of the washbasin.

trash bucket (ゴミ箱) [名] a container for trash

used paper towels (使用済みのペーパータオル) [名] paper towels that have been used

ゴミ箱には使用済みのペーパータオルが2枚、洗面台の端にはトイレットペーパーの小さな塊があった。

He nodded approval.

approval (承認) [名] the action of officially agreeing to something

彼は承認してうなずいた。

“Anything personal in here?”

personal (私物) [形] belonging to or connected with a particular person

「ここに何か私物は?」

“Just me.”

just (だけ) [副] only

「私だけ」

He left the cell door open.

彼は独房のドアを開けたままにした。

We walked along a quiet corridor to the elevator and rode down to the booking desk.

corridor (廊下) [名] a long passage in a building, generally with doors leading into rooms on one or both sides

booking desk (受付) [名] a counter where you can book tickets or make reservations

私たちは静かな廊下を歩いてエレベーターに乗り、受付まで降りた。

A fat man in a gray suit stood by the desk smoking a corncob.

fat (太った) [形] having a lot of flesh

corncob (コーンコープ) [名] the central woody part of an ear of corn

灰色のスーツを着た太った男が、机のそばに立ってコーンコープを吸っていた。

His fingernails were dirty and he smelled.

fingernail (爪) [名] the thin, horny plate on the end of each finger and toe

smell (臭いがする) [動] to have or give off an odor

彼の爪は汚れていて、臭いがした。

“I'm Spranklin from the D.A.'s office,” he told me in a tough voice.

D.A.'s office (検察局) [名] the office of the district attorney

「私は検察局のスプランクリンだ」と彼は厳しい声で私に言った。

“Mr. Grenz wants you upstairs.”

Mr. Grenz (グレンツさん) [名] a man named Grenz

want (呼んでいる) [動] wish for or desire

upstairs (二階) [名] the floor above the ground floor

「グレンツさんがあなたを二階に呼んでいる」

He reached behind his hip and came up with a pair of bracelets.

hip (腰) [名] the part of the body on both sides of the pelvis between the waist and the thigh

come up with (取り出す) [動] to manage to produce, deliver, or present something by inventing, creating, thinking of, or obtaining it

彼は腰の後ろに手を伸ばして、手錠を取り出した。

“Let's try these for size.”

「サイズを試してみよう」

The jail deputy and the booking clerk grinned at him with deep enjoyment.

booking clerk (受付係) [名] a person who works at a hotel reception desk

deep enjoyment (とても楽しそう) [名] a feeling of great pleasure or satisfaction

刑務所の副所長と受付係は、彼をとても楽しそうにニヤニヤと眺めていた。

“What's the matter, Sprank?

matter (どうしたんだ) [名] the substance or substances of which any physical object consists or is composed

Sprank (スプランク) [名] a surname

「どうしたんだ、スプランク?

Afraid he'll mug you in the elevator?”

afraid (怖い) [形] feeling fear or worry

mug (襲う) [動] attack and rob someone in a public place

エレベーターで襲われるのが怖いのか?」

“I don't want no trouble,” he growled.

「面倒はごめんだ」と彼は唸った。

“Had a guy break from me once.

break (逃げる) [動] to escape from a place of confinement

「一度、逃げられたことがある。

They ate my ass off.

ass (尻) [名] the buttocks

彼らは私の尻を食い尽くした。

Let's go, boy.”

boy (坊主) [名] a male child or young man

行こうぜ、坊主」

The booking clerk pushed a form at him and he signed it with a flourish.

push (差し出す) [動] move something into a different position by using force

form (用紙) [名] a printed or typed document with spaces in which to write

受付係が彼に用紙を差し出すと、彼はサインした。

“I never take no unnecessary chances,” he said.

take no chances (危険を冒さない) [動] to be careful and not do anything that might cause harm or damage

unnecessary (不必要な) [形] not needed or wanted

「私は不必要な危険は冒さない」と彼は言った。

“Man never knows what he's up against in this town.”

「この街では何が起こるかわからない」

A prowl car cop brought in a drunk with a bloody ear.

bring in (連れてくる) [動] to take or carry something or someone to a place

パトカーの警官が血まみれの耳をした酔っ払いを連れてきた。

We went towards the elevator.

towards (に向かって) [前] in the direction of

私たちはエレベーターに向かった。

“You're in trouble, boy,” Spranklin told me in the elevator.

be in trouble (面倒なことになる) [動] be in a difficult situation

「あなたは面倒なことになったぞ」とスプランクリンはエレベーターで私に言った。

“Heap bad trouble.”

heap (とても) [副] very much

bad (面倒な) [形] unpleasant or unwelcome

「とても面倒なことになった」

It seemed to give him a vague satisfaction.

vague (漠然とした) [形] not clear or definite

satisfaction (満足感) [名] the feeling of fulfillment or happiness that comes from achieving something

それは彼に漠然とした満足感を与えたようだった。

“A guy can get hisself in a lot of trouble in this town.”

get oneself in (巻き込まれる) [動] to become involved in something, especially something unpleasant or dangerous

「この街では人は多くのトラブルに巻き込まれることがある」

The elevator man turned his head and winked at me.

elevator man (エレベーター係) [名] a person who operates an elevator

エレベーター係は頭を回して私にウィンクした。

I grinned.

私はニヤリと笑った。

“Don't try nothing, boy,” Spranklin told me severely.

severely (厳しく) [副] in a manner that is very great or intense

「何もするなよ、坊主」スプランクリンは厳しく私に言った。

“I shot a man once. Tried to break.

「私はかつて人を撃ったことがある。逃げようとした。

They ate my ass off.”

彼らは私の尻を食い尽くした。」

“You get it coming and going, don't you?”

「あなたはそれを行き来させているのね?」

He thought it over.

think over (考え直す) [動] to reconsider something

彼は考え直した。

“Yeah,” he said.

「ああ」と彼は言った。

“Either way they eat your ass off.

either way (どちらにしても) [副] regardless of which of two or more alternatives is chosen

「どちらにしても彼らはあなたの尻を食い尽くす。

It's a tough town.

そこは厳しい街だ。

No respect.”

respect (敬意) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something caused by their abilities, qualities or achievements

敬意がない。」

We got out and went in through the double doors of the D.A.'s office.

go in (中に入る) [動] enter a place

double door (二重ドア) [名] a door with two parts that open in the middle

私たちは降りて、検察官事務所の二重ドアを通って中に入った。

The switchboard was dead, with lines plugged in for the night.

switchboard (交換機) [名] a device that connects telephone lines

be dead (死んでいる) [動] no longer alive

line (回線) [名] a telephone connection

plug in (接続する) [動] to connect something to a power supply

night (夜間) [名] the time from sunset to sunrise

交換機は夜間のために回線が接続されたままで、死んでいた。

There was nobody in the waiting chairs.

waiting chair (待合椅子) [名] a chair in a waiting room

待合椅子には誰もいなかった。

Lights were on in a couple of offices.

be on (点いている) [動] be in or into a state of operation or effect

2、3の事務所に明かりが点いていた。

Spranklin opened the door of a small lighted room which contained a desk, a filing case, a hard chair or two, and a thick-set man with a hard chin and stupid eyes.

Spranklin (スプランクリン) [名] a person's name

lighted (明かりのついた) [形] having a source of light

contain (ある) [動] have or hold within

filing case (ファイリングケース) [名] a container in which papers can be stored in an organized way

thick-set (ずんぐりした) [形] having a short, stocky body build

stupid (愚かな) [形] lacking intelligence or common sense

スプランクリンは、机、ファイリングケース、硬い椅子が1つか2つ、そして硬い顎と愚かな目をしたずんぐりした男がいる、明かりのついた小さな部屋のドアを開けた。

His face was red and he was just pushing something into the drawer of his desk.

drawer (引き出し) [名] a sliding container under a table or in a cupboard

彼の顔は赤く、机の引き出しに何かを押し込んでいるところだった。

“You could knock,” he barked at Spranklin.

「ノックくらいしろ」と彼はスプランクリンに吠えた。

“Sorry, Mr. Grenz,” Spranklin bumbled.

bumble (口ごもる) [動] speak or act in a clumsy or confused way

「すみません、グレンツさん」とスプランクリンは口ごもった。

“I was thinkin' about the prisoner.”

prisoner (囚人) [名] a person who is kept in a prison or similar place as a punishment

「囚人のことを考えていたんです」

He pushed me into the office.

彼は私を事務所に押し込んだ。

“Should I take the cuffs off, Mr. Grenz?”

「手錠を外しましょうか、グレンツさん?」

“I don't know what the hell you put them on for,” Grenz said sourly.

put on (かける) [動] to place or fasten on or around oneself

sourly (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a sour manner

「そもそも何のために手錠をかけたのかわからない」とグレンツは不機嫌そうに言った。

He watched Spranklin unlock the cuffs on my wrist.

wrist (手首) [名] the joint or part of the arm between the hand and the forearm

彼はスプランクリンが私の手首の手錠を外すのを見た。

He had the key on a bunch the size of a grapefruit and it troubled him to find it.

bunch (束) [名] a collection of things

grapefruit (グレープフルーツ) [名] a large round citrus fruit with a thick yellow skin and juicy flesh

trouble (苦労する) [動] to cause difficulty or problems for

彼はグレープフルーツほどの大きさの鍵の束を持っていて、それを探すのに苦労した。

“Okay, scram,” Grenz said.

scram (失せろ) [動] go away quickly

Grenz (グレンツ) [名] a character in the story

「よし、失せろ」とグレンツは言った。

“Wait outside to take him back.”

back (外) [名] the side or part of something that is opposite the front or the main part

「彼を連れ帰るために外で待ってろ」

“I'm kind of off duty, Mr. Grenz.”

off duty (勤務時間外) [形] not working

「私は勤務時間外なんです、グレンツさん」

“You're off duty when I say you're off duty.”

「私が勤務時間外だと言えば勤務時間外だ」

Spranklin flushed and edged his fat bottom out through the door.

flush (顔を赤らめる) [動] to become red in the face

edge (押し出す) [動] to move slowly and carefully

bottom (尻) [名] the lowest part of something

スプランクリンは顔を赤らめ、太った尻をドアから押し出した。

Grenz looked after him savagely, then when the door closed he moved the same look to me.

savagely (荒々しく) [副] in a fierce or violent manner

move (向ける) [動] change position or posture

グレンツは彼を荒々しく見送り、ドアが閉まると私に同じ視線を向けた。

I pulled a chair over and sat down.

私は椅子を引き寄せて座った。

“I didn't tell you to sit down,” Grenz barked.

「座れとは言っていない」とグレンツが吠えた。

I got a loose cigarette out of my pocket and stuck it in my mouth.

loose (一本) [形] not held or tied together or to something else

stick (くわえる) [動] to push something sharp or pointed into or through something

私はポケットから一本のタバコを取り出し、口にくわえた。

“And I didn't say you could smoke,” Grenz roared.

roar (吠える) [動] to utter a loud, deep, prolonged sound, as of a lion or other large animal

「それにタバコを吸ってもいいとは言っていない」とグレンツが吠えた。

“I'm allowed to smoke in the cell block. Why not here?”

be allowed to (許されている) [動] be given permission to do something

「私は独房でタバコを吸うことを許されている。なぜここではいけないのか?」

“Because this is my office.

「ここは私のオフィスだからだ。

I make the rules here.”

ここでは私がルールを作る。」

A raw smell of whiskey floated across the desk.

float (漂う) [動] move slowly and smoothly through the air

ウィスキーの生の匂いが机を横切って漂った。

“Take another quick one,” I said.

take (飲む) [動] to drink

another (もう一杯) [形] an additional one of the same type

quick (素早く) [形] done or occurring with great speed or rapidity

「もう一杯飲んで」と私は言った。

“It'll calm you down.

calm (落ち着く) [動] make or become calm or quiet

「落ち着くよ。

You got kind of interrupted when we came in.”

get kind of (ちょっと~になる) [動] to become somewhat or slightly

interrupt (中断する) [動] to stop or hinder by breaking in upon

私たちが入ってきたとき、あなたは中断された。」

His back hit the back of the chair hard.

hit (当たる) [動] come into contact with something in a forceful way

彼の背中は椅子の背もたれに強く当たった。

His face went dark red.

go (なる) [動] become

dark red (真っ赤) [形] of a color at the end of the color spectrum next to orange and opposite violet, as of blood, fire, or rubies

彼の顔は真っ赤になった。

I struck a match and lit my cigarette.

strike a match (マッチを擦る) [動] to ignite a match by rubbing it against a rough surface

私はマッチを擦り、タバコに火をつけた。

After a long minute Grenz said softly.

長い沈黙の後、グレンツは静かに言った。

“Okay, tough boy.

tough (タフな) [形] strong and not easily damaged or defeated

「いいだろう、タフガイ。

Quite a man, aren't you?

quite (かなり) [副] to a certain extent; moderately

aren't (そうだろう) [助] am not

かなりの男だね、そうだろう?

You know something? They're all sizes and shapes when they come in here, but they all go out the same size--small.

come in (来る) [動] arrive

何か知ってる? 彼らはここに来るとき、あらゆるサイズと形をしているが、みんな同じサイズで出て行くんだ--小さい。

And the same shape--bent.”

そして同じ形--曲がっている」

“What did you want to see me about, Mr. Grenz?

「私に何の用ですか、グレンツさん?

And don't mind me if you feel like hitting that bottle.

hit the bottle (酒を飲む) [動] to drink alcohol, especially excessively

mind (遠慮する) [動] to be careful or concerned about something

feel like (~したいと思う) [動] to have a desire or inclination to do something

酒を飲みたくなったら遠慮なくどうぞ。

I'm a fellow that will take a snort myself, if I'm tired and nervous and overworked.”

take a snort (一杯飲む) [動] to drink alcohol

nervous (神経質になる) [形] easily worried, upset, or frightened

overworked (過労になる) [形] having too much work to do

私も疲れて神経質になって過労になると、一杯飲む人間です」

“You don't seem much impressed by the jam you're in.”

be impressed (深刻に考える) [動] to have a strong effect on someone's mind or feelings

jam (窮地) [名] a difficult or unpleasant situation

be in (陥っている) [動] to be in a particular state or condition

「あなたは自分が陥っている窮地をあまり深刻に考えていないようだ」

“I don't figure I'm in any jam.”

「私は窮地に陥っているとは思わない」

“We'll see about that.

see about (わかる) [動] to find out about something

「それはこれからわかるだろう。

Meantime I want a very full statement from you.”

meantime (それまでは) [名] the intervening period of time

それまでは、あなたから十分な供述が欲しい」

He flicked a finger at a recording set on a stand beside his desk.

flick (弾く) [動] move or cause to move with a quick light blow

彼は机の横のスタンドに置かれた録音機に指を弾いた。

“We'll take it now and have it transcribed tomorrow.

take (録音する) [動] record something on a tape or other medium

have (書き起こす) [動] cause or arrange for something to be done

tomorrow (明日) [名] the day after today

「今録音して、明日書き起こす。

If the Chief Deputy is satisfied with your statement, he may release you on your own undertaking not to leave town.

Chief Deputy (副署長) [名] the second-highest-ranking officer in a sheriff's department

be satisfied with (満足する) [動] be happy with

release (釈放する) [動] set free

undertaking (約束) [名] a formal promise or agreement

副署長があなたの供述に満足したら、町を離れないという約束であなたを釈放するかもしれない。

Let's go.”

始めよう」

He switched on the recorder.

switch on (スイッチを入れる) [動] to cause (an electrical device) to start operating by connecting it to a power supply

recorder (録音機) [名] a device for recording sound or images

彼は録音機のスイッチを入れた。

His voice was cold, decisive, and as nasty as he knew how to make it.

cold (冷たい) [形] having a low temperature

decisive (決然とした) [形] having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively

nasty (不快な) [形] very bad or serious

彼の声は冷たく、決然としていて、彼が知る限り最も不快なものだった。

But his right hand kept edging towards the desk drawer.

right hand (右手) [名] the hand on the right side of the body

keep (動き続ける) [動] continue to do something

desk drawer (机の引き出し) [名] a drawer in a desk

しかし、彼の右手は机の引き出しに向かって動き続けた。

He was too young to have veins in his nose, but he had them, and the whites of his eyes were a bad color.

too young (若すぎる) [形] not old enough

have veins (静脈が浮き出る) [動] have veins that are visible

white (白目) [名] the white part of the eye

bad color (悪い色) [名] a color that is not good

彼は鼻に静脈が浮き出るには若すぎたが、浮き出ていて、目の白目は悪い色をしていた。

“I get so tired of it,” I said.

get tired of (飽き飽きする) [動] become bored with something

「私はそれにとても飽き飽きしている」と私は言った。

“Tired of what?” he snapped.

tired (飽き飽きしている) [形] having a lack of energy

snap (言う) [動] say something quickly and angrily

「何に飽き飽きしているんだ?」と彼は言った。

“Hard little men in hard little offices talking hard little words that don't mean a goddam thing.

hard (堅苦しい) [形] not easy or pleasant

goddam (ちっとも) [形] damned

「堅苦しい小さな事務所にいる堅苦しい小さな男たちが、ちっとも意味のない堅苦しい小さな言葉を話している。

I've had fifty-six hours in the felony block.

fifty-six hours (56時間) [名] a period of time

felony block (重罪ブロック) [名] a part of a prison for people who have committed serious crimes

私は重罪ブロックに56時間いた。

Nobody pushed me around, nobody tried to prove he was tough.

誰も私を押しのけたり、自分がタフであることを証明しようとしたりしなかった。

They didn't have to.

彼らはそうする必要がなかった。

They had it on ice for when they needed it.

ice (冷凍) [名] water in its solid form

when (必要な時) [接] at the time that; at or during the time that

彼らは必要な時に備えてそれを冷凍保存していた。

And why was I in there?

そして、なぜ私がそこにいたのか?

I was booked on suspicion.

私は容疑で逮捕された。

What the hell kind of legal system lets a man be shoved in a felony tank because some cop didn't get an answer to some questions?

kind of (一種の) [名] a type or category of something

legal system (法制度) [名] the system of laws and courts that operates in a particular country or jurisdiction

tank (独房) [名] a small room with a barred door in a police station where prisoners are kept temporarily

いったいどんな法制度が、警官が質問に答えてもらえなかったからといって、人を重罪犯の独房に押し込めるというのか?

What evidence did he have?

evidence (証拠) [名] the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

彼はどんな証拠を持っているのか?

A telephone number on a pad.

telephone number (電話番号) [名] a number that is used to call a particular telephone

メモ帳に書かれた電話番号。

And what was he trying to prove by locking me up?

lock up (閉じ込める) [動] to put someone in prison

そして、彼は私を閉じ込めることで何を証明しようとしていたのか?

Not a damn thing except that he had the power to do it.

power (権力) [名] the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality

彼にそれをする権力があること以外は何も。

Now you're on the same pitch--trying to make me feel what a lot of power you generate in this cigar box you call your office.

on the same pitch (同じことをしている) [動] doing the same thing

try (させようとしている) [動] make an effort to do something

feel (感じさせる) [動] experience a particular emotion or sensation

generate (生み出している) [動] cause to be produced

今、あなたは同じことをしている--あなたがオフィスと呼ぶこの葉巻箱の中でどれだけの権力を生み出しているかを私に感じさせようとしている。

You send this scared baby sitter over late at night to bring me in here.

あなたは私をここに連れて来るために夜遅くにこの怖がっているベビーシッターを送り込む。

You think maybe sitting alone with my thoughts for fifty-six hours has made gruel out of my brains?

thought (考え事) [名] an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind

gruel (おかゆ) [名] a thin liquid food of oatmeal or other meal boiled in milk or water

brain (頭) [名] the organ of the body that is the center of the nervous system and that controls thought, memory, emotion, and other mental functions

56時間も一人で考え事をしていると、頭がおかしくなると思うのか?

You think I'm going to cry in your lap and ask you to stroke my head because I'm so awful goddam lonely in the great big jail?

cry (泣く) [動] shed tears

lap (膝) [名] the flat area between the waist and the knees of a seated person

stroke (撫でる) [動] move one's hand gently and smoothly over

awful (ひどい) [形] very bad or unpleasant

lonely (孤独) [形] sad because one has no friends or company

私があなたの膝の上で泣いて、頭を撫でてほしいと頼むと思うのか? 私はこの大きな刑務所でとても孤独だから。

Come off it, Grenz.

come off (やめる) [動] stop doing something

やめろ、グレンツ。

Take your drink and get human;

酒を飲んで人間らしくなれ。

I'm willing to assume you are just doing your job.

君はただ仕事をしているだけだと仮定したい。

But take the brass knuckles off before you start.

brass knuckles (メリケンサック) [名] a weapon consisting of a metal band worn over the knuckles

でも始める前にメリケンサックを外せ。

If you're big enough you don't need them, and if you need them you're not big enough to push me around.”

君が十分に大きいならそんなものは必要ない、そして君がそれを必要とするなら君は私を押し回すほど大きくはない。」

He sat there and listened and looked at me.

彼はそこに座って私を見て聞いていた。

Then he grinned sourly.

それから彼は苦々しく笑った。

“Nice speech,” he said.

speech (スピーチ) [名] a public address or talk

「いいスピーチだ」と彼は言った。

“Now you've got the crap out of your system, let's get that statement.

statement (声明) [名] a formal public announcement

「さて、君は自分のシステムからくだらないものを手に入れた、その声明を受け取ろう。

You want to answer specific questions or just tell it your own way?”

want to (したい) [動] wish or desire to do something

specific (具体的な) [形] clearly defined or identified

way (やり方) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

具体的な質問に答えたいのか、それとも自分のやり方で話したいのか?」

“I was talking to the birds,” I said.

「私は鳥と話していた」と私は言った。

“Just to hear the breeze blow.

「そよ風が吹くのを聞くためだけに。

I'm not making any statement.

make a statement (言う) [動] to say something

any (何も) [限] one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity; a

私は何も言わない。

You're a lawyer and you know I don't have to.”

あなたは弁護士だから、私がそうする必要がないことを知っているだろう。」

“That's right,” he said coolly.

That's right (その通りだ) [句] an expression of agreement

「その通りだ」と彼は冷静に言った。

“I know the law. I know police work.

「私は法律を知っている。私は警察の仕事を知っている。

I'm offering you a chance to clear yourself.

offer (提供する) [動] present or proffer

clear (浄化する) [動] make free from obstruction or difficulty

私はあなたに自分を浄化する機会を提供している。

If you don't want it, that's jake with me too.

jake (ジェイク) [名] a person's name

あなたがそれを望まないなら、それは私にとってもジェイクだ。

I can arraign you tomorrow morning at ten a.m. and have you set for a preliminary hearing.

arraign (起訴する) [動] to bring (a prisoner) before a court to answer to an indictment

set (備える) [動] to put into a specified state

preliminary (予備の) [形] preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important

hearing (審問) [名] an official meeting of a court of law to hear evidence and decide a case

私は明日の午前10時にあなたを起訴し、予備審問に備えることができる。

You may get bail, although I'll fight it, but if you do, it will be stiff.

get bail (保釈される) [動] be released from jail temporarily

保釈されるかもしれないが、私はそれに反対するが、もし保釈されたら、それは厳しいものになるだろう。

It'll cost you plenty.

plenty (かなり) [名] a lot; more than enough

かなりの費用がかかるだろう。

That's one way we can do it.”

それが私たちにできる一つの方法だ。」

He looked down at a paper on his desk, read it, and turned it face down.

turn (裏返す) [動] cause to move around an axis or a center

彼は机の上の書類を見下ろし、それを読み、裏返した。

“On what charge?”

「どんな容疑で?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“Section thirty-two. Accessory after the fact. A felony.

section (条) [名] a part of a document

thirty-two (三十二) [数] the number 32

after the fact (事後) [名] after the crime has been committed

「三十二条。事後従犯。重罪。

It rates up to a five-spot in Quentin.”

rate (延びる) [動] to be considered to be of a particular standard

up to (まで) [前] all the way to

Quentin (クエンティン) [名] a state prison in California

クエンティンでは五年まで刑期が延びる」

“Better catch Lennox first,” I said carefully.

「まずはレノックスを捕まえたほうがいい」と私は慎重に言った。

Grenz had something and I sensed it in his manner.

sense (感じ取る) [動] become aware of

グレンツは何かを知っていて、私は彼の態度からそれを感じ取った。

I didn't know how much, but he had something all right.

how much (どれだけ) [名] the amount or extent of something

all right (確かに) [副] yes, okay, fine

どれだけかはわからないが、彼は何かを知っていた。

He leaned back in his chair and picked up a pen and twirled it slowly between his palms.

lean back (もたれかかる) [動] to be in or move into a resting position in which the body is supported by a back or a surface

twirl (回す) [動] to cause to rotate or revolve rapidly

彼は椅子にもたれかかり、ペンを手に取り、手のひらの間でゆっくりと回した。

Then he smiled.

それから彼は微笑んだ。

He was enjoying himself.

enjoy (楽しむ) [動] take delight or pleasure in

oneself (自分) [名] a person's own self

彼は楽しんでいた。

“Lennox is a hard man to hide, Marlowe.

hide (隠す) [動] put or keep out of sight; conceal

「レノックスは隠すのが難しい男だ、マーロウ。

With most people you need a photo and a good clear photo.

most people (ほとんどの人) [名] the majority of people

photo (写真) [名] a picture made using a camera

ほとんどの人には写真が必要で、しかも鮮明な写真が必要だ。

Not with a guy that has scars all over one side of his face.

顔の片側に傷跡がある男には必要ない。

Not to mention white hair, and not over thirty-five years old.

not over (以下) [形] not more than

thirty-five years old (35歳) [名] the age of a person who has lived for 35 years

白髪は言うまでもなく、35歳以上ではない。

We got four witnesses, maybe more.”

4人の証人がいる、もしかしたらもっといるかもしれない」

“Witnesses to what?”

「何の証人だ?」

I was tasting something bitter in my mouth, like the bile I had tasted after Captain Gregorius slugged me.

bitter (苦い) [形] having a sharp, pungent taste or smell

口の中に苦いものを感じていた、グレゴリウス警部に殴られた後に感じた胆汁のような。

That reminded me that my neck was still sore and swollen.

remind (思い出させる) [動] cause someone to remember something

swollen (腫れている) [形] larger than normal

首がまだ痛くて腫れていることを思い出した。

I rubbed it gently.

首を優しくさすった。

“Don't be a chump, Marlowe.

chump (馬鹿) [名] a foolish or stupid person

「馬鹿なこと言うな、マーロウ。

A San Diego superior court judge and his wife happened to be seeing their son and daughter-in-law off on that plane.

superior court (高等裁判所) [名] a court of general jurisdiction

see (見送る) [動] watch someone or something move away from you

son (息子) [名] a male child

daughter-in-law (義理の娘) [名] the wife of your son

サンディエゴ高等裁判所の裁判官とその妻がたまたま息子と義理の娘をその飛行機で見送っていた。

All four saw Lennox and the judge's wife saw the car he came in and who came with him.

4人全員がレノックスを見たし、裁判官の妻は彼が乗ってきた車と彼と一緒に来た人物を見た。

You don't have a prayer.”

have a prayer (祈りなんて無駄だ) [動] have a chance of success

祈りなんて無駄だ」

“That's nice,” I said.

「それはいい」と私は言った。

“How did you get to them?”

get to (たどり着く) [動] reach a place

「どうやって彼らにたどり着いたんだ?」

“Special bulletin on radio and TV.

bulletin (速報) [名] a short official statement giving the latest news

radio (ラジオ) [名] a device for receiving broadcast radio programs

TV (テレビ) [名] a device with a screen for receiving television signals

「ラジオとテレビの特別速報。

A full description was all it took.

full description (完全な説明) [名] a description that is complete

all it took (十分だった) [名] all that was needed

完全な説明だけで十分だった。

The judge called in.”

call in (電話をかける) [動] make a telephone call to a place

裁判官が電話をかけた。」

“Sounds good,” I said judicially.

「いいですね」と私は慎重に言った。

“But it takes a little more than that, Grenz.

「しかし、それだけでは足りない、グレンツ。

You have to catch him and prove he committed a murder.

彼を捕まえて、彼が殺人を犯したことを証明しなければならない。

Then you have to prove I knew it.”

それから、私がそれを知っていたと証明しなければならない。」

He snapped a finger at the back of the telegram.

snap (鳴らす) [動] to break or cause to break with a sharp cracking sound

telegram (電報) [名] a message sent by telegraph

彼は電報の裏側で指を鳴らした。

“I think I will take that drink,” he said.

take (もらう) [動] to get into one's possession, power, or control

「やっぱり飲み物をもらうよ」と彼は言った。

“Been working nights too much.”

「夜勤が多すぎた。」

He opened the drawer and put a bottle and a shot glass on the desk.

彼は引き出しを開け、ボトルとショットグラスを机の上に置いた。

He poured it full to the brim and knocked it back in a lump.

brim (縁) [名] the upper or outer edge of a cup or other container

knock back (飲み干す) [動] drink quickly

lump (一気) [名] a large amount of something

彼はグラスいっぱいに注ぎ、一気に飲み干した。

“Better,” he said.

「よくなった」と彼は言った。

“Much better. Sorry I can't offer you one while you're in custody.”

can't (できない) [助] be unable to

you're (君は) [代] the person or thing that is being talked about

in custody (拘留されている) [形] held in a prison or jail

「ずっとよくなった。君が拘留されている間は君に勧められないのだが、申し訳ない。」

He corked the bottle and pushed it away from him, but not out of reach.

cork (栓をする) [動] stop up with a cork

彼はボトルに栓をして、自分から遠ざけたが、手の届かないところまでは置かなかった。

“Oh yeah, we got to prove something, you said.

「ああ、そうだった、何かを証明しなくちゃいけないんだ、そう言ったな。

Well, it could be we already got a confession, chum.

confession (自白) [名] a statement admitting that you have done something wrong

まあ、すでに自白を得ているかもしれないな、相棒。

Too bad, huh?”

too bad (残念) [形] unfortunate

残念だったな、な?」

A small but very cold finger moved the whole length of my spine, like an icy insect crawling.

insect (虫) [名] a small animal with six legs and a body divided into three parts

crawl (這う) [動] move slowly with the body close to the ground

小さいがとても冷たい指が、氷の虫が這うように、私の背骨の全長を動いた。

“So why do you need a statement from me?”

「それで、なぜ私からの供述が必要なんですか?」

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

“We like a tidy record.

「我々はきちんとした記録が好きなんだ。

Lennox will be brought back and tried.

bring back (連れ戻す) [動] to return something to a previous location

try (裁判にかける) [動] to examine or investigate judicially

レノックスは連れ戻されて裁判にかけられるだろう。

We need everything we can get.

我々は手に入れられるものは何でも必要だ。

It's not so much what we want from you as what we might be willing to let you get away with--if you co-operate.”

get away with (逃げおおせる) [動] to do something wrong or illegal and not be punished for it

我々があなたに望んでいるのは、あなたが協力してくれるなら、我々があなたを逃がしてやろうと思っていることほどではない。」

I stared at him.

stare (じっと見つめる) [動] to look fixedly or intently

私は彼をじっと見つめた。

He did a little paper-fiddling.

fiddle (弄る) [動] play with something idly

彼は少し書類を弄った。

He moved around in his chair, looked at his bottle, and had to use up a lot of will power not grabbing for it.

move around (動き回る) [動] change position or location

look at (眺める) [動] direct one's gaze toward

will power (意志の力) [名] the ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or urges

彼は椅子で動き回り、ボトルを眺め、それを掴まないように多くの意志の力を使わなければならなかった。

“Maybe you'd like the whole libretto,” he said suddenly with an off-key leer.

libretto (台本) [名] the text of an opera or other dramatic work set to music

off-key (調子外れの) [形] not in tune

leer (横目) [名] a sly, sideways glance

「台本全部が欲しいかもしれんな」と彼は突然、調子外れの横目で言った。

“Well, smart guy, just to show you I'm not kidding, here it is.”

smart (賢い) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

show (示す) [動] to make visible or noticeable

kidding (冗談を言う) [動] to say something as a joke

here it is (これがそれだ) [句] used to introduce something or someone

「さて、賢い奴よ、私が冗談を言っていないことを示すために、これがそれだ」

I leaned across his desk and he thought I was reaching for his bottle.

私は彼の机に寄りかかり、彼は私が彼のボトルに手を伸ばしていると思った。

He grabbed it away and put it back in the drawer.

彼はそれを掴み取り、引き出しに戻した。

I just wanted to drop a stub in his ash tray.

私はただ彼の灰皿に吸い殻を落としたかっただけだ。

I leaned back again and lit another pill.

私は再び後ろに寄りかかり、別のタバコに火をつけた。

He spoke rapidly.

rapidly (早口で) [副] at a fast speed

彼は早口で話した。

“Lennox got off the plane at Mazatlán, an airline junction point and a town of about thirty-five thousand.

get off (降りる) [動] leave a vehicle

Mazatlán (マサトラン) [名] a city in Mexico

airline (航空路) [名] a company that provides air transport services for passengers and freight

junction (分岐点) [名] a point at which two or more things are joined or connected

thirty-five thousand (三万五千) [数] 35,000

「レノックスは、航空路の分岐点であり、人口約三万五千人の町、マサトランで飛行機を降りた。

He disappeared for two or three hours.

disappear (姿を消す) [動] cease to be visible

two or three hours (二、三時間) [名] a period of time

彼は二、三時間姿を消した。

Then a tall man with black hair and a dark skin and what might have been a lot of knife scars booked to Torreón under the name of Silvano Rodriguez.

black hair (黒髪) [名] hair that is black in color

dark skin (浅黒い肌) [名] skin that is dark in color

knife scar (ナイフ傷) [名] a scar caused by a knife

book (買う) [動] reserve or purchase in advance

Torreón (トレオン) [名] a city in Mexico

Silvano Rodriguez (シルヴァノ・ロドリゲス) [名] a name

それから、黒髪で浅黒い肌の背の高い男が、シルヴァノ・ロドリゲスという名でトレオン行きの切符を買った。

His Spanish was good but not good enough for a man of his name.

Spanish (スペイン語) [名] the language of Spain and of Spanish-speaking countries

彼のスペイン語は上手だったが、彼の名前の男にしては十分ではなかった。

He was too tall for a Mexican with such dark skin.

dark (浅黒い) [形] having a dark color

彼は、あんなに浅黒い肌のメキシコ人にしてはあまりに背が高かった。

The pilot turned in a report on him.

turn in (提出する) [動] to give something to someone in authority

パイロットは彼に関する報告書を提出した。

The cops were too slow at Torreón.

slow (遅い) [形] taking a long time to move or happen

トレオンの警察は遅すぎた。

Mex cops are no balls of fire.

Mex (メキシコ) [名] Mexico

ball of fire (熱血漢) [名] a person who is very energetic and enthusiastic

メキシコの警察は熱血漢ではない。

What they do best is shoot people.

do best (最も得意とする) [動] be better at something than anyone else

彼らが最も得意とするのは人を撃つことである。

By the time they got going the man had chartered a plane and gone on to a little mountain town called Otatoclán, a small time summer resort with a lake.

get going (動き出す) [動] start moving

charter (チャーターする) [動] rent or hire

lake (湖) [名] a large area of water surrounded by land

彼らが動き出すまでに男は飛行機をチャーターしてオタトクランという小さな山間の町に向かっていた。湖のある小さな避暑地だ。

The pilot of the charter plane had trained as a combat pilot in Texas.

charter plane (チャーター機) [名] an aircraft hired for a particular journey

train (訓練を受ける) [動] teach a particular skill or type of behavior

Texas (テキサス) [名] a state in the south central US

チャーター機のパイロットはテキサスで戦闘機パイロットとして訓練を受けていた。

He spoke good English.

English (英語) [名] the language of England

彼は英語が上手だった。

Lennox pretended not to catch what he said.”

catch (理解する) [動] to understand something that is said or written

レノックスは彼が言ったことを理解できないふりをした。」

“If it was Lennox,” I put in.

put in (言う) [動] to say something

「もしそれがレノックスなら」と私は言った。

“Wait a while, chum.

「ちょっと待って、相棒。

It was Lennox all right.

all right (間違いなく) [副] yes; certainly; very well

間違いなくレノックスだった。

Okay, he gets off at Otatoclán and registers at the hotel there, this time as Mario de Cerva.

register (宿泊する) [動] enter or record in an official list or directory

hotel (ホテル) [名] a place where people stay temporarily

オタトクラン駅で降りて、今度はマリオ・デ・セルバという名前でホテルに宿泊する。

He was wearing a gun, a Mauser 7.65, which doesn't mean too much in Mexico, of course.

wear (携帯する) [動] to have on your person

Mauser 7.65 (モーゼル7.65) [名] a type of gun

彼は銃を携帯していたが、それはモーゼル7.65で、もちろんメキシコでは大した意味はない。

But the charter pilot thought the guy didn't seem kosher, so he had a word with the local law.

charter pilot (チャーター機のパイロット) [名] a pilot who flies a plane that has been hired for a particular purpose

kosher (怪しい) [形] genuine, legitimate, or acceptable

local law (地元の警察) [名] the police force of a particular area

でもチャーター機のパイロットは、その男が怪しいと思ったので、地元の警察に連絡した。

They put Lennox under surveillance.

surveillance (監視) [名] the act of carefully watching someone or something

彼らはレノックスを監視下に置いた。

They did some checking with Mexico City and then they moved in.”

do some checking (問い合わせる) [動] to make an inquiry

move in (行動を開始する) [動] to start doing something

メキシコシティに問い合わせてから、彼らは行動を開始した。」

Grenz picked up a ruler and sighted along it, a meaningless gesture which kept him from looking at me.

sight (眺める) [動] to see something

gesture (仕草) [名] a movement of part of your body, especially your hands, that you make to express an idea or feeling

meaningless (無意味な) [形] having no meaning or purpose

keep (しないようにする) [動] to continue to do something

グレンツは定規を手に取って、それを眺めたが、それは私を見ないようにするための無意味な仕草だった。

I said, “Uh-huh. Smart boy, your charter pilot, and nice to his customers.

私は言った、「ああ、なるほど。チャーター機のパイロットは頭のいい男で、客に親切だったんだな。

The story stinks.”

stink (臭い) [動] to have a very strong or unpleasant smell

その話は臭い。」

He looked up at me suddenly.

彼は突然私を見上げた。

“What we want,” he said dryly, “is a quick trial, a plea of second degree which we will accept.

dryly (淡々と) [副] in a matter-of-fact manner

plea (嘆願) [名] a request made in an urgent and emotional manner

「我々が望むのは」と彼は淡々と言った、「迅速な裁判であり、我々が受け入れる二度目の嘆願である。

There are some angles we'd rather not go into.

There are (ある) [動] exist

angle (角度) [名] the space between two lines or surfaces that intersect

we'd rather not (深入りしたくない) [動] would prefer not to

go into (深入りする) [動] discuss or examine in detail

我々が深入りしたくない角度がいくつかある。

After all, the family is pretty influential.”

family (家族) [名] a group of people who are related to each other

influential (影響力がある) [形] having or exercising influence

結局のところ、その家族はかなり影響力がある。」

“Meaning Harlan Potter.”

「ハーラン・ポッターのことか。」

He nodded briefly.

彼は短くうなずいた。

“For my money the whole idea is all wet.

for my money (私の考えでは) [句] in my opinion

「私の考えでは、その考えは全く的外れだ。

Springer could have a field day with it.

have a field day (大いに楽しむ) [動] have a very enjoyable time

スプリンガーはそれで大いに楽しめるだろう。

It's got everything. Sex, scandal, money, beautiful unfaithful wife, wounded war hero husband--I suppose that's where he got the scars--hell, it would be front page stuff for weeks.

unfaithful (不貞の) [形] not faithful; disloyal

wounded (傷ついた) [形] physically injured

hero (英雄) [名] a person who is admired for their courage or noble qualities

全て揃っている。セックス、スキャンダル、金、美しい不貞の妻、傷ついた戦争の英雄の夫--私は彼が傷を負ったのはそこだと思う--地獄、それは数週間一面を飾るだろう。

Every rag in the country would eat it up.

rag (雑誌) [名] a periodical containing articles and illustrations

eat up (食い物にする) [動] to consume or destroy something

国内のあらゆる雑誌がそれを食い物にするだろう。

So we shuffle it off to a fast fade.”

shuffle (隠蔽する) [動] move or walk in a slow, lazy, or careless way

fast (急いで) [形] done or occurring quickly

fade (消える) [動] gradually disappear

だから我々はそれを急いで隠蔽する。」

He shrugged.

彼は肩をすくめた。

“Okay, if the chief wants it that way, it's up to him.

chief (署長) [名] the head of a police department

up to (次第だ) [前] dependent on; decided by

「分かった、署長がそうしたいなら、それは彼次第だ。

Do I get that statement?”

私はその供述書を受け取るのか?」

He turned to the recording machine which had been humming away softly all this time, with the light showing in front.

turn to (の方を向く) [動] change direction so as to face

recording machine (録音機) [名] a machine that records sound

hum (ハミングする) [動] sing with closed lips

all this time (この間ずっと) [名] the entire time

light (ランプ) [名] a device for producing light

彼は、この間ずっと前面のランプが点灯して、静かにハミングしていた録音機の方を向いた。

“Turn it off,” I said.

turn off (切る) [動] stop the operation of a machine or device

「それを切れ」と私は言った。

He swung around and gave me a vicious look.

swing around (振り返る) [動] turn around quickly and suddenly

vicious (悪意に満ちた) [形] deliberately cruel or violent

彼は振り返って私を悪意に満ちた目で見た。

“You like it in jail?”

like (気に入る) [動] find agreeable or attractive

「刑務所は気に入ったか?」

“It's not too bad.

not too bad (悪くない) [形] not very bad

「悪くない。

You don't meet the best people, but who the hell wants to?

最高の人に会うことはないが、誰がそんな人に会いたいと思う?

Be reasonable, Grenz. You're trying to make a fink out of me.

be reasonable (道理をわきまえろ) [動] be fair and just

make a fink out of (密告者にしようとしている) [動] to make someone a spy or informant

道理をわきまえろ、グレンツ。あなたは私を密告者にしようとしている。

Maybe I'm obstinate, or even sentimental, but I'm practical too.

obstinate (頑固な) [形] unwilling to change your opinion or to do what other people want

sentimental (感傷的な) [形] having or showing feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

practical (実用的な) [形] concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas

私は頑固かもしれないし、感傷的かもしれないが、実用的でもある。

Suppose you had to hire a private eye--yeah, yeah, I know how you would hate the idea--but just suppose you were where it was your only out.

only (唯一の) [形] being the only one

out (逃げ道) [名] a way of escaping

君が私立探偵を雇わなければならないとしたら、そう、そう、君がその考えをどれほど嫌うかは知っているが、それが君の唯一の逃げ道だとしたらどうだろう。

Would you want one that finked on his friends?”

fink (密告する) [動] inform on someone

友達を密告するような奴が欲しいか?」

He stared at me with hate.

hate (憎しみ) [名] a very strong feeling of dislike

彼は私を憎しみの目で見つめた。

“A couple more points.

point (点) [名] a particular place, especially one with an established purpose

「あと2、3点。

Doesn't it strike you that Lennox's evasion tactics were just a little too transparent?

strike (思う) [動] to come to one's mind

evasion (回避) [名] the act of avoiding something

tactic (戦術) [名] a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired result

transparent (見え透いた) [形] easily understood; obvious

レノックスの回避戦術があまりにも見え透いていたとは思わないか?

If he wanted to be caught, he didn't have to go to all that trouble.

be caught (捕まる) [動] be trapped or seized

go to (する) [動] make the effort or take the necessary steps to do something

捕まりたいのなら、そこまで苦労する必要はなかった。

If he didn't want to be caught, he had brains enough not to disguise himself as a Mexican in Mexico.”

disguise (変装) [動] to change your appearance or behavior in order to hide your identity

捕まりたくないのなら、メキシコでメキシコ人に変装しないだけの頭はあったはずだ」

“Meaning what?”

「どういう意味だ?」

Grenz was snarling at me now.

snarl (唸り声を上げる) [動] to growl or speak angrily

at me (私に) [前] in my direction

グレンツは今や私に唸り声を上げていた。

“Meaning you could just be filling me up with a lot of hooey you made up, that there wasn't any Rodriguez with dyed hair and there wasn't any Mario de Cerva at Otatoclán, and you don't know any more about where Lennox is than where Black Beard the Pirate buried his treasure.”

fill up (聞かせる) [動] to make full or complete

make up (でっちあげる) [動] to invent or fabricate

wasn't (いなかった) [動] was not

Mario de Cerva (マリオ・デ・セルバ) [名] a character in the story

Black Beard (黒髭) [名] a character in the story

treasure (宝) [名] a collection of valuable things

「つまり、髪を染めたロドリゲスなんていなかったし、オタトクランにはマリオ・デ・セルバなんていなかったし、レノックスがどこにいるかなんて、海賊の黒髭が宝を埋めた場所と同じくらい知らないという、でっちあげた嘘を私に聞かせているだけかもしれないという意味だ」

He got his bottle out again.

彼は再びボトルを取り出した。

He poured himself a shot and drank it down quickly, as before.

彼は前回と同じように一杯注いで素早く飲み干した。

He relaxed slowly.

relax (落ち着きを取り戻す) [動] make or become less tense or anxious

彼はゆっくりと落ち着きを取り戻した。

He turned in his chair and switched off the recording machine.

switch off (切る) [動] stop the operation of a device or machine

彼は椅子を回して録音機のスイッチを切った。

“I'd like to have tried you,” he said gratingly.

gratingly (耳障りな) [副] in a way that is harsh or unpleasant to hear

「あなたを試してみたい」と彼は耳障りな声で言った。

“You're the kind of wise guy I like to work over.

kind (タイプ) [名] a category of people or things having similar characteristics

work over (手こずらせる) [動] to beat up or physically abuse someone

「あなたは私が手こずらせたいタイプの賢い奴だ。

This rap will be hanging over you for a long long time, cutie.

rap (ラップ) [名] a kind of popular music with a strong beat and words that are spoken rather than sung

hang over (つきまとう) [動] to be a problem or worry that is always with you

cutie (可愛い子ちゃん) [名] a person who is attractive

このラップは長い間あなたにつきまとうだろう、可愛い子ちゃん。

You'll walk with it and eat with it and sleep with it.

あなたはそれと歩き、それと食べ、それと寝るだろう。

And next time you step out of line we'll murder you with it.

step out of line (道を踏み外す) [動] to behave in a way that is not acceptable

murder (殺す) [動] to kill someone unlawfully and with premeditation

そして次にあなたが道を踏み外したら、私たちはそれであなたを殺す。

Right now I got to do something that turns my guts inside out.”

turn (ひっくり返す) [動] change position, direction, or course

guts (内臓) [名] the internal organs of a person or an animal

今は私は内臓をひっくり返すようなことをしなければならない。」

He pawed on his desk and pulled the face-down paper to him, turned it over and signed it.

paw (探る) [動] to feel or touch with the hands or feet in a clumsy or groping manner

face-down (裏返した) [形] with the front or upper side facing down

turn over (ひっくり返す) [動] to change from one side to the other

sign (署名する) [動] to write one's name on a document, contract, etc., as a way of authorizing it

彼は机を探り、裏返した紙を引き寄せ、それをひっくり返して署名した。

You can always tell when a man is writing his own name.

人が自分の名前を書いているときにはいつでもわかる。

He has a special way of moving.

special (独特の) [形] better or otherwise different from what is usual or common

彼には独特の動き方がある。

Then he stood up and marched around the desk and threw the door of his shoe box open and yelled for Spranklin.

march (行進する) [動] walk in a military manner with regular and measured tread

yell (呼ぶ) [動] cry out or speak loudly, as in pain, surprise, or anger

それから彼は立ち上がって机の周りを行進し、靴箱の扉を開け放ち、スプランクリンを呼んだ。

The fat man came in with his B.O.

B.O. (体臭) [名] body odor

太った男が体臭を漂わせながら入ってきた。

Grenz gave him the paper.

グレンツは彼に紙を渡した。

“I've just signed your release order,” he said.

release order (釈放命令) [名] a legal document that orders the release of a prisoner

just (たった今) [副] very recently; in the immediate past

「私はたった今あなたの釈放命令に署名した」と彼は言った。

“I'm a public servant and sometimes I have unpleasant duties.

public servant (公務員) [名] a person employed in the public sector

sometimes (時々) [副] occasionally; at times

unpleasant (不愉快な) [形] not pleasant; disagreeable

duty (任務) [名] a task or action that one is required to perform

「私は公務員で、時々不愉快な任務がある。

Would you care to know why I signed it?”

私がなぜ署名したのか知りたいか?」

I stood up.

私は立ち上がった。

“If you want to tell me.”

「あなたが私に話したいなら」

“The Lennox case is closed, mister.

Lennox case (レノックス事件) [名] the case of Lennox

close (解決する) [動] bring to an end

「レノックス事件は解決したんだ。

There ain't any Lennox case.

case (事件) [名] an instance of a situation; an example

レノックス事件なんて存在しない。

He wrote out a full confession this afternoon in his hotel room and shot himself.

write out (書き残す) [動] to write something in full

full confession (完全な自白) [名] a statement admitting that you have done something wrong

this afternoon (今日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the current day

shoot oneself (自殺する) [動] to kill oneself with a gun

彼は今日の午後ホテルの部屋で完全な自白を書き残して自殺した。

In Otatoclán, just like I said.”

Otatoclán (オタトクラン) [名] a town in Mexico

just like (言った通り) [副] in the same way as

オタトクランだ、私が言った通りだ」

I stood there looking at nothing.

私はそこに立って何も見ていなかった。

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Grenz back away slowly as if he thought I might be going to slug him.

out of the corner of one's eye (目の端で) [名] the edge of one's field of vision

back away (後退する) [動] move backwards

as if (かのように) [接] as though

私の目の端で、私が彼を殴りに行くかもしれないと思ったかのように、ゆっくりと後退するグレンツを見た。

I must have looked pretty nasty for a moment.

nasty (不快) [形] very bad or unpleasant

私は一瞬かなり不快そうに見えたに違いない。

Then he was behind his desk again and Spranklin had grabbed onto my arm.

それから彼は再び机の後ろにいて、スプランクリンは私の腕をつかんだ。

“Come on, move,” he said in a whining kind of voice.

kind of (のような) [副] to some extent; somewhat

「さあ、動け」と彼は泣き言のような声で言った。

“Man likes to get to home nights once in a while.”

「人は時々夜に家に帰りたいと思うものだ」

I went out with him and closed the door.

close (閉める) [動] move a door or window so as to leave no space

私は彼と一緒に出て行き、ドアを閉めた。

I closed it quietly as if on a room where someone had just died.

私は誰かが死んだばかりの部屋にいるかのように静かにそれを閉めた。

[10]

I dug out the carbon of my property slip and turned it over and receipted on the original.

dig out (取り出す) [動] to remove something from a place

carbon (カーボン) [名] a chemical element with atomic number 6

property slip (預かり証) [名] a piece of paper that shows that you have left something with someone else

receipt (受領印) [名] a piece of paper that shows that you have paid for something

original (原本) [名] the first or earliest version of something

私は預かり証のカーボンを取り出し、それを裏返して原本に受領印を押した。

I put my belongings back in my pockets.

belongings (持ち物) [名] something that you own

私は持ち物をポケットに戻した。

There was a man draped over the end of the booking desk and as I turned away he straightened up and spoke to me.

drape (覆いかぶさる) [動] to cover or hang something loosely

booking desk (予約デスク) [名] a desk where you can book something

turn away (振り返る) [動] to change direction, position, or course

straighten up (身を起こす) [動] to make or become straight

speak to (話しかける) [動] to talk to someone

予約デスクの端に覆いかぶさるように立っている男がいて、私が振り返ると彼は身を起こして私に話しかけてきた。

He was about six feet four inches tall and as thin as a wire.

six feet four inches (6フィート4インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

as thin as a wire (針金のように細い) [熟] very thin

彼は身長が6フィート4インチほどあり、針金のように細かった。

“Need a ride home?”

ride (乗車) [名] a journey in a vehicle

「家まで送ろうか?」

In the bleak light he looked young-old, tired and cynical, but he didn't look like a grifter.

bleak (薄暗い) [形] lacking in warmth or brightness

young-old (老けた若者) [名] a person who looks younger than their age

grifter (詐欺師) [名] a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud

薄暗い明かりの中で彼は老けた若者のように見え、疲れていて皮肉屋のようだったが、詐欺師には見えなかった。

“For how much?”

how much (いくら) [名] the amount of something

「いくらで?」

“For free. I'm Lonnie Morgan of the Journal.

for free (ただで) [副] without cost or payment

Journal (ジャーナル紙) [名] a newspaper

「ただで。ジャーナル紙のロニー・モーガンです。

I'm knocking off.”

knock off (帰る) [動] stop working

帰るよ」

“Oh, police beat,” I said.

beat (担当) [名] a regular route for a police officer or reporter

「ああ、警察の担当だ」と私は言った。

“Just this week. The City Hall is my regular beat.”

this week (今週) [名] the week that is currently happening

City Hall (市役所) [名] the building where the city government is located

regular (普段) [形] happening often or at regular intervals

「今週だけです。普段は市役所担当です」

We walked out of the building and found his car in the parking lot.

building (建物) [名] a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory

私たちは建物から出て、駐車場で彼の車を見つけた。

I looked up at the sky.

私は空を見上げた。

There were stars but there was too much glare.

star (星) [名] a large ball of gas that produces heat and light

glare (まぶしさ) [名] a bright light that is unpleasant to look at

星があったが、まぶしすぎた。

It was a cool pleasant night.

pleasant (気持ちのいい) [形] giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

涼しく気持ちのいい夜だった。

I breathed it in.

breathe (吸い込む) [動] take air into the lungs and then expel it, especially as a regular physiological process

in (中へ) [前] to or toward the inside of

私はそれを吸い込んだ。

Then I got into his car and he drove away from there.

drive away (走り去る) [動] leave a place by driving

それから私は彼の車に乗り、彼はそこを走り去った。

“I live way out in Laurel Canyon,” I said.

way out (ずっと外れに) [名] a means of escape

「私はローレルキャニオンのずっと外れに住んでいる」と私は言った。

“Just drop me anywhere.”

「どこでもいいから降ろしてくれ」

“They ride you in,” he said, “but they don't worry how you get home.

「彼らは君を乗せてくる」と彼は言った。「しかし、彼らは君がどうやって家に帰るかは心配しない。

This case interests me, in a repulsive sort of way.”

repulsive (嫌悪感を抱かせるような) [形] causing strong feelings of dislike or disgust

この事件は、ある意味嫌悪感を抱かせるような興味を私に抱かせている。」

“It seems there isn't any case,” I said.

「事件なんてないみたいだ」と私は言った。

“Terry Lennox shot himself this afternoon. So they say. So they say.”

「テリー・レノックスが今日の午後自殺した。彼らはそう言う。彼らはそう言う。」

“Very convenient,” Lonnie Morgan said, staring ahead through the windshield.

convenient (都合がいい) [形] involving little trouble or effort

Lonnie Morgan (ロニー・モーガン) [名] a character in the story

windshield (フロントガラス) [名] the front window of a vehicle

「とても都合がいい」とロニー・モーガンはフロントガラス越しに前方を見つめながら言った。

His car drifted quietly along quiet streets.

彼の車は静かな通りを静かに走った。

“It helps them build their wall.”

build (築く) [動] construct or erect something

「それは彼らが壁を築くのに役立つ。」

“What wall?”

「どんな壁?」

“Somebody's building a wall around the Lennox case, Marlowe. You're smart enough to see that, aren't you?

「誰かがレノックス事件の周りに壁を築いているんだ、マーロウ。君はそれを理解できるほど賢いだろう?

It's not getting the kind of play it rates.

rate (評価) [動] estimate the value or quality of

それが評価されるような演技は得られていない。

The D.A. left town tonight for Washington. Some kind of convention.

tonight (今夜) [名] the night of the present day

Washington (ワシントン) [名] the capital city of the United States

convention (大会) [名] a large gathering of people who come to a place for a special purpose

検察官は今夜ワシントンに向けて町を出た。何かの大会だ。

He walked out on the sweetest hunk of publicity he's had in years.

year (年) [名] the time it takes the earth to make one complete orbit of the sun

彼はここ数年で最も甘い宣伝の塊から立ち去った。

Why?”

なぜ?」

“No use to ask me.

no use (無駄) [名] a lack of advantage or value

「私に尋ねても無駄だ。

I've been in cold storage.”

be in cold storage (冷蔵庫にいる) [動] be in a state of temporary inactivity

私は冷蔵庫にいたんだ。」

“Because somebody made it worth his while, that's why.

make it worth one's while (報酬を払う) [動] to make something worth doing

that's why (だからだ) [句] that is the reason why

「誰かが彼に報酬を払ったからだ。

I don't mean anything crude like a wad of dough.

crude (粗野な) [形] in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined

wad (札束) [名] a small, tightly rolled or folded mass of something, especially paper money

札束のような粗野なものを意味しているわけではない。

Somebody promised him something important to him and there's only one man connected with the case in a position to do that.

promise (約束する) [動] assure someone that one will or will not do something

position (立場) [名] a place where someone or something is located

誰かが彼にとって重要な何かを約束したんだ。そしてそれをできる立場にあるのは事件に関係している一人の男だけだ。

The girl's father.”

father (父親) [名] a man who has a child

少女の父親だ。」

I leaned my head back in a corner of the car.

私は車の隅に頭をもたせかけた。

“Sounds a little unlikely,” I said.

unlikely (ありそうにない) [形] not likely to happen or be true

「少しありそうにない話だね」と私は言った。

“What about the press?

「新聞は?

Harlan Potter owns a few papers, but what about the competition?”

competition (競合他社) [名] a person or organization that is trying to sell the same goods or services as another

ハーラン・ポッターはいくつかの新聞を所有しているが、競合他社はどうなんだ?」

He gave me a brief amused glance and then concentrated on his driving.

brief (短い) [形] of short duration

amused (面白がる) [形] find something funny or entertaining

concentrate (集中する) [動] focus all of one's attention on something

driving (運転) [名] the activity of driving a vehicle

彼は私をちらっと面白そうに見て、それから運転に集中した。

“Ever been a newspaperman?”

newspaperman (新聞記者) [名] a person who writes for a newspaper

「新聞記者だったことは?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“Newspapers are owned and published by rich men.

publish (発行する) [動] prepare and issue for public distribution

「新聞は金持ちが所有し発行している。

Rich men all belong to the same club.

belong (所属している) [動] be a member of a group or organization

金持ちはみんな同じクラブに所属している。

Sure, there's competition--hard tough competition for circulation, for newsbeats, for exclusive stories.

circulation (発行部数) [名] the number of copies of a newspaper or magazine that are sold

newsbeat (特ダネ) [名] an exclusive news story

exclusive (独占記事) [形] belonging to or connected with a single person, group, or area

確かに競争はある。発行部数、特ダネ、独占記事の獲得を巡って激しい競争がある。

Just so long as it doesn't damage the prestige and privilege and position of the owners.

damage (損なう) [動] cause harm to

prestige (名声) [名] high status or reputation achieved through success or influence

それが所有者の名声や特権や地位を損なわない限りは。

If it does, down comes the lid.

lid (蓋) [名] a removable or hinged cover for closing the opening of a container

もし損なうようなことがあれば、蓋が閉まる。

The lid, my friend, is down on the Lennox case.

be down (閉じられる) [動] to be in a lower position

レノックス事件の蓋は閉じられたんだ。

The Lennox case, my friend, properly built up, could have sold a hell of a lot of papers.

build up (仕立てる) [動] to make or produce something

hell of a lot of (ものすごい数の) [名] a large amount of something

レノックス事件は、きちんと仕立てれば、ものすごい数の新聞を売ることができたんだ。

It has everything.

全て揃っている。

The trial would have drawn feature writers from all over the country.

draw (集める) [動] attract or cause to come to a place

feature writer (特集記事のライター) [名] a journalist who writes feature articles

all over (全国) [副] everywhere in a place

裁判は全国から特集記事のライターを集めただろう。

But there ain't going to be no trial.

ain't (~ではない) [助] am not, is not, are not, has not, or have not

going to (~する予定である) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

しかし、裁判は行われない。

On account of Lennox checked out before it could get moving.

check out (チェックアウトする) [動] leave a hotel

get moving (動き出す) [動] start moving

レノックスが動き出す前にチェックアウトしたからだ。

Like I said--very convenient--for Harlan Potter and his family.”

like I said (私が言ったように) [句] as I said before

very convenient (とても都合がいい) [形] involving little trouble or effort

私が言ったように、ハーラン・ポッターとその家族にとってとても都合がいい」

I straightened up and gave him a hard stare.

私は身を起こして彼をじっと見つめた。

“You calling the whole thing a fix?”

call (言う) [動] to say or describe as being

fix (仕組む) [動] to arrange or manipulate in advance

「全部仕組まれたことだと言ってるのか?」

He twisted his mouth sardonically.

twist (歪める) [動] to turn or change the shape of something

sardonically (皮肉っぽく) [副] in a manner that is scornfully and bitterly humorous

彼は皮肉っぽく口を歪めた。

“Could just be Lennox had some help committing suicide.

commit suicide (自殺する) [動] kill oneself intentionally

「レノックスが自殺するのに誰かが手を貸しただけかもしれない。

Resisting arrest a little.

resist (抵抗する) [動] oppose or fight against

arrest (逮捕) [名] the taking or keeping in custody by authority of law or to answer a criminal charge

逮捕に少し抵抗した。

Mexican cops have very itchy trigger fingers.

Mexican (メキシコの) [形] of or relating to Mexico or its people

itchy (むずむずしている) [形] having or causing a sensation that makes you want to scratch

trigger (引き金) [名] a small lever that is pressed to fire a gun

メキシコの警官は引き金を引く指がとてもむずむずしている。

If you want to lay a little bet, I'll give you nice odds that nobody gets to count the bullet holes.”

lay a bet (賭ける) [動] risk money on the outcome of an event

give odds (オッズをあげる) [動] give an advantage to

bullet hole (銃痕) [名] a hole made by a bullet

ちょっと賭けてもいいが、誰も銃痕を数えられないくらいいいオッズをあげよう」

“I think you're wrong,” I said.

「あなたは間違っていると思う」と私は言った。

“I knew Terry Lennox pretty well.

「私はテリー・レノックスをかなりよく知っていた。

He wrote himself off a long time ago.

write off (諦める) [動] to decide that someone or something is not worth any more time, effort, or money

a long time ago (ずっと前に) [副] in the past

彼はずっと前に自分を諦めた。

If they brought him back alive, he would have let them have it their way.

bring back (連れ帰る) [動] to return with something

alive (生きたまま) [形] living; not dead

have it their way (彼らのやり方でそれをする) [動] to do something in the way that they want to do it

もし彼らが彼を生きたまま連れ帰ったなら、彼は彼らに彼らのやり方でそれをさせただろう。

He'd have copped a manslaughter plea.”

cop (受け入れる) [動] to take or seize

manslaughter (過失致死) [名] the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or so-called "malice aforethought"

彼は過失致死の嘆願を受け入れただろう。」

Lonnie Morgan shook his head.

ロニー・モーガンは首を横に振った。

I knew what he was going to say and he said it.

私は彼が何を言おうとしているか分かっていたし、彼はそれを言った。

“Not a chance. If he had shot her or cracked her skull, maybe yes.

not a chance (ありえない) [熟] not possible

skull (頭蓋骨) [名] the bony structure that encloses the brain

crack (割る) [動] break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts

「ありえない。もし彼が彼女を撃ったり、頭蓋骨を割ったりしていたら、そうかもしれない。

But there was too much brutality.

brutality (残酷さ) [名] the quality of being brutal; savagery

too much (あまりにも) [副] to a very great degree; excessively

しかし、あまりにも残酷だった。

Her face was beaten to a pulp.

beat (殴打する) [動] hit repeatedly

pulp (ぐちゃぐちゃ) [名] a soft, wet, shapeless mass of material

彼女の顔はぐちゃぐちゃに殴打されていた。

Second degree murder would be the best he could get, and even that would raise a stink.”

second degree murder (二度目の殺人) [名] the intentional killing of a human being without premeditation

be the best (最高のもの) [名] the most excellent or desirable thing or person

even (それでも) [副] to an even greater extent or degree

raise a stink (悪臭を放つ) [動] to cause a lot of trouble or difficulty

二度目の殺人なら彼が得られる最高のものだろうし、それでも悪臭を放つだろう」

I said: “You could be right.”

could (かもしれない) [助] be able to; have the ability to

私は言った。「君は正しいかもしれない」

He looked at me again.

彼は再び私を見た。

“You say you knew the guy.

「君は彼を知っていたと言う。

Do you go for the setup?”

go for (かかる) [動] be attracted to or interested in

setup (罠) [名] a trick or deception

君は罠にかかるか?」

“I'm tired. I'm not in a thinking mood tonight.”

「疲れた。今夜は考える気分ではない。」

There was a long pause.

長い沈黙があった。

Then Lonnie Morgan said quietly: “If I was a real bright guy instead of a hack newspaperman, I'd think maybe he didn't kill her at all.”

hack (三文) [形] lacking originality or talent

それからロニー・モーガンは静かに言った。「もし私が三文文士ではなく本当に頭のいい人間だったら、彼は彼女を殺していないと思うだろう。」

“It's a thought.”

「それは考えものだ。」

He stuck a cigarette in his mouth and lit it by scratching a match on the dashboard.

scratch (擦る) [動] to rub or scrape with something sharp or rough

dashboard (ダッシュボード) [名] a panel facing the driver of a vehicle or the pilot of an aircraft, containing instruments and controls

彼は口にタバコをくわえ、ダッシュボードにマッチを擦って火をつけた。

He smoked silently with a fixed frown on his thin face.

silently (黙って) [副] in a silent manner

frown (しかめ面) [名] a facial expression characterized by a furrowing of the brow

彼は細い顔にしかめ面を固定したまま黙って煙草を吸った。

We reached Laurel Canyon and I told him where to turn off the boulevard and where to turn into my street.

reach (着く) [動] arrive at a destination

boulevard (大通り) [名] a wide street in a city, usually with trees on each side

turn off (曲がる) [動] change direction

turn into (曲がる) [動] change direction

私たちはローレル・キャニオンに着き、私は彼に大通りをどこで曲がり、私の道をどこで曲がるかを伝えた。

His car churned up the hill and stopped at the foot of my redwood steps.

churn up (登る) [動] to move or cause to move vigorously or violently

彼の車は丘を登り、私のレッドウッドの階段のふもとに止まった。

I got out.

私は降りた。

“Thanks for the ride, Morgan.

Morgan (モーガン) [名] a male given name

「乗せてくれてありがとう、モーガン。

Care for a drink?”

care for (欲しい) [動] want or wish to have

飲み物は?」

“I'll take a rain check.

take a rain check (また今度にする) [動] to decline an offer but suggest that one might accept it at another time

「また今度にするよ。

I figure you'd rather be alone.”

君は一人の方が良いだろうと思うんだ。」

“I've got lots of time to be alone. Too damn much.”

damn (とても) [形] used to emphasize that you are annoyed or angry

「一人でいる時間はたくさんある。とてもたくさんだ。」

“You've got a friend to say goodbye to,” he said.

「君には別れを告げる友人がいる」と彼は言った。

“He must have been that if you let them toss you into the can on his account.”

toss (放り込む) [動] throw or roll something around or over and over

can (刑務所) [名] a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody specifically for convicted criminals of serious crimes

account (せい) [名] a statement of the financial situation of a business or person

「彼のせいで君が刑務所に入れられたのなら、彼はそうだったに違いない。」

“Who said I did that?”

「私がそうしたと誰が言った?」

He smiled faintly.

彼はかすかに微笑んだ。

“Just because I can't print it don't mean I didn't know it, chum. So long. See you around.”

print (印刷する) [動] produce a copy of a document

「私がそれを印刷できないからといって、私がそれを知らなかったということにはならないよ、相棒。さよなら。また会おう。」

I shut the car door and he turned and drove off down the hill.

drive off (下っていく) [動] leave a place in a vehicle

私は車のドアを閉め、彼は向きを変えて丘を下っていった。

When his tail lights vanished around the corner I climbed the steps, picked up newspapers, and let myself into the empty house.

tail light (テールライト) [名] a light on the back of a vehicle

vanish (見えなくなる) [動] disappear suddenly and completely

let oneself into (自分を入れる) [動] allow oneself to enter

彼のテールライトが角を曲がって見えなくなったとき、私は階段を上り、新聞を拾い、空の家に自分を入れた。

I put all the lamps on and opened all the windows.

私はすべてのランプをつけ、すべての窓を開けた。

The place was stuffy.

そこは蒸し暑かった。

I made some coffee and drank it and took the five C notes out of the coffee can.

make (淹れる) [動] prepare (a drink)

C note (100ドル紙幣) [名] a hundred-dollar bill

私はコーヒーを淹れて飲み、コーヒー缶から5枚の100ドル紙幣を取り出した。

They were rolled tight and pushed down into the coffee at the side.

それらはきつく巻かれ、側面のコーヒーの中に押し込まれていた。

I walked up and down with a cup of coffee in my hand, turned the TV on, turned it off, sat, stood, and sat again.

walk up and down (歩き回る) [動] walk back and forth

cup of coffee (コーヒーカップ) [名] a cup that contains coffee

turn off (消す) [動] cause to stop operating or functioning

私はコーヒーカップを手に歩き回り、テレビをつけたり消したり、座ったり立ったり、また座ったりした。

I read through the papers that had piled up on the front steps.

read through (読み通す) [動] read from beginning to end

pile up (積み上げる) [動] to put things on top of each other

front steps (玄関) [名] the steps leading to the front door of a building

私は玄関に積み上げられていた新聞を読み通した。

The Lennox case started out big, but by that morning it was a Part Two item.

start out (始まる) [動] begin

item (記事) [名] a piece of news

レノックス事件は大きく取り上げられたが、その朝には二面記事になっていた。

There was a photo of Sylvia, but none of Terry.

シルビアの写真はあったが、テリーの写真はなかった。

There was a snap of me that I didn't know existed.

snap (スナップ写真) [名] a photograph taken quickly and informally

私のスナップ写真があったが、私はその存在を知らなかった。

“L.A. Private Detective Held for Questioning.”

hold (拘束) [動] keep in a certain place or position

questioning (取り調べ) [名] the action of asking questions

「ロサンゼルスの私立探偵が取り調べのため拘束」

There was a large photo of the Lennox home in Encino. It was pseudo English with a lot of peaked roof and it would have cost a hundred bucks to wash the windows.

pseudo (イギリス風の) [形] not genuine; false or spurious

English (イギリス) [名] a country in Europe

peaked roof (尖った屋根) [名] a roof with a pointed shape

hundred bucks (百ドル) [名] a hundred dollars

エンシノにあるレノックス邸の写真が大きく載っていた。それは尖った屋根の多いイギリス風の建物で、窓を洗うのに百ドルはかかりそうだった。

It stood on a knoll in a big two acres, which is a lot of real estate for the Los Angeles area.

knoll (丘) [名] a small hill

two acres (二エーカー) [名] a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet

Los Angeles (ロサンゼルス) [名] a city in California

area (地区) [名] a part of a surface

ロサンゼルス地区では広い土地である二エーカーの丘の上に立っていた。

There was a photo of the guest house, which was a miniature of the main building.

main building (本館) [名] the main building of a complex of buildings

miniature (ミニチュア) [名] a small version of something

本館のミニチュア版であるゲストハウスの写真もあった。

It was hedged in with trees.

hedge in (囲む) [動] to surround or enclose with a hedge

木々で囲まれていた。

Both photos had obviously been taken from some distance off and then blown up and trimmed.

obviously (明らかに) [副] in a way that is easily seen or understood

distance (距離) [名] the space between two points

take (撮る) [動] to make a picture of something with a camera

blow up (拡大する) [動] to make something bigger

trim (トリミングする) [動] to cut something to make it neater or smaller

どちらの写真も明らかに少し離れたところから撮られ、拡大してトリミングされていた。

There was no photo of what the papers called the “death room.”

新聞が「死の部屋」と呼んだ部屋の写真はなかった。

I had seen all this stuff before, in jail, but I read it and looked at it again with different eyes.

私は刑務所でこの全てのものを以前に見ていたが、それを読み、別の目でもう一度見た。

It told me nothing except that a rich and beautiful girl had been murdered and the press had been pretty thoroughly excluded.

exclude (排除) [動] keep or shut out; prevent from entering

金持ちで美しい少女が殺害され、報道機関がかなり徹底的に排除されたこと以外は何も教えてくれなかった。

So the influence had started to work very early.

influence (影響) [名] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself

だから影響は非常に早く働き始めていた。

The crime beat boys must have gnashed their teeth and gnashed them in vain.

beat (担当する) [動] to be assigned to a particular area or topic

gnash (歯ぎしりする) [動] to grind one's teeth together

vain (無駄な) [形] having no real value or importance

犯罪を担当する記者たちは歯ぎしりし、無駄に歯ぎしりしたに違いない。

It figured.

figure (わかる) [動] to be able to understand something

それがわかった。

If Terry talked to his father-in-law in Pasadena the very night she was killed, there would have been a dozen guards on the estate before the police were even notified.

Pasadena (パサデナ) [名] a city in California

the very night (まさにその夜) [名] the night in question

be killed (殺される) [動] to cause the death of

be notified (連絡される) [動] to be informed of something

estate (屋敷) [名] a large house with a lot of land

dozen (十数) [名] a group of twelve

テリーがあの女が殺されたまさにその夜にパサデナの義父と話したなら、警察に連絡される前に屋敷に十数人の警備員がいただろう。

But there was something that didn't figure at all--the way she had been beaten up.

しかし、まったく理解できないことがあった--彼女が殴られた方法だ。

Nobody could sell me that Terry had done that.

sell (信じさせる) [動] persuade someone of the merits of

誰もテリーがそれをやったと私に信じさせることはできなかった。

I put the lamps out and sat by an open window.

put out (消す) [動] extinguish

open window (開いた窓) [名] a window that is not closed

私はランプを消して、開いた窓のそばに座った。

Outside in a bush a mockingbird ran through a few trills and admired himself before settling down for the night.

bush (茂み) [名] a woody plant with many stems

mockingbird (マネシツグミ) [名] a bird that can imitate the songs of other birds

run through (さえずる) [動] to sing or play something quickly

外の茂みの中で、マネシツグミが夜に落ち着く前に、何度かさえずり、自分を賞賛した。

My neck itched, so I shaved and showered and went to bed and lay on my back listening, as if far off in the dark I might hear a voice, the kind of calm and patient voice that makes everything clear.

itch (かゆくなる) [動] have or cause to have a sensation on the skin that makes one want to scratch

shower (シャワーを浴びる) [動] wash oneself in a shower

go to bed (ベッドに行く) [動] go to sleep

lie on one's back (仰向けになる) [動] be in a position in which one is resting on one's back

far off (遠くで) [副] at a great distance

dark (暗闇) [名] the absence of light

clear (明らかにする) [動] make (something) easy to understand

首がかゆくなったので、髭を剃り、シャワーを浴びてベッドに行き、仰向けになって耳を澄ました。まるで暗闇の遠くで声が聞こえるかのようだった。すべてを明らかにするような穏やかで忍耐強い声だ。

I didn't hear it and I knew I wasn't going to.

私はそれを聞かなかったし、聞くつもりもないことを知っていた。

Nobody was going to explain the Lennox case to me.

explain (説明する) [動] make (something) clear or easy to understand

誰も私にレノックス事件を説明するつもりはなかった。

No explanation was necessary.

explanation (説明) [名] a statement or account that makes something clear

説明は必要なかった。

The murderer had confessed and he was dead.

murderer (殺人者) [名] a person who kills another person

confess (自白する) [動] to admit or acknowledge something

殺人者は自白し、死んだ。

There wouldn't even be an inquest.

検死審問すら行われないだろう。

As Lonnie Morgan of the Journal had remarked--very convenient.

ジャーナル紙のロニー・モーガンが言ったように、とても都合がいい。

If Terry Lennox had killed his wife, that was fine.

テリー・レノックスが妻を殺したのなら、それでいい。

There was no need to try him and bring out all the unpleasant details.

bring out (明らかにする) [動] make apparent or clear

彼を裁判にかけて、不愉快な詳細をすべて明らかにする必要はない。

If he hadn't killed her, that was fine too.

彼が妻を殺さなかったのなら、それでいい。

A dead man is the best fall guy in the world.

fall guy (身代わり) [名] a person who is blamed for something that someone else has done

死んだ人間は世界で一番の身代わりだ。

He never talks back.

talk back (口答えする) [動] to reply in an impudent or insolent manner

彼は決して口答えしない。

[11]

In the morning I shaved again and dressed and drove downtown in the usual way and parked in the usual place and if the parking lot attendant happened to know that I was an important public character he did a top job in hiding it.

dress (服を着る) [動] put clothes on

downtown (ダウンタウン) [名] the main business and commercial area of a town or city

happen to know (知っていたとしても) [動] be aware of or have information about

public character (公人) [名] a person who is known to many people

do a top job (最高の仕事をする) [動] perform a task very well

朝、私は再び髭を剃り、服を着て、いつものようにダウンタウンまで車を走らせ、いつもの場所に駐車した。駐車場の係員が私が重要な公人であることを知っていたとしても、それを隠すのに最高の仕事をした。

I went upstairs and along the corridor and got keys out to unlock my door.

go upstairs (二階に上がる) [動] move to a higher floor

私は二階に上がり、廊下を進み、鍵を取り出してドアの鍵を開けた。

A dark smooth-looking guy watched me.

smooth-looking (滑らかそうな) [形] having a smooth surface

黒く滑らかそうな男が私を見ていた。

“You Marlowe?”

「君はマーロウか?」

“So?”

「それで?」

“Stick around,” he said.

stick around (待ってろ) [動] to stay in a place for a while

「待ってろ」と彼は言った。

“A guy wants to see you.”

「ある男が君に会いたがっている」

He unplastered his back from the wall and strolled off languidly.

unplaster (はがす) [動] remove plaster from

stroll (歩き去る) [動] walk in a leisurely way

languidly (ゆっくりと) [副] in a slow and relaxed way

彼は壁から背中をはがし、ゆっくりと歩き去った。

I stepped inside the office and picked up the mail.

step inside (中に入る) [動] go into a place

mail (郵便物) [名] letters and packages delivered by the post office

私は事務所の中に入って郵便物を受け取った。

There was more of it on the desk where the night cleaning woman had put it.

cleaning woman (清掃婦) [名] a woman who cleans

夜の清掃婦が置いた机の上にはもっとあった。

I slit the envelopes after I opened windows, and threw away what I didn't want, which was practically all of it.

slit (切り裂く) [動] cut or tear something open

envelope (封筒) [名] a flat paper container with a sealable flap used to enclose a letter or document

throw away (捨てる) [動] get rid of something by putting it in a trash can

私は窓を開けた後、封筒を切り裂き、必要のないものを捨てたが、それはほとんどすべてだった。

I switched on the buzzer to the other door and filled a pipe and lit it and then just sat there waiting for somebody to scream for help.

buzzer (ブザー) [名] a device that makes a buzzing sound

私はもう一方のドアのブザーをオンにして、パイプに火をつけて、誰かが助けを求めて叫ぶのを待ってそこに座った。

I thought about Terry Lennox in a detached sort of way.

detached (超然とした) [形] not concerned with or involved in something

私はテリー・レノックスについて、ある種の超然とした態度で考えた。

He was already receding into the distance, white hair and scarred face and weak charm and his peculiar brand of pride.

recede (後退する) [動] go or move back or further away

distance (遠く) [名] the space or interval between two points or objects

彼はすでに遠くへ後退しつつあった、白い髪と傷ついた顔と弱い魅力と彼独特のプライド。

I didn't judge him or analyze him, just as I had never asked him questions about how he got wounded or how he ever happened to get himself married to anyone like Sylvia.

judge (裁く) [動] form an opinion about (someone or something) after careful thought

analyze (分析する) [動] examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation

私は彼を裁いたり分析したりしなかったし、彼がどうやって傷を負ったのか、シルヴィアのような人と結婚することになったのか、彼に質問したこともなかった。

He was like somebody you meet on board ship and get to know very well and never really know at all.

on board (船上) [副] on or in a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

get to know (知るようになる) [動] become familiar with

never really know (実際には全く知らない) [動] be not aware of

彼は船上で出会ってとてもよく知るようになったが、実際には全く知らない人のようだった。

He was gone like the same fellow when he says goodbye at the pier and let's keep in touch, old man, and you know you won't and he won't.

pier (埠頭) [名] a structure built out into the water from the shore

keep in touch (連絡を取り合う) [動] to communicate with someone regularly

old man (あなた) [名] a term of address for a man

won't (しない) [助] will not

彼は、埠頭で別れを告げて、連絡を取り合おうぜ、あなたも私も連絡を取らないことを知っているのに、と言いながら去っていくあの男のようだった。

Likely enough you'll never even see the guy again.

even (さえ) [副] to a greater extent than was expected or usual

おそらく二度と会うことはないだろう。

If you do he will be an entirely different person, just another Rotarian in a club car.

do (会う) [動] meet

entirely (全く) [副] completely

person (人間) [名] a human being

Rotarian (ロータリアン) [名] a member of a Rotary club

club car (クラブカー) [名] a railroad car with lounge and dining facilities

もし会ったとしても、彼は全く別の人間で、クラブカーに乗っているただのロータリアンだろう。

How's business?

仕事はどう?

Oh, not too bad.

ああ、悪くない。

You look good.

look good (元気そうだ) [動] to appear to be in good health

元気そうだね。

So do you.

so (そう) [副] to the same extent

君もね。

I've put on too much weight.

put on (太る) [動] gain weight

too much (太りすぎ) [形] more than is needed or wanted

太りすぎちゃった。

Don't we all?

all (みんな) [名] the whole quantity or extent

みんなそうだろう?

Remember that trip in the Franconia (or whatever it was)?

trip (旅行) [名] a journey for pleasure

Franconia (フランコニア) [名] a region of Germany

フランコニア(だったかな)での旅行を覚えているかい?

Oh sure, swell trip, wasn't it?

swell (素晴らしい) [形] very good

ああ、もちろん、素晴らしい旅行だったね。

The hell it was a swell trip.

素晴らしい旅行だったなんて嘘だ。

You were bored stiff.

be bored stiff (退屈で死にそうである) [動] be extremely bored

君は退屈で死にそうだった。

You only talked to the guy because there wasn't anybody around that interested you.

君が彼と話したのは、周りに君が興味を持つ人がいなかったからだ。

Maybe it was like that with Terry Lennox and me.

be like that (そうだった) [動] be similar to that

たぶん、テリー・レノックスと私もそうだったのだろう。

No, not quite. I owned a piece of him.

いや、そうではない。私は彼の一部を所有していた。

I had invested time and money in him, and three days in the icehouse, not to mention a slug on the jaw and a punch in the neck that I felt every time I swallowed.

three days (三日間) [名] a period of three consecutive days

icehouse (冷蔵庫) [名] a building for storing ice

slug (一撃) [名] a blow with the fist

punch (パンチ) [名] a blow with the fist

私は彼に時間と金を投資し、三日間冷蔵庫に閉じ込められ、あごに受けた一撃と飲み込むたびに感じる首へのパンチは言うまでもない。

Now he was dead and I couldn't even give him back his five hundred bucks.

give back (返す) [動] return something to someone

今や彼は死んでしまい、私は彼に五百ドルを返すことさえできない。

That made me sore.

sore (苛立たせる) [形] causing pain or discomfort

それが私を苛立たせた。

It is always the little things that make you sore.

いつも些細なことが苛立たせるものだ。

The door buzzer and the telephone rang at the same time.

door buzzer (ドアのブザー) [名] a buzzer that sounds when someone presses a button at the door

telephone (電話) [名] a system for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio

same time (同時に) [名] at the same time

ドアのブザーと電話が同時に鳴った。

I answered the phone first because the buzzer meant only that somebody had walked into my pint-size waiting room.

answer (出る) [動] to speak into a telephone when it rings

into (の中へ) [前] to the inside of

my (私の) [他] belonging to or connected with the speaker

pint-size (小さな) [形] very small

waiting room (待合室) [名] a room in a public building where people can wait

私はまず電話に出た。ブザーは誰かが私の小さな待合室に入ってきたことを意味するだけだったからだ。

“Is this Mr. Marlowe?

Mr. Marlowe (マーロウさん) [名] the main character of the story

「マーロウさんですか?

Mr. Endicott is calling you.

Mr. Endicott (エンディコットさん) [名] a person's name

エンディコットさんがお電話です。

One moment please.”

少々お待ちください」

He came on the line.

come on the line (電話に出る) [動] answer the phone

彼が電話に出た。

“This is Sewell Endicott,” he said, as if he didn't know his goddam secretary had already fed me his name.

Sewell Endicott (シーウェル・エンディコット) [名] a character in the story

secretary (秘書) [名] a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out similar routine tasks

「シーウェル・エンディコットです」と彼は言った。まるで彼の秘書がすでに私に彼の名前を教えてくれたことを知らないかのようだった。

“Good morning, Mr. Endicott.”

Good morning (おはようございます) [名] a greeting

「おはようございます、エンディコットさん」

“Glad to hear they turned you loose.

turn loose (釈放する) [動] to release from confinement or constraint

glad (安心する) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

「釈放されたと聞いて安心したよ。

I think possibly you had the right idea not to build any resistance.”

build (構築する) [動] construct or make

resistance (抵抗) [名] the refusal to accept or comply with something

抵抗しないという考えは正しかったと思う」

“It wasn't an idea.

「考えたわけじゃない。

It was just mulishness.”

mulishness (頑固) [名] the quality of being obstinate or stubborn

ただ頑固だっただけだ」

“I doubt if you'll hear any more about it.

doubt (疑う) [動] feel uncertain about

「もうこれ以上聞かれることもないと思う。

But if you do and need help, let me hear from you.”

でももし聞かれたり、助けが必要なら連絡してくれ」

“Why would I? The man is dead.

「なぜそうするんだ? 男は死んでいる。

They'd have a hell of a time proving he ever came near me.

have a hell of a time (大変だろう) [動] have a very difficult time

come near (近くに来る) [動] to approach or come close to

彼が私の近くに来たことを証明するのは大変だろう。

Then they'd have to prove I had guilty knowledge.

次に彼らは私が有罪の知識を持っていたことを証明しなければならない。

And then they'd have to prove he had committed a crime or was a fugitive.”

そして、彼が犯罪を犯したか逃亡者だったことを証明しなければならない。」

He cleared his throat.

clear one's throat (咳払いをする) [動] to make a sound in the throat to remove phlegm or to attract attention

彼は咳払いをした。

“Perhaps,” he said carefully, “you haven't been told he left a full confession.”

full (完全な) [形] having or containing as much or as many as possible

「おそらく」彼は慎重に言った、「彼が完全な自白を残したとは聞かされていないだろう。」

“I was told, Mr. Endicott.

「聞きました、エンディコットさん。

I'm talking to a lawyer.

私は弁護士と話している。

Would I be out of line in suggesting that the confession would have to be proved too, both as to genuineness and as to veracity?”

be out of line (越権行為である) [動] behave in an inappropriate way

suggest (示唆する) [動] mention or introduce as a possibility

genuineness (真正性) [名] the quality of being real or true

veracity (真実性) [名] conformity to truth or fact

自白もまた、真正性と真実性の両方において証明されなければならないと示唆するのは、私の越権行為だろうか?」

“I'm afraid I have no time for a legal discussion,” he said sharply.

be afraid (残念ながら) [動] to be worried or frightened about something

have no time (時間がない) [動] to be busy or occupied

legal (法律の) [形] of or relating to the law

discussion (論議) [名] a conversation or debate about a particular topic

sharply (鋭く) [副] in a quick and forceful way

「残念ながら、法律論議をする時間はない」と彼は鋭く言った。

“I'm flying to Mexico with a rather melancholy duty to perform.

fly (飛ぶ) [動] move through the air with wings or a winged structure

perform (果たす) [動] carry out, accomplish, or fulfill

「私は、かなり憂鬱な任務を果たすためにメキシコへ飛ぶ。

You can probably guess what it is?”

それが何かはおそらく推測できるだろう?」

“Uh-huh. Depends who you're representing.

「ああ、誰を代表しているかによるな。

You didn't tell me, remember.”

君は私に言わなかった、覚えているか。」

“I remember very well.

「よく覚えている。

Well, goodbye, Marlowe.

goodbye (さよなら) [間] a phrase used to express a farewell

じゃあ、さよなら、マーロウ。

My offer of help is still good.

offer (申し出) [名] a proposal or bid

私の申し出はまだ有効だ。

But let me also offer you a little advice.

advice (忠告) [名] an opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, or procedure

でも、少しだけ忠告させてほしい。

Don't be too certain you're in the clear.

be certain (確信する) [動] to be sure about something

in the clear (無関係) [形] not involved in a crime or other illegal activity

自分が無関係だと確信しすぎないように。

You're in a pretty vulnerable business.”

vulnerable (傷つきやすい) [形] capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt

君は非常に傷つきやすい商売をしている。」

He hung up.

彼は電話を切った。

I put the phone back in its cradle carefully.

私は電話を慎重に受話器に戻した。

I sat for a moment with my hand on it, scowling.

for a moment (しばらく) [名] a very short period of time

私はしばらく手を置いて座り、顔をしかめた。

Then I wiped the scowl off my face and got up to open the communicating door into my waiting room.

wipe (拭う) [動] clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth or towel

scowl (しかめる) [動] frown in an angry or bad-tempered way

communicating door (連絡ドア) [名] a door that connects two rooms

それから私は顔をしかめるのを止め、立ち上がって待合室への連絡ドアを開けた。

A man was sitting by the window ruffling a magazine.

ruffle (めくる) [動] make or become untidy or disordered

男が窓際に座って雑誌をめくっていた。

He wore a bluish-gray suit with an almost invisible pale blue check.

bluish-gray (青みがかったグレー) [形] a color that is a mixture of blue and gray

invisible (見えない) [形] not able to be seen

blue (ブルー) [名] a color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day

check (チェック) [名] a pattern of small squares

彼はほとんど見えない淡いブルーのチェックの入った青みがかったグレーのスーツを着ていた。

On his crossed feet were black moccasin-type ties, the kind with two eyelets that are almost as comfortable as strollers and don't wear your socks out every time you walk a block.

black (黒い) [形] of the color that is the opposite of white

moccasin (モカシン) [名] a soft leather shoe with a sole made of leather or rubber

tie (靴紐) [名] a piece of string or cord that is used to fasten something

eyelet (アイレット) [名] a small hole in a piece of material, usually reinforced with a metal ring, used for threading a rope or cable through

comfortable (快適な) [形] providing physical ease and relaxation

stroller (ベビーカー) [名] a small vehicle with wheels that is pushed by a person and in which a baby or young child can sit

wear (履く) [動] have on one's feet

sock (靴下) [名] a garment for the foot and lower part of the leg

彼の交差した足には黒いモカシンタイプの靴紐があり、2つのアイレットが付いたタイプはベビーカーと同じくらい快適で、ブロックを歩くたびに靴下を履く必要がない。

His white handkerchief was folded square and the end of a pair of sunglasses showed behind it.

square (四角) [名] a plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles

end (端) [名] the part of something that is farthest from the beginning or the middle

sunglasses (サングラス) [名] a pair of glasses with dark lenses that you wear to protect your eyes from the sun

彼の白いハンカチは四角く折り畳まれていて、サングラスの端がその後ろに見えた。

He had thick dark wavy hair.

wavy (ウェーブのかかった) [形] having a series of curves

彼は濃いウェーブのかかった髪をしていた。

He was tanned very dark.

tan (日焼けする) [動] to become brown or browner by exposure to the sun

彼は非常に黒く日焼けしていた。

He looked up with bird-bright eyes and smiled under a hairline mustache.

bird-bright (鳥のように明るい) [形] having a bright color like that of a bird

彼は鳥のように明るい目で上を見上げ、細い口ひげの下で微笑んだ。

His tie was a dark maroon tied in a pointed bow over a sparkling white shirt.

dark maroon (濃い栗色) [名] a dark reddish-brown color

pointed bow (尖った蝶結び) [名] a bow with pointed ends

sparkling white shirt (輝く白いシャツ) [名] a white shirt that sparkles

彼のネクタイは濃い栗色で、輝く白いシャツの上に尖った蝶結びに結ばれていた。

He threw the magazine aside.

彼は雑誌を脇に投げた。

“The crap these rags go for,” he said.

go for (売れる) [動] be sold for

「こんなくだらない雑誌が売れるんだ」と彼は言った。

“I been reading a piece about Costello.

「コステロについての記事を読んでいたんだ。

Yeah, they know all about Costello.

all about (よく) [副] completely or thoroughly

Costello (コステロ) [名] a surname

ああ、彼らはコステロのことをよく知っている。

Like I know all about Helen of Troy.”

Helen of Troy (トロイのヘレン) [名] the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, whose abduction by Paris was the cause of the Trojan War

私がトロイのヘレンのことをよく知っているようにね」

“What can I do for you?”

「何か用ですか?」

He looked me over unhurriedly.

unhurriedly (ゆっくりと) [副] without hurrying

彼は私をゆっくりと見回した。

“Tarzan on a big red scooter,” he said.

Tarzan (ターザン) [名] a fictional character raised by apes in the jungles of Africa

scooter (スクーター) [名] a small vehicle with two wheels and a platform for the feet, propelled by a motor and steered by a handlebar

「大きな赤いスクーターに乗ったターザン」と彼は言った。

“What?”

「何?」

“You. Marlowe. Tarzan on a big red scooter.

「あなた。マーロウ。大きな赤いスクーターに乗ったターザン。

They rough you up much?”

rough up (痛めつける) [動] to treat someone or something in a violent or careless way

much (ひどく) [副] to a great extent; a lot

彼らはあなたをひどく痛めつけたか?」

“Here and there. What makes it your business?”

here and there (あちこち) [副] in various places

make it one's business (関係がある) [動] to be involved in something

「あちこち。それがあなたの仕事とどう関係があるんだ?」

“After Allbright talked to Gregorius?”

「オールブライトがグレゴリウスと話した後?」

“No. Not after that.”

「いいえ。その後ではありません。」

He nodded shortly.

shortly (短く) [副] in a short time; soon

彼は短くうなずいた。

“You got a crust asking Allbright to use ammunition on that slob.”

crust (ずうずうしさ) [名] a hard outer layer of something

ammunition (弾薬) [名] bullets, shells, and other projectiles, especially when supplied in quantity to an army or other military force

「オールブライトにあのろくでなしに弾薬を使うように頼むなんて、ずうずうしいな。」

“I asked you what made it your business.

「それがどうしてあなたの仕事になるのか尋ねたんだ。

Incidentally I don't know Commissioner Allbright

incidentally (ついでに言えば) [副] by the way

ついでに言えば、私はオールブライト警視を知らない。

and I didn't ask him to do anything.

そして彼に何も頼んでいない。

Why would he do anything for me?”

do anything (何かする) [動] perform any action

for me (私のために) [前] on my behalf

彼が私のために何かする理由があるのか?」

He stared at me morosely.

morosely (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a sullen and ill-tempered manner

彼は私を不機嫌そうに見つめた。

He stood up slowly, graceful as a panther.

graceful (優雅な) [形] having or showing grace or elegance

panther (豹) [名] a large wild cat with a black coat

彼はゆっくりと立ち上がり、豹のように優雅だった。

He walked across the room and looked into my office.

look into (覗き込む) [動] look inside something

彼は部屋を横切って歩き、私の事務所を覗き込んだ。

He jerked his head at me and went in.

彼は私に頭を振り、中に入った。

He was a guy who owned the place where he happened to be.

happen to be (たまたま居合わせる) [動] be in a place by chance

彼はたまたま居合わせた場所を所有する男だった。

I went in after him and shut the door.

私は彼の後について中に入り、ドアを閉めた。

He stood by the desk looking around, amused.

stand by (そばに立つ) [動] be near or next to

amused (面白そうに) [形] finding something funny or entertaining

彼は机のそばに立って、面白そうに辺りを見回した。

“You're small time,” he said.

small time (小物) [名] a person of little importance or influence

「あなたは小物だ」と彼は言った。

“Very small time.”

「とても小物だ」

I went behind my desk and waited.

go behind (後ろに回る) [動] move to the back of something

私は机の後ろに回って待った。

“How much you make in a month, Marlowe?”

make (稼ぐ) [動] earn

「一ヶ月にいくら稼ぐんだ、マーロウ?」

I let it ride, and lit my pipe.

let it ride (流す) [動] to let something go or continue without interfering

私はそれを流して、パイプに火をつけた。

“Seven-fifty would be tops,” he said.

seven-fifty (750ドル) [名] seven hundred and fifty dollars

「750ドルが最高だ」と彼は言った。

I dropped a burnt match into a tray and puffed tobacco smoke.

burn (燃える) [動] be on fire

tray (灰皿) [名] a flat piece of wood or metal with raised edges that is used for carrying things

puff (吐き出す) [動] blow out a lot of smoke or air from your mouth

私は燃え尽きたマッチを灰皿に落とし、タバコの煙を吐き出した。

“You're a piker, Marlowe.

piker (小物) [名] a person who does things in a small way

「あなたは小物だ、マーロウ。

You're a peanut grifter.

peanut (小物) [名] a small or insignificant person

あなたは小物の詐欺師だ。

You're so little it takes a magnifying glass to see you.”

magnifying glass (虫眼鏡) [名] a lens that makes things appear bigger

あなたは虫眼鏡で見ないと見えないくらい小さい。」

I didn't say anything at all.

私は何も言わなかった。

“You got cheap emotions.

cheap (安っぽい) [形] low in price or value

「あなたは安っぽい感情の持ち主だ。

You're cheap all over.

あなたはどこからどこまで安っぽい。

You pal around with a guy, eat a few drinks, talk a few gags, slip him a little dough when he's strapped, and you're sold out to him.

pal around (仲良くなる) [動] to spend time with someone in a friendly way

eat a few drinks (酒を飲む) [動] to consume alcohol

talk a few gags (冗談を言う) [動] to say something funny

slip someone a little dough (金を貸してやる) [動] to give someone money

be sold out to someone (惚れ込む) [動] to be very fond of someone

誰かと仲良くなって、酒を飲み、冗談を言い、相手が困っている時に金を貸してやると、もうその相手に惚れ込んでしまう。

Just like some school kid that read Frank Merriwell.

Frank Merriwell (フランク・メリウェル) [名] a fictional character in a series of novels by Gilbert Patten

フランク・メリウェルを読んだ小学生みたいに。

You got no guts, no brains, no connections, no savvy, so you throw out a phony attitude and expect people to cry over you.

brains (頭) [名] the organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, and feeling

connections (コネ) [名] a relationship in which a person is associated with another person or place

savvy (知識) [名] practical knowledge and the ability to make good judgments

throw out (取る) [動] to get rid of something

phony (偽りの) [形] not genuine or real

根性も頭もコネも知識もないから、偽りの態度を取って、人々が自分を哀れんでくれるのを期待する。

Tarzan on a big red scooter.”

大きな赤いスクーターに乗ったターザン」

He smiled a small weary smile.

weary (疲れた) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

彼は小さく疲れた笑みを浮かべた。

“In my book you're a nickel's worth of nothing.”

「私の本では、あなたは5セントにも値しない」

He leaned across the desk and flicked me across the face back-handed, casually and contemptuously, not meaning to hurt me, and the small smile stayed on his face.

flick (軽く叩く) [動] move or hit something with a quick, light blow

back-handed (手の甲) [形] using the back of the hand

casually (さりげなく) [副] without formality or premeditation

contemptuously (軽蔑的に) [副] in a manner indicating contempt

彼は机を乗り越えて、私を傷つけるつもりはないが、さりげなく、軽蔑的に、手の甲で私の顔を軽く叩き、小さな笑みを浮かべた。

Then when I didn't even move for that he sat down slowly and leaned an elbow on the desk and cupped his brown chin in his brown hand.

sit down (腰を下ろす) [動] take a seat

cup (当てる) [動] shape one's hand into a cup

それでも私が動かないので、彼はゆっくりと腰を下ろし、机に肘をつき、褐色の手を褐色の顎に当てた。

The bird-bright eyes stared at me without anything in them but brightness.

bird-bright (鳥のように輝く) [形] bright like a bird

brightness (輝き) [名] the quality or state of being bright

鳥のように輝く目は、輝き以外何も持たずに私を見つめていた。

“Know who I am, cheapie?”

cheapie (安物) [名] something of low quality or value

「私が誰か知ってる、安物?」

“Your name's Menendez.

Menendez (メネンデス) [名] a Spanish surname

「あなたの名前はメネンデス。

The boys call you Mendy.

Mendy (メンディ) [名] a name

仲間はメンディと呼んでいる。

You operate on the Strip.”

operate (活動する) [動] be in effect or in force

Strip (ストリップ) [名] the Las Vegas Strip

あなたはストリップで活動している。」

“Yeah? How did I get so big?”

get big (有名になる) [動] become famous or well-known

「そう? 私はそんなに有名になったのか?」

“I wouldn't know.

wouldn't know (知らない) [動] be not aware of

「知らない。

You probably started out as a pimp in a Mexican whorehouse.”

start out (始める) [動] begin doing something

おそらくメキシコの売春宿のポン引きから始めたのでしょう。」

He took a gold cigarette case out of his pocket and lit a brown cigarette with a gold lighter.

cigarette (煙草) [名] a small roll of finely cut tobacco leaves wrapped in thin paper for smoking

彼はポケットから金の煙草ケースを取り出し、金のライターで茶色の煙草に火をつけた。

He blew acrid smoke and nodded.

blow (吐き出す) [動] to force air out of the mouth

smoke (煙) [名] a cloud of small particles in the air

彼は刺激臭の煙を吐き出し、うなずいた。

He put the gold cigarette case on the desk and caressed it with his fingertips.

caress (撫でる) [動] touch or stroke gently or lovingly

彼は金の煙草ケースを机の上に置き、指先で撫でた。

“I'm a big bad man, Marlowe.

bad (悪) [形] not good

「私は大悪党だ、マーロウ。

I make lots of dough.

lots of (大金) [名] a large amount of something

dough (金) [名] money

私は大金を稼ぐ。

I got to make lots of dough to juice the guys I got to juice in order to make lots of dough to juice the guys I got to juice.

make lots of dough (大金を稼ぐ) [動] earn a lot of money

juice (潤す) [動] to make more interesting or exciting

in order to (目的で) [接] with the intention of

got to (ねばならない) [助] must; have to

私は奴らを潤すために大金を稼ぐ目的で、大金を稼いで潤さねばならない奴らを潤すために大金を稼ぐ。

I got a place in Bel-Air that cost ninety grand and I already spent more than that to fix it up.

Bel-Air (ベルエア) [名] a neighborhood in the Westside region of Los Angeles, California

ninety grand (9万ドル) [名] a large sum of money

私はベルエアに9万ドルもする家を持っているが、それを修理するのにすでにそれ以上のお金を費やした。

I got a lovely platinum-blond wife and two kids in private schools back east.

platinum-blond (プラチナブロンド) [形] a very light shade of blond hair

private school (私立学校) [名] a school that is not supported by public funds

back east (東部) [名] the eastern part of the U.S.

私は美しいプラチナブロンドの妻と東部の私立学校に通う2人の子供がいる。

My wife's got a hundred and fifty grand in rocks and another seventy-five in furs and clothes.

fifty (50) [名] the number 50

grand (1000ドル) [名] a thousand dollars

rock (宝石) [名] a hard solid substance that occurs naturally in the ground

seventy-five (75) [名] the number 75

fur (毛皮) [名] the short, fine, soft hair of certain animals

私の妻は15万ドルの宝石と7万5千ドルの毛皮や服を持っている。

I got a butler, two maids, a cook, a chauffeur, not counting the monkey that walks behind me.

cook (料理人) [名] a person whose job is to prepare and cook food, especially in a restaurant

chauffeur (運転手) [名] a person employed to drive a private or hired car

monkey (猿) [名] a small to medium-sized primate that typically has a long tail, most kinds of which live in trees in tropical countries

私は執事、2人のメイド、料理人、運転手がいるが、私の後ろを歩く猿は数えていない。

Everywhere I go I'm a darling.

everywhere (どこへ行っても) [副] in all places or situations

どこへ行っても私は人気者だ。

The best of everything, the best food, the best drinks, the best hotel suites.

food (食事) [名] any substance that can be eaten or drunk by living organisms, especially by human beings, in order to sustain life and for growth

suite (スイートルーム) [名] a set of rooms

全てが最高、最高の食事、最高の飲み物、最高のホテルのスイートルーム。

I got a place in Florida and a seagoing yacht with a crew of five men.

Florida (フロリダ) [名] a state in the southeastern United States

place (家) [名] a building or area where people live or work

crew (乗組員) [名] the people who work on a ship, aircraft, or train

私はフロリダに家と5人の乗組員がいる外洋ヨットを持っている。

I got a Bentley, two Cadillacs, a Chrysler station wagon, and an MG for my boy.

Bentley (ベントレー) [名] a British manufacturer of luxury cars

Cadillac (キャデラック) [名] a division of General Motors that makes luxury cars

Chrysler (クライスラー) [名] an American manufacturer of cars

station wagon (ステーションワゴン) [名] a car with a large area at the back for carrying passengers or goods

MG (MG) [名] a British sports car

私はベントレー、2台のキャデラック、クライスラーのワゴン車、息子のためにMGを持っている。

Couple of years my girl gets one too.

couple of years (数年後) [名] a period of time lasting two years

get (もらう) [動] receive or be given something

数年後には娘も1台もらう。

What you got?”

got (持っている) [動] have or possess

何を持っているんだ?」

“Not much,” I said.

not much (あまりない) [名] a small amount

「あまりない」と私は言った。

“This year I have a house to live in--all to myself.”

This year (今年) [名] the year that is happening now

all to oneself (自分だけの) [形] having or being used by only one person

「今年は住む家があるんだ。自分だけの家だ」

“No woman?”

「女は?」

“Just me. In addition to that I have what you see here and twelve hundred dollars in the bank and a few thousand in bonds.

in addition to (加えて) [前] as well as; also; too

twelve hundred (千二百) [数] 1200

bank (銀行) [名] a financial institution that provides a safe place to keep and exchange money

a few thousand (数千) [数] a few thousand

bond (債券) [名] a certificate of debt that is issued by a government or corporation and that promises to pay interest and repay the principal at a specified future date

「私だけだ。それに加えて、ここに見えるもの、銀行に千二百ドル、数千ドルの債券がある。

That answer your question?”

これで質問に答えたかな?」

“What's the most you ever made on a single job?”

「一回の仕事で一番稼いだのはいくらだ?」

“Eight-fifty.”

eight-fifty (八ドル五十セント) [名] eight dollars and fifty cents

「八ドル五十セント」

“Jesus, how cheap can a guy get?”

Jesus (なんて) [間] an expression of surprise, anger, or disgust

「なんて安いんだ」

“Stop hamming and tell me what you want.”

hamming (ふざける) [動] act in a playful way

「ふざけるのはやめて、何が欲しいのか言ってくれ」

He killed his cigarette half smoked and immediately lit another.

immediately (すぐに) [副] at once; instantly

彼はタバコを半分吸い終わると消し、すぐに別のタバコに火をつけた。

He leaned back in his chair.

彼は椅子に寄りかかった。

His lip curled at me.

curl (曲げる) [動] to form or cause to form a curve or curves

at (-に) [前] the action of this verb is directed at the object of the preposition

彼は私に唇を曲げた。

“We were three guys in a foxhole eating,” he said.

foxhole (塹壕) [名] a small trench dug by an individual soldier

eat (食事をする) [動] take in food

「私たちは3人で塹壕で食事をしていた」と彼は言った。

“It was cold as hell, snow all around.

snow (雪) [名] frozen water that falls from the sky

「地獄のように寒くて、周りは雪だらけだった。

We eat out of cans.

can (缶) [名] a cylindrical container to hold liquid or food

私たちは缶詰を食べた。

Cold food. A little shelling, more mortar fire.

shelling (砲撃) [名] the act of firing shells

mortar (迫撃砲) [名] a short cannon with a large bore that fires shells at high angles

fire (砲火) [名] the discharge of a gun or other weapon

冷たい食べ物。少し砲撃があり、さらに迫撃砲の砲火があった。

We are blue with the cold, and I mean blue, Randy Starr and me and this Terry Lennox.

be blue with (青ざめる) [動] to be very cold

cold (寒さ) [名] the state of having a low temperature

mean (本当に) [動] to intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (something)

私たちは寒さで青ざめていた、本当に青ざめていたんだ、ランディ・スターと私とこのテリ・レノックスは。

A mortar shell plops right in the middle of us and for some reason it don't go off.

mortar shell (迫撃砲弾) [名] a bomb that is fired from a mortar

plop (落ちる) [動] to fall or drop with a sound like that of something soft and heavy striking a surface

right in the middle of (真ん中に) [前] in the center of

for some reason (なぜか) [副] for an unknown reason

go off (爆発する) [動] to explode

迫撃砲弾が私たちの真ん中に落ちたが、なぜか爆発しなかった。

Those jerries have a lot of tricks.

jerry (ドイツ兵) [名] a German soldier

trick (トリック) [名] a clever and skillful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit

あのドイツ兵はたくさんのトリックを持っている。

They got a twisted sense of humor.

twisted (ひねくれた) [形] not straight or level

humor (ユーモア) [名] the quality of being funny or amusing

彼らはひねくれたユーモアのセンスを持っている。

Sometimes you think it's a dud and three seconds later it ain't a dud.

dud (不発弾) [名] a bomb or other explosive that fails to explode

不発弾だと思っても3秒後には不発弾じゃなくなることもある。

Terry grabs it and he's out of the foxhole before Randy and me can even start to get unstuck.

get unstuck (身動きをとれるようになる) [動] become able to move again

テリーはそれを取り、ランディと私が身動きをとれるようになる前に彼は塹壕から出ていた。

But I mean quick, brother.

brother (兄弟) [名] a male sibling

でも急いでくれよ、兄弟。

Like a good ball handler.

ball handler (ボールハンドラー) [名] a player who is skilled at dribbling the ball

優れたボールハンドラーのように。

He throws himself face down and throws the thing away from him and it goes off in the air.

throw oneself (倒れる) [動] to fall down

face down (うつ伏せ) [副] with the front of the body facing the ground

彼はうつ伏せに倒れ、それを自分から遠ざけるように投げると、それは空中で爆発した。

Most of it goes over his head but a hunk gets the side of his face.

go over (越える) [動] to move or travel across or over

hunk (塊) [名] a large piece of something

get (当たる) [動] to receive or be given something

そのほとんどは彼の頭上を越えたが、大きな塊が彼の顔の横に当たった。

Right then the krauts mount an attack and the next thing we know we ain't there any more.”

right then (ちょうどその時) [副] at that exact moment

kraut (ドイツ軍) [名] a German soldier

mount (仕掛ける) [動] to organize and start

attack (攻撃) [名] an aggressive and violent act against a person or place

next thing (気がついたら) [名] the next thing that happens

ちょうどその時、ドイツ軍が攻撃を仕掛けてきて、気がついたらもうそこにはいなかったんだ」

Menendez stopped talking and gave me the bright steady glare of his dark eyes.

steady (じっとした) [形] not shaking or moving

glare (見つめる) [動] stare angrily or fiercely

メネンデスは話をやめて、私をその黒い目でじっと見つめた。

“Thanks for telling me,” I said.

thanks for (ありがとう) [名] an expression of gratitude

telling (言う) [動] communicate with words

「教えてくれてありがとう」と私は言った。

“You take a good ribbing, Marlowe. You're okay.

take a ribbing (からかわれる) [動] to be teased or made fun of

okay (大丈夫) [形] all right; satisfactory

「君はよくからかわれるね、マーロウ。君は大丈夫だ。

Randy and me talked things over and we decided that what happened to Terry Lennox was enough to screw up any guy's brains.

talk things over (話し合う) [動] to discuss something thoroughly

decide (結論する) [動] to reach a decision about something

screw up (狂わせる) [動] to make a mess of something

ランディと私はいろいろ話し合った結果、テリー・レノックスに起こったことは誰の頭も狂わせるのに十分だと結論した。

For a long time we figured he was dead but he wasn't.

for a long time (長い間) [名] a long period of time

but (しかし) [接] used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously

長い間、私たちは彼が死んだと思っていたが、そうではありませんでした。

The krauts got him.

kraut (ドイツ人) [名] a German person

ドイツ軍が彼を捕まえたのです。

They worked him over for about a year and a half.

a year and a half (一年半) [名] a period of time lasting 18 months

彼らは彼を約一年半にわたって拷問した。

They did a good job but they hurt him too much.

do a good job (いい仕事をする) [動] perform well

彼らはいい仕事をしたが、彼を傷つけすぎた。

It cost us money to find out, and it cost us money to find him.

find out (突き止める) [動] discover or notice

それを突き止めるのにお金がかかり、彼を見つけるのにもお金がかかった。

But we made plenty in the black market after the war.

plenty (大いに) [名] a lot

black market (闇市) [名] a trade of any goods that is illegal or unrecorded

しかし、戦後、私たちは闇市で大いに稼いだ。

We could afford it.

私たちにはその余裕があった。

All Terry gets out of saving our lives is half of a new face, white hair, and a bad case of nerves.

get out of (得る) [動] receive as a result of some effort or action

new (新しい) [形] recently made, grown, or created

case (症例) [名] an instance of a particular situation; an example

nerve (神経) [名] a bundle of fibers that transmits impulses between the central nervous system and other parts of the body

テリーにとって、私たちの命を救ったことで得たのは、新しい顔の半分、白い髪、そしてひどい神経症だけだった。

Back east he hits the bottle, gets picked up here and there, kind of goes to pieces.

hit the bottle (酒に溺れる) [動] to drink alcohol excessively

go to pieces (めちゃくちゃになる) [動] to become very upset or confused

東に戻ると、彼は酒に溺れ、あちこちで逮捕され、めちゃくちゃになった。

There's something on his mind but we never know what.

mind (心) [名] the part of a person that thinks, feels, and remembers

彼の心には何かがあるが、私たちにはそれが何なのかわからない。

The next thing we know he's married to this rich dame and riding high.

next (次) [形] coming immediately after the time of writing or speaking

ride high (羽振りがいい) [動] be in a state of great success or prosperity

次に知ったのは、彼がこの金持ちの女性と結婚して、羽振りがいいということだった。

He unmarries her, hits bottom again, marries her again, and she gets dead.

unmarry (離婚する) [動] to dissolve a marriage

hit bottom (どん底に落ちる) [動] to reach the lowest point

get dead (死んでしまう) [動] to die

彼は彼女と離婚し、再びどん底に落ち、再び彼女と結婚し、そして彼女は死んでしまう。

Randy and me can't do a thing for him.

ランディと私では彼のために何もできない。

He won't let us except for that short job in Vegas.

彼はベガスでの短い仕事以外は私たちにさせてくれないんだ。

And when he gets in a real jam he don't come to us, he goes to a cheapie like you, a guy that cops can push around.

get in (巻き込まれる) [動] become involved in something

push around (押し付ける) [動] to treat someone badly by making them do things they do not want to do

そして、彼が本当に困ったときには、私たちのところには来ないで、あなたのような安っぽい、警官に押し付けられるような男のところに行くんだ。

So then he gets dead, and without telling us goodbye, and without giving us a chance to pay off.

tell goodbye (別れを告げる) [動] say goodbye

give chance (機会を与える) [動] provide an opportunity

そして彼は死んでしまう、私たちに別れを告げることなく、私たちに借りを返す機会を与えることなく。

I could have got him out of the country faster than a card sharp can stack a deck.

card sharp (カードシャープ) [名] a person who cheats at cards

stack a deck (デッキを積み重ねる) [動] to arrange the cards in a deck in a way that gives an unfair advantage to the dealer or another player

カードシャープがデッキを積み重ねるよりも早く彼を国外に連れ出せただろう。

But he goes crying to you.

でも彼は泣きながら君のところに行く。

It makes me sore.

腹が立つ。

A cheapie, a guy cops can push around.”

push around (押しのける) [動] to bully or intimidate someone

安物、警官が押しのけられるような男」

“The cops can push anybody around.

「警官は誰でも押しのけられる。

What do you want me to do about it?”

私に何をしろと?」

“Just lay off,” Menendez said tightly.

lay off (やめる) [動] stop doing something

tightly (きっぱり) [副] in a firm or secure manner

「ただやめろ」とメネンデスはきっぱり言った。

“Lay off what?”

「何をやめるんだ?」

“Trying to make yourself dough or publicity out of the Lennox case.

publicity (名声) [名] the state of being well known

「レノックス事件から金や名声を得ようとすることだ。

It's finished, wrapped up.

wrap up (解決する) [動] bring to a conclusion

終わった、解決した。

Terry's dead and we don't want him bothered any more.

bother (煩わせる) [動] to give trouble to; to annoy

テリーは死んだし、もう彼を煩わせたくない。

The guy suffered too much.”

suffer (苦しむ) [動] experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant

彼は十分に苦しんだ」

“A hoodlum with sentiment,” I said.

sentiment (感傷) [名] a thought, view, or attitude

「感傷的なチンピラ」と私は言った。

“That slays me.”

slay (殺す) [動] kill someone in a violent way

「それは私を殺す」

“Watch your lip, cheapie. Watch your lip.

watch (気をつけろ) [動] be careful or cautious about

「口の利き方に気をつけろ、安物。口の利き方に気をつけろ。

Mendy Menendez don't argue with guys.

Mendy Menendez (メンディ・メネンデス) [名] a person's name

argue (口論する) [動] exchange diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way

メンディ・メネンデスは男と口論しない。

He tells them.

彼は彼らに言う。

Find yourself another way to grab a buck.

金をつかむ別の方法を見つけろ。

Get me?”

分かったか?」

He stood up.

彼は立ち上がった。

The interview was finished.

interview (面会) [名] a meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation

面会は終わった。

He picked up his gloves.

彼は手袋を拾った。

They were snow-white pigskin.

snow-white (真っ白な) [形] of the color white

それは真っ白な豚皮だった。

They didn't look as if he ever had them on.

彼がそれらをはめたことがあるようには見えなかった。

A dressy type, Mr. Menendez.

dressy (めかし込んだ) [形] smart or elegant in dress

Mr. Menendez (メネンデス氏) [名] a man named Menendez

めかし込んだタイプだ、メネンデス氏は。

But very tough behind it all.

しかし、その背後には非常にタフな面がある。

“I'm not looking for publicity,” I said.

look for (求める) [動] try to find or obtain

「私は宣伝を求めているわけではない」と私は言った。

“And nobody's offered me any dough.

「そして誰も私に金を申し出ていない。

Why would they and for what?”

なぜ彼らが、そして何のために?」

“Don't kid me, Marlowe. You didn't spend three days in the freezer just because you're a sweetheart.

three days (3日間) [名] a period of three days

freezer (冷凍庫) [名] an appliance or compartment which maintains a very low temperature and is used to store food

「私を子供扱いするな、マーロウ。君はただの恋人だから冷凍庫で3日間過ごしたわけではない。

You got paid off.

get paid off (支払いを受ける) [動] receive money that is owed to you

君は支払いを受けた。

I ain't saying who by but I got a notion.

notion (考え) [名] a general understanding of something; a concept

誰が支払ったかは言わないが、私は考えがある。

And the party I'm thinking about has plenty more of the stuff.

party (相手) [名] a person or group of people that is involved in a situation or event

そして私が考えている相手はもっとたくさんのものを持っている。

The Lennox case is closed and it stays closed even if--”

be closed (解決済みである) [動] be no longer open or available

stay closed (解決済みのままである) [動] remain closed

レノックス事件は解決済みで、たとえ--」

He stopped dead and flipped his gloves at the desk edge.

stop dead (ぴたりと止まる) [動] come to a sudden and complete stop

flip (放つ) [動] throw or toss with a quick, sharp movement

彼はぴたりと止まり、手袋を机の端に放った。

“Even if Terry didn't kill her,” I said.

even if (たとえ~としても) [接] despite the fact that

「たとえテリーが彼女を殺さなかったとしても」と私は言った。

His surprise was as thin as the gold on a weekend wedding ring.

surprise (驚き) [名] a feeling of sudden wonder or astonishment

weekend (週末) [名] the end of the week

wedding ring (結婚指輪) [名] a ring worn by a married person

彼の驚きは週末の結婚指輪の金と同じくらい薄かった。

“I'd like to go along with you on that, cheapie.

go along with (賛成する) [動] agree with or support

「その点では君に賛成したいね、安物。

But it don't make any sense.

make sense (意味がわかる) [動] be intelligible, comprehensible, or meaningful

でも、意味がわからない。

But if it did make sense--and Terry wanted it the way it is--then that's how it stays.”

make sense (理にかなう) [動] be logical or reasonable

stay (そのままだ) [動] remain in the same place, condition, or position

でも、もしそれが理にかなっていて、テリーがそれを望んでいたのなら、それはそのままだ」

I didn't say anything.

私は何も言わなかった。

After a moment he grinned slowly.

after a moment (しばらくして) [名] a short period of time

しばらくして、彼はゆっくりとニヤリと笑った。

“Tarzan on a big red scooter,” he drawled.

drawl (ゆっくり言う) [動] speak slowly with prolonged vowel sounds

「大きな赤いスクーターに乗ったターザン」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“A tough guy. Lets me come in here and walk all over him.

tough guy (タフガイ) [名] a man who is physically strong and aggressive

walk all over (踏みつける) [動] treat someone badly or unfairly

「タフガイ。私がここに来て彼を踏みつけるのを許す。

A guy that gets hired for nickels and dimes and gets pushed around by anybody.

dime (10セント硬貨) [名] a United States coin worth ten cents

get hired (雇われる) [動] be given a job

get pushed around (いじめられる) [動] be treated badly by someone

小銭で雇われて誰にでもいじめられる男。

No dough, no family, no prospects, no nothing.

金も家族も見込みも何もない。

See you around, cheapie.”

around (辺り) [副] in all directions

またな、安物」

I sat still with my jaws clamped, staring at the glitter of his gold cigarette case on the desk corner.

sit still (じっと座る) [動] to remain seated without moving

clamp (食いしばる) [動] to fasten or hold with a clamp

glitter (輝き) [名] a bright light that shines or flashes

私は机の角にある彼の金のシガレットケースの輝きを見つめながら、顎を食いしばってじっと座っていた。

I felt old and tired.

私は年老いて疲れたように感じた。

I got up slowly and reached for the case.

私はゆっくりと立ち上がり、ケースに手を伸ばした。

“You forgot this,” I said, going around the desk.

「これを忘れましたよ」と私は机を回りながら言った。

“I got half a dozen of them,” he sneered.

half a dozen (半ダース) [名] six

sneer (冷笑する) [動] smile or laugh scornfully

「私はそれを半ダース持っている」と彼は冷笑した。

When I was near enough to him I held it out.

near (近い) [形] not far away

彼に十分近づいた時、私はそれを差し出した。

His hand reached for it casually.

彼の手はさりげなくそれに手を伸ばした。

“How about half a dozen of these?” I asked him and hit him as hard as I could in the middle of his belly.

middle (真ん中) [名] the point or part that is equally distant from all sides, ends, or surfaces of something

「これを半ダースはどうだ?」と私は彼に尋ね、彼の腹の真ん中をできるだけ強く殴った。

He doubled up mewling.

double up (体を折り曲げる) [動] bend over

mewl (うめく) [動] to cry feebly

彼はうめきながら体を折り曲げた。

The cigarette case fell to the floor.

タバコケースが床に落ちた。

He backed against the wall and his hands jerked back and forth convulsively.

convulsively (痙攣して) [副] in a convulsive manner

彼は壁に背を向け、両手は痙攣して前後に揺れた。

His breath fought to get into his lungs.

fight (苦労する) [動] to take part in a violent confrontation

get into (入る) [動] to go into or through something

彼の息は肺に入るのに苦労した。

He was sweating.

彼は汗をかいていた。

Very slowly and with an intense effort he straightened up and we were eye to eye again.

intense effort (激しい努力) [名] a great deal of effort

straighten up (立ち直る) [動] to stand up straight

eye to eye (目を合わせる) [形] in agreement

彼は非常にゆっくりと、そして激しい努力で立ち直り、私たちは再び目を合わせた。

I reached out and ran a finger along the bone of his jaw.

reach out (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out an arm in a specified direction

私は手を伸ばして彼の顎の骨に沿って指を走らせた。

He held still for it.

hold still (じっと待つ) [動] to remain motionless

彼はそれをじっと待った。

Finally he worked a smile onto his brown face.

work (浮かべる) [動] to cause to move or operate

brown (褐色) [形] of a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and black, as of dark wood or rich soil

ついに彼は褐色の顔に笑みを浮かべた。

“I didn't think you had it in you,” he said.

have it in you (そんなことができる) [動] to be capable of doing something

「君がそんなことができるとは思わなかった」と彼は言った。

“Next time bring a gun--or don't call me cheapie.”

bring (持って来る) [動] take or carry something with oneself

「次は銃を持って来い。さもなければ私を安物呼ばわりするな」

“I got a guy to carry the gun.”

carry (持つ) [動] to hold or support and move from one place to another

「銃を持つ男を連れてきた」

“Bring him with you.

「彼を連れて来い。

You'll need him.”

彼が必要になる」

“You're a hard guy to get sore, Marlowe.”

get sore (怒る) [動] become angry

「君は怒りにくい男だね、マーロウ」

I moved the gold cigarette case to one side with my foot and bent and picked it up and handed it to him.

move (動かす) [動] change the position of

bend (かがむ) [動] move into a curved or angled shape

hand (渡す) [動] give or pass to someone

私は金のシガレットケースを足で脇に寄せ、かがんで拾い上げ、彼に渡した。

He took it and dropped it into his pocket.

drop (落とし込む) [動] let or make fall freely

彼はそれを受け取るとポケットに落とし込んだ。

“I couldn't figure you,” I said.

「君のことはよくわからない」と私は言った。

“Why it was worth your time to come up here and ride me.

come up (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

「なぜわざわざここまで来て私を乗せようと思ったのか。

Then it got monotonous.

その後は単調になった。

All tough guys are monotonous.

タフガイはみんな単調だ。

Like playing cards with a deck that's all aces.

play cards (トランプをする) [動] play a game with playing cards

deck (デッキ) [名] a pack of playing cards

全部エースのデッキでトランプをするようなものだ。

You've got everything and you've got nothing.

全てを手に入れたようで何も手に入っていない。

You're just sitting there looking at yourself.

ただそこに座って自分を見ているだけだ。

No wonder Terry didn't come to you for help.

no wonder (不思議ではない) [間] it is not surprising

テリーがあなたに助けを求めなかったのも不思議ではない。

It would be like borrowing money from a whore.”

borrow (借りる) [動] to take and use something temporarily that belongs to someone else, with the intention of returning it

whore (売春婦) [名] a prostitute

売春婦から金を借りるようなものだ。」

He pressed delicately on his stomach with two fingers.

delicately (そっと) [副] in a gentle manner

stomach (腹) [名] the part of the body that contains the organs that break down food

彼は2本の指で自分の腹をそっと押した。

“I'm sorry you said that, cheapie.

「そんな事を言うなんて残念だ、安物。

You could crack wise once too often.”

crack wise (賢い事を言う) [動] to make a clever or witty remark

too often (言い過ぎる) [副] more often than is usual or desirable

君は賢い事を言い過ぎる。」

He walked to the door and opened it.

彼はドアまで歩いて行き、それを開けた。

Outside the bodyguard straightened from the opposite wall and turned.

bodyguard (ボディガード) [名] a person who is employed to protect someone

straighten (立ち上がる) [動] to make or become straight

opposite (反対側) [形] facing or going in the opposite direction

外ではボディガードが反対側の壁から離れて立ち上がり、振り返った。

Menendez jerked his head.

jerk (ぐいと動かす) [動] to move or cause to move with a short, sharp, sudden movement

メネンデスは頭をぐいと動かした。

The bodyguard came into the office and stood there looking me over without expression.

come into (入ってくる) [動] to enter a place

ボディガードは事務所に入って来て、そこに立って無表情に私を眺めた。

“Take a good look at him, Chick,” Menendez said.

take a good look (よく見る) [動] to look at something carefully

Chick (チック) [名] a young bird

「彼をよく見ろ、チック」とメネンデスは言った。

“Make sure you know him just in case.

know (覚える) [動] to be aware of something or someone

「念のため彼を覚えておけ。

You and him might have business one of these days.”

have business (仕事がある) [動] have something to do

あなたと彼は近いうちに仕事があるかもしれない」

“I already saw him, Chief,” the smooth dark tight-lipped guy said in the tight-lipped voice they all affect.

smooth (滑らかな) [形] having a surface or texture that is not rough or bumpy

tight-lipped (口を閉ざした) [形] not willing to talk about something

affect (影響を与える) [動] have an effect on; make a difference to

「もう彼を見ました、ボス」と、口を閉ざした滑らかな黒い男は、彼ら全員が影響を与える口を閉ざした声で言った。

“He wouldn't bother me none.”

bother (悩ませる) [動] cause annoyance or difficulty to

none (全く) [副] not at all; in no way; to no extent

「彼は私を悩ませることはないだろう」

“Don't let him hit you in the guts,” Menendez said with a sour grin.

sour (酸っぱい) [形] having an acid taste like that of vinegar or lemon

「彼に内臓を殴らせるな」とメネンデスは酸っぱい笑みを浮かべて言った。

“His right hook ain't funny.”

right hook (右フック) [名] a punch in boxing made with the right hand

「彼の右フックは笑えない」

The bodyguard just sneered at me.

ボディーガードは私を嘲笑しただけだった。

“He wouldn't get that close.”

get (近づく) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

「彼はそこまで近づかないだろう」

“Well, so long, cheapie,” Menendez told me and went out.

so long (じゃあな) [間] goodbye

「じゃあな、安物」とメネンデスは私に言って出て行った。

“See you around,” the bodyguard told me coolly.

「またな」とボディーガードは冷静に私に言った。

“The name's Chick Agostino.

Chick Agostino (チック・アゴスティーノ) [名] a person's name

「名前はチック・アゴスティーノだ。

I guess you'll know me.”

私のことを知っているだろう」

“Like a dirty newspaper,” I said.

「汚れた新聞みたいに」と私は言った。

“Remind me not to step on your face.”

step on (踏む) [動] put your foot on something

「顔を踏まないように気を付けるよ」

His jaw muscles bulged.

彼の顎の筋肉が膨らんだ。

Then he turned suddenly and went out after his boss.

それから彼は突然振り返り、上司の後を追って出て行った。

The door closed slowly on the pneumatic gadget.

pneumatic (空気圧の) [形] relating to or using air or gas

ドアは空気圧装置でゆっくりと閉まった。

I listened but I didn't hear their steps going down the hall.

step (足音) [名] the sound of a footstep

私は耳を澄ましたが、彼らの足音が廊下を下りていく音は聞こえなかった。

They walked as softly as cats.

cat (猫) [名] a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws

彼らは猫のように静かに歩いた。

Just to make sure, I opened the door again after a minute and looked out.

just to make sure (念のため) [副] to be certain

念のため、私は1分後に再びドアを開けて外を見た。

But the hall was quite empty.

hall (ホール) [名] a large room in a public building

しかし、ホールは全く空だった。

I went back to my desk and sat down and spent a little time wondering why a fairly important local racketeer like Menendez would think it worth his time to come in person to my office and warn me to keep my nose clean, just minutes after I had received a similiar though differently expressed warning from Sewell Endicott.

fairly (かなり) [副] to a moderately high degree

local (地元の) [形] belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood, typically exclusively so

worth (価値がある) [形] meriting attention or effort

person (人) [名] a human being regarded as an individual

warn (警告する) [動] inform someone in advance of something

just (ちょうど) [副] exactly

similar (似たような) [形] having a likeness or resemblance, especially in a general way

though (しかし) [接] despite the fact that; although

express (表現する) [動] convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct

私は机に戻って座り、なぜメネンデスのようなかなり重要な地元のギャングが、私がスウェル・エンディコットから似たような、しかし違った表現の警告を受けた数分後に、わざわざ私の事務所に来て、私に干渉しないように警告する価値があると考えたのか、しばらく考えた。

I didn't get anywhere with that, so I thought I might as well make it a perfect score.

get anywhere (何も得られない) [動] make progress

make it (しよう) [動] achieve or complete something

perfect score (満点) [名] the highest possible score

それでも何も得られなかったので、私は満点にしようと思った。

I lifted the phone and put in a call to the Terrapin Club at Las Vegas, person to person, Philip Marlowe calling Mr. Randy Starr.

put in (かける) [動] make a telephone call

Terrapin Club (テラピンクラブ) [名] a club in Las Vegas

person to person (指名通話) [名] a telephone call in which the caller asks to speak to a particular person

私は受話器を取り、ラスベガスのテラピンクラブに電話をかけ、フィリップ・マーロウがランディ・スター氏に電話をかけた。

No soap.

no (ない) [限] not any

石鹸はない。

Mr. Starr was out of town, and would I talk to anyone else?

Mr. Starr (スター氏) [名] a man

out of town (町を離れている) [形] not in the town

would I (話したいか) [助] used to express a polite request

anyone else (他の誰か) [名] any other person

スター氏は町を離れていて、他の誰かと話したいか?

I would not.

話さない。

I didn't even want to talk to Starr very badly.

badly (あまり) [副] to a great extent; very much

私はスターとあまり話したいとは思わなかった。

It was just a passing fancy.

passing (気の迷い) [形] going past

fancy (気の迷い) [名] a sudden and unaccountable liking for something

それはただの気の迷いだった。

He was too far away to hit me.

far (遠い) [形] a long way away

彼は私を殴るには遠すぎた。

After that nothing happened for three days.

その後3日間何も起こらなかった。

Nobody slugged me or shot at me or called me up on the phone and warned me to keep my nose clean.

keep one's nose clean (余計なことに首を突っ込まない) [動] stay out of trouble

誰も私を殴ったり、撃ったり、電話をかけてきて、余計なことに首を突っ込まないように警告したりしなかった。

Nobody hired me to find the wandering daughter, the erring wife, the lost pearl necklace, or the missing will.

wandering (家出した) [形] moving about aimlessly or unsystematically

erring (浮気した) [形] making a mistake

lost (失われた) [形] no longer possessed or owned

pearl (真珠) [名] a hard, lustrous spherical mass, typically white or bluish-gray, formed within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem

necklace (ネックレス) [名] an ornament consisting of a chain or string of beads, jewels, or links, worn around the neck

missing (行方不明の) [形] not in its expected place

will (遺言書) [名] a legal document containing instructions for the disposition of one's property after death

誰も私を雇って、家出した娘、浮気した妻、失われた真珠のネックレス、行方不明の遺言書を探そうとはしなかった。

I just sat there and looked at the wall.

私はただそこに座って壁を見つめていた。

The Lennox case died almost as suddenly as it had been born.

die (死ぬ) [動] stop living

suddenly (突然に) [副] quickly and unexpectedly

レノックス事件は、生まれたと同じくらい突然に死んだ。

There was a brief inquest to which I was not summoned.

brief (簡単な) [形] short in duration

summon (呼ぶ) [動] to order to come to a place

簡単な検死があったが、私は呼ばれなかった。

It was held at an odd hour, without previous announcement and without a jury.

be held (行われる) [動] take place

odd hour (奇妙な時間) [名] an unusual time

previous announcement (事前の発表) [名] a statement made before an event

jury (陪審員) [名] a group of people who are chosen to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime

それは奇妙な時間に行われ、事前の発表も陪審員もいなかった。

The coroner entered his own verdict, which was that the death of Sylvia Potter Westerheym di Giorgio Lennox had been caused with homicidal intent by her husband, Terence William Lennox, since deceased outside the jurisdiction of the coroner's office.

coroner (検死官) [名] a public official who investigates by inquest the cause of any death which there is reason to suppose is not due to natural causes

verdict (評決) [名] the finding of a jury on the issues of fact submitted to it for decision

Sylvia Potter Westerheym di Giorgio Lennox (シルビア・ポッター・ウェスターハイム・ディ・ジョルジオ・レノックス) [名] a character in the story

cause (引き起こす) [動] to make something happen

homicidal (殺人) [形] of, relating to, or tending to cause homicide

intent (意図) [名] what one intends to do or bring about

Terence William Lennox (テレンス・ウィリアム・レノックス) [名] a character in the story

deceased (死亡) [形] no longer living

jurisdiction (管轄) [名] the official power to make legal decisions and judgments

検死官は、シルビア・ポッター・ウェスターハイム・ディ・ジョルジオ・レノックスの死は、検死官の管轄外で死亡した夫、テレンス・ウィリアム・レノックスによる殺人意図によって引き起こされたという独自の評決を下した。

Presumably a confession was read into the record.

presumably (おそらく) [副] it is likely that

read (読み込む) [動] to look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words

おそらく、自白が記録に読み込まれたのだろう。

Presumably it was verified enough to satisfy the coroner.

verify (検証する) [動] to check or test the accuracy or truth of something

おそらく、検死官を満足させるのに十分なほど検証されたのだろう。

The body was released for burial.

release (解放する) [動] allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free

burial (埋葬) [名] the burying of a dead body

遺体は埋葬のために解放された。

It was flown north and buried in the family vault.

bury (埋葬する) [動] put a dead body into the ground

vault (墓) [名] an underground chamber used for burial

遺体は北に運ばれ、家族の墓に埋葬された。

The press was not invited.

press (報道陣) [名] the people who write for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or who work for a news organization

be not invited (招待されない) [動] not be asked to come to an event

報道陣は招待されなかった。

Nobody gave any interviews, least of all Mr. Harlan Potter, who never gave interviews.

give an interview (インタビューに応じる) [動] to answer questions from a reporter

least of all (ましてや) [副] especially not

誰もインタビューに応じなかったし、ましてやハーラン・ポッター氏はインタビューに応じることはなかった。

He was about as hard to see as the Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama (ダライ・ラマ) [名] the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet

彼に会うのはダライ・ラマに会うのと同じくらい難しかった。

Guys with a hundred million dollars live a peculiar life, behind a screen of servants, bodyguards, secretaries, lawyers, and tame executives.

hundred million dollars (1億ドル) [名] a very large amount of money

peculiar (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

tame (飼いならされた) [形] (of an animal) not wild or dangerous

executive (重役) [名] a person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization

1億ドルを持つ男たちは、使用人、ボディガード、秘書、弁護士、飼いならされた重役たちのスクリーンの後ろで、奇妙な生活を送っている。

Presumably they eat, sleep, get their hair cut, and wear clothes.

get one's hair cut (髪を切る) [動] have one's hair cut

おそらく彼らは食べたり、寝たり、髪を切ったり、服を着たりするのだろう。

But you never know for sure.

しかし、確実に知ることはできない。

Everything you read or hear about them has been processed by a public relations gang of guys who are paid big money to create and maintain a usable personality, something simple and clean and sharp, like a sterilized needle.

everything (すべて) [名] all the things that exist or are possible

process (処理する) [動] to perform a series of actions or steps on (something) in order to achieve a particular end

public relations (広報) [名] the business of creating and maintaining a favorable public image for a company or organization

gang (ギャング) [名] a group of people who work together

pay (支払う) [動] to give (someone) money that you owe them for something

big money (大金) [名] a lot of money

create (創造する) [動] to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes

maintain (維持する) [動] to cause to continue or last

usable (使いやすい) [形] able to be used

simple (シンプル) [形] easy to understand or do

needle (針) [名] a very thin, sharp piece of metal with a point at one end and a hole at the other, used for sewing

彼らについて読んだり聞いたりすることはすべて、滅菌された針のようにシンプルで清潔で鋭い、使いやすい人格を創造し維持するために大金を支払われている広報ギャングによって処理されている。

It doesn't have to be true.

真実である必要はない。

It just has to be consistent with the known facts, and the known facts you could count on your fingers.

consistent (一致する) [形] in agreement or harmony with

known fact (既知の事実) [名] something that is known or proved to be true

count on (当てにする) [動] rely on or trust in

既知の事実と一致していればよく、既知の事実は指で数えられる程度だ。

Late afternoon of the third day the telephone rang and I was talking to a man who said his name was Howard Spencer, that he was a representative of a New York publishing house in California on a brief business trip, that he had a problem he would like to discuss with me and would I meet him in the bar of the Ritz-Beverly Hotel at eleven a.m. the next morning.

Late afternoon (午後遅く) [名] the time of day from about 4 p.m. to about 6 p.m.

third day (三日目) [名] the day after the day after tomorrow

Howard Spencer (ハワード・スペンサー) [名] a male given name of Old Norse origin

representative (代表) [名] a person who is a member of a legislative body

New York (ニューヨーク) [名] a state in the northeastern U.S.

publishing house (出版社) [名] a company that publishes books, magazines, or newspapers

California (カリフォルニア) [名] a state in the western U.S.

brief business trip (短い出張) [名] a short trip taken for business purposes

discuss (話し合う) [動] to talk about something with someone

Ritz-Beverly Hotel (リッツ・ビバリーホテル) [名] a hotel in Beverly Hills, California

eleven a.m. (午前十一時) [名] the time of day from about 11 a.m. to about 12 p.m.

next morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after today

三日目の午後遅く、電話が鳴り、私はハワード・スペンサーと名乗る男と話していた。彼はニューヨークの出版社の代表で、カリフォルニアに短い出張に来ており、私と話し合いたい問題があるので、翌朝午前十一時にリッツ・ビバリーホテルのバーで会えないかとのことだった。

I asked him what sort of problem.

私は彼にどんな問題なのか尋ねた。

“Rather a delicate one,” he said, “but entirely ethical.

delicate (微妙な) [形] requiring careful handling or treatment

ethical (倫理的な) [形] relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these

「かなり微妙な問題だが、完全に倫理的な問題だ」と彼は言った。

If we don't agree, I shall expect to pay you for your time, naturally.”

合意に至らなかった場合は、当然、あなたの時間に対して支払いをします」

“Thank you, Mr. Spencer, but that won't be necessary.

「スペンサーさん、ありがとうございますが、それは必要ありません。

Did someone I know recommend me to you?”

recommend (推薦する) [動] put forward or suggest as suitable for a particular purpose or role

私の知り合いが私を推薦したのでしょうか?」

“Someone who knows about you--including your recent brush with the law, Mr. Marlowe.

include (含めて) [動] comprise or contain as part of a whole

「あなたを知っている人です。最近あなたが法律に触れたことも含めて、マーロウさん。

I might say that that was what interested me.

それが私の興味を引いたと言ってもいいでしょう。

My business, however, has nothing to do with that tragic affair.

have nothing to do with (関係ない) [動] be not connected with or relevant to

tragic (悲劇的な) [形] causing great suffering, pain, or unhappiness

affair (事件) [名] an event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been mentioned

しかし、私の仕事はその悲劇的な事件とは関係ありません。

It's just that--well, let's discuss it over a drink, rather than over the telephone.”

over (~しながら) [前] above and across the top of

ただ、電話で話すよりも、お酒を飲みながら話し合いましょう」

“You sure you want to mix it with a guy who has been in the cooler?”

cooler (冷蔵庫) [名] a refrigerator

「冷蔵庫に入れられた男と混ぜたいのか?」

He laughed.

彼は笑った。

His laugh and his voice were both pleasant.

pleasant (心地よい) [形] giving a feeling of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

彼の笑い声と声はどちらも心地よかった。

He talked the way New Yorkers used to talk before they learned to talk Flatbush.

New Yorker (ニューヨーカー) [名] a resident of New York

Flatbush (フラットブッシュ) [名] a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn

彼はニューヨーカーがフラットブッシュを話すことを学ぶ前に話していたように話した。

“From my point of view, Mr. Marlowe, that is a recommendation.

point of view (見方) [名] a particular attitude or way of considering a matter

recommendation (推薦) [名] a proposal or suggestion, especially a formal one, that someone or something should be considered for a particular purpose or role

「私の見方からすると、マーロウさん、それは推薦です。

Not, let me add, the fact that you were, as you put it, in the cooler, but the fact, shall I say, that you appear to be extremely reticent, even under pressure.”

appear (見える) [動] be seen or be obvious

pressure (圧力) [名] the force that is produced when something is pushed against something else

付け加えさせてもらうと、あなたが言うように、あなたが冷蔵庫の中にいたという事実ではなく、圧力がかかっていても、あなたが非常に寡黙であるように見えるという事実です。」

He was a guy who talked with commas, like a heavy novel.

comma (コンマ) [名] a punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence

novel (小説) [名] a fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism and complexity

彼は重厚な小説のように、コンマをつけて話す男だった。

Over the phone anyway.

over the phone (電話で) [副] using a telephone

とにかく電話で。

“Okay, Mr. Spencer,

okay (オーケー) [間] all right; yes

Spencer (スペンサー) [名] a surname

「オーケー、スペンサーさん、

I'll be there in the morning.”

be there (そこにいる) [動] be present at a place

朝そこに行きます。」

He thanked me and hung up.

彼は私に礼を言って電話を切った。

I wondered who could have given me the plug.

plug (宣伝) [名] a piece of favorable publicity

誰が私に宣伝をしてくれたのか気になった。

I thought it might be Sewell Endicott and called him to find out.

find out (確かめる) [動] to discover or notice something

スーエル・エンディコットかもしれないと思い、彼に電話して確かめた。

But he had been out of town all week, and still was.

be out of town (町を離れている) [動] be away from one's home city

all week (週の間ずっと) [名] the period of seven days

しかし彼は週の間ずっと町を離れていて、まだ戻っていなかった。

It didn't matter much.

大した問題ではなかった。

Even in my business you occasionally get a satisfied customer.

even (でも) [副] used to emphasize the more extreme of two things

satisfied (満足した) [形] feeling or showing contentment or approval

customer (顧客) [名] a person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business

私の仕事でも時々満足した顧客を得ることがある。

And I needed a job because I needed the money--or thought I did, until I got home that night and found the letter with a portrait of Madison in it.

letter (手紙) [名] a written message conveyed from one person or organization to another, especially by mail

portrait (肖像画) [名] a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders

Madison (マディソン) [名] the capital of the state of Wisconsin and the seat of Dane County

そして私は仕事が必要だった、なぜならお金が必要だったからだーあるいはその夜家に帰ってマディソンの肖像画が入った手紙を見つけるまではそう思っていた。

[12]

The letter was in the red and white birdhouse mailbox at the foot of my steps.

mailbox (郵便受け) [名] a box into which mail is delivered, especially one mounted on a post at the entrance to a person's property

その手紙は私の階段のふもとにある赤と白の鳥の巣箱の郵便受けに入っていた。

A woodpecker on top of the box attached to the swing arm was raised and even at that I might not have looked inside because I never got mail at the house.

woodpecker (キツツキ) [名] a bird that climbs trees and drills holes in the bark to find insects to eat

swing arm (スイングアーム) [名] a mechanical linkage used in various suspension designs

look inside (中を見る) [動] to look into the interior of something

スイングアームに付いている箱の上の啄木鳥が上がっていたが、それでも私は中を見なかったかもしれない、なぜなら私は家で郵便物を受け取ったことがなかったからだ。

But the woodpecker had lost the point of his beak quite recently.

beak (くちばし) [名] the hard horny structure forming the jaws of a bird

quite recently (つい最近) [副] a short time ago

しかし、キツツキはつい最近くちばしの先を失っていた。

The wood was fresh broken.

木は新しく折れていた。

Some smart kid shooting off his atom gun.

shoot off (撃つ) [動] to fire a gun

atom gun (原子銃) [名] a gun that shoots atoms

賢い子供が原子銃を撃っている。

The letter had Correo Aéreo on it and a flock of Mexican stamps and writing that I might or might not have recognized if Mexico hadn't been on my mind pretty constantly lately.

Correo Aéreo (Correo Aéreo) [名] airmail

stamp (切手) [名] a small adhesive piece of paper of a fixed value issued by a post office, to be affixed to a letter or parcel to indicate the amount of postage paid

writing (文字) [名] the activity or skill of writing

constantly (ずっと) [副] continuously over a period of time; always

その手紙にはCorreo Aéreoとメキシコの切手と、最近メキシコのことをずっと考えていなかったら、私が認識したかもしれないし、しなかったかもしれない文字が書かれていた。

I couldn't read the postmark.

couldn't (できなかった) [助] was not able to

postmark (消印) [名] an official mark stamped on a letter or parcel to record the date and place of posting

消印は読めなかった。

It was hand-stamped and the ink pad was pretty far gone.

hand-stamped (手で押された) [形] stamped by hand

ink pad (インクパッド) [名] a pad soaked with ink

pretty far gone (かなり使い古されていた) [形] in a very bad condition

それは手で押されたもので、インクパッドはかなり使い古されていた。

The letter was thick.

その手紙は厚かった。

I climbed my steps and sat down in the living room to read it.

私は階段を上り、居間に座ってそれを読んだ。

The evening seemed very silent.

その夜はとても静かだった。

Perhaps a letter from a dead man brings its own silence with it.

bring (もたらす) [動] cause to come or happen

おそらく死んだ人からの手紙はそれ自体の沈黙をもたらすのだろう。

It began without date and without preamble.

begin (始まる) [動] start to happen or exist

date (日付) [名] the day of the month or year as specified by a number

preamble (前置き) [名] an introduction to a speech or piece of writing

それは日付も前置きもなく始まっていた。

I'm sitting beside a second-floor window in a room in a not too clean hotel in a town called Otatoclán, a mountain town with a lake.

second-floor (2階) [形] the floor of a building above the first floor

私は湖のある山間の町、オタトクランという町のあまりきれいではないホテルの2階の窓のそばに座っている。

There's a mailbox just below the window and when the mozo comes in with some coffee I've ordered he is going to mail the letter for me and hold it up so that I can see it before he puts it in the slot.

slot (投函口) [名] a narrow opening in a machine or container into which something can be inserted

窓のすぐ下に郵便ポストがあり、私が注文したコーヒーを持ってモゾが来たら、彼は私に代わって手紙を投函し、私がそれを見ることができるように持ち上げてから、投函口に入れてくれる。

When he does that he gets a hundred-peso note, which is a hell of a lot of money for him.

do that (それをする) [動] do the thing that was just mentioned

peso (ペソ) [名] the basic monetary unit of several countries

note (紙幣) [名] a piece of paper money

hell of a lot (とんでもなく) [名] a lot

それをしたら彼は百ペソ紙幣を受け取る、それは彼にとってとんでもなく大金だ。

Why all the finagling?

finagling (小細工) [名] the act of manipulating or juggling something in a clever or skillful way

なぜそんな小細工をするのか?

There's a swarthy character with pointed shoes and a dirty shirt outside the door watching it.

pointed (とがった) [形] having a sharp or tapered end

ドアの外には先のとがった靴を履き、汚れたシャツを着た浅黒い顔の男がそれを見ている。

He's waiting for something, I don't know what, but he won't let me out.

let (出す) [動] allow to go or come

彼は何かを待っている、何だかわからないが、彼は私を外に出さない。

It doesn't matter too much as long as the letter gets posted.

get posted (投函される) [動] to be put into a mailbox or post office for delivery

手紙が投函される限り、あまり問題ではない。

I want you to have this money because I don't need it and the local gendarmerie would swipe it for sure.

gendarmerie (憲兵隊) [名] a military force with police duties among the civilian population

swipe (盗む) [動] take or steal something in a casual or surreptitious manner

私はこのお金をあなたに持っていてほしい、なぜなら私はそれを必要としていないし、地元の憲兵隊は間違いなくそれを盗むだろうからだ。

It is not intended to buy anything.

何かを買うつもりはない。

Call it an apology for making you so much trouble and a token of esteem for a pretty decent guy.

apology (謝罪) [名] a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure

make (かける) [動] to cause to be or become

token (印) [名] something that represents or symbolizes something else

esteem (敬意) [名] a feeling of respect and admiration

あなたに多くの迷惑をかけたことに対する謝罪と、かなりまともな男に対する敬意の印と呼んでほしい。

I've done everything wrong as usual, but I still have the gun.

do everything wrong (すべてを間違える) [動] make a mistake in everything

as usual (いつものように) [副] in the usual way

have the gun (銃を持っている) [動] possess a gun

私はいつものようにすべてを間違えたが、まだ銃を持っている。

My hunch is that you have probably made up your mind on a certain point.

make up one's mind (決心する) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

certain (ある) [形] particular; specific

私の勘では、あなたはおそらくある点について決心している。

I might have killed her and perhaps I did, but I never could have done the other thing.

私は彼女を殺したかもしれないし、おそらく殺したのだろうが、他のことはできなかった。

That kind of brutality is not in my line.

line (流儀) [名] a way of doing something

そのような残虐性は私の流儀ではない。

So something is very sour.

だから何かがとても酸っぱい。

But it doesn't matter, not in the least.

least (少なくとも) [副] to the smallest extent or degree

しかし、それは問題ではない、少なくとも。

The main thing now is to save an unnecessary and useless scandal.

main thing (重要な事) [名] the most important thing

save (防ぐ) [動] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

unnecessary (不必要) [形] not needed

useless (無駄) [形] not serving any purpose or not producing any result

今重要なことは、不必要で無駄なスキャンダルを防ぐことである。

Her father and her sister never did me any harm.

harm (害) [名] physical or mental damage or injury

彼女の父親と妹は私に害を与えたことは一度もない。

They have their lives to live and I'm up to here in disgust with mine.

disgust (嫌気) [名] a feeling of strong dislike or hatred

彼らには彼らの人生があり、私は自分の人生に嫌気がさしている。

Sylvia didn't make a bum out of me, I was one already.

make a bum out of (怠け者にする) [動] to make someone lazy or unproductive

シルヴィアは私を怠け者にしなかった、私はすでに怠け者だった。

I can't give you any very clean answer about why she married me.

彼女がなぜ私と結婚したのかについては、はっきりとした答えは出せない。

I suppose it was just a whim.

whim (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unaccountable or unreasonable

ただの気まぐれだったと思う。

At least she died young and beautiful.

at least (少なくとも) [副] not less than; as much as

young (若い) [形] having lived or existed for only a short time

少なくとも彼女は若く美しいまま死んだ。

They say lust makes a man old, but keeps a woman young.

lust (欲望) [名] a strong feeling of sexual desire

欲望は男を老けさせるが、女を若く保つと言う。

They say a lot of nonsense.

nonsense (ナンセンス) [名] words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas

彼らは多くのナンセンスを言う。

They say the rich can always protect themselves and that in their world it is always summer.

金持ちはいつでも自分を守ることができ、彼らの世界ではいつも夏だと言う。

I've lived with them and they are bored and lonely people.

live with (一緒に住む) [動] share a home with

bored (退屈な) [形] feeling uninterested and impatient

lonely (孤独な) [形] without company; solitary

私は彼らと一緒に住んだことがあるが、彼らは退屈で孤独な人々だ。

I have written a confession.

私は自白書を書いた。

I feel a little sick and more than a little scared.

sick (気分が悪い) [形] affected by illness

私は少し気分が悪く、少し怖い以上のことを感じている。

You read about these situations in books, but you don't read the truth.

truth (真実) [名] the true or actual state of a matter

あなたはこのような状況について本で読むが、真実を読むわけではない。

When it happens to you, when all you have left is the gun in your pocket, when you are cornered in a dirty little hotel in a strange country, and have only one way out--believe me, pal, there is nothing elevating or dramatic about it.

happen to (起こる) [動] take place or occur

corner (追い詰める) [動] force into a place or situation from which it is hard to escape

strange (見知らぬ) [形] not known or familiar

only (ただ一つの) [形] single or solitary

elevate (高揚する) [動] raise to a higher position

dramatic (劇的な) [形] sudden and striking

それがあなたに起こったとき、あなたが残したすべてがあなたのポケットの中の銃であるとき、あなたが見知らぬ国の汚れた小さなホテルで追い詰められ、そしてただ一つの出口があるとき--私を信じてください、仲間、それについて高揚したり劇的なことは何もないのです。

It is just plain nasty and sordid and gray and grim.

plain (単に) [形] simple, ordinary, or without much decoration

sordid (下品な) [形] morally bad or unpleasant

それはただ単に不快で、下品で、灰色で、恐ろしいだけだ。

So forget it and me.

だから、それを忘れて、私を忘れてください。

But first drink a gimlet for me at Victor's.

でも、まずはビクターズで私のためにギムレットを飲んで。

And the next time you make coffee, pour me a cup and put some bourbon in it and light me a cigarette and put it beside the cup.

make coffee (コーヒーを淹れる) [動] prepare coffee

そして、次にコーヒーを淹れるときには、私にも一杯注いでバーボンを入れて、タバコに火をつけてカップの横に置いてくれ。

And after that forget the whole thing.

そして、その後はすべてを忘れてください。

Terry Lennox over and out.

over (終わり) [名] the end of something

テリー・レノックス、終わり。

And so goodbye.

さようなら。

A knock at the door.

knock (ノック) [名] a sharp blow or rap

ドアをノックする音がした。

I guess it will be the mozo with the coffee.

mozo (ボーイ) [名] a man who works as a waiter in a restaurant

コーヒーを持ってきたボーイだろう。

If it isn't, there will be some shooting.

shooting (銃撃戦) [名] the sport or activity of using guns to kill animals or birds

そうでなければ、銃撃戦になるだろう。

I like Mexicans, as a rule, but I don't like their jails.

私はメキシコ人が好きだが、彼らの刑務所は好きではない。

So long. Terry

さよなら。テリー

That was all. I refolded the letter and put it back in the envelope.

That was all (それが全てだった) [名] that was everything

refold (折り直す) [動] fold again

put back (戻す) [動] return something to its original place

それが全てだった。私は手紙を折り直して封筒に戻した。

It had been the mozo with the coffee all right.

all right (大丈夫) [副] satisfactory, but not very good

コーヒーを持ってきたボーイだった。

Otherwise I would never have had the letter.

have (受け取る) [動] receive

そうでなければ私は手紙を受け取ることはなかっただろう。

Not with a portrait of Madison in it.

マディソンの肖像画が入った財布はそうそうないだろう。

A portrait of Madison is a $5000 bill.

bill (紙幣) [名] a piece of paper money

マディソンの肖像画は5000ドル紙幣だ。

It lay in front of me green and crisp on the table top.

lay (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

in front of (目の前で) [前] directly ahead of

それは私の目の前で緑色にパリッとテーブルの上に横たわっていた。

I had never even seen one before.

私はこれまで一度も見たことがなかった。

Lots of people who work in banks haven't either.

Lots of (多くの) [名] a large number or amount

銀行で働く多くの人も見たことがない。

Very likely characters like Randy Starr and Menendez wear them for folding money.

folding money (紙幣) [名] money in the form of banknotes

ランディ・スターやメネンデスのような人物は、紙幣を折り畳むためにそれらを身に着けている可能性が高い。

If you went to a bank and asked for one, they wouldn't have it.

銀行に行って1枚欲しいと頼んでも、彼らは持っていないだろう。

They'd have to get it for you from the Federal Reserve.

Federal Reserve (連邦準備銀行) [名] the central bank of the United States

彼らは連邦準備銀行からそれを手に入れなければならないだろう。

It might take several days.

several (数) [形] more than two but not very many

数日かかるかもしれない。

There are only about a thousand of them in circulation in the whole U.S.A.

U.S.A. (アメリカ) [名] United States of America

アメリカ全土で流通しているものは約1000枚しかない。

Mine had a nice glow around it.

glow (輝き) [名] a light that is not very bright and that does not have a flame

私の周りには素敵な輝きがあった。

It created a little private sunshine all its own.

create (作り出す) [動] cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes

private (自分だけの) [形] belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only

sunshine (太陽) [名] direct sunlight unbroken by cloud, especially over a comparatively large area

それは自分だけの小さな太陽を作り出していた。

I sat there and looked at it for a long time.

long time (長い間) [名] a period of time that seems to be longer than usual

私はそこに座って長い間それを眺めていた。

At last I put it away in my letter case and went out to the kitchen to make that coffee.

letter case (手紙ケース) [名] a case for holding letters

make (入れる) [動] to create or produce something

ついに私はそれを手紙ケースにしまい、コーヒーを入れるために台所に行った。

I did what he asked me to, sentimental or not.

sentimental (感傷的) [形] having or showing a tendency to be influenced by emotions

私は彼が私に頼んだことをした、感傷的であろうとなかろうと。

I poured two cups and added some bourbon to his and set it down on the side of the table where he had sat the morning I took him to the plane.

set down (置く) [動] put something in a place

私は二杯注ぎ、彼のにはバーボンを加え、彼を飛行機に連れて行った朝に彼が座っていたテーブルの横に置いた。

I lit a cigarette for him and set it in an ash tray beside the cup.

私は彼のためにタバコに火をつけ、カップの横の灰皿に置いた。

I watched the steam rise from the coffee and the thin thread of smoke rise from the cigarette.

steam (湯気) [名] the vapor into which water is converted when heated, forming a white mist of minute water droplets in the air

rise (上がる) [動] go up

thread (糸) [名] a long, thin piece of cotton, nylon, or other fibers used in sewing or weaving

私はコーヒーから湯気が立ち、タバコから細い煙が上がるのを眺めた。

Outside in the tecoma a bird was gussing around, talking to himself in low chirps, with an occasional brief flutter of wings.

tecoma (テコマ) [名] a genus of plants

gussing around (うろうろする) [動] to move around aimlessly or without purpose

talk to oneself (独り言を言う) [動] to speak to oneself

chirp (さえずり) [名] the short high-pitched sound made by a bird

occasional (時折) [形] happening or done infrequently and irregularly

flutter (羽ばたき) [名] a rapid movement of wings

外のテコマでは鳥がうろうろして、低いさえずりで独り言を言い、時折羽を短く羽ばたかせていた。

Then the coffee didn't steam any more and the cigarette stopped smoking and was just a dead butt on the edge of an ash tray.

やがてコーヒーから湯気が出なくなり、タバコの煙が止まり、灰皿の端にただの吸い殻になった。

I dropped it into the garbage can under the sink.

garbage can (ゴミ箱) [名] a container for garbage

私はそれを流しの下のゴミ箱に捨てた。

I poured the coffee out and washed the cup and put it away.

私はコーヒーを注ぎ、カップを洗って片付けた。

That was that.

that (そういうこと) [名] the thing that has just been mentioned

be (だった) [動] exist or live

そういうことだった。

It didn't seem quite enough to do for five thousand dollars.

five thousand dollars (5000ドル) [名] an amount of money

5000ドルのためにやることとしては十分ではないように思えた。

I went to a late movie after a while.

movie (映画) [名] a cinema film

しばらくして私は夜遅くの映画に行った。

It meant nothing.

何の意味もなかった。

I hardly saw what went on.

私は何が起こっているのかほとんど見ていなかった。

It was just noise and big faces.

ただ騒音と大きな顔があるだけだった。

When I got home again I set out a very dull Ruy Lopez and that didn't mean anything either.

Ruy Lopez (ルイ・ロペス) [名] a chess opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5

家に帰ると、私は非常に退屈なルイ・ロペスを並べたが、それもまた何の意味もなかった。

So I went to bed.

それで私は寝た。

But not to sleep.

しかし眠ることはできなかった。

At three a.m. I was walking the floor and listening to Khachaturyan working in a tractor factory.

three a.m. (午前三時) [名] three o'clock in the morning

walk the floor (歩き回る) [動] to pace back and forth

Khachaturyan (ハチャトゥリアン) [名] a Soviet Armenian composer and conductor

午前三時、私は床を歩き回り、トラクター工場で働くハチャトゥリアンの曲を聴いていた。

He called it a violin concerto.

violin (ヴァイオリン) [名] a string instrument played with a bow

concerto (協奏曲) [名] a piece of music for a solo instrument and orchestra

彼はそれをヴァイオリン協奏曲と呼んだ。

I called it a loose fan belt and the hell with it.

fan belt (ファンベルト) [名] a belt that drives a fan

私はそれを緩んだファンベルトと呼び、それを地獄と呼んだ。

A white night for me is as rare as a fat postman.

white night (白い夜) [名] a night when the sun does not set

rare (珍しい) [形] not common or usual

postman (郵便配達員) [名] a person who delivers mail

私にとって白い夜は太った郵便配達員と同じくらい珍しい。

If it hadn't been for Mr. Howard Spencer at the Ritz-Beverly I would have killed a bottle and knocked myself out.

Ritz-Beverly (リッツ・ビバリー) [名] a hotel in Beverly Hills, California

kill (空にする) [動] to cause the death of

knock out (ノックアウトする) [動] to make someone unconscious by hitting them on the head

リッツ・ビバリーにいるハワード・スペンサー氏がいなかったら、私はボトルを空にして自分をノックアウトしていただろう。

And the next time I saw a polite character drunk in a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, I would depart rapidly in several directions.

depart (逃げ出す) [動] leave a place

several directions (いくつかの方向) [名] more than two directions

そして、次にロールスロイスのシルバーレイスで酔っ払った礼儀正しい人物を見かけたら、私はすぐにいくつかの方向に逃げ出すだろう。

There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself.

deadly (恐ろしい) [形] causing or able to cause death

自分で仕掛けた罠ほど恐ろしい罠はない。

[13]

At eleven o'clock I was sitting in the third booth on the right-hand side as you go in from the dining-room annex.

eleven o'clock (11時) [名] the time eleven o'clock

third (3番目) [形] coming after two others in a series

booth (ブース) [名] a small room or area with a table and seats, especially in a restaurant

right-hand side (右側) [名] the side of a person or thing that is to the right when they are facing you

dining-room (ダイニングルーム) [名] a room in which meals are eaten

annex (別館) [名] a building joined to or near a main building but not directly connected with it

11時、私はダイニングルームの別館から入って右側の3番目のブースに座っていた。

I had my back against the wall and I could see anyone who came in or went out.

have one's back against (背にする) [動] to be in a position where one's back is facing something

anyone (誰でも) [代] any person

go out (出ていく) [動] to leave

私は壁を背にして座り、出入りする人をすべて見ることができた。

It was a clear morning, no smog, no high fog even, and the sun dazzled the surface of the swimming pool which began just outside the plateglass wall of the bar and stretched to the far end of the dining room.

clear (晴れた) [形] free of clouds or mist

smog (スモッグ) [名] fog or haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants

fog (霧) [名] a cloud of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

sun (太陽) [名] the star that is the sole source of light and heat for the Earth's solar system

dazzle (眩しかった) [動] to shine brightly

surface (水面) [名] the top or outside layer of something

begin (始まり) [動] to start to happen or exist

plateglass (ガラス張りの) [形] made of plate glass

stretch (広がる) [動] to extend or be extended

far end (端) [名] the furthest point of something

スモッグも高層霧もない晴れた朝で、バーのガラス張りの壁のすぐ外側から始まり、ダイニングルームの端まで広がるプールの水面が太陽に照らされて眩しかった。

A girl in a white sharkskin suit and a luscious figure was climbing the ladder to the high board.

sharkskin suit (シャークスキン・スーツ) [名] a suit made of a smooth, lustrous fabric

luscious (官能的な) [形] having a strong and rich flavor

figure (体つき) [名] the shape of a person's body

ladder (はしご) [名] a device with a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down

high board (高い飛び込み台) [名] a board from which people dive into a swimming pool

白いシャークスキン・スーツを着た、官能的な体つきの少女が高い飛び込み台へのはしごを登っていた。

I watched the band of white that showed between the tan of her thighs and the suit.

band (部分) [名] a strip or area of a different colour or texture

tan (日焼けした) [形] of a light brown colour

suit (水着) [名] a garment consisting of a pair of shorts and a top, worn for swimming or sunbathing

私は彼女の日焼けした太ももと水着の間に見える白い部分を眺めた。

I watched it carnally.

carnally (肉欲的に) [副] in a sensual or sexual way

私はそれを肉欲的に眺めた。

Then she was out of sight, cut off by the deep overhang of the roof.

cut off (遮られる) [動] to be separated from something

それから彼女は、屋根の深い張り出しによって遮られて、見えなくなった。

A moment later I saw her flash down in a one and a half.

a moment later (一瞬後) [名] a very short period of time

flash (飛び込む) [動] move or cause to move very quickly

one and a half (1回転半) [名] one and a half times as much or as many

一瞬後、私は彼女が1回転半で飛び込むのを見かけた。

Spray came high enough to catch the sun and make rainbows that were almost as pretty as the girl.

spray (水しぶき) [名] a jet of liquid

high (高さまで) [形] of great vertical extent

rainbow (虹) [名] an arch of colors formed in the sky when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the atmosphere

pretty (きれいな) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

水しぶきは太陽を捕らえ、少女とほとんど同じくらいきれいな虹を作るのに十分な高さまで上がった。

Then she came up the ladder and unstrapped her white helmet and shook her bleach job loose.

unstrapped (外す) [動] unfasten or loosen the strap of

helmet (ヘルメット) [名] a hard protective hat

それから彼女は梯子を上り、白いヘルメットを外し、ブリーチした髪を振りほどいた。

She wobbled her bottom over to a small white table and sat down beside a lumberjack in white drill pants and dark glasses and a tan so evenly dark that he couldn't have been anything but the hired man around the pool.

wobble (揺らす) [動] move or cause to move unsteadily from side to side

lumberjack (木こり) [名] a person who works in the logging industry

drill (ドリル) [名] a hand tool, power tool, or machine with a rotating cutting tip or reciprocating hammer or chisel, used for making holes

pant (ズボン) [名] an outer garment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs

tan (日焼け) [名] a light brown color

evenly (均一に) [副] in a regular and consistent manner

hire (雇う) [動] employ for wages

pool (プール) [名] a small area of still water

彼女は小さな白いテーブルまでお尻を揺らしながら歩き、白いドリルパンツとサングラスを身に着け、日焼けがとても均一に濃いため、プールの周りの雇われ人以外にはありえない木こりの隣に座った。

He reached over and patted her thigh.

reach over (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

彼は手を伸ばして彼女の太ももを軽く叩いた。

She opened a mouth like a firebucket and laughed.

彼女は火消しバケツのような口を開けて笑った。

That terminated my interest in her.

terminate (終わる) [動] bring to an end

これで彼女への興味はなくなった。

I couldn't hear the laugh but the hole in her face when she unzippered her teeth was all I needed.

laugh (笑い) [名] the action of laughing

unzipper (閉じる) [動] to close a zipper

笑い声は聞こえなかったが、彼女が歯を閉じたときの顔の穴が私に必要なすべてだった。

The bar was pretty empty.

empty (空いている) [形] having nothing inside

バーはかなり空いていた。

Three booths down a couple of sharpies were selling each other pieces of Twentieth Century-Fox, using double-arm gestures instead of money.

couple (2人) [名] two people

sharpie (シャーピー) [名] a person who is skilled at cheating others

each other (お互い) [代] used to refer to two or more people or things that are involved in the same action

Twentieth Century-Fox (20世紀フォックス) [名] an American film studio

double-arm gesture (両腕のジェスチャー) [名] a gesture made with both arms

3つのブースでは、2人のシャーピーがお金の代わりに両腕のジェスチャーを使って、20世紀フォックスのピースを売り合っていた。

They had a telephone on the table between them and every two or three minutes they would play the match game to see who called Zanuck with a hot idea.

between (間に) [前] in the space separating two places, people, or objects

every two or three minutes (2、3分ごとに) [名] a period of time

match game (マッチゲーム) [名] a game in which players try to make pairs or sets of cards

hot idea (思いつき) [名] a new or unusual idea

彼らはテーブルの上に電話を置いていて、2、3分ごとにマッチゲームをして、誰がザナックに思いつきを電話するかを競っていた。

They were young, dark, eager and full of vitality.

full of (あふれている) [形] having a lot of something

彼らは若く、暗く、熱心で、活力にあふれていた。

They put as much muscular activity into a telephone conversation as I would put into carrying a fat man up four flights of stairs.

put (費やす) [動] to use or spend

muscular activity (筋肉活動) [名] the activity of muscles

telephone conversation (電話での会話) [名] a conversation over the telephone

fat man (太った男) [名] a man who is overweight

four flights of stairs (4段の階段) [名] a set of stairs with four levels

彼らは電話での会話に、私が太った男を4段の階段で運ぶのと同じくらいの筋肉活動を費やしていた。

There was a sad fellow over on a bar stool talking to the bartender, who was polishing a glass and listening with that plastic smile people wear when they are trying not to scream.

bar stool (バースツール) [名] a tall chair with a footrest for sitting at a bar

bartender (バーテンダー) [名] a person who mixes and serves drinks at a bar

polish (磨く) [動] to make smooth and shiny by rubbing

バースツールに座ってバーテンダーと話している悲しそうな男がいた。バーテンダーはグラスを磨きながら、悲鳴を上げまいとするときに浮かべる作り笑顔で話を聞いていた。

The customer was middle-aged, handsomely dressed, and drunk.

handsomely (身なりがよく) [副] in a way that is attractive or impressive

客は中年で、身なりがよく、酔っ払っていた。

He wanted to talk and he couldn't have stopped even if he hadn't really wanted to talk.

彼は話したかったし、本当に話したくなかったとしても止まらなかっただろう。

He was polite and friendly and when I heard him he didn't seem to slur his words much, but you knew that he got up on the bottle and only let go of it when he fell asleep at night.

slur (不明瞭に話す) [動] to speak (words) indistinctly

let go of (手放す) [動] to release one's hold on something

彼は礼儀正しく、友好的で、私が彼の話を聞いている限り、あまり言葉を不明瞭に話すようには見えなかったが、彼が酒瓶を抱えて起き上がり、夜寝るときにしかそれを手放さないことは分かった。

He would be like that for the rest of his life and that was what his life was.

be like that (そうだろう) [動] be in the same or a similar state or condition

彼は残りの人生もそうだろうし、それが彼の人生だった。

You would never know how he got that way because even if he told you it would not be the truth.

get that way (そうなる) [動] become like that

彼がどうしてそうなったのかはわからないだろう。彼が言ったとしても真実ではないだろうから。

At the very best a distorted memory of the truth as he knew it.

at the very best (せいぜい) [副] in the best possible circumstances

distorted (歪んだ) [形] not true or accurate

memory (記憶) [名] the retention of information over time

せいぜい彼が知っている真実の歪んだ記憶だ。

There is a sad man like that in every quiet bar in the world.

There is (いる) [動] to be present

sad (悲しい) [形] unhappy

like that (そんな) [形] of that kind

世界中の静かなバーには、そんな悲しい男がいる。

I looked at my watch and this high-powered publisher man was already twenty minutes late.

high-powered (有力な) [形] having a lot of power or influence

publisher (出版社) [名] a person or company that prepares and issues books, journals, music, or other works for sale

私は時計を見た。この有力な出版社の男はすでに20分遅れていた。

I would wait half an hour and then I would leave.

私は30分待って、それから出発するつもりだった。

It never pays to let the customer make all the rules.

make (決める) [動] decide on and make known

顧客にすべてのルールを決めさせるのは決して得策ではない。

If he can push you around, he will assume other people can too, and that is not what he hires you for.

もし彼があなたを押しのけることができるなら、彼は他の人もそうできると思うだろうし、それは彼があなたを雇った理由ではない。

And right now I didn't need the work badly enough to let some fathead from back east use me for a horse-holder, some executive character in a paneled office on the eighty-fifth floor, with a row of pushbuttons and an intercom and a secretary in a Hattie Carnegie Career Girl's Special and a pair of those big beautiful promising eyes.

horse-holder (馬の世話係) [名] a person who takes care of horses

eighty-fifth floor (85階) [名] the floor of a building that is 85 stories above the ground

pushbutton (押しボタン) [名] a button that is pressed to operate a machine or device

intercom (インターホン) [名] a communication system within a building or vehicle

Hattie Carnegie (ハッティ・カーネギー) [名] an American fashion designer

Career Girl's Special (キャリアガールズスペシャル) [名] a line of clothing designed for working women

promising (有望な) [形] likely to be successful or good

そして今、私は東部から来た馬鹿に馬の世話係として使われるほど仕事に困っていなかった。85階のパネル張りのオフィスにいるエグゼクティブのキャラクターで、一列に並んだ押しボタンとインターホン、ハッティ・カーネギーのキャリアガールズスペシャルの秘書と、大きくて美しい有望な目をした秘書がいる。

This was the kind of operator who would tell you to be there at nine sharp and if you weren't sitting quietly with a pleased smile on your pan when he floated in two hours later on a double Gibson, he would have a paroxysm of outraged executive ability which would necessitate five weeks at Acapulco before he got back the hop on his high hard one.

operator (オペレーター) [名] a person who operates a machine or device

nine (9時) [名] the number 9

sharp (きっかり) [形] on time

two hours later (2時間後) [名] two hours after the time of reference

double Gibson (ダブルギブソン) [名] a cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth

pleased smile (満足そうな笑み) [名] a smile that indicates that the person is happy or satisfied

sit quietly (静かに座る) [動] sit without making any noise

outraged executive ability (激怒したエグゼクティブ能力) [名] the ability to manage or control something in an angry or violent way

paroxysm (発作) [名] a sudden attack or outburst of a disease or emotion

necessitate (必要とする) [動] make necessary or unavoidable

five weeks (5週間) [名] a period of five weeks

Acapulco (アカプルコ) [名] a city in Mexico

hop (ホップ) [名] a short jump

high hard one (ハイハードワン) [名] a type of cocktail

彼は9時きっかりにそこに来るように言うようなオペレーターだったが、もし彼が2時間後にダブルギブソンで浮かんで来たときに、あなたが満足そうな笑みを浮かべて静かに座っていなかったら、彼は激怒したエグゼクティブ能力の発作を起こし、アカプルコで5週間を過ごす必要があっただろう。

The old bar waiter came drifting by and glanced softly at my weak Scotch and water.

bar waiter (バーテンダー) [名] a person who serves drinks at a bar

come drifting by (通り過ぎる) [動] move slowly and smoothly

glance (見る) [動] look at briefly

softly (そっと) [副] in a gentle way

年老いたバーテンダーが通り過ぎ、私の薄いスコッチと水をそっと見た。

I shook my head and he bobbed his white thatch, and right then a dream walked in.

bob (揺らす) [動] move or cause to move up and down

thatch (茅葺き) [名] a roof covering of straw, reeds, or similar materials

私は首を横に振り、彼は白い茅葺きを揺らした。そしてその時、夢が歩いてきた。

It seemed to me for an instant that there was no sound in the bar, that the sharpies stopped sharping and the drunk on the stool stopped burbling away, and it was like just after the conductor taps on his music stand and raises his arms and holds them poised.

for an instant (一瞬) [名] a very short space of time

burble (ゴボゴボ) [動] to make a bubbling sound

conductor (指揮者) [名] a person who directs a group of musicians

music stand (譜面台) [名] a stand on which a sheet of music can be placed

一瞬、バーには音がせず、シャーピーはシャープを止め、スツールの酔っぱらいはゴボゴボと音を立てるのを止め、指揮者が譜面台を叩いて腕を上げ、構えた直後のようだった。

She was slim and quite tall in a white linen tailormade with a black and white polka-dotted scarf around her throat.

slim (スリム) [形] of small width or thickness

linen (リネン) [名] a cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant

tailormade (テーラーメイド) [形] made to order

polka-dotted (水玉模様の) [形] having a pattern of dots

scarf (スカーフ) [名] a piece of fabric worn around the neck or head

彼女はスリムでかなり背が高く、白いリネンのテーラーメイドを着て、首に黒と白の水玉模様のスカーフを巻いていた。

Her hair was the pale gold of a fairy princess.

fairy (妖精) [名] a small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers

princess (王女) [名] the daughter of a king or queen

彼女の髪は妖精の王女のような淡い金色だった。

There was a small hat on it into which the pale gold hair nestled like a bird in its nest.

nest (巣) [名] a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young

そこには小さな帽子があり、淡い金色の髪が巣の中の鳥のように寄り添っていた。

Her eyes were cornflower blue, a rare color, and the lashes were long and almost too pale.

cornflower blue (コーンフラワーブルー) [名] a shade of blue

lash (まつ毛) [名] one of the short curved hairs growing in a row on the edge of the eyelid

彼女の目はコーンフラワーブルーという珍しい色で、まつ毛は長く、ほとんど色が薄かった。

She reached the table across the way and was pulling off a white gauntleted glove and the old waiter had the table pulled out in a way no waiter ever will pull a table out for me.

pull off (脱ぐ) [動] to remove something, especially an item of clothing

彼女は道を渡ってテーブルに着き、白いガントレット手袋を脱いでいたが、年老いたウェイターは、ウェイターが私のためにテーブルを引き出すことのない方法でテーブルを引き出していた。

She sat down and slipped the gloves under the strap of her bag and thanked him with a smile so gentle, so exquisitely pure, that he was damn near paralyzed by it.

slip (滑り込ませる) [動] to move or cause to move smoothly, quietly, or secretly

strap (ストラップ) [名] a strip of leather, cloth, or other flexible material used to fasten, secure, or carry something

exquisitely (とても) [副] extremely; to a great degree

pure (純粋な) [形] not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material

damn near (麻痺しそう) [形] very close to; almost

paralyze (麻痺する) [動] to make unable to move or act

彼女は腰を下ろし、手袋をバッグのストラップの下に滑り込ませ、とても優しく、とても純粋な笑顔で彼に感謝したので、彼はそれで麻痺しそうになった。

She said something to him in a very low voice.

彼女は非常に低い声で彼に何かを言った。

He hurried away, bending forward.

hurry (急ぐ) [動] move or act quickly

away (立ち去る) [副] from a place

彼は前かがみになって急いで立ち去った。

There was a guy who really had a mission in life.

mission (使命感) [名] a task or job that you are given to do, especially as part of your work or studies

人生に本当に使命感のある男がいた。

I stared.

私は見つめた。

She caught me staring.

catch (気づく) [動] to become aware of

彼女は私が見つめているのに気づいた。

She lifted her glance half an inch and I wasn't there any more.

glance (視線) [名] a quick or hurried look

half an inch (半インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot

彼女は視線を半インチ上げ、私はもうそこにいなかった。

But wherever I was I was holding my breath.

wherever (どこにいても) [副] in or to whatever place

hold one's breath (息を止める) [動] to stop breathing temporarily

しかし、どこにいても私は息を止めていた。

There are blondes and blondes and it is almost a joke word nowadays.

blonde (金髪) [名] a person with fair hair

金髪にもいろいろあって、最近ではほとんどジョークのような言葉になっている。

All blondes have their points, except perhaps the metallic ones who are as blond as a Zulu under the bleach and as to disposition as soft as a sidewalk.

bleach (漂白剤) [名] a chemical that makes things white

Zulu (ズールー族) [名] a member of a South African people

おそらく、漂白剤の下でズールー族のように金髪で、歩道のように柔らかい気質を持つメタリックなブロンドを除いて、すべてのブロンドにはそれぞれのポイントがあります。

There is the small cute blonde who cheeps and twitters, and the big statuesque blonde who straight-arms you with an ice-blue glare.

cheep (キャーキャー言う) [動] make a high-pitched sound

twitter (さえずる) [動] make a series of short, high-pitched sounds

statuesque (彫像のような) [形] tall and dignified

straight-arm (まっすぐに腕を振るう) [動] push someone away with an outstretched arm

ice-blue (アイスブルー) [形] of a very pale blue color

キャーキャー言ってさえずる小さなかわいいブロンドもいれば、アイスブルーのまぶしさでまっすぐに腕を振るう大きな彫像のようなブロンドもいます。

There is the blonde who gives you the up-from-under look and smells lovely and shimmers and hangs on your arm and is always very very tired when you take her home.

up-from-under look (上から目線) [名] a look that is given from below

smell (香りがする) [動] to be perceived or detected by the olfactory sense

shimmer (キラキラ) [動] to shine with a soft light

上から目線で、素敵な香りがして、キラキラと腕にぶら下がっていて、家に連れて帰るときはいつもとても疲れているブロンドの女性がいます。

She makes that helpless gesture and has that goddamned headache and you would like to slug her except that you are glad you found out about the headache before you invested too much time and money and hope in her.

helpless (無力な) [形] unable to help oneself

headache (頭痛) [名] a continuous pain in the head

彼女はあの無力なジェスチャーをして、あのひどい頭痛がするので、彼女にあまりにも多くの時間とお金と希望を投資する前に頭痛のことを知ってよかったと思う以外は、彼女を殴りたいと思うだろう。

Because the headache will always be there, a weapon that never wears out and is as deadly as the bravo's rapier or Lucrezia's poison vial.

weapon (武器) [名] a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict or contest

wear out (使い古す) [動] to become used up or worn out

bravo (勇者) [名] a hired soldier or assassin

rapier (レイピア) [名] a thin, light sharp-pointed sword

Lucrezia (ルクレツィア) [名] a woman's name

poison (毒) [名] a substance that is harmful or fatal if introduced into or absorbed by a living organism

vial (瓶) [名] a small container made of glass

頭痛は常にそこにあり、決して使い古されることのない武器であり、勇者のレイピアやルクレツィアの毒瓶と同じくらい致命的だからだ。

There is the soft and willing and alcoholic blonde who doesn't care what she wears as long as it is mink or where she goes as long as it is the Starlight Roof and there is plenty of dry champagne.

soft (柔らかい) [形] not hard or firm to the touch

willing (意欲的な) [形] ready, eager, or prepared to do something

alcoholic (アルコール依存症の) [形] relating to or containing alcohol

blonde (金髪の) [形] having fair hair and skin

long (であれば) [接] on condition that; provided that

Starlight Roof (スターライト・ルーフ) [名] a nightclub in New York City

plenty (豊富な) [名] a state or condition of abundance

dry (ドライ) [形] free from moisture or liquid

ミンクであれば何を着ても構わない、スターライト・ルーフであればどこへ行っても構わない、ドライシャンパンが豊富であれば構わないという、柔らかくて意欲的でアルコール依存症の金髪女性もいる。

There is the small perky blonde who is a little pal and wants to pay her own way and is full of sunshine and common sense and knows judo from the ground up and can toss a truck driver over her shoulder without missing more than one sentence out of the editorial in the Saturday Review.

perky (元気な) [形] lively and cheerful

common sense (常識) [名] sound practical judgment concerning everyday matters, or a general understanding of what is right and wrong

ground (基礎) [名] the solid surface of the earth

miss (逃す) [動] fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with

editorial (社説) [名] a newspaper article written by the editor or publisher that gives an opinion on a topical issue

Saturday Review (サタデー・レビュー) [名] an American general interest magazine

小さな仲間で、自分の道を歩みたいと思っている、陽気で常識的で、柔道を基礎から知っていて、サタデー・レビューの社説から一文以上を逃さずにトラック運転手を肩に担ぐことができる、小さくて元気な金髪女性もいる。

There is the pale, pale blonde with anemia of some non-fatal but incurable type.

anemia (貧血) [名] a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells

non-fatal (致命的ではない) [形] not causing death

incurable (不治の) [形] not able to be cured

致命的ではないが不治のタイプの貧血を患った、青白い金髪女性もいる。

She is very languid and very shadowy and she speaks softly out of nowhere and you can't lay a finger on her because in the first place you don't want to and in the second place she is reading The Waste Land or Dante in the original, or Kafka or Kierkegaard or studying Provençal.

languid (気だるげな) [形] lacking energy or vitality

shadowy (影のある) [形] full of shadows

softly (柔らかく) [副] in a gentle or moderate manner

nowhere (どこからともなく) [副] not in or to any place

lay a finger on (指一本触れる) [動] to touch or harm someone or something

first place (第一に) [名] the position of highest importance or honor

second place (第二に) [名] the position of second highest importance or honor

The Waste Land (荒地) [名] a poem by T. S. Eliot

Dante (ダンテ) [名] an Italian poet

Kafka (カフカ) [名] a German-language writer

Kierkegaard (キルケゴール) [名] a Danish philosopher

Provençal (プロヴァンス語) [名] a Romance language spoken in southern France

彼女はとても気だるげで、とても影があり、どこからともなく柔らかく話しかけてきて、彼女に指一本触れることができないのは、第一にそうしたくないからであり、第二に彼女は荒地やダンテの原書、カフカやキルケゴールを読んでいるか、プロヴァンス語を勉強しているからだ。

She adores music and when the New York Philharmonic is playing Hindemith she can tell you which one of the six bass viols came in a quarter of a beat too late.

adore (愛する) [動] love and respect someone deeply

music (音楽) [名] the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion

New York Philharmonic (ニューヨーク・フィルハーモニック) [名] a symphony orchestra based in New York City

Hindemith (ヒンデミット) [名] a German composer

six (6) [数] the number 6

bass viol (バス・ヴィオラ) [名] a string instrument with a deep range

quarter (4分の1) [名] one of four equal parts

beat (拍) [名] a regular rhythmic unit of time in music

彼女は音楽を愛し、ニューヨーク・フィルハーモニックがヒンデミットを演奏している時、6つのバス・ヴィオラのうちどれが4分の1拍遅れて入ってきたか教えてくれる。

I hear Toscanini can also.

Toscanini (トスカニーニ) [名] an Italian conductor

トスカニーニもそうらしい。

That makes two of them.

これで二人目だ。

And lastly there is the gorgeous show piece who will outlast three kingpin racketeers and then marry a couple of millionaires at a million a head and end up with a pale rose villa at Cap Antibes, an Alfa-Romeo town car complete with pilot and co-pilot, and a stable of shopworn aristocrats, all of whom she will treat with the affectionate absent-mindedness of an elderly duke saying goodnight to his butler.

outlast (長生きする) [動] live longer than

kingpin (大物) [名] the most important person in a group or organization

end up with (手に入れることになる) [動] to be in a particular situation or place at the end of a period of time

pale rose (淡いバラ色) [名] a light pink color

villa (別荘) [名] a large and impressive country house

Alfa-Romeo (アルファロメオ) [名] an Italian car manufacturer

town car (タウンカー) [名] a type of car that is typically large and luxurious

co-pilot (副操縦士) [名] a person who assists the pilot of an aircraft

shopworn (使い古された) [形] damaged or worn by being handled or used in a store

aristocrat (貴族) [名] a member of the highest social class

elderly (年老いた) [形] old or aging

duke (公爵) [名] a member of the highest rank of the British nobility

そして最後に、3人の大物ギャングよりも長生きし、その後、1人100万ドルで2人の億万長者と結婚し、キャップ・アンティーブの淡いバラ色の別荘、パイロットと副操縦士を備えたアルファロメオのタウンカー、そして使い古された貴族の厩舎を手に入れ、そのすべてを年老いた公爵が執事に「おやすみ」と言うような愛情のこもったぼんやりとした態度で扱うことになる豪華なショーピースがいる。

The dream across the way was none of these, not even of that kind of world.

dream (夢) [名] a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

none (どれでもなかった) [代] not one; not any

道の向こうの夢は、これらのどれでもなかったし、そのような世界でさえなかった。

She was unclassifiable, as remote and clear as mountain water, as elusive as its color.

unclassifiable (分類不能) [形] not able to be put into a category

clear (澄んでいる) [形] free from clouds, mist, or haze

elusive (とらえどころがない) [形] difficult to find, catch, or achieve

彼女は分類不能で、山の水のように遠く澄んでいて、その色のようにとらえどころがなかった。

I was still staring when a voice close to my elbow said:

私がまだ見つめていると、私の肘の近くで声がした。

“I'm shockingly late.

shockingly (ひどく) [副] in a shocking manner

「ひどく遅れちゃった。

I apologize. You must blame it on this.

apologize (謝る) [動] express regret for a fault

謝るよ。これを責めるべきだ。

My name's Howard Spencer.

私の名前はハワード・スペンサーです。

You're Marlowe, of course.”

君はもちろんマーロウだね」

I turned my head and looked at him.

私は頭を回して彼を見た。

He was middle-aged, rather plump, dressed as if he didn't give any thought to it, but well shaved and with thin hair smoothed back carefully over a head that was wide between the ears.

plump (太っている) [形] having a rounded and attractively full shape

dress (服装) [名] the way that someone dresses

give any thought to (気を遣う) [動] to think about something

well (きれいに) [副] in a good or proper way

smooth back (撫でつける) [動] to make something smooth by moving your hand over it

carefully (丁寧に) [副] in a careful way

彼は中年で、かなり太っていて、服装には全く気を遣っていないようだった。しかし、髭はきれいに剃られ、耳の間が広い頭の上の薄い髪は丁寧に後ろに撫でつけられていた。

He wore a flashy double-breasted vest, the sort of thing you hardly ever see in California except perhaps on a visiting Bostonian.

flashy (派手な) [形] bright and noticeable

double-breasted (ダブルブレストの) [形] having a double-breasted coat or jacket

vest (ベスト) [名] a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt

sort of (ほとんど) [副] to some extent or degree

hardly ever (ほとんどない) [副] almost never

visit (訪れる) [動] go to see a person or place socially

Bostonian (ボストン人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Boston

彼は派手なダブルブレストのベストを着ていたが、カリフォルニアではボストンから来た人以外にはほとんど見かけないものだった。

His glasses were rimless and he was patting a shabby old dog of a briefcase which was evidently the “this.”

glass (眼鏡) [名] a device consisting of two or more lenses in a frame that holds them in front of a person's eyes, typically with sidepieces that pass over or behind the ears

rimless (縁なし) [形] having no rim

shabby (ぼろぼろの) [形] in bad condition through neglect or long use

彼の眼鏡は縁なしで、彼は明らかに「これ」であるブリーフケースのぼろぼろの老犬を撫でていた。

“Three brand new book-length manuscripts.

brand new (新しい) [形] recently made or produced

book-length (本一冊分) [形] as long as a book

manuscript (原稿) [名] a book or article written by hand

「本一冊分の新しい原稿が三つ。

Fiction. It would be embarrassing to lose them before we have a chance to reject them.”

fiction (フィクション) [名] literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that is invented and not based on real people and events

lose (失くす) [動] be deprived of or cease to have or retain

フィクション。断る前に失くしたら困る」

He made a signal to the old waiter who had just stepped back from placing a tall green something or other in front of the dream.

make a signal (合図をする) [動] to make a gesture or sound to convey a message

green (緑) [形] of the color between blue and yellow in the spectrum

something or other (何か) [名] an unspecified thing

彼は、夢の前に背の高い緑の何かを置いて後ろに下がったばかりの老ウェイターに合図をした。

“I have a weakness for gin and orange.

have a weakness for (弱い) [動] to like something very much

orange (オレンジ) [名] a type of fruit

「私はジンとオレンジが弱いんだ。

A silly sort of drink really.

本当に馬鹿げた飲み物だ。

Will you join me?

join (一緒に飲む) [動] to come together with another person or group

一緒に飲むかい?

Good.”

いいよ」

I nodded and the old waiter drifted away.

drift away (去っていく) [動] move slowly and smoothly away from a place

私はうなずき、老いたウェイターは去っていった。

Pointing to the briefcase I said: “How do you know you are going to reject them?”

reject (拒否する) [動] refuse to consider or agree to something

私はブリーフケースを指さして言った。「それを拒否するってどうしてわかるんだ?」

“If they were any good, they wouldn't be dropped at my hotel by the writers in person.

drop (届ける) [動] to let or cause to fall

「もしそれが良いものなら、作家がわざわざ私のホテルに届けたりしないよ。

Some New York agent would have them.”

agent (代理人) [名] a person who acts on behalf of another person or group

ニューヨークの代理人が持っているだろう」

“Then why take them at all?”

「それならなぜ受け取るんだ?」

“Partly not to hurt feelings.

「一部は感情を傷つけないためだ。

Partly the thousand-to-one chance all publishers live for.

thousand-to-one (千分の一) [形] having a very small chance of success

一部はすべての出版社が生きる千分の一のチャンスのためだ。

But mostly you're at a cocktail party and get introduced to all sorts of people, and some of them have novels written and you are just liquored up enough to be benevolent and full of love for the human race, so you say you'd love to see the script.

cocktail party (カクテルパーティー) [名] a party where cocktails are served

get introduced (紹介される) [動] to be made known to someone

all sorts of (あらゆる種類の) [限] many different kinds of

liquored up (酒を飲んでいる) [動] to drink alcohol

benevolent (慈悲深い) [形] well meaning and kindly

human race (人類) [名] human beings considered collectively

script (台本) [名] the written text of a play, movie, or broadcast

しかし、ほとんどの場合、カクテルパーティーに出席して、あらゆる種類の人を紹介され、そのうちの何人かは小説を書いていて、あなたは人類への愛情に満ち溢れ、慈悲深くなるのに十分な酒を飲んでいるので、台本を見たいと言う。

It is then dropped at your hotel with such sickening speed that you are forced to go through the motions of reading it.

drop (届けられる) [動] to be delivered

sickening (吐き気がする) [形] causing a feeling of nausea

go through the motions (読み通さざるを得なくなる) [動] to do something without really thinking about it or trying hard

すると、それはあなたのホテルに吐き気がするほどの速さで届けられるので、あなたはそれを読み通さざるを得なくなる。

But I don't suppose you are much interested in publishers and their problems.”

しかし、あなたは出版社やその問題にあまり興味がないと思う。」

The waiter brought the drinks.

ウェイターが飲み物を持ってきた。

Spencer grabbed for his and took a healthy swig.

healthy (ぐいっと) [形] in a good physical or mental condition

スペンサーは自分のグラスをつかみ、ぐいっと飲んだ。

He wasn't noticing the golden girl across the way.

golden (金髪の) [形] made of or shining like gold

彼は道の向こう側にいる金髪の少女には気づいていなかった。

I had all his attention.

have (集中する) [動] to hold the attention of

attention (注意) [名] the action of directing one's mind to something

彼は私に全神経を集中していた。

He was a good contact man.

contact (連絡係) [名] a person who provides a link between people or organizations

彼は良い連絡係だった。

“If it's part of the job,” I said.

「それが仕事の一部なら」と私は言った。

“I can read a book once in a while.”

「私は時々本を読むことができる」

“One of our most important authors lives around here,” he said casually.

author (作家) [名] a person who writes books

「我が社の最も重要な作家の一人はこの辺りに住んでいる」と彼はさりげなく言った。

“Maybe you've read his stuff. Roger Wade.”

Roger Wade (ロジャー・ウェード) [名] a character in the story

「彼の作品を読んだことがあるかもしれない。ロジャー・ウェード」

“Uh-huh.”

Uh-huh (ああ) [間] yes

「ああ」

“I see your point.”

point (言いたいこと) [名] the main idea or purpose of something

「あなたの言いたいことは分かる」

He smiled sadly.

sadly (悲しそうに) [副] in a sad manner

彼は悲しそうに微笑んだ。

“You don't care for historical romances.

care for (興味がある) [動] to like or be interested in something or someone

romance (ロマンス) [名] a love affair

「あなたは歴史ロマンスには興味がない。

But they sell brutally.”

sell (売れる) [動] be bought by customers

brutally (残酷に) [副] in a cruel manner

でも、それらは残酷に売れる」

“I don't have any point, Mr. Spencer.

「私には何の要点もない、スペンサーさん。

I looked at one of his books once.

私は彼の本を一度見たことがある。

I thought it was tripe.

tripe (くだらない) [名] something of poor quality

私はそれがくだらないと思った。

Is that the wrong thing for me to say?”

私が言うのは間違ったことか?」

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

“Oh no. There are many people who agree with you.

many (たくさん) [限] a large number of

「いやいや、あなたに同意する人はたくさんいる。

But the point is at the moment that he's an automatic best seller.

at the moment (現時点で) [副] now; at this time

automatic (自動的に) [形] done or happening without conscious control

best seller (ベストセラー) [名] a book or other product that sells in very large numbers

しかし、要点は、彼が自動的にベストセラーであるということだ。

And every publisher has to have a couple with the way costs are now.”

cost (コスト) [名] the price paid to acquire, produce, accomplish, or maintain something

そして、どの出版社も、今のコストのやり方では、2、3冊は持たなければならない。」

I looked across at the golden girl.

look across (見る) [動] to direct one's gaze in a specified direction

私は金髪の娘を見た。

She had finished her limeade or whatever it was and was glancing at a microscopic wrist watch.

limeade (ライムエード) [名] a drink made from limes

microscopic (顕微鏡のような) [形] extremely small

彼女はライムエードか何かを飲み終えて、顕微鏡のような腕時計をちらっと見ていた。

The bar was filling up a little, but not yet noisy.

noisy (騒がしい) [形] making a lot of noise

バーは少し混み始めていたが、まだ騒がしくない。

The two sharpies were still waving their hands and the solo drinker on the bar stool had a couple of pals with him.

solo (ソロ) [形] done by one person alone

drinker (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks alcohol

2人のシャーピーはまだ手を振り、バースツールのソロ酒飲みは2人の仲間と一緒だった。

I looked back at Howard Spencer.

look back (振り返る) [動] turn one's head and body to look in the direction from which one has come

私はハワード・スペンサーを振り返った。

“Something to do with your problem?” I asked him.

something to do with (関係がある) [名] a connection or relation between two or more things

「あなたの問題と関係がある?」と私は彼に尋ねた。

“This fellow Wade, I mean.”

「このウェードという男のことだが」

He nodded.

彼はうなずいた。

He was giving me a careful once over.

once over (一度以上) [名] a quick examination or inspection

彼は私を注意深く見ていた。

“Tell me a little about yourself, Mr. Marlowe.

yourself (あなた) [代] the person being addressed

「あなたのことを少し聞かせてください、マーロウさん。

That is, if you don't find the request objectionable.”

find (思う) [動] to discover or notice something

objectionable (不満な) [形] causing disapproval or protest

つまり、もしあなたがその要求に不満がなければ」

“What sort of thing?

「どんなこと?

I'm a licensed private investigator and have been for quite a while.

licensed (免許を持つ) [形] having a license

private investigator (私立探偵) [名] a person who investigates crimes for a fee

have been (持っている) [助] to have something for a period of time

quite a while (かなり長い間) [名] a long period of time

私はかなり長い間、私立探偵の免許を持っている。

I'm a lone wolf, unmarried, getting middle-aged, and not rich.

lone wolf (一匹狼) [名] a person who prefers to work or act alone

unmarried (未婚) [形] not married

私は一匹狼で、未婚で、中年になり、金持ちではない。

I've been in jail more than once and I don't do divorce business.

be in jail (刑務所に入る) [動] be in prison

more than once (何度も) [副] on more than one occasion

do divorce business (離婚の仕事をする) [動] work in the field of divorce

私は何度も刑務所に入ったことがあるし、離婚の仕事はしない。

I like liquor and women and chess and a few other things.

liquor (酒) [名] an alcoholic drink

私は酒と女とチェスとその他いくつかのものが好きだ。

The cops don't like me too well, but I know a couple I get along with.

get along with (仲が良い) [動] be on good terms with

警官は私をあまり好きではないが、私は仲の良いカップルを知っているよ。

I'm a native son, born in Santa Rosa, both parents dead, no brothers or sisters, and when I get knocked off in a dark alley sometime, if it happens, as it could to anyone in my business, and to plenty of people in any business or no business at all these days, nobody will feel that the bottom has dropped out of his or her life.”

native son (生粋の息子) [名] a person born in a particular place

Santa Rosa (サンタローザ) [名] a city in California

both parents (両親) [名] a father and a mother

sister (姉妹) [名] a female sibling

knock off (殴られる) [動] to hit or strike someone or something

dark alley (暗い路地) [名] a narrow street or path with buildings on both sides

sometime (いつか) [副] at some time in the future

these days (最近) [副] in the present time

drop out (抜ける) [動] to leave or withdraw from something

私はサンタローザで生まれた生粋の息子で、両親は亡くなり、兄弟も姉妹もいないし、いつか暗い路地で殴られたら、もしそれが起こったら、私の仕事の誰にでも起こりうることだし、最近ではどんな仕事でも、あるいは全く仕事のない多くの人にも起こりうることだが、誰も自分の人生の底が抜けたとは感じないだろう。」

“I see,” he said.

「なるほど」と彼は言った。

“But all that doesn't exactly tell me what I want to know.”

all that (それだけ) [名] the whole of something

「しかし、それだけでは私が知りたいことを正確に教えてくれるわけではない。」

I finished the gin and orange.

私はジンとオレンジを飲み干した。

I didn't like it.

私はそれが気に入らなかった。

I grinned at him.

私は彼にニヤリと笑った。

“I left out one item, Mr. Spencer.

leave out (言い忘れる) [動] fail to mention

item (一つ) [名] a separate article or unit

「スペンサーさん、一つ言い忘れていました。

I have a portrait of Madison in my pocket.”

portrait (写真) [名] a picture of a person that shows the face

ポケットにマディソンの写真を入れています」

“A portrait of Madison?

「マディソンの写真?

I'm afraid I don't--”

I'm afraid (申し訳ありませんが) [句] I'm sorry to say

I don't (私は--」) [句] I do not

申し訳ありませんが、私は--」

“A five-thousand-dollar bill,” I said.

five-thousand-dollar bill (五千ドル札) [名] a bill worth five thousand dollars

「五千ドル札」と私は言った。

“Always carry it. My lucky piece.”

piece (お守り) [名] a small object that is used as a charm or amulet

「いつも持ち歩いている。私の幸運のお守り」

“Good God,” he said in a hushed voice.

Good God (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

hushed (押し殺した) [形] very quiet or silent

「なんてことだ」と彼は押し殺した声で言った。

“Isn't that terribly dangerous?”

「それはひどく危険なことではないのか?」

“Who was it said that beyond a certain point all dangers are equal?”

beyond (越えて) [前] on or to the further side of

equal (等しい) [形] the same in quantity, size, value, or status

「ある点を越えると全ての危険は等しいと言った人は誰だったか?」

“I think it was Walter Bagehot. He was talking about a steeplejack.”

Walter Bagehot (ウォルター・バジョット) [名] a British journalist, businessman, and essayist

steeplejack (尖塔修理工) [名] a person whose job is to repair or build tall structures such as chimneys or steeples

「ウォルター・バジョットだったと思う。彼は尖塔修理工について話していた」

Then he grinned.

それから彼はニヤリと笑った。

“Sorry, but I am a publisher.

「すまないが、私は出版社だ。

You're all right, Marlowe.

君は大丈夫だ、マーロウ。

I'll take a chance on you.

take a chance (賭ける) [動] to do something that involves risk

君に賭けてみよう。

If I didn't you would tell me to go to hell.

go to hell (地獄へ行く) [動] be damned

私がそうしなければ、あなたは私に地獄へ行けと言うでしょう。

Right?”

正しい?」

I grinned back at him.

back (返す) [副] in return or in response

私は彼に笑い返した。

He called the waiter and ordered another pair of drinks.

order (注文する) [動] to give instructions to make, supply, or deliver something

彼はウェイターを呼び、もう一杯飲み物を注文した。

“Here it is,” he said carefully.

「ここにある」と彼は慎重に言った。

“We are in bad trouble over Roger Wade. He can't finish a book.

be in trouble (トラブルに巻き込まれている) [動] to be in a difficult situation

finish (書き終える) [動] to bring to an end; to complete

「私たちはロジャー・ウェードのことでひどいトラブルに巻き込まれている。彼は本を書き終えることができない。

He's losing his grip and there's something behind it.

lose one's grip (力を失う) [動] to lose control or power

彼は自分の力を失いつつあり、その背後に何かがある。

The man seems to be going to pieces.

go to pieces (バラバラになる) [動] to break into many pieces

seem (~そうである) [動] to appear to be; to give the impression of being

彼はバラバラになりそうだった。

Wild fits of drinking and temper.

wild (激しい) [形] not subject to control, restraint, or domestication

fit (発作) [名] a sudden attack of illness

temper (気性) [名] a state of mind or a mood

酒と気性の激しい発作。

Every once in a while he disappears for days on end.

every once in a while (時々) [副] occasionally

時々、彼は何日も姿を消す。

Not very long ago he threw his wife downstairs and put her in the hospital with five broken ribs.

not very long ago (つい先日) [副] a short time ago

downstairs (階下) [名] the lower floor of a building

put (入院させる) [動] cause to be in a specified place, state, or condition

hospital (病院) [名] an institution providing medical and surgical treatment

broken (折った) [形] damaged or altered by breaking

rib (肋骨) [名] any of the 24 curved bones that are joined in pairs to the spine and protect the chest

つい先日、彼は妻を階下に投げ落とし、肋骨を5本折って入院させた。

There's no trouble between them in the usual sense, none at all.

sense (意味) [名] a meaning or an interpretation

通常の意味では、彼らの間には何の問題もない。

The man just goes nuts when he drinks.”

go nuts (狂ってしまう) [動] become very angry or upset

drink (酒を飲む) [動] take a liquid into the mouth and swallow it

彼は酒を飲むと狂ってしまうんだ」

Spencer leaned back and looked at me gloomily.

gloomily (陰気に) [副] in a dark or depressing manner

スペンサーは後ろにもたれかかり、私を陰気に見た。

“We have to have that book finished.

have something finished (何かを完成させる) [動] complete something

「その本を完成させなければならない。

We need it badly.

とても必要だ。

To a certain extent my job depends on it.

to a certain extent (ある程度) [副] to some extent; to some degree

depend on (かかっている) [動] be controlled or determined by

ある程度、私の仕事はそれにかかっている。

But we need more than that.

than (より) [接] used to introduce the second element in a comparison

しかし、それ以上のものが必要だ。

We want to save a very able writer who is capable of much better things than he has ever done.

able (有能な) [形] having or showing the necessary skill, knowledge, or means to do something

writer (作家) [名] a person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job or regular occupation

我々は、これまでに書いたものよりもはるかに優れた作品を書くことができる非常に有能な作家を救いたいと思っている。

Something is very wrong.

何かがとても間違っている。

This trip he won't even see me.

この旅行では彼は私に会うことすらない。

I realize this sounds like a job for a psychiatrist.

sound like (聞こえる) [動] seem to be

これが精神科医の仕事のように聞こえることは分かっている。

Mrs. Wade disagrees.

Mrs. Wade (ウェード夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Wade

disagree (同意しない) [動] have or express a different opinion about something

ウェード夫人は同意しない。

She is convinced that he is perfectly sane but that something is worrying him to death.

be convinced (確信している) [動] to be certain about something

sane (正気) [形] of sound mind; mentally healthy

worry (心配させる) [動] to feel or cause to feel troubled or anxious

彼女は彼が完全に正気だが何かが彼を死ぬほど心配させていると確信している。

A blackmailer, for instance.

blackmailer (恐喝者) [名] a person who blackmails someone

for instance (例えば) [副] as an example

例えば、恐喝者。

The Wades have been married five years.

The Wades (ウェード夫妻) [名] the Wade family

have been married (結婚している) [動] be in a state of marriage

five years (5年) [名] a period of five years

ウェード夫妻は結婚して5年になる。

Something from his past may have caught up with him.

catch up with (追いつく) [動] to reach the same point as someone or something that is ahead of you

彼の過去の何かが彼に追いついたのかもしれない。

It might even be--just as a wild guess--a fatal hit-and-run accident and someone has the goods on him.

wild guess (ただの推測) [名] a guess that is not based on any evidence or knowledge

fatal (致命的な) [形] causing death

hit-and-run accident (ひき逃げ事故) [名] a traffic accident in which a driver hits a person or vehicle and then leaves the scene

have the goods on (証拠を握っている) [動] to have evidence of someone's guilt or wrongdoing

もしかしたら、これはただの推測だが、ひき逃げ事故で誰かが彼の証拠を握っているのかもしれない。

We don't know what it is.

それが何なのかはわからない。

We want to know.

知りたいんだ。

And we are willing to pay well to correct the trouble.

be willing to (喜んで〜するつもりだ) [動] be ready, eager, or prepared to do something

correct (解決する) [動] free from error; in accordance with fact or truth

そして、問題を解決するためには喜んで支払うつもりだ。

If it turns out to be a medical matter, well--that's that.

medical (医学的な) [形] of or relating to medicine or the treatment of diseases

それが医学的な問題だと判明したら、それはそれでいい。

If not, there has to be an answer.

if not (そうでなければ) [接] or else; otherwise

there has to be (あるはずだ) [動] be certain or inevitable

そうでなければ、答えがあるはずだ。

And in the meantime Mrs. Wade has to be protected.

in the meantime (その間に) [副] during the intervening period of time

has to (しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; must

be protected (守られる) [動] be guarded or defended

そしてその間にウェード夫人を守らなければならない。

He might kill her the next time.

彼は次に彼女を殺すかもしれない。

You never know.”

わからないことだ」

The second round of drinks came.

round (杯) [名] a series of events or actions that happen one after the other

二杯目の飲み物が来た。

I left mine untouched and watched him gobble half of his in one swallow.

gobble (飲み干す) [動] eat or drink greedily

私は自分のには手をつけずに、彼が一口で半分飲み干すのを見た。

I lit a cigarette and just stared at him.

私はタバコに火をつけて、ただ彼を見つめた。

“You don't want a detective,” I said.

detective (探偵) [名] a person who investigates crimes and other mysteries

「探偵は必要ありません」と私は言った。

“You want a magician.

「魔法使いが必要です。

What the hell could I do?

What the hell (いったい何) [名] an expression of anger or annoyance

いったい何ができるというのか?

If I happened to be there at exactly the right time, and if he isn't too tough for me to handle, I might knock him out and put him to bed.

exactly (ちょうど) [副] in a precise manner

right (いい) [形] correct or good

put to bed (寝かせる) [動] to put someone to sleep

もし私がちょうどいい時間にそこにいて、彼が私にとって扱いにくいほどタフでなければ、私は彼をノックアウトしてベッドに寝かせるかもしれない。

But I'd have to be there.

しかし、私はそこにいなければならない。

It's a hundred to one against.

100対1の確率だ。

You know that.”

あなたはそれを知っているでしょう。」

“He's about your size,” Spencer said, “but he's not in your condition.

「彼はあなたと同じくらいのサイズだ」とスペンサーは言った。「しかし、彼はあなたのような状態ではない。

And you could be there all the time.”

そして、あなたはいつもそこにいることができる。」

“Hardly. And drunks are cunning.

cunning (狡猾) [形] having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion

「ほとんどない。そして酔っ払いは狡猾だ。

He'd be certain to pick a time when I wasn't around to throw his wingding.

pick a time (時間を選ぶ) [動] choose a time

wingding (ウィングディング) [名] a party or other lively event

彼は私がいない時間を選んで彼のウィングディングを投げつけるだろう。

I'm not in the market for a job as a male nurse.”

be in the market for (探している) [動] be interested in buying

male nurse (男性看護師) [名] a man who is a nurse

私は男性看護師の仕事を探しているわけではない。」

“A male nurse wouldn't be any use.

male (男性) [形] of or relating to men or boys

nurse (看護師) [名] a person who is trained to care for sick or infirm people

be any use (役に立つ) [動] be of any help or assistance

「男性看護師は役に立たない。

Roger Wade is not the kind of man to accept one.

ロジャー・ウェードは男性看護師を受け入れるような人間ではない。

He is a very talented guy who has been jarred loose from his self-control.

talented (才能のある) [形] having a special ability to do something well

loose (失う) [動] to no longer have or be able to find something

self-control (自制心) [名] the ability to control oneself, especially one's emotions or desires

彼は非常に才能のある男で、自制心を失ってしまった。

He has made too much money writing junk for halfwits.

halfwit (馬鹿) [名] a foolish or stupid person

彼は馬鹿のためにくだらないものを書いて大金を稼いだ。

But the only salvation for a writer is to write.

salvation (救い) [名] the act of saving or being saved

しかし、作家にとって唯一の救いは書くことである。

If there is anything good in him, it will come out.”

彼に何か良いものがあれば、それは出てくるだろう。」

“Okay, I'm sold on him,” I said wearily.

sell on (決める) [動] to persuade someone to accept or approve of something

wearily (疲れたように) [副] in a tired way

「分かった、彼に決めた」と私は疲れたように言った。

“He's terrific. Also he's damn dangerous.

terrific (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or impressive

「彼は素晴らしい。それに彼は恐ろしく危険だ。

He has a guilty secret and he tries to drown it in alcohol.

secret (秘密) [名] something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

drown (紛らわす) [動] to die or kill by submerging and suffocating in water

彼には後ろめたい秘密があって、それを酒で紛らわそうとしている。

It's not my kind of problem, Mr. Spencer.”

それは私の問題ではない、スペンサーさん」

“I see.”

「なるほど」

He looked at his wrist watch with a worried frown that knotted his face and made it look older and smaller.

frown (顔をしかめる) [動] wrinkle one's brow in thought or displeasure

knot (歪む) [動] twist or tie together

彼は心配そうに顔をしかめて腕時計を見た。顔が歪んで、老けて小さく見えた。

“Well, you can't blame me for trying.”

「まあ、試したからって私を責めることはできないよ」

He reached for his fat briefcase.

fat (分厚い) [形] having a lot of fat

彼は分厚いブリーフケースに手を伸ばした。

I looked across at the golden girl.

私は金髪の娘を見た。

She was getting ready to leave.

get ready (準備する) [動] prepare oneself for something

彼女は出かける準備をしていた。

The white-haired waiter was hovering over her with the check.

check (伝票) [名] a bill at a restaurant

白髪のウェイターが伝票を持って彼女の周りをうろついていた。

She gave him some money and a lovely smile and he looked as if he had shaken hands with God.

彼女は彼にいくらかのお金と素敵な笑顔をあげ、彼はまるで神と握手したかのようだった。

She touched up her lips and put her white gauntlets on and the waiter pulled the table halfway across the room for her to stroll out.

touch up (整える) [動] to improve the appearance of something

put on (はめる) [動] to put something on your body

pull (引っ張る) [動] to move something towards you

stroll (歩く) [動] to walk in a slow and relaxed way

彼女は唇を整え、白い手袋をはめ、ウェイターは彼女が歩いて出られるようにテーブルを部屋の半分まで引っ張った。

I glanced at Spencer.

私はスペンサーをちらっと見た。

He was frowning down at the empty glass on the table edge.

彼はテーブルの端にある空のグラスをしかめ面で見下ろしていた。

He had the briefcase on his knees.

彼はブリーフケースを膝の上に置いていた。

“Look,” I said.

look (見ろ) [動] direct one's gaze at someone or something

「見ろ」と私は言った。

“I'll go see the man and try to size him up, if you want me to.

go see (会いに行く) [動] visit

try (してみる) [動] make an attempt

size up (評価する) [動] form an opinion about

「もしあなたが望むなら、私はその男に会いに行って、彼を評価してみよう。

I'll talk to his wife.

私は彼の妻と話す。

But my guess is he'll throw me out of the house.”

throw (追い出す) [動] to cause to move or be moved forcefully through the air by a rapid and sudden motion of the arm and hand

しかし、私の推測では、彼は私を家から追い出すだろう。」

A voice that was not Spencer's said: “No, Mr. Marlowe, I don't think he would do that.

スペンサーのものではない声が言った。「いいえ、マーロウさん、彼がそんなことをするとは思いません。

On the contrary I think he might like you.”

on the contrary (それどころか) [副] to the opposite effect

それどころか、彼はあなたを気に入るかもしれません。」

I looked up into the pair of violet eyes.

violet (スミレ色) [形] of a color intermediate between blue and red in the visible spectrum, as of the color of the flower of the violet

私は見上げて、一対のスミレ色の目を見た。

She was standing at the end of the table.

彼女はテーブルの端に立っていた。

I got up and canted myself against the back of the booth in that awkward way you have to stand when you can't slide out.

slide (滑り落ちる) [動] move smoothly and quickly

awkward (ぎこちない) [形] clumsy or difficult to handle

私は立ち上がり、ブースの後ろにもたれかかった。滑り落ちることができないときに立たなければならないぎこちない方法だ。

“Please don't get up,” she said in a voice like the stuff they use to line summer clouds with.

「どうぞお座りのままで」と彼女は夏の雲の裏地に使うような声で言った。

“I know I owe you an apology, but it seemed important for me to have a chance to observe you before I introduced myself.

owe (負う) [動] have a duty or responsibility to pay or repay

introduce (紹介する) [動] cause to be acquainted with

「あなたに謝罪しなければならないことはわかっているけど、自己紹介する前にあなたを観察する機会を持つことが私には重要に思えたの。

I am Eileen Wade.”

am (~である) [動] be

Eileen Wade (アイリーン・ウェード) [名] a character in the story

私はアイリーン・ウェードよ」

Spencer said grumpily: “He's not interested, Eileen.”

grumpily (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a bad-tempered and complaining way

interested (興味がある) [形] wanting to know or learn about something or someone

Eileen (アイリーン) [名] a female given name

スペンサーは不機嫌そうに言った。「彼は興味がないんだよ、アイリーン」

She smiled gently.

彼女は優しく微笑んだ。

“I disagree.”

「私はそうは思わないよ」

I pulled myself together.

pull oneself together (気を取り直す) [動] to regain one's composure

私は気を取り直した。

I had been standing there off balance with my mouth open and me breathing through it like a sweet girl graduate.

sweet (可愛い) [形] having a pleasant taste

graduate (卒業生) [名] a person who has completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded a degree or diploma

私は口を開けて、卒業したばかりの可愛い女の子のように口で息をしながら、バランスを崩してそこに立っていた。

This was really a dish.

dish (一品) [名] a particular kind of food

これは本当に一品だった。

Seen close up she was almost paralyzing.

close up (近くで) [副] at close range

paralyze (麻痺させる) [動] cause a loss of movement or sensation

近くで見ると、彼女はほとんど麻痺しそうだった。

“I didn't say I wasn't interested, Mrs. Wade.

Wade (ウェード) [名] a surname

「興味がないとは言っていません、ウェード夫人。

What I said or meant to say was that I didn't think I could do any good, and it might be a hell of a mistake for me to try.

mistake (間違い) [名] an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

私が言ったこと、あるいは言おうとしたことは、私が何か良いことができるとは思えなかったということであり、私が試みることはひどい間違いかもしれないということだった。

It might do a lot of harm.”

do (及ぼす) [動] cause to happen or occur

かなりの害を及ぼすかもしれない」

She was very serious now.

彼女は今とても真剣だった。

The smile had gone.

笑顔は消えていた。

“You are deciding too soon.

decide (決める) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

「あなたは早すぎる決断をしている。

You can't judge people by what they do.

what (行動) [名] the thing that is done or being done

人の行動で人を判断することはできない。

If you judge them at all, it must be by what they are.”

もし人を判断するなら、それはその人の本質でなければならない。」

I nodded vaguely.

私は漠然とうなずいた。

Because that was exactly the way I had thought about Terry Lennox.

なぜなら、それは私がテリー・レノックスについて考えていた通りだったからだ。

On the facts he was no bargain, except for that one brief flash of glory in the foxhole--if Menendez told the truth about that--but the facts didn't tell the whole story by any means.

on the facts (事実) [名] something that is known or proved to be true

bargain (取引) [名] an agreement between two or more people or groups

except for (除いて) [前] not including; other than

one brief flash (短い一瞬) [名] a short period of time

glory (栄光) [名] high renown or honor won by notable achievements

tell the truth (真実を語る) [動] to be honest

by any means (すべてを語っているわけではない) [副] in any way possible; at all

事実、彼は、もしメネンデスがそのことについて真実を語っていたのなら、塹壕での栄光の短い一瞬を除いて、取引の対象にはならなかったが、事実がすべてを語っているわけではない。

He had been a man it was impossible to dislike.

be impossible to (できない) [動] not able to be done or achieved

dislike (嫌う) [動] feel distaste for or hostility toward

彼は嫌うことのできない男だった。

How many do you meet in a lifetime that you can say that about?

lifetime (人生) [名] the period of time during which a person is alive

人生で何人そんな人に会えるだろうか?

“And you have to know them for that,” she added gently.

「それには彼らのことを知らなければならない」と彼女は優しく付け加えた。

“Goodbye, Mr. Marlowe.

「さようなら、マーロウさん。

If you should change your mind--”

もし気が変わったら」

She opened her bag quickly and gave me a card--“and thank you for being here.”

bag (バッグ) [名] a container made of flexible material with an opening at the top

card (カード) [名] a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard

彼女は素早くバッグを開けて私にカードを渡した。「そしてここに来てくれてありがとう」

She nodded to Spencer and walked away.

nod (会釈する) [動] to move your head up and down

walk away (歩き去る) [動] to leave a place by walking

彼女はスペンサーに会釈して歩き去った。

I watched her out of the bar, down the glassed-in annex to the dining room.

dining room (ダイニングルーム) [名] a room where meals are eaten

私は彼女がバーから出て、ガラス張りの別館を通り抜けてダイニングルームに向かうのを見送った。

She carried herself beautifully.

carry oneself (立ち居振る舞い) [動] to behave in a particular way

彼女は美しい立ち居振る舞いだった。

I watched her turn under the archway that led to the lobby.

turn (曲がる) [動] change direction, position, or course

archway (アーチ) [名] a curved structure forming an entrance or a bridge

lead (続く) [動] go or travel in a specified direction

lobby (ロビー) [名] an entrance hall or other large area in a public building

私は彼女がロビーに続くアーチの下を曲がるのを見た。

I saw the last flicker of her white linen skirt as she turned the corner.

flicker (ちらつき) [名] a brief movement or change

彼女が角を曲がったとき、私は彼女の白いリネンのスカートの最後のちらつきを見た。

Then I eased myself down into the booth and grabbed the gin and orange.

ease oneself down (腰を下ろす) [動] to sit down

それから私はブースに腰を下ろし、ジンとオレンジをつかんだ。

Spencer was watching me.

スペンサーは私を見ていた。

There was something hard in his eyes.

hard (厳しい) [形] not easy or simple

彼の目には何か厳しいものがあった。

“Nice work,” I said, “but you ought to have looked at her once in a while.

Nice work (いい仕事だ) [名] a job that is well done

「いい仕事だ」と私は言った、「しかし、時々彼女を見てみるべきだった。

A dream like that doesn't sit across the room from you for twenty minutes without your even noticing.”

あんな夢のような女性が、気づかれないまま20分も部屋の向こう側に座っているなんてことはない。」

“Stupid of me, wasn't it?” He was trying to smile, but he didn't really want to.

「私も愚かだったね」彼は微笑もうとしたが、本当にはそうしたくなかった。

He didn't like the way I had looked at her.

彼は私が彼女を見た方法が気に入らなかった。

“People have such queer ideas about private detectives.

such (そのような) [限] of the type previously mentioned

queer (奇妙な) [形] strange; odd

「人々は私立探偵について奇妙な考えを持っている。

When you think of having one in your home--”

自分の家に探偵がいると考えると--」

“Don't think of having this one in your home,” I said.

「この探偵を家に置こうなんて考えないで」と私は言った。

“Anyhow, think up another story first.

think up (思いつく) [動] to invent or devise

「とにかく、まず別の話を思いついてくれ。

You can do better than trying to make me believe anybody, drunk or sober, would throw that gorgeous downstairs and break five ribs for her.”

sober (酔っていない) [形] not affected by alcohol

gorgeous (ゴージャスな) [形] strikingly beautiful or attractive

酔っ払っていようが酔っ払っていまいが、誰かがあのゴージャスな女性を階下に投げ捨てて肋骨を5本折ったなんて信じさせようとするよりも、もっとうまくやれるはずだ。」

He reddened.

redden (顔を赤らめる) [動] become red or reddish

彼は顔を赤らめた。

His hands tightened on the briefcase.

tighten (強く握りしめる) [動] to make or become tight or tighter

彼の手はブリーフケースを強く握りしめた。

“You think I'm a liar?”

「私が嘘つきだと思うのか?」

“What's the difference?

difference (違い) [名] the state or fact of being different

「違いは?

You've made your play.

make (やる) [動] to cause to happen or exist

play (芝居) [名] a theatrical performance

あなたは自分の芝居をやった。

You're a little hot for the lady yourself, maybe.”

hot (熱を上げる) [形] having a high temperature

あなた自身もその女性に少し熱を上げているのかもしれない。」

He stood up suddenly.

彼は突然立ち上がった。

“I don't like your tone,” he said.

「あなたの口調は気に入らない」と彼は言った。

“I'm not sure I like you.

「私はあなたが好きかどうかわからない。

Do me a favor and forget the whole idea.

do a favor (頼む) [動] do something that is helpful to someone

頼むからその考えは忘れてくれ。

I think this ought to pay you for your time.”

これであなたの時間の支払いになると思う。」

He threw a twenty on the table, and then added some ones for the waiter.

twenty (20ドル) [名] a unit of money equal to twenty units of the main currency

彼はテーブルに20ドルを投げ、ウェイターのために1ドル札を何枚か加えた。

He stood a moment staring down at me.

彼はしばらく立って私をじっと見下ろした。

His eyes were bright and his face was still red.

彼の目は輝き、顔はまだ赤かった。

“I'm married and have four children,” he said abruptly.

children (子供) [名] a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority

abruptly (唐突に) [副] suddenly and without warning

「私は結婚していて4人の子供がいる」と彼は唐突に言った。

“Congratulations.”

congratulations (おめでとうございます) [名] an expression of praise for an achievement or good wishes on a special occasion

「おめでとうございます」

He made a swift noise in his throat and turned and went.

make a noise (音を立てる) [動] to produce a sound

throat (喉) [名] the front of the neck

go (去る) [動] to move away from a place

彼は喉で素早い音を立て、振り返って去った。

He went pretty fast.

彼はかなり速く歩いた。

I watched him for a while and then I didn't.

私はしばらく彼を見ていたが、その後は見なかった。

I drank the rest of my drink and got out my cigarettes and shook one loose and stuck it in my mouth and lit it.

私は残りの飲み物を飲み、タバコを取り出し、1本を振って口に突っ込み、火をつけた。

The old waiter came up and looked at the money.

come up (やってくる) [動] move towards the speaker

年老いたウェイターがやってきて、お金を見た。

“Can I get you anything else, sir?”

get (お持ちする) [動] obtain or fetch

「何か他にお持ちしましょうか?」

“Nope. The dough is all yours.”

be all yours (全部あなたのものです) [動] to be owned by you

「いいえ。残りは全部あなたのものです」

He picked it up slowly.

彼はゆっくりとそれを拾い上げた。

“This is a twenty-dollar bill, sir.

twenty-dollar bill (20ドル札) [名] a bill worth twenty dollars

「これは20ドル札です。

The gentleman made a mistake.”

make a mistake (間違える) [動] to do something incorrectly

お客様が間違えられました」

“He can read. The dough is all yours, I said.”

「彼は読める。金は全部あなたのものだ、と私は言った」

“I'm sure I'm very grateful.

be sure (本当に) [動] certain or confident about something

be grateful (感謝している) [動] thankful; appreciative

「本当に感謝しています。

If you are quite sure, sir--”

sure (よろしい) [形] having or showing confidence and certainty

本当によろしければ、旦那様」

“Quite sure.”

「本当によろしい」

He bobbed his head and went away, still looking worried.

bob (下げる) [動] move up and down

look worried (心配そうにする) [動] have an expression of worry

彼は頭を下げて、まだ心配そうにしながら去っていった。

The bar was filling up.

バーは混み始めていた。

A couple of streamlined demi-virgins went by caroling and waving.

streamlined (垢抜けた) [形] designed or organized in a way that is efficient and effective

demi-virgin (半処女) [名] a girl or woman who has had sexual intercourse only once

go by (通り過ぎる) [動] pass by

carol (歌) [名] a joyful song, especially a Christmas hymn

2人の垢抜けた半処女が歌を歌いながら手を振って通り過ぎた。

They knew the two hotshots in the booth farther on.

hotshot (ホットショット) [名] a person who is very good at something

彼らは奥のブースにいる2人のホットショットを知っていた。

The air began to be spattered with darlings and crimson fingernails.

spatter (飛び散る) [動] splash with a liquid or other substance

crimson (真紅) [形] of a deep red color

空気はダーリンと真紅の爪で飛び散り始めた。

I smoked half of my cigarette, scowling at nothing, and then got up to leave.

私はタバコを半分吸い、何も見ずに顔をしかめ、そして立ち上がって去った。

I turned to reach back for my cigarettes and something bumped into me hard from behind.

bump into (ぶつかる) [動] collide with

私はタバコを取ろうとして振り返ると、後ろから何かが強くぶつかってきた。

It was just what I needed.

それはまさに私が必要としていたものだった。

I swung around and I was looking at the profile of a broad-beamed crowd-pleaser in an overdraped oxford flannel.

broad-beamed (幅広の) [形] having a wide smile

crowd-pleaser (群衆を喜ばせる人) [名] a person who is popular with the general public

overdraped (オーバードレープの) [形] having too much fabric

oxford flannel (オックスフォードフランネル) [名] a type of fabric made from wool

私は振り返り、オーバードレープのオックスフォードフランネルを着た、幅広の群衆を喜ばせる人の横顔を見ていた。

He had the outstretched arm of the popular character and the two-by-six grin of the guy who never loses a sale.

outstretched (伸ばした) [形] extended to the full

popular (人気) [形] liked or admired by many people

two-by-six (2×6) [名] a piece of lumber with a cross section of 2 inches by 6 inches

lose (逃す) [動] fail to keep or maintain

sale (セール) [名] the exchange of goods or services for money

彼は人気キャラクターの腕を伸ばし、セールを逃さない男の2×6の笑みを浮かべていた。

I took hold of the outstretched arm and spun him around.

spin (回す) [動] to turn or cause to turn around quickly

私は差し出された腕をつかみ、彼をぐるりと回した。

“What's the matter, Jack?

「どうしたんだ、ジャック?

Don't they make the aisles wide enough for your personality?”

aisle (通路) [名] a passage between rows of seats in a church, theater, or other public building

通路は君の性格に十分な広さではないのか?」

He shook his arm loose and got tough.

get tough (強気になった) [動] become strict or demanding

彼は腕を振りほどき、強気になった。

“Don't get fancy, buster.

get fancy (生意気言う) [動] to act in a way that is not appropriate for the situation

buster (野郎) [名] a man

「生意気言うな、野郎。

I might loosen your jaw for you.”

loosen (外す) [動] make or become loose

顎を外してやろうか」

“Ha, ha,” I said.

「はは」と私は言った。

“You might play center field for the Yankees and hit a home run with a breadstick.”

play (守る) [動] to be in a specified position on a sports team

center field (センター) [名] the baseball player who defends the area of the outfield behind second base

Yankees (ヤンキース) [名] a Major League Baseball team based in the Bronx borough of New York City

hit (打つ) [動] to come into contact with something in a forceful way

home run (ホームラン) [名] a hit in baseball that allows the batter to run around all the bases and score a run

breadstick (ブレッドスティック) [名] a long, thin piece of bread, often served with Italian food

「ヤンキーズのセンターを守って、ブレッドスティックでホームランを打てるかもね」

He doubled a meaty fist.

double (握りしめる) [動] make or become twice as great or as many

meaty (肉厚の) [形] having a lot of meat

彼は肉厚の拳を握りしめた。

“Darling, think of your manicure,” I told him.

manicure (マニキュア) [名] a cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails

「ダーリン、マニキュアのことを考えて」と私は彼に言った。

He controlled his emotions.

彼は感情を抑えた。

“Nuts to you, wise guy,” he sneered.

nuts (頭がおかしい) [形] crazy

wise guy (賢い奴) [名] a person who thinks they know everything

「あなたは頭がおかしいんだ、賢い奴め」と彼は冷笑した。

“Some other time, when I have less on my mind.”

have less on one's mind (頭の中がもっとすっきりした) [動] to have fewer things to worry about

「また今度、頭の中がもっとすっきりした時に」

“Could there be less?”

less (少ない) [形] a smaller amount of something

「それより少ないことがあるのか?」

“G'wan, beat it,” he snarled.

beat it (失せろ) [動] go away

snarl (唸る) [動] growl angrily

「行け、失せろ」と彼は唸った。

“One more crack and you'll need new bridgework.”

crack (口をきく) [動] to say something

「もう一度口をきいたら、新しいブリッジが必要になるぞ」

I grinned at him.

私は彼にニヤリと笑った。

“Call me up, Jack.

「電話してね、ジャック。

But with better dialogue.”

dialogue (会話) [名] a conversation between two or more people

でも、もっといい会話で」

His expression changed.

彼の表情が変わった。

He laughed.

彼は笑った。

“You in pictures, chum?”

「映画関係かい?」

“Only the kind they pin up in the post office.”

post office (郵便局) [名] a public department or corporation responsible for postal services and in some countries telecommunications

「郵便局に貼ってあるようなやつだけだ」

“See you in the mug book,” he said, and walked away, still grinning.

mug book (犯罪者名簿) [名] a book of photographs of criminals

「犯罪者名簿で会おう」と言って、彼は笑みを浮かべたまま歩き去った。

It was all very silly, but it got rid of the feeling.

get rid of (取り除く) [動] to free oneself of something

とても馬鹿げたことだったが、それで気分は晴れた。

I went along the annex and across the lobby of the hotel to the main entrance.

go along (歩く) [動] move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

main entrance (正面玄関) [名] the main door to a building

私は別館に沿って歩き、ホテルのロビーを横切って正面玄関に向かった。

I paused inside to put on my sunglasses.

私はサングラスをかけるために中に入って立ち止まった。

It wasn't until I got into my car that I remembered to look at the card Eileen Wade had given me.

remember (思い出す) [動] recall to the mind; think of again

車に乗って初めて、アイリーン・ウェードがくれたカードを見るのを思い出した。

It was an engraved card, but not a formal calling card, because it had an address and a telephone number on it.

engrave (彫り込む) [動] cut or carve (a design or inscription) on a hard surface

formal (正式な) [形] done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette

address (住所) [名] the details of the place where someone lives or an organization is located

それは彫り込みのあるカードだったが、住所と電話番号が書いてあったので、正式な名刺ではなかった。

Mrs. Roger Stearns Wade, 1247 Idle Valley Road.

Roger Stearns Wade (ロジャー・スターンズ・ウェード) [名] a person's name

1247 (1247) [名] a number

Idle Valley Road (アイドル・バレー・ロード) [名] a road name

ロジャー・スターンズ・ウェード夫人、1247アイドル・バレー・ロード。

Tel. Idle Valley 5-6324.

Tel. (電話) [名] a device for transmitting sound over a distance

Idle Valley (アイドル・バレー) [名] a place name

5-6324 (5-6324) [名] a phone number

電話アイドル・バレー5-6324。

I knew a good deal about Idle Valley, and I knew it had changed a great deal from the days when they had the gatehouse at the entrance and the private police force, and the gambling casino on the lake, and the fifty-dollar joy girls.

gambling casino (ギャンブルカジノ) [名] a large building with a variety of games and other entertainments

fifty-dollar (50ドル) [名] a unit of money

joy girl (売春婦) [名] a woman who engages in sexual activity for payment

私はアイドル・バレーについてよく知っていたし、入口に門番小屋があり、私設警察や湖の上のギャンブルカジノ、50ドルの売春婦がいた時代から大きく変わったことも知っていた。

Quiet money had taken over the tract after the casino was closed out.

take over (占領する) [動] assume control of

tract (地域) [名] a large area of land

カジノが閉鎖された後、静かなお金がその地域を占領した。

Quiet money had made it a subdivider's dream.

subdivider (分譲業者) [名] a person who buys land and divides it into smaller lots for sale

静かなお金がそこを分譲業者の夢にした。

A club owned the lake and the lake frontage and if they didn't want you in the club, you didn't get to play in the water.

frontage (湖岸) [名] the front of a building or piece of land

あるクラブが湖と湖岸を所有しており、クラブがあなたを欲しがらなければ、水遊びをすることはできなかった。

It was exclusive in the only remaining sense of the word that doesn't mean merely expensive.

merely (単に) [副] just; only; simply

expensive (高価) [形] costing a lot of money

単に高価という意味ではない、その言葉の唯一残された意味で、それは排他的だった。

I belonged in Idle Valley like a pearl onion on a banana split.

pearl onion (真珠玉ねぎ) [名] a small white onion

banana split (バナナスプリット) [名] a dish made with a banana cut lengthwise and served with ice cream, whipped cream, and fruit syrup

私はアイドル・バレーにバナナスプリットに乗った真珠玉ねぎのように属していた。

Howard Spencer called me up late in the afternoon.

afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

午後遅くにハワード・スペンサーが電話をかけてきた。

He had got over his mad and wanted to say he was sorry and he hadn't handled the situation very well, and had I perhaps any second thoughts.

get over (乗り越える) [動] to recover from or overcome something

mad (怒り) [名] a feeling of annoyance and slight anger

perhaps (かもしれない) [副] possibly but not certainly

second thought (考え直す) [名] a change of mind

彼は怒りを乗り越え、申し訳なかったと言いたかったし、状況をうまく処理できなかったし、私は考え直したかもしれない。

“I'll go see him if he asks me to. Not otherwise.”

「彼が私に頼めば会いに行くよ。そうでなければ行かないよ」

“I see. There would be a substantial bonus--”

substantial (かなりの) [形] of considerable importance, size, or worth

bonus (ボーナス) [名] a sum of money added to a person's wages as a reward for good performance

「なるほど。かなりのボーナスがあるだろう」

“Look, Mr. Spencer,” I said impatiently, “you can't hire destiny.

impatiently (苛立って) [副] in an impatient way

destiny (運命) [名] the events that will happen to a particular person or thing in the future

「ねえ、スペンサーさん」私は苛立って言った。「運命を雇うことはできない。

If Mrs. Wade is afraid of the guy, she can move out.

be afraid of (恐れている) [動] to be scared of

the guy (その男) [名] the man

move out (引っ越す) [動] to leave a place where you have been living

ウェード夫人がその男を恐れているなら、彼女は引っ越せばいい。

That's her problem.

それは彼女の問題だ。

Nobody could protect her twenty-four hours a day from her own husband.

twenty-four hours (二十四時間) [名] the period of time during which the earth completes one rotation on its axis

誰も彼女を彼女自身の夫から一日二十四時間守ることはできない。

There isn't that much protection in the world.

There isn't (ない) [動] does not exist

世界にそれほど多くの保護はない。

But that's not all you want.

しかし、それはあなたが望むすべてではない。

You want to know why and how and when the guy jumped the rails, and then fix it so that he doesn't do it again--at least until he finishes the book.

jump the rails (レールを飛び越える) [動] to go off the rails

fix (直す) [動] to repair or mend

あなたは、その男がなぜ、どのように、いつレールを飛び越えたのかを知りたいと思っているし、少なくとも本を書き終えるまでは、彼が再びそうしないようにそれを直したいと思っている。

And that's up to him.

be up to (次第である) [動] be dependent on

そしてそれは彼次第だ。

If he wants to write the damn book bad enough, he'll lay off the hooch until he does it.

damn (忌々しい) [形] (of a person) deserving strong condemnation

lay off (断つ) [動] temporarily or permanently dismiss (an employee)

もし彼がその忌々しい本を書き上げたいのなら、彼はそれを書き上げるまで酒を断つだろう。

You want too damn much.”

あなたは欲張りすぎる。」

“They all go together,” he said.

go together (一緒に行く) [動] be in a relationship

「それらはすべて一緒に行く」と彼は言った。

“It's all one problem.

「それはすべて一つの問題だ。

But I guess I understand.

understand (理解する) [動] to perceive the intended meaning of words, language, or a speaker

でも、私は理解していると思う。

It's a little oversubtle for your kind of operation.

oversubtle (過度に微妙な) [形] too subtle or refined

operation (操作) [名] the action of operating something

それはあなたの種類の操作には少し過度に微妙だ。

Well, goodbye.

じゃあ、さよなら。

I'm flying back to New York tonight.”

fly back (戻る) [動] return to a place

私は今夜ニューヨークに戻る」

“Have a smooth trip.”

have a smooth trip (良い旅を) [動] have a pleasant journey

「良い旅を」

He thanked me and hung up.

彼は私に感謝して電話を切った。

I forgot to tell him I had given his twenty to the waiter.

私は彼の20ドルをウェイターに渡したことを彼に伝えるのを忘れていた。

I thought of calling back to tell him, then I thought he was miserable enough already.

call back (電話をかけ直す) [動] to return a phone call

miserable (惨め) [形] wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable

私は彼に伝えるために電話をかけ直そうと思ったが、彼はすでに十分に惨めだと思った。

I closed the office and started off in the direction of Victor's to drink a gimlet, as Terry had asked me to in his letter.

start off (出発する) [動] begin a journey

direction (方向) [名] the course along which something moves, faces, or is aimed

私は事務所を閉め、テリーからの手紙に書いてあったように、ギムレットを飲むためにヴィクターズに向かった。

I changed my mind.

change one's mind (考え直す) [動] to decide to do something different from what you had planned or decided to do before

mind (考え) [名] the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought

私は考え直した。

I wasn't feeling sentimental enough.

enough (十分に) [副] to the required degree or extent

私は十分に感傷的になってはいなかった。

I went to Lowry's and had a martini and some prime ribs and Yorkshire pudding instead.

have (食べる) [動] eat, drink, or take

prime rib (プライムリブ) [名] a large cut of beef from the primal rib

Yorkshire pudding (ヨークシャー・プディング) [名] a baked pudding made from a batter of eggs, flour, and milk

私はローリーズに行き、代わりにマティーニとプライムリブとヨークシャー・プディングを食べた。

When I got home I turned on the TV set and looked at the fights.

家に帰ると、テレビをつけてボクシングを見た。

They were no good, just a bunch of dancing masters who ought to have been working for Arthur Murray.

no good (ろくなものではない) [形] not good

bunch (集団) [名] a group of people

Arthur Murray (アーサー・マレー) [名] a famous dance teacher

彼らはろくなものではなく、アーサー・マレーのために働くべきダンス教師の集団にすぎなかった。

All they did was jab and bob up and down and feint one another off balance.

jab (ジャブ) [名] a quick, sharp blow, especially with the fist

feint (フェイント) [名] a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing

彼らがしたのは、ジャブを打って上下に動き、バランスを崩して互いにフェイントをかけることだけだった。

Not one of them could hit hard enough to wake his grandmother out of a light doze.

grandmother (祖母) [名] the mother of one's father or mother

light (軽い) [形] having little weight or force

doze (居眠り) [名] a short light sleep

彼らの誰も、祖母を軽い居眠りから起こすほど強く打つことはできなかった。

The crowd was booing and the referee kept clapping his hands for action, but they went right on swaying and jittering and jabbing long lefts.

crowd (群衆) [名] a large number of people gathered together

boo (野次を飛ばす) [動] express disapproval of or contempt for

referee (審判) [名] an official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and arbitrate on disputes

clap (手を叩く) [動] strike the palms of the hands together

sway (揺れ動く) [動] move or cause to move slowly and smoothly from side to side

jitter (震える) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

jab (ジャブを打つ) [動] poke or strike quickly and lightly with a sharp or pointed object

群衆は野次を飛ばし、審判は行動を促すために手を叩き続けたが、彼らは揺れ動き、震え、長い左ジャブを打ち続けた。

I turned to another channel and looked at a crime show.

turn to (切り替える) [動] change the direction of something

私は別のチャンネルに切り替えて、犯罪番組を見た。

The action took place in a clothes closet and the faces were tired and over familiar and not beautiful.

take place (行われる) [動] happen

clothes closet (衣装部屋) [名] a room or closet for storing clothes

familiar (見慣れた) [形] well known from long or close association

衣装部屋で演技が行われ、顔は疲れ、見慣れすぎていて美しくなかった。

The dialogue was stuff even Monogram wouldn't have used.

Monogram (モノグラム) [名] a motif or design consisting of two or more letters, typically the initials of a name, interwoven or otherwise combined in a decorative way

台詞はモノグラムでさえ使わないような代物だった。

The dick had a colored houseboy for comic relief.

dick (刑事) [名] a detective

have (飼う) [動] own or possess

colored (色のついた) [形] having color

houseboy (ボーイ) [名] a male servant in a house

刑事はコミックリリーフのために色のついたボーイを飼っていた。

He didn't need it, he was plenty comical all by himself.

plenty (十分に) [副] to a great extent or degree

comical (コミカルな) [形] causing laughter or amusement

彼はそれを必要としなかった、彼は一人でも十分にコミカルだった。

And the commercials would have sickened a goat raised on barbed wire and broken beer bottles.

barbed wire (有刺鉄線) [名] a type of fencing wire with sharp barbs or spikes

broken beer bottle (割れたビール瓶) [名] a beer bottle that has been broken

sicken (病気にする) [動] to make someone feel sick or disgusted

そしてコマーシャルは有刺鉄線と割れたビール瓶で育った山羊を病気にしただろう。

I cut it off and smoked a long cool tightly packed cigarette.

cut (切る) [動] separate or cause to separate with a sharp-edged tool

tightly (ぎっしり) [副] in a way that is held or tied together firmly

pack (詰める) [動] fill tightly with something

私はそれを切り、長く冷たくぎっしり詰まったタバコを吸った。

It was kind to my throat.

kind (優しい) [形] of a good or benevolent nature or disposition

それは私の喉に優しかった。

It was made of fine tobacco.

be made of (作られる) [動] to be produced or manufactured from

それは上質なタバコで作られていた。

I forgot to notice what brand it was.

notice (見る) [動] perceive or become aware of

brand (ブランド) [名] a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name

私はそれがどんなブランドか見るのを忘れた。

I was about ready to hit the hay when Detective-Sergeant Green of homicide called me up.

hit the hay (寝る) [動] go to bed

Detective-Sergeant (刑事) [名] a police officer who investigates crimes

私が寝ようとした時、殺人課のグリーン刑事が私に電話をかけてきた。

“Thought you might like to know they buried your friend Lennox a couple of days ago right in that Mexican town where he died.

couple of days ago (数日前) [名] a few days ago

right in (まさに) [副] in the exact place or position

「君の友人レノックスが数日前に彼が死んだメキシコの町に埋葬されたことを君が知りたいと思うかもしれないと思ったんだ。

A lawyer representing the family went down there and attended to it.

attend (出席する) [動] be present at an event or place

家族を代表する弁護士がそこに行ってそれに出席した。

You were pretty lucky this time, Marlowe.

君は今回かなり運が良かったな、マーロウ。

Next time you think of helping a pal skip the country, don't.”

今度仲間が国を逃げ出すのを手伝おうと思ったら、やめろ」

“How many bullet holes did he have in him?”

「彼には何個の銃弾の穴があった?」

“What's that?” he barked.

「それは何だ?」と彼は吠えた。

Then he was silent for a space.

be silent (黙っている) [動] not making or accompanied by any sound

for a space (しばらく) [副] for a short period of time

それから彼はしばらく黙っていた。

Then he said rather too carefully: “One, I should say.

それから彼は慎重に言った。「一つ、と私は言うべきだ。

It's usually enough when it blows a guy's head off.

blow (吹き飛ばす) [動] move or be moved by a current of air

off (離れて) [副] away from a place

通常、男の頭を吹き飛ばすには十分だ。

The lawyer is bringing back a set of prints and whatever was in his pockets.

set (セット) [名] a collection of things that belong together

print (指紋) [名] a copy of a document

弁護士は指紋とポケットに入っていたものを持ち帰る。

Anything more you'd like to know?”

他に何か知りたいことはあるか?」

“Yeah, but you can't tell me.

but (でも) [接] on the contrary; rather

「ああ、でも君は教えられない。

I'd like to know who killed Lennox's wife.”

like to (知りたい) [動] want to

レノックスの妻を殺したのが誰か知りたい」

“Cripes, didn't Grenz tell you he left a full confession?

Cripes (おい) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

「おい、グレンツは彼が完全な自白を残したって言わなかったのか?

It was in the papers, anyway.

be in (載っている) [動] to be included in something

とにかく、それは新聞に載っていた。

Don't you read the papers any more?”

もう新聞を読まないのか?」

“Thanks for calling me, Sergeant.

「電話をくれてありがとう、巡査部長。

It was real kind of you.”

real (本当に) [形] true; not false or imaginary

本当に親切だね」

“Look, Marlowe,” he said raspingly.

raspingly (しゃがれた声で) [副] in a rough, harsh voice

「おい、マーロウ」と彼はしゃがれた声で言った。

“You got any funny ideas about this case, you could buy yourself a lot of grief talking about them.

「この事件について何か妙な考えがあるなら、それを話すことで多くの悲しみを買うことになる。

The case is closed, finalized, and laid away in mothballs.

finalize (終結する) [動] put into final form

lay away (保管する) [動] put aside for future use

mothball (防虫剤) [名] a small ball of naphthalene used to keep moths away from clothes

事件は解決し、終結し、防虫剤に包まれて保管されている。

Damn lucky for you it is.

for (にとって) [前] in the interests of

君にとっては幸運なことだよ。

Accessory after the fact is good for five years in this state.

this state (この州) [名] the state being referred to

この州では事後従犯は5年だ。

And let me tell you something else.

something (ひとつ) [名] an unspecified or unknown thing

それに、もうひとつ言わせてもらう。

I've been a cop a long time and one thing I've learned for sure is it ain't always what you do that gets you sent up.

a long time (長い間) [名] a long period of time

one thing (一つ) [名] a single item

what you do (自分のしたこと) [名] the things that you do

get sent up (刑務所に行く) [動] go to prison

私は長い間警察官をやっているが、確実に学んだことが一つある。それは、必ずしも自分のしたことで刑務所に行くわけではないということだ。

It's what it can be made to look like when it comes in to court.

come in (なる) [動] to be received or accepted

裁判になったときに、それがどのように見えるかということなんだ。

Goodnight.”

goodnight (おやすみなさい) [間] a farewell used at night

おやすみなさい」

He hung up in my ear.

彼は私の耳元で電話を切った。

I replaced the phone thinking that an honest cop with a bad conscience always acts tough.

replace (置く) [動] put something back in its original place

honest (正直な) [形] free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere

conscience (良心) [名] a person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behavior

私は受話器を置き、良心の呵責に苛まれる正直な警官はいつも強気な態度を取るものだと思った。

So does a dishonest cop.

dishonest (不正直な) [形] not honest; not truthful

不正直な警官もそうする。

So does almost anyone, including me.

does (する) [動] perform an action

anyone (誰か) [名] some person

including (含む) [動] comprise or contain as a part

私を含め、ほとんどの人がそうする。

[14]

Next morning the bell rang as I was wiping the talcum off an earlobe.

wipe (拭き取る) [動] to clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth, towel, etc.

talcum (タルク) [名] a soft mineral used in making talcum powder

earlobe (耳たぶ) [名] the soft, fleshy lower part of the outer ear

翌朝、私が耳たぶからタルクを拭き取っているとベルが鳴った。

When I got to the door and opened up I looked into a pair of violet-blue eyes.

look into (見る) [動] investigate or examine

ドアまで行って開けると、私は一対の青紫の目を見た。

She was in brown linen this time, with a pimento-colored scarf, and no earrings or hat.

pimento (ピメント) [名] a small red sweet pepper

earring (イヤリング) [名] a piece of jewelry worn on the ear

彼女は今回はピメント色のスカーフを巻いた茶色のリネン服を着ており、イヤリングも帽子もつけていなかった。

She looked a little pale, but not as though anyone had been throwing her downstairs.

throw (突き落とす) [動] to propel or cast in a specified way or direction

downstairs (階段から) [副] to or on a lower floor

彼女は少し青ざめてはいたが、誰かに階段から突き落とされたような様子ではなかった。

She gave me a hesitant little smile.

hesitant (ためらいがちな) [形] showing or feeling doubt or uncertainty

彼女は私にためらいがちな小さな笑顔を向けた。

“I know I shouldn't have come here to bother you, Mr. Marlowe.

「ここに来てあなたに迷惑をかけるべきではなかったことはわかっています、マーロウさん。

You probably haven't even had breakfast.

breakfast (朝食) [名] the first meal of the day

おそらく朝食もまだでしょう。

But I had a reluctance to go to your office

reluctance (気が引ける) [名] unwillingness to do something

でもあなたの事務所に行くのは気が引けたのです

and I hate telephoning about personal matters.”

personal (個人的な) [形] of or concerning a particular person

matter (事柄) [名] a subject or situation that is being dealt with or considered

それに個人的な事柄で電話をかけるのは嫌いなんです」

“Sure. Come in, Mrs. Wade.

Come in (どうぞ) [動] enter a place

「もちろん。どうぞ、ウェード夫人。

Would you go for a cup of coffee?”

go for (飲みに行きませんか) [動] to try to get or achieve something

コーヒーでも飲みに行きませんか?」

She came into the living room and sat on the davenport without looking at anything.

彼女は居間に入ってきて、何も見ずに長椅子に腰を下ろした。

She balanced her bag on her lap and sat with her feet close together.

balance (置く) [動] put or keep (something) in a steady position

彼女はバッグを膝の上に置き、足を揃えて座った。

She looked rather prim.

prim (堅苦しい) [形] excessively formal or proper

彼女はどちらかというと堅苦しそうに見えた。

I opened windows and pulled up venetian blinds and lifted a dirty ash tray off the cocktail table in front of her.

pull up (上げる) [動] move something to a higher position

venetian blind (ベネチアンブラインド) [名] a window blind with horizontal slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of light that passes through

私は窓を開け、ベネチアンブラインドを上げ、彼女の前にあるカクテルテーブルから汚れた灰皿を持ち上げた。

“Thank you. Black coffee, please. No sugar.”

thank you (ありがとう) [慣] an expression of gratitude

please (お願いします) [慣] a polite way of making a request

no sugar (砂糖なしで) [名] a type of carbohydrate that is sweet and is used in food and drink

「ありがとう。ブラックコーヒーをお願いします。砂糖なしで」

I went out to the kitchen and spread a paper napkin on a green metal tray.

paper napkin (紙ナプキン) [名] a piece of paper that is used for wiping your mouth or fingers while you are eating

私は台所へ行き、緑色の金属製のトレーに紙ナプキンを広げた。

It looked as cheesy as a celluloid collar.

cheesy (安っぽい) [形] of low quality

celluloid (セルロイド) [名] a plastic made from cellulose nitrate and camphor

それはセルロイド製の襟のように安っぽく見えた。

I crumpled it up and got out one of those fringed things that come in sets with little triangular napkins.

crumple (くしゃくしゃにする) [動] crush or become crushed into a small mass

fringe (フリンジ) [名] a border of loose threads left on a piece of cloth

napkin (ナプキン) [名] a piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to protect clothes or to wipe the fingers or lips

私はそれをくしゃくしゃにして、小さな三角形のナプキンとセットになっているフリンジのついたナプキンを取り出した。

They came with the house, like most of the furniture.

come with (ついてくる) [動] be included with something else

furniture (家具) [名] the movable, generally functional, articles that equip a room, house etc

家具のほとんどがそうであるように、それらは家についていた。

I set out two Desert Rose coffee cups and filled them and carried the tray in.

set out (用意する) [動] to start a journey

Desert Rose (デザート・ローズ) [名] a type of coffee cup

fill (注ぐ) [動] to make or become full

私はデザート・ローズのコーヒーカップを二つ用意して、コーヒーを注ぎ、トレーを持って入った。

She sipped.

彼女はコーヒーをすすった。

“This is very nice,” she said.

nice (おいしい) [形] pleasant to the taste

「これはとてもおいしいよ」と彼女は言った。

“You make good coffee.”

「あなたはコーヒーを淹れるのが上手ね」

“Last time anyone drank coffee with me was just before I went to jail,” I said.

just before (直前) [名] the time immediately before something happens

「最後に誰かが私とコーヒーを飲んだのは私が刑務所に行く直前だった」と私は言った。

“I guess you knew I'd been in the cooler, Mrs. Wade.”

cooler (刑務所) [名] a place where people are kept as a punishment

「私が刑務所に入っていたことはご存知でしょう、ウェード夫人」

She nodded.

彼女はうなずいた。

“Of course. You were suspected of having helped him escape, wasn't it?”

suspect (疑う) [動] have an idea or impression of the probable existence or truth of something without certain proof

「もちろん。あなたは彼の逃亡を助けた疑いをかけられたのですよね?」

“They didn't say.

「彼らは言いませんでした。

They found my telephone number on a pad in his room.

彼らは彼の部屋のメモ帳に私の電話番号を見つけた。

They asked me questions I didn't answer--mostly because of the way they were asked.

彼らは私に質問したが、私は答えなかった。主に質問の仕方のためだった。

But I don't suppose you are interested in that.”

be interested in (興味がある) [動] to want to know or learn about something or someone

しかし、あなたはそれに興味がないと思う。」

She put her cup down carefully and leaned back and smiled at me.

彼女はカップを慎重に置き、後ろにもたれかかり、私に微笑んだ。

I offered her a cigarette.

私は彼女にタバコを勧めた。

“I don't smoke, thank you.

「私は吸わないの、ありがとう。

Of course I'm interested.

be interested (興味がある) [動] have a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

もちろん興味があるよ。

A neighbor of ours knew the Lennoxes.

neighbor (隣人) [名] a person who lives next door or near you

Lennoxes (レノックス) [名] a Scottish family name

私たちの隣人がレノックスを知っていた。

He must have been insane.

be insane (狂っている) [動] be mentally ill

彼は狂っていたに違いない。

He doesn't sound at all like that kind of man.”

sound (思える) [動] seem or appear to be

kind (人) [名] a type of person

彼はそんな人には思えないよ」

I filled a bulldog pipe and lit it.

私はブルドッグパイプに詰めて火をつけた。

“I guess so,” I said.

「そう思う」と私は言った。

“He must have been.

have been (そうだった) [助] used to describe a situation that existed in the past

「彼はそうだったに違いない。

He was badly wounded in the war.

be badly wounded (ひどく傷つく) [動] be seriously injured

彼は戦争でひどく傷ついた。

But he's dead and it's all done with.

be done with (終わっている) [動] to have finished doing something

しかし彼は死んで、すべてが終わった。

And I don't think you came here to talk about that.”

そして、あなたがそのことについて話すためにここに来たとは思わない」

She shook her head slowly.

彼女はゆっくりと首を横に振った。

“He was a friend of yours, Mr. Marlowe.

「彼はあなたの友人でした、マーロウさん。

You must have a pretty strong opinion.

opinion (意見) [名] a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge

あなたはかなり強い意見を持っているに違いない。

And I think you are a pretty determined man.”

determined (決断力のある) [形] having made a firm decision about something

そして、あなたはかなり決断力のある人だと思う」

I tamped the tobacco in my pipe and lit it again.

tamp (押し固める) [動] to pack or drive down firmly

私はパイプの中のたばこを押し固めて、再び火をつけた。

I took my time and stared at her over the pipe bowl while I was doing it.

take one's time (時間をかける) [動] do something slowly

pipe bowl (パイプのボウル) [名] the part of a pipe that holds the tobacco

私は時間をかけて、それをしている間、パイプのボウルの上から彼女を見つめた。

“Look, Mrs. Wade,” I said finally.

「ほら、ウェード夫人」と私はついに言った。

“My opinion means nothing.

「私の意見は何の意味もない。

It happens every day.

every day (毎日) [名] each day; daily

それは毎日起こる。

The most unlikely people commit the most unlikely crimes.

最もありそうもない人が最もありそうもない犯罪を犯す。

Nice old ladies poison whole families.

poison (毒殺する) [動] kill with poison

whole (全員) [形] complete; entire; full

素敵な老婦人が家族全員を毒殺する。

Clean-cut kids commit multiple holdups and shootings.

clean-cut (清潔感のある) [形] having a neat and tidy appearance

multiple (複数の) [形] more than one

holdup (強盗) [名] a robbery

shooting (銃撃) [名] the act of firing a gun

清潔感のある子供たちが強盗や銃撃を繰り返す。

Bank managers with spotless records going back twenty years are found out to be long-term embezzlers.

bank manager (銀行の支配人) [名] a person who manages a bank

spotless record (非の打ち所のない記録) [名] a record that is perfect

go back (わたって) [動] to return to a previous place or state

twenty years (20年間) [名] a period of time equal to 20 years

long-term (長期にわたる) [形] continuing for a long time

embezzler (横領者) [名] a person who steals money that has been entrusted to them

20年間にわたって非の打ち所のない記録を持つ銀行の支配人が長期にわたる横領者であることが発覚する。

And successful and popular and supposedly happy novelists get drunk and put their wives in the hospital.

successful (成功した) [形] having achieved success

supposedly (おそらく) [副] as may be assumed or supposed

novelist (小説家) [名] a person who writes novels

get drunk (酔っ払う) [動] become drunk

put (送り込む) [動] move something or someone into a place or position

そして成功し、人気があり、幸せと思われている小説家が酔っ払って妻を病院に送り込む。

We know damn little about what makes even our best friends tick.”

tick (カチカチ音を立てる) [動] make a sound like a clock

私たちは親友でさえ何が動機になっているのかほとんど知らない。」

I thought it would burn her up, but she didn't do much more than press her lips together and narrow her eyes.

burn up (怒り狂う) [動] to become very angry

narrow (細める) [動] to make or become less wide

彼女は怒り狂うだろうと思ったが、彼女は唇をぎゅっと閉じて目を細めただけだった。

“Howard Spencer shouldn't have told you that,” she said.

「ハワード・スペンサーはあなたにそれを言うべきではなかった」と彼女は言った。

“It was my own fault.

「それは私の責任だった。

I didn't know enough to keep away from him.

keep away from (離れる) [動] to not go near or to not do something

私は彼から離れるほど知らなかった。

I've learned since that the one thing you can never do to a man who is drinking too much is to try to stop him.

since (以来) [前] in the intervening period between (the time mentioned) and the time under consideration, typically the present

never (絶対に~ない) [副] at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever

too much (飲み過ぎ) [形] more than is usual or desirable

それ以来、飲み過ぎている人に絶対にしてはいけないことが一つあることを学んだ。それは、彼を止めようとすることである。

You probably know that much better than I do.”

better (よりよく) [副] to a higher standard or more effectively

あなたはおそらく私よりもずっとよく知っているでしょう。」

“You certainly can't stop him with words,” I said.

certainly (確かに) [副] without doubt; definitely

「確かに言葉で彼を止めることはできない」と私は言った。

“If you're lucky, and if you have the strength, you can sometimes keep him from hurting himself or someone else.

lucky (運がいい) [形] having good luck

himself (彼自身) [代] that male person or animal that is being discussed

someone else (他の誰か) [代] some other person

「運が良ければ、そして力があれば、彼が自分や他の誰かを傷つけないようにすることができることもある。

Even that takes luck.”

それでも運が必要だ。」

She reached quietly for her coffee cup and saucer.

saucer (ソーサー) [名] a small plate on which a cup is placed

彼女は静かにコーヒーカップとソーサーに手を伸ばした。

Her hands were lovely, like the rest of her.

rest (他の部分) [名] the remaining part of something

彼女の手は彼女の他の部分と同じように美しかった。

The nails were beautifully shaped and polished and only very slightly tinted.

nail (爪) [名] the thin hard part at the end of a finger or toe

shape (形作る) [動] give a particular shape to

tint (色づける) [動] add a small amount of color to

爪は美しく形作られ、磨かれ、ほんの少しだけ色づいていた。

“Did Howard tell you he hadn't seen my husband this time?”

Howard (ハワード) [名] a male given name

「ハワードは今回夫に会っていないとあなたに言った?」

“Yeah.”

「ああ」

She finished her coffee and put the cup carefully back on the tray.

彼女はコーヒーを飲み終え、カップを注意深くトレイに戻した。

She fiddled with the spoon for a few seconds.

fiddle (いじる) [動] to play with something idly

彼女は数秒間スプーンをいじった。

Then she spoke without looking up at me.

それから彼女は私を見上げずに話した。

“He didn't tell you why, because he didn't know.

「彼は理由を言わなかった、なぜなら彼は知らなかったからだ。

I am very fond of Howard but he is the managing type, wants to take charge of everything.

managing type (管理型) [名] a person who likes to be in control of things

私はハワードがとても好きだが、彼は管理型で、すべてを仕切りたいと思っている。

He thinks he is very executive.”

executive (管理能力がある) [形] having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect

彼は自分がとても管理能力があると思っている」

I waited, not saying anything.

私は何も言わずに待った。

There was another silence.

再び沈黙があった。

She looked at me quickly then looked away again.

quickly (ちらっと) [副] at a fast pace

look away (目をそらす) [動] turn one's eyes away from something

彼女は私をちらっと見た後、再び目をそらした。

Very softly she said: “My husband has been missing for three days.

彼女はとても柔らかい声で言った。「私の夫は三日間行方不明です。

I don't know where he is.

彼がどこにいるか分かりません。

I came here to ask you to find him and bring him home.

彼を見つけて家に連れ帰って欲しいと頼みに来ました。

Oh, it has happened before.

ああ、以前にも起こったことがある。

One time he drove himself all the way to Portland and got sick in a hotel there and had to get a doctor to sober him up.

Portland (ポートランド) [名] a city in the U.S. state of Oregon

sober up (酔いを醒ます) [動] to become sober after being drunk

一度はポートランドまで車を走らせて、そこでホテルで病気になり、医者に酔いを醒ましてもらわなければならなかった。

It's a wonder how he ever got that far without getting into trouble.

wonder (不思議) [名] a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable

彼がトラブルに巻き込まれずにそこまで行けたのは不思議なことだ。

He hadn't eaten anything for three days.

彼は三日間何も食べていなかった。

Another time he was in a Turkish bath in Long Beach, one of those Swedish places where they give high colonics.

another time (別の時) [名] an occasion different from the one mentioned

Long Beach (ロングビーチ) [名] a city in California

one of those (そのうちの一つ) [名] a member of a group of things or people

Swedish (スウェーデン式) [形] of or relating to Sweden

high colonics (高圧浣腸) [名] a procedure in which water is flushed through the colon to remove waste

別の時には彼はロングビーチのトルコ風呂にいた、高圧浣腸をするスウェーデン式の場所の一つだ。

And the last time it was some sort of small private and probably not very reputable sanitarium.

private (私立の) [形] not owned or controlled by the government

not very (あまり~ない) [副] to a small extent

reputable (評判の良い) [形] having a good reputation

sanitarium (療養所) [名] an institution for the treatment of people who are ill or who need medical care

そして前回は、小さな私立の、おそらくあまり評判の良くない療養所だった。

This was less than three weeks ago.

less than (~未満) [前] not as much as

three weeks ago (三週間前) [名] three weeks before the present time

これは三週間も前のことではない。

He wouldn't tell me the name of it or where it was, just said he had been taking a cure and was all right.

cure (治療) [名] a drug or course of medical treatment used to restore health

彼はその名前も場所も教えてくれず、ただ治療を受けていて大丈夫だと言うだけだった。

But he looked deadly pale and weak.

しかし、彼は死ぬほど青白く、弱々しく見えた。

I got a brief glimpse of the man who brought him home.

get a glimpse of (ちらっと見る) [動] see something briefly

私は彼を家に連れ帰った男をちらっと見た。

A tall young man dressed in the sort of overelaborate cowboy outfit you would only see on the stage or in a technicolor musical film.

dressed (着ている) [動] put clothes on

overelaborate (過度に手の込んだ) [形] excessively elaborate

cowboy (カウボーイ) [名] a man who herds and tends cattle on a ranch

outfit (衣装) [名] a set of clothes

stage (舞台) [名] a raised floor or platform on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform

technicolor (テクニカラー) [名] a process for producing color motion pictures

musical (ミュージカル) [名] a dramatic work in which the songs and dances are fully integrated into a well-made story with serious dramatic goals that are able to evoke genuine emotions other than laughter

背の高い若い男で、舞台やテクニカラーのミュージカル映画でしか見ないような、過度に手の込んだカウボーイの衣装を着ていた。

He let Roger out in the driveway and backed out and drove away at once.”

let out (降ろす) [動] allow to leave

back out (バックする) [動] move backwards

彼はロジャーを私道で降ろし、すぐに車をバックさせて走り去った」

“Could have been a dude ranch,” I said.

dude ranch (観光牧場) [名] a guest ranch

could have been (だったかもしれない) [助] a possibility in the past

「観光牧場だったかもしれない」と私は言った。

“Some of these tame cowpunchers spend every dime they make on a fancy outfit like that.

cowpuncher (カウボーイ) [名] a cowboy

spend (つぎ込む) [動] pay out (money)

dime (金) [名] a ten-cent coin

fancy (派手な) [形] very elaborate or highly decorated

「こういう飼いならされたカウボーイの中には、稼いだ金をすべてあんな派手な衣装につぎ込む奴もいる。

The women go crazy over them.

go crazy (夢中になる) [動] become very enthusiastic about something

over (そういうのに) [前] above or higher than

女はそういうのに夢中になるんだ。

That's what they're there for.”

be there for (いる) [動] be present for

そういうためにあいつらはいるんだよ」

She opened her bag and took out a folded paper.

take out (取り出す) [動] remove something from a place

folded (折りたたんだ) [形] bent or doubled over on itself

彼女はバッグを開けて、折りたたんだ紙を取り出した。

“I've brought you a check for five hundred dollars, Mr. Marlowe.

five hundred dollars (五百ドル) [名] an amount of money equal to five hundred units of the dollar

「あなたに五百ドルの小切手を持ってきました、マーロウさん。

Will you accept it as a retainer?”

retainer (着手金) [名] a fee paid to a lawyer to secure their services

accept (受け取る) [動] to take or receive something offered

will (いただけますか) [助] expressing willingness, consent, or ability

着手金として受け取っていただけますか?」

She put the folded check down on the table.

彼女は折りたたんだ小切手をテーブルに置いた。

I looked at it, but didn't touch it.

私はそれを見たが、触らなかった。

“Why?” I asked her.

her (彼女) [代] the woman or girl who is being talked about

「なぜ?」と私は彼女に尋ねた。

“You say he has been gone three days.

be gone (いなくなる) [動] be no longer present

「彼が3日間いなくなったと言う。

It takes three or four to sober a man up and get some food into him.

男を酔いから覚まして、食べ物を食べさせるのに3,4日かかる。

Won't he come back the way he did before?

before (前) [副] earlier; previously

彼は前のように戻って来ないのかしら?

Or does something make this time different?”

それとも何かが今回を違うものにしているのか?」

“He can't stand much more of it, Mr. Marlowe. It will kill him.

stand (耐える) [動] to be in a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

「彼はそれにこれ以上耐えられないよ、マーロウさん。彼を殺すよ。

The intervals are getting shorter.

interval (間隔) [名] the time between two events

間隔が短くなってきている。

I'm badly worried.

be badly worried (ひどく心配している) [動] be very worried

私はひどく心配している。

I'm more than worried, I'm scared.

worried (心配) [形] anxious or concerned about something

私は心配以上で、怖い。

It's unnatural.

unnatural (不自然な) [形] not natural; artificial

それは不自然だ。

We've been married for five years.

私たちは結婚して5年になる。

Roger was always a drinker, but not a psychopathic drinker.

Roger (ロジャー) [名] a male given name

psychopathic (精神病質の) [形] having a personality disorder characterized by antisocial behavior and lack of remorse or empathy

ロジャーはいつも酒飲みだったが、精神病質の酒飲みではない。

Something is all wrong.

all (全く) [副] completely; totally; fully

何かが全く間違っている。

I want him found.

彼を見つけてほしい。

I didn't sleep more than an hour last night.”

昨夜は1時間しか寝ていない」

“Any idea why he drinks?”

「彼が酒を飲む理由は何か考えがあるか?」

The violet eyes were looking at me steadily.

steadily (じっと) [副] in a stable and regular manner

すみれ色の目が私をじっと見つめていた。

She seemed a bit fragile this morning, but certainly not helpless.

fragile (弱々しい) [形] easily broken or damaged

今朝の彼女は少し弱々しく見えたが、無力ではなかった。

She bit her lower lip and shook her head.

bite (噛む) [動] cut or tear with the teeth

lower lip (下唇) [名] the lower of the two fleshy parts that form the opening of the mouth

彼女は下唇を噛み、首を横に振った。

“Unless it's me,” she said at last, almost in a whisper.

unless (そうしない限り) [接] except if; if not

whisper (ささやく) [動] speak softly

「私がそうしない限り」と彼女はついにほとんどささやくように言った。

“Men fall out of love with their wives.”

fall out of love (愛さなくなる) [動] stop loving someone

「男は妻を愛さなくなる」

“I'm only an amateur psychologist, Mrs. Wade.

amateur (アマチュア) [名] a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis

psychologist (心理学者) [名] a person who studies the mind and behavior

「私はただのアマチュア心理学者ですよ、ウェードさん。

A man in my racket has to be a little of that.

racket (商売) [名] a business or occupation that is dishonest or illegal

私の商売の人間には、そういうところが少しは必要だ。

I'd say it's more likely he has fallen out of love with the kind of stuff he writes.”

彼が書くような作品を愛さなくなった可能性の方が高いでしょう」

“It's quite possible,” she said quietly.

「それはあり得ますね」と彼女は静かに言った。

“I imagine all writers have spells like that.

spell (時期) [名] a period of time

「作家はみんなそういう時期があると思います。

It's true that he can't seem to finish a book he is working on.

work on (取り組む) [動] to try to improve or develop something

彼が取り組んでいる本を完成できないように見えるのは事実です。

But it isn't as if he had to finish it for the rent money.

しかし、家賃のためにそれを終わらせなければならないというわけではない。

I don't think that is quite enough reason.”

それが十分な理由だとは思いません」

“What sort of guy is he sober?”

「彼は素面の時はどんな人ですか?」

She smiled.

彼女は微笑んだ。

“Well, I'm rather prejudiced.

prejudiced (偏見がある) [形] having or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from prejudice; biased

「ええ、私はかなり偏見があります。

I think he is a very nice guy indeed.”

彼は本当にとても素敵な人だと思います」

“And how is he drunk?”

drunk (酔っ払う) [動] to be drunk

「酔っ払うとどんな風ですか?」

“Horrible. Bright and hard and cruel.

horrible (ひどい) [形] causing or likely to cause horror; shocking

hard (頑固な) [形] not easily done; difficult

cruel (残酷な) [形] willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it

「ひどいですよ。明るくて、頑固で、残酷です。

He thinks he is being witty when he is only being nasty.”

witty (機知に富む) [形] showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor

彼は自分が不快なだけなのに、機知に富んでいると思っています」

“You left out violent.”

violent (暴力的) [形] using or involving physical force intended to hurt or kill

「暴力的だということを言い忘れましたね」

She raised her tawny eyebrows.

raise (ひそめる) [動] move something to a higher position

tawny (黄褐色の) [形] of a light brown or yellowish-brown color

eyebrow (眉) [名] the strip of hair growing above a person's eye

彼女は黄褐色の眉をひそめた。

“Just once, Mr. Marlowe.

just once (一度だけ) [副] on one occasion only

「一度だけです、マーロウさん。

And too much has been made of that.

be made of (取り上げられる) [動] be composed of; be made up of

そして、そのことがあまりにも大きく取り上げられた。

I'd never have told Howard Spencer.

have told (言わなかっただろう) [動] to communicate something to someone in spoken or written words

ハワード・スペンサーには絶対に言わなかっただろう。

Roger told him himself.”

himself (自分で) [代] that male person

ロジャーが自分で彼に言ったのよ。」

I got up and walked around in the room.

walk around (歩き回る) [動] walk in all directions

私は立ち上がって部屋の中を歩き回った。

It was going to be a hot day.

暑い日になりそうだった。

It already was hot.

be hot (暑い) [動] having a high temperature

すでに暑かった。

I turned the blinds on one of the windows to keep the sun out.

blind (ブラインド) [名] a window covering made of horizontal or vertical slats of wood, plastic, or metal that can be adjusted to admit or exclude light

keep out (遮る) [動] prevent from entering

私は日光を遮るために窓の一つのブラインドを閉めた。

Then I gave it to her straight.

give it to someone straight (率直に言う) [動] to tell someone the truth, even if it is unpleasant

straight (率直に) [副] in a direct way

それから私は彼女に率直に言った。

“I looked him up in Who's Who yesterday afternoon.

「昨日の午後、私は彼を人名録で調べた。

He's forty-two years old, yours is his only marriage, no children.

forty-two years old (42歳) [名] the age of a person

marriage (結婚) [名] the state of being married

彼は42歳で、あなたとの結婚が唯一で、子供はいない。

His people are New Englanders, he went to Andover and Princeton.

people (家族) [名] the members of one's family

New Englander (ニューイングランド人) [名] a native or inhabitant of New England

Andover (アンドーバー) [名] a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States

Princeton (プリンストン) [名] a town in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States

彼の家族はニューイングランド人で、彼はアンドーバーとプリンストンに行った。

He has a war record and a good one.

war record (戦争記録) [名] a record of one's service in the military

彼は戦争記録を持っていて、それは良いものだ。

He has written twelve of these fat sex-and-swordplay historical novels and every damn one of them has been on the best-seller lists.

twelve (12) [名] the number 12

swordplay (剣術) [名] the art or sport of fencing

historical novel (歴史小説) [名] a novel that has as its setting a period of history and that attempts to convey the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail and fidelity to historical fact

best-seller list (ベストセラーリスト) [名] a list of the best-selling books

彼はこれらの分厚いセックスと剣術の歴史小説を12冊書いていて、そのどれもがベストセラーリストに載っている。

He must have made plenty of the folding.

folding (折り畳み式) [名] a type of furniture that can be folded up when not in use

彼はたくさんの折り畳み式を作ったに違いない。

If he had fallen out of love with his wife, he sounds like the type who would say so and get a divorce.

sound like (~のように聞こえる) [動] to seem to be something

say so (そう言う) [動] to say something in a direct way

get a divorce (離婚する) [動] to legally end a marriage

もし彼が妻を愛さなくなったら、そう言って離婚するタイプのように聞こえる。

If he was haring around with another woman, you would probably know about it, and anyway he wouldn't have to get drunk just to prove he felt bad.

hare around (遊び回る) [動] to move or act quickly and carelessly

know about (知っている) [動] to be aware of the existence or truth of

feel bad (気分が悪い) [動] to be unhappy or uncomfortable about something

もし彼が他の女性と遊び回っていたら、あなたはおそらくそれを知っているだろうし、とにかく彼は気分が悪いことを証明するためだけに酔う必要はないだろう。

If you've been married five years, then he was thirty-seven when that happened.

thirty-seven (37歳) [名] the number 37

when that happened (そのとき) [名] the time when something happened

結婚して5年なら、そのとき彼は37歳だった。

I'd say he knew most of what there is to know about women by that time.

彼はその頃には女性について知るべきことのほとんどを知っていたと思う。

I say most, because nobody ever knows all of it.”

ほとんどと言っているのは、誰もそのすべてを知ることはできないからだ。」

I stopped and looked at her and she smiled at me.

私は立ち止まって彼女を見ると、彼女は私に微笑みかけた。

I wasn't hurting her feelings.

私は彼女の気持ちを傷つけていなかった。

I went on.

私は続けた。

“Howard Spencer suggested--on what grounds I have no idea--that what's the matter with Roger Wade is something that happened a long time ago before you were married and that it has caught up with him now, and is hitting him harder than he can take.

what's the matter (どうしたのか) [名] what is wrong

harder (強く) [副] with more force or strength

take (耐える) [動] to accept or endure something unpleasant

「ハワード・スペンサーは、何を根拠にそう言うのかはわからないが、ロジャー・ウェードに起こっていることは、あなたが結婚するずっと前に起こったことで、それが今になって彼に追いつき、彼が耐えられないほど強く彼を打っているのではないかと示唆した。

Spencer thought of blackmail.

blackmail (恐喝) [名] the action, treated as a criminal offense, of demanding money from a person in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them

スペンサーは恐喝を考えた。

Would you know?”

あなたは知っていますか?」

She shook her head slowly.

彼女はゆっくりと首を横に振った。

“If you mean would I know if Roger had been paying out a lot of money to someone--no, I wouldn't know that.

pay out (支払う) [動] give (money) to someone

someone (誰か) [代] some person

「もしあなたがロジャーが誰かに大金を払っていたかどうか知っているかという意味なら、いいえ、私は知りません。

I don't meddle with his bookkeeping affairs.

meddle (干渉する) [動] to interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern

bookkeeping (簿記) [名] the activity or occupation of keeping financial accounts

私は彼の簿記の業務に干渉しません。

He could give away a lot of money without my knowing it.”

give away (渡す) [動] to give something to someone as a gift

a lot of (大金) [名] a large amount of something

knowing (知る) [動] to be aware of something

彼は私が知らないうちに大金を渡すことができました。」

“Okay then. Not knowing Mr. Wade I can't have much idea how he would react to having the bite put on him.

Okay (いい) [形] satisfactory or allowable

not knowing (知らない) [動] be unacquainted with

Mr. Wade (ウェード氏) [名] a man

can't have much idea (あまりわからない) [動] be unable to understand or comprehend

put on (脅迫する) [動] to exert pressure on someone to do something

「それならいい。ウェード氏を知らない私は、彼が脅迫されたらどう反応するかあまりわからない。

If he has a violent temper, he might break somebody's neck.

temper (気質) [名] a person's state of mind seen in terms of their being angry or calm

もし彼が暴力的な気質なら、誰かの首を折るかもしれない。

If the secret, whatever it is, might damage his social or professional standing or even, to take an extreme case, made the law boys drop around, he might pay off--for a while anyhow.

social (社会的) [形] relating to society or its organization

professional (職業的) [形] relating to or connected with a profession

standing (地位) [名] position or reputation in a particular group

extreme (極端な) [形] very great in degree

drop around (やってくる) [動] come to visit

pay off (支払う) [動] give (someone) money that is owed

anyhow (とにかく) [副] in any case; at any rate

もし秘密が、それが何であれ、彼の社会的または職業的地位を傷つけたり、あるいは極端な場合には、警察がやってくるようであれば、彼は支払うかもしれない--とにかくしばらくは。

But none of this gets us anywhere.

しかし、どれも私たちをどこにも連れて行ってくれない。

You want him found, you're worried, you're more than worried.

あなたは彼を見つけたい、心配している、心配以上だ。

So how do I go about finding him?

go about (取りかかる) [動] to start doing something

では、どうやって彼を見つけたらいいのか?

I don't want your money, Mrs. Wade. Not now anyway.”

not now (今は欲しくない) [副] at the present time; now

あなたのお金は欲しくない、ウェード夫人。とにかく今は欲しくない。」

She reached into her bag again and came up with a couple of pieces of yellow paper.

piece (枚) [名] a portion of something

yellow (黄色) [形] of the color intermediate between green and orange in the spectrum

彼女は再びバッグに手を伸ばし、黄色い紙を数枚取り出した。

They looked like second sheets, folded, and one of them looked crumpled.

sheet (紙) [名] a thin material in the form of a wide, flat surface

crumple (しわくちゃにする) [動] to crush or become crushed into irregular folds or wrinkles

それらは折り畳まれた2枚目の紙のようで、そのうちの1枚はしわくちゃだった。

She smoothed them out and handed them to me.

smooth out (伸ばす) [動] to make something flat or even

hand (手渡す) [動] to give something to someone using your hands

彼女はそれらを伸ばして私に手渡した。

“One I found on his desk,” she said.

「1枚は彼の机の上で見つけたの」と彼女は言った。

“It was very late, or rather early in the morning.

「とても遅かった、というよりは朝早かった。

I knew he had been drinking and I knew he hadn't come upstairs.

upstairs (2階) [名] a floor or floors of a building above the ground floor

彼が酒を飲んでいたことは知っていたし、彼が2階に上がってこなかったことも知っていた。

About two o'clock I went down to see if he was all right--or comparatively all right, passed out on the floor or the couch or something.

about two o'clock (2時頃) [名] a time of day

comparatively (比較的) [副] in a way that can be compared

2時頃、私は彼が大丈夫か、あるいは比較的大丈夫か、床やソファか何かで気を失っていないか見に行った。

He was gone.

be gone (いない) [動] to be no longer present

彼はいなかった。

The other paper was in the wastebasket or rather caught on the edge, so that it hadn't fallen in.”

wastebasket (ゴミ箱) [名] a basket or other container for rubbish

catch (引っかかっている) [動] to get or take hold of, especially suddenly or quickly

もう一枚の紙はゴミ箱の中にあった、というよりは端に引っかかっていて、落ちていなかった」

I looked at the first piece, the one not crumpled.

私は最初の紙切れ、しわくちゃになっていない方を見た。

There was a short typewritten paragraph on it, no more.

typewritten (タイプライターで打たれた) [形] produced with a typewriter

paragraph (段落) [名] a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering

no more (それ以上は何もなかった) [名] nothing more

そこにはタイプライターで打たれた短い段落があるだけで、それ以上は何もなかった。

It read: “I do not care to be in love with myself and there is no longer anyone else for me to be in love with.

care (関心がある) [動] to be interested in or concerned about something

longer (もはや) [副] for a period of time that is more than usual or expected

そこにはこう書いてあった。「私は自分を愛することには関心がない、そして私にはもはや愛するべき人がいない。

Signed: Roger (F. Scott Fitzgerald) Wade.

F. Scott Fitzgerald (F・スコット・フィッツジェラルド) [名] an American author of novels and short stories

署名:ロジャー(F・スコット・フィッツジェラルド)・ウェード

P.S. This is why I never finished The Last Tycoon.”

P.S. (追伸) [名] postscript

This is why (これが理由だ) [名] this is the reason

finished (書き終えた) [動] bring to an end; complete

The Last Tycoon (ラスト・タイクーン) [名] a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald

追伸これが私がラスト・タイクーンを書き終えなかった理由だ。」

“That mean anything to you, Mrs. Wade?”

mean (意味がある) [動] to be intended to convey or indicate

「何か意味があるんですか、ウェードさん?」

“Just attitudinizing. He has always been a great admirer of Scott Fitzgerald.

attitudinize (態度) [動] to assume an attitude or pose

great (とても) [形] of major significance or importance

admirer (尊敬) [名] a person who admires someone or something

Scott Fitzgerald (スコット・フィッツジェラルド) [名] an American author of novels and short stories

「ただの態度です。彼はいつもスコット・フィッツジェラルドをとても尊敬していた。

He says Fitzgerald is the best drunken writer since Coleridge, who took dope.

Fitzgerald (フィッツジェラルド) [名] Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, an American author

drunken (酔っぱらい) [形] drunk

Coleridge (コールリッジ) [名] Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an English poet

dope (麻薬) [名] a drug, especially an illegal one

彼はフィッツジェラルドは麻薬を服用したコールリッジ以来最高の酔っぱらい作家だと言う。

Notice the typing, Mr. Marlowe.

typing (タイプ) [名] the action or skill of writing using a typewriter or computer keyboard

タイプに注目してください、マーロウさん。

Clear, even, and no mistakes.”

even (均等である) [形] level or smooth

はっきりしていて、均等で、間違いがない」

“I did. Most people can't even write their names properly when soused.”

properly (正しく) [副] correctly or accurately

when (とき) [接] at or during the time that

soused (酔っ払った) [形] drunk

「そうした。ほとんどの人は酔っ払ったときには自分の名前すら正しく書けない」

I opened the crumpled paper.

私はくしゃくしゃになった紙を開いた。

More typing, also without any errors or unevenness.

error (間違い) [名] something that is not correct or accurate

unevenness (不均等) [名] the state of being not level or smooth

タイプが続き、また間違いや不均等はなかった。

This one read: “I do not like you, Dr. V. But right now you're the man for me.”

そこにはこう書いてあった。「私はあなたが好きではない、V先生。しかし、今はあなたは私にとって必要な人だ」

She spoke while I was still looking at it.

私がまだそれを見ている間に彼女は話した。

“I have no idea who Dr. V. is.

have no idea (全くわからない) [動] to not know something

Dr. V. (V先生) [名] a doctor

「V先生が誰なのか全くわからない。

We don't know any doctor with a name beginning that way.

doctor (医者) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

私たちはVで始まる名前の医者を知らない。

I suppose he is the one who has that place where Roger was the last time.”

be the one (~である) [動] be the person or thing that is mentioned

彼はロジャーが最後にいた場所にいる人だと思う」

“When the cowpoke brought him home?

cowpoke (カウボーイ) [名] a cowboy

「カウボーイが彼を家に連れ帰ったとき?

Your husband didn't mention any names at all--even place names?”

あなたの夫は名前を全く言わなかった? 場所の名前も?」

She shook her head.

彼女は首を横に振った。

“Nothing. I've looked in the directory.

directory (電話帳) [名] a book listing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the inhabitants of a particular area

「何も。電話帳で調べた。

There are dozens of doctors of one sort or another whose names begin with V.

名前がVで始まる医者が何十人もいる。

Also, it may not be his surname.”

may (かもしれない) [助] expressing possibility

not (ではない) [助] expressing negation

それに、それは彼の姓ではないかもしれない。」

“Quite likely he's not even a doctor,” I said.

quite likely (かなりあり得る) [副] very probably

「彼は医者ですらない可能性が高い」と私は言った。

“That brings up the question of ready cash.

bring up (持ち出す) [動] to introduce a topic for discussion

ready cash (現金) [名] money that is immediately available

「それで現金の問題が出てくる。

A legitimate man would take a check, but a quack wouldn't.

quack (いかさま医者) [名] a person who pretends to have knowledge or skill that they do not have

正規の医者は小切手を受け付けるが、いかさま医者はそうしない。

It might turn into evidence.

証拠になるかもしれない。

And a guy like that wouldn't be cheap.

be cheap (安い) [動] low in price or value

そして、そんな男は安くはない。

Room and board at his house would come high.

room and board (宿泊と食事) [名] a place to live and food to eat

come high (高くつく) [動] be expensive

彼の家での宿泊と食事は高くつくだろう。

Not to mention the needle.”

needle (注射) [名] a thin, sharp, pointed piece of metal with a hole at one end, used for sewing or for medical purposes

注射は言うまでもない。」

She looked puzzled.

彼女は困惑したように見えた。

“The needle?”

「注射?」

“All the shady ones use dope on their clients.

shady (怪しげな) [形] of doubtful honesty or legality

client (客) [名] a person who uses the services of a professional person or organization

「怪しげな連中はみんな客に麻薬を使う。

Easiest way to handle them.

easiest (最も簡単な) [形] superlative form of easy

客を扱う最も簡単な方法だ。

Knock them out for ten or twelve hours and when they come out of it, they're good boys.

knock out (眠らせる) [動] to make unconscious

ten or twelve hours (10時間か12時間) [名] a period of time

come out of (目が覚める) [動] to emerge from a state of unconsciousness

good boys (いい子ちゃん) [名] well-behaved children

10時間か12時間眠らせて、目が覚めたらいい子ちゃんになっている。

But using narcotics without a license can get you room and board with Uncle Sam.

license (許可証) [名] a document giving official permission to do something

narcotic (麻薬) [名] a drug that produces numbness or stupor

Uncle Sam (サムおじさん) [名] a personification of the United States government

でも、許可証なしで麻薬を使うと、サムおじさんのところで衣食住が提供されることになる。

And that comes very high indeed.”

そして、それは確かに非常に高くつく。」

“I see. Roger probably would have several hundred dollars.

several hundred dollars (数百ドル) [名] an amount of money

「なるほど。ロジャーはおそらく数百ドル持っているだろう。

He always keeps that much in his desk.

keep (置く) [動] to have or retain possession of

彼はいつも机にそれだけは置いている。

I don't know why.

why (理由) [名] the reason or cause for which something is done or happens

理由はわからない。

I suppose it's just a whim.

ただの気まぐれだと思う。

There's none there now.”

今は誰もいない」

“Okay,” I said.

「わかった」と私は言った。

“I'll try to find Dr. V. I don't know just how, but I'll do my best.

just how (どうやって) [副] in what way or manner

do one's best (最善を尽くす) [動] to make the greatest effort that one can

「V先生を探してみる。どうやってかはわからないが、最善を尽くす。

Take the check with you, Mrs. Wade.”

with (帰る) [前] used to express a relationship between a person, place, or thing and an action or event

小切手を持って帰ってください、ウェード夫人」

“But why? Aren't you entitled--”

Aren't you (あなたは~ではない) [動] am not I

entitled (権利がある) [形] having a right to something

「でもなぜ? あなたは権利がないの?」

“Later on, thanks.

「後で、ありがとう。

And I'd rather have it from Mr. Wade.

ウェード氏から受け取りたいんだ。

He's not going to like what I do in any case.”

be not going to (気に入らないだろう) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

in any case (いずれにせよ) [副] whatever the circumstances; no matter what happens

いずれにせよ、彼は私のやることを気に入らないだろう。」

“But if he's sick and helpless--”

helpless (無力) [形] unable to defend oneself or to act without help

「でも、彼が病気で無力なら」

“He could have called his own doctor or asked you to. He didn't.

「彼は自分の医者に電話するか、あなたに電話するように頼むことができた。彼はそうしなかった。

That means he didn't want to.”

それは彼がそうしたくなかったことを意味する。」

She put the check back in her bag and stood up.

彼女は小切手をバッグに戻し、立ち上がった。

She looked very forlorn.

forlorn (寂しい) [形] pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely

彼女はとても寂しそうに見えた。

“Our doctor refused to treat him,” she said bitterly.

treat (治療する) [動] give medical care to

bitterly (苦々しく) [副] in a bitter manner

「私たちの医者は彼の治療を拒否した」と彼女は苦々しく言った。

“There are hundreds of doctors, Mrs. Wade.

「何百人もの医者がいる、ウェード夫人。

Any one of them would handle him once.

誰でも一度は彼を診察するだろう。

Most of them would stay with him for some time.

some time (しばらく) [名] a period of time

ほとんどの人はしばらく彼の面倒を見てくれるだろう。

Medicine is a pretty competitive affair nowadays.”

medicine (医療) [名] the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease

competitive (競争が激しい) [形] as good as or better than others of a comparable nature

医療は最近かなり競争が激しい。」

“I see. Of course you must be right.”

must (に違いない) [助] be obliged to; be required to

「なるほど。もちろん、あなたは正しいに違いない。」

She walked slowly to the door and I walked with her.

彼女はゆっくりとドアまで歩き、私も一緒に歩いた。

I opened it.

私はそれを開けた。

“You could have called a doctor on your own. Why didn't you?”

on your own (自分で) [副] without help or support from other people

「自分で医者を呼べばよかったのに。なぜそうしなかったんだ?」

She faced me squarely.

face (向き合う) [動] be opposite to or facing

squarely (正面から) [副] in a direct or straightforward manner

彼女は私と正面から向き合った。

Her eyes were bright.

彼女の目は輝いていた。

There might have been a hint of tears in them.

hint (兆し) [名] a small amount of something

tear (涙) [名] a drop of the salty liquid that comes from your eye when you cry

涙の兆しがあったかもしれない。

A lovely dish and no mistake.

間違いなく素敵な料理だ。

“Because I love my husband, Mr. Marlowe.

「私は夫を愛しているからよ、マーロウさん。

I'd do anything in the world to help him.

do anything (どんなことでもする) [動] do anything that is necessary

彼を助けるために私はこの世のどんなことでもするよ。

But I know what sort of man he is too.

でも、彼がどんな男かも知っている。

If I called a doctor every time he took too many drinks, I wouldn't have a husband very long.

彼が飲み過ぎるたびに医者を呼んでいたら、私はすぐに夫を失ってしまうよ。

You can't treat a grown man like a child with a sore throat.”

grown man (大人の男) [名] an adult male

child (子供) [名] a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority

sore throat (喉の痛み) [名] a painful or irritated throat

大人の男を喉の痛い子供のように扱うことはできないよ」

“You can if he's a drunk.

「彼が酔っ払いならできるよ。

Often you damn well have to.”

よくそうしなければならない」

She was standing close to me.

彼女は私の近くに立っていた。

I smelled her perfume.

perfume (香水) [名] a liquid that is put on the body to make a pleasant smell

私は彼女の香水の匂いを嗅いだ。

Or thought I did.

あるいはそう思った。

It hadn't been put on with a spray gun.

put on (塗る) [動] apply to a surface

spray gun (スプレーガン) [名] a device for spraying liquid

スプレーガンで塗られたものではなかった。

Perhaps it was just the summer day.

summer day (夏の日) [名] a day in the summer

おそらくそれはただの夏の日だった。

“Suppose there is something shameful in his past,” she said, dragging the words out one by one as if each of them had a bitter taste.

shameful (恥ずべき) [形] causing a feeling of shame

one by one (一つ一つ) [副] separately and in succession

「彼の過去に何か恥ずべきことがあるとしたら」と彼女は言葉を一つ一つ引きずり出すように言った。まるで言葉の一つ一つが苦い味を帯びているかのようだった。

“Even something criminal.

criminal (犯罪的な) [形] relating to crime or its punishment

「犯罪的なことでさえ。

It would make no difference to me.

make no difference (関係ない) [動] be of no importance or significance

to me (私に) [前] in my opinion

私には関係ないことよ。

But I'm not going to be the means of its being found out.”

means (原因) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

でも、私はそれが発覚する原因にはならないよ」

“But it's all right if Howard Spencer hires me to find out?”

find out (調べる) [動] discover or notice something

「でも、ハワード・スペンサーが私を雇ってそれを調べさせるのは構わない?」

She smiled very slowly.

彼女はとてもゆっくりと微笑んだ。

“Do you really think I expected you to give Howard any answer but the one you did--a man who went to jail rather than betray a friend?”

give (答える) [動] to provide or supply

「あなたがハワードに答えた以外に何か答えると思ったのかしら? 友達を裏切るくらいなら刑務所に行くような人に」

“Thanks for the plug, but that wasn't why I got jugged.”

get jugged (刑務所に行く) [動] go to jail

「宣伝してくれてありがとう。でも、私が刑務所に行ったのはそのためじゃない」

She nodded after a moment of silence, said goodbye, and started down the redwood steps.

彼女はしばらく沈黙した後、うなずいて、さよならを言い、レッドウッドの階段を降り始めた。

I watched her get into her car, a slim gray Jaguar, very new looking.

Jaguar (ジャガー) [名] a large and powerful animal of the cat family

私は彼女が車に乗るのを見ていた。スリムなグレーのジャガーで、とても新しそうだった。

She drove it up to the end of the street and swung around in the turning circle there.

circle (円) [名] a round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center)

彼女は車を道の端まで走らせ、そこで回転して戻ってきた。

Her glove waved at me as she went by down the hill.

wave (振る) [動] move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal

彼女は丘を下りて行くときに手袋をはめた手を私に向かって振った。

The little car whisked around the corner and was gone.

whisk (走り去る) [動] move or cause to move quickly and lightly with a brushing or sweeping motion

小さな車は角を曲がって走り去った。

There was a red oleander bush against part of the front wall of the house.

There was (あった) [動] to exist

oleander (夾竹桃) [名] an evergreen shrub

against (一部に) [前] in contact with and supported by

家の正面の壁の一部に赤い夾竹桃の茂みがあった。

I heard a flutter in it and a baby mockingbird started cheeping anxiously.

baby (赤ちゃん) [名] a very young child

mockingbird (モッキンバード) [名] a species of bird

anxiously (心配そうに) [副] in a worried or nervous way

羽ばたきが聞こえ、モッキンバードの赤ちゃんが心配そうに鳴き始めた。

I spotted him hanging on to one of the top branches, flapping his wings as if he was having trouble keeping his balance.

spot (見つける) [動] to notice or recognize

hang on (ぶら下がる) [動] to hold on to something tightly

flap (羽ばたく) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

彼が上の枝の1つにぶら下がっているのを見つけ、バランスを保つのに苦労しているかのように羽ばたいていた。

From the cypress trees at the corner of the wall there was a single harsh warning chirp.

cypress (ヒノキ) [名] an evergreen coniferous tree

single (1つの) [形] not accompanied by another

harsh (厳しい) [形] unpleasantly rough or violent; severe

壁の角にあるヒノキの木から、1つの厳しい警告のさえずりがあった。

The cheeping stopped at once and the little fat bird was silent.

cheeping (鳴き声) [名] the sound made by a bird

at once (すぐに) [副] without delay

鳴き声はすぐに止まり、小さな太った鳥は黙った。

I went inside and shut the door and left him to his flying lesson.

go inside (中に入る) [動] move into a building or room

shut the door (ドアを閉める) [動] move a door so that it covers an opening

flying lesson (飛行訓練) [名] a lesson in how to fly an aircraft

私は中に入ってドアを閉め、彼を飛行訓練に残した。

Birds have to learn too.

鳥も学ばなければならない。

[15]

No matter how smart you think you are, you have to have a place to start from: a name, an address, a neighborhood, a background, an atmosphere, a point of reference of some sort.

matter (関係ない) [動] be of importance or significance

neighborhood (近所) [名] the area around one's home

background (背景) [名] the circumstances or conditions that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea

atmosphere (雰囲気) [名] the mood or tone of a place or situation

自分がどれほど賢いと思っていても、名前、住所、近所、背景、雰囲気、何らかの基準点など、出発点となる場所が必要だ。

All I had was typing on a crumpled yellow page that said, “I do not like you, Dr. V. But right now you're the man for me.”

crumpled (しわくちゃの) [形] having creases or wrinkles

type (タイプする) [動] to write something using a typewriter or computer

私が持っていたのは、「私はあなたが好きではありません、V博士。しかし、今はあなたは私にとっての男です」と書かれた、しわくちゃの黄色いページにタイプしたものだけだった。

With that I could pinpoint the Pacific Ocean, spend a month wading through the lists of half a dozen county medical associations, and end up with the big round 0.

pinpoint (特定する) [動] locate or identify with great precision

Pacific Ocean (太平洋) [名] the largest ocean on Earth

wade (調べる) [動] walk through water or another liquid

county (郡) [名] a division of a state

medical association (医師会) [名] a professional organization for physicians

end up (なる) [動] reach a final state or destination

round (丸い) [形] having a circular shape

0 (0) [名] the numerical digit that represents the absence of any quantity or magnitude

これで太平洋を特定し、半ダースの郡医師会のリストを1ヶ月かけて調べ、最終的には大きな丸い0になる。

In our town quacks breed like guinea pigs.

breed (増える) [動] produce offspring

guinea pig (モルモット) [名] a small domesticated rodent

私たちの町では、モルモットのようにいんちき医者が増えている。

There are eight counties within a hundred miles of the City Hall and in every town in every single one of them there are doctors, some genuine medical men, some just mail-order mechanics with a license to cut corns or jump up and down on your spine.

hundred miles (100マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1,609.344 meters

eight counties (8つの郡) [名] a division of a state

every town (すべての町) [名] a human settlement larger than a village

genuine (本物の) [形] real; not fake

medical man (医者) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

mail-order (通信販売) [名] a system of buying goods or services by mail

mechanic (整備士) [名] a person who repairs and maintains machines

corn (タコ) [名] a small, hard, painful area of thickened skin on the foot, caused by pressure or friction

jump up and down (飛び跳ねる) [動] to move up and down quickly and repeatedly

市役所から100マイル以内に8つの郡があり、そのすべてにあるすべての町に医者がいて、本物の医者もいれば、タコを切ったり、背骨の上を飛び跳ねたりする免許を持った通信販売の整備士もいる。

Of the real doctors some are prosperous and some poor, some ethical, others not sure they can afford it.

prosperous (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money, possessions, or other material goods

poor (貧しい) [形] having little or no money, goods, or other means of support

本物の医者には、裕福な医者もいれば貧しい医者もいて、倫理的な医者もいれば、そうする余裕があるかどうかわからない医者もいる。

A well-heeled patient with incipient D.T.'s could be money from home to plenty of old geezers who have fallen behind in the vitamin and antibiotic trade.

well-heeled (裕福な) [形] having a lot of money

patient (患者) [名] a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment

incipient (初期の) [形] beginning to happen or develop

D.T. (D.T.) [名] delirium tremens

geezer (老人) [名] an old man

fall behind (遅れをとる) [動] fail to keep up with

vitamin (ビタミン) [名] any of a group of organic compounds which are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body

antibiotic (抗生物質) [名] a drug used to treat bacterial infections

初期のD.T.の裕福な患者は、ビタミンや抗生物質の取引で遅れをとっている多くの老人たちにとって、家からのお金になるかもしれない。

But without a clue there was no place to start.

clue (手がかり) [名] a piece of evidence or information that helps to solve a problem or mystery

しかし、手がかりがなければ、どこから始めればいいのかわからない。

I didn't have the clue and Eileen Wade either didn't have it or didn't know she had it.

either (どちらか) [接] used to show that two or more alternatives are possible

didn't know (知らなかった) [動] to be unaware of something

私には手がかりがなく、アイリーン・ウェードも手がかりを持っていないか、持っていることを知らなかった。

And even if I found somebody that fitted and had the right initial, he might turn out to be a myth, so far as Roger Wade was concerned.

initial (イニシャル) [名] the first letter of a word

myth (神話) [名] a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events

be concerned (関する) [動] be about or connected with

そして、私が合致して正しいイニシャルを持つ誰かを見つけたとしても、ロジャー・ウェードに関する限り、彼は神話であることが判明するかもしれない。

The jingle might be something that just happened to run through his head while he was getting himself stewed up.

jingle (ジングル) [名] a short catchy tune used in advertising

run through (駆け巡る) [動] to go through or over quickly

stew (酔っ払う) [動] to cook by simmering slowly in a closed container

そのジングルは、彼が酔っ払っている間にたまたま頭の中を駆け巡ったものかもしれない。

Just as the Scott Fitzgerald allusion might be merely an off-beat way of saying goodbye.

allusion (暗示) [名] an indirect reference to something

off-beat (風変わりな) [形] not conforming to the usual pattern

スコット・フィッツジェラルドの暗示が単に別れを告げる風変わりな方法であるかもしれないように。

In a situation like that the small man tries to pick the big man's brains.

そのような状況では、小さな男は大きな男の頭脳を盗もうとする。

So I called up a man I knew in The Carne Organization, a flossy agency in Beverly Hills that specialized in protection for the carriage trade--protection meaning almost anything with one foot inside the law.

The Carne Organization (カーネ・オーガニゼーション) [名] a private investigation agency

Beverly Hills (ビバリーヒルズ) [名] a city in California

carriage trade (上流階級) [名] the wealthy or upper class people

そこで私は、ビバリーヒルズにある上流階級の保護を専門とする派手な代理店、カーネ・オーガニゼーションにいる知り合いに電話をかけた。保護とは、法律の範囲内でほとんど何でもすることを意味する。

The man's name was George Peters and he said he could give me ten minutes if I made it fast.

George Peters (ジョージ・ピーターズ) [名] a man's name

give (割いてくれる) [動] freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone)

make it fast (急ぐ) [動] move or act quickly

その男の名前はジョージ・ピーターズで、急げば10分ほど時間を割いてくれるとのことだった。

They had half the second floor of one of these candy-pink four-storied buildings where the elevator doors open all by themselves with an electric eye, where the corridors are cool and quiet, and the parking lot has a name on every stall, and the druggist off the front lobby has a sprained wrist from filling bottles of sleeping pills.

second floor (2階) [名] the floor of a building above the first floor

these (これらの) [限] used to refer to a group of people or things that are near you or that you are talking about

candy-pink (キャンディピンク) [形] a shade of pink

four-storied (4階建て) [形] having four stories

all by themselves (自分たちだけで) [副] without any help

electric eye (電気アイ) [名] a photoelectric cell

stall (屋台) [名] a small booth or stand where goods are sold

front lobby (フロントロビー) [名] the entrance area of a hotel or other public building

druggist (薬剤師) [名] a person qualified to prepare and dispense drugs

sleeping pill (睡眠薬) [名] a drug that induces sleep

彼らは、エレベーターのドアが電気アイで自動的に開き、廊下が涼しく静かで、駐車場のすべての屋台に名前があり、フロントロビーの薬剤師が睡眠薬の瓶を詰めすぎて手首を捻挫している、キャンディピンクの4階建ての建物の1つの2階の半分を占めていた。

The door was French gray outside with raised metal lettering, as clean and sharp as a new knife.

French gray (フレンチグレー) [名] a gray color with a slight bluish or greenish tinge

raise (浮き出る) [動] to move something to a higher position

lettering (文字) [名] the style or design of letters

ドアの外側はフレンチグレーで、金属製の文字が浮き出ており、新しいナイフのようにきれいで鋭かった。

The Carne Organization, Inc. Gerald C. Carne, President.

The Carne Organization, Inc. (カーネ・オーガニゼーション株式会社) [名] a company

Gerald C. Carne (ジェラルド・C・カーネ) [名] a person

President (社長) [名] the head of a company

カーネ・オーガニゼーション株式会社ジェラルド・C・カーネ社長

Below and smaller: Entrance.

below (下に) [前] in a lower place or position

その下に小さく「入口」と書いてあった。

It might have been an investment trust.

investment trust (投資信託) [名] a company that invests in a variety of securities and sells shares in itself to investors

投資信託だったかもしれない。

Inside was a small and ugly reception room, but the ugliness was deliberate and expensive.

reception room (応接室) [名] a room in a house or hotel where guests can be received

ugliness (醜さ) [名] the quality of being unpleasant to look at

deliberate (意図的) [形] done on purpose

中は小さくて醜い応接室だったが、その醜さは意図的で高価なものだった。

The furniture was scarlet and dark green, the walls were a flat Brunswick green, and the pictures hung on them were framed in a green about three shades darker than that.

scarlet (緋色) [名] a bright red color

dark green (濃い緑色) [名] a shade of green that is dark

flat (平らな) [形] having a level or even surface without raised areas or indentations

Brunswick green (ブランズウィックグリーン) [名] a shade of green that is dark

picture (絵) [名] a painting, drawing, or photograph

hang (掛ける) [動] to be suspended from something

frame (額縁) [名] a rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something such as a door, window, or picture

家具は緋色と濃い緑色で、壁は平らなブランズウィックグリーンで、壁に掛けられた絵は、それよりも3段階ほど暗い緑色の額縁に入れられていた。

The pictures were guys in red coats on big horses that were just crazy to jump over high fences.

red coat (赤いコート) [名] a coat that is red

big horse (大きな馬) [名] a horse that is big

just crazy (狂ったように) [形] very foolish or unreasonable

jump over (飛び越える) [動] to leap or spring over

high fence (高い柵) [名] a fence that is high

絵は、赤いコートを着た男たちが、高い柵を飛び越えようと狂ったように暴れる大きな馬に乗っているものだった。

There were two frameless mirrors tinted a slight but disgusting shade of rose pink.

frameless (フレームのない) [形] without a frame

tint (着色する) [動] to add a small amount of color to something

disgusting (嫌な) [形] causing a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval

rose pink (ローズピンク) [名] a shade of pink that is similar to the color of a rose

フレームのない鏡が2枚あり、わずかだが嫌な色合いのローズピンクに着色されていた。

The magazines on the table of polished primavera were of the latest issue and each one was enclosed in a clear plastic cover.

latest (最新の) [形] most recent

issue (号) [名] a particular edition of a newspaper or periodical

enclose (包む) [動] surround or close off on all sides

plastic (プラスチック) [名] a synthetic material made from petroleum

cover (カバー) [名] something that is placed on or over something else to protect or conceal it

磨かれたプリマヴェーラのテーブルの上の雑誌は最新号で、それぞれ透明なプラスチックのカバーに包まれていた。

The fellow who decorated that room was not a man to let colors scare him.

decorate (装飾する) [動] make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

scare (怖気づく) [動] become afraid or anxious

その部屋を装飾した男は、色に怖気づくような男ではなかった。

He probably wore a pimento shirt, mulberry slacks, zebra shoes, and vermilion drawers with his initials on them in a nice Mandarin orange.

mulberry (桑) [名] a tree that produces edible fruit

zebra (シマウマ) [名] a black and white striped animal

vermilion (朱色) [名] a bright red color

Mandarin orange (マンダリンオレンジ) [名] a type of orange that is easy to peel

彼はおそらく、ピメントのシャツ、桑のスラックス、シマウマの靴、そして朱色の引き出しに、素敵なマンダリンオレンジでイニシャルを描いたものを着ていたのだろう。

The whole thing was just window-dressing.

window-dressing (見かけ倒し) [名] the activity of making something seem better than it really is

すべてはただの見かけ倒しだった。

The clients of The Carne Organization were charged a minimum of one hundred fish per diem and they expected service in their homes.

charge (請求する) [動] ask for a sum of money as a price

minimum (最低) [名] the least or smallest amount or number

one hundred (100) [名] the number 100

per diem (1日あたり) [名] a daily allowance

service (サービス) [名] the action of helping or doing work for someone

カーネ・オーガニゼーションの顧客は、1日あたり最低100匹の魚を請求され、自宅でのサービスを期待していた。

They didn't go sit in no waiting rooms.

go sit (座る) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

彼らは待合室に座ったりしなかった。

Carne was an ex-colonel of military police, a big pink and white guy as hard as a board.

Carne (カーネ) [名] a person's name

ex-colonel (元大佐) [名] a person who used to be a colonel

military police (憲兵) [名] a member of the military police

pink (ピンク) [名] a color intermediate between red and white

board (板) [名] a thin, flat, rectangular piece of wood or other hard material

カーネは元憲兵大佐で、板のように硬いピンクと白の巨漢だった。

He had offered me a job once, but I never got desperate enough to take it.

desperate (必死) [形] having a great need or desire for something

take (引き受ける) [動] accept or receive something offered

彼は一度私に仕事を申し出てくれたが、私はそれを引き受けるほど必死にはならなかった。

There are one hundred and ninety ways of being a bastard and Carne knew all of them.

one hundred and ninety (190) [数] a number

ろくでなしになるには190通りの方法があり、カーネはそのすべてを知っていた。

A rubbed glass partition slid open and a receptionist looked out at me.

rubbed glass (すりガラス) [名] glass that has been made rough by rubbing it with a material such as sandpaper

partition (仕切り) [名] a wall or screen that divides a room into two parts

slide open (開く) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

receptionist (受付係) [名] a person who works in a hotel, office, etc., and whose job is to answer the telephone, greet visitors, etc.

look out (見る) [動] be careful or vigilant

すりガラスの仕切りが開き、受付係が私を見た。

She had an iron smile and eyes that could count the money in your hip wallet.

iron (鉄のような) [形] very hard, strong, or determined

彼女は鉄のような笑顔を浮かべ、腰の財布の中のお金を数えられるような目をしていた。

“Good morning. May I help you?”

may I help you (何かご用でしょうか) [動] a polite way of asking what someone wants

「おはようございます。何かご用でしょうか?」

“George Peters, please.

「ジョージ・ピーターズさんにお願いします。

My name is Marlowe.”

私の名前はマーロウです。」

She put a green leather book on the ledge.

ledge (棚) [名] a narrow shelf or platform projecting from a wall or cliff

彼女は緑の革表紙の本を棚に置いた。

“Is he expecting you, Mr. Marlowe?

「彼はあなたを待っているのでしょうか、マーロウさん?

I don't see your name on the appointment list.”

appointment list (予約リスト) [名] a list of people who have made appointments

予約リストにあなたのお名前がありません。」

“It's a personal matter.

「個人的な用事です。

I just talked to him on the phone.”

on the phone (電話で) [副] using a telephone

彼と電話で話したばかりです。」

“I see. How do you spell your name, Mr. Marlowe?

spell (スペル) [動] write or say the letters that form a word

「なるほど。あなたのお名前のスペルは、マーロウさん?

And your first name, please?”

first name (下の名前) [名] the name that comes first when a person's full name is written out

下のお名前は?」

I told her.

私は彼女に言った。

She wrote it down on a long narrow form, then slipped the edge under a clock punch.

write down (書き留める) [動] to put something in writing

narrow (狭い) [形] having a small width

clock punch (タイムレコーダー) [名] a device that records the time of arrival and departure of employees

彼女はそれを長く狭い用紙に書き、端をタイムレコーダーの下に滑り込ませた。

“Who's that supposed to impress?”

impress (印象づける) [動] to affect someone or something strongly

「誰に印象づけるつもり?」

I asked her.

私は彼女に尋ねた。

“We are very particular about details here,” she said coldly.

particular (こだわっている) [形] having a strong liking for or interest in something

「私たちはここでは細部に非常にこだわっています」と彼女は冷たく言った。

“Colonel Carne says you never know when the most trivial fact may turn out to be vital.”

Colonel Carne (カーネ大佐) [名] a military officer

trivial (些細な) [形] of little value or importance

vital (重要) [形] absolutely necessary or important

「カーネ大佐は、最も些細な事実がいつ重要になるかわからないと言っています」

“Or the other way around,” I said, but she didn't get it.

the other way around (その逆) [名] the opposite of what has been said

「あるいはその逆」と私は言ったが、彼女は理解しなかった。

When she had finished her book work she looked up and said:

彼女は帳簿の仕事を終えると、顔を上げて言った。

“I will announce you to Mr. Peters.”

announce (伝える) [動] make a public and typically formal declaration about a fact, occurrence, or intention

Peters (ピーターズ) [名] a surname

「ピーターズさんにお伝えします」

I told her that made me very happy.

私は彼女に、とても嬉しいと言った。

A minute later a door in the paneling opened and Peters beckoned me into a battleship-gray corridor lined with little offices that looked like cells.

a minute later (一分後) [名] sixty seconds later

paneling (羽目板) [名] a thin, flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material used as a surface to paint on, a surface for an instrument panel, or a protective covering for a wall

beckon (手招きする) [動] to signal or summon with a wave or gesture

battleship (戦艦) [名] a warship of the largest and most heavily armed class

一分後、羽目板の中の扉が開き、ピーターズが私を、独房のような小さな事務所が並ぶ戦艦のような灰色の廊下に手招きした。

His office had soundproofing on the ceiling, a gray steel desk with two matching chairs, a gray dictating machine on a gray stand, a telephone and pen set of the same color as the walls and floor.

soundproofing (防音設備) [名] the reduction of sound transmission

steel (スチール) [名] a hard, strong metal alloy of iron and carbon

stand (スタンド) [名] a support or foundation on which something rests

pen (ペン) [名] an instrument for writing or drawing with ink

彼の事務所は天井に防音設備があり、灰色のスチール製の机に2脚の椅子、灰色のスタンドに灰色のディクテーションマシン、壁や床と同じ色の電話とペンセットがあった。

There were a couple of framed photographs on the walls, one of Carne in uniform, with his snowdrop helmet on, and one of Carne as a civilian seated behind a desk and looking inscrutable.

There were (あった) [動] exist

framed (額入り) [形] having a border or frame

snowdrop (雪のしずく) [名] a small white flower that blooms in early spring

civilian (私服) [名] a person not in the armed services or the police force

seated (座って) [動] be in or assume a sitting position

looking (表情) [動] direct one's gaze

inscrutable (不可解な) [形] hard to understand

壁には額入りの写真が2枚あり、1枚は雪のしずくのようなヘルメットをかぶった制服姿のカーネ、もう1枚は机の前に座って不可解な表情をしている私服姿のカーネだった。

Also framed on the wall was a small inspirational legend in steely letters on a gray background.

frame (額に入れる) [動] put a border around something

steely (鋼のような) [形] made of steel

legend (伝説) [名] a story from the past that is not true

inspirational (感動的な) [形] having the effect of inspiring someone

また、壁には灰色の背景に鋼のような文字で書かれた小さな感動的な伝説が額に入れられていた。

It read:

そこにはこう書かれていた。

A CARNE OPERATIVE DRESSES, SPEAKS AND BEHAVES LIKE A GENTLEMAN AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL PLACES.

operative (工作員) [名] a person who works for an organization that carries out secret or undercover activities

behave (振る舞い) [動] act or conduct oneself in a specified way

カーネの工作員はいつでもどこでも紳士のような服装、話し方、振る舞いをする。

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.

exception (例外) [名] a case that does not conform to a rule or generalization

この規則に例外はない。

Peters crossed the room in two long steps and pushed one of the pictures aside.

cross (横切る) [動] go or extend across

step (歩) [名] the action of moving the foot forward

picture (写真) [名] a representation of the external form of a person or thing in art

ピーターズは2歩で部屋を横切り、写真の1枚を脇に押しやった。

Set into the gray wall behind it was a gray microphone pickup.

set into (設置されている) [動] to be put or placed in or on something

microphone (マイク) [名] an instrument for converting sound waves into electrical signals

pickup (ピックアップ) [名] a small truck with an open back

その背後の灰色の壁には灰色のマイクピックアップが設置されていた。

He pulled it out, unclipped a wire, and pushed it back in place.

unclip (外す) [動] release from a clip

彼はそれを抜き、ワイヤーを外し、元の位置に押し込んだ。

He moved the picture in front of it again.

彼は再びその前に写真を動かした。

“Right now I'd be out of a job,” he said, “except that the son of a bitch is out fixing a drunk-driving rap for some actor.

be out of (ない) [動] to have none of something left

be out (出かける) [動] to be away from home

fixing (解決する) [動] to repair or mend

drunk-driving (飲酒運転) [名] the crime of driving a vehicle while intoxicated

rap (容疑) [名] a criminal charge or accusation

「今は仕事がなくてね」と彼は言った。「あのろくでなしが俳優の飲酒運転の容疑を解決しに出かけちゃってね。

All the mike switches are in his office.

mike (マイク) [名] a device that converts sound into electrical signals

switch (スイッチ) [名] a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit

マイクのスイッチはすべて彼のオフィスにある。

He has the whole joint wired.

joint (店) [名] a place where people can go to buy and consume food and drink

wire (配線) [名] a metal strand or rod used to conduct electricity

彼は店全体に配線を張り巡らせている。

The other morning I suggested to him that he have a microfilm camera installed with infra-red light behind a diaphanous mirror in the reception room.

the other morning (先日) [名] a few days ago

suggest (提案する) [動] put forward for consideration

reception room (受付室) [名] a room in a hotel or office building where guests or visitors are received

diaphanous (透き通った) [形] very thin and transparent

install (設置する) [動] put in place and fix

microfilm camera (マイクロフィルムカメラ) [名] a camera that takes pictures on microfilm

infra-red light (赤外線) [名] electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light but shorter than that of radio waves

先日、私は彼に、受付室の透き通った鏡の裏に赤外線付きのマイクロフィルムカメラを設置することを提案した。

He didn't like the idea too well.

彼はその考えをあまり気に入らなかった。

Maybe because somebody else had it.”

たぶん誰か他の人のものだったからだろう。」

He sat down in one of the hard gray chairs.

彼は硬い灰色の椅子の1つに腰を下ろした。

I stared at him.

私は彼をじっと見つめた。

He was a gawky long-legged man with a bony face and receding hair.

gawky (ぎこちない) [形] awkward and ungainly in movement or manner

long-legged (長い脚の) [形] having long legs

bony (骨ばった) [形] very thin

receding (後退した) [形] moving back or away from a point or limit

彼は骨ばった顔と後退した髪の毛を持つ、ぎこちない長い脚の男だった。

His skin had the worn weathered look of a man who has been out of doors a great deal, in all kinds of weather.

look (外観) [名] the way that someone or something appears

weather (天候) [名] the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place

彼の肌は、あらゆる天候の下で屋外で過ごした人の、使い古された風化した外観をしていた。

He had deep-set eyes and an upper lip almost as long as his nose.

deep-set (落ち窪んだ) [形] set deeply in the face

upper lip (上唇) [名] the upper of the two fleshy parts that form the opening of the mouth

彼は深く落ち窪んだ目と、鼻と同じくらい長い上唇を持っていた。

When he grinned the bottom half of his face disappeared into two enormous ditches that ran from his nostrils to the ends of his wide mouth.

bottom half (下半分) [名] the lower half of something

enormous (巨大な) [形] extremely large

ditch (溝) [名] a long, narrow channel dug in the earth

nostril (鼻の穴) [名] either of the two openings in the nose

彼がニヤリと笑うと、顔の下半分は鼻の穴から広い口の端まで走る2つの巨大な溝に消えた。

“How can you take it?”

「どうやって飲めるんだ?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“Sit down, pal. Breathe quietly, keep your voice down, and remember that a Carne operative is to a cheap shamus like you what Toscanini is to an organ grinder's monkey.”

keep your voice down (声を低くする) [動] speak quietly

Carne (カルネ) [名] a fictional character in the story

organ grinder (手回しオルガン) [名] a person who plays a barrel organ

「座れよ、相棒。静かに息をして、声を低くして、カルネの工作員はあなたのような安っぽい探偵にとって、トスカニーニが手回しオルガンの猿にとってのようなものであることを思い出せ」

He paused and grinned.

彼は立ち止まってニヤリと笑った。

“I take it because I don't give a damn.

give a damn (気にする) [動] care about something

「私は気にしないから飲むんだ。

It's good money and any time Carne starts acting like he thought I was doing time in that maximum-security prison he ran in England during the war, I'll pick up my check and blow.

good money (いいお金) [名] a lot of money

start acting (行動し始める) [動] begin to act

like (ように) [接] in the same way that

thought (思う) [動] have an opinion about something

I was doing time (刑期を終えた) [動] serve a prison sentence

that maximum-security prison (あの厳重警備の刑務所) [名] a prison with the highest level of security

ran (運営していた) [動] manage or direct

in England (イギリスで) [名] a country in Europe

during the war (戦時中に) [名] a period of time during which a war is taking place

I'll pick up (受け取る) [動] take or collect

my check (小切手) [名] a written order to pay a stated sum from a particular account, whereas a cheque is a form of payment that is written on a piece of paper

いいお金だし、カルネが戦時中にイギリスで運営していたあの厳重警備の刑務所で私が刑期を終えたと思っているような行動をしたら、小切手を受け取って吹き飛ばすつもりだ。

What's your trouble?

何が問題なんだ?

I hear you had it rough a while back.”

have it rough (大変な目に遭う) [動] experience difficulties or hardships

a while back (しばらく前) [名] a short time ago

しばらく前に大変だったって聞いたよ」

“No complaints about that.

「それについては不満はない。

I'd like to look at your file on the barred-window boys.

file (ファイル) [名] a collection of related records

barred-window (鉄格子) [形] having bars across the window

鉄格子の少年たちのファイルを見たい。

I know you have one.

持っているのは知っている。

Eddie Dowst told me after he quit here.”

Eddie Dowst (エディ・ドウスト) [名] a person's name

quit (辞める) [動] leave a job, post, or position voluntarily

エディ・ドウストがここを辞めた後に教えてくれた」

He nodded.

彼はうなずいた。

“Eddie was just a mite too sensitive for The Carne Organization.

Eddie (エディ) [名] a male given name

mite (ダニ) [名] a small arachnid that feeds on plants and animals

sensitive (繊細な) [形] quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences

「エディはカーネ・オーガニゼーションにはちょっと繊細すぎた。

The file you mention is top secret.

top secret (極秘) [形] of the highest secrecy

あなたが言及したファイルは極秘だ。

In no circumstances must any confidential information be disclosed to outsiders.

circumstance (状況) [名] a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

disclose (漏らす) [動] make known or public

outsider (部外者) [名] a person who is not a member of a particular group

いかなる状況においても機密情報は部外者に漏らしてはならない。

I'll get it at once.”

すぐに取ってきます」

He went out and I stared at the gray wastebasket and the gray linoleum and the gray leather corners of the desk blotter.

linoleum (リノリウム) [名] a floor covering made from solidified linseed oil

desk blotter (机の吸い取り紙) [名] a sheet of blotting paper used on a desk

彼は出て行き、私は灰色のゴミ箱と灰色のリノリウムと机の吸い取り紙の灰色の革の角を見つめた。

Peters came back with a gray cardboard file in his hand.

ピーターズは灰色のボール紙のファイルを手に持って戻ってきた。

He put it down and opened it.

彼はそれを置いて開いた。

“For Chrissake, haven't you got anything in this place that isn't gray?”

For Chrissake (おい) [間] an expression of annoyance or disgust

haven't got (持っていない) [動] not have

「おい、この場所に灰色じゃないものってないのか?」

“The school colors, my lad.

school (学校) [名] an institution for educating children

「校色だよ、若いの。

The spirit of the organization.

spirit (精神) [名] the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul

organization (組織) [名] an organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department

組織の精神だ。

Yeah, I have something that isn't gray.”

ああ、灰色じゃないものもあるよ」

He pulled a desk drawer open and took out a cigar about eight inches long.

pull (開ける) [動] move or cause to move towards oneself or the origin of the force

cigar (葉巻) [名] a roll of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves

about eight inches long (長さ8インチほど) [形] having a length of about eight inches

彼は机の引き出しを開け、長さ8インチほどの葉巻を取り出した。

“An Upman Thirty,” he said.

Upman Thirty (アップマン・サーティ) [名] a brand of cigar

「アップマン・サーティ」と彼は言った。

“Presented to me by an elderly gent from England who has been forty years in California and still says 'wireless.' Sober he is just an old swish with a good deal of superficial charm, which is all right with me, because most people don't have any, superficial or otherwise, including Carne. He has as much charm as a steel puddler's underpants.

forty years (40年) [名] a period of time equal to 40 years

wireless (無線) [名] a system of communication using radio waves

swish (魅力) [名] a sound made by a whip or sword moving through the air

superficial (表面的な) [形] of or relating to the surface

steel puddler (鉄鋼労働者) [名] a person who works in the steel industry

underpants (下着) [名] a piece of underwear worn under trousers or a skirt

「カリフォルニアに40年住んでいて、まだ『無線』と言うイギリス出身の年配の紳士からもらったんだ。地味な彼は、表面的な魅力を備えたただの年寄りだが、私にはそれでいい。なぜなら、カーネを含め、ほとんどの人は表面的であろうとなかろうと、何の魅力も持っていないからだ。彼は鉄鋼労働者の下着と同じくらいの魅力しかない。

Not sober, the client has a strange habit of writing checks on banks which never heard of him.

have a habit of (習慣がある) [動] do something regularly

地味ではないが、その依頼人は彼のことを聞いたこともない銀行の小切手を書くという奇妙な習慣がある。

He always makes good and with my fond help he has so far stayed out of the icebox.

make good (善いことをしてくれ) [動] to do something that you promised to do

with my fond help (私の愛情のこもった助けで) [名] with my help

stay out of (出ずに済んでいる) [動] to not become involved in something

彼はいつも善いことをしてくれ、私の愛情のこもった助けで、これまでのところ冷蔵庫から出ずに済んでいる。

He gave me this.

彼は私にこれをくれた。

Should we smoke it together, like a couple of Indian chiefs planning a massacre?”

Indian (インディアン) [名] a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the Americas

chief (酋長) [名] the head of a tribe or other similar group

massacre (虐殺) [名] the killing of a large number of people

虐殺を計画しているインディアンの酋長のように、一緒に吸おうか?」

“I can't smoke cigars.”

「葉巻は吸えない」

Peters looked at the huge cigar sadly.

huge (巨大な) [形] extremely large

ピーターズは巨大な葉巻を悲しそうに見つめた。

“Same here,” he said.

same here (私もだ) [句] I agree with you

「私もだ」と彼は言った。

“I thought of giving it to Carne. But it's not really a one-man cigar, even when the one man is Carne.”

Carne (カーン) [名] a character in the story

one-man (一人) [形] involving only one person

「カーンにあげようと思ったんだ。でも、カーンでさえ一人で吸うには大きすぎる」

He frowned.

彼は眉をひそめた。

“You know something?

「何か知ってる?

I'm talking too much about Carne. I must be edgy.”

talk too much (口が滑る) [動] say more than you should

edgy (イライラしている) [形] feeling or showing nervousness or anxiety

カーンについつい口が滑った。私はイライラしているに違いない」

He dropped the cigar back in the drawer and looked at the open file.

彼は葉巻を再び引き出しに落とし、開いたファイルを見た。

“Just what do we want from this?”

「私たちはこれから何を望むのか?」

“I'm looking for a well-heeled alcoholic with expensive tastes and money to gratify them.

alcoholic (アルコール依存症) [名] a person who has a medical condition in which they are unable to control their drinking of alcohol

taste (趣味) [名] a person's liking for a particular thing

gratify (満足させる) [動] give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction

「私は高価な趣味とそれを満足させるお金を持つ裕福なアルコール依存症を探している。

So far he hasn't gone in for check-bouncing.

go in for (手を染める) [動] to be interested in or involved with something

check-bouncing (小切手詐欺) [名] the act of writing a check for an amount greater than the balance in the account

これまでのところ、彼は小切手詐欺には手を染めていない。

I haven't heard so anyway.

haven't heard (聞いていない) [動] have not heard

とにかく私はそうは聞いていない。

He has a streak of violence and his wife is worried about him.

have a streak of (傾向がある) [動] to have a tendency to do something

violence (暴力) [名] behavior involving physical force intended to hurt or kill someone

彼には暴力的な傾向があり、妻は彼のことを心配している。

She thinks he's hid out in some sobering-up joint but she can't be sure.

hide out (隠れる) [動] go into hiding

sobering-up joint (酔い覚ましの店) [名] a place where people can go to sober up

can't be sure (確信が持てない) [動] not be certain about something

彼女は彼がどこかの酔い覚ましの店に隠れていると思っているが、確信は持てない。

The only clue we have is a jingle mentioning a Dr. V.

clue (手掛かり) [名] a fact or piece of information that helps you to understand or find out something

私たちが持っている唯一の手掛かりは、V博士に言及しているジングルだけだ。

Just the initial.

イニシャルだけだ。

My man is gone three days now.”

be gone (帰っていない) [動] to have left a place and not yet returned

私の夫は3日間も帰っていません」

Peters stared at me thoughtfully.

thoughtfully (じっと) [副] in a thoughtful manner

ピーターズは私をじっと見つめた。

“That's not too long,” he said.

「それほど長くはない」と彼は言った。

“What's to worry about?”

「何を心配することがあるんだ?」

“If I find him first, I get paid.”

get paid (報酬がもらえる) [動] receive money for work or a service

「私が彼を最初に見つけたら、報酬がもらえる」

He looked at me some more and shook his head.

彼は私をもう少し見つめて、首を横に振った。

“I don't get it, but that's okay. We'll see.”

「わからないけど、それはいい。様子を見よう」

He began to turn the pages of the file.

turn (めくる) [動] move around an axis or a center

page (ページ) [名] one side of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, or newspaper

彼はファイルのページをめくり始めた。

“It's not too easy,” he said.

「それはあまり簡単ではない」と彼は言った。

“These people come and go.

「この人たちは行き来する。

A single letter ain't much of a lead.”

single (一通の) [形] only one

lead (手がかり) [名] a piece of information that may help you solve a problem or find something

一通の手紙では大した手がかりにはならない」

He pulled a page out of the folder, turned some more pages, pulled another, and finally a third.

pull (引き抜く) [動] move something towards oneself or away from its original position

third (三枚目) [名] the one coming after the second in position

彼はフォルダーから一枚のページを引き抜き、さらに何枚かページをめくり、もう一枚引き抜き、そして最後に三枚目を引き抜いた。

“Three of them here,” he said.

「ここに三枚ある」と彼は言った。

“Dr. Amos Varley, an osteopath.

Dr. (医師) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

Amos Varley (アモス・バーリー) [名] a person's name

osteopath (整骨医) [名] a person qualified to practice osteopathy

「整骨医のアモス・バーリー医師。

Big place in Altadena. Makes or used to make night calls for fifty bucks.

Altadena (アルタデナ) [名] a city in California

night call (夜間往診) [名] a visit by a doctor to a patient at night

fifty bucks (五十ドル) [名] fifty dollars

アルタデナにある大きな家だ。夜間往診を五十ドルでやっている、あるいはやっていた。

Two registered nurses.

registered nurse (看護師) [名] a person qualified to provide nursing care

看護師が二人。

Was in a hassle with the State Narcotics people a couple of years back, and turned in his prescription book.

State Narcotics (州の麻薬取締官) [名] a person who is employed by the government to enforce the laws against illegal drugs

a couple of years back (二年前) [名] two years ago

prescription (処方箋) [名] a written order from a doctor that allows you to buy medicine

二年前に州の麻薬取締官とトラブルを起こして、処方箋を返上した。

This information is not really up to date.”

up to date (最新の) [形] having the latest information

この情報は最新のものではない」

I wrote down the name and address in Altadena.

私はアルタデナの名前と住所を書き留めた。

“Then we have Dr. Lester Vukanich. Ear, Nose, and Throat, Stockwell Building, on Hollywood Boulevard.

Lester Vukanich (レスター・ヴカニッチ) [名] a person's name

Ear, Nose, and Throat (耳鼻咽喉科) [名] a branch of medicine that deals with the ear, nose, and throat

Stockwell Building (ストックウェルビル) [名] a building's name

「それからレスター・ヴカニッチ医師がいる。耳鼻咽喉科、ハリウッド大通りのストックウェルビル。

This one's a dilly.

dilly (すごい) [名] something excellent or remarkable

これはすごい。

Office practice mostly, and seems to sort of specialize in chronic sinus infections.

office practice (診療所) [名] a business or place where medicine is practiced

chronic (慢性的な) [形] having a long and severe course

sinus infection (副鼻腔炎) [名] inflammation of the sinuses

ほとんどが診療所で、慢性副鼻腔炎を専門にしているようだ。

Rather a neat routine.

かなりきちんとした日課だ。

You go in and complain of a sinus headache and he washes out your antrums for you.

complain (訴える) [動] express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something

sinus headache (副鼻腔の頭痛) [名] a headache caused by inflammation of the sinuses

wash out (洗い流す) [動] clean or rinse something by washing it

antrum (上顎洞) [名] a cavity or chamber within a bone

行って副鼻腔の頭痛を訴えると、彼はあなたの上顎洞を洗い流してくれる。

First of course he has to anesthetize with Novocain.

anesthetize (麻酔をかける) [動] cause to lose sensation

Novocain (ノボカイン) [名] a local anesthetic

もちろん、最初にノボカインで麻酔をかけなければならない。

But if he likes your looks it don't have to be Novocain.

しかし、彼があなたの容姿を気に入れば、ノボカインである必要はない。

Catch?”

分かったか?」

“Sure.”

「もちろん」

I wrote that one down.

私はそれを書き留めた。

“This is good,” Peters went on, reading some more.

go on (読み進める) [動] continue an action

「これはいい」ピーターズはさらに読み進めた。

“Obviously his trouble would be supplies.

「明らかに彼の悩みは物資の補給だ。

So our Dr. Vukanich does a lot of fishing off Ensenada and flies down in his own plane.”

Dr. Vukanich (ヴカニッチ博士) [名] a doctor

Ensenada (エンセナダ) [名] a city in Mexico

だから我々のヴカニッチ博士はエンセナダ沖でよく釣りをするし、自分の飛行機で飛んで行くんだ」

“I wouldn't think he'd last long if he brings the dope in himself,” I said.

last (続く) [動] continue or be able to continue for a specified period of time

bring (運び込む) [動] take or carry someone or something to a place

「自分で麻薬を運び込んでいたら長続きしないと思うが」と私は言った。

Peters thought about that and shook his head.

ピーターズはそれについて考えて首を横に振った。

“I don't think I agree.

「同意できないな。

He could last forever if he's not too greedy.

forever (永遠に) [副] for all time; eternally

greedy (欲張り) [形] having or showing a strong desire for more of something than is needed

欲張りすぎなければ永遠に続くかもしれない。

His only real danger is a discontented customer--pardon me, I mean patient--but he probably knows how to handle that.

danger (危険) [名] the possibility of suffering harm or injury

discontented (不満を持った) [形] unhappy about something

pardon (失礼) [動] to forgive someone for a crime or offense

彼の唯一の本当の危険は不満を持った顧客だ--失礼、患者のことだ--しかし彼はおそらくそれをどう扱うか知っているだろう。

He's had fifteen years in the same office.”

have (過ごす) [動] experience; spend

fifteen years (15年) [名] a period of time equal to 15 years

彼は同じオフィスで15年過ごした」

“Where the hell do you get this stuff?”

where the hell (いったいどこで) [名] a place that is very far away

「いったいどこでこんなものを手に入れたんだ?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“We're an organization, my boy.

「私たちは組織だ、坊や。

Not a lone wolf like you.

あなたのような一匹狼ではない。

Some we get from the clients themselves, some we get from the inside.

一部はクライアント自身から、一部は内部から入手する。

Carne's not afraid to spend money.

be afraid to (恐れる) [動] be scared or frightened of

カーンはお金を使うことを恐れない。

He's a good mixer when he wants to be.”

good mixer (社交的) [名] a person who is good at socializing

when he wants to (そうしたい時には) [副] at the time that he wants to

彼はそうしたい時には社交的だ」

“He'd love this conversation.”

love (大好きだろう) [動] be extremely fond of

conversation (会話) [名] informal talk between two or more people

「彼はこの会話が大好きだろう」

“Screw him. Our last offering today is a man named Verringer.

screw (ねじ込む) [動] to fasten or be fastened with a screw

offering (提供) [名] something that is offered

Verringer (ヴェリンジャー) [名] a man's name

「彼をねじ込め。今日の最後の提供はヴェリンジャーという男だ。

The operative who filed on him is long gone.

file (提出する) [動] to put a document in a file

long (とっくに) [副] for a long time

gone (いなくなっている) [動] to have left a place

彼を提出させた工作員はとっくにいなくなっている。

Seems a lady poet suicided at Verringer's ranch in Sepulveda Canyon one time.

poet (詩人) [名] a person who writes poems

suicide (自殺) [名] the act of intentionally taking one's own life

ranch (牧場) [名] a large farm where cattle or horses are bred

Sepulveda Canyon (セプルベダキャニオン) [名] a canyon in California

かつてセプルベダキャニオンのヴェリンジャーの牧場で女性詩人が自殺したらしい。

He runs a sort of art colony for writers and such who want seclusion and a congenial atmosphere.

run (運営する) [動] be in charge or in control of

art colony (アートコロニー) [名] a place where artists live and work together

seclusion (隔離) [名] the state of being secluded or isolated

congenial (相性の良い) [形] pleasant because of a personality, atmosphere, or environment that is friendly and easy to be with

彼は作家や隔離や相性の良い雰囲気を望む人々のために一種のアートコロニーを運営している。

Rates moderate.

rate (料金) [名] a price or charge

moderate (手頃) [形] not extreme or excessive

料金は手頃だ。

He sounds legit.

sound (ようだ) [動] give the impression of being

legit (正当な) [形] legal; lawful

彼は正当なようだ。

He calls himself doctor, but doesn't practice medicine.

call oneself (自分を呼ぶ) [動] to refer to oneself as

practice medicine (医療行為をする) [動] to work as a doctor

彼は自分を医者と呼んでいるが、医療行為はしていない。

Could be a Ph.D.

Ph.D. (博士号) [名] a doctorate

博士号かもしれない。

Frankly, I don't know why he's in here.

frankly (率直に言って) [副] in a direct and honest way

率直に言って、彼がなぜここにいるのかわからない。

Unless there was something about this suicide.”

この自殺について何かあったのでない限り。」

He picked up a newspaper clipping pasted to a blank sheet.

newspaper clipping (新聞の切り抜き) [名] a piece of text cut out from a newspaper

paste (貼る) [動] to stick something onto something else using glue or a similar sticky substance

彼は白紙に貼られた新聞の切り抜きを拾い上げた。

“Yeah, overdose of morphine.

overdose (過剰摂取) [名] an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug

morphine (モルヒネ) [名] a drug used to relieve pain

「ああ、モルヒネの過剰摂取だ。

No suggestion Verringer knew anything about it.”

suggestion (示唆) [名] a statement or question that implies or hints at something

ヴェリンジャーがそれについて何か知っていたという示唆はない。」

“I like Verringer,” I said.

「私はヴェリンジャーが好きだ」と私は言った。

“I like him very much.”

「私は彼がとても好きだ」

Peters closed the file and slapped it.

slap (叩く) [動] hit with the open hand

ピーターズはファイルを閉じて、それを叩いた。

“You haven't seen this,” he said.

「君はこれをまだ見ていない」と彼は言った。

He got up and left the room.

彼は立ち上がって部屋を出て行った。

When he came back I was standing up to leave.

彼が戻ってきた時、私は立ち上がって帰ろうとしていた。

I started to thank him, but he shook it off.

shake off (振り払う) [動] get rid of something

私は彼に感謝し始めたが、彼はそれを振り払った。

“Look,” he said, “there must be hundreds of places where your man could be.”

there must be (あるはずだ) [助] used to express a strong belief that something is very likely

hundreds (何百) [名] the number 100 multiplied by ten

「いいかい」と彼は言った。「君の探している男がいる場所は何百もあるはずだ」

I said I knew that.

私はそれを知っていると言った。

“And by the way, I heard something about your friend Lennox that might interest you.

「ところで、君の友人レノックスについて君が興味を持つかもしれないことを聞いたんだ。

One of our boys ran across a fellow in New York five or six years ago that answers the description exactly.

run across (出会う) [動] meet or find by chance

five or six years ago (5、6年前) [名] a period of time

answer (合う) [動] be correct or satisfactory for

description (説明) [名] a statement or account giving the characteristics of someone or something

うちの捜査員の一人が5、6年前にニューヨークでその説明にぴったり合う男に出会ったんだ。

But the guy's name was not Lennox, he says.

でもその男の名前はレノックスではなかったと彼は言う。

It was Marston.

Marston (マーストン) [名] a surname

マーストンだった。

Of course he could be wrong.

もちろん彼が間違っている可能性もある。

The guy was drunk all the time, so you couldn't really be sure.”

be sure (確かなこと) [動] to be certain or confident about something

その男はいつも酔っ払っていたから、本当に確かなことは言えないんだ。」

I said: “I doubt if it was the same man.

私は言った。「同じ男だったかどうかは疑わしい。

Why would he change his name?

なぜ彼は名前を変えたのだろうか?

He had a war record that could be checked.”

彼には確認できる戦争記録があった。」

“I didn't know that.

「それは知らなかった。

Our man's in Seattle right now.

Seattle (シアトル) [名] a city in the U.S. state of Washington

我々の男は今シアトルにいる。

You can talk to him when he gets back, if it means anything to you.

彼が戻ったら彼と話せるよ、もしそれが君にとって何か意味があるなら。

His name is Ashterfelt.”

Ashterfelt (アシュターフェルト) [名] a person's name

彼の名前はアシュターフェルトだ。」

“Thanks for everything, George.

thanks (感謝) [名] a feeling of gratitude

George (ジョージ) [名] a male given name

「全てに感謝するよ、ジョージ。

It was a pretty long ten minutes.”

かなり長い10分だったよ。」

“I might need your help some day.”

day (いつか) [名] a period of time during which the earth completes one rotation on its axis

「いつか君の助けが必要になるかもしれない。」

“The Carne Organization,” I said, “never needs anything from anybody.”

Carne Organization (カーネ・オーガニゼーション) [名] a fictional organization in the story

「カーネ・オーガニゼーションは」と私は言った、「誰からも何も必要としない。」

He made a rude gesture with his thumb.

彼は親指で下品なジェスチャーをした。

I left him in his metallic gray cell and departed through the waiting room.

depart (去る) [動] go away from a place

私は彼を金属製の灰色の独房に残して、待合室を通って去った。

It looked fine now.

今はきれいに見えた。

The loud colors made sense after the cell block.

loud (派手な) [形] having a strong or intense color

cell block (独房棟) [名] a section of a prison containing cells

独房棟の後では派手な色が理にかなっていた。

[16]

Back from the highway at the bottom of Sepulveda Canyon were two square yellow gateposts.

highway (ハイウェイ) [名] a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities

gatepost (門柱) [名] a post on which a gate is hung

セプルベダキャニオンの底のハイウェイから後ろには2本の四角い黄色い門柱があった。

A five-barred gate hung open from one of them.

five-barred gate (5本の横木のついた門) [名] a gate with five horizontal bars

hang open (開いたままかかっている) [動] to be in a state of being open

そのうちの1本に5本の横木のついた門が開いたままかかっていた。

Over the entrance was a sign hung on wire: PRIVATE ROAD. NO ADMITTANCE.

sign (看板) [名] a board with words on it giving information or instructions

no admittance (立ち入り禁止) [名] a sign indicating that people are not allowed to enter a place

入口の上にはワイヤーで吊るされた看板があった。私道。立ち入り禁止。

The air was warm and quiet and full of the tomcat smell of eucalyptus trees.

warm (暖かい) [形] having or giving out heat to a moderate or slight degree

tomcat (雄猫) [名] a male cat

空気は暖かく静かでユーカリの木の雄猫の匂いが充満していた。

I turned in and followed a graveled road around the shoulder of a hill, up a gentle slope, over a ridge and down the other side into a shallow valley.

turn in (中に入る) [動] go to bed

follow (たどる) [動] go after someone or something

graveled road (砂利道) [名] a road made of gravel

gentle slope (なだらかな坂) [名] a slope that is not steep

ridge (尾根) [名] a long narrow hill

shallow valley (浅い谷) [名] a valley that is not deep

私は中に入り、丘の肩の周りの砂利道をたどり、なだらかな坂を上り、尾根を越えて反対側を下り、浅い谷に入った。

It was hot in the valley, ten or fifteen degrees hotter than on the highway.

valley (谷) [名] an area of low land between hills

fifteen (15) [数] the number 15

degree (度) [名] a unit of measurement of temperature

谷は暑く、高速道路よりも10度か15度高かった。

I could see now that the graveled road ended in a loop around some grass edged with stones that had been lime-washed.

end (終わる) [動] come to an end; stop

loop (輪) [名] a shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself

grass (草) [名] a plant with narrow leaves growing from the base

edge (縁取る) [動] form the edge of

stone (石) [名] a hard solid nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material

lime-wash (石灰で洗う) [動] to paint with a mixture of lime and water

砂利道が石灰で洗われた石で縁取られた草の周りの輪で終わっているのが今わかった。

Off to my left there was an empty swimming pool, and nothing ever looks emptier than an empty swimming pool.

off to (~のそばに) [前] near or next to

left (左) [名] the direction or position on the same side as the hand that most people write with

emptier (もっと空っぽに) [形] more empty

私の左手には空のプールがあり、空のプールほど空っぽに見えるものはない。

Around three sides of it there was what remained of a lawn dotted with redwood lounging chairs with badly faded pads on them.

remain (残骸) [動] be left after others have gone

lawn (芝生) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

dot (点在する) [動] be scattered over

lounge (ラウンジ) [動] lie, sit, or stand in a relaxed way

badly (ひどく) [副] in a very bad manner

fade (色あせる) [動] lose brightness or vividness

pad (パッド) [名] a piece of soft material used as protection or support

その三方の周りには、芝生の残骸があり、そこにはひどく色あせたパッドが付いたレッドウッドのラウンジチェアが点在していた。

The pads had been of many colors, blue, green, yellow, orange, rust red.

パッドは青、緑、黄色、オレンジ、赤錆など多くの色があった。

Their edge bindings had come loose in spots, the buttons had popped, and the pads were bloated where this had happened.

edge binding (縁のバインディング) [名] a strip of material that is sewn or otherwise attached to the edge of something

come loose (緩む) [動] to become unfastened or detached

spot (所々) [名] a particular place, area, or location

pop (飛び出す) [動] to move or cause to move suddenly or quickly

bloat (膨らむ) [動] to become or cause to become swollen or distended

縁のバインディングが所々緩んでボタンが飛び出し、パッドが膨らんでいた。

On the fourth side there was the high wire fence of a tennis court.

on the fourth side (四方には) [名] on all four sides

high wire fence (高さのある金網フェンス) [名] a fence made of wire that is high

tennis court (テニスコート) [名] a place where tennis is played

四方にはテニスコートの高さのある金網フェンスがあった。

The diving board over the empty pool looked knee-sprung and tired.

diving board (飛び込み台) [名] a board from which people dive into a swimming pool

knee-sprung (膝が曲がった) [形] having a bent knee

空のプールの上の飛び込み台は膝が曲がって疲れているように見えた。

Its matting covering hung in shreds and its metal fittings were flaked with rust.

matting (マット) [名] a piece of rough fabric

covering (カバー) [名] something that covers something else

shred (ボロボロ) [名] a small piece of something

metal (金具) [名] a hard, shiny substance

rust (錆) [名] a reddish-brown substance that forms on metals when they are exposed to moisture

マットカバーはボロボロになっており、金具は錆びていた。

I came to the turning loop and stopped in front of a redwood building with a shake roof and a wide front porch.

porch (ポーチ) [名] a covered area at the entrance to a house or building

私は曲がり角に来て、屋根が揺れ、広い玄関ポーチがあるレッドウッドの建物の前に止まった。

The entrance had double screen doors.

screen door (網戸) [名] a door that has a screen to keep out insects

入り口には二重の網戸があった。

Large black flies dozed on the screens.

large (大きい) [形] of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity

fly (ハエ) [名] a small winged insect

doze (居眠りする) [動] sleep lightly or fitfully

screen (網戸) [名] a device used to protect an opening, such as a window, from insects

大きな黒いハエが網戸で居眠りをしていた。

Paths led off among the ever green and always dusty California oaks and among the oaks there were rustic cabins scattered loosely over the side of the hill, some almost completely hidden.

path (小道) [名] a way or track made by people walking

lead off (抜ける) [動] to go first

ever green (常緑) [形] always green

among (間に) [前] in the middle of

rustic (素朴な) [形] simple and without much decoration

cabin (小屋) [名] a small simple house, especially one made of wood

scattered (散らばって) [動] to throw around in an untidy way

completely (完全に) [副] totally

小道は常緑でいつも埃っぽいカリフォルニアのオークの間を抜け、オークの中には丘の側面に散らばって素朴な小屋があり、いくつかはほとんど完全に隠れていた。

Those I could see had that desolate out-of-season look.

those (小屋) [名] the ones that

could see (見ることができた) [動] be able to see

desolate (荒涼とした) [形] giving an impression of bleak and dismal emptiness

out-of-season (季節外れの) [形] not in season

私が見ることができた小屋は、季節外れの荒涼とした外観をしていた。

Their doors were shut, their windows were blanked by drawn curtains of monk's cloth or something on that order.

shut (閉じる) [動] move a door or window so as to leave no space

blank (覆う) [動] cover or block out

curtain (カーテン) [名] a piece of material that hangs from the top of a window

monk (僧侶) [名] a member of a religious order that usually takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

cloth (布) [名] a piece of fabric

ドアは閉じられ、窓は僧侶の布か何かでできたカーテンで覆われていた。

You could almost feel the thick dust on their sills.

sill (窓枠) [名] a piece of wood or stone forming the bottom part of a window

窓枠の厚い埃をほとんど感じることができた。

I switched off the ignition and sat there with my hands on the wheel listening.

ignition (イグニッション) [名] the process of starting a fire or combustion

wheel (ハンドル) [名] a circular object that revolves on an axle and is fixed below a vehicle or other object to enable it to move easily over the ground

私はイグニッションを切り、ハンドルに手を置いて座って耳を傾けた。

There was no sound.

音はなかった。

The place seemed to be as dead as Pharaoh, except that the doors behind the double screens were open and something moved in the dimness of the room beyond.

Pharaoh (ファラオ) [名] the title of the ancient Egyptian kings

double screen (二重スクリーン) [名] a screen with two layers

dimness (薄暗がり) [名] the state of being dim

二重スクリーンの後ろのドアが開いていて、向こうの部屋の薄暗がりの中で何かが動いていることを除いて、その場所はファラオのように死んでいるようだった。

Then I heard a light accurate whistling and a man's figure showed against the screen, pushed it open and strolled down the steps.

accurate (正確な) [形] exact or correct in all details; true

whistling (口笛) [名] the act of producing a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing breath out through a small opening between pursed lips

figure (姿) [名] the external form, shape, or outline of someone or something

show (映る) [動] be visible or noticeable

screen (スクリーン) [名] a flat surface on which pictures or other visual images are shown

すると、軽く正確な口笛が聞こえ、スクリーンに男の姿が映り、それを押し開けて階段を降りてきた。

He was something to see.

彼は見るべきものだった。

He wore a flat black gaucho hat with the woven strap under his chin.

gaucho hat (ガウチョ帽子) [名] a hat with a wide brim and a flat crown

woven strap (編み込みのストラップ) [名] a strap made by weaving

彼は平らな黒いガウチョ帽子をかぶり、あごの下に編み込みのストラップをかけていた。

He wore a white silk shirt, spotlessly clean, open at the throat, with tight wristlets and loose puffed sleeves above.

spotlessly (しみ一つなく) [副] in a spotless manner

wristlet (手首の部分) [名] a band or bracelet worn on the wrist

puff (膨らむ) [動] to become or cause to become swollen or distended with air or gas

彼は白いシルクのシャツを着ていたが、それはしみ一つなくきれいで、首元が開いており、手首の部分はきつく、袖はゆったりと膨らんでいた。

Around his neck a black fringed scarf was knotted unevenly so that one end was short and the other dropped almost to his waist.

around (周りに) [前] on every side of

unevenly (不均等に) [副] not level or smooth

drop (垂れ下がる) [動] fall or cause to fall

首には黒いフリンジのついたスカーフを不均等に結び、片方の端は短く、もう片方の端は腰まで垂れ下がっていた。

He wore a wide black sash and black pants, skin-tight at the hips, coal black, and stitched with gold thread down the side to where they were slashed and belled out loosely with gold buttons along both sides of the slash.

sash (帯) [名] a long piece of cloth worn around the waist or over the shoulder

pants (ズボン) [名] a garment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs

skin-tight (肌に密着した) [形] fitting very closely to the body

hips (腰) [名] the part of the body on both sides of the pelvis between the waist and the upper legs

coal black (石炭のように黒い) [形] very black

stitch (縫い目) [名] a single pass of a needle and thread through fabric

slash (切り込み) [名] a long cut or opening

彼は幅広の黒い帯と黒いズボンをはいていたが、腰の部分は肌に密着し、石炭のように黒く、側面には金糸で縫い目が施され、切り込みの両側に金ボタンが付いていて、ゆったりと広がっていた。

On his feet he wore patent-leather dancing pumps.

patent-leather (エナメル革) [名] a leather with a glossy varnished surface

dancing (ダンス) [名] the activity of moving rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

pump (ダンスシューズ) [名] a light shoe with a thin sole

足元にはエナメル革のダンスシューズを履いていた。

He stopped at the foot of the steps and looked at me, still whistling.

彼は階段のふもとで立ち止まり、口笛を吹きながら私を見た。

He was as lithe as a whip.

lithe (しなやか) [形] moving and bending easily and gracefully

whip (鞭) [名] a strip of leather or other flexible material used as a weapon or to urge on an animal

彼は鞭のようにしなやかだった。

He had the largest and emptiest smoke-colored eyes I had ever seen, under long silky lashes.

smoke-colored (煙色の) [形] having the color of smoke

silky (絹のような) [形] made of or resembling silk

彼は長い絹のようなまつげの下に、私が今まで見た中で最も大きく、最も空虚な煙色の目をしていた。

His features were delicate and perfect without being weak.

feature (顔立ち) [名] a part of the face

perfect (完璧な) [形] having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be

彼の顔立ちは繊細で完璧だったが、弱々しくはなかった。

His nose was straight and almost but not quite thin, his mouth was a handsome pout, there was a dimple in his chin, and his small ears nestled gracefully against his head.

handsome (ハンサム) [形] (of a man) good-looking

pout (口を尖らせる) [動] push one's lips forward as an expression of displeasure

dimple (くぼみ) [名] a small depression in the flesh, either naturally occurring or as a result of injury

nestle (寄り添う) [動] settle or lie comfortably within or against something

彼の鼻はまっすぐで、ほとんど薄かったが、それほど薄くはなかった。口はハンサムな口を尖らせ、あごにはくぼみがあり、小さな耳は優雅に頭に寄り添っていた。

His skin had that heavy pallor which the sun never touches.

heavy (重い) [形] of great weight

pallor (青白さ) [名] an unhealthy pale appearance

彼の肌は、太陽が決して触れることのない、あの重い青白さをしていた。

He struck an attitude with his left hand on a hip and his right made a graceful curve in the air.

strike an attitude (ポーズをとる) [動] to assume a particular pose or attitude

left hand (左手) [名] the hand on the left side of the body

right (右手) [名] the hand on the right side of the body

彼は左手を腰に当ててポーズをとり、右手は優雅な曲線を描いた。

“Greetings,” he said.

greeting (挨拶) [名] a polite expression of goodwill

「こんにちは」と彼は言った。

“Lovely day, isn't it?”

isn't it (ですね) [他] used to turn a statement into a yes-no question

「いい日ですね」

“Pretty hot in here for me.”

「ここは私には暑すぎる」

“I like it hot.”

「私は暑いのが好きだ」

The statement was flat and final and closed the discussion.

statement (言葉) [名] a declaration or remark

flat (単調) [形] lacking interest or excitement

final (最終的) [形] coming at the end of a series

close (終わらせる) [動] bring or come to an end

その言葉は単調で最終的で、議論を終わらせた。

What I liked was beneath his notice.

beneath (眼中にない) [前] below the level or surface of

私の好みは彼の眼中になかった。

He sat down on a step, produced a long file from somewhere, and began to file his fingernails.

produce (取り出す) [動] to make or create something

file (やすり) [名] a tool with a rough surface that is used to make something smooth

彼は階段に腰を下ろし、どこからか長いやすりを取り出し、爪をやすり始めた。

“You from the bank?” he asked without looking up.

「銀行から来たのかい?」彼は顔を上げずに尋ねた。

“I'm looking for Dr. Verringer.”

Dr. (先生) [名] a person who has earned a doctorate (e.g. PhD)

「ヴェリンジャー先生を探しているのですが」

He stopped working with the file and looked off into the warm distance.

work (かける) [動] be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose of result

look off (眺める) [動] look away from something

彼はやすりをかけるのをやめ、暖かい遠くを眺めた。

“Who's he?” he asked with no possible interest.

no possible interest (全く興味がない) [名] a lack of interest in something

「誰だ?」彼は全く興味がなさそうに尋ねた。

“He owns the place.

「ここの持ち主です。

Laconic as hell, aren't you?

laconic (無口な) [形] using very few words

as hell (とても) [副] to a great extent

aren't you (ですね) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

とても無口ですね。

As if you didn't know.”

知らないふりをして」

He went back to his file and fingernails.

go back to (戻る) [動] return to a previous state or condition

彼はまた爪やすりに戻った。

“You got told wrong, sweetie.

get told (聞く) [動] be informed of something

sweetie (お嬢ちゃん) [名] a term of endearment for a young woman

「間違った情報を聞いたんだな、お嬢ちゃん。

The bank owns the place.

銀行が所有している。

They done foreclosed it or it's in escrow or something.

foreclose (差し押さえる) [動] take possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up their mortgage payments

escrow (第三者預託) [名] a bond, deed, or other document kept in the custody of a third party until a specified condition has been fulfilled

差し押さえられたか、第三者預託か何かだ。

I forget the details.”

詳細は忘れた」

He looked up at me with the expression of a man to whom details mean nothing.

彼は詳細など何の意味も持たない男の表情で私を見上げた。

I got out of the Olds and leaned against the hot door, then I moved away from that to where there was some air.

move away from (離れる) [動] go in a different direction from

私はオールズモビルから降りて熱いドアに寄りかかり、それから少し空気のある場所に移動した。

“Which bank would that be?”

be (ですか) [助] used with the present participle of a verb to form the continuous tenses

「それはどこの銀行ですか?」

“You don't know, you don't come from there.

come from (来たわけではない) [動] to have a particular place as your home or origin

「知らないでしょう、あなたはそこから来たわけではない。

You don't come from there, you don't have any business here.

have no business (用事がない) [動] have no reason to be in a place

あなたはそこから来たわけではないし、ここでは用事もない。

Hit the trail, sweetie.

hit the trail (道をたどる) [動] to follow a path or road

sweetie (お嬢さん) [名] a young woman

道をたどりなさい、お嬢さん。

Buzz off but fast.”

buzz off (失せろ) [動] go away

とっとと失せろ」

“I have to find Dr. Verringer.”

Dr. Verringer (ヴェリンジャー博士) [名] a doctor

「ヴェリンジャー博士に会わなければならない」

“The joint's not operating, sweetie.

operate (営業する) [動] be open for business

「ここは営業してないんだよ、お嬢さん。

Like it says on the sign, this is a private road.

看板にあるように、ここは私道だ。

Some gopher forgot to lock the gate.”

gate (門) [名] a hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall, fence, or hedge

誰かが門の鍵をかけ忘れたんだ」

“You the caretaker?”

caretaker (管理人) [名] a person who takes care of a building or property

「管理人ですか?」

“Sort of. Don't ask any more questions, sweetie.

sort of (まあ) [副] to some extent; in some way

sweetie (いい子) [名] a person who is kind and gentle

「まあ、そんなところだ。いい子だから、もう質問しないで。

My temper's not reliable.”

reliable (当てになる) [形] able to be trusted or depended on

私の気分は当てにならない」

“What do you do when you get mad--dance a tango with a ground squirrel?”

get mad (怒る) [動] become angry

dance (踊る) [動] move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

「怒ったらどうするんだ? リスとタンゴでも踊るのか?」

He stood up suddenly and gracefully.

gracefully (優雅に) [副] in a way that is smooth and attractive

彼は突然優雅に立ち上がった。

He smiled a minute, an empty smile.

彼はしばらく空虚な笑みを浮かべた。

“Looks like I got to toss you back in your little old convertible,” he said.

convertible (オープンカー) [名] a car with a roof that can be folded down

「あなたをあの古いオープンカーに放り込むしかないようだな」と彼は言った。

“Later. Where would I find Dr. Verringer about now?”

about now (今頃) [副] at this time; now

「後で。今頃ヴェリンジャー博士はどこにいるだろうか?」

He pocketed his file in his shirt and something else took its place in his right hand.

pocket (ポケットに入れる) [動] put something in a pocket

彼はファイルをシャツのポケットに入れ、右手には何か別のものが握られていた。

A brief motion and he had a fist with shining brass knuckles on it.

motion (動き) [名] the action or process of moving or being moved

素早い動きで、彼の拳には輝くメリケンサックが装着された。

The skin over his cheekbones was tighter and there was a flame deep in his large smoky eyes.

cheekbone (頬骨) [名] the bone below the eye

彼の頬骨の上の皮膚はより張り詰め、彼の大きな煙のような目の奥には炎があった。

He strolled towards me.

彼は私に向かって歩いてきた。

I stepped back to get more room.

私はもっと余裕を持たせるために後ろに下がった。

He went on whistling but the whistle was high and shrill.

whistle (口笛) [名] a clear, high-pitched sound made by forcing air through a small opening between the lips

shrill (甲高い) [形] high-pitched and piercing

彼は口笛を吹き続けたが、その口笛は高く甲高かった。

“We don't have to fight,” I told him.

「戦う必要はない」と私は彼に言った。

“We don't have anything to fight about.

「戦う理由はない。

And you might split those lovely britches.”

split (破れる) [動] break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts

それにその素敵なズボンが破れるかもしれない」

He was as quick as a flash.

quick (素早い) [形] moving or capable of moving with great speed

flash (閃光) [名] a sudden brief burst of bright light

彼は閃光のように素早かった。

He came at me with a smooth leap and his left hand snaked out very fast.

come at (来る) [動] move towards

leap (跳躍) [名] a jump or a bound

snake (出す) [動] move or extend in a winding or zigzag course

彼は滑らかに跳躍して私のところに来て、左手を素早く出した。

I expected a jab and moved my head well enough but what he wanted was my right wrist and he got it.

私はジャブを予期して頭を動かしたが、彼が欲しかったのは私の右手首で、彼はそれを掴んだ。

He had a grip too.

have a grip (握力がある) [動] to be able to hold something tightly

彼は握力もあった。

He jerked me off balance and the hand with the brass knucks came around in a looping bolo punch.

jerk (ぐいと引っ張る) [動] pull or move something suddenly and quickly

knucks (ナックル) [名] a weapon consisting of a metal bar with holes for the fingers

come around (放つ) [動] to change your opinion or attitude

bolo punch (ボロパンチ) [名] a punch delivered with a swinging motion

彼は私をぐいと引っ張ってバランスを崩し、真鍮のナックルをつけた手でボロパンチを放った。

A crack on the back of the head with those and I would be a sick man.

crack (殴打) [名] a sharp blow

これで後頭部を殴られたら、私は病人になってしまうだろう。

If I pulled he would catch me on the side of the face or on the upper arm below the point of the shoulder.

私が引っ張れば、彼は私の顔の横か肩の下の上腕を捕まえるだろう。

It would have been a dead arm or a dead face, whichever it happened to be.

whichever (どちらにせよ) [代] no matter which

どちらにせよ、腕か顔が死んでしまうだろう。

In a spot like that there is only one thing to do.

spot (場所) [名] a particular place

only one (ただ一つ) [名] a single thing

そのような場所では、できることはただ一つしかない。

I went with the pull.

go with (従う) [動] to be in agreement with or to accept something

私は引っ張られるままにした。

In passing I blocked his left foot from behind, grabbed his shirt and heard it tear.

通り過ぎる際に、私は彼の左足を後ろからブロックし、彼のシャツをつかみ、それが破れる音を聞いた。

Some thing hit me on the back of the neck, but it wasn't the metal.

何かが首の後ろを打ったが、それは金属ではなかった。

I spun to the left and he went over sideways and landed catlike and was on his feet again before I had any kind of balance.

spin (回転する) [動] turn or cause to turn or whirl around quickly

go over (飛び越える) [動] move or travel across, over, or through

sideways (横) [副] to or from the side

catlike (猫のような) [形] resembling a cat

私は左に回転し、彼は横に飛び、猫のように着地し、私がバランスをとる前に再び立ち上がった。

He was grinning now.

彼は今ニヤニヤしていた。

He was delighted with everything.

be delighted (喜ぶ) [動] to be very pleased

彼はすべてに喜んでいた。

He loved his work.

彼は自分の仕事を愛していた。

He came for me fast.

come for (向かって来る) [動] to come to get or attack someone or something

彼は私に向かって素早く来た。

A strong beefy voice yelled from somewhere: “Earl! Stop that at once!

beefy (肉声) [形] having a large muscular body

Earl (アール) [名] a masculine given name

どこからか強い肉声が叫んだ。「アール! すぐにやめろ!

At once, do you hear me?”

すぐに、聞こえるか?」

The gaucho boy stopped.

gaucho (ガウチョ) [名] a cowboy of the South American pampas

ガウチョの少年は止まった。

There was a sort of sick grin on his face.

sick (病的な) [形] affected by or indicative of disease or illness

彼の顔には一種の病的な笑みが浮かんでいた。

He made a quick motion and the brass knucks disappeared into the wide sash around the top of his pants.

make a quick motion (素早い動きをする) [動] move quickly

brass knucks (真鍮製のナックル) [名] a weapon made of brass that fits over the knuckles

wide sash (広い帯) [名] a wide piece of cloth worn around the waist

top of his pants (ズボンの上部) [名] the upper part of a pair of pants

彼は素早い動きで、真鍮製のナックルをズボンの上部の広い帯の中に消した。

I turned and looked at a solid chunk of man in a Hawaiian shirt hurrying towards us down one of the paths waving his arms.

solid chunk (頑丈な) [名] a piece of something that is solid

Hawaiian shirt (ハワイアンシャツ) [名] a brightly colored shirt with a floral pattern

私は振り返り、ハワイアンシャツを着た頑丈な男が腕を振りながら小道を急いでこちらに向かってくるのを見た。

He came up breathing a little fast.

彼は少し息を切らしてやってきた。

“Are you crazy, Earl?”

be crazy (頭がおかしくなる) [動] to be insane or foolish

「アール、頭がおかしくなったの?」

“Don't ever say that, Doc,” Earl said softly.

softly (優しく) [副] in a gentle manner

「そんなこと言わないでくれ、ドク」とアールは優しく言った。

Then he smiled, turned away, and went to sit on the steps of the house.

それから彼は微笑み、背を向け、家の階段に座りに行った。

He took off the flat-crowned hat, produced a comb, and began to comb his thick dark hair with an absent expression.

flat-crowned hat (平らな帽子) [名] a hat with a flat top

comb (櫛) [名] a strip of plastic or metal with teeth, used for tidying or arranging the hair

absent expression (ぼんやりとした表情) [名] a facial expression that indicates that a person is not paying attention

彼は平らな帽子を脱ぎ、櫛を取り出し、ぼんやりとした表情で濃い黒髪を梳き始めた。

In a second or two he started to whistle softly.

一、二秒後、彼はそっと口笛を吹き始めた。

The heavy man in the loud shirt stood and looked at me.

heavy (太った) [形] having a large body weight

派手なシャツを着た太った男が立って私を見た。

I stood and looked at him.

私は立って彼を見た。

“What's going on here?” he growled.

go on (起こっている) [動] happen

growl (唸る) [動] make a low guttural sound of anger

「ここで何が起こっているんだ?」と彼は唸った。

“Who are you, sir?”

「あなたはどなたですか?」

“Name's Marlowe. I was asking for Dr. Verringer.

ask for (会いに来た) [動] request to see or speak to someone

「名前はマーロウ。ヴェリンジャー博士に会いに来たんだ。

The lad you call Earl wanted to play games.

play (遊ぶ) [動] to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

アールと呼んでいる若者はゲームをしたかった。

I figure it's too hot.”

暑すぎると思う」

“I am Dr. Verringer,” he said with dignity.

「私はヴェリンジャー博士だ」と彼は威厳をもって言った。

He turned his head.

彼は頭を向けた。

“Go in the house, Earl.”

「家に入りなさい、アール」

Earl stood up slowly.

アールはゆっくりと立ち上がった。

He gave Dr. Verringer a thoughtful studying look, his large smoky eyes blank of expression.

thoughtful (思慮深い) [形] thinking or showing careful thought

smoky (煙のような) [形] resembling smoke

blank (ない) [形] lacking interest or expression

彼はヴェリンジャー博士を思慮深く観察するような視線を向け、彼の大きな煙のような目には表情がなかった。

Then he went up the steps and pulled the screen door open.

それから彼は階段を上り、網戸を開けた。

A cloud of flies buzzed angrily and then settled on the screen again as the door closed.

cloud (群れ) [名] a large number of things or people

buzz (ブンブン飛び回る) [動] make a continuous low humming sound

settle (止まる) [動] come to rest in a place

ハエの群れが怒ったようにブンブン飛び回り、ドアが閉まると再び網戸に止まった。

“Marlowe?” Dr. Verringer gave me his attention again.

「マーロウ?」ヴェリンジャー博士は再び私に注意を向けた。

“And what can I do for you, Mr. Marlowe?”

do for (してあげる) [動] to do something for someone

「それで、マーロウさん、私に何ができるでしょうか?」

“Earl says you are out of business here.”

be out of business (商売をしていない) [動] no longer be in business

「アールは、あなたはここでは商売をしていないと言っています」

“That is correct.

「その通りです。

I am just waiting for certain legal formalities before moving out.

私は引っ越す前に、ある法的な手続きを待っているだけです。

Earl and I are alone here.”

アールも私もここにはいません」

“I'm disappointed,” I said, looking disappointed.

disappointed (残念な) [形] sad or displeased because something has not happened or been done

「残念です」と私は残念そうに言った。

“I thought you had a man named Wade staying with you.”

stay with (一緒にいる) [動] to be in the company of someone

「ウェードという男があなたと一緒にいると思っていました」

He hoisted a couple of eyebrows that would have interested a Fuller Brush man.

hoist (持ち上げる) [動] raise or lift something with a pulley or other lifting mechanism

Fuller Brush (フラーブラシ) [名] a company that sells brushes and other household products door-to-door

彼は、フラーブラシのセールスマンなら興味を持ちそうな眉毛を持ち上げた。

“Wade? I might possibly know somebody of that name--it's a common enough name--but why should he be staying with me?”

common (ありふれた) [形] occurring, found, or done often; prevalent

「ウェード? そういう名前の誰かを知っているかもしれないが、それはかなりありふれた名前だが、なぜ彼が私と一緒にいる必要があるんだ?」

“Taking the cure.”

「治療を受けている」

He frowned.

彼は眉をひそめた。

When a guy has eyebrows like that he can really do you a frown.

男があんなに眉毛が濃いと、本当に眉をひそめることができる。

“I am a medical man, sir, but no longer in practice.

practice (開業) [名] the exercise of a profession or occupation

「私は医者ですが、もう開業していません。

What sort of cure did you have in mind?”

have in mind (考えている) [動] to be thinking of or planning something

どんな治療を考えているのですか?」

“The guy's a wino.

wino (アル中) [名] a person who drinks a lot of wine

「あの男はアル中だ。

He goes off his rocker from time to time and disappears.

go off one's rocker (頭がおかしくなる) [動] become insane

from time to time (時々) [副] occasionally

時々頭がおかしくなっちゃって、姿を消すんだ。

Sometimes he comes home under his own power, sometimes he gets brought home, and sometimes he takes a bit of finding.”

come home (帰ってくる) [動] return to one's home

under one's own power (自分の力で) [副] by oneself

get brought home (連れ帰られる) [動] be taken home

take a bit of finding (見つけるのに時間がかかる) [動] take a while to be found

自分の力で帰ってくる時もあれば、連れ帰られる時もあるし、見つけるのに時間がかかる時もある」

I got a business card out and handed it to him.

私は名刺を取り出し、彼に渡した。

He read it with no pleasure.

彼はそれを喜ばずに読んだ。

“What goes with Earl?” I asked him.

go with (どうしたんだ) [動] to be in harmony with

「アールはどうしたんだ?」と私は彼に尋ねた。

“He think he's Valentino or something?”

Valentino (ヴァレンティノ) [名] an Italian fashion designer

「彼は自分をヴァレンティノか何かだと思っているのか?」

He made with the eyebrows again.

彼はまた眉を動かした。

They fascinated me.

fascinate (魅了する) [動] attract and hold the interest and attention of

それらは私を魅了した。

Parts of them curled off all by themselves as much as an inch and a half.

一部は1.5インチほども自らカールしていた。

He shrugged his meaty shoulders.

彼は肉付きの良い肩をすくめた。

“Earl is quite harmless, Mr. Marlowe.

harmless (無害な) [形] not able or likely to cause harm

「アールは全く無害なんですよ、マーロウさん。

He is--at times--a little dreamy.

at times (時々) [副] occasionally; now and then

dreamy (夢見がち) [形] inclined to daydreaming

彼は時々少し夢見がちになるんです。

Lives in a play world, shall we say?”

play world (空想の世界) [名] a world of fantasy or imagination

shall we say (と言いましょうか) [句] used to suggest that a particular word or phrase is perhaps not the most accurate way of describing something

空想の世界に住んでいる、とでも言いましょうか?」

“You say it, Doc.

Doc (先生) [名] a doctor

「そうおっしゃるんですね、先生。

From where I stand he plays rough.”

stand (立場) [名] a position that one takes on an issue

私の立場からすると彼は乱暴に遊んでいるように見えます。」

“Tut, tut, Mr. Marlowe.

tut (おいおい) [間] used to express disapproval or impatience

「おいおい、マーロウさん。

You exaggerate surely.

exaggerate (誇張する) [動] represent something as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is

確かにあなたは誇張しています。

Earl likes to dress himself up.

アールは着飾るのが好きだ。

He is childlike in that respect.”

childlike (子供っぽい) [形] having the characteristics of a child

respect (点) [名] a particular aspect or point

その点では彼は子供っぽいのです。」

“You mean he's a nut,” I said.

nut (頭がおかしい) [名] a crazy or foolish person

「彼は頭がおかしいということですね」と私は言った。

“This place some kind of sanitarium, isn't it? Or was?”

was (そうだったんですか) [動] used to describe a state or situation that existed in the past

「ここは療養所のようなものですね? あるいはそうだったんですか?」

“Certainly not. When it was in operation it was an artists' colony.

certainly (もちろん) [副] without doubt

operation (運営) [名] the activity of running a business or organization

artist (芸術家) [名] a person who creates art

colony (コロニー) [名] a group of people who live in a new place, often a foreign country, and who keep their own culture, language, and customs

「もちろん違います。運営されていた頃は芸術家のコロニーでした。

I provided meals, lodging, facilities for exercise and entertainment, and above all seclusion.

provide (提供する) [動] give or supply

meal (食事) [名] an occasion when food is eaten

lodging (宿泊) [名] a place to stay temporarily

facility (施設) [名] a place that provides a particular service

exercise (運動) [名] physical activity that is done in order to become or stay fit

entertainment (娯楽) [名] an activity that is done for enjoyment

私は食事、宿泊、運動や娯楽のための施設、そして何よりも隔離を提供しました。

And for moderate fees.

fee (料金) [名] a payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for services

しかも手頃な料金で。

Artists, as you probably know, are seldom wealthy people.

wealthy (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money or property

ご存知の通り、芸術家はめったに裕福ではありません。

In the term artists I of course include writers, musicians, and so on.

term (言葉) [名] a word or phrase that has a particular meaning in a particular field

musician (音楽家) [名] a person who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented

芸術家という言葉には、もちろん作家や音楽家なども含みます。

It was a rewarding occupation for me--while it lasted.”

rewarding (やりがいのある) [形] providing satisfaction or a sense of fulfillment

それは私にとってやりがいのある仕事でした--それが続く間は。」

He looked sad when he said this.

彼はこう言うと悲しそうに見えた。

The eyebrows drooped at the outer corners to match his mouth.

droop (垂れ下がる) [動] to hang or bend downward

match (合わせる) [動] to be equal or similar to

眉毛は口元に合わせて外側の角が垂れ下がっていた。

Give them a little more growth and they would be in his mouth.

give (伸びる) [動] cause to move or be moved in a specified way

growth (成長) [名] the process of increasing in size

もう少し伸びたら口の中に入ってしまうだろう。

“I know that,” I said.

「それは知っている」と私は言った。

“It's in the file.

「それはファイルにある。

Also the suicide you had here a while back.

それに、少し前にここで起こった自殺も。

A dope case, wasn't it?”

麻薬事件だったね?」

He stopped drooping and bristled.

bristle (身構える) [動] to become stiff or rigid

彼はうなだれるのを止めて、身構えた。

“What file?” he asked sharply.

「どんなファイルだ?」と彼は鋭く尋ねた。

“We've got a file on what we call the barred-window boys, Doctor.

「我々は、鉄格子窓の少年たちと呼んでいるものに関するファイルを持っています、先生。

Places where you can't jump out of when the French fits take over.

jump out of (飛び出す) [動] to leave a place or situation suddenly

French (フランス人) [名] a person from France

fit (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden attack of a disease or of some other disorder

take over (支配する) [動] to assume control of something

フランス人の気まぐれが支配する場所から飛び出すことなんてできない。

Small private sanitariums or what have you that treat alcoholics and dopers and mild cases of mania.”

doper (麻薬常用者) [名] a person who takes drugs

mania (躁病) [名] a mental illness that is characterized by periods of excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity

小さな私立療養所や、アルコール依存症や麻薬常用者、軽度の躁病患者を治療する施設などです」

“Such places must be licensed by law,”

be licensed (認可を受ける) [動] be given a license

「そのような場所は法律で認可を受けなければならない」

Dr. Verringer said harshly.

ヴェリンジャー医師は厳しく言った。

“Yeah. In theory anyway.

theory (理論) [名] a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based

「ああ、とにかく理論上はね。

Sometimes they kind of forget about that.”

時々、彼らはそれを忘れてしまうんだ」

He drew himself up stiffly.

draw oneself up (体を硬直させる) [動] to stand up straight and tall

彼は体を硬直させた。

The guy had a kind of dignity, at that.

彼には一種の威厳があった。

“The suggestion is insulting, Mr. Marlowe.

suggestion (提案) [名] a plan or an idea that is suggested

insulting (侮辱的) [形] causing a feeling of anger, annoyance, or resentment

「その提案は侮辱的だ、マーロウさん。

I have no knowledge of why my name should be on any such list as you mention.

have no knowledge of (全く知らない) [動] to not know something

be on (載っている) [動] to be included in a list or record

list (リスト) [名] a series of names, items, or categories written or printed together in a meaningful grouping

私の名があなたが言うようなリストに載っている理由は全く知らない。

I must ask you to leave.”

出て行ってもらう。」

“Let's get back to Wade.

「ウェードに戻ろう。

Could he be here under another name, maybe?”

another name (別の名前) [名] a different name

彼は別の名前でここにいるかもしれないか?」

“There is no one here but Earl and myself.

「ここにはアールと私以外誰もいない。

We are quite alone.

私たちは全く一人だ。

Now if you will excuse me--”

excuse (失礼する) [動] to forgive someone for something

では失礼するが」

“I'd like to look around.”

「私は見回したい」

Sometimes you can get them mad enough to say something off key.

mad (怒る) [形] angry

off key (的外れ) [形] not in tune

時々彼らを怒らせて何か的外れなことを言わせることができる。

But not Dr. Verringer.

しかしヴェリンジャー医師はそうではない。

He remained dignified.

remain (保つ) [動] stay in the same place or condition

dignified (威厳のある) [形] having or showing a serious and impressive manner

彼は威厳を保った。

His eyebrows went all the way with him.

go all the way (ずっと動く) [動] to do something completely or thoroughly

彼の眉毛は彼と共にずっと動いた。

I looked towards the house.

私は家の方を見やった。

From inside there came a sound of music, dance music.

中から音楽の音が聞こえてきた、ダンスミュージックだ。

And very faintly the snapping of fingers.

snapping (鳴らす) [動] to make a sharp sound

fingers (指) [名] one of the long thin parts at the end of a person's hand

そしてとてもかすかに指を鳴らす音がした。

“I bet he's in there dancing,” I said.

bet (賭ける) [動] risk something, usually a sum of money, against someone else's on the basis of the outcome of a future event

「彼は中で踊っているに違いない」と私は言った。

“That's a tango. I bet you he's dancing all by himself in there. Some kid.”

tango (タンゴ) [名] a ballroom dance of Latin American origin

by oneself (一人で) [副] without help from others

「あれはタンゴだ。彼は中で一人で踊っているに違いない。子供だ」

“Are you going to leave, Mr. Marlowe?

「出かけますか、マーロウさん?

Or shall I have to ask Earl to assist me in putting you off my property?”

assist (手伝う) [動] help

property (敷地) [名] a piece of land

それとも、あなたを私の敷地から追い出すのを手伝ってもらうためにアールに頼まなければならないでしょうか?」

“Okay, I'll leave.

「分かりました、出かけます。

No hard feelings, Doctor.

hard feelings (悪く思う) [名] resentment or anger

悪く思わないでくださいね、先生。

There were only three names beginning with V and you seemed the most promising of them.

begin with (始まる) [動] start with

Vで始まる名前は3つしかなく、あなたはその中で最も有望そうでした。

That's the only real clue we had--Dr. V.

That's (それが) [代] that is

the only (唯一の) [形] being the only one

had (持っていた) [動] to be in possession of

それが私たちが持っていた唯一の本当の手がかりです--V博士。

He scrawled it on a piece of paper before he left: Dr. V.”

scrawl (走り書きする) [動] write or draw in a hurried, careless way

piece of paper (紙) [名] a thin material made from pressed fibers

彼は去る前にそれを紙に走り書きした。V博士」

“There must be dozens,” Dr. Verringer said evenly.

evenly (平然と) [副] in a calm and controlled manner

「何十もあるはずだ」とヴェリンジャー博士は平然と言った。

“Oh sure. But not dozens in our file of the barred-window boys.

barred-window (鉄格子のついた窓) [形] having a window with bars

「ああ、もちろん。しかし、鉄格子のついた窓の少年たちのファイルには何十もあるわけではない。

Thanks for the time, Doctor.

doctor (博士) [名] a person who has earned a doctorate

お時間ありがとうございました、博士。

Earl bothers me a little.”

アールが少し気になっているんだ」

I turned and went over to my car and got into it.

私は振り返って車に乗り込み、車を走らせた。

By the time I had the door shut Dr. Verringer was beside me.

by the time (頃には) [接] at or before the time that

私がドアを閉める頃には、ヴェリンジャー博士が私の横にいた。

He leaned in with a pleasant expression.

lean in (身を乗り出す) [動] to move your body forward

彼は愛想のいい表情で身を乗り出した。

“We need not quarrel, Mr. Marlowe.

quarrel (喧嘩) [名] an angry argument or disagreement, typically between two people

「喧嘩する必要はない、マーロウさん。

I realize that in your occupation you often have to be rather intrusive.

intrusive (押しつけがましい) [形] causing disruption or annoyance

あなたの職業では、しばしばかなり押しつけがましくなければならないことを私は理解している。

Just what bothers you about Earl?”

アールについて何が気になるのか?」

“He's so obviously a phony.

phony (偽物) [名] a person who is not what they claim to be

「彼は明らかに偽物だ。

Where you find one thing phony you're apt to expect others.

1つ偽物を見つけると、他の偽物も期待しがちだ。

The guy's a manic-depressive, isn't he?

manic-depressive (躁鬱病) [名] a person who suffers from bipolar disorder

isn't (-なんだろ) [助] am not; are not; is not

あの男は躁鬱病なんだろ?

Right now he's on the upswing.”

be on the upswing (上向きである) [動] to be improving or increasing

今は上向きだ。」

He stared at me in silence.

彼は黙って私を見つめた。

He looked grave and polite.

grave (真面目) [形] serious in manner or appearance

彼は真面目で礼儀正しく見えた。

“Many interesting and talented people have stayed with me, Mr. Marlowe.

interesting (興味深い) [形] holding or catching the attention

「多くの興味深く才能のある人々が私のところに泊まりました、マーロウさん。

Not all of them were as level-headed as you may be.

level-headed (落ち着いた) [形] having a calm and sensible attitude

彼らのすべてがあなたのように落ち着いていたわけではありません。

Talented people are often neurotic.

neurotic (神経症的) [形] having, caused by, or relating to a neurosis

才能のある人はしばしば神経症的です。

But I have no facilities for the care of lunatics or alcoholics, even if I had the taste for that sort of work.

care (世話) [名] the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something

lunatic (狂人) [名] a mentally ill person

しかし、私には狂人やアルコール依存症の世話をする施設がありません。たとえ私がそのような仕事に興味があったとしてもです。

I have no staff except Earl, and he is hardly the type to care for the sick.”

staff (スタッフ) [名] the people who work for a company or organization

care for (世話をする) [動] look after and provide for the needs of

sick (病人) [名] a person who is ill

私にはアール以外にスタッフがいませんし、彼は病人の世話をするタイプではありません」

“Just what would you say he is the type for, Doctor?

「彼はどんなタイプだとおっしゃいますか、先生?

Apart from bubble-dancing and stuff?”

apart from (除いて) [前] not including

bubble-dancing (バブルダンス) [名] a type of dance that is performed in a bubble

バブルダンスやその他を除いて?」

He leaned on the door.

彼はドアに寄りかかった。

His voice got low and confidential.

get low (低くなる) [動] become low

confidential (内緒話の) [形] intended to be kept secret

彼の声は低く、内緒話のようになった。

“Earl's parents were dear friends of mine, Mr. Marlowe.

parent (両親) [名] a father or mother

dear (親友) [形] regarded with deep affection

「アールの両親は私の親友だったんですよ、マーロウさん。

Someone has to look after Earl and they are no longer with us.

no longer (もう~ない) [副] not anymore

誰かがアールの面倒を見なくてはならないし、彼らはもう私たちと一緒ではない。

Earl has to live a quiet life, away from the noise and temptations of the city.

temptation (誘惑) [名] a desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

アールは街の騒音や誘惑から離れて静かな生活を送らなければならない。

He is unstable but fundamentally harmless.

unstable (不安定な) [形] not stable

fundamentally (基本的に) [副] in a fundamental way

彼は不安定だが基本的に無害だ。

I control him with absolute ease, as you saw.”

absolute (絶対的な) [形] not qualified or diminished in any way; total

ease (楽に) [名] the absence of difficulty or effort

ご覧の通り、私は彼を絶対に簡単にコントロールできる。」

“You've got a lot of courage,” I said.

courage (勇気) [名] the ability to do something that frightens one

「あなたは勇気がある」と私は言った。

He sighed. His eyebrows waved gently, like the antennae of some suspicious insect.

sigh (ため息をつく) [動] to let out a long, deep breath, usually because you are sad, tired, or disappointed

wave (揺れる) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

彼はため息をついた。彼の眉毛は疑い深い昆虫の触角のように優しく揺れた。

“It has been a sacrifice,” he said.

sacrifice (犠牲) [名] the act of giving up something important for the sake of achieving something else

「それは犠牲だった」と彼は言った。

“A rather heavy one.

「かなり重い犠牲だ。

I thought Earl could help me with my work here.

アールがここでの仕事を手伝ってくれると思った。

He plays beautiful tennis, swims and dives like a champion, and can dance all night.

swim (泳ぐ) [動] move through water by using one's limbs

dive (潜る) [動] jump or fall into water

彼は美しいテニスをし、チャンピオンのように泳ぎ、潜り、一晩中踊ることができる。

Almost always he is amiability itself.

almost always (ほとんどいつも) [副] on most occasions

amiability (愛想) [名] the quality of being friendly and pleasant

itself (それ自体) [代] used to emphasize the identity of the subject

彼はほとんどいつも愛想がいい。

But from time to time there were--incidents.” He waved a broad hand as if pushing painful memories into the background.

incident (事件) [名] an event or occurrence

しかし、時々、事件があった」彼は痛ましい記憶を背景に押しやるかのように大きな手を振った。

“In the end it was either give up Earl or give up my place here.”

give up (諦める) [動] stop trying to do something

「結局、アールを諦めるか、ここを諦めるかだった」

He held both hands palms up, spread them apart, turned them over and let them fall to his sides.

彼は両手を手のひらを上にして広げ、ひっくり返して両脇に落とした。

His eyes looked moist with unshed tears.

unshed (流れていない) [形] not shed

彼の目は涙で湿っているように見えた。

“I sold out,” he said.

sell out (売り切れる) [動] to be sold completely

「私は売り切れた」と彼は言った。

“This peaceful little valley will become a real estate development.

peaceful (平和な) [形] free from disturbance; tranquil

become (なる) [動] come to be

real estate (不動産) [名] property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property

development (開発) [名] the process of converting or using something for a particular purpose

「この平和な小さな谷は不動産開発になる。

There will be sidewalks and lampposts and children with scooters and blatting radios.

lamppost (街灯) [名] a tall metal post with a light at the top

歩道や街灯、スクーターやラジオを持った子供たちがいるだろう。

There will even”--he heaved a forlorn sigh--“be Television.”

television (テレビ) [名] a device with a screen for receiving television signals

テレビさえも」彼は悲しげなため息をついた。

He waved his hand in a sweeping gesture.

sweeping (大きく) [形] of wide range or scope

彼は手を大きく振った。

“I hope they will spare the trees,” he said, “but I'm afraid they won't. Along the ridges there will be television aerials instead.

spare (残す) [動] not to harm, punish, or kill

「彼らが木を残してくれることを願っているが、そうはならないだろう。尾根沿いには代わりにテレビアンテナが立つだろう。

But Earl and I will be far away, I trust.”

be far away (遠くにいる) [動] be at a great distance

しかし、アールも私も遠くにいるだろうと信じている。」

“Goodbye, Doctor. My heart bleeds for you.”

heart (心) [名] the organ that pumps blood

bleed (血を流す) [動] to lose blood

「さようなら、先生。あなたのために私の心は血を流す。」

He put out his hand.

put out (差し出す) [動] extend or stretch out

彼は手を差し出した。

It was moist but very firm.

firm (固い) [形] hard or solid

それは湿っていたが、とても固かった。

“I appreciate your sympathy and understanding, Mr. Marlowe.

appreciate (感謝する) [動] be grateful for

sympathy (同情) [名] a feeling of pity or sorrow for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

understanding (理解) [名] the ability to understand something

「あなたの同情と理解に感謝する、マーロウさん。

And I regret I am unable to help you in your quest for Mr. Slade.”

be unable to (できない) [動] not have the ability, power, or skill to do something

quest (探す) [名] a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something

そして、あなたがスレイド氏を探すのに協力できないことを残念に思う。」

“Wade,” I said.

「ウェード」と私は言った。

“Pardon me, Wade, of course.

「失礼、もちろんウェードだ。

Goodbye and good luck, sir.”

さようなら、幸運を祈る。」

I started up and drove back along the graveled road by the way I had come.

start up (始動する) [動] to begin to operate

drive back (戻る) [動] to go back to a place

by the way (来た道) [名] the route that someone took to get to a place

私は車を始動し、来た道を砂利道に沿って戻った。

I felt sad, but not quite as sad as Dr. Verringer would have liked me to feel.

would have liked (感じてほしいと思う) [助] to want or wish for something

私は悲しみを感じたが、ヴェリンジャー医師が私に感じてほしいと思うほど悲しくはなかった。

I came out through the gates and drove far enough around the curve of the highway to park out of sight of the entrance.

curve (カーブ) [名] a smooth, continuous bend without angles

私は門を抜けて、入口から見えなくなるまでハイウェイのカーブを曲がって走った。

I got out and walked back along the edge of the paving to where I could just see the gates from the barbed-wire boundary fence.

walk back (歩いて戻る) [動] walk in the opposite direction

paving (舗装) [名] a hard surface of ground, usually covering a road or path

boundary fence (境界フェンス) [名] a fence that marks the boundary of an area

私は車を降りて、有刺鉄線の境界フェンスから門が見えるところまで舗装の端に沿って歩いて戻った。

I stood there under a eucalyptus and waited.

私はユーカリの木の下に立ち、待った。

Five minutes or so passed.

five minutes (5分) [名] a period of time equal to 300 seconds

or so (ほど) [副] approximately

5分ほど経った。

Then a car came down the private road churning gravel.

private road (私道) [名] a road that is not open to the public

churn (巻き上げる) [動] move or cause to move vigorously or violently

すると、砂利を巻き上げながら私道を車が下りてきた。

It stopped out of sight from where I was.

私のいる場所からは見えないところで止まった。

I pulled back still farther into the brush.

pull back (引っ込む) [動] move back or away from something

still (さらに) [副] to a greater degree or extent

far (奥) [副] to a great distance

brush (茂み) [名] a large area of land covered with bushes

私はさらに奥の茂みに引っ込んだ。

I heard a creaking noise, then the click of a heavy catch and the rattle of a chain.

creaking noise (きしむ音) [名] a sound like that of a door creaking

heavy catch (重い掛け金) [名] a heavy object that is used to keep a door or window closed

rattle (音) [名] a sound like that of a rattle

きしむ音が聞こえ、それから重い掛け金の音と鎖の音がした。

The car motor revved up and the car went back up the road.

rev up (回る) [動] to increase the speed of an engine

車のエンジンが回り、車は道を戻っていった。

When the sound of it had died I went back to my Olds and did a U turn to face back towards town.

die (消える) [動] stop existing or functioning

Oldsmobile (オールズモビル) [名] a brand of automobile

U turn (Uターン) [名] a turn made by a vehicle in which it turns around 180 degrees

face (向く) [動] be oriented or turned towards

音が消えると、私はオールズモビルに戻り、Uターンして街の方を向いた。

As I drove past the entrance to Dr. Verringer's private road I saw that the gate was fastened with a padlocked chain.

drive past (通り過ぎる) [動] go past something in a vehicle

fasten (閉じる) [動] to close or do up securely

padlock (南京錠) [名] a detachable lock with a U-shaped bar that is passed through the staple of a hasp and then snapped shut

chain (鎖) [名] a series of connected metal links

ヴェリンジャー医師の私道の入り口を通り過ぎると、門が南京錠のついた鎖で閉じられていた。

No more visitors today, thank you.

no more (もう終わり) [限] not any more

今日はもう面会は終わりです。

[17]

I drove the twenty-odd miles back to town and ate lunch.

twenty-odd (二十数) [形] being a little more than twenty

私は二十数マイル車を走らせて街に戻り、昼食を食べた。

While I ate I felt more and more silly over the whole deal.

feel (思える) [動] be of the opinion that

食事をしているうちに、この一件がますます馬鹿げたものに思えてきた。

You just don't find people the way I was going about it.

go about (行う) [動] to do something in a particular way

私のやり方では人を見つけられない。

You meet interesting characters like Earl and Dr. Verringer, but you don't meet the man you are looking for.

アールやヴェリンジャー博士のような面白い人物には会えるが、探している人物には会えない。

You waste tires, gasoline, words, and nervous energy in a game with no pay-off.

tire (タイヤ) [名] a ring of rubber that fits around a wheel

gasoline (ガソリン) [名] a fuel for internal combustion engines

nervous energy (神経) [名] energy that is produced by the nerves

game (ゲーム) [名] a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck

タイヤ、ガソリン、言葉、神経を無駄に費やして、報われないゲームをする。

You're not even betting table limit four ways on Black 28.

table limit (テーブルリミット) [名] the maximum amount of money that can be bet on a single bet

Black 28 (ブラック28) [名] a bet on the number 28 on a roulette wheel

あなたはブラック28にテーブルリミットの4倍も賭けていない。

With three names that started with V, I had as much chance of paging my man as I had of breaking Nick the Greek in a crap game.

V (V) [名] the 22nd letter of the English alphabet

chance (可能性) [名] the possibility of something happening

page (呼び出す) [動] to call someone's name loudly

break (破る) [動] cause to separate into pieces as a result of impact or stress

Nick the Greek (ニック・ザ・ギリシャ) [名] a famous gambler

crap game (クラップゲーム) [名] a gambling game played with two dice

Vで始まる3つの名前では、私が探している人物を呼び出す可能性は、クラップゲームでニック・ザ・ギリシャを破る可能性と同じくらいだった。

Anyway the first one is always wrong, a dead end, a promising lead that blows up in your face with no music.

dead end (行き止まり) [名] a road or passage that has no exit

とにかく、最初のものはいつも間違っていて、行き止まりで、音楽もなくあなたの顔の前で爆発する有望なリードだ。

But he shouldn't have said Slade instead of Wade.

shouldn't have (言うべきではなかった) [助] should not have

しかし、彼はウェードではなくスレイドと言うべきではなかった。

He was an intelligent man.

intelligent (頭のいい) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

彼は頭のいい男だった。

He wouldn't forget that easy, and if he did he would just forget.

彼はそんなに簡単に忘れないだろうし、もし忘れたとしても、ただ忘れるだけだろう。

Maybe, and maybe not.

maybe not (そうではないかもしれない) [副] perhaps not; possibly not

かもしれないし、そうではないかもしれない。

It had not been a long acquaintance.

acquaintance (知り合い) [名] a person one knows but who is not a close friend

長い知り合いではなかった。

Over my coffee I thought about Drs. Vukanich and Varley.

コーヒーを飲みながら、私はヴカニッチとヴァーリー医師のことを考えた。

Yes or no?

はい、またはいいえ?

They would kill most of the afternoon.

午後のほとんどを殺すだろう。

By then I could call the Wade mansion in Idle Valley and be told the head of the household had returned to his domicile and all was gleaming bright for the time being.

by then (それまでに) [副] at or before that time

be told (告げられる) [動] to be informed of something

head (家長) [名] the person in charge of a family or other group

return (戻る) [動] to go or come back to a place or person

domicile (自宅) [名] the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

gleam (輝く) [動] to shine brightly, especially with reflected light

for the time being (当面) [副] for the present; temporarily

それまでに私はアイドル・バレーのウェード邸に電話をかけ、家長が自宅に戻り、当面はすべてが明るく輝いていると告げられる。

Dr. Vukanich was easy.

ヴカニッチ医師は簡単だった。

He was only half a dozen blocks down the line.

彼はわずか半ダースほど先のブロックにいた。

But Dr. Varley was away to hell and gone in the Altadena hills, a long, hot, boring drive.

Dr. Varley (ヴァーリー医師) [名] a doctor

away to hell and gone (地獄の彼方) [熟] a very long way away

boring (退屈な) [形] not interesting or exciting

しかし、ヴァーリー医師は地獄の彼方、アルタデナの丘にいて、長く、暑く、退屈なドライブだった。

Yes or no?

yes (イエス) [名] an affirmative answer

no (ノー) [名] a negative answer

イエスかノーか?

The final answer was yes.

最終的な答えはイエスだった。

For three good reasons.

3つの理由がある。

One was that you can never know too much about the shadow line and the people who walk it.

shadow line (影の境界線) [名] the boundary between light and shadow

1つは、影の境界線とそこを歩く人々について知ることは多すぎることはないということだ。

The second was that anything I could add to the file Peters had got out for me was just that much thanks and goodwill.

get out (用意する) [動] to produce or provide something

just that much (それだけ) [副] to the extent or degree mentioned

goodwill (善意) [名] friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitudes

2つ目は、ピーターズが私のために用意してくれたファイルに私が追加できるものは、それだけ感謝と善意であるということだ。

The third reason was that I didn't have anything else to do.

3つ目の理由は、他に何もすることがなかったからだ。

I paid my check, left my car where it was, and walked the north side of the street to the Stockwell Building.

私は勘定を済ませ、車をそこに置いたまま、通りの北側を歩いてストックウェルビルに向かった。

It was an antique with a cigar counter in the entrance and a manually operated elevator that lurched and hated to level off.

antique (骨董品) [名] an object having special value because of its considerable age

counter (カウンター) [名] a long flat surface over which goods are sold or served

manually (手動で) [副] by hand

lurch (ガタガタ揺れる) [動] move suddenly and unsteadily

入口に葉巻カウンターがあり、手動のエレベーターがガタガタと揺れて水平になるのを嫌がる骨董品だった。

The corridor of the sixth floor was narrow and the doors had frosted glass panels.

sixth floor (6階) [名] the floor of a building that is six floors above the ground floor

frosted glass (すりガラス) [名] glass that has been made opaque by frosting

6階の廊下は狭く、ドアにはすりガラスがはまっていた。

It was older and much dirtier than my own building.

私のビルよりも古く、ずっと汚かった。

It was loaded with doctors, dentists, Christian Science practitioners not doing too good, the kind of lawyers you hope the other fellow has, the kind of doctors and dentists who just scrape along.

dentist (歯医者) [名] a person qualified to practice dentistry

Christian Science (クリスチャン・サイエンス) [名] a religion founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy

practitioner (開業医) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

scrape along (食いつなぐ) [動] to manage to live with difficulty

あまりうまくいっていない医者、歯医者、クリスチャン・サイエンスの開業医、相手が雇ってくれることを願うような弁護士、どうにか食いつないでいる医者や歯医者でいっぱいだった。

Not too skillful, not too clean, not too much on the ball, three dollars and please pay the nurse;

skillful (上手) [形] having or showing skill

three dollars (3ドル) [名] an amount of money

あまり上手ではなく、あまり清潔ではなく、あまり熱心ではなく、3ドルで、看護師に支払ってください。

tired, discouraged men who know just exactly where they stand, what kind of patients they can get and how much money they can be squeezed into paying.

discouraged (落胆した) [形] having lost confidence or hope

get (獲得する) [動] come to have or hold

疲れ果て、落胆した男たちで、自分たちの立場を正確に理解し、どんな患者を獲得できるか、どれだけのお金を払わせることができるかを知っている。

Please Do Not Ask For Credit.

credit (掛け売り) [名] the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future

掛け売りはご遠慮ください。

Doctor is In, Doctor is Out.

in (診察中) [前] present or situated inside

out (外出中) [前] not in or at a place

医師は診察中、医師は外出中。

That's a pretty shaky molar you have there, Mrs. Kazinski.

molar (奥歯) [名] a tooth with a broad crown used for grinding food

カジンスキーさん、かなりグラグラしている奥歯ですね。

Now if you want this new acrylic filling, every bit as good as a gold inlay, I can do it for you for $14.

acrylic (アクリル) [名] a synthetic resin made from acrylic acid

filling (詰め物) [名] a substance used to fill a cavity

inlay (象眼細工) [名] a decorative design made by setting pieces of a different material into a surface

$14 (14ドル) [名] fourteen dollars

金の詰め物と同じくらい良いこの新しいアクリル詰め物が欲しいなら、14ドルでできますよ。

Novocain will be two dollars extra, if you wish it.

two dollars (2ドル) [名] an amount of money

extra (追加) [形] more than is usual or expected

ノボカインは希望なら2ドル追加です。

Doctor is In, Doctor is Out.

医師は診察中、医師は外出中。

That will be Three Dollars.

3ドルになります。

Please Pay the Nurse.

看護師にお支払いください。

In a building like that there will always be a few guys making real money, but they don't look it.

a few (何人か) [限] a small number of

look (見えない) [動] use one's eyes to see

ああいう建物には、いつも大金を稼いでいる人間が何人かいるものだ。しかし、彼らはそうは見えない。

They fit into the shabby background, which is protective coloring for them.

fit into (溶け込む) [動] to be suitable for or to be able to be included in something

shabby (みすぼらしい) [形] in bad condition

protective coloring (保護色) [名] a color or pattern that helps an animal to hide from its enemies

彼らはみすぼらしい背景に溶け込んでいて、それが彼らの保護色になっている。

Shyster lawyers who are partners in a bail-bond racket on the side (only about two per cent of all forfeited bail bonds are ever collected).

shyster lawyer (悪徳弁護士) [名] a lawyer who uses unethical or dishonest methods

bail-bond racket (保釈保証金詐欺) [名] a fraudulent scheme to get money from people by promising to bail them out of jail

on the side (片棒を担ぐ) [副] in addition to one's main work or activity

only about two per cent (わずか2パーセント) [名] a very small amount

forfeited bail bond (没収された保釈保証金) [名] a bail bond that has been taken away from someone because they did not appear in court

ever collected (回収される) [動] to be gathered or taken together

保釈保証金詐欺の片棒を担ぐ悪徳弁護士(没収された保釈保証金のわずか2パーセントしか回収されない)。

Abortionists posing as anything you like that explains their furnishings.

abortionist (中絶医) [名] a person who performs abortions

pose as (なりすます) [動] pretend to be someone or something else

furnishing (家具) [名] the movable articles that are used to make a room or building suitable for living or working in

中絶医は、家具の説明がつくような、どんな職業にもなりすます。

Dope pushers posing as urologists, dermatologists, or any branch of medicine in which the treatment can be frequent, and the regular use of local anesthetics is normal.

dope pusher (麻薬密売人) [名] a person who sells illegal drugs

urologist (泌尿器科医) [名] a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract

dermatologist (皮膚科医) [名] a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin

treatment (治療) [名] the use of medical or surgical methods to cure or control illness and injuries

frequent (頻繁な) [形] happening or done often

regular (定期的な) [形] happening or done often

use (使用) [名] the action of using something

local anesthetic (局所麻酔薬) [名] a drug that produces anesthesia in a part of the body

normal (普通の) [形] conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected

麻薬密売人は、泌尿器科医、皮膚科医、あるいは治療が頻繁に行われ、局所麻酔薬の定期的な使用が普通である医学のあらゆる分野の医師を装う。

Dr. Lester Vukanich had a small and ill-furnished waiting room in which there were a dozen people, all uncomfortable.

Dr. Lester Vukanich (レスター・ヴカニッチ医師) [名] a doctor

ill-furnished (粗末な) [形] poorly equipped or supplied

uncomfortable (居心地が悪い) [形] causing discomfort or unease

レスター・ヴカニッチ医師の待合室は狭く、家具も粗末で、12人ほどが座っていたが、誰もが居心地が悪そうだった。

They looked like anybody else.

anybody else (他の人) [名] any other person

彼らは他の人と同じように見えた。

They had no signs on them.

have no signs (兆候がない) [動] to not have any indication or evidence of something

on (上に) [前] in or into a position on top of something

彼らには何の兆候もなかった。

Anyway you can't tell a doper well under control from a vegetarian bookkeeper.

vegetarian (菜食主義者) [名] a person who does not eat meat, fish, or poultry

bookkeeper (簿記係) [名] a person who records the financial transactions of a business

いずれにせよ、麻薬常用者を菜食主義の簿記係と見分けることはできない。

I had to wait three quarters of an hour.

three quarters of an hour (45分) [名] 45 minutes

私は45分待たなければならなかった。

The patients went in through two doors.

go in (入っていった) [動] enter

患者は2つのドアから入っていった。

An active ear, nose, and throat man can handle four sufferers at once, if he has enough room.

sufferer (患者) [名] a person who is affected by a disease or condition

耳鼻咽喉科医は、十分な部屋があれば、一度に4人の患者を診ることができる。

Finally I got in.

ついに私は中に入った。

I got to sit in a brown leather chair beside a table covered with a white towel on which was a set of tools.

cover (かぶせる) [動] put something over or on top of something else

tool (道具) [名] a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function

私は白いタオルをかぶせたテーブルの横にある茶色の革張りの椅子に座り、その上に道具一式を置いた。

A sterilizing cabinet bubbled against the wall.

sterilize (滅菌する) [動] make free from bacteria or other microorganisms

cabinet (キャビネット) [名] a cupboard with shelves or drawers

滅菌キャビネットが壁に向かって泡立っていた。

Dr. Vukanich came in briskly with his white smock and his round mirror strapped to his forehead.

briskly (元気よく) [副] quickly and energetically

white smock (白いスモック) [名] a white coat

round mirror (丸い鏡) [名] a mirror with a round shape

strap (縛り付ける) [動] fasten or secure with a strap

ヴカニッチ医師は白いスモックを着て、額に丸い鏡を縛り付けて、元気よく入ってきた。

He sat down in front of me on a stool.

sit down (腰掛ける) [動] to move from a standing position to a sitting position

彼は私の前に腰掛けた。

“A sinus headache, is it? Very severe?”

severe (ひどい) [形] very great in degree or intensity

「副鼻腔の頭痛ですか? とてもひどいですか?」

He looked at a folder the nurse had given him.

彼は看護師が渡したフォルダーを見た。

I said it was awful.

私はひどいと言った。

Blinding.

blind (目がくらむ) [動] to make someone unable to see

目がくらむほどだ。

Especially when I first got up in the morning.

特に朝起きた時は。

He nodded sagely.

sagely (賢そうに) [副] in a wise manner

彼は賢そうにうなずいた。

“Characteristic,” he said, and fitted a glass cap over a thing that looked like a fountain pen.

characteristic (特徴的) [形] a feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

fountain pen (万年筆) [名] a pen with a reservoir or cartridge from which ink flows continuously to the nib

「特徴的だ」と彼は言い、万年筆のようなものにガラス製のキャップをかぶせた。

He pushed it into my mouth.

彼はそれを私の口に押し込んだ。

“Close the lips but not the teeth, please.”

please (どうぞ) [動] make someone happy or satisfied

「唇を閉じてください。歯は閉じないでください」

While he said it he reached out and switched off the light.

そう言いながら彼は手を伸ばして電気を消した。

There was no window.

窓はなかった。

A ventilating fan purred somewhere.

ventilating fan (換気扇) [名] a fan that ventilates

purr (唸る) [動] make a low continuous vibratory sound like that made by a cat

どこかで換気扇が唸っていた。

Dr. Vukanich withdrew his glass tube and put the lights back up.

withdraw (引き抜く) [動] take away or back

glass tube (ガラス管) [名] a tube made of glass

put the lights back up (明かりをつける) [動] turn on the lights

ヴカニッチ医師はガラス管を引き抜き、明かりをつけた。

He looked at me carefully.

彼は私を注意深く見た。

“No congestion at all, Mr. Marlowe.

congestion (混雑) [名] a state of being overcrowded

「全く混雑していませんよ、マーロウさん。

If you have a headache, it is not from a sinus condition.

sinus (副鼻腔) [名] a cavity in the skull that connects to the nose

頭痛があるなら、副鼻腔の病気からではない。

I'd hazard a guess that you never had sinus trouble in your life.

hazard a guess (推測する) [動] to make a guess, even though you are not sure

あなたは人生で副鼻腔のトラブルを一度も経験したことがないと推測する。

You had a septum operation sometime in the past, I see.”

sometime (過去に) [副] at some point in the past or future

see (ようです) [動] to perceive with the eyes

過去に鼻中隔手術を受けたことがあるようですね」

“Yes, Doctor. Got a kick playing football.”

Got a kick (蹴られた) [動] to be kicked

playing football (フットボールで) [名] a game played by two teams of eleven players with a round ball on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end

「はい、先生。フットボールで蹴られたんです」

He nodded.

彼はうなずいた。

“There is a slight shelf of bone which should have been cut away.

cut away (切除する) [動] to remove something by cutting

「骨の棚が少し残っていて、切除すべきだった。

Hardly enough to interfere with breathing, however.”

interfere (妨げる) [動] prevent from happening or developing

breathing (呼吸) [名] the process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs

しかし、呼吸を妨げるほどではない」

He leaned back on the stool and held his knee.

彼はスツールに寄りかかり、膝を抱えた。

“Just what did you expect me to do for you?” he asked.

「私に何を期待していたんだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

He was a thin-faced man with an uninteresting pallor.

thin-faced (薄い顔の) [形] having a thin face

uninteresting (面白みのない) [形] not interesting

彼は薄い顔の男で、面白みのない青白い顔をしていた。

He looked like a tubercular white rat.

tubercular (結核の) [形] relating to or affected with tuberculosis

rat (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, a long sparsely haired tail, and a high breeding rate

彼は結核の白いネズミのように見えた。

“I wanted to talk to you about a friend of mine.

「私の友人についてあなたに話したいことがあります。

He's in bad shape.

be in bad shape (ひどい状態だ) [動] to be in a bad condition

彼はひどい状態だ。

He's a writer.

彼は作家だ。

Plenty of dough, but bad nerves.

金はたんまりあるが、神経が弱い。

Needs help.

助けが必要だ。

He lives on the sauce for days on end.

live on (送る) [動] to continue to live

sauce (酒) [名] a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moistness and flavor

for days on end (日々) [名] for a long time

彼は酒浸りの日々を送っている。

He needs that little extra something.

彼には何か特別なものが必要だ。

His own doctor won't co-operate any more.”

彼の主治医はもう協力してくれない。」

“Exactly what do you mean by co-operate?”

「協力とは具体的にどういうこと?」

Dr. Vukanich asked.

ヴカニッチ医師が尋ねた。

“All the guy needs is an occasional shot to calm him down.

down (下ろす) [副] to or in a lower position or state

「彼に必要なのは落ち着かせるための時折の注射だけだ。

I thought maybe we could work something out.

work something out (解決策がある) [動] to find a solution to a problem

何か解決策があるかもしれないと思ったんだ。

The money would be solid.”

be solid (確実である) [動] be firm or strong

お金は確実に手に入る。」

“Sorry, Mr. Marlowe. It is not my sort of problem.”

「申し訳ありませんが、マーロウさん。それは私の専門外です。」

He stood up.

彼は立ち上がった。

“Rather a crude approach, if I may say so.

crude (粗雑な) [形] lacking in taste or refinement

approach (やり方) [名] a way of doing something

「失礼ながら、かなり粗雑なやり方ですね。

Your friend may consult me, if he chooses.

consult (相談する) [動] seek information or advice from

choose (望む) [動] pick out or select from a number of alternatives

あなたの友人は、望むなら私に相談してもいい。

But he'd better have something wrong with him that requires treatment.

have something wrong with (問題を抱えている) [動] to be ill or in bad condition

require (必要とする) [動] to need or want

しかし、彼は治療を必要とする何か問題を抱えている方がいい。

That will be ten dollars, Mr. Marlowe.”

ten dollars (10ドル) [名] an amount of money

10ドルになります、マーロウさん」

“Come off it, Doc.

come off it (やめてくれ) [動] stop doing or saying something

Doc (ドクター) [名] a physician or surgeon

「やめてくれ、ドクター。

You're on the list.”

あなたはリストに載っている」

Dr. Vukanich leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette.

ヴカニッチ医師は壁にもたれかかり、タバコに火をつけた。

He was giving me time.

彼は私に時間を与えていた。

He blew smoke and looked at it.

彼は煙を吐き、それを眺めた。

I gave him one of my cards to look at instead.

card (名刺) [名] a small piece of stiff paper with a person's name and address printed on it

私は代わりに彼に私の名刺を渡した。

He looked at it.

彼はそれを見た。

“What list would that be?” he inquired.

inquire (尋ねる) [動] ask about something

「それはどんなリストだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

“The barred-window boys.

boys (少年たち) [名] a male child or young man

「鉄格子の少年たち。

I figure you might know my friend already.

あなたは私の友人をすでに知っているかもしれないと思う。

His name's Wade.

彼の名前はウェードだ。

I figure you might have him stashed away somewhere in a little white room.

stash (隠す) [動] to hide something

away (どこか) [副] to or in a place that is not here

あなたは彼をどこかの小さな白い部屋に隠しているかもしれないと思う。

The guy is missing from home.”

be missing (行方不明だ) [動] be absent or lost

男は家から行方不明だ。」

“You are an ass,” Dr. Vukanich told me.

ass (馬鹿) [名] a stupid, foolish, or contemptible person

「あなたは馬鹿だ」とヴカニッチ医師は私に言った。

“I don't go in for penny ante stuff like four-day liquor cures.

penny ante (安っぽい) [形] of little value or importance

four-day (4日間の) [形] lasting for four days

「私は4日間の酒の治療のような安っぽいものはしない。

They cure nothing in any case.

いずれにせよ、彼らは何も治さない。

I have no little white rooms and I am not acquainted with the friend you mention--even if he exists.

be acquainted with (知り合いである) [動] to know someone personally

私には小さな白い部屋はないし、あなたが言及した友人とは知り合いではない--たとえ彼が存在したとしても。

That will be ten dollars--cash--right now.

cash (現金) [名] money in the form of coins or banknotes

right now (今すぐ) [副] immediately

10ドルになります--現金で--今すぐ。

Or would you rather I called the police and make a complaint that you solicited me for narcotics?”

make a complaint (訴える) [動] to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something

solicit (勧誘する) [動] to ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone

それとも、警察に電話して、あなたが麻薬を勧誘したと訴えた方がいいですか?」

“That would be dandy,” I said.

be dandy (素晴らしい) [動] very good; excellent

「それは素晴らしい」と私は言った。

“Let's.”

「そうしましょう」

“Get out of here, you cheap grifter.”

「ここから出て行け、この安っぽい詐欺師」

I stood up off the chair.

私は椅子から立ち上がった。

“I guess I made a mistake, Doctor.

make a mistake (間違いを犯す) [動] do something wrong

「私は間違いを犯したようです、先生。

The last time the guy broke parole he holed up with a doctor whose name began with V.

break parole (仮釈放を破る) [動] to fail to comply with the terms of a parole

hole up (隠れる) [動] to hide or take shelter

begin with (で始まる) [動] to start with

前回この男が仮釈放を破ったとき、彼は名前がVで始まる医者と隠れた。

It was strictly an undercover operation.

undercover (秘密の) [形] done or used in secret

operation (捜査) [名] an act or instance of operating

それは厳密に秘密捜査だった。

They fetched him late at night and brought him back the same way when he was over the jumps.

fetch (迎えに行く) [動] go and get someone or something

late at night (夜遅く) [名] the time of day from the end of the evening to the beginning of the morning

bring back (戻す) [動] return someone or something to a previous place or condition

jump (ジャンプ) [名] an act of jumping

彼らは夜遅くに彼を迎えに行き、彼がジャンプを終えると同じように戻した。

Didn't even wait long enough to see him go in the house.

彼が家に入るのを見るのに十分な時間さえ待たなかった。

So when he hops the coop again and don't come back for quite a piece, naturally we check over our files for a lead.

hop (逃げ出す) [動] move or jump quickly and lightly

coop (小屋) [名] a small building for keeping poultry

piece (長い間) [名] a period of time

check (調べる) [動] examine or inspect

だから彼がまた逃げ出して、かなり長い間戻ってこないと、当然我々は手がかりを得るためにファイルを調べる。

We come up with three doctors whose names begin with V.”

名前がVで始まる医者が3人見つかった」

“Interesting,” he said with a bleak smile.

bleak (暗い) [形] lacking in cheer or warmth

「面白い」と彼は暗い笑顔で言った。

He was still giving me time.

彼はまだ私に時間を与えていた。

“What is the basis of your selection?”

selection (選択) [名] the action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable

「あなたの選択の根拠は何ですか?」

I stared at him.

私は彼をじっと見つめた。

His right hand was moving softly up and down the upper part of his left arm on the inside of it.

彼の右手は左腕の上部を内側から上下に優しく動かしていた。

His face was covered with a light sweat.

cover (覆う) [動] to be or spread over the surface of

彼の顔は軽い汗で覆われていた。

“Sorry, Doctor. We operate very confidential.”

operate (運営する) [動] to control or direct the functioning of

confidential (内緒) [形] known only to a few people; secret

「すみません、先生。私たちは非常に内緒で運営しています。」

“Excuse me a moment.

「ちょっと失礼。

I have another patient that--”

別の患者がいて--」

He left the rest of it hanging in the air and went out.

彼は残りの部分を宙に浮かせたまま出て行った。

While he was gone a nurse poked her head through the doorway, looked at me briefly and withdrew.

poke (突き出す) [動] push or thrust quickly or sharply

withdraw (引っ込める) [動] take back or away

彼がいない間に看護師が戸口から頭を突き出し、私をちらっと見て引っ込めた。

Then Dr. Vukanich came back in strolling happily.

それからヴカニッチ医師が楽しそうに歩いて戻ってきた。

He was smiling and relaxed.

彼は笑顔でリラックスしていた。

His eyes were bright.

彼の目は輝いていた。

“What? Are you still here?”

「何? まだここにいるのか?」

He looked very surprised or pretended to.

surprised (驚いた) [形] feeling or showing surprise

彼はとても驚いたように見えたが、そう見えただけかもしれない。

“I thought our little visit had been brought to an end.”

bring to an end (終わりを迎える) [動] to cause something to end

visit (訪問) [名] the act of going to a place for a short time

「私たちの短い訪問は終わりを迎えたと思ったのだが」

“I'm leaving. I thought you wanted me to wait.”

「私は出かける。待ってほしいと思ったのだが」

He chuckled.

彼はくすくす笑った。

“You know something, Mr. Marlowe?

「何か知っているかい、マーロウさん?

We live in extraordinary times.

extraordinary (異常な) [形] very unusual or remarkable

私たちは異常な時代に生きている。

For a mere five hundred dollars I could have you put in the hospital with several broken bones.

a mere (たった) [形] that is the only thing mentioned

five hundred dollars (500ドル) [名] an amount of money

have (できる) [動] to cause or allow something to happen

たった500ドルで、私はあなたを骨折させて病院に入れることができる。

Comical, isn't it?”

comical (滑稽な) [形] causing laughter because of being absurd or inappropriate

滑稽だね?」

“Hilarious,” I said.

hilarious (とても面白い) [形] extremely funny

「とても面白い」と私は言った。

“Shoot yourself in the vein, don't you, Doc?

shoot (注射する) [動] to inject a drug

vein (静脈) [名] a blood vessel that carries blood from the body back to the heart

don't you (だよね) [助] used in speech as a tag question

「静脈に注射するんだね、ドクター?

Boy, do you brighten up!”

元気になったね!」

I started out.

start out (出発する) [動] begin a journey

私は出発した。

“Hasta luego, amigo,” he chirped.

Hasta luego (アスタ・ルエゴ) [名] goodbye

amigo (アミーゴ) [名] friend

「アスタ・ルエゴ、アミーゴ」と彼は言った。

“Don't forget my ten bucks. Pay the nurse.”

ten bucks (10ドル) [名] ten dollars

「私の10ドルを忘れないで。看護師に払って」

He moved to an intercom and was speaking into it as I left.

彼はインターホンの所へ行き、私が去る時にそれに話しかけた。

In the waiting room the same twelve people or twelve just like them were being uncomfortable.

just like (そっくりな) [形] very similar to

待合室では同じ12人か、彼らとそっくりな12人が不快そうにしていた。

The nurse was right on the job.

right on (熱心な) [形] very good or correct

看護師は仕事に熱心だった。

“That will be ten dollars, please, Mr. Marlowe.

「10ドルになります、マーロウさん。

This office requires immediate cash payment.”

immediate (即時の) [形] happening or done without delay

payment (支払い) [名] the action or process of paying someone or something

この事務所では即金でお願いします」

I stepped among the crowded feet to the door.

crowd (混雑する) [動] fill or occupy to excess

私は混雑した足の間を歩いてドアまで行った。

She bounded out of her chair and ran around the desk.

bound (飛び出す) [動] move or cause to move with a series of leaps

彼女は椅子から飛び出し、机の周りを走り回った。

I pulled the door open.

私はドアを開けた。

“What happens when you don't get it?”

「それを手に入れられないとどうなる?」

I asked her.

私は彼女に尋ねた。

“You'll find out what happens,” she said angrily.

「どうなるかわかるよ」と彼女は怒って言った。

“Sure. You're just doing your job. So am I.

「もちろん。君はただ仕事をしているだけだ。私もだ。

Take a gander at the card I left and you'll see what my job is.”

take a gander (見る) [動] to look at something

私が置いていった名刺を見てみろ。私の仕事がわかるだろう。」

I went on out.

go on (出かける) [動] continue doing something

私は外に出た。

The waiting patients looked at me with disapproving eyes.

disapprove (非難する) [動] have or express an unfavorable opinion of

待っている患者たちは私を非難の目で見た。

That was no way to treat Doctor.

医者に対する態度ではない。

[18]

Dr. Amos Varley was a very different proposition.

Dr. Amos Varley (エイモス・ヴァーリー医師) [名] a doctor

proposition (提案) [名] a statement or plan that is put forward for consideration or discussion

エイモス・ヴァーリー医師は全く違った提案をした。

He had a big old house in a big old garden with big old oak trees shading it.

garden (庭) [名] an area of land where plants, including flowers and other ornamental plants, are grown

彼は大きな古い庭に大きな古い家を持っていて、大きな古いオークの木が日陰を作っていた。

It was a massive frame structure with elaborate scrollwork along the overhang of the porches and the white porch railings had turned and fluted uprights like the legs of an old-fashioned grand piano.

massive (巨大な) [形] very large in size, amount, or extent

elaborate (精巧な) [形] very complicated or detailed

scrollwork (渦巻き模様) [名] an ornamental design of spiral curves

overhang (張り出し) [名] a part of a building that projects beyond the wall below

railing (手すり) [名] a fence or barrier made of rails

flute (溝を彫る) [動] make grooves or channels in

upright (直立) [形] in a vertical position

old-fashioned (昔ながらの) [形] of a kind or style that is no longer modern or current

grand piano (グランドピアノ) [名] a large full-toned piano with a horizontal soundboard and strings arranged in a horizontal plane

それは、ポーチの張り出し部分に沿って精巧な渦巻き模様が施された巨大なフレーム構造で、白いポーチの手すりは、昔ながらのグランドピアノの脚のように直立して溝が彫られていた。

A few frail elderly people sat in long chairs on the porches with rugs tucked around them.

frail (虚弱な) [形] physically weak

long chair (長椅子) [名] a chair with a long seat for more than one person

rug (敷物) [名] a piece of thick heavy fabric, often with a pile or nap, used as a floor covering

tuck (巻き付ける) [動] push, fold, or turn the edges or ends of something in or under so as to be held in place or to be concealed

数人の虚弱な老人たちが高い背もたれの椅子に座り、毛布を巻き付けていた。

The entrance doors were double and had stained-glass panels.

stained-glass (ステンドグラス) [名] a glass painted with some colors and used for decoration

panel (パネル) [名] a thin, flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material used as a surface to paint on, a surface for an instrument panel, or a protective covering for a wall

玄関の扉は二重になっていて、ステンドグラスのパネルがはめ込まれていた。

The hall inside was wide and cool and the parquetry floor was polished and without a single rug.

中のホールは広くて涼しく、寄木細工の床は磨き上げられ、一枚の敷物も敷かれていない。

Altadena is a hot place in summer.

アルタデナは夏は暑い。

It is pushed back against the hills and the breeze jumps clear over it.

push back (押し戻す) [動] to move something away from oneself or from the front

jump (飛び越える) [動] to move oneself off the ground using one's legs

丘に押し戻され、そよ風がその上を飛び越える。

Eighty years ago people knew how to build houses for this climate.

eighty years ago (80年前) [名] 80 years before the present time

know how to (方法を知っている) [動] have the knowledge or skill to do something

80年前の人々はこの気候に合った家を建てる方法を知っていた。

A nurse in crisp white took my card and after a wait Dr. Amos Varley condescended to see me.

condescend (許可する) [動] do something that you think is below your dignity

パリッとした白い服を着た看護師が私のカードを受け取り、しばらく待った後、エイモス・バーリー博士が私に会うことを許可した。

He was a big bald-headed guy with a cheery smile.

bald-headed (ハゲ頭の) [形] having a bald head

cheery (陽気な) [形] happy and cheerful

彼は陽気な笑顔の大きなハゲ頭の男だった。

His long white coat was spotless, he walked noiselessly on crepe rubber soles.

spotless (しみ一つない) [形] free from spots or stains

noiselessly (音もなく) [副] without making a noise

crepe rubber (クレープゴム) [名] a type of rubber with a rough surface

sole (靴底) [名] the underside of a person's foot

彼の長い白衣にはしみ一つなく、クレープゴムの靴底で音もなく歩いた。

“What can I do for you, Mr. Marlowe?”

What can I do for you (何か用ですか) [句] a polite way of asking someone what they want

「何か用ですか、マーロウさん?」

He had a rich soft voice to soothe the pain and comfort the anxious heart.

soothe (和らげる) [動] to make less intense or severe

pain (痛み) [名] a highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury

comfort (慰める) [動] to make (someone) feel less unhappy, worried, or upset

彼は痛みを和らげ、不安な心を慰めるような豊かで柔らかい声をしていた。

Doctor is here, there is nothing to worry about, everything will be fine.

worry (心配) [名] a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems

医者がここにいます、心配することはありません、すべてうまくいくでしょう。

He had that bedside manner, thick, honeyed layers of it.

bedside manner (枕元での態度) [名] the way a doctor behaves towards a patient

honeyed (蜜のような) [形] sweet or smooth

彼にはそういう枕元での態度があった、厚く、蜜のような層が。

He was wonderful--and he was as tough as armor plate.

wonderful (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or impressive

armor plate (装甲板) [名] a protective metal covering for a vehicle or ship

彼は素晴らしかった--そして彼は装甲板のように強かった。

“Doctor, I am looking for a man named Wade, a well-to-do alcoholic who has disappeared from his home.

well-to-do (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money

「先生、私はウェードという名の男を探しています。裕福なアルコール依存症で、自宅から姿を消したのです。

His past history suggests that he is holed up in some discreet joint that can handle him with skill.

past history (過去の履歴) [名] the events of a person's life up to the present time

discreet (目立たない) [形] careful not to attract attention

joint (場所) [名] a place where two or more things are joined together

skill (巧み) [名] the ability to do something well

彼の過去の履歴から、彼は彼を巧みに扱うことができる、目立たない場所に潜んでいることが示唆されている。

My only lead is a reference to a Dr. V.

reference (言及) [名] the action of mentioning or referring to something

私の唯一の手掛かりはV博士への言及です。

You're my third Dr. V. and I'm getting discouraged.”

V. (V) [名] the 22nd letter of the English alphabet

discourage (落胆させる) [動] cause someone to lose confidence or hope

あなたは私の3人目のV博士で、私は落胆し始めています」

He smiled benignly.

benignly (優しく) [副] in a kind and gentle way

彼は優しく微笑んだ。

“Only your third, Mr. Marlowe?

「3人目だけですか、マーロウさん?

Surely there must be a hundred doctors in and around the Los Angeles area whose names begin with V.”

surely (確かに) [副] without doubt

area (周辺) [名] a region or part of a country

確かにロサンゼルス周辺には名前がVで始まる医者が100人はいるでしょう」

“Sure, but not many of them would have rooms with barred windows.

「確かに、しかし、そのうちの多くは格子窓のある部屋を持っていないでしょう。

I noticed a few upstairs here, on the side of the house.”

私は家の横にある2階の部屋にいくつかあるのに気づきました」

“Old people,” Dr. Varley said sadly, but it was a rich full sadness.

Dr. Varley (バーリー医師) [名] a doctor named Varley

sadness (悲しみ) [名] the state of being sad

「年寄り」バーリー医師は悲しそうに言った、しかしそれは豊かで完全な悲しみだった。

“Lonely old people, depressed and unhappy old people, Mr. Marlowe.

depressed (落ち込んで) [形] in a state of general unhappiness or despondency

unhappy (不幸な) [形] not happy

「孤独な年寄り、落ち込んで不幸な年寄り、マーロウさん。

Sometimes--” He made an expressive gesture with his hand, a curving motion outwards, a pause, then a gentle falling, like a dead leaf fluttering to the ground.

expressive (表現力豊かな) [形] effectively conveying thought or feeling

outward (外側) [形] of, relating to, or directed toward the outside

時々--」彼は手で表現力豊かな身振りをした、外側に向かって曲がる動き、一時停止、そして地面に舞い落ちる枯れ葉のように優しく落ちる。

“I don't treat alcoholics here,” he added precisely.

precisely (正確に) [副] in a precise manner

「私はここではアルコール依存症の治療はしていない」と彼は正確に付け加えた。

“Now if you will excuse me--”

「では失礼します--」

“Sorry, Doctor. You just happened to be on our list.

happen (たまたま) [動] take place by chance

「すみません、先生。たまたまあなたがリストに載っていただけです。

Probably a mistake.

おそらく間違いでしょう。

Something about a run-in with the narcotics people a couple of years ago.”

run-in (衝突) [名] a brief argument or fight

narcotics (麻薬) [名] a drug that produces numbness or stupor

数年前に麻薬捜査官と衝突したとか」

“Is that so?” He looked puzzled, then the light broke.

Is that so? (そうですか?) [句] an expression of surprise or disbelief

the light broke (すぐに理解した) [句] to suddenly understand something

「そうですか?」彼は困惑したように見えたが、すぐに理解した。

“Ah, yes, an assistant I was unwise enough to employ.

assistant (助手) [名] a person who helps someone in their work

employ (雇う) [動] give work to someone in return for regular pay

「ああ、そうですね、私が雇うには賢くない助手でした。

For a very short time.

for (の間) [前] during

ごく短い期間です。

He abused my confidence badly.

abuse (裏切る) [動] use something in a wrong or harmful way

confidence (信頼) [名] the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something

彼は私の信頼をひどく裏切りました。

Yes, indeed.”

はい、確かに」

“Not the way I heard it,” I said.

「私が聞いた話とは違う」と私は言った。

“I guess I heard it wrong.”

「私が聞き間違えたんだな」

“And how did you hear it, Mr. Marlowe?”

「では、あなたはどのように聞いたのですか、マーロウさん?」

He was still giving me the full treatment with his smile and his mellow tones.

give (接する) [動] to cause to have or receive

mellow (柔らかい) [形] (of sound) soft and rich

彼は相変わらず笑顔と柔らかな口調で私に接していた。

“That you had to turn in your narcotic prescription book.”

「麻薬処方箋を提出しなければならなかった」

That got to him a little.

get to (動揺させる) [動] to have an effect on someone or something

彼は少し動揺した。

He didn't quite scowl but he peeled off a few layers of the charm.

peel off (剥がす) [動] to remove the outer layer of something

layer (層) [名] a sheet or covering of material that is placed over or under another

彼は顔をしかめたわけではないが、魅力の層をいくつか剥がした。

His blue eyes had a chilly glint.

chilly (冷たい) [形] unpleasantly cold

glint (輝き) [名] a small bright light or a bright point

彼の青い目は冷たい輝きを放っていた。

“And the source of this fantastic information?”

source (出所) [名] the place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained

「そしてこの素晴らしい情報の出所は?」

“A large detective agency that has facilities for building files on that sort of thing.”

detective agency (探偵事務所) [名] a business that provides private investigation services

「そういうことを調べる設備のある大きな探偵事務所だ」

“A collection of cheap blackmailers, no doubt.”

collection (集まり) [名] a group of things or people

「安っぽい恐喝者の集まりに違いない」

“Not cheap, Doctor. Their base rate is a hundred dollars a day.

base rate (基本料金) [名] the lowest rate charged by a lender to a borrower

hundred dollars (百ドル) [名] a unit of money equal to 100 cents

「安くはないですよ、先生。基本料金は一日百ドルです。

It's run by a former colonel of military police.

元憲兵大佐が経営しています。

No nickel grabber, Doctor.

nickel (小銭) [名] a coin worth five cents

grabber (稼ぎ) [名] a person who grabs something

小銭稼ぎではありません、先生。

He rates way up.”

rate (評価する) [動] estimate the value, quality, or importance of

way up (高く) [副] to a high degree or level

彼は高く評価されています」

“I shall give him a piece of my mind,” Dr. Varley said with cool distaste.

give someone a piece of one's mind (考えを話す) [動] to tell someone angrily what you think of them

cool distaste (冷静に嫌悪感を抱いて) [名] a feeling of dislike or disgust

「彼に私の考えを話そう」バーリー医師は冷静に嫌悪感を抱いて言った。

“His name?”

「彼の名前は?」

The sun had set in Dr. Varley's manner.

set (沈む) [動] go below the horizon

バーリー医師の態度に日が沈んだ。

It was getting to be a chilly evening.

chilly (肌寒い) [形] somewhat cold

肌寒い夜になりつつあった。

“Confidential, Doctor. But don't give it a thought.

「内緒ですよ、先生。でも気にしないで。

All in the day's work.

all in the day's work (すべては一日の仕事のうちだ) [名] a routine or ordinary part of one's work

すべては一日の仕事のうちだ。

Name of Wade doesn't ring a bell at all, huh?”

ring a bell (思い出させる) [動] to seem familiar

ウェードという名前は全く思い出せないか?」

“I believe you know your way out, Mr. Marlowe.”

「出口はご存知でしょう、マーロウさん」

The door of a small elevator opened behind him.

彼の後ろで小さなエレベーターのドアが開いた。

A nurse pushed a wheel chair out.

wheel chair (車椅子) [名] a chair on wheels for a person who cannot walk

看護師が車椅子を押し出した。

The chair contained what was left of a broken old man.

chair (車椅子) [名] a wheeled chair for a person who cannot walk

what was left of (残骸) [名] the remaining parts of something that has been destroyed or badly damaged

broken (壊れた) [形] damaged or no longer working

車椅子には、壊れた老人の残骸が乗っていた。

His eyes were closed, his skin had a bluish tinge.

bluish (青みがかった) [形] somewhat blue in color

tinge (かかった) [名] a slight trace of some color

彼の目は閉じられ、肌は青みがかっていた。

He was well wrapped up.

be wrapped up (包まれている) [動] to be wearing a lot of warm clothes

彼はよく包まれていた。

The nurse wheeled him silently across the polished floor and out of a side door.

wheel (車椅子で押す) [動] to move or be moved on wheels

silently (静かに) [副] without any sound

polished (磨かれた) [形] made smooth and shiny by rubbing

side door (横のドア) [名] a door on the side of a building

看護師は磨かれた床を横切って彼を静かに車椅子で押し、横のドアから出て行った。

Dr. Varley said softly:

バーリー医師は静かに言った。

“Old people. Sick old people. Lonely old people.

「老人。病気の老人。孤独な老人。

Do not come back, Mr. Marlowe.

戻って来ないでください、マーロウさん。

You might annoy me.

あなたは私を困らせるかもしれない。

When annoyed I can be rather unpleasant.

annoyed (困らされる) [形] feeling or showing slight anger

困らされると私はかなり不愉快になる。

I might even say very unpleasant.”

とても不愉快になると言ってもいい。」

“Okay by me, Doctor.

「私には構いません、先生。

Thanks for the time.

お時間ありがとうございました。

Nice little dying-in home you got here.”

素敵な小さな終の棲家をお持ちですね。」

“What was that?”

「あれは何だったんだ?」

He took a step towards me and peeled off the remaining layers of honey.

take a step (一歩踏み出す) [動] move forward by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

peel off (剥ぎ取る) [動] remove the outer layer of something

彼は私に向かって一歩踏み出し、残っていた蜜の層を剥ぎ取った。

The soft lines of his face set themselves into hard ridges.

set (なる) [動] become

ridge (隆起) [名] a long, narrow elevation of land, a mountain range

彼の顔の柔らかい線が硬い隆起になった。

“What's the matter?” I asked him.

「どうしたんだ?」と私は彼に尋ねた。

“I can see my man wouldn't be here.

「私の男がここにいないのは分かる。

I wouldn't look for anybody here that wasn't too frail to fight back.

fight back (反撃する) [動] to attack someone who has attacked you

私はここで反撃するには弱すぎる人以外は探さないだろう。

Sick old people. Lonely old people.

病気の老人。孤独な老人。

You said it yourself, Doctor.

あなたは自分でそう言ったんですよ、先生。

Unwanted old people, but with money and hungry heirs.

unwanted (誰も欲しがらない) [形] not wanted or desired

old people (老人) [名] a person who is old

hungry (貪欲な) [形] having a strong desire for food

heir (相続人) [名] a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit property

誰も欲しがらない老人だが、金と貪欲な相続人がいる。

Most of them probably judged incompetent by the court.”

彼らのほとんどはおそらく裁判所によって無能と判断されたのでしょう。」

“I am getting annoyed,” Dr. Varley said.

get annoyed (イライラし始める) [動] to start to feel angry or impatient

「私はイライラし始めている」とバーリー医師は言った。

“Light food, light sedation, firm treatment.

sedation (鎮静剤) [名] the reduction of anxiety, stress, irritability, or excitement by the administration of a sedative agent

firm (断固とした) [形] not soft or yielding to pressure

「軽い食事、軽い鎮静剤、断固とした治療。

Put them out in the sun, put them back in the bed.

彼らを日光に当て、ベッドに戻す。

Bar some of the windows in case there's a little spunk left.

bar (鉄格子を付ける) [動] to fasten or secure with a bar

case (場合に備えて) [名] a situation or event that is possible or likely

spunk (元気) [名] courage and determination

少しでも元気が残っている場合に備えて、窓の一部に鉄格子を付ける。

They love you, Doctor, one and all.

彼らはあなたを愛している、ドクター、みんな。

They die holding your hand and seeing the sadness in your eyes.

彼らはあなたの手を握り、あなたの目の中の悲しみを見ながら死んでいく。

It's genuine too.”

本物でもある。」

“It certainly is,” he said in a low throaty growl.

throaty (喉を鳴らす) [形] produced in the throat

「確かにそうだ」と彼は低く喉を鳴らして言った。

His hands were fists now.

彼の手は今や拳になっていた。

I ought to knock it off.

knock it off (やめる) [動] stop doing something

私はそれをやめるべきだ。

But he had begun to nauseate me.

nauseate (吐き気を催させる) [動] cause to feel sick

しかし、彼は私を吐き気を催させ始めていた。

“Sure it is,” I said.

「確かにそうだ」と私は言った。

“Nobody likes to lose a good paying customer.

「誰も支払いの良い顧客を失いたくはない。

Especially one you don't even have to please.”

one (客) [名] a person or thing that is the object of a particular action

特に喜ばせる必要すらない客を」

“Somebody has to do it,” he said.

「誰かがやらなきゃいけない」と彼は言った。

“Somebody has to care for these sad old people, Mr. Marlowe.”

「誰かがこの悲しい老人たちを世話しなければいけないんだ、マーロウさん」

“Somebody has to clean out cesspools.

clean out (掃除する) [動] to remove all the contents of something

cesspool (汚水槽) [名] a covered tank for the temporary storage of sewage

「誰かが汚水槽を掃除しなければいけない。

Come to think of it that's a clean honest job.

come to think of it (考えてみれば) [句] now that I think about it

考えてみればそれは清潔で正直な仕事だ。

So long, Dr. Varley.

さようなら、ヴァーリー先生。

When my job makes me feel dirty I'll think of you.

仕事で自分が汚いと感じたらあなたのことを思い出すよ。

It will cheer me up no end.”

cheer up (元気が出る) [動] to become happier or more cheerful

no end (とても) [副] to a very great degree

とても元気が出るよ」

“You filthy louse,” Dr. Varley said between his wide white teeth.

filthy (汚い) [形] very dirty

louse (シラミ) [名] a small wingless jumping insect which feeds on the blood of mammals and birds

teeth (歯) [名] the hard white structures in the mouth that are used for biting and chewing

「この汚いシラミ野郎」ヴァーリー先生は白い歯の間から言った。

“I ought to break your back.

「あなたの背骨を折ってやるべきだ。

Mine is an honorable branch of an honorable profession.”

honorable (立派な) [形] deserving great respect

branch (分野) [名] a subdivision of a main body or category

私のは立派な職業の立派な分野だ」

“Yeah.” I looked at him wearily.

「ああ」私は疲れたように彼を見た。

“I know it is. Only it smells of death.”

smell (匂いがする) [動] be aware of or detect the odor of

「それは知っている。ただ死の匂いがするだけだ」

He didn't slug me, so I walked away from him and out.

walk away (歩き出す) [動] leave a place by walking

彼は私を殴らなかった。だから私は彼から離れて歩き出した。

I looked back from the wide double doors.

私は広い二重ドアから振り返った。

He hadn't moved.

彼は動かなかった。

He had a job to do, putting back the layers of honey.

have a job to do (やるべき仕事がある) [動] have a task that needs to be completed

彼にはやるべき仕事があった。蜂蜜の層を元に戻すことだ。

[19]

I drove back to Hollywood feeling like a short length of chewed string.

drive back (車を走らせる) [動] drive a vehicle

feel like (気分である) [動] to be in the mood for

short length (短い) [形] having little length

chewed string (噛み切られた紐) [名] a piece of string that has been chewed

私は噛み切られた短い紐のような気分でハリウッドまで車を走らせた。

It was too early to eat, and too hot.

食事をするには早すぎたし、暑すぎた。

I turned on the fan in my office.

私は事務所の扇風機をつけた。

It didn't make the air any cooler, just a little more lively.

cooler (涼しい) [形] of or at a fairly low temperature

lively (活気づいた) [形] full of life or energy

空気が涼しくなるわけではなく、ただ少しだけ活気づいた。

Outside on the boulevard the traffic brawled endlessly.

brawl (喧嘩) [動] fight or argue noisily

外の大通りでは交通が延々と喧嘩していた。

Inside my head thoughts stuck together like flies on flypaper.

stick (くっつく) [動] be or become attached or joined to a surface or object

flypaper (ハエ取り紙) [名] a sticky paper that is used to catch flies

私の頭の中では考えがハエ取り紙のハエのようにくっついていた。

Three shots, three misses.

shot (発) [名] the firing of a gun

miss (外れる) [動] fail to hit or reach

3発、3発とも外れた。

All I had been doing was seeing too many doctors.

see (診てもらう) [動] visit a doctor

私がしていたのは医者に行き過ぎることだけだった。

I called the Wade home.

私はウェード家に電話した。

A Mexican sort of accent answered and said that Mrs. Wade was not at home.

accent (アクセント) [名] a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language

メキシコ訛りのようなアクセントでウェード夫人は家にいないと答えた。

I asked for Mr. Wade.

私はウェード氏に代わるように頼んだ。

The voice said Mr. Wade was not home either.

その声はウェード氏も家にいないと言った。

I left my name.

私は名前を告げた。

He seemed to catch it without any trouble.

彼は問題なくそれを理解したようだった。

He said he was the houseboy.

彼はボーイだと言った。

I called George Peters at The Carne Organization. Maybe he knew some more doctors.

私はカーネ・オーガニゼーションのジョージ・ピーターズに電話した。彼ならもっと医者を知っているかもしれない。

He wasn't in.

彼はいなかった。

I left a phony name and a right telephone number.

phony (偽の) [形] not genuine; fake

私は偽名と正しい電話番号を残した。

An hour crawled by like a sick cockroach.

cockroach (ゴキブリ) [名] a large black or brown insect that lives in houses and other buildings

一時間が病気のゴキブリのように這っていった。

I was a grain of sand on the desert of oblivion.

grain of sand (一粒の砂) [名] a very small part of something

desert (砂漠) [名] a dry, sandy region of little rainfall, extreme temperature, and sparse vegetation

oblivion (忘却) [名] the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening

私は忘却の砂漠の一粒の砂だった。

I was a two-gun cowpoke fresh out of bullets.

two-gun (二丁拳銃) [形] having two guns

fresh out of (使い果たした) [形] having no more of something

bullet (弾丸) [名] a small metal projectile made to be fired from a gun

私は弾丸を使い果たした二丁拳銃のカウボーイだった。

Three shots, three misses.

三発、三発とも外れた。

I hate it when they come in threes.

come in threes (三人組) [動] a group of three people

三人組は嫌いだ。

You call on Mr. A. Nothing.

call on (訪ねる) [動] to visit someone or something

あなたはA氏を訪ねる。何もなし。

You call on Mr. B. Nothing.

あなたはB氏を訪ねる。何もなし。

You call on Mr. C. More of the same.

Mr. C (C氏) [名] a person with the last name C

more of the same (同じことの繰り返し) [名] more of the same thing

あなたはC氏を訪ねる。同じことの繰り返し。

A week later you find out it should have been Mr. D.

should have been (であるべきだった) [助] used to express a past action that did not happen but that would have been better if it had happened

Mr. D (D氏) [名] a man with the surname D

一週間後、あなたはD氏であるべきだったことを知る。

Only you didn't know he existed and by the time you found out, the client had changed his mind and killed the investigation.

kill (中止する) [動] cause to end

ただ、あなたは彼の存在を知らなかったし、あなたが知る頃には依頼人は考えを変えて調査を中止していた。

Drs. Vukanich and Varley were scratched.

Drs. (医師) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

Vukanich (ヴカニッチ) [名] a surname

Varley (ヴァーリー) [名] a surname

scratch (削除する) [動] to remove or eliminate something

ヴカニッチとヴァーリー医師は削除された。

Varley had it too rich to fool with hooch cases.

have it too rich (金持ちすぎる) [動] have a lot of money

fool with (扱う) [動] to do something that is not serious or important

ヴァーリーは密造酒の事件を扱うには金持ちすぎた。

Vukanich was a punk, a high-wire performer who hit the main line in his own office.

punk (パンク) [名] a person who behaves in a violent or aggressive way

high-wire performer (綱渡り師) [名] a person who performs on a high wire

main line (メインライン) [名] the main railway line between two places

ヴカニッチはパンクで、自分のオフィスでメインラインを打つ綱渡り師だった。

The help must know.

使用人は知っているはずだ。

At least some of the patients must know.

少なくとも何人かの患者は知っているはずだ。

All it took to finish him was one sorehead and one telephone call.

take (必要とする) [動] require or need

finish (終わらせる) [動] bring to an end

sorehead (怒りっぽい人) [名] a person who is easily annoyed

telephone call (電話) [名] a connection made by a telephone

彼を終わらせるのに必要なのは、一人の怒りっぽい人と一本の電話だけだった。

Wade wouldn't have gone within blocks of him, drunk or sober.

wouldn't have (しなかっただろう) [助] would not have

gone (行く) [動] move or travel to a place

within (以内) [前] inside

ウェードは酔っ払っていても酔っ払っていなくても、彼のブロック内には行かなかっただろう。

He might not be the brightest guy in the world--plenty of successful people are far from mental giants--but he couldn't be dumb enough to fool with Vukanich.

far from (程遠い) [形] not even close to being

fool (馬鹿にする) [動] act in a joking or playful way

dumb (愚か) [形] lacking intelligence or good judgment

彼は世界で一番頭のいい男ではないかもしれないが、成功した人の多くは精神的な巨人とは程遠い。しかし、彼はヴカニッチを馬鹿にするほど愚かではありえない。

The only possible was Dr. Verringer.

possible (可能性) [名] something that may be done or may happen

唯一の可能性はヴェリンジャー博士だった。

He had the space and the seclusion.

space (空間) [名] the unlimited expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist

彼には空間と隔離があった。

He probably had the patience.

patience (忍耐力) [名] the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

彼にはおそらく忍耐力があった。

But Sepulveda Canyon was a long way from Idle Valley.

しかし、セプルベダキャニオンはアイドルバレーとはかなり離れていた。

Where was the point of contact, how did they know each other, and if Verringer owned that property and had a buyer for it, he was halfway to being pretty well heeled.

point of contact (接触点) [名] the person or place where you can get information or help

know each other (知り合う) [動] to be familiar with each other

buyer (買い手) [名] a person who buys something

halfway (道半ば) [副] at or to the middle point of a distance or period of time

pretty well heeled (かなり裕福) [形] having a lot of money

どこで接触したのか、どうやって知り合ったのか、そしてヴェリンジャーがその土地を所有していて、買い手がいるのなら、彼はかなり裕福になる道半ばだった。

That gave me an idea.

それが私にアイデアを与えた。

I called a man I knew in a title company to find out the status of the property.

status (状況) [名] the state of something at a particular time

私は不動産登記会社にいる知り合いに電話して、その土地の状況を調べてもらった。

No answer.

answer (返事) [名] a spoken or written reply or response to a question, statement, or request

返事はない。

The title company had closed for the day.

title company (不動産登記会社) [名] a company that provides title insurance

不動産登記会社はその日はもう閉まっていた。

I closed for the day too, and drove over to La Cienaga to Rudy's Bar-B-Q, gave my name to the master of ceremonies, and waited for the big moment on a bar stool with a whiskey sour in front of me and Marek Weber's waltz music in my ears.

La Cienaga (ラ・シエナガ) [名] a city in California

Rudy's Bar-B-Q (ルディーズ・バーベキュー) [名] a restaurant in La Cienaga

master of ceremonies (司会者) [名] a person who introduces speakers or performers at a public event

big moment (その瞬間) [名] an important or significant event

whiskey sour (ウイスキーサワー) [名] a cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar

Marek Weber (マレク・ウェーバー) [名] a Polish-born American musician

waltz (ワルツ) [名] a ballroom dance in triple time

私もその日は閉店し、ラ・シエナガのルディーズ・バーベキューまで車を走らせ、司会者に名前を告げて、目の前にウイスキーサワーを置き、マレク・ウェーバーのワルツを耳にしながら、バーのスツールに座ってその瞬間を待った。

After a while I got in past the velvet rope and ate one of Rudy's “world-famous” Salisbury steaks, which is hamburger on a slab of burnt wood, ringed with browned-over mashed potato, supported by fried onion rings and one of those mixed up salads which men will eat with complete docility in restaurants, although they would probably start yelling if their wives tried to feed them one at home.

get in (通り抜ける) [動] to enter a place

velvet rope (ベルベットのロープ) [名] a rope made of velvet

Rudy (ルディ) [名] a male given name

world-famous (世界的に有名な) [形] known throughout the world

Salisbury steak (ソールズベリーステーキ) [名] a dish made of ground beef and other ingredients and usually served with gravy

burnt wood (焦げた木) [名] wood that has been burned

slab (板) [名] a thick, flat piece of wood or stone

mashed potato (マッシュポテト) [名] potatoes that have been mashed

fried onion ring (揚げたオニオンリング) [名] an onion ring that has been fried

mixed up salad (ミックスサラダ) [名] a salad that has been mixed up

しばらくして、私はベルベットのロープを通り抜けて、ルディの「世界的に有名な」ソールズベリーステーキを食べた。それは、焦げた木の板の上にハンバーグを乗せ、周りに焦げ目がついたマッシュポテトをリング状に盛り付け、揚げたオニオンリングと、男性がレストランでは素直に食べるが、家で妻が食べさせようとすると怒鳴り出すようなミックスサラダを添えたものである。

After that I drove home.

drive (向かう) [動] go or travel by car

その後、私は車で家に向かった。

As I opened the front door the phone started to ring.

front door (玄関のドア) [名] the main door to a house

玄関のドアを開けると電話が鳴り始めた。

“This is Eileen Wade, Mr. Marlowe.

「アイリーン・ウェードです、マーロウさん。

You wanted me to call you.”

電話して欲しいと仰っていましたね」

“Just to find out if anything had happened at your end.

「そちらで何かあったかどうかを知りたいだけです。

I have been seeing doctors all day and have made no friends.”

all day (一日中) [名] the entire day

私は一日中医者に会っていて、友達がいません」

“No, I'm sorry. He still hasn't showed up.

I'm sorry (すみません) [句] an expression of apology

hasn't (していない) [助] have not

showed up (現れる) [動] to arrive or appear

「いいえ、すみません。彼はまだ現れていません。

I can't help being rather anxious.

can't help (仕方がない) [動] be unable to avoid or prevent

anxious (心配) [形] experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease

かなり心配で仕方がありません。

Then you have nothing to tell me, I suppose.”

have nothing to tell (話すことがない) [動] have no information to share

ならば、私に話すことは何もないと思います」

Her voice was low and dispirited.

dispirited (元気がない) [形] lacking in spirit or enthusiasm

彼女の声は低く、元気がなかった。

“It's a big crowded county, Mrs. Wade.”

crowded (混雑した) [形] full of people or things

「ここは大きくて混雑した郡です、ウェード夫人」

“It will be four whole days tonight.”

「今夜で丸4日になります」

“Sure, but that's not too long.”

「確かに、でもそれほど長くはない」

“For me it is.”

「私にとっては長い」

She was silent for a while.

彼女はしばらく黙っていた。

“I've been doing a lot of thinking, trying to remember something,” she went on.

do a lot of thinking (いろいろ考える) [動] think about something a lot

try to remember (思い出そうとする) [動] make an effort to recall something

「私はいろいろ考え、何かを思い出そうとしてきました」と彼女は続けた。

“There must be something, some kind of hint or memory.

hint (ヒント) [名] a small piece of information that helps you to find out something

「何かあるはずだ、何かのヒントや記憶が。

Roger talks a great deal about all sorts of things.”

all sorts of things (いろいろなこと) [名] a variety of things

ロジャーはいろいろなことについてよく話す」

“Does the name Verringer mean anything to you, Mrs. Wade?”

「ヴェリンジャーという名前に何か心当たりはありますか、ウェードさん?」

“No, I'm afraid not. Should it?”

「いいえ、残念ながら。何かあるべきでしょうか?」

“You mentioned that Mr. Wade was brought home one time by a tall young man dressed in a cowboy outfit.

mention (仰いましたね) [動] to say something about someone or something

Mr. Wade (ウェードさん) [名] a man's name

be brought (連れられて) [動] to be taken to a place

one time (ある時) [名] at some point in the past

young man (若い男) [名] a male person who is relatively young

dressed (格好) [動] to put clothes on

「ウェードさんがカウボーイの格好をした背の高い若い男に連れられて帰宅したことがあると仰いましたね。

Would you recognize this tall young man if you saw him again, Mrs. Wade?”

その背の高い若い男をもう一度見たら分かりますか、ウェードさん?」

“I suppose I might,” she said hesitantly, “if the conditions were the same.

hesitantly (ためらいがちに) [副] in a hesitant manner

「同じ状況なら分かるかもしれません」彼女はためらいがちに言った。

But I only caught the merest glimpse of him.

catch (見る) [動] to see or notice something

glimpse (ちらっと) [名] a brief, incomplete view or look

でも、彼をちらっと見ただけです。

Was his name Verringer?”

彼の名前はヴェリンジャーでしたか?」

“No, Mrs. Wade. Verringer is a heavily built, middle-aged man who runs, or more accurately has run, some kind of guest ranch in Sepulveda Canyon.

Mrs. Wade (ウェードさん) [名] a woman who is married to Mr. Wade

heavily built (がっしりした体格) [形] having a large and strong body

accurately (正確に) [副] in a way that is exact or correct

「いいえ、ウェードさん。ヴェリンジャーはがっしりした体格の中年男性で、セプルベダ・キャニオンで一種のゲストランチを経営している、いや、正確には経営していた。

He has a dressed up fancy boy named Earl working for him.

dress up (着飾る) [動] put on special clothes for a special occasion

work for (働く) [動] be employed by

彼にはアールという名の、着飾った派手な男が働いている。

And Verringer calls himself a doctor.”

call oneself (名乗る) [動] to give oneself a name or title

そしてヴェリンジャーは自分を医者だと名乗っている。」

“That's wonderful,” she said warmly.

warmly (暖かく) [副] in a warm manner

「それは素晴らしい」と彼女は暖かく言った。

“Don't you feel that you're on the right track?”

track (道) [名] a pair of rails on which trains run

「正しい道を進んでいると感じませんか?」

“I could be wetter than a drowned kitten.

kitten (子猫) [名] a young cat

「私は溺れた子猫よりも濡れているかもしれない。

I'll call you when I know.

わかったら電話する。

I just wanted to make sure Roger hadn't come home and that you hadn't recalled anything definite.”

make sure (確認する) [動] to find out or make certain about something

definite (明確な) [形] clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful

ロジャーが帰宅していないこと、そしてあなたが何か明確なことを思い出していないことを確認したいだけだった。」

“I'm afraid I haven't been of much help to you,” she said sadly.

be afraid (残念に思う) [動] to be sorry or sad about something

be of much help (あまり役に立たない) [動] to be useful or beneficial

「あまりお役に立てなかったようで」と彼女は悲しそうに言った。

“Please call me at any time, no matter how late it is.”

no matter how (どんなに) [副] to whatever extent or degree

「どんなに遅くてもいつでも電話してください」

I said I would do that and we hung up.

私はそうすると答え、電話を切った。

I took a gun and a three-cell flashlight with me this time.

flashlight (懐中電灯) [名] a small electric light that can be carried around

今回は銃と三連の懐中電灯を持って行った。

The gun was a tough little short-barreled .32 with flat-point cartridges.

short-barreled (短銃身の) [形] having a short barrel

.32 (32口径) [名] a caliber of firearm

flat-point (平頭の) [形] having a flat tip

cartridge (弾薬) [名] a cylindrical container holding a charge and a bullet or shot, for use in a firearm

銃は頑丈な短銃身の32口径で、平頭弾を装填した。

Dr. Verringer's boy Earl might have other toys than brass knuckles.

toy (おもちゃ) [名] an object for a child to play with

ヴェリンジャー医師の息子アールはメリケンサック以外のおもちゃを持っているかもしれない。

If he had, he was plenty goofy enough to play with them.

goofy (間抜けな) [形] foolish or stupid

もし持っていたら、彼は十分にそれらで遊ぶほど間抜けだ。

I hit the highway again and drove as fast as I dared.

hit the highway (ハイウェイに乗る) [動] get on the highway

dare (できる) [動] have the courage to do something

私は再びハイウェイに乗り、できるだけ速く走った。

It was a moonless night, and would be getting dark by the time I reached the entrance to Dr. Verringer's estate.

moonless night (月のない夜) [名] a night when the moon is not visible

get dark (暗くなる) [動] become dark

月のない夜で、私がヴェリンジャー医師の屋敷の入り口に着く頃には暗くなっているだろう。

Darkness was what I needed.

暗闇こそ私が必要としていたものだった。

The gates were still locked with the chain and padlock.

門は依然として鎖と南京錠で閉じられていた。

I drove on past and parked well off the highway.

drive on (通り過ぎる) [動] continue driving

well off (かなり離れた) [形] far away

私はそこを通り過ぎ、ハイウェイからかなり離れたところに駐車した。

There was still some light under the trees but it wouldn't last long.

木々の下には依然としていくらか光があったが、長くは続かないだろう。

I climbed the gate and went up the side of the hill looking for a hiking path.

climb (よじ登る) [動] go up or down with effort

私は門をよじ登り、ハイキング道を探して丘の側面を上った。

Far back in the valley I thought I heard a quail.

far back (ずっと奥) [副] a long way back

quail (ウズラ) [名] a small game bird

谷のずっと奥でウズラが鳴いているのが聞こえたような気がした。

A mourning dove exclaimed against the miseries of life.

mourning dove (ナゲキバト) [名] a dove with a mournful call

exclaim (嘆く) [動] cry out or say something loudly, as in surprise, anger, or pain

misery (悲惨さ) [名] a state or feeling of great distress or discomfort

ナゲキバトが人生の悲惨さを嘆いていた。

There wasn't any hiking path or I couldn't find one, so I went back to the road and walked along the edge of the gravel.

hiking path (ハイキング道) [名] a path for hiking

ハイキング道は全くなかったか、私が見つけられなかったかだったので、私は道に戻り、砂利の端に沿って歩いた。

The eucalyptus trees gave way to the oaks and I crossed the ridge and far off I could see a few lights.

give way to (変わる) [動] be replaced by

ユーカリの木がオークの木に変わり、尾根を越えると遠くにいくつかの明かりが見えた。

It took me three quarters of an hour to work up behind the swimming pool and the tennis courts to a spot where I could look down on the main building at the end of the road.

work up (登る) [動] move up

スイミングプールとテニスコートの後ろから道の端にある本館を見下ろせる場所まで登るのに45分かかった。

It was lighted up and I could hear music coming from it.

light up (明かりが灯る) [動] to become bright or brighter

明かりが灯り、音楽が聞こえてきた。

And farther off in the trees another cabin showed light.

farther (向こう) [形] more distant

show (見せる) [動] cause or allow to be seen

そして、木々の向こうにもう一つの小屋が明かりを見せていた。

There were small dark cabins dotted all over the place in the trees.

木々の中には小さな暗い小屋が点在していた。

I went along a path now and suddenly a floodlight went on at the back of the main cabin.

go along (進む) [動] move or travel in a specified direction

floodlight (投光器) [名] a large electric light with a reflector that produces a broad beam of light

go on (点灯する) [動] start or continue

私は小道を進むと、突然、本館の裏に投光器が点灯した。

I stopped dead.

dead (完全に) [副] completely

私は立ち止まった。

The floodlight was not looking for anything.

投光器は何も探していなかった。

It pointed straight down and made a wide pool of light on the back porch and the ground beyond.

point (向く) [動] direct or aim

それは真下を向いており、裏ポーチとその向こうの地面に広い光のプールを作った。

Then a door banged open and Earl came out.

bang (バン) [名] a loud sharp noise

するとドアがバンと開き、アールが出てきた。

Then I knew I was in the right place.

これで私は正しい場所にいると分かった。

Earl was a cowpoke tonight, and it had been a cowpoke who brought Roger Wade home the time before.

今夜のアールはカウボーイで、前回ロジャー・ウェードを家まで連れてきたのもカウボーイだった。

Earl was spinning a rope.

アールはロープを回していた。

He wore a dark shirt stitched with white and a polka-dot scarf knotted loosely around his neck.

stitch (ステッチ) [動] sew or embroider with decorative stitches

polka-dot (水玉模様) [名] a pattern of dots

彼は白でステッチされた暗いシャツを着て、首の周りに水玉模様のスカーフをゆるく結んでいた。

He wore a wide leather belt with a load of silver on it and a pair of tooled leather holsters with ivory-handled guns in them.

wear (着ける) [動] have on your person

load (たくさん) [名] a large amount of something

tooled (細工した) [形] made with tools

holster (ホルスター) [名] a leather case for carrying a gun

ivory (象牙) [名] the hard white substance that forms the tusks of elephants

handle (柄) [名] the part of a tool or object that is held in the hand

彼は銀をたくさんつけた幅広の革ベルトを着け、象牙の柄の銃を革製のホルスターに入れて身に着けていた。

He wore elegant riding pants and boots cross-stitched in white and glistening new.

riding pants (乗馬ズボン) [名] pants worn for riding horses

boots (ブーツ) [名] a covering for the foot and lower leg

cross-stitch (クロスステッチ) [名] a form of embroidery in which stitches form a cross

glistening (輝く) [動] shine or sparkle brightly

彼は優雅な乗馬ズボンと白でクロスステッチされたブーツを履き、新品のように輝いていた。

On the back of his head was a white sombrero and what looked like a woven silver cord hanging loosely down his shirt, the ends not fastened.

sombrero (ソンブレロ) [名] a high-crowned hat with a very wide brim

woven (編んだ) [形] made by interlacing strands of fabric

cord (紐) [名] a long thin flexible material made from several twisted strands

hang (垂れ下がる) [動] to be suspended or supported from above

fasten (固定する) [動] to attach or join securely

彼の頭の後ろには白いソンブレロがあり、シャツの下にゆるく垂れ下がった銀の編み紐のようなものがあり、端は固定されていなかった。

He stood there alone under the white floodlight, spinning his rope around him, stepping in and out of it, an actor without an audience, a tall, slender, handsome dude wrangler putting on a show all by himself and loving every minute of it.

alone (一人ぼっちで) [形] having no one else present

rope (ロープ) [名] a length of strong thick cord made by twisting together strands of fiber

audience (観客) [名] the assembled spectators or listeners at a public event

actor (俳優) [名] a person whose profession is acting on the stage, in movies, or on television

slender (細身) [形] gracefully thin

dude (男) [名] a man

wrangler (カウボーイ) [名] a cowboy who takes care of horses

put on (演じる) [動] organize and present

show (ショー) [名] a theatrical performance

彼は白い投光照明の下で一人ぼっちで立って、ロープを自分の周りで回転させ、その中を出たり入ったりしていた。観客のいない俳優、背が高く、細身で、ハンサムな男が一人ぼっちでショーを演じ、その一瞬一瞬を愛していた。

Two-Gun Earl, the Terror of Cochise County.

Two-Gun Earl (二丁拳銃のアール) [名] a person's name

Terror (恐怖) [名] a state of intense fear

Cochise County (コチセ郡) [名] a county in Arizona

二丁拳銃のアール、コチセ郡の恐怖。

He belonged on one of those guest ranches that are so all-fired horsy the telephone girl wears riding boots to work.

guest ranch (牧場) [名] a ranch that takes in paying guests

all-fired (馬鹿げた) [形] damned

horsy (馬鹿げた) [形] interested in horses

telephone girl (電話交換手) [名] a woman who operates a telephone switchboard

riding boots (乗馬靴) [名] boots worn for riding horses

彼は、電話交換手が乗馬靴を履いて仕事をするような、馬鹿げた牧場の1つに属していた。

All at once he heard a sound, or pretended to.

all at once (突然) [副] suddenly

突然彼は音を聞いた、あるいは聞いたふりをした。

The rope dropped, his hands swept the two guns from the holsters, and the crook of his thumbs was over the hammers as they came level.

sweep (抜く) [動] move or cause to move quickly and smoothly

hammer (ハンマー) [名] a tool with a heavy metal head and a handle, used for hitting nails into wood

ロープが落ち、彼の手はホルスターから2丁の銃を抜き、親指の曲がった部分がハンマーの上に来た。

He peered into the darkness.

彼は暗闇を覗き込んだ。

I didn't dare move.

私は動く勇気がなかった。

The damn guns could be loaded.

damn (くそったれの) [形] used to express anger or annoyance

あの銃には弾が込められているかもしれない。

But the floodlight had blinded him and he didn't see anything.

blind (目をくらませる) [動] make unable to see

しかし、投光照明が彼の目をくらませ、彼は何も見えなかった。

He slipped his guns back in the holsters, picked up the rope and gathered it loosely, went back into the house.

gather (束ねる) [動] come together or cause to come together

彼は銃をホルスターに滑り込ませ、ロープを拾い上げ、それをゆるく束ねて、家に戻った。

The light went off, and so did I.

go off (消える) [動] stop working or functioning

明かりが消え、私も消えた。

I moved around through the trees and got close to the small lighted cabin on the slope.

move around (移動する) [動] go from one place to another

get close to (近づく) [動] move or come near or nearer

slope (斜面) [名] a surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than the other

私は木々の間を移動し、斜面にある明かりのついた小さな小屋に近づいた。

No sound came from it.

音は聞こえなかった。

I reached a screened window and looked in.

私は網戸の窓にたどり着き、中を覗き込んだ。

The light came from a lamp on a night table beside a bed.

night table (ナイトテーブル) [名] a small table or cabinet with drawers, typically placed beside a bed

lamp (ランプ) [名] a device for producing light, especially one using an electric bulb

明かりはベッドの横のナイトテーブルのランプから来ていた。

A man lay flat on his back in the bed, his body relaxed, his arms in pajama sleeves outside the covers, his eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling.

lay flat (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal position

cover (布団) [名] something that lies on top of or in front of something else

wide (大きく) [形] of great or more than average width

男がベッドに仰向けに横たわっていた。体はリラックスし、パジャマの袖を着た腕は布団の外にあり、目は大きく見開いて天井を見つめていた。

He looked big.

彼は大きく見えた。

His face was partly shadowed, but I could see that he was pale and that he needed a shave and had needed one for just about the right length of time.

彼の顔は部分的に影になっていたが、彼が青白く、髭を剃る必要があり、ちょうど適切な長さの髭を剃る必要があったことがわかった。

The spread fingers of his hands lay motionless on the outside of the bed.

彼の手の広げた指はベッドの外側で動かずに横たわっていた。

He looked as if he hadn't moved for hours.

彼は何時間も動かなかったかのようだった。

I heard steps coming along the path at the far side of the cabin.

私は小屋の向こう側の小道に沿って歩いてくる足音を聞いた。

A screen door creaked and then the solid shape of Dr. Verringer showed in the doorway.

creak (きしむ) [動] make a harsh, high-pitched sound

網戸がきしみ、それからヴェリンジャー博士のどっしりした姿が戸口に現れた。

He was carrying what looked like a large glass of tomato juice.

tomato juice (トマトジュース) [名] the juice of tomatoes

彼はトマトジュースの入った大きなグラスのようなものを運んでいた。

He switched on a standing lamp.

switch on (つける) [動] cause to operate by moving a switch

standing lamp (スタンドライト) [名] a lamp that stands on the floor

彼はスタンドライトをつけた。

His Hawaiian shirt gleamed yellowly.

彼のアロハシャツは黄色く輝いていた。

The man in the bed didn't even look at him.

ベッドの男は彼を見ようともしなかった。

Dr. Verringer put the glass down on the night table and pulled a chair close and sat down.

ヴェリンジャー医師はグラスをナイトテーブルに置き、椅子を引き寄せて座った。

He reached for one of the wrists and felt a pulse.

彼は手首の1つに手を伸ばし、脈を感じた。

“How are you feeling now, Mr. Wade?”

「今はどんな気分ですか、ウェードさん?」

His voice was kindly and solicitous.

kindly (親切に) [副] in a kind manner

solicitous (懇切丁寧な) [形] showing interest or concern

彼の声は親切で懇切丁寧だった。

The man on the bed didn't answer him or look at him.

ベッドの上の男は彼に答えもせず、彼を見もしなかった。

He went on staring at the ceiling.

彼は天井を見つめ続けた。

“Come, come, Mr. Wade.

「さあ、さあ、ウェードさん。

Let us not be moody.

moody (気分屋) [形] having or showing a tendency to be unhappy and complaining

気分屋はやめましょう。

Your pulse is only slightly faster than normal.

pulse (脈拍) [名] the regular beating of the heart

slightly (少し) [副] to a small degree

脈拍は通常より少し速いだけです。

You are weak, but otherwise--”

otherwise (それ以外は) [副] in a different way; differently

あなたは弱っていますが、それ以外は--」

“Tejjy,” the man on the bed said suddenly, “tell the man that if he knows how I am, the son of a bitch needn't bother to ask me.”

Tejjy (テッジ) [名] a name

「テッジ」ベッドの上の男が突然言った、「あの男に、私の具合を知っているなら、あのろくでなしはわざわざ私に聞く必要はないと言ってくれ」

He had a nice clear voice, but the tone was bitter.

have a nice clear voice (きれいな澄んだ声をしている) [動] to have a voice that is pleasant to listen to and easy to understand

bitter (辛辣) [形] causing a sharp, stinging pain in the mouth

彼はきれいな澄んだ声をしていたが、口調は辛辣だった。

“Who is Tejjy?”

「テッジって誰?」

Dr. Verringer said patiently.

ヴェリンジャー医師は辛抱強く言った。

“My mouthpiece. She's up there in the corner.”

mouthpiece (代弁者) [名] a person who speaks on behalf of another person or group

up there (そこ) [副] in or to a place that is higher than the place where you are

「私の代弁者です。彼女はそこの角にいます」

Dr. Verringer looked up.

ヴェリンジャー医師は見上げた。

“I see a small spider,” he said.

spider (蜘蛛) [名] an eight-legged predatory arachnid with an unsegmented body that produces silk to make webs

「小さな蜘蛛が見える」と彼は言った。

“Stop acting, Mr. Wade.

act (演技する) [動] perform in a play or movie

「演技はやめなさい、ウェードさん。

It is not necessary with me.”

with me (私には) [前] in my opinion

私には必要ありません」

“Tegenaria domestica, the common jumping spider, pal. I like spiders.

Tegenaria domestica (テゲナリア・ドメスティカ) [名] a species of spider

common (普通の) [形] of or relating to the great majority of people

jumping spider (跳躍蜘蛛) [名] a spider that moves by jumping

「テゲナリア・ドメスティカ、普通の跳躍蜘蛛だよ、相棒。私は蜘蛛が好きだ。

They practically never wear Hawaiian shirts.”

彼らはハワイアンシャツを着ることはほとんどない」

Dr. Verringer moistened his lips.

moisten (湿らせる) [動] make or become slightly wet

ヴェリンジャー医師は唇を湿らせた。

“I have no time for playfulness, Mr. Wade.”

playfulness (遊び) [名] the quality of being playful

「私には遊びの時間はない、ウェードさん」

“Nothing playful about Tejjy.”

playful (遊び心のある) [形] fond of or inclined to play

「テッジには遊び心なんてない」

Wade turned his head slowly, as if it weighed very heavy, and stared at Dr. Verringer contemptuously.

weigh (重い) [動] have a specified weight

ウェードは頭がとても重いかのようにゆっくりと頭を回し、ヴェリンジャー医師を軽蔑して見つめた。

“Tejjy is dead serious.

dead (真面目) [形] very serious

serious (真面目) [形] not joking or funny

「テッジは真面目だ。

She creeps up on you.

creep up on (忍び寄る) [動] to approach stealthily

彼女はあなたに忍び寄る。

When you're not looking she makes a quick silent hop.

silent (静かな) [形] making little or no noise

あなたが見ていないときに彼女は素早く静かに飛び跳ねる。

After a while she's near enough.

near enough (十分に近づいている) [形] close enough

しばらくすると彼女は十分に近づいている。

She makes the last jump.

彼女は最後のジャンプをする。

You get sucked dry, Doctor.

get sucked dry (吸い取られる) [動] to have all of one's money or resources taken away

あなたは吸い取られる、ドクター。

Very dry.

とても吸い取られる。

Tejjy doesn't eat you.

テッジはあなたを食べない。

She just sucks the juice until there's nothing left but the skin.

suck (吸い取る) [動] draw into the mouth by creating a vacuum

left (残る) [動] remain after the departure, removal, or disappearance of others

skin (皮) [名] the outer protective layer of the body of a person or animal

彼女は皮だけになるまで汁を吸い取るだけだ。

If you plan to wear that shirt much longer, Doctor, I'd say it couldn't happen too soon.”

longer (もっと長く) [形] more extended in space or time

もしあなたがそのシャツをもっと長く着るつもりなら、ドクター、私はそれがあまりに早く起こり得ないと言おう。」

Dr. Verringer leaned back in the chair.

ヴェリンジャー医師は椅子に寄りかかった。

“I need five thousand dollars,” he said calmly.

「5000ドル必要だ」と彼は落ち着いて言った。

“How soon could that happen?”

how soon (どれくらい早く) [副] in how short a time

「それはどれくらい早く起こり得るか?」

“You got six hundred and fifty bucks,” Wade said nastily.

six hundred and fifty (650) [数] a number

nastily (不快そうに) [副] in a nasty manner

「650ドル持っている」とウェードは不快そうに言った。

“As well as my loose change.

loose change (小銭) [名] coins that are not in a purse or wallet

「私の小銭も。

How the hell much does it cost in this bordello?”

how the hell (一体) [副] used to express anger, annoyance, or surprise

much (いくら) [形] a great deal of

bordello (売春宿) [名] a brothel

この売春宿で一体いくらかかるんだ?」

“Chicken feed,” Dr. Verringer said.

chicken feed (鶏の餌) [名] a small amount of money

「鶏の餌だ」とヴェリンジャー医師は言った。

“I told you my rates had gone up.”

go up (上がる) [動] increase

「料金が上がっていると言っただろう」

“You didn't say they had moved to Mount Wilson.”

move (引っ越す) [動] change your place of residence

Mount Wilson (ウィルソン山) [名] a mountain in California

「彼らがウィルソン山に引っ越したとは言わなかったな」

“Don't fence with me, Wade,” Dr. Verringer said curtly.

fence (口論する) [動] to argue or debate evasively

curtly (素っ気なく) [副] in a rude and brief manner

「私と口論するな、ウェード」とヴェリンジャー医師は素っ気なく言った。

“You are in no position to get funny.

be in no position to (立場にない) [動] not be able to do something

get funny (ふざける) [動] act in a playful way

「君はふざける立場にはない。

Also you have betrayed my confidence.”

それに君は私の信頼を裏切った」

“I didn't know you had any.”

have (抱く) [動] to experience or feel something

「君が信頼を抱くなんて知らなかった」

Dr. Verringer tapped slowly on the arms of the chair.

tap (叩く) [動] to hit or strike something lightly

ヴェリンジャー医師は椅子の肘掛けをゆっくりと叩いた。

“You called me up in the middle of the night,” he said.

call up (呼び出す) [動] to telephone someone

middle of the night (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

「君は真夜中に私を呼び出した」と彼は言った。

“You were in a desperate condition.

「君は絶望的な状態だった。

You said you would kill yourself if I didn't come.

私が来なければ自殺すると言っていた。

I didn't want to do it and you know why.

want to (したくない) [助] have a desire to do something

私はそれをしたくなかったし、君はその理由を知っている。

I have no license to practice medicine in this state.

have no license (免許を持っていない) [動] not have a license

私はこの州で医療行為をする免許を持っていない。

I am trying to get rid of this property without losing it all.

property (財産) [名] a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions

私はこの財産をすべて失うことなく手放そうとしている。

I have Earl to look after and he was about due for a bad spell.

look after (世話する) [動] to take care of

be about due for (期限が近づいている) [動] to be almost ready for something

bad spell (悪い呪文) [名] a period of bad luck

私はアールを世話しなければならず、彼は悪い呪文の期限が近づいていた。

I told you it would cost you a lot of money.

お金がかかると言ったでしょう。

You still insisted and I went.

insist (言い張る) [動] to demand or maintain something firmly

それでもあなたは言い張り、私は行った。

I want five thousand dollars.”

5000ドル欲しい」

“I was foul with strong drink,” Wade said.

foul (汚れた) [形] offensive to the senses

strong drink (強い酒) [名] an alcoholic beverage

「私は強い酒で汚れていた」とウェードは言った。

“You can't hold a man to that kind of bargain.

「そんな取引を人に押し付けることはできない。

You're damn well paid already.”

あなたはすでに十分に支払われている。」

“Also,” Dr. Verringer said slowly, “you mentioned my name to your wife.

「また」とヴェリンジャー医師はゆっくりと言った。「あなたは奥さんに私の名前を言った。

You told her I was coming for you.”

come for (迎えに行く) [動] to go to a place in order to collect someone or something

私があなたを迎えに行くと彼女に言った。」

Wade looked surprised.

ウェードは驚いたように見えた。

“I didn't do anything of the sort,” he said.

sort (事) [名] a kind, class, or group with similar characteristics

「そんな事はしていない」と彼は言った。

“I didn't even see her. She was asleep.”

asleep (寝ている) [形] in or into a state of sleep

「彼女に会ってもいない。彼女は寝ていた。」

“Some other time then.

「それならまた今度。

A private detective has been here asking about you.

ask about (尋ねる) [動] to inquire about something

私立探偵がここに来てあなたのことを尋ねていた。

He couldn't possibly have known where to come, unless he was told.

couldn't possibly (ありえない) [助] not possible

彼は誰かに教わらない限り、どこに来ればいいか知らなかったはずだ。

I stalled him off, but he may come back.

stall (はぐらかす) [動] to delay or postpone something

私は彼をはぐらかしたが、彼は戻ってくるかもしれない。

You have to go home, Mr. Wade.

go home (家に帰る) [動] return to one's house

ウェードさん、家に帰らなくてはいけません。

But first I want my five thousand dollars.”

でも、まず五千ドル欲しい」

“You're not the brightest guy in the world, are you, Doc?

Doc (ドク) [名] a shortened form of doctor

「君は世界で一番頭のいい人間ではないね、ドク?

If my wife knew where I was, why would she need a detective?

妻が私の居場所を知っていたら、なぜ探偵が必要になる?

She could have come herself--supposing she cared that much.

herself (彼女自身) [代] the female person or animal that is being discussed

彼女は自分で来れたはずだ--彼女がそんなに気にかけていたとしたら。

She could have brought Candy, our houseboy.

Candy (キャンディ) [名] a type of sweet

彼女はキャンディ、私たちのボーイを連れてくることができた。

Candy would cut your Blue Boy into thin strips while Blue Boy was making up his mind what picture he was starring in today.”

Blue Boy (ブルーボーイ) [名] a painting by Thomas Gainsborough

キャンディはブルーボーイが今日どんな映画に出演するか決めている間に、ブルーボーイを細く切ってしまうだろう。」

“You have a nasty tongue, Wade.

have a nasty tongue (口が悪い) [動] to be rude or vulgar in speech

「あなたは口が悪いよね、ウェード。

And a nasty mind.”

それに心も悪い。」

“I have a nasty five thousand bucks too, Doc. Try and get it.”

five thousand (5000) [数] the number 5000

try (やってみる) [動] to make an attempt or effort to do something

「私は汚い5000ドルも持っているんだ、ドク。それを手に入れようとしてみろ。」

“You will write me a check,” Dr. Verringer said firmly.

firmly (断言する) [副] in a way that is not easily moved or changed

「私に小切手を書いてもらう」とヴェリンジャー医師は断言した。

“Now, at once. Then you will get dressed and Earl will take you home.”

at once (今すぐ) [副] immediately

take (送る) [動] carry or transport

「今すぐだ。それから服を着て、アールが家まで送ってくれる。」

“A check?” Wade was almost laughing.

「小切手?」ウェードはほとんど笑い出しそうだった。

“Sure I'll give you a check. Fine.

「もちろん小切手は渡すよ。いいでしょう。

How will you cash it?”

cash (換金する) [動] convert into money

でもどうやって換金するんだ?」

Dr. Verringer smiled quietly.

ヴェリンジャー医師は静かに微笑んだ。

“You think you will stop payment, Mr. Wade. But you won't.

stop payment (支払いを止める) [動] to stop a payment from being made

「支払いを止めようと思っているのですね、ウェードさん。でもそうはしませんよ。

I assure you that you won't.”

assure (保証する) [動] to make someone feel certain about something

絶対にしませんよ」

“You fat crook!”

crook (詐欺師) [名] a person who is dishonest or a criminal

「このデブの詐欺師!」

Wade yelled at him.

at (に向かって) [前] in the direction of

ウェードは彼に向かって叫んだ。

Dr. Verringer shook his head.

ヴェリンジャー医師は首を横に振った。

“In some things, yes.

thing (意味) [名] a fact or situation that is true or that exists

「ある意味、そうですね。

Not in all. I am a mixed character like most people.

mixed (複雑な) [形] made up of different parts or qualities

全てにおいてではありません。私はほとんどの人と同じように複雑な性格です。

Earl will drive you home.”

アールが家まで送ってくれる」

“Nix. That lad makes my skin crawl,” Wade said.

make one's skin crawl (虫唾が走る) [動] to make one feel disgusted or repulsed

「いや。あの若造には虫唾が走る」とウェードは言った。

Dr. Verringer stood up gently and reached over and patted the shoulder of the man on the bed.

ヴェリンジャー医師は静かに立ち上がり、手を伸ばしてベッドの上の男の肩を軽く叩いた。

“To me Earl is quite harmless, Mr. Wade.

harmless (無害) [形] not causing or capable of causing harm

「私にとってアールは全く無害ですよ、ウェードさん。

I have ways of controlling him.”

彼をコントロールする方法があります」

“Name one,” a new voice said, and Earl came through the door in his Roy Rogers outfit.

Roy Rogers (ロイ・ロジャース) [名] an American singer and cowboy actor

「一つ挙げてみろ」と新しい声がして、アールがロイ・ロジャースの衣装を着てドアから入ってきた。

Dr. Verringer turned smiling.

ヴェリンジャー医師は笑顔で振り返った。

“Keep that psycho away from me,” Wade yelled, showing fear for the first time.

keep (遠ざける) [動] to not give or allow something to someone

fear (恐怖) [名] an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm

「あのサイコ野郎を私から遠ざけろ」とウェードは叫び、初めて恐怖を見せた。

Earl put his hands on his ornamented belt.

アールは装飾されたベルトに手を置いた。

His face was deadpan.

be deadpan (無表情である) [動] deliberately showing no emotion

彼の顔は無表情だった。

A light whistling noise came from between his teeth.

whistling (口笛のような) [形] making a whistling sound

彼の歯の間から軽い口笛のような音がした。

He moved slowly into the room.

move (入る) [動] change location

彼はゆっくりと部屋の中に入った。

“You shouldn't have said that,” Dr. Verringer said quickly, and turned towards Earl.

「そんなことを言うべきではなかった」とヴェリンジャー医師は素早く言い、アールの方を向いた。

“All right, Earl. I'll handle Mr. Wade myself.

「分かった、アール。ウェード氏は私が自分で扱う。

I'll help him get dressed while you bring the car up here as close to the cabin as possible.

bring (近づける) [動] cause to come or go to a place

私が彼の着替えを手伝う間に、君は車をできるだけ小屋に近づけておいてくれ。

Mr. Wade is quite weak.”

ウェード氏はかなり弱っている。」

“And he's going to be a lot weaker,” Earl said in a whistling kind of voice.

「そして、彼はもっと弱くなるだろう」とアールは口笛のような声で言った。

“Out of my way, fatso.”

out of one's way (どけ) [動] move aside

fatso (デブ) [名] a fat person

「どけよ、デブ」

“Now, Earl--” he reached out and grabbed the handsome young man's arm--“you don't want to go back to Camarillo, do you?

young man (若者) [名] a male human being who is young

Camarillo (カマリロ) [名] a city in California

「おい、アール」彼は手を伸ばしてハンサムな若者の腕を掴んだ。「カマリロに戻りたくないだろう?

One word from me and--”

one word (一言) [名] a single word

and (そして) [接] used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, and to show that two things are happening at the same time

私が一言言えば」

That was as far as he got.

as far as (まで) [接] to the extent or degree that

そこまでだった。

Earl jerked his arm loose and his right hand came up with a flash of metal.

アールは腕を振りほどき、右手に金属の光を放った。

The armored fist crashed against Dr. Verringer's jaw.

armored (装甲をつけた) [形] protected by armor

crash (激突する) [動] collide or cause to collide with something with great force

装甲をつけた拳がヴェリンジャー医師の顎に激突した。

He went down as if shot through the heart.

go down (倒れる) [動] fall to the ground

彼は心臓を撃たれたかのように倒れた。

The fall shook the cabin.

fall (転倒) [名] the action of falling

転倒で小屋が揺れた。

I started running.

私は走り出した。

I reached the door and yanked it open.

私はドアにたどり着き、それをぐいと開けた。

Earl spun around, leaning forward a little, staring at me without recognition.

spin around (振り返る) [動] turn around quickly

lean forward (前かがみになる) [動] bend your body forward

without recognition (認識せずに) [副] without being recognized

アールは振り返り、少し前かがみになって、私を認識せずに見つめた。

There was a bubbling sound behind his lips.

There was (~があった) [動] to exist or occur

bubbling (泡立つ) [形] to form bubbles

彼の唇の奥で泡立つ音がした。

He started for me fast.

彼は私に向かって素早く動き出した。

I jerked the gun out and showed it to him.

私は銃を素早く取り出し、彼に見せた。

It meant nothing.

何の意味もなかった。

Either his own guns were not loaded or he had forgotten all about them.

彼の銃は装填されていなかったか、彼は銃のことをすっかり忘れていた。

The brass knuckles were all he needed.

be all (十分である) [動] be everything that is needed or possible

彼にはメリケンサックだけで十分だった。

He kept coming.

彼は近づいてきた。

I fired through the open window across the bed.

fire (発砲する) [動] shoot a gun

across the bed (ベッドの向こう側) [前] on the other side of the bed

私はベッドの向こう側の開いた窓から発砲した。

The crash of the gun in the small room seemed much louder than it should have been.

crash (銃声) [名] a loud noise

loud (大きい) [形] having a high volume

小さな部屋での銃声は、実際よりもずっと大きく聞こえた。

Earl stopped dead.

アールはピタリと止まった。

His head slewed around and he looked at the hole in the window screen.

slew (回す) [動] turn or swing round quickly and violently

彼は頭をぐるりと回して、窓の網戸の穴を見た。

He looked back at me.

at me (私を) [前] in the direction of me

彼は私を振り返った。

Slowly his face came alive and he grinned.

come alive (生気が戻る) [動] become more interesting, exciting, or lively

ゆっくりと彼の顔に生気が戻り、彼はニヤリと笑った。

“Wha' happen?” he asked brightly.

「何が起こったんだ?」彼は明るく尋ねた。

“Get rid of the knucks,” I said, watching his eyes.

「メリケンサックを捨てろ」私は彼の目を見ながら言った。

He looked surprisingly down at his hand.

彼は驚いたように自分の手を見下ろした。

He slipped the mauler off and threw it casually in the corner.

slip (外す) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

mauler (メリケンサック) [名] a weapon consisting of a metal band or bar with holes for the fingers

casually (何気なく) [副] without much thought or effort

彼はメリケンサックを外して、何気なく隅に投げた。

“Now the gun belt,” I said.

gun belt (銃のベルト) [名] a belt with a holster for a gun

「次は銃のベルトだ」私は言った。

“Don't touch the guns, just the buckle.”

buckle (バックル) [名] a device with a clasp that fastens two parts of a belt, strap, or garment together

「銃には触るな、バックルだけだ」

“They're not loaded,” he said smiling.

load (弾を込める) [動] to put a load in or on (something)

smile (笑う) [動] to have a pleased, kind, or amused expression on your face

「弾は入っていない」彼は笑いながら言った。

“Hell, they're not even guns, just stage money.”

stage money (偽金) [名] money that is not real and is used in a play or movie

「銃ですらない、ただの偽金だ」

“The belt. Hurry it.”

「ベルトだ。急げ」

He looked at the short-barreled .32.

彼は短銃身の32口径を見た。

“That a real one? Oh sure it is. The screen.

「本物か? ああ、もちろん本物だ。スクリーン。

Yeah, the screen.”

ああ、スクリーン」

The man on the bed wasn't on the bed any more.

ベッドの上の男はもうベッドの上にいなかった。

He was behind Earl.

be behind (後ろにいる) [動] to be in a position that is not in front of someone or something

彼はアールの後ろにいた。

He reached swiftly and pulled one of the bright guns loose.

swiftly (素早く) [副] very fast

彼は素早く手を伸ばしてピカピカの銃の1つを抜き取った。

Earl didn't like this.

アールはこれが気に入らなかった。

His face showed it.

彼の顔にそれが表れていた。

“Lay off him,” I said angrily.

lay off (放す) [動] to stop bothering or annoying someone

「彼を放せ」と私は怒って言った。

“Put that back where you got it.”

「それを元に戻せ」

“He's right,” Wade said.

「彼は正しい」とウェードは言った。

“They're cap guns.”

cap gun (キャップガン) [名] a toy gun that makes a loud noise when fired

「それらはキャップガンだ」

He backed away and put the shiny pistol on the table.

shiny (ピカピカの) [形] bright and reflective

pistol (ピストル) [名] a small firearm that can be held in one hand

彼は後ずさり、ピカピカのピストルをテーブルに置いた。

“Christ, I'm as weak as a broken arm.”

Christ (ああ) [名] Jesus Christ

broken arm (腕を折った) [名] an arm that has been fractured

「ああ、私は腕を折ったみたいに弱い」

“Take the belt off,” I said for the third time.

「ベルトを外せ」と私は三度目に言った。

When you start something with a type like Earl you have to finish it.

アールのようなタイプと何かを始めたら、それを終わらせなければならない。

Keep it simple and don't change your mind.

単純にしておけ、そして考えを変えるな。

He did it at last, quite amiably.

at last (ついに) [副] after a long time

amiably (愛想よく) [副] in a friendly manner

彼はついにそれをやった、とても愛想よく。

Then, holding the belt, he walked over to the table and got his other gun and put it in the holster and put the belt right back on again.

walk over (歩いて行く) [動] to walk to a place that is not far away

put on (着ける) [動] to put clothes on your body

それから、ベルトを持ちながら、彼はテーブルまで歩いて行き、もう一つの銃を取り、ホルスターに入れて、ベルトをすぐにまた着けた。

I let him do it.

私は彼にそれをさせた。

It wasn't until then that he saw Dr. Verringer crumpled on the floor against the wall.

It wasn't until then that (その時まで) [句] not until a particular time

crumple (倒れる) [動] fall down

その時まで彼はヴェリンジャー博士が壁に寄りかかって床に倒れているのを見ていなかった。

He made a sound of concern, went quickly across the room into the bathroom, and came back with a glass jug of water.

make a sound (声を上げる) [動] to produce a sound

concern (心配) [名] worry or anxiety about something

jug (水差し) [名] a container with a handle and a spout for holding and pouring liquids

彼は心配そうな声を上げ、部屋を横切って浴室に素早く行き、水の入ったガラスの水差しを持って戻ってきた。

He dumped the water on Dr. Verringer's head.

dump (かける) [動] to let fall or drop

彼はヴェリンジャー博士の頭に水をかけた。

Dr. Verringer sputtered and rolled over.

sputter (つばを飛ばす) [動] to speak in an excited or confused way

ヴェリンジャー博士はつばを飛ばして転がった。

Then he groaned.

groan (うめく) [動] to make a deep sound in your throat because you are in pain, angry, or unhappy

それから彼はうめいた。

Then he clapped a hand to his jaw.

clap (当てる) [動] to strike (one's hands) together, usually repeatedly, in expressing approval, appreciation, or joy

それから彼は顎に手を当てた。

Then he started to get up.

それから彼は起き上がり始めた。

Earl helped him.

アールが彼を助けた。

“Sorry, Doc. I must have just let fly without seeing who it was.”

「すみません、先生。誰か見ないで飛び出してしまったんだ」

“It's all right, nothing broken,” Verringer said, waving him away.

「大丈夫、何も壊れていない」とヴェリンジャーは彼を振り払った。

“Get the car up here, Earl.

「車をここに回して、アール。

And don't forget the key for the padlock down below.”

下の南京錠の鍵を忘れないで」

“Car up here, sure. Right away.

「車をここに、了解。すぐに。

Key for the padlock.

南京錠の鍵。

I got it.

get (了解) [動] receive or obtain

了解。

Right away, Doc.”

すぐに、先生」

He went out of the room whistling.

彼は口笛を吹きながら部屋から出て行った。

Wade was sitting on the side of the bed, looking shaky.

ウェードはベッドの端に座り、震えているように見えた。

“You the dick he was talking about?” he asked me.

talk about (言っている) [動] to speak about

「あなたが彼が言っていた探偵か?」と彼は私に尋ねた。

“How did you find me?”

「どうやって私を見つけたの?」

“Just asking around from people who know about these things,” I said.

ask around (聞き回る) [動] ask many people the same question

「ただそういうことを知っていそうな人に聞き回っただけだ」と私は言った。

“If you want to get home, you might get clothes on.”

get clothes on (服を着る) [動] put clothes on oneself

「家に帰りたいなら服を着た方がいい」

Dr. Verringer was leaning against the wall, massaging his jaw.

massage (マッサージする) [動] rub and knead the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain

ヴェリンジャー医師は壁にもたれかかり、顎をマッサージしていた。

“I'll help him,” he said thickly.

thickly (ぼそぼそと) [副] in a way that is not clear or easy to understand

「私が彼を助ける」と彼はぼそぼそと言った。

“All I do is help people and all they do is kick me in the teeth.”

all I do (私がしていることは全て) [名] everything that I do

all they do (彼らがしていることは全て) [名] everything that they do

「私は人助けをしているだけなのに、彼らは私を蹴飛ばすだけだ」

“I know just how you feel,” I said.

「あなたの気持ちはよく分かる」と私は言った。

I went out and left them to work at it.

私は彼らを残して出て行った。

[20]

The car was close by when they came out, but Earl was gone.

彼らが出てきたとき、車はすぐ近くにあったが、アールはいなかった。

He had stopped the car, cut the lights, and walked back towards the big cabin without saying anything to me.

cabin (キャビン) [名] a private room on a ship or aircraft

彼は車を止め、ライトを消し、私に何も言わずに大きなキャビンに向かって歩いていった。

He was still whistling, groping for some half-remembered tune.

half-remembered (半分思い出した) [形] not completely remembered

彼はまだ口笛を吹き、半分思い出した曲を探していた。

Wade climbed carefully into the back seat and I got in beside him.

climb (乗り込む) [動] go up or down a ladder, stairs, or a mountain

back seat (後部座席) [名] a seat in the back of a car

ウェードは慎重に後部座席に乗り込み、私は彼の横に乗り込んだ。

Dr. Verringer drove.

ヴェリンジャー医師が運転した。

If his jaw hurt badly and his head ached, he didn't show it or mention it.

ache (痛む) [動] feel a dull, persistent pain

彼の顎がひどく痛み、頭が痛んだとしても、彼はそれを見せたり、言及したりしなかった。

We went over the ridge and down to the end of the graveled drive.

私たちは尾根を越えて砂利道の端まで下った。

Earl had already been down and unlocked the gate and pulled it open.

be down (降りる) [動] move or travel from a higher to a lower place

アールはすでに降りて門の鍵を開け、それを開けていた。

I told Verringer where my car was and he pulled up close to it.

pull up (近づく) [動] move or cause to move to a position that is nearer

私はヴェリンジャーに私の車がどこにあるかを伝え、彼はそれに近づいた。

Wade got into it and sat silent, staring at nothing.

silent (黙って) [形] making no sound

ウェードはそれに乗り込み、何も見ずに黙って座っていた。

Verringer got out and went round beside him.

go round (回る) [動] move in a circular motion

ヴェリンジャーは降りて彼の横に回った。

He spoke to Wade gently.

speak to (話しかけた) [動] talk to

彼はウェードに優しく話しかけた。

“About my five thousand dollars, Mr. Wade.

「私の5000ドルについてですが、ウェードさん。

The check you promised me.”

あなたが約束してくれた小切手です。」

Wade slid down and rested his head on the back of the seat.

slide down (滑り落ちる) [動] move downward smoothly

rest (預ける) [動] put or lay down

ウェードは滑り落ちて、頭を座席の背もたれに預けた。

“I'll think about it.”

「考えてみるよ」

“You promised it. I need it.”

「あなたは約束したんです。私には必要なんです。」

“Duress, the word is, Verringer, a threat of harm.

duress (強要) [名] the act of using force or threats to make someone do something

threat (脅迫) [名] a statement that you will cause harm to someone if the person does not do something in particular

「強要、その言葉は、ヴェリンジャー、危害の脅迫だ。

I have protection now.”

私は今は保護されている。」

“I fed and washed you,” Verringer persisted.

feed (食事を与える) [動] to give food to

persist (言い張る) [動] to continue to do something even though it is difficult or other people oppose it

「私はあなたに食事を与え、洗ってやった」とヴェリンジャーは言い張った。

“I came in the night.

「私は夜に来た。

I protected you, I cured you--for the time being, at least.”

protect (保護する) [動] to keep safe from harm or injury

cure (治療する) [動] to restore to health

私はあなたを保護し、治療した--少なくとも当面は。」

“Not five grand worth,” Wade sneered.

five grand (5000ドル) [名] five thousand dollars

「5000ドルの価値はない」とウェードは冷笑した。

“You got plenty out of my pockets.”

「私のポケットからたくさん取っただろう。」

Verringer wouldn't let go.

let go (離す) [動] to release one's hold on something

ヴェリンジャーは離さなかった。

“I have a promise of a connection in Cuba, Mr. Wade.

promise (約束) [名] a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen

connection (コネクション) [名] a relationship in which a person, group, or organization is linked or associated with another

Cuba (キューバ) [名] a country in the Caribbean

「私はキューバでのコネクションを約束されている、ウェードさん。

You are a rich man.

あなたは金持ちだ。

You should help others in their need.

need (困っている) [名] a state of requiring supply or relief

あなたは困っている人を助けるべきだ。

I have Earl to look after.

have (しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; must

私はアールを世話しなければならない。

To avail myself of this opportunity I need the money.

avail oneself of (活かす) [動] to make good use of

この機会を活かすために私はお金が必要だ。

I will pay it back in full.”

in full (全額) [副] completely; totally

私は全額返済する。」

I began to squirm.

squirm (もじもじする) [動] to move or cause to move in a twisting or wriggling motion

私はもじもじし始めた。

I wanted to smoke, but I was afraid it would make Wade sick.

smoke (吸いたかった) [動] inhale and exhale the smoke of a burning or smoldering substance, especially tobacco

私はタバコを吸いたかったが、ウェードが気分を悪くするのではないかと心配だった。

“Like hell you'd pay it back,” Wade said wearily.

「返済するなんて嘘だろう」とウェードは疲れたように言った。

“You won't live long enough.

「返済するまで生きられないだろう。

One of these nights Blue Boy will kill you in your sleep.”

one of these nights (いずれ) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

いずれブルーボーイが寝ている間にあなたを殺すだろう。」

Verringer stepped back.

ヴェリンジャーは後ろに下がった。

I couldn't see his expression, but his voice hardened.

couldn't see (見えなかった) [動] be unable to see

harden (硬くなる) [動] become hard or harder

彼の表情は見えなかったが、声は硬くなった。

“There are more unpleasant ways to die,” he said.

「もっと不愉快な死に方もある」と彼は言った。

“I think yours will be one of them.”

「君の死に方もその一つになると思う。」

He walked back to his car and got into it.

彼は車に戻り、乗り込んだ。

He drove in through his gates and was gone.

彼は門をくぐり、去っていった。

I backed and turned and headed towards the city.

私は後退して向きを変え、街に向かった。

After a mile or two Wade muttered: “Why should I give that fat slob five thousand dollars?”

1、2マイル走った後、ウェードはつぶやいた。「なぜ私があのデブに5000ドルも渡さなければならないんだ?」

“No reason at all.”

no reason (理由はない) [名] no explanation for something

「全く理由はない。」

“Then why do I feel like a bastard for not giving it to him?”

「それならなぜ私は彼に渡さないとろくでなしのような気分になるんだ?」

“No reason at all.”

「全く理由はない。」

He turned his head just enough to look at me.

彼は私を見るのに十分なだけ頭を回した。

“He handled me like a baby,” Wade said.

「彼は私を赤ん坊のように扱った」とウェードは言った。

“He hardly left me alone for fear Earl would come in and beat me up.

leave alone (一人にする) [動] not disturb or bother

beat up (殴り合う) [動] hit repeatedly

「彼はアールと殴り合いになるのではないかと心配して私を一人にはほとんどしなかった。

He took every dime I had in my pockets.”

彼は私のポケットにあったすべてのダイムを奪った。」

“You probably told him to.”

「あなたはおそらく彼にそう言ったのでしょう。」

“You on his side?”

on one's side (味方である) [名] a person or group that you support or agree with

「あなたは彼の味方ですか?」

“Skip it,” I said.

skip (忘れる) [動] not do or say something

「忘れてください」と私は言った。

“This is just a job to me.”

「これは私にとってただの仕事です。」

Silence for a couple of miles more.

数マイル以上沈黙が続いた。

We went past the fringe of one of the outlying suburbs.

go past (通り過ぎる) [動] go by

fringe (端) [名] the outer edge of something

outlying (郊外の) [形] situated far from a center or main body

suburb (住宅地) [名] an outlying district of a city

私たちは郊外の住宅地の端を通り過ぎた。

Wade spoke again.

speak (口を開く) [動] say something

ウェードが再び口を開いた。

“Maybe I'll give it to him. He's broke.

broke (破産している) [形] having no money

「たぶん彼に渡すだろう。彼は破産している。

The property is foreclosed.

財産は差し押さえられている。

He won't get a dime out of it.

彼はそこから一銭も受け取らないだろう。

All on account of that psycho.

全てあの精神病患者のせいだ。

Why does he do it?”

彼はなぜそうするのか?」

“I wouldn't know.”

「私にはわからない」

“I'm a writer,” Wade said.

「私は作家だ」とウェードは言った。

“I'm supposed to understand what makes people tick.

tick (理解する) [動] to understand or comprehend

「私は人々を動かすものを理解するべきだ。

I don't understand one damn thing about anybody.”

damn (いまいましい) [形] deserving strong condemnation

私は誰かについて一つのことも理解していない」

I turned over the pass and after a climb the lights of the valley spread out endlessly in front of us.

turn over (越える) [動] change from one side to the other

pass (峠) [名] a navigable channel through a barrier

spread out (広がる) [動] extend over a wide area

endlessly (果てしなく) [副] without end or limit

私は峠を越え、登った後、谷の明かりが私たちの前に果てしなく広がった。

We dipped down to the highway north and west that goes to Ventura.

dip down (降りる) [動] go down

west (西) [名] the direction towards the setting sun

Ventura (ベンチュラ) [名] a city in California

私たちはベンチュラに向かう北と西の高速道路に降りた。

After a while we passed through Encino.

pass through (通過する) [動] go through or across

しばらくして私たちはエンシノを通過した。

I stopped for a light and looked up towards the lights high on the hill where the big houses were.

私は信号で止まり、大きな家がある丘の上の明かりを見上げた。

In one of them the Lennoxes had lived.

そのうちの1つにレノックスが住んでいた。

We went on.

私たちは進んだ。

“The turn-off is pretty close now,” Wade said.

turn-off (分岐点) [名] a point at which a road branches off from another road

pretty close (もうすぐ) [副] very close

「分岐点はもうすぐだ」とウェードは言った。

“Or do you know it?”

「それとも知っているのか?」

“I know it.”

「知っている」

“By the way, you haven't told me your name.”

「ところで、君の名前をまだ聞いていない」

“Philip Marlowe.”

「フィリップ・マーロウ」

“Nice name.”

「いい名前だ」

His voice changed sharply, saying: “Wait a minute. You the guy that was mixed up with Lennox?”

sharply (急に) [副] quickly and suddenly

mix up (関わる) [動] be involved with

彼の声は急に変わり、「ちょっと待って。君はレノックスと関わっていた男か?」

“Yeah.”

「ああ」

He was staring at me in the darkness of the car.

彼は車の暗闇の中で私をじっと見つめていた。

We passed the last buildings on the main drag of Encino.

main drag (メインストリート) [名] the principal street of a town

私たちはエンシノのメインストリートの最後の建物を通り過ぎた。

“I knew her,” Wade said.

「彼女を知っていた」ウェードは言った。

“A little. Him I never saw.

「少し。彼に会ったことは一度もない。

Queer business, that.

奇妙な仕事だ。

The law boys gave you the rough edge, didn't they?”

警察の連中は君をひどい目に遭わせたね?」

I didn't answer him.

私は彼に答えなかった。

“Maybe you don't like to talk about it,” he said.

「君は多分そのことについて話すのは好きじゃないだろう」と彼は言った。

“Could be. Why would it interest you?”

「そうかもしれない。なぜ君はそれに興味があるんだ?」

“Hell, I'm a writer.

「おい、私は作家だ。

It must be quite a story.”

かなりの物語に違いない。」

“Take tonight off.

take off (休みを取る) [動] to not go to work or school

「今夜は休みを取ってくれ。

You must be feeling pretty weak.”

かなり弱っているに違いない。」

“Okay, Marlowe. Okay.

「分かった、マーロウ。分かった。

You don't like me.

あなたは私を好きではない。

I get it.”

分かった。」

We reached the turn-off and I swung the car into it and towards the low hills and the gap between them that was Idle Valley.

gap (谷間) [名] an opening or break

分岐点に着き、私は車をそこに曲げて、低い丘とその間の谷間、つまりアイドル・バレーの方向に向かった。

“I don't either like you or dislike you,” I said.

「私はあなたを好きでも嫌いでもない」と私は言った。

“I don't know you.

「私はあなたを知らない。

Your wife asked me to find you and bring you home.

bring (連れて帰る) [動] to cause someone or something to come to a place with you

奥さんがあなたを見つけて家に連れて帰るように頼んだんだ。

When I deliver you at your house I'm through.

deliver (送り届ける) [動] take or send something to a person or place

through (終わり) [形] finished

あなたを家に送り届けたら、私は終わりだ。

Why she picked on me I couldn't say.

pick on (選ぶ) [動] to single out for special treatment

couldn't say (わからない) [動] to be unable to say or tell

彼女がなぜ私を選んだのかはわからない。

Like I said, it's just a job.”

言ったように、ただの仕事だ」

We turned the flank of a hill and hit a wider, more firmly paved road.

flank (脇) [名] the side of something

hit (出る) [動] reach or come to

firmly (しっかりと) [副] in a way that is strong or steady

paved (舗装された) [形] covered with a hard surface of stone or concrete

私たちは丘の脇を曲がり、より広く、よりしっかりと舗装された道に出た。

He said his house was a mile farther on, on the right side.

farther (先) [形] more distant in space

彼は家は1マイル先の右側にあると言った。

He told me the number, which I already knew.

number (番号) [名] a figure representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations

彼は私に番号を教えてくれたが、私はすでに知っていた。

For a guy in his shape he was a pretty persistent talker.

shape (体型) [名] the form of a person's body

talker (しゃべる人) [名] a person who talks a lot

彼のような体型の男にしては、かなりしつこくしゃべる人だった。

“How much is she paying you?” he asked.

「彼女はあなたにいくら払っているんだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

“We didn't discuss it.”

「話し合っていない」

“Whatever it is, it's not enough.

it is (それは) [代] the thing that is being discussed

not enough (十分ではない) [形] not sufficient

「いくらであれ、十分ではない。

I owe you a lot of thanks.

owe (負うている) [動] have or feel a duty or obligation to do something

あなたにはとても感謝している。

You did a great job, chum.

do a great job (よくやる) [動] perform well

よくやったな、相棒。

I wasn't worth the trouble.”

be worth (価値がある) [動] to be equal to in value

私はその手間をかける価値がなかった」

“That's just the way you feel tonight.”

「それは今夜の気分なだけだ」

He laughed.

彼は笑った。

“You know something, Marlowe?

「何か知ってるかい、マーロウ?

I could get to like you.

私は君を好きになるかもしれない。

You're a bit of a bastard--like me.”

a bit of (少し) [名] a small amount of something

君は私のようなろくでなしだ」

We reached the house.

私たちは家に着いた。

It was a two-story over-all shingle house with a small pillared portico and a long lawn from the entrance to a thick row of shrubs inside the white fence.

two-story (二階建ての) [形] having two floors

over-all (全体に) [形] including everything

shingle (屋根板) [名] a thin piece of wood used as a roof covering

pillared (柱廊) [形] having a pillar or pillars

portico (玄関) [名] a porch with a roof supported by columns at regular intervals

row (列) [名] a series of people or things arranged in a straight line

shrub (低木) [名] a woody plant that is smaller than a tree

fence (塀) [名] a barrier enclosing an area of ground to control access or escape

それは全体に屋根板を張った二階建ての家で、小さな柱廊玄関があり、入り口から白い塀の内側にある低木の列まで長い芝生が広がっていた。

There was a light in the portico.

柱廊玄関に明かりが灯っていた。

I pulled into the driveway and stopped close to the garage.

pull into (入る) [動] to move or drive into a place

stop (停める) [動] to cease moving or operating

私は私道に入り、ガレージの近くに車を停めた。

“Can you make it without help?”

「手伝わなくても大丈夫?」

“Of course.” He got out of the car.

「もちろん」彼は車から降りた。

“Aren't you coming in for a drink or something?”

「飲み物でも飲みに来ないのか?」

“Not tonight, thanks;

「今夜は遠慮しておくよ。

I'll wait here until you're in the house.”

君が家に入るまでここで待っているよ」

He stood there breathing hard.

彼はそこに立って激しく息をしていた。

“Okay,” he said shortly.

「分かった」と彼は短く言った。

He turned and walked carefully along a flagged path to the front door.

彼は振り返り、石畳の小道を玄関まで注意深く歩いた。

He held on to a white pillar for a moment, then tried the door.

hold on to (つかまる) [動] to grasp or grip something firmly

pillar (柱) [名] a tall vertical structure of wood, metal, or stone, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament

彼は白い柱にしばらくつかまり、それからドアを試した。

It opened, he went in.

ドアが開き、彼は中に入った。

The door stayed open and light washed across the green lawn.

stay open (開いたままである) [動] remain open

wash across (差し込む) [動] to move or flow across something in a smooth, continuous way

green lawn (緑の芝生) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

ドアは開いたままで、緑の芝生に光が差し込んだ。

There was a sudden flutter of voices.

flutter (ざわめき) [名] a state of nervous excitement or confusion

突然、声がざわめいた。

I started backing from the driveway, following the back-up light.

私はバックライトに従って、私道から後退し始めた。

Somebody called out.

call out (呼びかける) [動] shout or speak loudly

誰かが呼びかけた。

I looked and saw Eileen Wade standing in the open doorway.

open doorway (開いた戸口) [名] a doorway that is not closed

見ると、アイリーン・ウェードが開いた戸口に立っていた。

I kept going and she started to run.

start to run (走り始める) [動] begin to run

私は歩き続け、彼女は走り始めた。

So I had to stop.

だから私は立ち止まらなければならなかった。

I cut the lights and got out of the car.

私はライトを消して車から降りた。

When she came up I said:

come up (近づいてくる) [動] move closer

彼女が近づいてきたとき、私は言った。

“I ought to have called you, but I was afraid to leave him.”

「あなたに電話するべきだったんだけど、彼を置いていくのが怖かったの」

“Of course. Did you have a lot of trouble?”

have a lot of trouble (大変だった) [動] experience a lot of difficulty or problems

「もちろん。大変だった?」

“Well--a little more than ringing a doorbell.”

ring (鳴らす) [動] to make a clear resonant sound

「ええ、ドアベルを鳴らすよりは少し大変だったよ」

“Please come in the house and tell me all about it.”

come in (入る) [動] move or travel inward

「家に入って、全部話してください」

“He should be in bed.

should (はずだ) [助] used to express what is probable or expected

be in bed (寝ている) [動] be lying in bed

「彼は寝ているはずだ。

By tomorrow he'll be as good as new.”

by tomorrow (明日までには) [副] before tomorrow

as good as new (元通り) [形] in the same condition as when it was new

明日までには元通りになるでしょう」

“Candy will put him to bed,” she said.

「キャンディが彼を寝かしつけるよ」と彼女は言った。

“He won't drink tonight, if that's what you are thinking of.”

「もしあなたがそう思っているのなら、彼は今夜は飲まないよ」

“Never occurred to me.

occur (考えもしない) [動] come into the mind of

「そんなこと考えもしなかった。

Goodnight, Mrs. Wade.”

おやすみなさい、ウェード夫人」

“You must be tired.

be tired (疲れた) [動] to feel a lack of energy

「疲れたでしょう。

Don't you want a drink yourself?”

あなたも飲み物は欲しくない?」

I lit a cigarette.

私はタバコに火をつけた。

It seemed like a couple of weeks since I had tasted tobacco.

couple of weeks (数週間) [名] a period of time lasting for two weeks

タバコを吸ってから数週間が経ったように思えた。

I drank in the smoke.

drink (吸い込む) [動] take into the body by swallowing or inhaling

私は煙を吸い込んだ。

“May I have just one puff?”

have (吸う) [動] take into the lungs by breathing

puff (一口) [名] a short, quick blast of air or smoke

「一口だけ吸ってもいい?」

She came close to me and I handed her the cigarette.

come close (近づく) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

彼女は私の近くに来て、私は彼女にタバコを渡した。

She drew on it and coughed.

draw (吸う) [動] to take in by breathing

cough (咳をする) [動] to expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound

彼女はそれを吸って咳をした。

She handed it back laughing.

hand (返す) [動] give or pass something to someone

彼女は笑いながらそれを返した。

“Strictly an amateur, as you see.”

amateur (素人) [名] a person who does something as a hobby rather than as a profession

「ご覧の通り、完全な素人よ」

“So you knew Sylvia Lennox,” I said.

「つまり、あなたはシルヴィア・レノックスを知っていたのですね」と私は言った。

“Was that why you wanted to hire me?”

「それが私を雇いたかった理由ですか?」

“I knew who?”

「誰を知っていた?」

She sounded puzzled.

彼女は困惑したようだった。

“Sylvia Lennox.”

「シルヴィア・レノックス」

I had the cigarette back now.

have back (取り返す) [動] get something back

私はタバコを取り返した。

I was eating it pretty fast.

私はかなり速く食べていた。

“Oh,” she said, startled.

startle (驚く) [動] to cause to feel sudden shock or alarm

「ああ」彼女は驚いて言った。

“That girl that was--murdered.

「あの殺された娘。

No, I didn't know her personally.

personally (個人的に) [副] in a personal manner

いいえ、彼女とは個人的には知りませんでした。

I knew who she was.

彼女が誰かは知っていました。

Didn't I tell you that?”

それをあなたに話しませんでしたか?」

“Sorry, I'd forgotten just what you did tell me.”

「すみません、あなたが私に話したことを忘れてしまいました」

She was still standing there quietly, close to me, slim and tall in a white dress of some sort.

dress (ドレス) [名] a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

彼女は私の近くに静かに立ったままで、スリムで背が高く、白いドレスを着ていた。

The light from the open door touched the fringe of her hair and made it glow softly.

open door (開いたドア) [名] a door that is not closed

glow (輝く) [動] emit light as a result of being heated

開いたドアからの光が彼女の髪の毛の縁に触れ、柔らかく輝かせた。

“Why did you ask me if that had anything to do with my wanting to, as you put it, hire you?”

have anything to do with (関係がある) [動] be involved in or connected with

「なぜあなたが言うように、私があなたを雇いたいと思うことと何か関係があるかどうか尋ねたのですか?」

When I didn't answer at once she added, “Did Roger tell you he knew her?”

私がすぐに答えなかったとき、彼女は「ロジャーは彼女を知っているとあなたに言った?」と付け加えた。

“He said something about the case when I told him my name.

「私が彼に私の名前を告げたとき、彼はその事件について何か言った。

He didn't connect me with it immediately, then he did.

connect (結び付ける) [動] to join or fasten together

彼はすぐに私とそれを結び付けなかったが、その後結び付けた。

He talked so damn much I don't remember half of what he said.”

彼はものすごく話しまくったので、彼が言ったことの半分も覚えていない。」

“I see. I must go in, Mr. Marlowe, and see if my husband needs anything.

「なるほど。中に入って夫に何か必要なものがないか見なくてはなりません、マーロウさん。

And if you won't come in--”

そして、もしあなたが入らないなら--」

“I'll leave this with you,” I said.

「これをあなたに預けておく」と私は言った。

I took hold of her and pulled her towards me and tilted her head back.

tilt (傾ける) [動] to move or cause to move into a sloping position

私は彼女をつかんで私の方に引き寄せ、彼女の頭を後ろに傾けた。

I kissed her hard on the lips.

kiss (キスをする) [動] touch with the lips as a sign of love, affection, greeting, or reverence

私は彼女の唇に強くキスをした。

She didn't fight me and she didn't respond.

respond (応じる) [動] say or do something as a reaction to someone or something

彼女は私と争うことも、応じることもしなかった。

She pulled herself away quietly and stood there looking at me.

pull away (身を引く) [動] move or cause to move away from something

彼女は静かに身を引き、私を見つめて立っていた。

“You shouldn't have done that,” she said.

「そんなことするべきじゃなかった」と彼女は言った。

“That was wrong. You're too nice a person.”

nice (優しい) [形] kind, friendly, and pleasant

「それは間違っていた。あなたは優しすぎる人だ」

“Sure. Very wrong,” I agreed.

「確かに。とても間違っていた」と私は同意した。

“But I've been such a nice faithful well-behaved gun dog all day long, I got charmed into one of the silliest ventures I ever tackled, and damned if it didn't turn out just as though somebody had written a script for it.

all day long (一日中) [副] for the entire day

one of the (最も愚かな冒険の一つ) [名] a member of a group of things

write a script (台本を書く) [動] to create a plan for a movie or play

「しかし、私は一日中とても素敵で忠実で行儀の良い猟犬だった。私は今まで取り組んだ中で最も愚かな冒険の一つに魅了され、誰かがその台本を書いたかのようにならなかったら、呪われるだろう。

You know something? I believe you knew where he was all along--or at least knew the name of Dr. Verringer. You just wanted to get me involved with him, tangled up with him so I'd feel a sense of responsibility to look after him.

know something (何かを知っている) [動] to be aware of something

all along (ずっと) [副] from the beginning

get involved (関わる) [動] to be connected with or concerned with something

tangled up (関わる) [動] to be connected with or concerned with something

何か知っている? 私はあなたが彼がどこにいるのかずっと知っていたと信じている--あるいは少なくともヴェリンジャー博士の名前を知っていた。あなたはただ私を彼と関わらせ、彼と関わらせ、私が彼の面倒を見る責任感を感じるようにしたかっただけだ。

Or am I crazy?”

crazy (狂っている) [形] having a severe mental disorder

それとも私は狂っているのか?」

“Of course you're crazy,” she said coldly.

be crazy (狂っている) [動] foolish, stupid, or rash

「もちろんあなたは狂っているよ」と彼女は冷たく言った。

“That is the most outrageous nonsense I ever listened to.”

outrageous (ひどい) [形] very shocking or offensive

「それは私が今まで聞いた中で最もひどいナンセンスだ。」

She started to turn away.

彼女は背を向け始めた。

“Wait a minute,” I said.

「ちょっと待って」と私は言った。

“That kiss won't leave a scar.

「そのキスは傷跡を残さない。

You just think it will.

will (だろう) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

あなたはそう思うだけだ。

And don't tell me I'm too nice a person.

そして私があまりにもいい人だなんて言わないで。

I'd rather be a heel.”

heel (悪党) [名] a person who behaves in a very bad or evil way

私はむしろ悪党になりたい。」

She looked back.

彼女は振り返った。

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“If I hadn't been a nice guy to Terry Lennox, he would still be alive.”

nice guy (いい奴) [名] a kind and pleasant person

「もし私がテリー・レノックスにいい奴でなかったら、彼はまだ生きていただろう。」

“Yes?” she said quietly.

「はい?」と彼女は静かに言った。

“How can you be so sure?

be sure (確信する) [動] to be certain about something

「どうしてそんなに確信できるの?

Goodnight, Mr. Marlowe.

おやすみなさい、マーロウさん。

And thank you so very much for almost everything.”

very much (本当に) [副] to a great extent or degree

そして、ほとんど全てのことについて本当にありがとう。」

She walked back along the edge of the grass.

彼女は芝生の端に沿って歩いて戻った。

I watched her into the house.

私は彼女が家に入るのを見守った。

The door closed.

ドアが閉まった。

The porch light went off.

ポーチの明かりが消えた。

I waved at nothing and drove away.

drive away (車を走らせる) [動] leave a place in a vehicle

私は何もないところに向かって手を振り、車を走らせた。

[21]

Next morning I got up late on account of the big fee I had earned the night before.

big fee (大金) [名] a large amount of money

the night before (前夜) [名] the night before the present day

翌朝、私は前夜に稼いだ大金のおかげで遅く起きた。

I drank an extra cup of coffee, smoked an extra cigarette, ate an extra slice of Canadian bacon, and for the three hundredth time I swore I would never again use an electric razor.

swear (誓う) [動] make a solemn statement or promise undertaking to do something or affirming that something is the case

electric razor (電気カミソリ) [名] a razor with an electric motor

私はコーヒーをもう一杯飲み、タバコをもう一本吸い、カナディアンベーコンをもう一枚食べ、そして三百回目になるが、二度と電気カミソリは使わないと誓った。

That made the day normal.

これでその日は普通になった。

I hit the office about ten, picked up some odds and ends of mail, slit the envelopes and let the stuff lie on the desk.

hit (着く) [動] reach or arrive at

odds and ends (端切れ) [名] various articles, especially of little value or importance

私は10時頃に事務所に着き、郵便物の端切れを拾い、封筒を切り裂いて、机の上に置いた。

I opened the windows wide to let out the smell of dust and dinginess that collected in the night and hung in the still air, in the corners of the room, in the slats of the venetian blinds.

let out (外に出す) [動] allow to go out

dinginess (薄汚れた) [名] the state of being dingy

collect (たまる) [動] come together or gather

私は窓を大きく開けて、夜の間にたまった埃や薄汚れた匂いを外に出し、部屋の隅やベネチアンブラインドのスラットに静かな空気を流した。

A dead moth was spread-eagled on a corner of the desk.

moth (蛾) [名] a nocturnal insect

spread-eagle (広がる) [動] to stretch out the arms and legs

机の隅に死んだ蛾が広がっていた。

On the window sill a bee with tattered wings was crawling along the woodwork, buzzing in a tired remote sort of way, as if she knew it wasn't any use, she was finished, she had flown too many missions and would never get back to the hive again.

window sill (窓枠) [名] the flat piece of wood or stone forming the bottom part of a window

tattered (ボロボロの) [形] old and in bad condition

wing (羽) [名] one of the two modified forelimbs bearing feathers that enable a bird to fly

woodwork (木工品) [名] the art of making things from wood

use (役に立つ) [名] the purpose for which something is made or done

finish (終わり) [動] bring (something) to an end

mission (任務) [名] an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes

hive (巣箱) [名] a box in which bees are kept

窓枠には、羽がボロボロになった蜂が木工品に沿って這い回り、疲れた遠くでブンブン鳴いていた。まるで、もう役に立たないことを知っているかのようだった。もう終わりだ、あまりにも多くの任務をこなしすぎて、もう巣箱に戻ることはできない。

I knew it was going to be one of those crazy days.

one of those (そんな) [名] a particular thing that is similar to others of its kind

crazy (狂った) [形] foolish, stupid, or rash

私はそれがそんな狂った日々の1つになることを知っていた。

Everyone has them.

everyone (誰にでも) [代] every person

誰にでもある。

Days when nobody rolls in but the loose wheels, the dingoes who park their brains with their gum, the squirrels who can't find their nuts, the mechanics who always have a gear wheel left over.

roll in (来る) [動] arrive

dingo (ディンゴ) [名] a wild dog found in Australia

gum (ガム) [名] a sticky substance that is chewed for pleasure

squirrel (リス) [名] a small furry animal with a long bushy tail that lives in trees

nut (ナッツ) [名] a dry fruit consisting of a hard shell around an edible kernel

gear wheel (歯車) [名] a toothed wheel that engages with another toothed wheel to transmit power

誰も来ない日々、緩んだ車輪、ガムで脳を駐車するディンゴ、ナッツを見つけられないリス、いつも歯車が残っている整備士。

The first was a big blond roughneck named Kuissenen or something Finnish like that.

roughneck (乱暴者) [名] a rough, violent person

Kuissenen (クイッセネン) [名] a Finnish name

Finnish (フィンランド語) [名] the language spoken in Finland

1人目はクイッセネンかそんな感じのフィンランド語の名前の大きな金髪の乱暴者だった。

He jammed his massive bottom in the customer's chair and planted two wide horny hands on my desk and said he was a power-shovel operator, that he lived in Culver City, and the goddam woman who lived next door to him was trying to poison his dog.

jam (押し込む) [動] to push or squeeze into a tight space

massive (大きな) [形] of great size or extent

plant (置く) [動] to put or place firmly

wide (大きい) [形] of great extent from side to side; broad

horny (角質の) [形] made of horn

power-shovel (パワーショベル) [名] a large machine with a bucket at the end of a long arm, used for digging

Culver City (カルバーシティ) [名] a city in California

next door (隣) [名] the house or building next to one's own

彼は大きな尻を客用の椅子に押し込み、2つの大きくて角質の手を私の机に置き、自分はパワーショベルのオペレーターで、カルバーシティに住んでいて、隣に住んでいるひどい女が自分の犬に毒を盛ろうとしていると言った。

Every morning before he let the dog out for a run in the back yard he had to search the place from fence to fence for meatballs thrown over the potato vine from next door.

every morning (毎朝) [名] the time of day from sunrise to noon

back yard (裏庭) [名] a yard behind a house

fence (フェンス) [名] a barrier of wood or wire enclosing an area of ground to control access or escape

potato vine (ジャガイモのつる) [名] a plant with a long stem that climbs up a support

meatball (ミートボール) [名] a small ball of ground meat

毎朝、犬を裏庭で走らせる前に、隣のジャガイモのつるに投げ込まれたミートボールがないか、フェンスからフェンスまで探さなければならなかった。

He'd found nine of them so far and they were loaded with a greenish powder he knew was an arsenic weed killer.

load (詰まっている) [動] fill or pack with something

greenish (緑がかった) [形] somewhat green in color

powder (粉末) [名] a dry substance in the form of tiny particles

arsenic (ヒ素) [名] a highly poisonous metallic element

weed killer (除草剤) [名] a chemical used to kill unwanted plants

彼はこれまで9個のミートボールを見つけたが、それらはヒ素の除草剤だと知っている緑がかった粉末が詰まっていた。

“How much to watch out and catch her at it?”

watch out (見張る) [動] be careful or vigilant

「見張りをして、彼女を捕まえるのにいくらかかる?」

He stared at me as unblinkingly as a fish in a tank.

unblinkingly (瞬きもせずに) [副] without blinking

tank (水槽) [名] a large container for holding liquid or gas

彼は水槽の中の魚のように瞬きもせずに私を見つめていた。

“Why not do it yourself?”

「自分でやらないのはなぜ?」

“I got to work for a living, mister.

「私は生活のために働かなければならない。

I'm losing four twentyfive an hour just coming up here to ask.”

four twentyfive (4ドル25セント) [名] four dollars and twentyfive cents

ここに尋ねに来ただけで、私は一時間に4ドル25セントを失っている。」

“Try the police?”

「警察に連絡してみたら?」

“I try the police.

「警察に連絡した。

They might get around to it some time next year.

get around to (取り掛かる) [動] to finally do something that you have been planning or intending to do for a long time

some time (いつか) [名] an unspecified period of time in the future

next year (来年) [名] the year after this one

彼らは来年いつかそれに取り掛かるかもしれない。

Right now they're busy sucking up to MGM.”

suck up to (媚びる) [動] to try to gain favor with someone by flattery or other means

今は彼らはMGMに媚びるのに忙しい。」

“S.P.C.A.? The Tailwaggers?”

S.P.C.A. (動物愛護協会) [名] the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Tailwaggers (動物愛護協会) [名] a fictional organization in the story

「動物愛護協会? 動物愛護協会?」

“What's them?”

them (それ) [代] used to refer to a group of people or things previously mentioned or easily identified

「それは何?」

I told him about the Tailwaggers.

私は彼に動物愛護協会について話した。

He was far from interested.

be far from (どころではない) [動] not be at all

interested (興味を持つ) [形] having or showing interest

彼は興味を持つどころではなかった。

He knew about the S.P.C.A.

彼は動物愛護協会については知っていた。

The S.P.C.A. could take a running jump.

take a running jump (走り高跳びをする) [動] to jump over something by running and then jumping

動物愛護協会は走り高跳びができる。

They couldn't see nothing smaller than a horse.

horse (馬) [名] a large four-legged mammal that has been domesticated by humans since prehistoric times

彼らは馬より小さいものは何も見ることができない。

“It says on the door you're an investigator,” he said truculently.

investigator (探偵) [名] a person who investigates something

truculently (喧嘩腰に) [副] aggressively and defiantly

「ドアに探偵と書いてある」と彼は喧嘩腰に言った。

“Okay, go the hell out and investigate.

investigate (調査する) [動] examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

「いいだろう、地獄に落ちて調査しろ。

Fifty bucks if you catch her.”

彼女を捕まえたら50ドルだ」

“Sorry,” I said.

「すみません」と私は言った。

“I'm tied up. Spending a couple of weeks hiding in a gopher hole in your back yard would be out of my line anyway--even for fifty bucks.”

be tied up (忙しい) [動] be busy

hide (隠れる) [動] be or go out of sight

gopher hole (ゴーファーの穴) [名] a hole made by a gopher

be out of one's line (仕事の範囲外) [動] be outside one's area of expertise

「私は忙しいんです。あなたの裏庭のゴーファーの穴に隠れて数週間過ごすことは、50ドルでも私の仕事の範囲外です」

He stood up glowering.

glower (顔をしかめる) [動] to look or stare angrily, sullenly, or suspiciously

彼は顔をしかめて立ち上がった。

“Big shot,” he said.

big shot (大物) [名] a person of consequence or importance

「大物」と彼は言った。

“Don't need the dough, huh?

「金は要らないのか?

Can't be bothered saving the life of a itty-bitty dog.

ちっちゃな犬の命を救うなんて面倒なことはできない。

Nuts to you, big shot.”

大物、あなたは狂ってる」

“I've got troubles too, Mr. Kuissenen.”

「私も困っているんです、クイッセネンさん」

“I'll twist her goddam neck if I catch her,” he said, and I didn't doubt he could have done it.

「捕まえたらあの女の首をねじ切ってやる」と彼は言ったが、彼がそれをできるだろうことは疑いようがなかった。

He could have twisted the hind leg off of an elephant.

hind leg (後ろ足) [名] the leg of an animal that is located at the back of the body

elephant (象) [名] the largest land mammal

彼は象の後ろ足をねじ切ることができただろう。

“That's what makes it I want somebody else.

「だから誰か他の人が必要なんです。

Just because the little tike barks when a car goes by the house.

tike (犬) [名] a dog

車が家の前を通ると小さな犬が吠えるからだ。

Sour-faced old bitch.”

sour-faced (不機嫌そうな顔をした) [形] having a sour expression

不機嫌そうな顔をした年寄りの雌犬だ」

He started for the door.

彼はドアに向かって歩き出した。

“Are you sure it's the dog she's trying to poison?” I asked his back.

「彼女が毒殺しようとしているのは犬だと確信しているのか?」私は彼の背中に尋ねた。

“Sure I'm sure.”

「もちろん確信している」

He was halfway to the door before the nickel dropped.

彼はドアの半分まで行ったところで、ようやく理解した。

He swung around fast then.

彼はそこで素早く振り返った。

“Say that again, buster.”

「もう一度言ってみろ、野郎」

I just shook my head.

私はただ首を横に振った。

I didn't want to fight him.

私は彼と喧嘩したくなかった。

He might hit me on the head with my desk.

彼は私の机で私の頭を殴るかもしれない。

He snorted and went out, almost taking the door with him.

snort (鼻を鳴らす) [動] to make a sound by forcing air through the nose

彼は鼻を鳴らして出て行ったが、ほとんどドアも一緒に持っていく勢いだった。

The next cookie in the dish was a woman, not old, not young, not clean, not too dirty, obviously poor, shabby, querulous and stupid.

cookie (クッキー) [名] a small sweet cake made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter

dish (皿) [名] a flat, round container with raised edges that is used to hold or serve food

querulous (愚かな) [形] complaining a lot

次のクッキーは女性で、老いても若くもなく、清潔でも汚くもなく、明らかに貧しく、みすぼらしく、愚かで愚かだった。

The girl she roomed with--in her set any woman who works out is a girl--was taking money out of her purse.

room with (同室にする) [動] share a room with

work out (運動する) [動] exercise

purse (財布) [名] a small pouch of leather or plastic used for carrying money, typically by a woman

彼女が同室にしている少女は、彼女のセットでは運動する女性はすべて少女であるが、財布からお金を取り出していた。

A dollar here, four bits there, but it added up.

bit (ビット) [名] a small piece of something

ここに1ドル、そこに4ビット、しかしそれは合計された。

She figured she was out close to twenty dollars in all.

close to (近くに) [前] near

twenty dollars (20ドル) [名] an amount of money

彼女は全部で20ドル近く損をしたと考えた。

She couldn't afford it.

彼女にはそんな余裕はなかった。

She couldn't afford to move either.

彼女は引っ越す余裕もなかった。

She couldn't afford a detective.

彼女には探偵を雇う余裕もなかった。

She thought I ought to be willing to throw a scare into the roommate just on the telephone like, not mentioning any names.

throw a scare into (脅す) [動] to frighten or intimidate someone

roommate (ルームメイト) [名] a person who shares a room or apartment with another person

on the telephone (電話で) [名] a system for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio

not mentioning any names (名前を出さずに) [動] to not say the name of someone or something

彼女は私が名前を出さずに電話でルームメイトを脅してやるべきだと思った。

It took her twenty minutes or more to tell me this.

彼女がこれを話すのに20分以上かかった。

She kneaded her bag incessantly while telling it.

knead (こねる) [動] to work dough or clay with the hands

incessantly (絶えず) [副] without stopping

彼女は話している間ずっとバッグをこねくり回していた。

“Anybody you know could do that,” I said.

「あなたの知っている誰でもそれができる」と私は言った。

“Yeah, but you bein' a dick and all.”

bein' (being) [動] exist or live

dick (嫌な奴) [名] a person who is stupid or foolish

「そうだけど、あなたは嫌な奴だし」

“I don't have a license to threaten people I know nothing about.”

threaten (脅す) [動] to say or do something that is intended to make someone afraid or worried

「私は知らない人を脅す許可証は持っていない」

“I'm goin' to tell her I been in to see you.

be goin' to (するつもりだ) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

「彼女にあなたに会いに行ったと言うつもりだ。

I don't have to say it's her.

it's her (彼女だ) [代] the person being talked about is a female

彼女だとは言わなくていい。

Just that you're workin' on it.”

あなたがそれに取り組んでいると言うだけでいい」

“I wouldn't if I were you.

I wouldn't (そうはしない) [動] I would not

if I were you (私があなたなら) [条] if I were in your situation

「私があなたならそうはしない。

If you mention my name she may call me up.

私の名前を言うと彼女は私に電話をかけるかもしれない。

If she does that, I'll tell her the facts.”

もし彼女がそうしたら、私は彼女に事実を話す」

She stood up and slammed her shabby bag against her stomach.

slam (押し当てる) [動] shut or move with a loud noise

彼女は立ち上がり、みすぼらしいバッグを腹に押し当てた。

“You're no gentleman,” she said shrilly.

shrilly (甲高い声で) [副] in a high-pitched and piercing tone

「あなたは紳士ではない」と彼女は甲高い声で言った。

“Where does it say I have to be?”

「どこにそう書いてあるんだ?」

She went out mumbling.

mumble (ぶつぶつ言う) [動] say something in an unclear way

彼女はぶつぶつ言いながら出て行った。

After lunch I had Mr. Simpson W. Edelweiss.

after lunch (昼食後) [名] the time after lunch

have (会う) [動] meet or see someone

Simpson W. Edelweiss (シンプソン・W・エーデルワイス) [名] a person's name

昼食後、私はシンプソン・W・エーデルワイス氏に会った。

He had a card to prove it.

彼はそれを証明するカードを持っていた。

He was manager of a sewing machine agency.

manager (支配人) [名] a person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization

sewing machine (ミシン) [名] a machine with a needle and thread that is used for sewing

agency (代理店) [名] a business or organization that provides a particular service, typically on behalf of another business or organization

彼はミシン代理店の支配人だった。

He was a small tired-looking man about forty-eight to fifty, small hands and feet, wearing a brown suit with sleeves too long, and a stiff white collar behind a purple tie with black diamonds on it.

tired-looking (疲れた顔の) [形] appearing to be tired

forty-eight (48歳) [名] the number 48

brown (茶色の) [形] of the color brown

purple (紫色の) [形] of the color purple

diamond (ダイヤモンド) [名] a precious stone consisting of a clear and typically colorless crystalline form of carbon that is the hardest naturally occurring substance

彼は48歳から50歳くらいの小さな疲れた顔の男で、小さな手と足を持ち、袖が長すぎる茶色のスーツを着て、黒いダイヤモンドが付いた紫色のネクタイの後ろに堅い白い襟を着ていた。

He sat on the edge of the chair without fidgeting and looked at me out of sad black eyes.

fidget (そわそわする) [動] make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience

sad (悲しげな) [形] unhappy or mournful

彼はそわそわせず椅子の端に座り、悲しげな黒い目で私を見た。

His hair was black too and thick and rough without a sign of gray in it that I could see.

rough (ざらざらした) [形] having a surface that is not smooth

sign (兆候) [名] an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else

彼の髪も黒く、太く、ざらざらしていて、私が見る限り白髪の兆候はなかった。

He had a clipped mustache with a reddish tone.

clipped (刈った) [形] cut short

mustache (口ひげ) [名] the hair growing on a man's upper lip

reddish (赤みを帯びた) [形] somewhat red

彼は赤みを帯びた口ひげを短く刈っていた。

He could have passed for thirty-five if you didn't look at the backs of his hands.

pass for (通る) [動] be accepted as

thirty-five (35歳) [名] the age of 35

彼の手の甲を見なければ、彼は35歳で通ったかもしれない。

“Call me Simp,” he said.

Simp (シンプ) [名] a simpleton

「私をシンプと呼んでくれ」と彼は言った。

“Everybody else does. I got it coming.

do (呼ぶ) [動] call

「他の人はみんなそう呼ぶ。当然の報いだ。

I'm a Jewish man married to a Gentile woman, twenty-four years of age, beautiful.

Jewish (ユダヤ人) [形] relating to Jews or Judaism

Gentile (異教徒) [名] a person who is not Jewish

twenty-four years of age (24歳) [名] the age of a person who is twenty-four years old

私はユダヤ人で、24歳の美しい異教徒の女性と結婚している。

She run away a couple of times before.”

run away (家出をする) [動] leave home without permission

彼女は以前にも何度か家出をしたことがある。」

He got out a photo of her and showed it to me.

彼は彼女の写真を取り出し、私に見せた。

She might have been beautiful to him.

have been (だった) [助] expressing a past action or state

beautiful (美人) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

彼にとって彼女は美人だったのかもしれない。

To me she was a big sloppy-looking cow of a woman with a weak mouth.

sloppy (だらしなく見える) [形] careless and unsystematic

私には彼女はだらしなく見える大きな雌牛のような女で、口元が弱々しかった。

“What's your trouble, Mr. Edelweiss? I don't do divorce business.”

「エデルワイスさん、どうされましたか? 私は離婚の案件は扱いません。」

I tried to give him back the photo.

私は彼に写真を返そうとした。

He waved it away.

彼はそれを振り払った。

“The client is always mister to me,” I added.

mister (ミスター) [名] a title of respect prefixed to a man's name

「私にとって依頼人は常にミスターです」と私は付け加えた。

“Until he has told me a few dozen lies anyway.”

lie (嘘) [名] a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood

「とにかく彼が私に数十の嘘をつくまでは。」

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“Lies I got no use for.

got no use for (役に立たない) [動] to be of no use or value to someone or something

「嘘は役に立たない。

It's not a divorce matter.

離婚問題ではない。

I just want Mabel back again.

私はただメイベルを取り戻したいだけだ。

But she don't come back until I find her.

しかし、私が彼女を見つけるまで彼女は戻ってこない。

Maybe it's a kind of game with her.”

彼女にとっては一種のゲームなのかもしれない」

He told me about her, patiently, without rancor.

rancor (恨み) [名] bitter deep-seated ill will

彼は私に彼女のことを辛抱強く、恨みもなく話してくれた。

She drank, she played around, she wasn't a very good wife by his standards, but he could have been brought up too strict.

play around (遊び回る) [動] have fun

standard (基準) [名] something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations

bring up (育てる) [動] care for and educate (a child)

彼女は酒を飲み、遊び回り、彼の基準ではあまり良い妻ではなかったが、彼は厳しく育てられたのかもしれない。

She had a heart as big as a house, he said, and he loved her.

have a heart (心を持つ) [動] to be kind, sympathetic, or generous

as big as a house (家のように大きい) [形] very big

彼女は家のように大きな心を持っていた、と彼は言った、そして彼は彼女を愛していた。

He didn't kid himself he was any dreamboat, just a steady worker bringing home the pay check.

kid oneself (思い込む) [動] to deceive oneself

steady worker (堅実な労働者) [名] a person who works hard and is reliable

bring home (持ち帰る) [動] to take something with you when you go home

彼は自分が夢のような男だとは思っておらず、ただ給料を家に持ち帰る堅実な労働者だと思っていた。

They had a joint bank account.

joint (共同の) [形] shared by or common to two or more people or things

bank account (銀行口座) [名] an account at a bank

彼らは共同の銀行口座を持っていた。

She had drawn it all out, but he was prepared for that.

draw (引き出す) [動] to pull or move something toward oneself

prepare (準備する) [動] make ready for use or consideration

彼女はそれをすべて引き出していたが、彼はその準備ができていた。

He had a pretty good idea who she had lit out with, and if he was right the man would clean her out and leave her stranded.

have a pretty good idea (かなりよくわかる) [動] to have a good understanding of something

light out (逃げる) [動] to leave quickly

clean out (きれいに洗い流す) [動] to remove all of the contents of something

leave stranded (置き去りにする) [動] to leave someone in a difficult situation without any help

彼は彼女が誰と逃げたのかかなりよくわかっていたし、もし彼が正しければ、その男は彼女をきれいに洗い流して、彼女を置き去りにするだろう。

“Name of Kerrigan,” he said.

「ケリガンという名前だ」と彼は言った。

“Monroe Kerrigan. I don't aim to knock the Catholics.

Monroe Kerrigan (モンロー・ケリガン) [名] a person's name

aim (つもりである) [動] intend or plan

knock (批判する) [動] criticize or censure

「モンロー・ケリガン。私はカトリック教徒を批判するつもりはない。

There is plenty of bad Jews too.

Jews (ユダヤ人) [名] a member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel

悪いユダヤ人もたくさんいる。

This Kerrigan is a barber when he works.

This Kerrigan (このケリガン) [名] a person's name

barber (床屋) [名] a person who cuts men's hair and shaves or trims beards

このケリガンは働く時は床屋だ。

I ain't knocking barbers either.

床屋を批判するつもりもない。

But a lot of them are drifters and horse players.

drifter (放浪者) [名] a person who moves aimlessly from place to place

horse player (競馬狂) [名] a person who bets on horse races

しかし、彼らの多くは放浪者で競馬狂だ。

Not real steady.”

steady (真面目な) [形] not changing or varying

あまり真面目じゃない」

“Won't you hear from her when she is cleaned out?”

hear from (連絡が来る) [動] receive a message from

clean out (破産する) [動] lose all of one's money

「彼女が破産したら連絡が来ませんか?」

“She gets awful ashamed.

awful (ひどく) [形] very bad or serious

ashamed (恥ずかしがる) [形] feeling shame or guilt

「彼女はひどく恥ずかしがる。

She might hurt herself.”

herself (自分) [代] the female person who is being discussed

彼女は自分を傷つけるかもしれない」

“It's a Missing Persons job, Mr. Edelweiss.

Missing Persons (失踪者捜査) [名] a police department that investigates missing persons

「これは失踪者捜査の仕事です、エーデルワイスさん。

You should go down and make a report.”

make a report (報告する) [動] give an account of something that has been done or observed

あなたは警察に行って報告するべきです」

“No. I'm not knocking the police, but I don't want it that way.

knock (非難する) [動] to criticize or find fault with

「いいえ。警察を非難するわけではないが、私はそのようには望んでいない。

Mabel would be humiliated.”

Mabel (メイベル) [名] a female given name

be humiliated (辱めを受ける) [動] to be made to feel ashamed or foolish

メイベルは辱めを受けるだろう」

The world seemed to be full of people Mr. Edelweiss was not knocking.

Mr. Edelweiss (エーデルワイスさん) [名] a man's name

not knock (非難しない) [動] not criticize or find fault with

世界はエーデルワイスさんが非難しない人でいっぱいのようだ。

He put some money on the desk.

彼は机にいくらかのお金を置いた。

“Two hundred dollars,” he said.

two hundred dollars (200ドル) [名] an amount of money

「200ドル」と彼は言った。

“Down payment. I'd rather do it my way.”

down payment (頭金) [名] a part of the full price of something that is paid at the time of purchase

my way (自分のやり方) [名] the manner in which one does something

「頭金。自分のやり方でやりたいんだ」

“It will happen again,” I said.

「また起こるよ」と私は言った。

“Sure.” He shrugged and spread his hands gently.

gently (ゆっくりと) [副] in a slow and careful way

「もちろん」彼は肩をすくめて、ゆっくりと両手を広げた。

“But twenty-four years old and me almost fifty.

twenty-four years old (24歳) [名] the age of a person who is 24 years old

「でも、彼女は24歳で、私は50歳近くだ。

How could it be different?

be different (違う) [動] be not the same as another or each other

どうして違うことがあるだろうか?

She'll settle down after a while.

settle down (落ち着く) [動] become calm or quiet

after a while (しばらくしたら) [副] after a short period of time

彼女はしばらくしたら落ち着くだろう。

Trouble is, no kids.

問題は子供がいないことだ。

She can't have kids.

have (産む) [動] give birth to

彼女は子供を産めない。

A Jew likes to have a family.

Jew (ユダヤ人) [名] a member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel to Abraham

ユダヤ人は家族を持つのが好きだ。

So Mabel knows that.

だからメイベルはそれを知っている。

She's humiliated.”

humiliate (屈辱を感じる) [動] make someone feel ashamed and foolish

彼女は屈辱を感じている。」

“You're a very forgiving man, Mr. Edelweiss.”

forgiving (寛容な) [形] willing to forgive

「あなたはとても寛容な人ですね、エーデルワイスさん。」

“Well I ain't a Christian,” he said.

Christian (キリスト教徒) [名] a person who adheres to Christianity

「私はキリスト教徒ではない」と彼は言った。

“And I'm not knocking Christians, you understand.

「私はキリスト教徒を批判しているわけではない。

But with me it's real.

with me (私の場合は) [前] in my case

でも私の場合は本物だ。

I don't just say it.

ただ言っているだけではない。

I do it.

実際にそうしている。

Oh, I almost forgot the most important.”

ああ、一番大事なことを忘れるところだった」

He got out a picture postcard and pushed it across the desk after the money.

picture postcard (絵葉書) [名] a postcard with a picture on one side

彼は絵葉書を取り出し、それをお金の後に机の向こう側に押し出した。

“From Honolulu she sends it.

Honolulu (ホノルル) [名] the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii

「ホノルルから彼女が送ったんだ。

Money goes fast in Honolulu.

go fast (すぐになくなる) [動] to be used up quickly

ホノルルではお金がすぐになくなる。

One of my uncles had a jewelry business there.

uncle (叔父) [名] the brother of one's father or mother

jewelry (宝石) [名] a piece of jewelry

私の叔父の一人がそこで宝石商をしていた。

Retired now.

retire (引退する) [動] leave one's job and cease to work

今は引退した。

Lives in Seattle.”

シアトルに住んでいる。」

I picked the photo up again.

私は再び写真を手に取った。

“I'll have to farm this one out,” I told him.

farm out (外注する) [動] to send work to be done by another person or company

「これは外注しなくちゃいけないな」と私は彼に言った。

“And I'll have to have this copied.”

have something copied (~をコピーしてもらう) [動] have someone make a copy of something

「そしてこれをコピーしてもらわなくちゃいけない」

“I could hear you saying that, Mr. Marlowe, before I got here.

「私がここに来る前に、あなたがそう言っているのが聞こえました、マーロウさん。

So I come prepared.”

prepared (準備する) [形] made ready for use or consideration

だから準備して来ました」

He took out an envelope and it contained five more prints.

contain (入っている) [動] to have or hold within

彼は封筒を取り出し、そこにはさらに5枚の写真が入っていた。

“I got Kerrigan too, but only a snapshot.”

get (撮る) [動] take a photograph of

Kerrigan (ケリガン) [名] a person's name

snapshot (スナップ写真) [名] a photograph taken quickly and casually

「ケリガンも撮ったんだが、スナップ写真だけだ」

He went into another pocket and gave me another envelope.

go into (手を入れ) [動] to put your hand into something

give (渡した) [動] to transfer the possession of something to someone else

彼は別のポケットに手を入れ、別の封筒を私に渡した。

I looked at Kerrigan.

私はケリガンを見た。

He had a smooth dishonest face that did not surprise me.

彼は私を驚かせないような、滑らかで不誠実な顔をしていた。

Three copies of Kerrigan.

copy (コピー) [名] a duplicate of an original

ケリガンの3枚のコピー。

Mr. Simpson W. Edelweiss gave me another card which had on it his name, his residence, his telephone number.

Mr. Simpson W. Edelweiss (シンプソン・W・エーデルワイス氏) [名] a person's name

residence (住所) [名] the place where one lives

シンプソン・W・エーデルワイス氏は私に彼の名前、住所、電話番号が書かれた別のカードを渡した。

He said he hoped it would not cost too much but that he would respond at once to any demand for further funds and he hoped to hear from me.

demand (要求) [名] an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right

fund (資金) [名] a sum of money saved or made available for a particular purpose

彼は、あまり費用がかからないことを望んでいるが、さらなる資金の要求にはすぐに応じるだろうし、私からの連絡を期待していると言っていた。

“Two hundred ought to pretty near do it if she's still in Honolulu,” I said.

two hundred (200ドル) [名] the number 200

pretty near (かなり近く) [副] very close

do it (それをする) [動] perform an action

「彼女がまだホノルルにいるなら、200ドルで十分だろう」と私は言った。

“What I need now is a detailed physical description of both parties that I can put into a telegram.

physical (身体的) [形] relating to a person's body

「今必要なのは、電報に載せられる両者の詳細な身体的特徴だ。

Height, weight, age, coloring, any noticeable scars or other identifying marks, what clothes she was wearing and had with her, and how much money was in the account she cleaned out.

age (年齢) [名] the number of years that a person has lived

coloring (肌の色) [名] the natural color of a person's skin

mark (印) [名] a sign or indication of something

clean out (空にする) [動] to remove everything from something

身長、体重、年齢、肌の色、目立つ傷跡やその他の識別できる印、彼女が着ていた服や持っていた服、そして彼女が空にした口座にいくらお金が入っていたか。

If you've been through this before, Mr. Edelweiss, you will know what I want.”

go through (経験する) [動] to experience something

エデルワイスさん、もしあなたが以前にこのような経験をしたことがあるなら、私が何を求めているかわかるでしょう」

“I got a peculiar feeling about this Kerrigan. Uneasy.”

peculiar (妙な) [形] strange or odd

uneasy (不安な) [形] worried or nervous

「このケリガンについて妙な予感がする。不安だ」

I spent another half hour milking him and writing things down.

half hour (30分) [名] a period of time equal to thirty minutes

milk (聞き出す) [動] to draw or extract something from

私はさらに30分かけて彼から情報を聞き出し、書き留めた。

Then he stood up quietly, shook hands quietly, bowed and left the office quietly.

bow (お辞儀をする) [動] bend the upper part of the body forward and down as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame

それから彼は静かに立ち上がり、静かに握手し、お辞儀をして、静かに事務所を去った。

“Tell Mabel everything is fine,” he said as he went out.

「メイベルにすべてうまくいっていると言ってくれ」と彼は出て行くときに言った。

It turned out to be routine.

それは日常的なものであることがわかった。

I sent a wire to an agency in Honolulu and followed it with an airmail containing the photos and whatever information I had left out of the wire.

wire (電報) [名] a telegram

airmail (航空便) [名] mail sent by air

私はホノルルの代理店に電報を送り、写真と電報に書ききれなかった情報を航空便で送った。

They found her working as a chambermaid's helper in a luxury hotel, scrubbing bathtubs and bathroom floors and so on.

chambermaid (メイド) [名] a woman who cleans and tidies bedrooms in a hotel

helper (ヘルパー) [名] a person who helps

luxury hotel (高級ホテル) [名] a hotel that provides a high level of comfort and service

scrub (磨く) [動] clean or wash something by rubbing it hard

bathtub (浴槽) [名] a large container that you fill with water and sit in to wash yourself

bathroom floor (浴室の床) [名] the floor of a room that contains a bath or shower

and so on (など) [副] and other similar things

彼らは彼女が高級ホテルでメイドヘルパーとして働き、浴槽や浴室の床などを磨いているのを見つけた。

Kerrigan had done just what Mr. Edelweiss expected, cleaned her out while she was asleep and skipped, leaving her stuck with the hotel bill.

Mr. Edelweiss (エーデルワイス氏) [名] a person's name

clean out (盗む) [動] take everything from

hotel bill (ホテル代) [名] a bill for a hotel stay

ケリガンはエーデルワイス氏が期待したとおりのことをし、彼女が眠っている間に彼女の金を盗み、ホテル代を彼女に押し付けて逃げた。

She pawned a ring which Kerrigan couldn't have taken without violence, and got enough out of it to pay the hotel but not enough to buy her way home.

ring (指輪) [名] a circular band of metal or other hard material worn as jewelry

彼女はケリガンが暴力を振るわずに奪うことのできなかった指輪を質に入れ、ホテル代を払うには十分だったが、帰りの旅費を買うには十分ではなかった。

So Edelweiss hopped a plane and went after her.

hop (飛び乗る) [動] jump or move quickly and lightly

go after (追いかける) [動] to try to catch or reach someone or something that is moving away from you

そこでエーデルワイスは飛行機に飛び乗り、彼女を追いかけた。

He was too good for her.

be too good for (もったいないくらいだ) [動] be more than someone deserves

彼は彼女にはもったいないくらいだった。

I sent him a bill for twenty dollars and the cost of a long telegram.

bill (請求書) [名] a printed and usually itemized statement of money owed for goods or services

私は彼に20ドルと長い電報の費用を請求した。

The Honolulu agency grabbed the two hundred.

ホノルルの代理店は200ドルを受け取った。

With a portrait of Madison in my office safe I could afford to be underpriced.

safe (金庫) [名] a strong metal box with a lock, used for storing valuables

underpriced (安値) [形] too cheap

私の事務所の金庫にマディソンの肖像画がある限り、私は安値で仕事を請け負う余裕があった。

So passed a day in the life of a P.I. Not exactly a typical day but not totally untypical either.

pass (過ぎる) [動] go by

typical (典型的な) [形] having the distinctive qualities of a type

totally (全く) [副] completely; absolutely

こうして私立探偵の一日が過ぎた。典型的な一日とは言えないが、全く典型的でないわけでもない。

What makes a man stay with it nobody knows.

何が人をそこに留まらせるのかは誰も知らない。

You don't get rich, you don't often have much fun.

get rich (金持ちになる) [動] become wealthy

have fun (楽しむ) [動] enjoy oneself

金持ちにもなれないし、あまり楽しいこともない。

Sometimes you get beaten up or shot at or tossed into the jailhouse.

get beaten up (殴られる) [動] to be hit repeatedly

get shot at (撃たれる) [動] to be fired at

get tossed into (入れられる) [動] to be put into

jailhouse (刑務所) [名] a place where people are kept as a punishment

時には殴られたり、撃たれたり、刑務所に入れられたりすることもある。

Once in a long while you get dead.

get dead (死ぬ) [動] to stop living

ごくまれに死ぬこともある。

Every other month you decide to give it up and find some sensible occupation while you can still walk without shaking your head.

every other month (一月おきに) [名] once every two months

give up (辞める) [動] stop doing something

sensible (まともな) [形] based on or acting on good judgment or reason

一月おきに、頭を揺らさずに歩けるうちに、この仕事を辞めて、もっとまともな職に就こうと決心する。

Then the door buzzer rings and you open the inner door to the waiting room and there stands a new face with a new problem, a new load of grief, and a small piece of money.

inner door (内側のドア) [名] a door inside a building

stand (立っている) [動] to be in or assume an upright position

new problem (新しい問題) [名] a problem that has not been encountered before

new load of grief (新しい悲しみ) [名] a new cause of sadness or sorrow

small piece of money (小銭) [名] a small amount of money

するとドアのブザーが鳴り、待合室の内側のドアを開けると、そこには新しい問題、新しい悲しみ、そして小銭を持った新しい顔が立っている。

“Come in, Mr. Thingummy.

Mr. Thingummy (ミスター・シングアミー) [名] a person whose name is not known or not remembered

「どうぞ、ミスター・シングアミー。

What can I do for you?”

何かご用でしょうか?」

There must be a reason.

何か理由があるはずだ。

Three days later in the shank of the afternoon Eileen Wade called me up, and asked me to come around to the house for a drink the next evening.

three days later (3日後) [名] three days after the present day

in the shank of the afternoon (午後遅く) [名] the late afternoon

ask (誘う) [動] to request something from someone

come around (来る) [動] to visit someone or something

the next evening (翌日の夕方) [名] the evening of the day after the present day

3日後の午後遅く、アイリーン・ウェードが電話をかけてきて、翌日の夕方、家で飲みに来るように誘った。

They were having a few friends in for cocktails.

have (招く) [動] to cause to be, do, or occur

cocktail (カクテル) [名] an alcoholic mixed drink that contains three or more ingredients—at least one of the ingredients must be a spirit, one sweet/sugary, and one sour/bitter

カクテルを飲みに友人を数人招くとのことだった。

Roger would like to see me and thank me adequately.

would like to (したいと思っている) [助] want to

ロジャーは私に会って、十分に感謝したいと思っている。

And would I please send in a bill?

send in (送る) [動] to cause to be conveyed to a destination

請求書を送ってほしいとのことだった。

“You don't owe me anything, Mrs. Wade.

「ウェードさん、私に借りはありませんよ。

What little I did I got paid for.”

get paid (支払いを受ける) [動] receive money in exchange for work or a service

私がしたことはわずかで、その分は支払いを受けています」

“I must have looked very silly acting Victorian about it,” she said.

「ヴィクトリア朝の人間みたいに振る舞って、とても馬鹿げた感じだったに違いないよ」と彼女は言った。

“A kiss doesn't seem to mean much nowadays.

「最近はキスは大した意味がないみたいね。

You will come, won't you?”

来てくれるよね?」

“I guess so. Against my better judgment.”

against (反して) [前] in opposition to; contrary to

judgment (判断) [名] the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions

「そう思う。私の判断に反してね」

“Roger is quite well again. He's working.”

well (元気) [形] in good health

working (仕事してる) [動] having a job; employed

「ロジャーはすっかり元気になったよ。仕事してるのよ」

“Good.”

「よかった」

“You sound very solemn today.

solemn (真面目そう) [形] formal and serious

「今日はとても真面目そうね。

I guess you take life pretty seriously.”

take life (人生を真面目に考える) [動] to live one's life in a serious manner

seriously (真面目に) [副] in a serious manner

人生をとても真面目に考えてるみたいね」

“Now and then. Why?”

now and then (時々) [副] occasionally

「時々ね。どうして?」

She laughed very gently and said goodbye and hung up.

彼女は優しく笑って、さよならを言って電話を切った。

I sat there for a while taking life seriously.

take (考える) [動] consider or regard in a specified way

私はしばらくそこに座って人生を真面目に考えた。

Then I tried to think of something funny so that I could have a great big laugh.

have a great big laugh (大笑いする) [動] to laugh loudly and heartily

それから私は大笑いできるように何か面白いことを考えようとした。

Neither way worked, so I got Terry Lennox's letter of farewell out of the safe and reread it.

work (うまくいく) [動] to be successful or effective

reread (読み返す) [動] to read again

どちらもうまくいかなかったので、私は金庫からテリー・レノックスの別れの手紙を取り出し、それを読み返した。

It reminded me that I had never gone to Victor's for that gimlet he asked me to drink for him.

Victor (ビクター) [名] a male given name

彼が私に飲んでくれと頼んだギムレットを飲みにビクターのところへ行っていないことを思い出した。

It was just about the right time of day for the bar to be quiet, the way he would have liked it himself, if he had been around to go with me.

just about (ちょうど) [副] very nearly

right time (いい時間) [名] a time that is suitable or opportune

バーが静かになるちょうどいい時間だった。もし彼が私と一緒に行けるようだったら、彼自身が好む時間帯だ。

I thought of him with a vague sadness and with a puckering bitterness too.

puckering (しわが寄る) [動] to contract into wrinkles or folds

私は漠然とした悲しみと、また、しわが寄るような苦々しさをもって彼のことを考えた。

When I got to Victor's I almost kept going.

get to (着く) [動] arrive at

keep going (通り過ぎそうになる) [動] continue moving

ビクターの店に着いた時、私はほとんど通り過ぎそうになった。

Almost, but not quite.

ほとんど、だが、そうはならなかった。

I had too much of his money.

私は彼の金を持ちすぎた。

He had made a fool of me but he had paid well for the privilege.

make a fool of (馬鹿にする) [動] to make someone appear foolish

彼は私を馬鹿にしたが、その特権のために十分に支払った。

[22]

It was so quiet in Victor's that you almost heard the temperature drop as you came in at the door.

temperature (温度) [名] a measure of how hot or cold something is

drop (下がる) [動] move or cause to move from a higher to a lower level

ビクターズはとても静かで、ドアから入ると温度が下がる音が聞こえそうだった。

On a bar stool a woman in a black tailormade, which couldn't at that time of year have been anything but some synthetic fabric like orlon, was sitting alone with a pale greenish-colored drink in front of her and smoking a cigarette in a long jade holder.

that time of year (その時期) [名] a particular time of the year

synthetic (合成) [形] made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product

fabric (布) [名] a material made by weaving or knitting fibers

orlon (オルロン) [名] a synthetic acrylic fiber

jade (翡翠) [名] a hard, green stone used for making jewelry and ornaments

holder (ホルダー) [名] a device for holding something

バースツールに、黒いテーラーメイドの女性が、その時期にはオルロンのような合成繊維以外にはあり得なかったが、彼女の前に薄緑色の飲み物を置いて一人で座り、長い翡翠のホルダーでタバコを吸っていた。

She had that fine-drawn intense look that is sometimes neurotic, sometimes sex-hungry, and sometimes just the result of drastic dieting.

fine-drawn (細く引き締まった) [形] having a thin, delicate appearance

intense (強烈な) [形] very strong or extreme

neurotic (神経質な) [形] relating to or suffering from neurosis

sex-hungry (セックスに飢えた) [形] having a strong desire for sex

drastic (過激な) [形] extreme or severe

dieting (ダイエット) [名] the practice of eating food in a regulated and supervised way to decrease, maintain, or increase body weight

彼女は、時に神経質で、時にセックスに飢え、時に過激なダイエットの結果である、あの細く引き締まった強烈な表情をしていた。

I sat down two stools away and the barkeep nodded to me, but didn't smile.

away (離れた) [副] at a distance

私は2つ離れたスツールに腰を下ろし、バーテンダーは私にうなずいたが、笑顔はなかった。

“A gimlet,” I said.

「ギムレット」と私は言った。

“No bitters.”

「ビターズなしで」

He put the little napkin in front of me and kept looking at me.

彼は私の前に小さなナプキンを置き、私を見つめ続けた。

“You know something,” he said in a pleased voice.

pleased (嬉しそうな) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction

「何か知っている」と彼は嬉しそうな声で言った。

“I heard you and your friend talking one night and I got me in a bottle of that Rose's Lime Juice.

one night (ある夜) [名] a night in the past

「ある夜、あなたとあなたの友人が話しているのを聞いて、私はそのローズのライムジュースのボトルを手に入れました。

Then you didn't come back any more and I only opened it tonight.”

それからあなたはもう戻って来なくて、私は今夜それを開けただけです。」

“My friend left town,” I said.

「私の友人は町を去った」と私は言った。

“A double if it's all right with you.

「あなたにとって大丈夫ならダブル。

And thanks for taking the trouble.”

take the trouble (面倒を見る) [動] to do something that is difficult or annoying

そして、面倒を見てくれてありがとう。」

He went away.

彼は去って行った。

The woman in black gave me a quick glance, then looked down into her glass.

黒い服を着た女性は私をちらっと見た後、グラスを見つめた。

“So few people drink them around here,” she said so quietly that I didn't realize at first that she was speaking to me.

realize (気づく) [動] become fully aware of something as a fact

「この辺りでそれを飲む人はほとんどいないよ」と彼女はとても静かに言ったので、最初は私に話しかけていることに気づかなかった。

Then she looked my way again.

way (方) [名] the direction in which someone or something moves or faces

それから彼女はまた私の方を見た。

She had very large dark eyes.

彼女はとても大きな黒い目をしていた。

She had the reddest fingernails I had ever seen.

彼女は私が今まで見た中で最も赤い爪をしていた。

But she didn't look like a pickup and there was no trace of come-on in her voice.

pickup (ナンパ待ち) [名] a person who is looking for a sexual partner

trace (痕跡) [名] a mark, sign, or indication of the existence or passing of something

come-on (誘惑) [名] an invitation or enticement

しかし、彼女はナンパ待ちには見えなかったし、彼女の声には誘惑の痕跡はなかった。

“Gimlets I mean.”

「ギムレットのことだ」

“A fellow taught me to like them,” I said.

teach (教える) [動] to cause to learn

「ある男が私にそれを好きになるように教えた」と私は言った。

“He must be English.”

「彼はイギリス人だろう」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“The lime juice. It's as English as boiled fish with that awful anchovy sauce that looks as if the cook had bled into it.

lime juice (ライムジュース) [名] a juice made from limes

boiled fish (煮魚) [名] a dish made by boiling fish

anchovy sauce (アンチョビソース) [名] a sauce made from anchovies

「ライムジュースだ。それは料理人が血を流したように見えるひどいアンチョビソースの煮魚と同じくらいイギリス的だ。

That's how they got called limeys.

that's how (そういうわけで) [副] that is the way that

get called (呼ばれるようになる) [動] receive a specified name or nickname

limey (ライミー) [名] a British person

だから彼らはライミーと呼ばれるようになったんだ。

The English--not the fish.”

イギリス人のことだよ、魚のことじゃない」

“I thought it was more a tropical drink, hot weather stuff.

tropical (熱帯の) [形] of, relating to, or characteristic of the tropics

「私はもっと熱帯の飲み物、暑い天候の飲み物だと思っていました。

Malaya or some place like that.”

Malaya (マラヤ) [名] a former British colony in Southeast Asia

some place (そんなところ) [名] an unspecified location

マラヤかそんなところの」

“You may be right.”

「そうかもしれない」

She turned away again.

彼女はまた背を向けた。

The bartender set the drink in front of me.

バーテンダーは私の前に飲み物を置いた。

With the lime juice it has a sort of pale greenish yellowish misty look.

yellowish (黄色の) [形] somewhat yellow in color

misty (霧のような) [形] filled or abounding with mist

ライムジュースを入れると、薄い緑がかった黄色の霧のような色になる。

I tasted it.

私はそれを味わった。

It was both sweet and sharp at the same time.

sweet (甘い) [形] having a taste like that of sugar or honey

sharp (辛い) [形] having a strong, piercing, or biting taste or flavor

それは甘くもあり、同時に辛くもあった。

The woman in black watched me.

黒い服を着た女性は私を見ていた。

Then she lifted her own glass towards me.

それから彼女は私に向かって自分のグラスを持ち上げた。

We both drank.

私たちは二人とも飲んだ。

Then I knew hers was the same drink.

hers (彼女の) [代] belonging to or connected with a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified

その時、彼女の飲み物も同じものだと分かった。

The next move was routine, so I didn't make it.

move (動き) [名] an action that changes the location of something

次の動きは決まりきっていたので、私はそれをしなかった。

I just sat there.

私はただそこに座っていた。

“He wasn't English,” I said after a moment.

「彼はイギリス人じゃなかった」と私はしばらくしてから言った。

“I guess maybe he had been there during the war.

「彼は戦争中にそこにいたことがあるんじゃないかな。

We used to come in here once in a while, early like now.

私たちは時々、今みたいに早い時間にここに来ていた。

Before the mob started boiling.”

mob (群衆) [名] a large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence

群衆が沸き立つ前に」

“It's a pleasant hour,” she said.

「いい時間ね」と彼女は言った。

“In a bar almost the only pleasant hour.”

「バーではほとんど唯一の楽しい時間」

She emptied her glass.

彼女はグラスを空にした。

“Perhaps I knew your friend,” she said.

「もしかしたらあなたの友人を知っているかも」と彼女は言った。

“What was his name?”

「彼の名前は?」

I didn't answer her right away.

私はすぐには答えなかった。

I lit a cigarette and watched her tap the stub of hers out of the jade holder and fit another in its place.

tap (叩き出す) [動] hit or strike lightly

私はタバコに火をつけ、彼女がヒスイのホルダーから吸い殻を叩き出し、代わりに別のタバコをはめ込むのを見守った。

I reached across with a lighter.

私はライターを差し出した。

“Lennox,” I said.

「レノックス」と私は言った。

She thanked me for the light and gave me a brief searching glance.

searching (探るような) [形] trying to find something

彼女は火を貸してくれたことに感謝し、私をちらっと見た。

Then she nodded.

then (それから) [副] after that; afterwards

それから彼女はうなずいた。

“Yes, I knew him very well.

「ええ、彼のことはよく知っていました。

Perhaps a little too well.”

おそらく少しよく知りすぎたかもしれません」

The barkeep drifted over and glanced at my glass.

drift over (近づいてくる) [動] move slowly and smoothly

glance at (ちらっと見る) [動] look at briefly

バーテンダーが近づいてきて私のグラスをちらっと見た。

“A couple more of the same,” I said.

「同じものをもう2杯」と私は言った。

“In a booth.”

「ブースで」

I got down off the stool and stood waiting.

get down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

私はスツールから降りて立って待った。

She might or might not blow me down.

blow (撃つ) [動] to cause to move by a current of air

彼女は私を撃つかもしれないし撃たないかもしれない。

I didn't particularly care.

私は特に気にしなかった。

Once in a while in this much too sex-conscious country a man and a woman can meet and talk without dragging bedrooms into it.

this much too sex-conscious country (このあまりにも性に敏感な国) [名] a country that is too aware of sex

時々、このあまりにも性に敏感な国で、男と女が寝室に引きずり込むことなく会って話すことができる。

This could be it, or she could just think I was on the make.

be on the make (ナンパしている) [動] to be trying to have sex with someone

これがそうかもしれないし、彼女は私がただナンパしているだけだと思っているかもしれない。

If so, the hell with her.

if so (もしそうなら) [接] in the case that; in the event that

the hell with (地獄に落ちろ) [名] a place of great suffering

もしそうなら、彼女は地獄に落ちろ。

She hesitated, but not for long.

hesitate (ためらう) [動] be reluctant to do something

彼女はためらったが、長くはなかった。

She gathered up a pair of black gloves and a black suede bag with a gold frame and clasp and walked across into a corner booth and sat down without a word.

gather up (取り上げる) [動] to collect or pick up

clasp (留め金) [名] a device with two parts that fit together to fasten something

walk into (歩いて行く) [動] to enter a place by walking

彼女は黒い手袋と金のフレームと留め金のついた黒いスエードのバッグを取り上げ、角のブースまで歩いて行き、一言も言わずに座った。

I sat down across the small table.

私は小さなテーブルの向かいに座った。

“My name is Marlowe.”

「私の名前はマーロウです」

“Mine is Linda Loring,” she said calmly.

mine (私) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

Linda Loring (リンダ・ローリング) [名] a person's name

「私はリンダ・ローリングです」と彼女は落ち着いて言った。

“A bit of a sentimentalist, aren't you, Mr. Marlowe?”

a bit of (ちょっと) [名] a small amount of

sentimentalist (感傷的な人) [名] a person who is sentimental

「ちょっと感傷的ですね、マーロウさん」

“Because I came in here to drink a gimlet?

「私がここにギムレットを飲みに来たからですか?

How about yourself?”

あなたはどうですか?」

“I might have a taste for them.”

have a taste for (好む) [動] to like something

「私はそれらを好むかもしれない」

“So might I. But it would be a little too much coincidence.”

coincidence (偶然) [名] a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

「私もそうかもしれない。しかし、それは少し偶然が過ぎるだろう」

She smiled at me vaguely.

彼女は私にぼんやりと微笑んだ。

She had emerald earrings and an emerald lapel pin.

emerald (エメラルド) [名] a green precious stone

lapel pin (ラペルピン) [名] a decorative pin worn on the lapel of a jacket

彼女はエメラルドのイヤリングとエメラルドのラペルピンをしていた。

They looked like real stones because of the way they were cut--flat with beveled edges.

cut (カット) [名] a reduction in the amount or size of something

beveled (面取りされた) [形] having a sloped edge or surface

それらは、面取りされた平らなカットのおかげで本物の石のように見えた。

And even in the dim light of a bar they had an inner glow.

dim (薄暗い) [形] not bright or well lit

そして、バーの薄暗い光の中でさえ、それらは内側から輝いていた。

“So you're the man,” she said.

you're (あなたが) [代] the person being spoken to

the man (その人) [名] the person being spoken to

she (彼女) [代] the person being spoken about

「それで、あなたがその人なのね」と彼女は言った。

The bar waiter brought the drinks over and set them down.

バーのウェイターが飲み物を持ってきて、置いた。

When he went away I said: “I'm a fellow who knew Terry Lennox, liked him, and had an occasional drink with him.

彼が去ったとき、私は言った。「私はテリー・レノックスを知っていて、彼を好きで、時々彼と酒を飲んだ仲間だ。

It was kind of a side deal, an accidental friendship.

side deal (サイドディール) [名] a secondary or minor deal

accidental (偶然の) [形] happening by chance or accident

friendship (友情) [名] the emotions or conduct of friends

それは一種のサイドディール、偶然の友情だった。

I never went to his home or knew his wife.

私は彼の家に行ったこともなければ、彼の妻を知らなかった。

I saw her once in a parking lot.”

私は彼女を一度駐車場で見たことがある。」

“There was a little more to it than that, wasn't there?”

a little more (もう少し) [名] a small amount or degree

wasn't there (そうだろう) [動] used to ask for confirmation of a statement

「それだけではない、そうだろう?」

She reached for her glass.

彼女はグラスに手を伸ばした。

She had an emerald ring set in a nest of diamonds.

set (はめる) [動] to put something in a place

彼女はダイヤモンドの巣にエメラルドの指輪をはめていた。

Beside it a thin platinum band said she was married.

platinum (プラチナ) [名] a precious silvery-white metal

band (指輪) [名] a ring, especially a wedding ring

その横の細いプラチナの指輪は彼女が結婚していることを告げていた。

I put her in the second half of the thirties, early in the second half.

put (思う) [動] to place, set, or arrange

second half (後半) [名] the second of two equal or roughly equal parts into which something is or can be divided

私は彼女を三十代後半、後半の初め頃だと思った。

“Maybe,” I said.

「たぶん」と私は言った。

“The guy bothered me. He still does. How about you?”

still (今でも) [副] even now or at this time

「あの男は私を悩ませた。彼は今でもそうしている。あなたは?」

She leaned on an elbow and looked up at me without any particular expression.

elbow (肘) [名] the joint between the upper and lower arm

彼女は肘をつき、特に何の表情も浮かべずに私を見上げた。

“I said I knew him rather too well.

「私は彼をかなりよく知っていると言った。

Too well to think it mattered much what happened to him.

彼に何が起ころうとも、それが大したことだと考えるには、あまりにもよく知っていた。

He had a rich wife who gave him all the luxuries.

luxury (贅沢) [名] an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain

彼には金持ちの妻がいて、あらゆる贅沢を与えていた。

All she asked in return was to be let alone.”

return (見返り) [名] the action of coming or going back to a place or activity

let alone (一人にしておく) [動] not to mention; much less

その見返りに彼女が求めたのは、ただ一人にしておくことだけだった」

“Seems reasonable,” I said.

reasonable (道理にかなっている) [形] fair and sensible; just and right

「道理にかなっているようだ」と私は言った。

“Don't be sarcastic, Mr. Marlowe.

sarcastic (皮肉な) [形] marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt

「皮肉を言うのはよしてください、マーロウさん。

Some women are like that.

そういう女性もいる。

They can't help it.

can't help (どうしようもない) [動] be unable to prevent or avoid something

彼女たちはどうしようもない。

It wasn't as if he didn't know in the beginning.

beginning (最初) [名] the first part of something

彼が最初に知らなかったわけではない。

If he had to get proud, the door was open.

get proud (誇り高くなる) [動] to become proud

もし彼が誇り高くならなければならなかったら、ドアは開いていた。

He didn't have to kill her.”

彼は彼女を殺す必要はなかった。」

“I agree with you.”

「私はあなたに同意する。」

She straightened up and looked hard at me.

look hard (じっと見つめる) [動] to look at someone or something intently

彼女は身を起こして私をじっと見つめた。

Her lip curled.

curl (歪む) [動] to move or cause to move in a spiral or curved form

彼女の唇が歪んだ。

“So he ran away and, if what I hear is true, you helped him.

run away (逃げ出す) [動] leave a place or situation in a hurry

「それで彼は逃げ出し、私の聞いたことが本当なら、あなたは彼を助けた。

I suppose you feel proud about that.”

feel proud (誇りに思う) [動] be proud of something

あなたはそのことを誇りに思っているのでしょうね。」

“Not me,” I said.

「私は違う」と私は言った。

“I just did it for the money.”

「私はただお金のためにやっただけだ。」

“That is not amusing, Mr. Marlowe.

「それは面白くないよ、マーロウさん。

Frankly I don't know why I sit here drinking with you.”

率直に言って、私がなぜここに座ってあなたと飲んでいるのかわからない。」

“That's easily changed, Mrs. Loring.”

Mrs. Loring (ローリング夫人) [名] a married woman

「それは簡単に変えられるよ、ローリング夫人。」

I reached for my glass and dropped the contents down the hatch.

content (中身) [名] the things that are held or included in something

hatch (ハッチ) [名] a door or opening that leads to a lower deck

私はグラスに手を伸ばし、中身を飲み干した。

“I thought perhaps you could tell me something about Terry that I didn't know.

「あなたが私にテリーについて知らないことを何か教えてくれるかもしれないと思ったの。

I'm not interested in speculating why Terry Lennox beat his wife's face to a bloody sponge.”

speculate (推測する) [動] make a guess or form an opinion about something without having all the facts

beat (殴る) [動] hit someone or something repeatedly

sponge (スポンジ) [名] a marine invertebrate with a soft porous body that lives attached to a surface

テリー・レノックスがなぜ妻の顔を血まみれのスポンジになるまで殴ったのかを推測することに興味はない。」

“That's a pretty brutal way to put it,” she said angrily.

put it (言い方) [動] to express something in a particular way

「それはかなり残酷な言い方ね」と彼女は怒って言った。

“You don't like the words? Neither do I.

「言葉が気に入らない? 私もだ。

And I wouldn't be here drinking a gimlet if I believed he did anything of the sort.”

そして、彼がそのようなことをしたと信じていたら、私はここでギムレットを飲んではいないだろう。」

She stared.

彼女は見つめた。

After a moment she said slowly:

しばらくして、彼女はゆっくりと言った。

“He killed himself and left a full confession.

「彼は自殺して、完全な自白を残した。

What more do you want?”

あなたは他に何が欲しいの?」

“He had a gun,” I said.

「彼は銃を持っていた」と私は言った。

“In Mexico that might be enough excuse for some jittery cop to pour lead into him.

excuse (言い訳) [名] a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense

「メキシコでは、それは神経質な警官が彼に鉛を注ぐのに十分な言い訳かもしれない。

Plenty of American police have done their killings the same way--some of them through doors that didn't open fast enough to suit them.

American (アメリカの) [形] of or relating to the United States or its inhabitants

police (警察官) [名] a civil force responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order

killing (殺人) [名] the act of causing someone or something to die

some of them (そのうちのいくつか) [名] a portion of a group of people or things

多くのアメリカの警察官が同じように殺人を犯している。そのうちのいくつかは、彼らに合うほど速く開かなかったドアを通してだ。

As for the confession, I haven't seen it.”

as for (については) [前] with regard to; concerning

自白については、私はそれを見ていない。」

“No doubt the Mexican police faked it,” she said tartly.

fake (偽造する) [動] make a copy of something with the intention to deceive

tartly (辛辣に) [副] in a sharp, critical, or sarcastic way

「メキシコの警察が偽造したに違いない」と彼女は辛辣に言った。

“They wouldn't know how, not in a little place like Otatoclán.

「彼らはオタトクランのような小さな場所では、その方法を知らないだろう。

No, the confession is probably real enough, but it doesn't prove he killed his wife.

いいえ、自白はおそらく十分に本物だが、彼が妻を殺したという証拠にはならない。

Not to me anyway.

とにかく私には。

All it proves to me is that he didn't see any way out.

私に証明できるのは、彼が逃げ道を見つけられなかったということだけだ。

In a spot like that a certain sort of man--you can call him weak or soft or sentimental if it amuses you--might decide to save some other people from a lot of very painful publicity.”

painful (苦痛な) [形] causing or likely to cause pain

そのような場所では、ある種の男は、あなたが彼を弱い、柔らかい、または感傷的と呼ぶことができるが、他の人々を非常に苦痛な宣伝から救うことを決めるかもしれない。」

“That's fantastic,” she said.

fantastic (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or attractive

「それは素晴らしい」と彼女は言った。

“A man doesn't kill himself or deliberately get himself killed to save a little scandal.

deliberately (故意に) [副] done on purpose; intentional

「人は小さなスキャンダルを救うために自殺したり、故意に殺されたりしない。

Sylvia was already dead.

シルビアはすでに死んでいた。

As for her sister and her father--they could take care of themselves very efficiently.

take care of (面倒をみる) [動] to be responsible for someone or something

efficiently (効率的に) [副] in a way that is effective or productive

彼女の妹と父親については、彼らは自分たちの面倒を非常に効率的にみることができた。

People with enough money, Mr. Marlowe, can always protect themselves.”

十分なお金を持っている人は、マーロウさん、いつでも自分を守ることができる。」

“Okay, I'm wrong about the motive.

「わかった、動機については間違っていた。

Maybe I'm wrong all down the line.

all down the line (すべて) [副] in every way; completely

もしかしたら、私はすべて間違っているのかもしれない。

A minute ago you were mad at me.

a minute ago (ついさっきまで) [名] a very short time ago

be mad at (怒っている) [動] to be angry with someone or something

ついさっきまで私に怒っていたのに。

You want me to leave now--so you can drink your gimlet?”

ギムレットを飲むために、私に今すぐ出て行ってほしいのか?」

Suddenly she smiled.

突然彼女は微笑んだ。

“I'm sorry. I'm beginning to think you are sincere.

begin to (~し始める) [動] start to do something

be sincere (誠実である) [動] free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings

「ごめんなさい。あなたは誠実な人だと思い始めている。

What I thought then was that you were trying to justify yourself, far more than Terry.

justify (正当化する) [動] show or prove to be right or reasonable

far (もっと) [副] to a great extent

その時私が思ったのは、あなたがテリーよりも自分を正当化しようとしているということだった。

I don't think you are, somehow.”

I don't think (そうではないと思う) [動] to be of the opinion that something is not true or likely

are (である) [動] to be

somehow (どういうわけか) [副] in some way or manner; by some means

あなたはそうではないと思う」

“I'm not. I did something foolish and I got the works for it.

foolish (愚かな) [形] lacking good sense or judgment

work (報い) [名] the result of an action or effort

「そうではない。私は愚かなことをして、その報いを受けた。

Up to a point anyway.

up to a point (ある程度まで) [副] to a certain extent

とにかくある程度までは。

I don't deny that his confession saved me a lot worse.

deny (否定する) [動] refuse to admit the truth or existence of

彼の自白が私をもっとひどい目に遭わないようにしてくれたことは否定しない。

If they had brought him back and tried him, I guess they would have hung one on me too.

hang (死刑にする) [動] to kill someone by hanging them

もし彼を連れ戻して裁判にかけていたら、私も死刑になっていただろう。

The least it would have cost me would have been far more money than I could afford.”

私にかかる費用は、少なくとも私が支払える金額をはるかに上回っていただろう。」

“Not to mention your license,” she said dryly.

mention (言うまでもない) [動] to speak about something briefly

「あなたのライセンスは言うまでもないよ」と彼女は冷たく言った。

“Maybe. There was a time when any cop with a hangover could get me busted.

bust (逮捕する) [動] to catch or arrest someone

「たぶん。二日酔いの警官なら誰でも私を逮捕できる時代があった。

It's a little different now.

今は少し違う。

You get a hearing before a commission of the state licensing authority.

hearing (聴聞会) [名] a meeting of people who have been officially asked to examine and give a decision about a particular problem

commission (委員会) [名] a group of people who have been given official authority to do something

state (州) [名] a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory

licensing (許可) [名] the granting of a license

authority (当局) [名] a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere

州の許可当局の委員会の前に出頭することになる。

Those people are not too crazy about the city police.”

those people (あの人たち) [名] the people that are being referred to

not too crazy (あまり夢中ではない) [形] not very enthusiastic about something

city police (市警察) [名] the police force of a city

あの人たちは市警察にあまり夢中ではない」

She tasted her drink and said slowly: “All things considered, don't you think it was best the way it was?

all things considered (全てを考慮すると) [句] taking everything into account

彼女は飲み物を味わい、ゆっくりと言った。「全てを考慮すると、それが最善だったとは思わない?

No trial, no sensational headlines, no mud-slinging just to sell newspapers without the slightest regard for truth or fairplay or for the feelings of innocent people.”

headline (見出し) [名] a line of text at the top of a newspaper or magazine article

mud-slinging (中傷) [名] the act of making malicious or scandalous statements about someone

fairplay (公正な裁判) [名] just and honorable treatment

innocent (無実) [形] not guilty of a crime or offense

裁判も、センセーショナルな見出しも、真実や公正な裁判、無実の人々の感情を少しも考慮せずに新聞を売るための中傷もない」

“Didn't I just say so?

「そう言ったばかりじゃないか?

And you said it was fantastic.”

それに、あなたは素晴らしいと言っていた」

She leaned back and put her head against the upper curve of the padding on the back of the booth.

lean back (後ろにもたれる) [動] to move your body backwards

upper (上部の) [形] higher in position or status

padding (パディング) [名] soft material used to fill, line, or protect something

彼女は後ろにもたれ、ブースの後ろにあるパディングの上部の曲線に頭を当てた。

“Fantastic that Terry Lennox should have killed himself just to achieve that.

kill oneself (自殺する) [動] to take one's own life

achieve (達成する) [動] to reach or attain a goal

「テリー・レノックスがそれを達成するためだけに自殺したなんて素晴らしい。

Not fantastic that it was better for all parties that there should be no trial.”

裁判がないことがすべての関係者にとって良いことだったというのは素晴らしいことではない」

“I need another drink,” I said, and waved at the waiter.

「もう一杯飲む」と言って、ウェイターに手を振った。

“I feel an icy breath on the back of my neck.

icy (冷たい) [形] very cold

「首の後ろに冷たい息を感じる。

Could you by any chance be related to the Potter family, Mrs. Loring?”

by any chance (ひょっとして) [副] possibly

be related to (関係がある) [動] be connected with

Loring (ローリング) [名] a family name

ローリング夫人、あなたはポッター家と関係があるのでしょうか?」

“Sylvia Lennox was my sister,” she said simply.

Sylvia Lennox (シルビア・レノックス) [名] a character in the story

simply (単純に) [副] in a simple manner

「シルビア・レノックスは私の妹でした」と彼女は単純に言った。

“I thought you would know.”

「あなたは知っているだろうと思った」

The waiter drifted over and I gave him an urgent message.

urgent (緊急の) [形] requiring immediate action or attention

ウェイターが近づいてきて、私は彼に緊急のメッセージを渡した。

Mrs. Loring shook her head and said she didn't want anything more.

ローリング夫人は首を横に振り、もう何も欲しくないと言った。

When the waiter took off I said:

take off (去る) [動] leave a place

ウェイターが去ったとき、私は言った。

“With the hush old man Potter--excuse me, Mr. Harlan Potter--put on this affair,

hush (口止め) [名] a silence or a silencing

「ポッター老人がこの事件に口止めをしたから、失礼、ハーラン・ポッター氏が、

I would be lucky to know for sure that Terry's wife even had a sister.”

be lucky to (幸運だ) [動] to be fortunate

know for sure (確実に知る) [動] to be certain about something

Terry's wife (テリーの妻) [名] the wife of Terry

have a sister (妹がいる) [動] to have a female sibling

テリーの妻に妹がいたことさえ確実に知ることができたら幸運だ。」

“Surely you exaggerate.

「確かにあなたは誇張している。

My father is hardly that powerful, Mr. Marlowe--and certainly not that ruthless.

powerful (強力な) [形] having great power or strength

私の父はそこまで強力ではないよ、マーロウさん、そして確かにそこまで冷酷ではないよ。

I'll admit he does have very old-fashioned ideas about his personal privacy.

admit (認める) [動] to recognize the existence or truth of

privacy (プライバシー) [名] the state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people

彼が個人のプライバシーについてとても古風な考えを持っていることは認めるよ。

He never gives interviews even to his own newspapers.

newspaper (新聞社) [名] a company that produces and distributes a newspaper

彼は自分の新聞社にさえインタビューに応じない。

He is never photographed, he never makes speeches, he travels mostly by car or in his own plane with his own crew.

be never photographed (写真を撮られることもない) [動] to be never taken a picture of

make speeches (スピーチをする) [動] to give a speech

travel (旅行する) [動] to go from one place to another

by car (車で) [名] a wheeled, self-propelled vehicle used for transportation

in one's own plane (自分の飛行機で) [名] an aircraft that is owned by the person

with one's own crew (自分のクルーと一緒に) [名] a group of people who work together on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

彼は写真を撮られることも、スピーチをすることもなく、ほとんど車か自分の飛行機で自分のクルーと一緒に旅行する。

But he is quite human for all that.

human (人間的) [形] of or characteristic of humankind or human beings

しかし、彼はそういったことにはとても人間的だ。

He liked Terry.

彼はテリーを気に入っていた。

He said Terry was a gentleman twenty-four hours a day instead of for the fifteen minutes between the time the guests arrive and the time they feel their first cocktail.”

fifteen minutes (15分) [名] a period of time equal to one quarter of an hour

guest (客) [名] a person who is invited to visit or stay at another's home or place of business

arrive (到着する) [動] reach a destination

彼はテリーは客が到着してから最初のカクテルを飲むまでの15分間ではなく、1日24時間紳士だと言ってたよ。」

“He slipped a little at the end. Terry did.”

slip (失敗する) [動] make a mistake

「彼は最後に少し失敗した。テリーはそうだった。」

The waiter trotted up with my third gimlet.

trot (小走りする) [動] run at a speed between a walk and a run

ウェイターが私の3杯目のギムレットを持って小走りでやってきた。

I tried it for flavor and then sat there with a finger on the edge of the round base of the glass.

flavor (味) [名] the distinctive quality of a food or drink

私は味見をしてから、グラスの丸い底の端に指を置いてそこに座った。

“Terry's death was quite a blow to him, Mr. Marlowe.

「テリーの死は彼にとってかなりの打撃でした、マーロウさん。

And you're getting sarcastic again.

get sarcastic (皮肉を言う) [動] to say something that is intended to be funny or clever but that is actually unkind or unpleasant

そして、あなたはまた皮肉を言っている。

Please don't.

やめてください。

Father knew it would all look far too neat to some people.

父は、それが一部の人々にとってあまりにもきちんと見えすぎることを知っていた。

He would much rather Terry had just disappeared.

would much rather (むしろよかった) [助] would prefer

彼はテリーがいなくなった方がよかった。

If Terry had asked him for help, I think he would have given it.”

テリーが彼に助けを求めていたら、彼はそれを差し出したと思う。」

“Oh no, Mrs. Loring.

「ああ、いいえ、ローリング夫人。

His own daughter had been murdered.”

彼自身の娘が殺害された。」

She made an irritable motion and eyed me coldly.

make a motion (動作をする) [動] move or cause to move

eye (見る) [動] look at or observe

彼女はイライラした動作をして、私を冷たく見た。

“This is going to sound pretty blunt, I'm afraid.

「これはかなり無愛想に聞こえるだろうが、残念ながら。

Father had written my sister off long ago.

write off (勘当する) [動] to cancel or remove from an account

long ago (ずっと前に) [副] a long time before the present

父はずっと前に妹を勘当していた。

When they met he barely spoke to her.

彼らが会ったとき、彼はほとんど彼女に話しかけなかった。

If he expressed himself, which he hasn't and won't, I feel sure he would be just as doubtful about Terry as you are.

express oneself (自分の考えを表明する) [動] to communicate one's thoughts or feelings

doubtful (疑念を抱いている) [形] feeling uncertain about something

もし彼が自分の考えを表明したなら、彼はそうしなかったし、そうしないだろうが、彼はあなたと同じようにテリーについて疑念を抱いているだろうと私は確信している。

But once Terry was dead, what did it matter?

しかし、テリーが死んでしまえば、それが何だというのか?

They could have been killed in a plane crash or a fire or a highway accident.

be killed (亡くなる) [動] to die or be killed

plane crash (飛行機事故) [名] an accident in which an aircraft is destroyed or severely damaged

fire (火事) [名] the burning of something that is not supposed to be burned

highway accident (高速道路の事故) [名] an accident that occurs on a highway

彼らは飛行機事故や火事、あるいは高速道路の事故で亡くなったかもしれない。

If she had to die, it was the best possible time for her to die.

もし彼女が死ななければならなかったとしたら、それは彼女にとって最高の死に時だった。

In another ten years she would have been a sex-ridden hag like some of these frightful women you see at Hollywood parties, or used to a few years back.

another ten years (あと10年) [名] a period of ten years

a few years back (数年前) [名] a period of several years in the past

あと10年もすれば、彼女はハリウッドのパーティーで見かけるような、あるいは数年前に見かけた恐ろしい女性たちのような、セックスに溺れた老婆になっていただろう。

The dregs of the international set.”

dregs (残滓) [名] the most worthless part of something

international (国際的な) [形] involving more than one country

set (社交界) [名] a group of people who are connected by social or professional ties

国際的な社交界の残滓だ」

All of a sudden I got mad, for no good reason.

for no good reason (わけもなく) [副] without a good reason

突然、私はわけもなく怒り出した。

I stood up and looked over the booth.

look over (~の向こうを見る) [動] look at the other side of something

私は立ち上がって、ブースの向こうを見た。

The next one was still empty.

one (ブース) [名] a booth

隣のブースはまだ空だった。

In the one beyond a guy was reading a paper all by himself, quietly.

all by oneself (一人で) [副] without any help

その向こうのブースでは、一人の男が静かに新聞を読んでいた。

I sat down with a bump, pushed my glass out of the way, and leaned across the table.

私はどすんと腰を下ろし、グラスを押しのけて、テーブルに身を乗り出した。

I had sense enough to keep my voice down.

down (低く) [副] to or at a lower position, level, or state

私は声を低く抑えるだけの分別はあった。

“For hell's sake, Mrs. Loring, what are you trying to sell me?

for hell's sake (いったい) [間] used to express anger, annoyance, or impatience

「いったい何を売りつけようとしているんだ、ローリング夫人?

That Harlan Potter is such a sweet lovely character he wouldn't dream of using his influence on a political D.A. to drop the blanket on a murder investigation so that the murder was never really investigated at all?

political (政治的な) [形] relating to the government or the public affairs of a country

drop (かける) [動] let or make fall

ハーラン・ポッターは、とても優しくて愛すべき人物で、政治的な地方検察官に影響力を行使して、殺人事件の捜査に毛布をかけて、殺人事件が実際には全く捜査されないようにするなんて夢にも思わない?

That he had doubts about Terry's guilt but didn't let anyone lift a finger to find out who was really the killer?

have doubts (疑問を抱く) [動] to be uncertain about something

guilt (有罪) [名] the fact or state of having committed a crime

lift a finger (指一本動かす) [動] to make the slightest effort

killer (殺人犯) [名] a person who has killed another person

彼はテリーの有罪に疑問を抱いていたが、誰も本当の殺人犯を見つけるために指一本動かすことを許さなかった?

That he didn't use the political power of his newspapers and his bank account and the nine hundred guys who would trip over their chins trying to guess what he wanted done before he knew himself?

nine hundred (900) [数] a number equal to nine times one hundred

trip over (突き出す) [動] catch one's foot on something and stumble or fall

彼は自分の新聞や銀行口座、そして彼自身が知る前に彼が何をしたいのかを推測しようとして顎を突き出してしまう900人の部下の政治力を利用しなかった?

That he didn't arrange it so that a tame lawyer and nobody else, nobody from the D.A.'s office or the city cops, went down to Mexico to make sure Terry actually had put a slug in his head instead of being knocked off by some Indian with a hot gun just for kicks?

arrange (手配する) [動] to make plans for something to happen

city (市) [名] a large human settlement

slug (ナメクジ) [名] a gastropod mollusk that typically has a long slimy body and that lacks a shell

be knocked off (殺される) [動] to be killed

hot gun (熱い銃) [名] a gun that has been fired recently

just for kicks (楽しみのために) [副] for fun or pleasure

彼は、飼いならされた弁護士と、地方検察官事務所や市警察の誰もがメキシコに行って、テリーがただの楽しみのために熱い銃を持ったインディアンに殺されたのではなく、実際に頭にナメクジを入れたことを確認するように手配しなかった?

Your old man is worth a hundred million bucks, Mrs. Loring.

あなたの父親は1億ドルの価値がある、ローリング夫人。

I wouldn't know just how he got it, but I know damn well he didn't get it without building himself a pretty far-reaching organization.

know damn well (よく知っている) [動] be absolutely certain

彼がどうやってそれを手に入れたのかはわからないが、彼がかなり広範囲に及ぶ組織を構築せずにそれを手に入れたわけではないことはよく知っている。

He's no softie.

softie (軟弱者) [名] a person who is not tough or aggressive

彼は軟弱者ではない。

He's a hard tough man.

hard (タフな) [形] not easily broken, damaged, or defeated

彼はタフな男だ。

You've got to be in these days to make that kind of money.

そういう大金を稼ぐには、最近はそういうことをしなければならない。

And you do business with some funny people.

do business (取引をする) [動] to engage in commercial or financial transactions

そして、あなたはおかしな人たちと取引をする。

You may not meet them or shake hands with them, but they are there on the fringe doing business with you.”

あなたは彼らに会ったり、握手したりしないかもしれないが、彼らはあなたと取引をしている周辺にいる。」

“You're a fool,” she said angrily.

fool (馬鹿) [名] a person who lacks judgment or sense

「あなたは馬鹿ね」と彼女は怒って言った。

“I've had enough of you.”

have enough of (うんざりする) [動] to be tired of something or someone

「もうあなたにはうんざり」

“Oh sure. I don't make the kind of music you like to hear.

「ああ、もちろん。私はあなたが聞きたいと思うような音楽は作らない。

Let me tell you something.

あなたに何か言わせて。

Terry talked to your old man the night Sylvia died.

old man (親父) [名] a male parent

テリーはあなたの親父とシルビアが死んだ夜に話した。

What about?

何について?

What did your old man say to him?

あなたの親父は彼に何て言った?

Just run on down to Mexico and shoot yourself, old boy.

run on down (逃げる) [動] to move quickly

shoot (自殺する) [動] to kill oneself

old boy (坊主) [名] a young man

「メキシコに逃げて自殺しろ、坊主。

Let's keep this in the family.

keep (済ませる) [動] to cause to remain in a specified state

家族内で済ませよう。

I know my daughter is a tramp and that any one of a dozen drunken bastards might have blown his top and pushed her pretty face down her throat for her.

drunken (酔っ払った) [形] affected by alcohol

blow one's top (頭に血が上る) [動] to become very angry

push (殴りつける) [動] to move something by using force

私の娘がふしだらな女で、酔っ払ったろくでなしの誰かが頭に血が上って、彼女のきれいな顔を殴りつけたかもしれないことは知っている。

But that's incidental, old boy.

incidental (偶然の) [形] happening by chance or without intention

でもそれは偶然だ、坊主。

The guy will be sorry when he sobers up.

酔いが醒めたら、その男は後悔するだろう。

You've had it soft and now is the time you pay back.

have it soft (楽をする) [動] to have an easy life

今まで楽をしてきたのだから、今度は返済する番だ。

What we want is to keep the fair Potter name as sweet as mountain lilac.

fair (美しい) [形] beautiful

sweet (美しい) [形] beautiful

lilac (藤) [名] a shrub or small tree of the olive family, native to Europe and Asia, having fragrant lilac or white flowers and oval leaves

私たちが望むのは、ポッターという名を山の藤の花のように美しく保つことだけだ。

She married you because she needed a front.

彼女はあなたと結婚したのは、表向きの夫が必要だったからだ。

She needs it worse than ever now she's dead.

彼女は死んだ今、これまで以上にそれを必要としている。

And you're it.

be it (それだ) [動] to be the person or thing that is being discussed or referred to

そして、それはあなただ。

If you can get lost and stay lost, fine.

get lost (どこかへ消える) [動] to become lost

stay lost (そのまま消える) [動] to remain lost

どこかへ消えて、そのまま消えてくれるなら、それでいい。

But if you get found, you check out.

get found (見つかれば) [動] to be discovered or noticed

check out (死ぬ) [動] to die

だが、見つかれば、あなたは死ぬ。

See you in the morgue.'”

morgue (死体安置所) [名] a place where dead bodies are kept for examination or until burial

死体安置所で会おう」

“Do you really think,” the woman in black asked with dry ice in her voice, “that my father talks like that?”

「本当にそう思うの?」黒い服の女性はドライアイスのような声で尋ねた。「私の父がそんな風に話すと思うの?」

I leaned back and laughed unpleasantly.

unpleasantly (不快そうに) [副] in a way that is not pleasant

私は後ろにもたれかかり、不快そうに笑った。

“We could polish up the dialogue a little if that helps.”

polish up (磨き上げる) [動] to make something better or more attractive

help (役に立つ) [動] to be of use or service to someone or something

「もし役に立つなら、会話を少し磨き上げてもいい」

She gathered her stuff together and slid along the seat.

gather (まとめる) [動] bring together or cause to come together

彼女は荷物をまとめ、席に沿って滑り降りた。

“I'd like to give you a word of warning,” she said slowly and very carefully, “a very simple word of warning.

「警告の言葉を贈りたい」彼女はゆっくりと、とても慎重に言った。「とてもシンプルな警告の言葉。

If you think my father is that kind of man and if you go around broadcasting the kind of thoughts you have just expressed to me, your career in this city in your business or in any business is apt to be extremely short and terminated very suddenly.”

go around (言いふらす) [動] to be passed from person to person

express (言う) [動] to put into words

career (キャリア) [名] an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework

もし私の父がそのような人間だと思っていて、今私に言ったような考えを言いふらしたら、この街でのあなたの仕事やどんな仕事でも、あなたのキャリアは非常に短く、突然終わってしまうでしょう」

“Perfect, Mrs. Loring. Perfect.

「完璧です、ローリング夫人。完璧です。

I get it from the law, I get it from the hoodlum element, I get it from the carriage trade.

carriage trade (馬車貿易) [名] the business of selling expensive goods to rich people

私はそれを法律から得て、私はそれをチンピラ要素から得て、私はそれを馬車貿易から得る。

The words change, but the meaning is the same.

言葉は変わるが、意味は同じだ。

Lay off.

やめろ。

I came in here to drink a gimlet because a man asked me to.

私はここにジムレットを飲みに来た。男に誘われたからだ。

Now look at me.

私を見て。

I'm practically in the boneyard.”

boneyard (墓場) [名] a cemetery

私はほとんど墓場にいる。」

She stood up and nodded briefly.

彼女は立ち上がり、軽くうなずいた。

“Three gimlets. Doubles. Perhaps you're drunk.”

「ジムレットを3杯。ダブルで。酔っているのかもしれない。」

I dropped too much money on the table and stood up beside her.

too much (多すぎる) [形] more than is usual, expected, or necessary

私はテーブルに多すぎるお金を置き、彼女の横に立った。

“You had one and a half, Mrs. Loring.

one and a half (1杯半) [名] a quantity that is one and a half times as large as another

Mrs. Loring (ローリングさん) [名] a woman who is married

「あなたは1杯半飲んだんですよ、ローリングさん。

Why even that much?

that (そんなに) [副] to such a great extent

much (そんなに) [副] to a great extent

なぜそんなに?

Did a man ask you too, or was it all your own idea?

あなたも男に頼まれたのか、それとも全部自分の考えだったのか?

Your own tongue got a little loose.”

tongue (舌) [名] the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth that is used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and speaking

あなた自身の舌が少し緩んだんだ。」

“Who knows, Mr. Marlowe? Who knows? Who really knows anything?

「誰が知っているでしょうか、マーロウさん? 誰が知っているでしょうか? 誰が本当に何かを知っているでしょうか?

There's a man over there at the bar watching us.

over there (向こう) [副] in that place

バーの向こうに私たちを見ている男がいる。

Would it be anyone you know?”

あなたの知っている誰かでしょうか?」

I looked around, surprised that she had noticed.

私は彼女が気づいていたことに驚いて周りを見回した。

A lean dark character sat on the end stool nearest the door.

lean (痩せた) [形] having little or no fat

痩せた浅黒い男がドアに一番近い端のスツールに座っていた。

“His name is Chick Agostino,” I said.

「彼の名前はチック・アゴスティーノだ」と私は言った。

“He's a gun toter for a gambling boy named Menendez.

gun toter (用心棒) [名] a person who carries a gun

gambling boy (ギャンブル野郎) [名] a person who gambles a lot

「彼はメネンデスという名のギャンブル野郎の用心棒だ。

Let's knock him down and jump on him.”

knock down (殴り倒す) [動] hit someone so that they fall to the ground

jump on (踏みつける) [動] step on someone or something

彼を殴り倒して踏みつけよう」

“You certainly are drunk,” she said quickly and started to walk.

「あなたは確かに酔っているよ」と彼女は素早く言い、歩き始めた。

I went after her.

go after (後を追う) [動] to follow someone or something

私は彼女の後を追った。

The man on the stool swung around and looked to his front.

look to (前を見る) [動] direct one's gaze towards

スツールの上の男は振り返り、前を見た。

When I came abreast I stepped up behind him and reached in under both his arms quickly.

come abreast (並ぶ) [動] come side by side

step up (歩み寄る) [動] move closer

reach in (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out one's hand

私が並んだ時、私は彼の後ろに歩み寄り、素早く両腕の下から手を伸ばした。

Maybe I was a little drunk.

もしかしたら私は少し酔っていたのかもしれない。

He swung around angrily and slid off the stool.

彼は怒って振り返り、スツールから滑り落ちた。

“Watch it, kiddo,” he snarled.

kiddo (坊主) [名] a young person

「気をつけろよ、坊主」彼は唸った。

Out of the corner of my eye I saw that she had stopped just inside the door to glance back.

私の目の端で、彼女がドアのすぐ内側で立ち止まって振り返ったのが見えた。

“No guns, Mr. Agostino?

「銃は持っていないんですか、アゴスティーノさん?

How reckless of you.

reckless (無謀な) [形] without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action; careless

無謀ですね。

It's almost dark.

もうすぐ暗くなる。

What if you should run into a tough midget?”

run into (出会う) [動] meet or come across by chance

midget (小人) [名] a person of very small stature

タフな小人に出会ったらどうするんですか?」

“Scram!” he said savagely.

「失せろ!」彼は荒々しく言った。

“Aw, you stole that line from the New Yorker.”

「ああ、そのセリフはニューヨーカーから盗んだんだな」

His mouth worked but he didn't move.

彼の口は動いたが、彼は動かなかった。

I left him and followed Mrs. Loring out through the door into the space under the awning.

awning (日よけ) [名] a sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to keep the sun or rain off a shop window, doorway, or deck

私は彼を残して、ローリング夫人についてドアを通って日よけの下の空間に出た。

A gray-haired colored chauffeur stood there talking to the kid from the parking lot.

colored (黒人の) [形] of or relating to people who are not white

白髪の黒人運転手が立って、駐車場の少年と話していた。

He touched his cap and went off and came back with a flossy Cadillac limousine.

go off (去る) [動] to leave

flossy (派手な) [形] showy; flashy

limousine (リムジン) [名] a large, luxurious car, typically with a partition between the driver and the passengers

彼は帽子に触れて去り、派手なキャデラックのリムジンで戻ってきた。

He opened the door and Mrs. Loring got in.

彼はドアを開け、ローリング夫人は乗り込んだ。

He shut the door as though he was putting down the lid of a jewel box.

jewel box (宝石箱) [名] a box for storing jewels

彼は宝石箱の蓋を閉めるかのようにドアを閉めた。

He went around the car to the driver's seat.

driver's seat (運転席) [名] the seat in a vehicle for the driver

彼は車を回って運転席に着いた。

She ran the window down and looked out at me, half smiling.

run down (下ろす) [動] move or cause to move from a higher to a lower position

彼女は窓を下ろし、半分微笑みながら私を見た。

“Goodnight, Mr. Marlowe.

「おやすみなさい、マーロウさん。

It's been nice--or has it?”

nice (楽しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure; delightful; agreeable

has it (そう思わない) [動] used to ask for confirmation of a statement

楽しかったよね、そう思わない?」

“We had quite a fight.”

have a fight (喧嘩する) [動] to argue or disagree with someone in an angry way

「かなり喧嘩したんだ」

“You mean you had--and mostly with yourself.”

mostly (それも) [副] for the most part

with (自分自身と) [前] in the company of

「あなたは喧嘩したかったのね、それも自分自身と」

“It usually is. Goodnight, Mrs. Loring.

「たいていはそうね。おやすみなさい、ローリング夫人。

You don't live around here, do you?”

around here (ここら辺) [副] in this area

あなたはここら辺に住んでいないよね?」

“Not exactly. I live in Idle Valley.

「そうではない。私はアイドル・バレーに住んでいる。

At the far end of the lake.

far end (向こう側) [名] the most distant part of something

湖の向こう側に。

My husband is a doctor.”

私の夫は医者なの。」

“Would you happen to know any people named Wade?”

「ウェードという名の人を知っていますか?」

She frowned.

彼女は眉をひそめた。

“Yes, I know the Wades. Why?”

Wades (ウェード家) [名] the Wade family

「ええ、ウェード家は知っています。なぜ?」

“Why do I ask? They're the only people in Idle Valley that I know.”

「なぜ尋ねるのか? 彼らは私が知っているアイドルバレーの唯一の人たちです。」

“I see. Well, goodnight again, Mr. Marlowe.”

「なるほど。では、またおやすみなさい、マーロウさん。」

She leaned back in the seat and the Cadillac purred politely and slid away into the traffic along the Strip.

purr (ゴロゴロと音を立てる) [動] to make a low continuous sound like a cat

politely (礼儀正しく) [副] in a way that is polite

slide away (滑り込んでいく) [動] to move smoothly and quickly

along (沿い) [前] in a line next to something

彼女は座席にもたれかかり、キャデラックは礼儀正しくゴロゴロと音を立てて、ストリップ沿いの交通の中へと滑り込んでいった。

Turning I almost bumped into Chick Agostino.

bump into (ぶつかりそうになる) [動] meet by chance

振り返ると、私はチック・アゴスティーノとぶつかりそうになった。

“Who's the doll?” he sneered.

doll (人形) [名] a small model of a human being

「あの人形は誰だ?」と彼は冷笑した。

“And next time you crack wise, be missing.”

be missing (行方不明になる) [動] to be absent or lost

「そして次に生意気なことを言ったら、行方不明になるぞ。」

“Nobody that would want to know you,” I said.

「あなたと知り合いになりたいと思うような人ではない」と私は言った。

“Okay, bright boy.

「いいだろう、利口な坊や。

I got the license number.

license number (ナンバー) [名] a number that is assigned to a vehicle by the government

私はナンバーを控えた。

Mendy likes to know little things like that.”

メンディはそういう細かいことを知りたがるんだ。」

The door of a car banged open and a man about seven feet high and four feet wide jumped out of it, took one look at Agostino, then one long stride, and grabbed him by the throat with one hand.

seven feet (七フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches or 0.3048 meter

four feet (四フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches or 0.3048 meter

jump (飛び出す) [動] move or cause to move suddenly and quickly

take a look (一目見る) [動] to direct one's gaze at someone or something

stride (歩幅) [名] a long step

車のドアがバンと開き、身長七フィート、幅四フィートほどの男が飛び出し、アゴスティーノを一目見ると、大きく一歩踏み出し、片手で彼の喉を掴んだ。

“How many times I gotta tell you cheap hoods not to hang around where I eat?” he roared.

hang around (たむろする) [動] to spend time doing nothing in particular

cheap hood (安物のチンピラ) [名] a person who is a member of a criminal gang

gotta (~しなきゃならねえ) [助] have got to; must

roar (怒鳴る) [動] to shout or yell very loudly

「私が食事する場所にたむろするなってあなたら安物のチンピラに何度言わなきゃならねえんだ?」と彼は怒鳴った。

He shook Agostino and hurled him across the sidewalk against the wall.

hurl (投げつける) [動] to throw or fling something with great force

彼はアゴスティーノを揺さぶり、歩道を横切って壁に投げつけた。

Chick crumpled up coughing.

crumple (くずおれる) [動] to collapse or cause to collapse into a formless mass

チックは咳き込みながらくずおれた。

“Next time,” the enormous man yelled, “I sure as hell put the blast on you, and believe me, boy, you'll be holding a gun when they pick you up.”

enormous (大男) [形] extremely large or great

put the blast on (撃つ) [動] to shoot

「次は」とその大男は叫んだ、「間違いなくあなたを撃つぞ、そして私を信じろ、坊主、あなたが拾われる時には銃を握っているだろう」

Chick shook his head and said nothing.

チックは頭を振って何も言わなかった。

The big man gave me a raking glance and grinned.

big man (大男) [名] a man who is large in size

大男は私をちらっと見てニヤリと笑った。

“Nice night,” he said, and strolled into Victor's.

「いい夜だ」と彼は言い、ビクターズに歩いて入った。

I watched Chick straighten himself out and regain some of his composure.

regain (取り戻す) [動] get or have (something) again

私はチックが身を起こして落ち着きを取り戻すのを見た。

“Who's your buddy?” I asked him.

buddy (相棒) [名] a close friend

「あなたの相棒は誰だ?」と私は彼に尋ねた。

“Big Willie Magoon,” he said thickly.

Big Willie Magoon (ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーン) [名] a character in the story

「ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーン」と彼はぼそぼそと言った。

“A vice squad bimbo.

vice squad (風紀課) [名] a police division that enforces laws against gambling, prostitution, and other vices

bimbo (ビンボ) [名] a stupid or foolish person

「風紀課のビンボ。

He thinks he's tough.”

彼は自分がタフだと思っている。」

“You mean he isn't sure?”

「彼は確信が持てないということか?」

I asked him politely.

私は彼に丁寧に尋ねた。

He looked at me emptily and walked away.

emptily (空虚に) [副] in an empty manner

彼は私を空虚な目で見て、立ち去った。

I got my car out of the lot and drove home.

lot (駐車場) [名] a piece of land where cars can be parked

私は駐車場から車を出して、家まで運転した。

In Hollywood anything can happen, anything at all.

ハリウッドでは何でも起こりうる。

[23]

A low-swung Jaguar swept around the hill in front of me and slowed down so as not to bathe me in the granite dust from the half mile of neglected paving at the entrance to Idle Valley.

low-swung (低い車高の) [形] having a low center of gravity

slow down (速度を落とす) [動] reduce one's speed

so as to (ないように) [接] in order to

bathe (浴びる) [動] wash or clean by immersing in water

granite (花崗岩) [名] a very hard, granular, crystalline igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar

neglect (手入れをされていない) [動] fail to care for properly

低い車高のジャガーが私の目の前の丘をぐるりと回り、アイドル・バレーの入り口にある半マイルほど続く手入れのされていない石畳から舞い上がる花崗岩の粉塵を浴びせないように速度を落とした。

It seemed they wanted it left that way to discourage the Sunday drivers spoiled by drifting along on superhighways.

discourage (阻止する) [動] to make someone less determined or less hopeful

Sunday driver (日曜ドライバー) [名] a person who drives slowly and carefully, especially on a Sunday

drift along (走り回る) [動] to move slowly and without purpose

superhighway (高速道路) [名] a highway with several lanes in each direction, designed for high-speed traffic

彼らは、高速道路を走り回って甘やかされた日曜ドライバーを阻止するために、そのままにしておきたかったようだ。

I caught a glimpse of a bright scarf and a pair of sun goggles.

catch a glimpse of (ちらっと見える) [動] to see something for a very short time

sun goggles (サングラス) [名] a pair of glasses with dark lenses that you wear to protect your eyes from the sun

明るいスカーフとサングラスがちらっと見えた。

A hand waved at me casually, neighbor to neighbor.

隣人同士のように、何気なく手を振った。

Then the dust slid across the road and added itself to the white film already well spread over the scrub and the sunbaked grass.

road (道路) [名] a wide way on land between two places that has been paved to allow travel by transport

film (膜) [名] a thin layer or covering of something

scrub (低木) [名] a small tree or bush

すると、粉塵が道路を横切って滑り、すでに低木や日焼けした草の上に広がっている白い膜に加わった。

Then I was around the outcrop and the paving started up in proper shape and everything was smooth and cared for.

be around (周りにいる) [動] to be in the vicinity of

outcrop (露頭) [名] a visible exposure of bedrock or ancient superficial deposits

proper shape (適切な形) [名] the correct or desired shape

care for (手入れが行き届く) [動] to look after and provide for the needs of

それから私は露頭の周りにいて、舗装は適切な形で始まり、すべてが滑らかで手入れが行き届いていた。

Live oaks clustered towards the road, as if they were curious to see who went by, and sparrows with rosy heads hopped about pecking at things only a sparrow would think worth pecking at.

live oak (生きたオークの木) [名] an evergreen oak

cluster (群がる) [動] to form a cluster

curious (知りたがっている) [形] eager to know or learn something

sparrow (スズメ) [名] a small bird

peck (つつく) [動] to strike or bite with the beak

生きたオークの木が道に向かって群がっていて、まるで誰が通り過ぎるのか知りたがっているようだった。そして、バラ色の頭をしたスズメが飛び跳ねて、スズメだけがつつくに値すると思うものをつついていた。

Then there were a few cottonwoods but no eucalyptus.

cottonwood (ポプラ) [名] a poplar tree with cottony tufts on the seeds

ポプラの木が数本あったが、ユーカリの木はなかった。

Then a thick growth of Carolina poplars screening a white house.

Carolina poplar (カロライナポプラ) [名] a species of poplar native to eastern North America

white house (白い家) [名] the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States

それから、白い家を覆うカロライナポプラの木が密集していた。

Then a girl walking a horse along the shoulder of the road.

それから、道の路肩に沿って馬を歩いている少女。

She had levis on and a loud shirt and she was chewing on a twig.

chew (噛む) [動] to crush or grind with the teeth

twig (小枝) [名] a small thin branch of a tree or bush

彼女はリーバイスを履き、派手なシャツを着て、小枝を噛んでいた。

The horse looked hot but not lathered and the girl was crooning to him gently.

lather (泡立つ) [動] to form a lather

croon (歌う) [動] to sing or hum in a soft, low voice

馬は暑そうに見えたが、泡立ってはいなかったし、少女は優しく馬に歌を歌っていた。

Beyond a fieldstone wall a gardener was guiding a power lawnmower over a huge undulating lawn that ended far back in the portico of a Williamsburg Colonial mansion, the large de luxe size.

fieldstone wall (石垣) [名] a wall made of fieldstones

gardener (庭師) [名] a person who gardens

guide (誘導する) [動] to show the way to someone or something

power lawnmower (電動芝刈り機) [名] a lawnmower that is powered by electricity

undulating (起伏のある) [形] having a wavy or undulating surface

end (続く) [動] to come to an end

Williamsburg Colonial mansion (ウィリアムズバーグのコロニアル様式の大邸宅) [名] a large, luxurious house in the Williamsburg Colonial style

large de luxe size (巨大な) [形] very large in size

石垣の向こうでは、庭師が巨大な起伏のある芝生の上を電動芝刈り機で誘導していたが、その芝生はウィリアムズバーグのコロニアル様式の大邸宅の玄関までずっと続いていた。

Somewhere someone was playing left-handed exercises on a grand piano.

play (弾く) [動] perform music on a musical instrument

left-handed (左手) [形] using the left hand more naturally than the right

exercise (練習曲) [名] a piece of music for practice

どこかで誰かがグランドピアノで左手の練習曲を弾いていた。

Then all this wheeled away and the glisten of the lake showed hot and bright and I began to watch numbers on gateposts.

wheel (車輪で運び去る) [動] move or cause to move on wheels

glisten (輝き) [名] a bright light or shine

それから、これらすべてが車輪で運び去られ、湖の輝きが熱く明るく見え、私は門柱の番号を見始めた。

I had seen the Wades' house only once and in the dark.

Wades' house (ウェード家の家) [名] the house of the Wades

only once (一度だけ) [副] on one occasion only

in the dark (暗闇の中で) [副] in a dark place

私はウェード家の家を一度だけ、しかも暗闇の中で見たことがあるだけだった。

It wasn't as big as it had looked by night.

as big as (~ほど) [接] to the same extent or degree as

by night (夜) [名] the period of darkness in a day

夜見たほど大きくはなかった。

The driveway was full of cars, so I parked on the side of the road and walked in.

私道は車でいっぱいだったので、私は道路の脇に駐車して歩いて入った。

A Mexican butler in a white coat opened the door for me.

white coat (白いコート) [名] a coat that is white

白いコートを着たメキシコ人の執事が私のためにドアを開けた。

He was a slender neat good-looking Mexican and his coat fitted him elegantly and he looked like a Mexican who was getting fifty a week and not killing himself with hard work.

slender (ほっそりした) [形] thin and graceful

neat (端正な) [形] tidy, clean, and organized

good-looking (顔立ちの良い) [形] attractive

elegantly (優雅に) [副] in a graceful and stylish manner

hard work (過労) [名] a lot of effort or endurance

彼はほっそりとした端正な顔立ちのメキシコ人で、コートが優雅に似合っており、週に50ドルを稼ぎ、過労で死なないメキシコ人のように見えた。

He said: “Buenas tardes, señor,” and grinned as if he had put one over.

Buenas tardes (ブエナス・タルデス) [名] good afternoon

señor (セニョール) [名] a Spanish title of respect for a man

put one over (やり遂げる) [動] deceive or trick

彼は「ブエナス・タルデス、セニョール」と言い、何かをやり遂げたかのようにニヤリと笑った。

“Su nombre de Usted, por favor?”

Su nombre de Usted (あなたのお名前) [名] your name

por favor (お願いします) [副] please

「あなたのお名前をお願いします」

“Marlowe,” I said, “and who are you trying to upstage, Candy?

upstage (食う) [動] draw attention away from

「マーロウ」と私は言った。「誰を食おうとしているんだ、キャンディ?

We talked on the phone, remember?”

remember (覚える) [動] be able to recall knowledge from memory

電話で話したよね、覚えてる?」

He grinned and I went in.

彼はニヤリと笑い、私は中に入った。

It was the same old cocktail party, everybody talking too loud, nobody listening, everybody hanging on for dear life to a mug of the juice, eyes very bright, cheeks flushed or pale and sweaty according to the amount of alcohol consumed and the capacity of the individual to handle it.

hang on (しがみつく) [動] hold on tightly

dear life (命がけ) [名] a life that is loved or cherished

mug (マグカップ) [名] a large cup with a handle

juice (ジュース) [名] the liquid obtained from or present in fruit or vegetables

flush (赤くなる) [動] become red in the face

sweaty (汗ばむ) [形] covered with or characterized by sweat

alcohol (アルコール) [名] a colorless volatile flammable liquid

consume (飲む) [動] eat, drink, or ingest

individual (個人) [名] a single human being as distinct from a group

いつものカクテルパーティーで、みんな大声で話し、誰も聞いていない、みんなが命がけでマグカップのジュースを飲み、目がとても輝き、頬が赤くなったり、青白く汗ばんだり、飲んだアルコールの量や個人の処理能力によって様々だった。

Then Eileen Wade materialized beside me in a pale blue something which did her no harm.

materialize (現れる) [動] become real or actual

pale blue (淡いブルー) [形] a light shade of blue

すると、アイリーン・ウェードが私の横に現れ、彼女に害を与えない淡いブルーの何かを着ていた。

She had a glass in her hand but it didn't look as if it was more than a prop.

prop (小道具) [名] an object used on a stage or in a movie

彼女は手にグラスを持っていたが、それは小道具以上のものではなかった。

“I'm so glad you could come,” she said gravely.

「来てくれて本当に嬉しいよ」と彼女は真面目な顔で言った。

“Roger wants to see you in his study.

「ロジャーが書斎であなたに会いたがっているよ。

He hates cocktail parties.

彼はカクテルパーティーが嫌いだ。

He's working.”

彼は仕事中なの」

“With this racket going on?”

racket (騒ぎ) [名] a loud unpleasant noise

「こんな騒ぎの中で?」

“It never seems to bother him.

「彼は気にしないみたい。

Candy will get you a drink--or if you'd rather go to the bar--”

キャンディが飲み物を持ってきてくれるわーあるいはバーに行きたいならー」

“I'll do that,” I said.

「そうする」と私は言った。

“Sorry about the other night.”

the other night (この前の夜) [名] a night in the recent past

「この前の夜はすまなかった」

She smiled.

彼女は微笑んだ。

“I think you apologized already. It was nothing.”

「もう謝ったと思うよ。大したことじゃなかったよ」

“The hell it was nothing.”

the hell (大したこと) [名] a place or state of great suffering

「大したことじゃなかったなんて」

She kept the smile long enough to nod and turn and walk away.

long enough (十分に長い) [形] of sufficient length

彼女は微笑みを浮かべたまま、うなずいて、振り返り、歩き去った。

I spotted the bar over in the corner by some very large french windows.

french window (フランス窓) [名] a pair of doors that open outward

私はとても大きなフランス窓のそばの角にバーを見つけた。

It was one of those things you push around.

one of those things (そういうものの1つ) [名] a thing of the type mentioned

push around (押して歩く) [動] to move something by pushing it

それは押して歩くタイプのものだった。

I was halfway across the room, trying not to bump anybody, when a voice said: “Oh, Mr. Marlowe.”

bump (ぶつかる) [動] to knock or strike against something

誰にもぶつからないように気をつけながら部屋の半分ほど進んだ時、声がした。「あ、マーロウさん」

I turned and saw Mrs. Loring on a couch beside a prissy-looking man in rimless cheaters with a smear on his chin that might have been a goatee.

prissy-looking (気取った感じの) [形] excessively or affectedly prim or proper

rimless (縁なしの) [形] lacking a rim

cheaters (老眼鏡) [名] eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses

smear (生やす) [動] spread or cause to spread over a surface or area in a sticky or greasy way

goatee (山羊ひげ) [名] a beard trimmed to resemble the tuft of hair on a goat's chin

振り返ると、ローリング夫人がソファに座り、隣には縁なしの老眼鏡をかけ、顎に山羊ひげのようなものを生やした、気取った感じの男がいた。

She had a drink in her hand and looked bored.

have a drink (飲み物を持っている) [動] to hold a drink in one's hand

look bored (退屈そうに見える) [動] to appear to be bored

彼女は手に飲み物を持っていて、退屈そうに見えた。

He sat still with his arms folded and scowled.

sit still (座る) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

彼は腕を組んで座り、顔をしかめた。

I went over there.

over there (そこ) [副] in or to that place

私はそこへ行った。

She smiled at me and gave me her hand.

彼女は私に微笑みかけ、手を差し出した。

“This is my husband, Dr. Loring.

「こちらは私の夫、ローリング博士です。

Mr. Philip Marlowe, Edward.”

Edward (エドワード) [名] the butler

フィリップ・マーロウさん、エドワード」

The guy with the goatee gave me a brief look and a still briefer nod.

goatee (顎髭) [名] a beard that grows only on the chin

nod (会釈) [名] a gesture in which the head is tilted downward

顎髭の男は私をちらっと見て、さらに短く会釈した。

He didn't move otherwise.

彼は他には動かなかった。

He seemed to be saving his energy for better things.

energy (エネルギー) [名] the ability to be active

彼はもっと良いことのためにエネルギーを温存しているようだった。

“Edward is very tired,” Linda Loring said.

「エドワードはとても疲れているの」リンダ・ローリングは言った。

“Edward is always very tired.”

「エドワードはいつもとても疲れているの」

“Doctors often are,” I said.

「医者はよく疲れる」と私は言った。

“Can I get you a drink, Mrs. Loring? Or you, Doctor?”

「ローリングさん、何か飲み物は? ドクターは?」

“She's had enough,” the man said without looking at either of us.

「彼女はもう十分飲んだ」と男は私たちのどちらも見ずに言った。

“I don't drink. The more I see of people who do, the more glad I am that I don't.”

the more (より) [限] used before a noun to indicate that the amount or extent of something is greater

「私は飲まない。飲む人を見れば見るほど、飲まなくてよかったと思う」

“Come back, little Sheba,” Mrs. Loring said dreamily.

Sheba (シーバ) [名] a biblical queen who visited Solomon

dreamily (夢見心地に) [副] in a dreamy manner

「戻って来なさい、小さなシーバ」ローリング夫人は夢見心地に言った。

He swung around and did a take.

do a take (驚く) [動] be surprised

彼は振り返って、驚いた。

I got away from there and made it to the bar.

get away (離れる) [動] leave a place

make it (向かう) [動] go to a place

私はそこを離れて、バーに向かった。

In the company of her husband Linda Loring seemed like a different person.

in the company of (一緒の時) [名] in the presence of

夫と一緒の時のローリング夫人は別人のようだった。

There was an edge to her voice and a sneer in her expression which she hadn't used on me even when she was angry.

sneer (嘲り) [名] a facial expression of scorn or disgust

angry (怒っている) [形] feeling or showing anger

彼女の声には棘があり、表情には嘲りがあった。彼女が怒っている時でさえ、私に対してはそんな態度を取ったことはなかった。

Candy was behind the bar.

キャンディはバーの後ろにいた。

He asked me what I would drink.

彼は私に何を飲むか尋ねた。

“Nothing right now, thanks.

「今は何も、ありがとう。

Mr. Wade wants to see me.”

ウェードさんが私に会いたがっているんだ。」

“Es muy occupado, señor. Very busy.”

Es muy occupado (とても忙しいんです) [動] to be busy

señor (旦那) [名] a man

「とても忙しいんです、旦那。とても忙しいんです。」

I didn't think I was going to like Candy.

私はキャンディを好きになるとは思えなかった。

When I just looked at him he added: “But I go see. De pronto, señor.”

go see (見に行く) [動] go to see

De pronto (すぐに) [副] soon

私が彼をただ見つめていると、彼は付け加えた。「でも、見に行ってみるよ。すぐに、旦那。」

He threaded his way delicately through the mob and was back in no time at all.

thread (すり抜ける) [動] move or cause to move through a narrow or crowded space

no time at all (すぐに) [名] a very short period of time

彼は群衆の中を巧みにすり抜け、すぐに戻ってきた。

“Okay, chum, let's go,” he said cheerfully.

cheerfully (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

「よし、相棒、行こう」と彼は陽気に言った。

I followed him across the room the long way of the house.

私は彼について部屋を横切り、家の長い道のりを歩いた。

He opened a door, I went through, he shut it behind me, and a lot of the noise was dimmed.

dim (かき消す) [動] make or become less bright or less strong

彼がドアを開け、私が通り抜けると、彼は私の後ろでドアを閉め、騒音の多くがかき消された。

It was a corner room, big and cool and quiet, with french windows and roses outside and an airconditioner set in a window to one side.

corner room (角部屋) [名] a room at the corner of a building

rose (バラ) [名] a woody perennial flowering plant

airconditioner (エアコン) [名] a machine that controls the temperature and humidity of the air in a room

そこは角部屋で、大きくて涼しく静かで、外にフランス窓とバラがあり、片側の窓にはエアコンが設置されていた。

I could see the lake, and I could see Wade lying flat out on a long blond leather couch.

湖が見えたし、ウェードが長い金髪の革張りのソファに横になっているのも見えた。

A big bleached wood desk had a typewriter on it and there was a pile of yellow paper beside the typewriter.

bleached (漂白した) [形] having had the color removed

typewriter (タイプライター) [名] a machine with keys that can be pressed to produce letters on paper

大きな漂白した木製の机の上にはタイプライターがあり、タイプライターの横には黄色い紙の束があった。

“Good of you to come, Marlowe,” he said lazily.

Good of you to come (来てくれてよかった) [句] it is nice of you to come

lazily (怠惰に) [副] in a lazy manner

「来てくれてよかったよ、マーロウ」と彼は怠惰に言った。

“Park yourself. Did you have a drink or two?”

park (座る) [動] sit down

「座れ。一杯か二杯飲んだか?」

“Not yet.”

not yet (まだ) [副] up to the present time; so far

「まだ」

I sat down and looked at him.

私は座って彼を見た。

He still looked a bit pale and pinched.

pinch (やつれる) [動] to squeeze or compress

彼はまだ少し青白く、やつれて見えた。

“How's the work going?”

「仕事はどう?」

“Fine, except that I get tired too quick.

get tired (疲れる) [動] become exhausted

「すぐに疲れる以外は問題ない。

Pity a four-day drunk is so painful to get over.

残念ながら、4日間の飲酒は乗り越えるのがとても辛い。

I often do my best work after one.

私はよく一杯飲んだ後に最高の仕事をする。

In my racket it's so easy to tighten up and get all stiff and wooden.

racket (仕事) [名] a dishonest way of making money

tighten up (緊張する) [動] to become or make something more strict or severe

wooden (無表情な) [形] lacking in expression or animation

私の仕事では、緊張して硬直して無表情になりやすい。

Then the stuff is no good.

なら、その作品は良くない。

When it's good it comes easy.

easy (簡単に) [副] without difficulty or effort

良い作品は簡単にできる。

Anything you have read or heard to the contrary is a lot of mishmash.”

contrary (反対) [形] opposite in nature or direction

mishmash (ごちゃ混ぜ) [名] a confused mixture

反対に読んだり聞いたりしたことはすべてごちゃ混ぜだ。」

“Depends who the writer is, maybe,” I said.

「作家が誰かによるかもしれない」と私は言った。

“It didn't come easy to Flaubert, and his stuff is good.”

come easy (簡単にできる) [動] be easy to do

Flaubert (フローベール) [名] a French writer

「フローベールには簡単にはできなかったし、彼の作品は良い。」

“Okay,” Wade said, sitting up.

sit up (起き上がる) [動] move from a lying position to a sitting position

「わかった」とウェードは起き上がった。

“So you have read Flaubert, so that makes you an intellectual, a critic, a savant of the literary world.”

intellectual (知識人) [名] a person who places a high value on or pursues intellectual activity

critic (批評家) [名] a person who judges the merits and faults of something

savant (博学者) [名] a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist

literary world (文学界) [名] the world of literature and those who write it

「それであなたはフローベールを読んで、それであなたは知識人、批評家、文学界の博学者になった。」

He rubbed his forehead.

彼は額をこすった。

“I'm on the wagon and I hate it.

on the wagon (禁酒中) [名] a person who is not drinking alcohol

「私は禁酒中で、それが嫌いだ。

I hate everybody with a drink in his hand.

手に酒を持っている人はみんな嫌いだ。

I've got to go out there and smile at those creeps.

creep (気味の悪い連中) [名] a person who is considered strange, unpleasant, or frightening

私はあそこに出かけて、あの気味の悪い連中に笑顔を向けなくちゃならない。

Every damn one of them knows I'm an alcoholic.

Every damn one (みんな) [名] all of the people in a group

あの連中はみんな私がアルコール依存症だって知っている。

So they wonder what I'm running away from.

run away (逃げる) [動] to leave a place or situation quickly, especially in order to avoid something unpleasant

だから、連中は私が何から逃げているのか不思議に思っている。

Some Freudian bastard has made that a commonplace.

Freudian (フロイト主義) [形] of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his ideas

commonplace (常識) [名] something that is ordinary or usual

フロイト主義のろくでなしがそれを常識にしてしまった。

Every ten-year-old kid knows it by now.

every (すべての) [形] each and all of a group

ten-year-old (10歳の) [形] being ten years old

by now (今では) [副] at this time; now

今では10歳の子供でもみんな知っている。

If I had a ten-year-old kid, which God forbid, the brat would be asking me, 'What are you running away from when you get drunk, Daddy?'”

God forbid (神は禁じている) [句] used to express a hope that something will not happen

brat (ガキ) [名] a child who behaves badly

もし私に10歳の子供がいたら、神は禁じているだろうが、そのガキは私に「パパ、酔っ払って何から逃げているの?」と尋ねるだろう。」

“The way I got it, all this was rather recent,” I said.

the way I got it (私の理解では) [名] my understanding is that

all this (これはすべて) [名] everything that has been mentioned

rather recent (かなり最近のこと) [形] having happened not long ago

「私の理解では、これはすべてかなり最近のことだった」と私は言った。

“It's got worse, but I was always a hard man with a bottle.

get worse (悪化する) [動] become worse

hard man (頑固者) [名] a man who is tough and violent

「悪化したが、私はいつも酒瓶を抱えた頑固者だった。

When you're young and in hard condition you can absorb a lot of punishment.

hard condition (体調が万全) [名] a state of being in good physical shape

absorb (吸収する) [動] take in or soak up

punishment (罰) [名] a penalty imposed for a crime or other offense

若くて体調が万全な時は、かなりの罰を吸収できる。

When you are pushing forty you don't snap back the same way.”

push (過ぎる) [動] move something by using force

forty (40歳) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of four and ten

snap back (元に戻る) [動] return to a previous state or condition

40歳を過ぎると、同じように元に戻らない。」

I leaned back and lit a cigarette.

light a cigarette (タバコに火をつける) [動] to cause a cigarette to start burning

私は後ろにもたれかかり、タバコに火をつけた。

“What did you want to see me about?”

「私に何の用?」

“What do you think I'm running away from, Marlowe?”

「私が何から逃げていると思う?」

“No idea. I don't have enough information.

「わからない。情報が足りない。

Besides, everybody is running away from something.”

それに、誰もが何かから逃げている。」

“Not everybody gets drunk.

「誰もが酔っ払うわけではない。

What are you running away from?

あなたは何から逃げているの?

Your youth or a guilty conscience or the knowledge that you're a small time operator in a small time business?”

youth (若さ) [名] the period of being young

guilty conscience (罪の意識) [名] a feeling of guilt or remorse for having done something wrong

small time operator (小さなオペレーター) [名] a person who runs a small business

small time business (小さなビジネス) [名] a business that is not very successful or important

あなたの若さ、罪の意識、あるいはあなたが小さなビジネスの小さなオペレーターであるという知識から?」

“I get it,” I said.

「わかった」と私は言った。

“You need somebody to insult. Fire away, chum.

insult (侮辱する) [動] speak to or treat with disrespect or scornfully

fire away (撃ちまくれ) [動] shoot continuously

「あなたは誰かを侮辱する必要がある。撃ちまくれ、相棒。

When it begins to hurt I'll let you know.”

let (知らせる) [動] allow or enable someone to do something

痛み始めたら知らせるよ」

He grinned and rumpled his thick curly hair.

彼はニヤリと笑い、厚い巻き毛をくしゃくしゃにした。

He speared his chest with a forefinger.

spear (突く) [動] pierce with a spear or other sharp object

forefinger (人差し指) [名] the finger next to the thumb

彼は人差し指で自分の胸を突いた。

“You're looking right at a small time operator in a small time business, Marlowe.

operator (経営者) [名] a person who runs a business

「君は小さな商売の小さな経営者を見ているんだよ、マーロウ。

All writers are punks and I am one of the punkest.

作家はみんなチンピラで、私はその中でも一番のチンピラだ。

I've written twelve best sellers, and if I ever finish that stack of magoozlum on the desk there I may possibly have written thirteen.

stack (山) [名] a pile of objects, typically one that is neatly arranged

thirteen (13) [数] the number 13

私は12冊のベストセラーを書いてきたし、もし机の上にあるあのマグズラムの山を完成させたら、13冊目になるかもしれない。

And not a damn one of them worth the powder to blow it to hell.

not a damn one (どれも) [名] not a single one

そして、そのうちのどれも地獄に吹き飛ばすための火薬の価値はない。

I have a lovely home in a highly restricted residential neighborhood that belongs to a highly restricted multimillionaire.

highly restricted (非常に制限された) [形] very limited or restricted

residential neighborhood (住宅街) [名] a district of a city or town where people live

highly restricted multimillionaire (非常に制限された億万長者) [名] a person who has a very large amount of money

私は、非常に制限された億万長者に属する非常に制限された住宅街に素敵な家を持っている。

I have a lovely wife who loves me and a lovely publisher who loves me and I love me the best of all.

私には私を愛する素敵な妻と私を愛する素敵な出版社があり、私は誰よりも自分を愛している。

I'm an egotistical son of a bitch, a literary prostitute or pimp--choose your own word--and an all-round heel.

literary (文学的な) [形] of or relating to literature

prostitute (売春婦) [名] a person, typically a woman, who engages in sexual activity for payment

pimp (ポン引き) [名] a man who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them

all-round (オールラウンドな) [形] having many different skills or abilities

私は利己的なろくでなしで、文学的な売春婦かポン引きだ--好きな言葉を選んでくれ--そして、オールラウンドなヒールだ。

So what can you do for me?”

だから、私のために何ができるんだ?」

“Well, what?”

well (それで) [副] used to introduce a remark or to express hesitation

「それで、何?」

“Why don't you get sore?”

「なぜ怒らないんだ?」

“Nothing to get sore about.

「怒ることなんて何もない。

I'm just listening to you hate yourself.

listen to (聞く) [動] to give one's attention to a sound or action

私はただあなたが自分を嫌うのを聞いているだけだ。

It's boring but it doesn't hurt my feelings.”

退屈だが、私の感情を傷つけるわけではない。」

He laughed roughly.

roughly (荒々しく) [副] in a violent or vigorous manner

彼は荒々しく笑った。

“I like you,” he said.

「君が好きだ」と彼は言った。

“Let's have a drink.”

have a drink (飲み物を飲む) [動] to consume a drink

「飲み物を飲もう」

“Not in here, chum.

「ここではだめだ、相棒。

Not you and me alone.

alone (だけ) [形] not with or near any other person

君と私だけではない。

I don't care to watch you take the first one.

君が最初の一杯を飲むのを見たくない。

Nobody can stop you and I don't guess anyone would try.

誰も君を止めることはできないし、誰も止めようとはしないと思う。

But I don't have to help.”

でも、私は手伝う必要はない」

He stood up.

彼は立ち上がった。

“We don't have to drink in here.

「ここで飲む必要はない。

Let's go outside and glance at a choice selection of the sort of people you get to know when you make enough lousy money to live where they live.”

go outside (外に出る) [動] leave a building

choice selection (選択肢) [名] a range of options

get to know (知り合う) [動] become acquainted with

make enough money (十分なお金を得る) [動] earn enough money

live where they live (彼らが住んでいる場所に住む) [動] live in the same place as someone else

外に出て、彼らが住んでいる場所に住むのに十分なお金を得たときに知り合うことになる人々の選択肢をちらっと見てみましょう」

“Look,” I said.

「見ろ」と私は言った。

“Shove it. Knock it off.

knock (やめる) [動] stop doing something

「押し込め。やめろ。

They're no different from anybody else.”

彼らは他の誰とも変わらない」

“Yeah,” he said tightly, “but they ought to be.

「ああ」と彼はきつく言った、「しかし、彼らはそうあるべきだ。

If they're not, what use are they?

be not (そうでなければ) [動] not be

what use (何の役に立つ) [名] what purpose or function

そうでなければ、彼らは何の役に立つのか?

They're the class of the county and they're no better than a bunch of truckdrivers full of cheap whiskey.

class (階級) [名] a group of people sharing the same economic or social status

no better than (優れているわけではない) [句] not better than

truckdriver (トラック運転手) [名] a person who drives a truck

whiskey (ウイスキー) [名] a type of alcoholic drink

彼らは郡の階級であり、安いウイスキーでいっぱいのトラック運転手の集団よりも優れているわけではない。

Not as good.”

not as good (劣っている) [形] not as good as something else

劣っている」

“Knock it off,” I said again.

「やめろ」と私は再び言った。

“You want to get boiled, get boiled.

get boiled (酔う) [動] become drunk

「酔いたいなら酔えばいい。

But don't take it out on a crowd that can get boiled without having to lie up with Dr. Verringer or get loose in the head and throw their wives down the stairs.”

take it out on (ぶつける) [動] to express your anger or annoyance with someone or something by being unpleasant to someone or something else

get boiled (酔っ払う) [動] to become drunk

lie up (寝転がる) [動] to rest or relax

get loose (おかしくなる) [動] to become unfastened or detached

だが、ヴェリンジャー博士のところに寝転がったり、頭がおかしくなったり、妻を階段から投げ落としたりせずに酔っ払える群衆にそれをぶつけるな」

“Yeah,” he said, and he was suddenly calm and thoughtful.

calm (落ち着いた) [形] not excited or anxious

thoughtful (考え込んだ) [形] thinking carefully about something

「ああ」と彼は言い、突然落ち着いて考え込んだ。

“You pass the test, chum.

pass (合格) [動] be successful in an examination

test (テスト) [名] a procedure for critical evaluation; a means of measuring the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial

「君はテストに合格だ、相棒。

How about coming to live here for a while?

しばらくここに住んでみたらどうだ?

You could do me a lot of good just being here.”

ここにいるだけで私に多くの良いことをしてくれる」

“I don't see how.”

「どうすればいいかわからない」

“But I do. Just by being here.

do (わかる) [動] understand

「でも私はわかる。ただここにいるだけで。

Would a thousand a month interest you?

月千ドルで興味があるか?

I'm dangerous when I'm drunk.

be dangerous (危険だ) [動] able or likely to cause harm or injury

be drunk (酔う) [動] to be intoxicated with alcohol

私は酔うと危険だ。

I don't want to be dangerous and I don't want to be drunk.”

私は危険になりたくないし、酔いたくもない」

“I couldn't stop you.”

「私はあなたを止めることができなかった」

“Try it for three months.

three months (3ヶ月) [名] a period of time

「3ヶ月試してみろ。

I'd finish the damn book and then go far off for a while.

go far off (遠くへ行く) [動] travel a long distance

私はその忌々しい本を書き終えて、しばらく遠くへ行こう。

Lie up some place in the Swiss mountains and get clean.”

some place (どこか) [名] an unspecified place

Swiss (スイス) [形] of or relating to Switzerland or its people

get clean (きれいになる) [動] to become clean

スイスの山のどこかに横たわって、きれいになる」

“The book, huh? Do you have to have the money?”

「本か? お金が必要なのか?」

“No. I just have to finish something I started.

「いいえ。ただ始めたことを終わらせなければならないだけです。

If I don't I'm through.

be through (終わりです) [動] to have finished doing something

それをしなければ、私は終わりです。

I'm asking you as a friend.

友人として頼んでいるんだ。

You did more than that for Lennox.”

君はレノックスのためにそれ以上のことをした。」

I stood up and walked over close to him and gave him a hard stare.

walk over (近づく) [動] go to a place that is not far away

私は立ち上がって彼に近づき、彼をじっと見つめた。

“I got Lennox killed, mister.

「私はレノックスを殺したんだ、旦那。

I got him killed.”

私は彼を殺したんだ。」

“Phooey. Don't go soft on me, Marlowe.”

go soft on (甘い顔をする) [動] to be lenient with someone

「ふん。私に甘い顔をするな、マーロウ。」

He put the edge of his hand against his throat.

彼は手の端を喉に当てた。

“I'm up to here in the soft babies.”

up to here (ここにいる) [副] to this point

「私はここにいる柔らかい赤ちゃんたちの中にいます。」

“Soft?” I asked.

「柔らかい?」と私は尋ねた。

“Or just kind?”

「それともただ優しいだけ?」

He stepped back and stumbled against the edge of the couch, but didn't lose his balance.

stumble (つまずく) [動] trip or catch one's foot on something and almost fall

彼は後ろに下がってソファの端につまずいたが、バランスを崩さなかった。

“The hell with you,” he said smoothly.

the hell with you (くそくらえ) [句] an expression of anger or contempt

smoothly (滑らかに) [副] in a smooth way

「あなたなんかくそくらえ」と彼は滑らかに言った。

“No deal. I don't blame you, of course.

no deal (取引はなし) [名] no agreement

「取引はなしだ。もちろん、君を責めはしない。

There's something I want to know, that I have to know.

have to know (知る必要がある) [動] to be required to know

知りたいことがあるんだ、知る必要があるんだ。

You don't know what it is and I'm not sure I know myself.

myself (私自身) [代] I or me

君にはそれが何かわからないし、私自身もよくわからない。

All I'm positive of is that there is something, and I have to know it.”

be positive of (確信している) [動] to be certain or sure about something

there is (ある) [動] to exist or be present

私が確信しているのは、何かがあるということだけだ、そして私はそれを知る必要がある」

“About who? Your wife?”

「誰について? 奥さん?」

He moved his lips one over the other.

one over the other (一方を他方の上へ) [名] one on top of the other

彼は唇を動かした。

“I think it's about me,” he said.

「私のことだと思う」と彼は言った。

“Let's go get that drink.”

「飲み物を飲みに行こう」

He walked to the door and threw it open and we went out.

彼はドアまで歩いて行き、ドアを開け放ち、私たちは外に出た。

If he had been trying to make me uncomfortable, he had done a first class job.

uncomfortable (不快) [形] causing discomfort

first class (一流) [形] of the highest quality

もし彼が私を不快にさせようとしていたなら、彼は一流の仕事をした。

[24]

When he opened the door the buzz from the living room exploded into our faces.

buzz (ざわめき) [名] a continuous humming sound

explode (爆発する) [動] break or cause to break into pieces with a loud noise, as a result of impact or internal pressure

彼がドアを開けると、居間からのざわめきが私たちの顔に爆発した。

It seemed louder than before, if possible.

可能ならば、以前よりも大きく聞こえた。

About two drinks louder.

約2杯分大きく。

Wade said hello here and there and people seemed glad to see him.

say hello (挨拶する) [動] greet someone

ウェードはあちこちで挨拶し、人々は彼に会えて嬉しそうだった。

But by that time they would have been glad to see Pittsburgh Phil with his custom-built icepick.

Pittsburgh Phil (ピッツバーグ・フィル) [名] a person

custom-built (特注の) [形] made for a particular customer

icepick (アイスピック) [名] a tool with a sharp metal point used for breaking up ice

しかし、その時までには、彼らはピッツバーグ・フィルが特注のアイスピックを持っているのを見て喜んでいただろう。

Life was just one great big vaudeville show.

vaudeville (ヴォードヴィル) [名] a type of entertainment that was popular in the early 20th century and that included a variety of acts (such as singing, dancing, and comedy)

人生はただ一つの偉大な大きなヴォードヴィルショーだった。

On the way to the bar we came face to face with Dr. Loring and his wife.

on the way (途中で) [名] the route or course that someone or something takes to get from one place to another

come face to face (ばったり会う) [動] to meet someone unexpectedly

Dr. Loring (ローリング博士) [名] a doctor

バーに行く途中で、ローリング博士と彼の妻にばったり会った。

The doctor stood up and stepped forward to face Wade.

step forward (前に進む) [動] move forward

医者は立ち上がって、ウェードと向き合うために前に進んだ。

He had a look on his face that was almost sick with hatred.

have a look (顔をする) [動] to have a certain expression on one's face

hatred (憎しみ) [名] intense dislike or ill will

彼は憎しみでほとんど病気のような顔をしていた。

“Nice to see you, Doctor,” Wade said amiably.

Nice to see you (お会いできて光栄です) [句] a polite expression used when meeting someone

「お会いできて光栄です、先生」とウェードは愛想よく言った。

“Hi, Linda. Where have you been keeping yourself lately?

Hi (やあ) [間] an expression of greeting

Linda (リンダ) [名] a female given name

have been keeping (いたの) [動] to continue to be in a particular state or condition

「やあ、リンダ。最近どこにいたの?

No, I guess that was a stupid question.

いや、それは愚かな質問だったな。

I--”

私は--」

“Mr. Wade,” Loring said in a voice that had a tremor to it, “I have something to say to you.

「ウェードさん」ローリングは震えた声で言った。「あなたに話したいことがあります。

Something very simple, and I hope very conclusive.

conclusive (決定的な) [形] decisive or final

とても単純なことで、とても決定的なことだと期待しています。

Stay away from my wife.”

stay away from (近寄るな) [動] not to go near someone or something

私の妻に近寄るな。」

Wade looked at him curiously.

curiously (好奇心をもって) [副] in a curious manner

ウェードは彼を好奇心をもって見た。

“Doctor, you're tired.

be tired (疲れている) [動] to feel a need to rest or sleep

「先生、疲れているのですね。

And you don't have a drink.

それに飲み物も持っていない。

Let me get you one.”

私がお持ちしましょう。」

“I don't drink, Mr. Wade.

「私は飲まないんです、ウェードさん。

As you very well know.

よくご存じでしょう。

I am here for one purpose

be here (ここに来ている) [動] to be present in a place

私はある目的のためにここに来ている。

and I have expressed that purpose.”

そしてその目的を表明した。」

“Well, I guess I get your point,” Wade said, still amiable.

get one's point (言いたいことを分かる) [動] understand what someone is trying to say

amiable (愛想がよい) [形] having or showing a friendly and pleasant manner

「まあ、あなたの言いたいことは分かったと思う」とウェードは言った。まだ愛想がよかった。

“And since you are a guest in my house, I have nothing to say except that I think you are a little off the beam.”

off the beam (的外れ) [形] wrong or inaccurate

「そしてあなたは私の家の客なので、あなたが少し的外れだと思っている以外は何も言うことはない。」

There had been a drop in the talk near by.

drop (途切れる) [動] to stop or cause to stop

talk (会話) [名] the action of speaking or conversing

近くの会話が途切れた。

The boys and girls were all ears.

be all ears (聞き耳を立てる) [動] to listen attentively

少年少女たちは聞き耳を立てていた。

Big production.

big (大作) [形] of great importance or significance

production (制作) [名] the process of making or creating something

大作だ。

Dr. Loring took a pair of gloves out of his pocket, straightened them, took hold of one by the finger end, and swung it hard against Wade's face.

swing (振りかざす) [動] to move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side

ローリング医師はポケットから手袋を取り出し、それを伸ばし、片方の手袋の指先をつかんで、ウェードの顔に強く振りかざした。

Wade didn't bat an eye.

bat an eye (目を閉じる) [動] to blink

ウェードは目を閉じなかった。

“Pistols and coffee at dawn?” he asked quietly.

「夜明けにピストルとコーヒーか?」と彼は静かに尋ねた。

I looked at Linda Loring.

私はリンダ・ローリングを見た。

She was flushed with anger.

彼女は怒りで顔を赤らめていた。

She stood up slowly and faced the doctor.

彼女はゆっくりと立ち上がり、医者と向き合った。

“Dear God, what a ham you are, darling.

Dear God (なんてこと) [間] an expression of surprise, disgust, or dismay

ham (大根役者) [名] an actor who overacts

「なんてこと、あなたって本当に大根役者ね、ダーリン。

Stop acting like a damn fool, will you, darling?

act (真似) [動] behave in a way that is not genuine

will (ねえ) [助] used to express a request

馬鹿げた真似はやめて、ねえ、ダーリン?

Or would you rather stick around until somebody slaps your face?”

slap (殴る) [動] to hit someone or something with the palm of your hand

それとも誰かに顔を殴られるまでここに居座るつもり?」

Loring swung around to her and raised the gloves.

raise (持ち上げる) [動] lift something to a higher position

ローリングは彼女の方を振り向き、手袋を持ち上げた。

Wade stepped in front of him.

step (立つ) [動] move or cause to move by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

ウェードが彼の前に立った。

“Take it easy, Doc.

「落ち着いてください、先生。

Around here we only hit our wives in private.”

この辺りでは妻を殴るのは内緒にするんだ」

“If you are speaking for yourself, I am well aware of it,” Loring sneered.

speak for oneself (自分自身のことを言う) [動] to express one's own opinion

be well aware of (よく知っている) [動] to know something very well

「もし君が自分自身のことを言っているのなら、私はよく知っている」とローリングは冷笑した。

“And I don't need lessons in manners from you.”

lesson (レッスン) [名] a period of learning or teaching

「そして君からマナーのレッスンを受ける必要はない」

“I only take promising pupils,” Wade said.

pupil (生徒) [名] a person who is studying at a school

「私は有望な生徒しか取らない」とウェードは言った。

“Sorry you have to leave so soon.”

「すぐに出発しなくてはならないなんて残念だ」

He raised his voice.

彼は声を上げた。

“Candy! Que el Doctor Loring salga de aqui en el acto!”

Que (ケ) [接] that

salga (出せ) [動] leave

aqui (ここ) [副] here

en el acto (すぐに) [副] immediately

「キャンディ! ローリング博士をすぐにここから出せ!」

He swung back to Loring.

彼はローリングの方を振り返った。

“In case you don't know Spanish, Doctor, that means the door is over there.”

「もしスペイン語がわからないのなら、博士、それはドアはあそこにあるという意味だ」

He pointed.

彼は指さした。

Loring stared at him without moving.

ローリングは動かずに彼を見つめた。

“I have warned you, Mr. Wade,” he said icily.

icily (冷たく) [副] in a cold manner

「警告したぞ、ウェードさん」と彼は冷たく言った。

“And a number of people have heard me.

number (数) [名] a quantity of something

「そして多くの人が私の言うことを聞いた。

I shall not warn you again.”

二度と警告はしない。」

“Don't,” Wade said curtly.

「するな」とウェードは素っ気なく言った。

“But if you do, make it on neutral territory.

neutral (中立的な) [形] not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.

territory (場所) [名] an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

「しかし、もしするなら、中立的な場所にしろ。

Gives me a little more freedom of action.

freedom (自由) [名] the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint

私にもう少し行動の自由を与えてくれる。

Sorry, Linda. But you married him.”

ごめんね、リンダ。でも君は彼と結婚したんだ。」

He rubbed his cheek gently where the heavy end of the glove had hit him.

彼は手袋の重い端が当たった頬をそっと撫でた。

Linda Loring was smiling bitterly.

リンダ・ローリングは苦々しく微笑んでいた。

She shrugged.

彼女は肩をすくめた。

“We are leaving,” Loring said.

「私たちは出かけます」とローリングは言った。

“Come, Linda.”

「来なさい、リンダ」

She sat down again and reached for her glass.

彼女は再び腰を下ろし、グラスに手を伸ばした。

She gave her husband a glance of quiet contempt.

glance (一瞥) [名] a brief or hurried look

contempt (軽蔑) [名] the act of despising

彼女は夫を静かに軽蔑するような目で見た。

“You are,” she said.

「あなたはそうよ」と彼女は言った。

“You have a number of calls to make, remember.”

「電話をかけなきゃいけないの、覚えてる?」

“You are leaving with me,” he said furiously.

furiously (激しく) [副] in a very angry way

「君は私と一緒に帰る」と彼は激しく言った。

She turned her back on him.

turn one's back on (背を向ける) [動] to turn away from someone or something

彼女は彼に背を向けた。

He reached suddenly and took hold of her arm.

彼は突然手を伸ばして彼女の腕をつかんだ。

Wade took him by the shoulder and spun him around.

ウェードは彼の肩をつかんで彼を振り向かせました。

“Take it easy, Doc.

「落ち着いてください、先生。

You can't win them all.”

win (勝つ) [動] be victorious or successful

全部勝つことはできないよ」

“Take your hand off me!”

take one's hand off (手を離す) [動] to remove one's hand from something

「手を離せ!」

“Sure, just relax,” Wade said.

「もちろん、落ち着いてください」とウェードは言った。

“I have a good idea, Doctor.

「いい考えがあるんだ、先生。

Why don't you see a good doctor?”

see a doctor (医者に診てもらう) [動] go to a doctor for medical examination or treatment

いい医者に診てもらったらどうですか?」

Somebody laughed loudly.

loudly (大声で) [副] in a loud manner

誰かが大声で笑った。

Loring tensed like an animal all set to spring.

tense (身構える) [動] make or become tense

animal (動物) [名] a living organism of the kingdom Animalia

spring (飛びかかる) [動] move or jump suddenly or rapidly

ローリングは飛びかかろうとする動物のように身構えた。

Wade sensed it and neatly turned his back and moved away.

turn one's back (背を向ける) [動] turn away from someone or something

move away (立ち去る) [動] go away from a place

ウェードはそれを感じ取って、きちんと背を向けて立ち去った。

Which left Dr. Loring holding the bag.

hold the bag (取り残される) [動] be left with the responsibility for something

ローリング医師は取り残された。

If he went after Wade, he would look sillier than he looked now.

ウェードを追いかけたら、今よりももっと馬鹿げたことになるだろう。

There was nothing for him to do but leave, and he did it.

it (そうした) [代] the thing previously mentioned

彼には立ち去る以外に何もすることがなかったので、彼はそうした。

He marched quickly across the room staring straight in front of him to where Candy was holding the door open.

march (歩く) [動] walk with a regular and measured tread

hold (開ける) [動] keep or maintain in a specified state, position, or course

彼は部屋を素早く横切り、キャンディがドアを開けているところまで真っ直ぐに前を見つめて歩いた。

He went out.

彼は出て行った。

Candy shut the door, wooden-faced, and went back to the bar.

wooden-faced (無表情な) [形] having a face that shows no emotion

キャンディは無表情にドアを閉め、バーに戻った。

I went over there and asked for some Scotch.

私はそこへ行き、スコッチを頼んだ。

I didn't see where Wade went.

ウェードがどこに行ったのか私は見なかった。

He just disappeared.

彼はただ姿を消した。

I didn't see Eileen either.

アイリーンも見なかった。

I turned my back on the room and let them sizzle while I drank my Scotch.

sizzle (焼け付く) [動] to make a hissing sound as of something frying

私は部屋に背を向け、スコッチを飲みながら彼らを焼け付かせた。

A small girl with mud-colored hair and a band around her forehead popped up beside me and put a glass on the bar and bleated.

mud-colored (泥色の) [形] having the color of mud

band (バンド) [名] a strip of material used to hold something together or in place

pop up (現れる) [動] to appear or come up suddenly or unexpectedly

bleat (鳴く) [動] to make the sound of a sheep or goat

泥色の髪で額にバンドを巻いた小柄な女の子が私の横に現れ、グラスをバーに置いて鳴いた。

Candy nodded and made her another drink.

キャンディはうなずき、彼女にもう一杯飲み物を作った。

The small girl turned to me.

小柄な女の子は私に向き直った。

“Are you interested in Communism?” she asked me.

Communism (共産主義) [名] a political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and need...

「共産主義に興味がある?」と彼女は私に尋ねた。

She was glassy-eyed and she was running a small red tongue along her lips as if looking for a crumb of chocolate.

glassy-eyed (目がうつろ) [形] having a glassy or glazed look

crumb (かけら) [名] a small fragment of food

chocolate (チョコレート) [名] a food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds

彼女は目がうつろで、チョコレートのかけらを探しているかのように小さな赤い舌を唇に沿って走らせていた。

“I think everyone ought to be,” she went on.

ought to be (そうあるべきだ) [助] should be

「誰もがそうあるべきだと思う」と彼女は続けた。

“But when you ask any of the men here they just want to paw you.”

paw (なで回す) [動] touch or handle clumsily, rudely, or with unwelcome familiarity

「でも、ここにいる男性に尋ねると、彼らはただあなたをなで回したいだけなの。」

I nodded and looked over my glass at her snub nose and sun-coarsened skin.

snub nose (つんと上を向いた鼻) [名] a nose that is short and turns up slightly at the end

sun-coarsened skin (日に焼けた肌) [名] skin that has been damaged by the sun

私はうなずき、彼女のつんと上を向いた鼻と日に焼けた肌をグラスの上から見た。

“Not that I mind too much if it's done nicely,” she told me, reaching for the fresh drink.

「上手くやってくれればあまり気にしないんだけど」と彼女は新しい飲み物に手を伸ばしながら言った。

She showed me her molars while she inhaled half of it.

inhale (吸い込む) [動] to breathe in

彼女はそれを半分吸い込みながら私に奥歯を見せた。

“Don't rely on me,” I said.

rely on (当てにする) [動] depend on

「私を当てにしないで」と私は言った。

“What's your name?”

「君の名前は?」

“Marlowe.”

「マーロウ」

“With an 'e' or not?”

with (つく) [前] having or possessing

e (e) [名] the fifth letter of the English alphabet

「eはつくの?」

“With.”

「つく」

“Ah, Marlowe,” she intoned.

intone (抑揚をつけて言う) [動] to say something in a particular tone of voice

「ああ、マーロウ」彼女は抑揚をつけて言った。

“Such a sad beautiful name.”

「とても悲しく美しい名前」

She put her glass down damn nearly empty and closed her eyes and threw her head back and her arms out, almost hitting me in the eye.

彼女はほとんど空になったグラスを置き、目を閉じて頭を後ろに倒し、腕を広げたので、私の目に当たりそうになった。

Her voice throbbed with emotion, saying:

throb (震える) [動] to beat or pulsate with more than usual force or rapidity

彼女の声は感情で震え、こう言った。

“Was this the face that launch'd a thousand ships

launch (進水させる) [動] set (a boat) in motion by pushing it or allowing it to slide into the water

ship (船) [名] a large seagoing vessel

「これが千隻の船を進水させた顔だったのか

And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?

tower (塔) [名] a tall narrow building, either freestanding or forming part of a building such as a church or castle

Ilium (イリウム) [名] an ancient city in northwestern Asia Minor that was the capital of Troy

そしてイリウムの塔を焼き払ったのか?

Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.”

Sweet Helen (愛しいヘレン) [名] a woman's name

immortal (不滅) [形] living forever; never dying or decaying

愛しいヘレン、キスで私を不滅にしてくれ」

She opened her eyes, grabbed her glass, and winked at me.

彼女は目を開け、グラスをつかみ、私にウィンクした。

“You were pretty good in there, chum.

「あそこではよくやったな、相棒。

Been writing any poetry lately?”

poetry (詩) [名] a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical, usually metaphorical, and often exhibits such formal elements as meter, rhyme, and stanzaic str...

最近詩は書いてるか?」

“Not very much.”

not very much (あまり書いてない) [副] to a small extent or degree

「あまり書いてない」

“You can kiss me if you like,” she said coyly.

coyly (内気そうに) [副] in a shy or modest way

「もしよかったらキスしてもいいよ」と彼女は内気そうに言った。

A guy in a shantung jacket and an open neck shirt came up behind her and grinned at me over the top of her head.

shantung jacket (シャンタンのジャケット) [名] a jacket made of shantung

open neck shirt (開襟シャツ) [名] a shirt with an open collar

シャンタンのジャケットと開襟シャツを着た男が彼女の後ろにやってきて、彼女の頭越しに私にニヤリと笑った。

He had short red hair and a face like a collapsed lung.

collapse (虚脱する) [動] to break down or fall apart suddenly

lung (肺) [名] either of the two respiratory organs that lie within the rib cage on either side of the heart

彼は短い赤毛で、肺が虚脱したような顔をしていた。

He was as ugly a guy as I ever saw.

彼は私が今まで見た中で最も醜い男だった。

He patted the top of the little girl's head.

little girl (少女) [名] a young female human being

彼は少女の頭を撫でた。

“Come on kitten. Time to go home.”

come on (おいで) [動] to move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

「おいで、子猫ちゃん。家に帰る時間だ」

She rounded on him furiously.

round on (詰め寄る) [動] to turn on and attack or criticize someone

彼女は激しく彼に詰め寄った。

“You mean you got to water those goddamned tuberous begonias again?” she yelled.

water (水をやる) [動] pour water on a plant

tuberous begonia (ベゴニア) [名] a plant with bright flowers and large leaves

「またあの忌々しいベゴニアに水をやらなきゃいけないって言うのか?」彼女は叫んだ。

“Aw listen, kitten--”

「おい、子猫ちゃん、聞いてくれ」

“Take your hands off me, you goddamned rapist,” she screamed, and threw the rest of her drink in his face.

take one's hands off (手を離す) [動] to stop touching someone or something

goddamned (忌々しい) [形] deserving to be damned

rapist (強姦魔) [名] a person who commits rape

「この忌々しい強姦魔、手を離せ」彼女は叫び、残りの飲み物を彼の顔に投げつけた。

The rest wasn't more than a teaspoonful and two lumps of ice.

teaspoonful (ティースプーン一杯) [名] the amount that a teaspoon can hold

lump (氷) [名] a piece of something, especially a small piece of a substance that has no definite shape

残りはティースプーン一杯と氷二つだけだった。

“For Chrissake, baby, I'm your husband,” he yelled back, grabbing for a handkerchief and mopping his face.

mop (拭く) [動] to clean or dry with a mop or other absorbent material

「おい、ベイビー、私はあなたの夫だぞ」彼は叫び返して、ハンカチをつかみ、顔を拭った。

“Get it? Your husband.”

「わかったか? あなたの夫だ」

She sobbed violently and threw herself into his arms.

violently (激しく) [副] in a violent manner

彼女は激しくすすり泣き、彼の腕の中に身を投げた。

I stepped around them and got out of there.

step around (避ける) [動] to avoid something or someone

get out of (去る) [動] to leave a place

私は彼らを避けてそこを去った。

Every cocktail party is the same, even the dialogue.

カクテルパーティーはどれも同じで、会話さえ同じだ。

The house was leaking guests out into the evening air now.

leak (漏れ出す) [動] (of a liquid) escape or cause to escape from a container or pipe

家から客が夕方の空気の中に漏れ出していた。

Voices were fading, cars were starting, goodbyes were bouncing around like rubber balls.

bounce around (飛び交う) [動] move quickly and erratically

声が消え、車が動き出し、別れの言葉がゴムボールのように飛び交っていた。

I went to the french windows and out onto a flagged terrace.

out (出る) [前] from inside to outside

flag (石畳) [名] a flat stone used for paving

私はフランス窓に行き、石畳のテラスに出た。

The ground sloped towards the lake which was as motionless as a sleeping cat.

slope (傾斜する) [動] to be at an angle

地面は湖に向かって傾斜しており、湖は眠っている猫のように動かなかった。

There was a short wooden pier down there with a rowboat tied to it by a white painter.

pier (桟橋) [名] a structure that extends out into a body of water

wooden (木製の) [形] made of wood

rowboat (手漕ぎボート) [名] a small boat that is propelled by oars

tie (結び付ける) [動] to fasten or secure with a cord, rope, or string

painter (ペンキ) [名] a person who paints

そこには短い木製の桟橋があり、白いペンキで塗られた手漕ぎボートがそこに結び付けられていた。

Towards the far shore, which wasn't very far, a black waterhen was doing lazy curves, like a skater.

shore (岸) [名] the land along the edge of a large area of water

waterhen (水鳥) [名] a bird that lives near water

lazy (ゆったりとした) [形] not willing to work or use energy

あまり遠くない対岸に向かって、黒い水鳥がスケーターのようにゆったりとしたカーブを描いていた。

They didn't seem to cause as much as a shallow ripple.

cause (起こす) [動] make something happen

shallow (浅い) [形] of little depth

ripple (波紋) [名] a small wave on the surface of water

彼らは浅い波紋を起こすほどには動いていないようだった。

I stretched out on a padded aluminum chaise and lit a pipe and smoked peacefully and wondered what the hell I was doing there.

stretch out (横になる) [動] to lie down at full length

padded (パッド入りの) [形] having a pad or padding

aluminum (アルミ製の) [形] made of aluminum

chaise (長椅子) [名] a long chair with a back but usually no arms

peacefully (静かに) [副] in a peaceful manner

do (している) [動] to make, produce, or create

私はパッド入りのアルミ製の長椅子に横になり、パイプに火をつけて静かに吸い、いったいここで何をしているのかと思った。

Roger Wade seemed to have enough control to handle himself if he really wanted to.

have enough control (十分な自制心がある) [動] be able to control oneself

handle (コントロールする) [動] manage or control

himself (自分) [代] the male person being discussed

ロジャー・ウェードは、本当にそうしたいのであれば、自分をコントロールするのに十分な自制心があるようだった。

He had done all right with Loring.

do all right (うまくやる) [動] to be successful or satisfactory

彼はローリングとうまくやっていた。

I wouldn't have been too surprised if he had hung one on Loring's sharp little chin.

hang one on (パンチを食らわせる) [動] to hit someone

彼がローリングの鋭い小さな顎にパンチを食らわせていたとしても、私はあまり驚かなかっただろう。

He would have been out of line by the rules, but Loring was much farther out of line.

be out of line (ルールから外れる) [動] to behave in a way that is not acceptable

彼はルールから外れていただろうが、ローリングはもっとルールから外れていた。

If the rules mean anything at all any more, they mean that you don't pick a roomful of people as the spot to threaten a man and hit him across the face with a glove when your wife is standing right beside you and you are practically accusing her of a little double time.

pick (選ぶ) [動] to choose or select

accuse (非難する) [動] to charge someone with a crime or with doing something wrong

もしルールが何か意味を持つのであれば、それは、妻がすぐ横に立っていて、妻を浮気だと非難しているときに、部屋いっぱいの人の前で男を脅して顔を殴るような場所を選んではいけないということだ。

For a man still shaky from a hard bout with the hard stuff Wade had done all right.

hard bout (激しい戦い) [名] a difficult or challenging situation

hard stuff (ハードな酒) [名] strong alcoholic drink

all right (よく) [副] to a satisfactory extent or degree

ウェードは、ハードな酒との激しい戦いでまだ震えている男にしては、よくやっていた。

He had done more than all right.

all right (十分) [形] satisfactory or acceptable

彼は十分以上のことをしていた。

Of course I hadn't seen him drunk.

もちろん、私は彼が酔っ払っているのを見たことがなかった。

I didn't know what he would be like drunk.

彼が酔っ払ったらどうなるかは知らなかった。

I didn't even know that he was an alcoholic.

彼がアルコール依存症であることすら知らなかった。

There's a big difference.

大きな違いがある。

A man who drinks too much on occasion is still the same man as he was sober.

too much (飲みすぎる) [副] more than is necessary or desirable

occasion (時々) [名] a particular time or event

時々飲みすぎる人は、酔っていない時と同じ人だ。

An alcoholic, a real alcoholic, is not the same man at all.

アルコール依存症、本当のアルコール依存症は、全く同じ人ではない。

You can't predict anything about him for sure except that he will be someone you never met before.

predict (予測する) [動] say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something

彼が今まで会ったことのない人になることを除いて、彼について何も確実に予測することはできない。

Light steps sounded behind me and Eileen Wade came across the terrace and sat down beside me on the edge of a chaise.

come across (横切る) [動] meet or find by chance

私の後ろで軽い足音がして、アイリーン・ウェードがテラスを横切って私の横の長椅子の端に腰を下ろした。

“Well, what did you think?”

「それで、どう思った?」

she asked quietly.

彼女は静かに尋ねた。

“About the gentleman with the loose gloves?”

「手袋の緩んだ紳士について?」

“Oh no.” She frowned. Then she laughed.

「ああ、違うよ」彼女は眉をひそめた。それから笑った。

“I hate people who make stagy scenes like that.

「ああいう芝居がかった場面を作る人は嫌い。

Not that he isn't a fine doctor.

彼が優秀な医者ではないわけではない。

He has played that scene with half the men in the valley.

彼は谷の半分の男とあの場面を演じてきた。

Linda Loring is no tramp.

tramp (浮浪者) [名] a person who travels from place to place and has no permanent home

リンダ・ローリングは浮浪者ではない。

She doesn't look like one, talk like one, or behave like one.

talk like (話す) [動] to speak in the same way as someone or something

behave like (振る舞う) [動] to act in the same way as someone or something

彼女は浮浪者のように見えないし、話しもしないし、振る舞いもしない。

I don't know what makes Dr. Loring behave as if she was.”

ローリング博士がなぜ彼女がそうであるかのように振る舞うのかわからない。」

“Maybe he's a reformed drunk,” I said.

reformed (更生した) [形] having improved in behavior or condition

「彼は更生した酔っぱらいかもしれない」と私は言った。

“A lot of them grow pretty puritanical.”

grow (なる) [動] become

puritanical (厳格) [形] practicing or affecting strict religious or moral behavior

「彼らの多くはかなり厳格になる。」

“It's possible,” she said, and looked towards the lake.

look towards (の方を見る) [動] to turn one's eyes in the direction of something

「それはあり得る」と彼女は言い、湖の方を見た。

“This is a very peaceful place.

「ここはとても平和な場所だ。

One would think a writer would be happy here--if a writer is ever happy anywhere.”

作家がどこかで幸せになれるとしたら、ここなら幸せになれるだろうと思う。」

She turned to look at me.

彼女は私を振り返った。

“So you won't be persuaded to do what Roger asked.”

persuade (説得する) [動] cause someone to do something by reasoning with them or giving them reasons for doing it

「それで、あなたはロジャーが頼んだことをするよう説得されないのね。」

“There's no point in it, Mrs. Wade. Nothing I could do.

point (意味) [名] the purpose or meaning of something

I could do (私にできること) [動] I am able to do

「意味がないですよ、ウェードさん。私にできることは何もない。

I've said all this before.

私は前にこの全てを言った。

I couldn't be sure of being around at the right time.

be sure of (確信する) [動] to be certain about something

right time (適切な時間) [名] the most suitable time

私は適切な時間に周りにいることを確信できなかった。

I'd have to be around all the time.

私はいつも周りにいなければならない。

That's impossible, even if I had nothing else to do.

impossible (不可能) [形] not possible; unable to be, exist, happen, or be done

私に他に何もすることがなかったとしても、それは不可能だ。

If he went wild, for example, it would happen in a flash.

go wild (暴れだす) [動] become very excited or angry

for example (例えば) [副] used to introduce an example

in a flash (一瞬で) [副] very quickly

例えば、彼が暴れだしたら、それは一瞬で起こるだろう。

And I haven't seen any indications that he does get wild.

indication (兆候) [名] a sign or piece of information that indicates something

get wild (暴れる) [動] become wild or uncontrolled

そして、私は彼が暴れる兆候を見たことがない。

He seems pretty solid to me.”

solid (しっかりしている) [形] strong and stable in shape

彼は私にはかなりしっかりしているように見える。」

She looked down at her hands.

彼女は自分の手を見た。

“If he could finish his book, I think things would be much better.”

「彼が本を書き終えることができたら、状況はずっと良くなると思う。」

“I can't help him do that.”

「私は彼がそれをするのを手伝うことはできない。」

She looked up and put her hands on the edge of the chaise beside her.

彼女は見上げて、彼女の横にある長椅子の端に手を置いた。

She leaned forward a little.

彼女は少し前かがみになった。

“You can if he thinks you can.

「彼があなたができると思うなら、あなたはできる。

That's the whole point.

それが要点だ。

Is it that you would find it distasteful to be a guest in our house and be paid for it?”

あなたは私たちの家の客になって、その代金を受け取ることを不快に思うのでしょうか?」

“He needs a psychiatrist, Mrs. Wade.

psychiatrist (精神科医) [名] a medical practitioner specializing in psychiatry

「彼には精神科医が必要です、ウェード夫人。

If you know one that isn't a quack.”

インチキでない精神科医を知っているなら。」

She looked startled, “A psychiatrist? Why?”

startled (驚いた) [形] surprised or alarmed

彼女は驚いたように見えた、「精神科医? なぜ?」

I knocked the ashes out of my pipe and sat holding it, waiting for the bowl to get cooler before I put it away.

knock (落とす) [動] to cause to fall by striking

ash (灰) [名] the powdery residue left after a fire

私はパイプから灰を落とし、それを持ちながら座り、ボウルが冷めるのを待ってからそれを片付けた。

“You want an amateur opinion, here it is.

「素人の意見が欲しいなら、こうだ。

He thinks he has a secret buried in his mind and he can't get at it.

get at (思い出す) [動] to try to express something in a way that is not clear or direct

彼は自分の心の中に秘密が埋まっていると思っているが、それを思い出せない。

It may be a guilty secret about himself, it may be about someone else.

someone else (誰か他の人) [名] a person other than the speaker or the person being spoken to

それは自分自身に関する後ろめたい秘密かもしれないし、誰か他の人に関することかもしれない。

He thinks that's what makes him drink, because he can't get at this thing.

get at (思い出せない) [動] to try to express or understand something

彼はそれが彼を酒に走らせている原因だと思っている、なぜなら彼はそのことを思い出せないからだ。

He probably thinks that whatever happened, happened while he was drunk and he ought to find it wherever people go when they're drunk--really bad drunk, the way he gets.

彼はおそらく、何が起こったとしても、それは彼が酔っ払っている間に起こったと思っているし、人々が酔っ払ったときに行く場所ならどこででもそれを見つけられると思っているのだろう--彼がなるくらい、本当にひどく酔っ払ったときに。

That's a job for a psychiatrist.

それは精神科医の仕事だ。

So far, so good.

so far (ここまで) [副] to the extent or degree attained or indicated

so good (順調だ) [形] to a satisfactory degree

ここまでは順調だ。

If that is wrong, then he gets drunk because he wants to or can't help it, and the idea about the secret is just his excuse.

can't help it (仕方がない) [動] be unable to prevent or avoid something

もしそれが間違っているなら、彼は酔いたいから、あるいは酔わずにはいられないから酔っ払っていることになり、秘密についての考えはただの言い訳にすぎない。

He can't write his book, or anyway can't finish it.

book (著書) [名] a written or printed work consisting of pages bound together between two covers

彼は自分の著書を書くことができない、あるいはとにかく書き終えることができない。

Because he gets drunk.

彼は酔っ払うからだ。

That is, the assumption seems to be that he can't finish his book because he knocks himself out by drinking.

assumption (仮定) [名] a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

つまり、彼が酒を飲んで自分を打ち負かすので、彼は自分の著書を書き終えることができないという仮定があるようだ。

It could be the other way around.”

逆の可能性もある。」

“Oh no,” she said.

oh no (ああ、違うよ) [間] an expression of surprise or disappointment

「ああ、違うよ」と彼女は言った。

“No. Roger has a great deal of talent.

talent (才能) [名] a special natural ability or aptitude

「いいえ。ロジャーは才能に恵まれているよ。

I feel quite sure that his best work is still to come.”

feel quite sure (確信している) [動] to be certain about something

work (作品) [名] a product of effort, especially one that is creative

彼の最高の作品はまだこれからだと確信しているよ。」

“I told you it was an amateur opinion.

「素人の意見だと言ったでしょう。

You said the other morning that he might have fallen out of love with his wife.

あなたは先日、彼は妻を愛していなかったかもしれないと言ったよ。

That's something else that could go the other way around.”

go the other way around (逆の可能性もある) [動] to be the opposite of what is expected or usual

それは逆の可能性もあるよ。」

She looked towards the house, then turned so that she had her back to it.

have one's back to (を背にする) [動] be facing away from

彼女は家の方を見てから、家を背にして振り返った。

I looked the same way.

私も同じように見た。

Wade was standing inside the doors, looking out at us.

ウェードはドアの内側に立って、私たちを見ていた。

As I watched he moved behind the bar and reached for a bottle.

私が見ていると、彼はバーの後ろに移動してボトルに手を伸ばした。

“There's no use interfering,” she said quickly.

interfering (干渉する) [動] to get involved in something that is not your concern

「干渉しても無駄よ」と彼女は素早く言った。

“I never do. Never.

「私は絶対にしない。絶対に。

I suppose you're right, Mr. Marlowe.

あなたは正しいと思うよ、マーロウさん。

There just isn't anything to do but let him work it out of his system.”

彼が自分のシステムからそれを解決するのを許す以外に何もすることがない」

The pipe was cool now and I put it away.

cool (冷める) [動] become or cause to become less hot

パイプは冷めたので、私はそれを片付けた。

“Since we're groping around in the back of the drawer, how about that other way around?”

grope (探り回る) [動] feel about or search blindly or uncertainly

around (逆) [副] in the opposite direction

「引き出しの奥を探り回っているんだから、逆はどうだろう?」

“I love my husband,” she said simply.

「私は夫を愛している」と彼女は単純に言った。

“Not as a young girl loves, perhaps. But I love him.

「若い娘が愛するような愛ではないかもしれない。でも私は彼を愛している。

A woman is only a young girl once.

女性は一度しか若い娘にはなれない。

The man I loved then is dead.

私がその時愛した男性は死んだ。

He died in the war.

彼は戦争で死んだ。

His name, strangely enough, had the same initials as yours.

strangely enough (奇妙なことに) [副] in a way that is surprising or unusual

彼の名前は、奇妙なことに、あなたと同じイニシャルだった。

It doesn't matter now--except that sometimes I can't quite believe that he is dead.

今となっては問題ではないが、時々彼が死んだことが信じられないことがある。

His body was never found.

be never found (発見されない) [動] to not be discovered or located

彼の遺体は発見されなかった。

But that happened to many men.”

しかし、それは多くの男性に起こった。」

She gave me a long searching look.

searching (じっと見つめる) [形] examining or exploring something thoroughly

彼女は私を長い間じっと見つめた。

“Sometimes--not often, of course--when I go into a quiet cocktail lounge or the lobby of a good hotel at a dead hour, or along the deck of a liner early in the morning or very late at night, I think I may see him waiting for me in some shadowy corner.”

not often (頻繁ではない) [副] not frequently

cocktail lounge (カクテルラウンジ) [名] a bar that serves cocktails

dead hour (空いている時間) [名] a time when there are few people around

early in the morning (早朝) [名] the early part of the morning

「時々、もちろん頻繁ではないが、静かなカクテルラウンジや良いホテルのロビーに空いている時間に行ったり、早朝や夜遅くに定期船のデッキに沿って歩いたりすると、彼が影のある隅で私を待っているのを見かけるかもしれないと思う。」

She paused and dropped her eyes.

彼女は立ち止まり、目を伏せた。

“It's very silly.

「とても馬鹿げている。

I'm ashamed of it.

be ashamed of (恥ずかしく思う) [動] to feel shame or guilt about something

私はそれを恥ずかしく思っている。

We were very much in love--the wild, mysterious, improbable kind of love that never comes but once.”

in love (愛し合っている) [形] feeling a strong romantic or sexual attachment to someone

wild (野性的) [形] living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated

mysterious (神秘的) [形] having an unknown cause or origin

improbable (ありえない) [形] not likely to happen or be true

私たちはとても愛し合っていた--野性的で、神秘的で、ありえないような愛は一度しか訪れない。」

She stopped talking and sat there half in a trance looking out over the lake.

trance (トランス状態) [名] a deep hypnosis

彼女は話をやめて、半分トランス状態になって湖を見渡しながらそこに座っていた。

I looked back at the house again.

私は再び家を振り返った。

Wade was standing just inside the open french windows with a glass in his hand.

ウェードは開いたフランス窓のすぐ内側にグラスを持って立っていた。

I looked back at Eileen.

私はアイリーンを振り返った。

For her I wasn't there any more.

be not there (そこにいない) [動] be absent

彼女にとって私はもうそこにいなかった。

I got up and went into the house.

私は立ち上がって家に入った。

Wade stood there with the drink and the drink looked pretty heavy.

heavy (濃い) [形] having a large mass or weight

ウェードは飲み物を持ってそこに立っていたが、その飲み物はかなり濃そうだった。

And his eyes looked wrong.

そして彼の目はおかしく見えた。

“How you making out with my wife, Marlowe?”

make out (知り合う) [動] to understand or interpret

「私の妻とどうやって知り合ったんだ、マーロウ?」

It was said with a twist of the mouth.

それは口をひねって言われた。

“No passes, if you mean it that way.”

that way (そういう意味) [名] the manner or method in which something is done or happens

pass (誘惑) [名] an attempt to seduce someone sexually

「そういう意味なら、誘惑はしていない」

“That's exactly the way I mean it.

「まさにそういう意味だ。

You got to kiss her the other night.

the other night (先日) [名] a few days ago

先日彼女にキスしたな。

Probably fancy yourself as a fast worker, but you're wasting your time, bud.

fancy (思う) [動] to like or be attracted to

fast (早い) [形] done or occurring in a short time

worker (人間) [名] a person who works

bud (相棒) [名] a flower or leaf not yet fully developed

おそらく自分を仕事の早い人間だと思っているのだろうが、時間を無駄にしているだけだ、相棒。

Even if you had the right kind of polish.”

polish (洗練さ) [名] the quality of being smooth, shiny, or glossy

適切な種類の洗練さがあったとしても」

I tried to move around him but he blocked me with a solid shoulder.

solid (頑丈な) [形] strong and firm

私は彼の周りを移動しようとしたが、彼は頑丈な肩で私をブロックした。

“Don't hurry away, old man.

「急いで行かないで、おじさん。

We like you around.

君がここにいてくれるのは嬉しいんだ。

We get so few private dicks in our house.”

get (来る) [動] move or travel to a place

うちには私立探偵があまり来ないんだ」

“I'm the one too many,” I said.

too many (余計な) [形] more than is wanted or needed

「私は余計な一人だ」と私は言った。

He hoisted the glass and drank from it.

彼はグラスを持ち上げて飲んだ。

When he lowered it he leered at me.

lower (下ろす) [動] move something to a lower position

leer (横目で見る) [動] look or gaze in a sly, lascivious, or knowing manner

彼はグラスを下ろすと私を横目で見た。

“You ought to give yourself a little more time to build resistance,” I told him.

give (かける) [動] cause to have or receive

build (つける) [動] make or form by putting parts or material together over a period of time

resistance (抵抗力) [名] the ability not to be affected by something

「抵抗力をつけるにはもう少し時間をかけるべきだ」と私は彼に言った。

“Empty words, huh?”

「空虚な言葉か?」

“Okay, coach. Some little character builder, aren't you?

coach (コーチ) [名] a person who trains an individual or a team of people in sports

Some little (熱心な) [形] to a small extent

character builder (人格形成) [名] a person who helps others to develop their character

「分かった、コーチ。人格形成に熱心な方ですね。

You ought to have more sense than to try educating a drunk.

sense (分別) [名] a sane and realistic attitude to situations and problems

educate (教育する) [動] to teach or train someone, especially a child, in a school or college

酔っ払いを教育しようとするよりもっと分別を持つべきだ。

Drunks don't educate, my friend.

酔っ払いは教育されないよ、友よ。

They disintegrate. And part of the process is a lot of fun.”

disintegrate (崩壊する) [動] break up into small parts as a result of impact or decay

fun (楽しみ) [名] light-hearted pleasure; enjoyment; amusement

彼らは崩壊する。そしてその過程の一部はとても楽しいんだ。」

He drank from the glass again, leaving it nearly empty.

彼はグラスからまた飲み、ほとんど空にした。

“And part of it is damned awful.

damned (ひどく) [形] deserving strong condemnation

awful (恐ろしい) [形] extremely bad or serious

「そしてその一部はひどく恐ろしい。

But if I may quote the scintillating words of the good Dr. Loring, a bastardly bastard with a little black bag, stay away from my wife, Marlowe. Sure you go for her.

scintillating (きらめく) [形] sparkling or shining brightly

bastardly (ろくでなしの) [形] unpleasant or despicable

go for (惹かれる) [動] be attracted to

でも、小さな黒いバッグを持ったろくでなしのろくでなし、善良なローリング博士のきらめく言葉を引用させてもらうと、私の妻には近寄るな、マーロウ。確かに君は彼女に惹かれている。

They all do. You'd like to sleep with her.

sleep with (寝る) [動] have sex with

みんなそうさ。君は彼女と寝たいんだ。

They all would. You'd like to share her dreams and sniff the rose of her memories.

share (共有する) [動] have or use something at the same time as someone else

みんなそうさ。君は彼女の夢を共有し、彼女の記憶のバラを嗅ぎたいんだ。

Maybe I would too.

私もそうかもしれない。

But there is nothing to share, chum--nothing, nothing, nothing.

でも、共有するものは何もない、相棒--何もない、何もない、何もない。

You're all alone in the dark.”

all alone (一人ぼっち) [形] without any companions

君は暗闇の中で一人ぼっちだ」

He finished his drink and turned the glass upside down.

彼は飲み物を飲み干し、グラスを逆さまにした。

“Empty like that, Marlowe.

「こんな風に空っぽだ、マーロウ。

Nothing there at all.

そこには何もなかった。

I'm the guy that knows.”

私は知っている男だ」

He put the glass on the edge of the bar and walked stiffly to the foot of the stairs.

stiffly (ぎこちなく) [副] in a way that is not relaxed or natural

stair (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one level to another

彼はグラスをバーの端に置き、階段のふもとまでぎこちなく歩いた。

He made about a dozen steps up, holding on to the rail, and stopped and leaned against it.

make (上る) [動] move or travel in a specified direction

rail (手すり) [名] a bar or barrier made of wood or metal

彼は手すりをつかみながら12段ほど上り、立ち止まって手すりにもたれた。

He looked down at me with a sour grin.

彼は私を渋い笑顔で見下ろした。

“Forgive the corny sarcasm, Marlowe.

forgive (許す) [動] stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake

sarcasm (皮肉) [名] the use of irony to mock or convey contempt

「陳腐な皮肉を許してくれ、マーロウ。

You're a nice guy.

君はいいやつだ。

I wouldn't want anything to happen to you.”

君に何か起こってほしくないんだ」

“Anything like what?”

「何かってどんなこと?」

“Perhaps she didn't get around yet to that haunting magic of her first love, the guy that went missing in Norway.

get around (抜け出す) [動] to avoid or evade something

first love (初恋) [名] the first person that one loves romantically

go missing (行方不明になる) [動] to become lost or unaccounted for

「おそらく彼女はまだ初恋の魔法から抜け出せなかったんだ、ノルウェーで行方不明になった男の。

You wouldn't want to be missing, would you, chum?

君は行方不明になりたくないだろう、相棒?

You're my own special private eye.

君は私の特別な私立探偵だ。

You find me when I'm lost in the savage splendor of Sepulveda Canyon.”

lose (迷う) [動] fail to find one's way

savage (野生の) [形] fierce, violent, and uncontrolled

splendor (素晴らしさ) [名] the state or quality of being splendid; magnificence

私がセプルベダキャニオンの野生の素晴らしさに迷ったときに私を見つけてくれる。」

He moved the palm of his hand in a circular motion on the polished wood banister.

circular motion (円運動) [名] a motion in which an object moves in a circle

banister (手すり) [名] a railing beside a staircase

彼は磨かれた木製の手すりの上で手のひらを円を描くように動かした。

“It would hurt me to the quick if you got lost yourself.

quick (とても) [形] done or happening very fast

「君が迷子になったら私はとても傷つく。

Like that character who hitched up with the limeys.

hitch up (結婚する) [動] to get married

イギリス人と結婚したあの人みたいに。

He got so lost a man sometimes wonders if he ever existed.

get lost (迷子になる) [動] fail to find one's way

wonder (疑問に思う) [動] be curious or uncertain about something

彼は迷子になったので、彼が存在したかどうか疑問に思うことがある。

You figure she could have maybe just invented him to have a toy to play with?”

play with (遊ぶ) [動] to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation

彼女が彼をただの遊び道具として発明しただけかもしれないと思うか?」

“How would I know?”

「私が知るわけない」

He looked down at me.

彼は私を見下ろした。

There were deep lines between his eyes now and his mouth was twisted with bitterness.

line (線) [名] a long thin mark

twist (歪む) [動] to change the shape of something by turning or bending it

彼の目の間には深い線があり、口は苦々しく歪んでいた。

“How would anybody know?

「誰が知っているだろうか?

Maybe she don't know herself.

don't know (知らない) [動] be not aware of

彼女自身も知らないかもしれない。

Baby's tired.

赤ちゃんは疲れている。

Baby been playing too long with broken toys.

too long (長すぎる) [形] for a longer time than is usual or desirable

赤ちゃんは壊れたおもちゃで遊びすぎた。

Baby wants to go bye-bye.”

赤ちゃんはバイバイしたい」

He went on up the stairs.

彼は階段を上っていった。

I stood there until Candy came in and started tidying up around the bar, putting glasses on a tray, examining bottles to see what was left, paying no attention to me.

tidy up (片付ける) [動] make neat, clean, or orderly

examine (調べる) [動] inspect closely and thoroughly

私はキャンディが入ってきて、バーの周りを片付け始めるまでそこに立っていた。グラスをトレイに置き、ボトルを調べて何が残っているかを確認したが、私には注意を払わなかった。

Or so I thought.

thought (思った) [動] have a particular opinion, belief, or idea

あるいはそう思った。

Then he said: “Señor. One good drink left.

それから彼は言った。「セニョール。一杯だけ残っている。

Pity to waste him.”

彼を無駄にするのは残念だ。」

He held up a bottle.

hold up (持ち上げる) [動] to raise something to a higher position

彼はボトルを持ち上げた。

“You drink it.”

「飲んでくれ。」

“Gracias, señor, no me gusta.

Gracias (グラシアス) [名] thank you

no me gusta (ノ・メ・グスタ) [動] I don't like it

「グラシアス、セニョール、ノ・メ・グスタ。

Un vaso de Cerveza, no más.

Un vaso de Cerveza (ウン・バソ・デ・セルベザ) [名] a glass of beer

no más (ノ・マス) [副] no more

ウン・バソ・デ・セルベザ、ノ・マス。

A glass of beer is my limit.”

limit (限界) [名] the greatest amount that is allowed or possible

ビール一杯が私の限界です。」

“Wise man.”

「賢い。」

“One lush in the house is enough,” he said, staring at me.

「家にいる酔っぱらいは一人だけで十分だ」と彼は私を見つめながら言った。

“I speak good English, not?”

「私は英語が上手でしょう?」

“Sure, fine.”

「もちろん、いいよ。」

“But I think Spanish.

「でも私はスペイン語で考える。

Sometimes I think with a knife.

時々私はナイフで考える。

The boss is my guy.

ボスは私の仲間だ。

He don't need any help, hombre.

hombre (hombre) [名] a man

彼は助けを必要としていない、hombre。

I take care of him, see.”

私が彼の面倒を見ている、わかるか。」

“A great job you're doing, punk.”

「あなたは素晴らしい仕事をしているな、チンピラ。」

“Hijo de la flauta,” he said between his white teeth.

Hijo de la flauta (Hijo de la flauta) [名] a Spanish phrase meaning "son of a flute"

「Hijo de la flauta」と彼は白い歯の間から言った。

He picked up a loaded tray and swung it up on the edge of his shoulder and the flat of his hand, bus boy style.

loaded (いっぱいになった) [形] filled to capacity

bus boy (バスボーイ) [名] a person who clears tables in a restaurant

彼はいっぱいになったトレイを拾い上げ、バスボーイスタイルで肩の端と手の平の上にそれを乗せた。

I walked to the door and let myself out, wondering how an expression meaning 'son of a flute' had come to be an insult in Spanish.

let oneself out (自分で出る) [動] leave a place without being accompanied

expression (表現) [名] a word or phrase

flute (フルート) [名] a musical instrument in the woodwind family

私はドアまで歩いて行き、自分で外に出た。「フルートの息子」を意味する表現がスペイン語でどのように侮辱になったのか疑問に思った。

I didn't wonder very long.

wonder (考える) [動] be curious or doubtful about something

私はあまり長く考えなかった。

I had too many other things to wonder about.

他にも考えるべきことがたくさんあった。

Something more than alcohol was the matter with the Wade family.

ウェード家にはアルコール以上の何か問題があった。

Alcohol was no more than a disguised reaction.

no more than (...に過ぎない) [句] only; merely

disguised (偽装された) [形] altered so as to be unrecognizable

reaction (反応) [名] an action performed or a feeling experienced in response to a situation or event

アルコールは偽装された反応に過ぎなかった。

Later that night, between nine-thirty and ten, I called the Wades' number.

call (かける) [動] make a telephone call

その夜遅く、9時半から10時の間に、私はウェード家の番号に電話をかけた。

After eight rings I hung up, but I had only just taken my hand off the instrument when it started to ring me.

hang up (受話器を置く) [動] to end a phone call

instrument (受話器) [名] a device that produces musical sounds

8回鳴った後、私は受話器を置いたが、受話器から手を離した途端に電話が鳴り始めた。

It was Eileen Wade.

アイリーン・ウェードだった。

“Someone just rang here,” she said.

「誰かが今電話をかけてきたの」と彼女は言った。

“I had a sort of hunch it might be you.

have a hunch (直感する) [動] to have a feeling or guess about something without having all the facts

「あなたかもしれないと直感したの。

I was just getting ready to take a shower.”

take a shower (シャワーを浴びる) [動] wash oneself in a shower

シャワーを浴びようとしていたところよ」

“It was me, but it wasn't important, Mrs. Wade.

it was me (私ですが) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

it wasn't important (大したことではありません) [形] of great significance or value

「私ですが、大したことではありません、ウェードさん。

He seemed a little woolly-headed when I left--Roger did.

woolly-headed (頭がぼんやりした) [形] confused or unclear in thinking

私が去ったとき、彼は少し頭がぼんやりしているようだった。ロジャーは。

I guess maybe I feel a little responsibility for him by now.”

responsibility (責任) [名] the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone

彼に対して少し責任を感じているのかもしれない」

“He's quite all right,” she said.

「彼は大丈夫よ」と彼女は言った。

“Fast asleep in bed.

fast asleep (ぐっすり眠っている) [形] in a deep sleep

「ベッドでぐっすり眠っているよ。

I think Dr. Loring upset him more than he showed.

upset (動揺させる) [動] make someone unhappy, angry, or worried

more than (以上に) [前] to a greater extent than

show (表に出す) [動] to make something visible or noticeable

ローリング医師は彼が表に出す以上に彼を動揺させたと思う。

No doubt he talked a lot of nonsense to you.”

彼はあなたにたくさんのナンセンスを話したに違いない」

“He said he was tired and wanted to go to bed.

「彼は疲れたから寝たいと言ったよ。

Pretty sensible, I thought.”

かなり賢明だと思ったよ」

“If that is all he said, yes.

「それが彼が言った全てなら、そうね。

Well, goodnight and thank you for calling, Mr. Marlowe.”

では、おやすみなさい、電話をありがとう、マーロウさん」

“I didn't say it was all he said.

「それが彼が言った全てだとは言ってない。

I said he said it.”

彼がそう言ったと言ったんだ」

There was a pause, then: “Everyone gets fantastic ideas once in a while.

There was a pause (一瞬の沈黙の後) [名] a short period of silence

gets (思いつく) [動] receive or be given

ideas (アイデア) [名] a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action

一瞬の沈黙の後、「誰でも時々素晴らしいアイデアを思いつくものよ。

Don't take Roger too seriously, Mr. Marlowe.

ロジャーをあまり真面目に取らないで、マーロウさん。

After all, his imagination is rather highly developed.

imagination (想像力) [名] the ability to form new images and ideas in the mind

highly (かなり) [副] to a great degree or extent

develop (発達する) [動] grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate

結局のところ、彼の想像力はかなり発達しているのよ。

Naturally it would be.

naturally (当然) [副] in a natural manner

当然そうだろう。

He shouldn't have had anything to drink so soon after the last time.

so soon (そんなにすぐに) [副] very soon

彼は前回からそんなにすぐには何も飲むべきではなかった。

Please try to forget all about it.

どうかそのことは忘れてください。

I suppose he was rude to you among other things.”

彼はあなたにも失礼だったと思うよ。」

“He wasn't rude to me.

「彼は私には失礼ではなかった。

He made quite a lot of sense.

quite a lot (非常に) [副] to a very great degree or extent

彼は非常に理にかなっていた。

Your husband is a guy who can take a long hard look at himself and see what is there.

take a long hard look (じっくりと見つめる) [動] to examine or inspect something carefully and thoroughly

あなたの夫は、自分をじっくりと見つめ、そこに何があるかを見ることができる人です。

It's not a very common gift.

gift (才能) [名] a natural ability or talent

それはあまり一般的ではない才能だ。

Most people go through life using up half their energy trying to protect a dignity they never had.

go through (過ごす) [動] experience

ほとんどの人は、持ったこともない尊厳を守ろうとして、エネルギーの半分を使い果たして人生を送っている。

Goodnight, Mrs. Wade.”

おやすみなさい、ウェード夫人」

She hung up and I set out the chess board.

chess board (チェス盤) [名] a board used to play chess

彼女は電話を切り、私はチェス盤を出した。

I filled a pipe, paraded the chessmen and inspected them for French shaves and loose buttons, and played a championship tournament game between Gortchakoff and Meninkin, seventy-two moves to a draw, a prize specimen of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object, a battle without armor, a war without blood, and as elaborate a waste of human intelligence as you could find anywhere outside an advertising agency.

parade (並べる) [動] to walk or march in a formal way as part of a public celebration

inspect (調べる) [動] to look at or examine something carefully and thoroughly

championship (チャンピオンシップ) [名] a competition to find a champion

tournament (トーナメント) [名] a series of games or contests played to decide a winner

draw (引き分け) [名] a game or contest in which neither side wins

prize (好例) [名] something that is given as a reward

specimen (標本) [名] an example of something

irresistible (止められない) [形] too strong or too attractive to be resisted

force (力) [名] strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement

immovable (動かぬ) [形] not able to be moved

object (物体) [名] a material thing that can be seen and touched

battle (戦い) [名] a fight between two or more armed forces

armor (鎧) [名] a protective covering worn by a person or an animal

waste (無駄) [名] an unnecessary or wrong use of something

intelligence (知性) [名] the ability to learn, understand, and think in a logical way

advertising agency (広告代理店) [名] a company that creates and places advertisements for its clients

私はパイプに火を点け、チェスの駒を並べて、駒の底に傷がないか、ボタンが緩んでいないかを調べ、ゴルチャコフとメニンキンのチャンピオンシップトーナメントの試合を再現した。72手で引き分けとなったこの試合は、動かぬ物体と止められない力の出会い、鎧のない戦い、血のない戦争、そして広告代理店以外では見られないほど精巧な人間の知性の無駄遣いの好例である。

[25]

Nothing happened for a week except that I went about my business which just then didn't happen to be very much business.

go about (取り掛かる) [動] to busy oneself with

just then (そのとき) [副] at that particular time

一週間は何も起こらなかったが、私は自分の仕事に取り掛かったが、そのときはあまり仕事がなかった。

One morning George Peters of The Carne Organization called me up and told me he had happened to be down Sepulveda Canyon way and had looked in on Dr. Verringer's place just out of curiosity.

one morning (ある朝) [名] a morning

be down (下りる) [動] to move from a higher to a lower position

look in on (覗いてみる) [動] to visit someone or something briefly

ある朝、カーネ・オーガニゼーションのジョージ・ピーターズが電話をかけてきて、たまたまセプルベダ・キャニオンの道を下りていて、好奇心からヴェリンジャー博士の所を覗いてみたと言った。

But Dr. Verringer was no longer there.

しかし、ヴェリンジャー博士はもうそこにはいなかった。

Half a dozen teams of surveyors were mapping the tract for a subdivision.

team (チーム) [名] a group of people who work together

surveyor (測量士) [名] a person who surveys land

map (測量する) [動] to make a map of

半ダースの測量士チームが分譲地の測量をしていた。

Those he spoke to had never even heard of Dr. Verringer.

Those (相手) [名] the people or things that are referred to

hear of (聞いたことがある) [動] be aware of the existence of

彼が話した相手はヴェリンジャー博士のことを聞いたことがなかった。

“The poor sucker got closed out on a trust deed,” Peters said.

poor (哀れな) [形] lacking in money or material possessions

get closed out (閉め出される) [動] to be prevented from entering or participating in something

trust deed (信託証書) [名] a legal document that creates a trust

「哀れなカモは信託証書で閉め出されたんだ」とピーターズは言った。

“I checked. They gave him a grand for a quitclaim just to save time and expense, and now somebody is going to make a million bucks clear, out of cutting the place up for residential property.

give (支払う) [動] transfer something to someone

save (節約する) [動] avoid spending

million (百万) [名] a thousand thousand

clear (稼ぐ) [動] earn

cut (分割する) [動] divide into pieces

residential (住宅用) [形] used as a place to live in

「調べたんだ。彼らは時間と費用を節約するためだけに権利放棄証書に千ドルを支払い、今や誰かが住宅用に土地を分割して百万ドルを稼ごうとしている。

That's the difference between crime and business.

それが犯罪とビジネスの違いだ。

For business you gotta have capital.

capital (資本) [名] wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person or organization or available for a purpose such as starting a company or investing

ビジネスには資本が必要だ。

Sometimes I think it's the only difference.”

それが唯一の違いだと思う時がある」

“A properly cynical remark,” I said, “but big time crime takes capital too.”

remark (発言) [名] a comment or statement

big time (大規模な) [形] of great importance or significance

「実に皮肉な発言だ」と私は言った。「しかし大規模な犯罪にも資本が必要だ」

“And where does it come from, chum?

「そしてそれはどこから来るんだい、相棒?

Not from guys that hold up liquor stores.

hold up (襲う) [動] to rob a place, especially a bank, using a gun or other weapon

liquor store (酒屋) [名] a store that sells alcoholic beverages

酒屋を襲う奴らからじゃない。

So long.

さよなら。

See you soon.”

またね」

It was ten minutes to eleven on a Thursday night when Wade called me up.

ten minutes to eleven (11時10分) [名] the time 10 minutes before 11 o'clock

Thursday (木曜日) [名] the day of the week before Friday and following Wednesday

up (かける) [副] to a higher position or level

ウェードが私に電話をかけてきたのは木曜日の夜の11時10分だった。

His voice was thick, almost gurgling, but I recognized it somehow.

gurgle (ゴロゴロ) [動] make a bubbling sound

彼の声はかすれ、ほとんどゴロゴロとしていたが、私はなんとかそれを理解した。

And I could hear short hard rapid breathing over the telephone.

hard (激しい) [形] done with a great deal of force or strength

rapid (速い) [形] done or occurring with great speed or in a short space of time

そして、電話越しに短く激しく速い呼吸が聞こえた。

“I'm in bad shape, Marlowe. Very bad.

bad shape (ひどい状態) [名] a state of being in poor condition

very bad (とてもひどい) [形] extremely bad

「私はひどい状態だ、マーロウ。とてもひどい。

I'm slipping my anchor.

anchor (錨) [名] a heavy object attached to a ship or boat by a cable or chain and used to keep it in a particular place

私は錨を滑らせている。

Could you make it out here in a hurry?”

make it (来てくれ) [動] arrive or reach a place

hurry (急いで) [名] a state of urgency or haste

急いでここに来てくれないか?」

“Sure--but let me talk to Mrs. Wade a minute.”

「もちろん、でも少しウェード夫人と話させて」

He didn't answer.

彼は答えなかった。

There was a crashing sound, then a dead silence, then in a short while a kind of banging around.

crashing sound (壊れる音) [名] the sound of something breaking

dead silence (静まり返り) [名] a state of complete silence

a short while (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

banging around (ぶつかり合う音) [名] the sound of things hitting each other

何かが壊れる音がして、それから静まり返り、しばらくすると何かがぶつかり合う音がした。

I yelled something into the phone without getting any answer.

私は電話に向かって何か叫んだが返事はなかった。

Time passed.

時間が経った。

Finally the light click of the receiver being replaced and the buzz of an open line.

open line (回線) [名] a telephone line that is not in use

やがて受話器を置く軽い音と、回線が切れた音がした。

In five minutes I was on the way.

on the way (出発する) [動] to start a journey

5分後には私は出発していた。

I made it in slightly over half an hour and I still don't know how.

slightly over (強) [副] a little more than

30分強で着いたが、どうやって着いたのかわからない。

I went over the pass on wings and hit Ventura Boulevard with the light against me and made a left turn anyhow and dodged between trucks and generally made a damn fool of myself.

make a left turn (左折する) [動] to turn left

dodge (すり抜ける) [動] to move quickly to avoid something

make a fool of oneself (大馬鹿者になる) [動] to behave in a way that makes you look stupid

私は峠を飛び越え、信号が赤のヴェンチュラ大通りに突っ込み、とにかく左折してトラックの間をすり抜け、とにかく大馬鹿者になった。

I went through Encino at close to sixty with a spotlight on the outer edge of the parked cars so that it would freeze anyone with a notion to step out suddenly.

sixty (60) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of six and ten

spotlight (スポットライト) [名] a lamp that produces a narrow, intense beam of light

outer edge (外側の端) [名] the furthest point of something

parked car (駐車中の車) [名] a car that is not moving

私は時速60マイル近くでエンシノを通り抜け、駐車中の車の外側の端にスポットライトを当てて、突然飛び出そうとする人がいたら凍りつくようにした。

I had the kind of luck you only get when you don't care.

気にしない時にしか得られない幸運に恵まれた。

No cops, no sirens, no red flashers.

siren (サイレン) [名] a device that makes a loud, high-pitched sound as a signal or warning

flasher (閃光) [名] a device that produces a bright light for a short period of time

警官もサイレンも赤い閃光もなかった。

Just visions of what might be happening in the Wade residence and not very pleasant visions.

vision (ビジョン) [名] the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom

ウェード邸で起こっているかもしれないことのビジョンだけで、あまり楽しいビジョンではなかった。

She was alone in the house with a drunken maniac, she was lying at the bottom of the stairs with her neck broken, she was behind a locked door and somebody was howling outside and trying to break it in, she was running down a moonlit road barefoot and a big buck Negro with a meat cleaver was chasing her.

maniac (狂人) [名] a person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior

locked (鍵のかかった) [形] fastened or secured with a lock

howling (吠えながら) [動] to utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry

break (壊す) [動] to cause to come apart by force

running (走る) [動] to move at a speed faster than a walk

barefoot (裸足で) [形] having no shoes or socks on

Negro (黒人) [名] a member of a dark-skinned group of peoples originally native to Africa south of the Sahara

meat cleaver (肉切り包丁) [名] a large, heavy knife used for chopping through bone

chasing (追いかける) [動] to go after someone or something in order to catch or overtake them

彼女は酔っ払った狂人と一緒に家の中で一人ぼっちで、首を折って階段の下に横たわっていた、彼女は鍵のかかったドアの後ろにいて、誰かが外で吠えながらドアを壊そうとしていた、彼女は月明かりに照らされた道を裸足で走っていて、肉切り包丁を持った大きな黒人が彼女を追いかけていた。

It wasn't like that at all.

at all (全然) [副] to the slightest extent or degree; in the least

全然そんな風じゃなかった。

When I swung the Olds into their driveway lights were on all over the house and she was standing in the open doorway with a cigarette in her mouth.

swing (曲がる) [動] turn or cause to turn in a smooth, circular motion

all over (~中に) [前] throughout

私がオールズを彼らの私道に曲がったとき、家中に明かりが灯り、彼女は口にタバコをくわえて開いた戸口に立っていた。

I got out and walked over the flagstones to her.

flagstone (敷石) [名] a flat stone used for paving

私は車を降りて、敷石を歩いて彼女のところへ行った。

She had slacks on and a shirt with an open collar.

open collar (開襟) [名] a collar that is not buttoned at the neck

彼女はスラックスと開襟シャツを着ていた。

She looked at me calmly.

彼女は私を落ち着いて見つめた。

If there was any excitement around there I had brought it with me.

with me (私が) [代] I, myself

もしそこに何か興奮があったとしたら、それは私が持ってきたものだった。

The first thing I said was as loony as the rest of my behavior.

loony (狂っている) [形] extremely foolish or eccentric

behavior (行動) [名] the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others

私が最初に言ったことは、私の他の行動と同じくらい狂っていた。

“I thought you didn't smoke.”

「あなたはタバコを吸わないと思っていました」

“What? No, I don't usually.”

「何? いいえ、普段は吸いません」

She took the cigarette out and looked at it and dropped it and stepped on it.

彼女はタバコを取り出し、それを眺めて落とし、踏みつけた。

“Once in a long while.

「たまにね。

He called Dr. Verringer.”

彼はヴェリンジャー医師を呼んだ」

It was a remote placid voice, a voice heard at night over water.

placid (穏やかな) [形] free from disturbance or excitement

それは遠くから聞こえる穏やかな声、夜に水面から聞こえる声だった。

Completely relaxed.

relaxed (リラックスした) [形] free from tension or anxiety

完全にリラックスしていた。

“He couldn't,” I said.

「彼にはできなかった」と私は言った。

“Dr. Verringer doesn't live there any more. He called me.”

「ヴェリンジャー医師はもうそこに住んでいない。彼は私に電話した。」

“Oh really? I just heard him telephoning and asking someone to come in a hurry.

Oh really? (ああ、本当に?) [間] an expression of surprise or disbelief

telephone (電話をかける) [動] communicate with (someone) by telephone

「ああ、本当に? 彼が電話をかけ、誰かに急いで来るように頼んでいるのを聞いた。

I thought it must be Dr. Verringer.”

ヴェリンジャー医師に違いないと思った。」

“Where is he now?”

「彼は今どこにいる?」

“He fell down,” she said.

fall down (倒れる) [動] move suddenly and quickly from a higher to a lower position

「彼は倒れたの」と彼女は言った。

“He must have tipped the chair too far back.

tip (傾ける) [動] cause to be in a sloping position

「彼は椅子を後ろに傾けすぎたに違いない。

He's done it before.

彼は以前にもそうしたことがある。

He cut his head on something.

彼は何かに頭を切った。

There's a little blood, not much.”

少し血が出ているけど、あまり出ていない」

“Well, that's fine,” I said.

「それはよかった」と私は言った。

“We wouldn't want a whole lot of blood.

「あまり血が出るのは困る。

Where is he now, I asked you.”

彼は今どこにいるんだ、と私は尋ねた」

She looked at me solemnly.

solemnly (真面目な顔で) [副] in a serious and dignified manner

彼女は私を真面目な顔で見た。

Then she pointed.

それから彼女は指さした。

“Out there somewhere.

out there (あそこ) [副] in or to a place that is not near you

「あそこのどこか。

By the edge of the road or in the bushes along the fence.”

道の端かフェンス沿いの茂みの中」

I leaned forward and peered at her.

私は前かがみになって彼女をじっと見た。

“Chrissake, didn't you look?”

Chrissake (おい) [名] a mild oath

「おい、見なかったのか?」

I decided by this time that she was in shock.

by this time (この時点で) [名] at the present time; now

私はこの時点で彼女がショック状態にあると判断した。

Then I looked back across the lawn.

それから私は芝生を振り返った。

I didn't see anything but there was heavy shadow near the fence.

何も見えなかったが、塀の近くに濃い影があった。

“No, I didn't look,” she said quite calmly.

「いいえ、見なかったよ」と彼女は落ち着いて言った。

“You find him. I've had all of it I can take.

「彼を見つけて。私はもう我慢の限界だ。

I've had more than I can take.

私はもう我慢の限界を超えている。

You find him.”

彼を見つけて。」

She turned and walked back into the house, leaving the door open.

彼女は振り返って家に戻り、ドアを開けたままにした。

She didn't walk very far.

彼女はそう遠くまで歩かなかった。

About a yard inside the door she just crumpled to the floor and lay there.

about a yard (1ヤードほど) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

crumple (崩れ落ちる) [動] to become crushed or wrinkled

ドアから1ヤードほど入ったところで彼女は床に崩れ落ち、そこに横たわった。

I scooped her up and spread her out on one of the two big davenports that faced each other across a long blond cocktail table.

scoop (抱き上げる) [動] lift or pick up with a scooping movement

私は彼女を抱き上げ、長い金髪のカクテルテーブルを挟んで向かい合った2つの大きなソファの1つに彼女を広げた。

I felt her pulse.

私は彼女の脈を感じた。

It didn't seem very weak or unsteady.

unsteady (不安定な) [形] not firm or stable; shaky

あまり弱くも不安定にも見えなかった。

Her eyes were closed and the lids were blue.

lid (まぶた) [名] a movable cover for an opening

彼女の目は閉じられ、まぶたは青かった。

I left her there and went back out.

私は彼女をそこに残して、また出て行った。

He was there all right, just as she had said.

just as (ちょうど) [副] at the very moment that

彼は彼女が言った通りそこにいた。

He was lying on his side in the shadow of the hibiscus.

hibiscus (ハイビスカス) [名] a tropical plant with large, brightly colored flowers

彼はハイビスカスの影に横たわっていた。

He had a fast thumping pulse and his breathing was unnatural.

thumping (ドキドキする) [形] beating or striking heavily or loudly

彼の脈は速く、呼吸は不自然だった。

Something on the back of his head was sticky.

彼の頭の後ろの何かがべたべたしていた。

I spoke to him and shook him a little.

私は彼に話しかけ、少し揺さぶった。

I slapped his face a couple of times.

私は彼の顔を数回叩いた。

He mumbled but didn't come to.

come to (意識が戻る) [動] regain consciousness

彼は何かをつぶやいたが、意識は戻らなかった。

I dragged him up into a sitting position and dragged one of his arms over my shoulder and heaved him up with my back turned to him and grabbed for a leg.

heave (持ち上げる) [動] lift or move with great effort

私は彼を引きずって座らせ、彼の腕の1本を私の肩にかけ、彼に背を向けて彼を持ち上げ、脚をつかんだ。

I lost.

私は負けた。

He was as heavy as a block of cement.

cement (セメント) [名] a binder, a substance used in construction that sets and hardens and adheres to other materials to bind them together

彼はセメントのブロックのように重かった。

We both sat down on the grass and I took a short breather and tried again.

take a breather (息をつく) [動] stop doing something for a short time in order to relax

私たちは2人とも芝生に座り、私は少し息をついてからもう一度試みた。

Finally I got him hoisted into a fireman's lift position and plowed across the lawn in the direction of the open front door.

fireman (消防士) [名] a person who works to put out fires

position (位置) [名] the place where someone or something is

ついに私は彼を消防士の担ぎ上げの位置に持ち上げ、開いた玄関の方向に芝生を横切って進んだ。

It seemed about the same distance as a round trip to Siam.

round trip (往復) [名] a trip to a place and back again

Siam (シャム) [名] a country in Southeast Asia

シャムへの往復と同じくらいの距離に思えた。

The two steps of the porch were ten feet high.

foot (フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

ポーチの2段の階段は10フィートの高さだった。

I staggered over to the couch and went down on my knees and rolled him off.

stagger (よろよろと歩く) [動] walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

roll (転がす) [動] cause to move by turning over and over

私はよろよろとソファに近づき、膝をついて彼を転がした。

When I straightened up again my spine felt as if it had cracked in at least three places.

私が再び体を起こしたとき、背骨が少なくとも3か所でひびが入ったように感じた。

Eileen Wade wasn't there any more.

be not there (いない) [動] not be present

アイリーン・ウェードはもうそこにいなかった。

I had the room to myself.

私は部屋を独り占めした。

I was too bushed at the moment to care where anybody was.

be bushed (疲れ果てる) [動] to be very tired

私はその瞬間、誰がどこにいるか気にかけるには疲れすぎていた。

I sat down and looked at him and waited for some breath.

私は座って彼を見つめ、息が整うのを待った。

Then I looked at his head.

それから私は彼の頭を見た。

It was smeared with blood.

be smeared with (べっとりとついている) [動] to be covered with something sticky or greasy

血がべっとりとついていた。

His hair was sticky with it.

sticky (べたべた) [形] having a surface that is sticky or gluey

彼の髪は血でべたべただった。

It didn't look very bad but you never know with a head wound.

あまりひどそうには見えなかったが、頭の傷はわからないものだ。

Then Eileen Wade was standing beside me, quietly looking down at him with that same remote expression.

するとアイリーン・ウェードが私の横に立って、同じ遠くを見つめる表情で静かに彼を見下ろしていた。

“I'm sorry I fainted,” she said.

faint (気絶する) [動] lose consciousness temporarily

「気絶してしまってごめんなさい」と彼女は言った。

“I don't know why.”

「なぜかわからない」

“I guess we'd better call a doctor.”

「医者を呼んだ方がいいと思う」

“I telephoned Dr. Loring.

telephone (電話する) [動] to make a telephone call

「ローリング医師に電話した。

He is my doctor, you know.

you know (なのよ) [句] used to express that the speaker assumes that the listener knows something

彼は私の主治医なのよ。

He didn't want to come.”

彼は来たくないようだった」

“Try somebody else then.”

「それなら他の誰かに頼んでみたら」

“Oh he's coming,” she said.

「ああ、彼は来てくれるよ」と彼女は言った。

“He didn't want to.

「彼は来たくないようだった。

But he's coming as soon as he can manage.”

as soon as (できる限り早く) [副] at the earliest possible time

manage (できる) [動] be able to do something

でも、彼はできる限り早く来てくれるよ」

“Where's Candy?”

「キャンディはどこ?」

“This is his day off. Thursday.

day off (休み) [名] a day when you do not have to work

「今日は彼の休みよ。木曜日。

The cook and Candy have Thursdays off.

have off (休みである) [動] be absent from work or school

コックとキャンディは木曜日が休み。

It's the usual thing around here.

それがこの辺の普通のことよ。

Can you get him up to bed?”

彼をベッドに連れて行ってくれる?」

“Not without help.

「助けがなければ無理。

Better get a rug or blanket.

敷物か毛布を取って来たほうがいい。

It's a warm night, but cases like this get pneumonia very easily.”

pneumonia (肺炎) [名] a disease of the lungs characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue

今夜は暖かいが、こんな場合は簡単に肺炎になる」

She said she would get a rug.

彼女は敷物を取ってくると言った。

I thought it was damn nice of her.

私は彼女がとても親切だと思った。

But I wasn't thinking very intelligently.

intelligently (賢く) [副] in an intelligent manner

しかし、私はあまり賢く考えていなかった。

I was too bushed from carrying him.

私は彼を運んで疲れ果てていた。

We spread a steamer rug over him and in fifteen minutes Dr. Loring came, complete with starched collar and rimless cheaters and the expression of a man who has been asked to clean up after the dog got sick.

steamer rug (毛布) [名] a warm blanket

starched collar (糊のきいた襟) [名] a collar that has been starched

rimless cheaters (縁なしの老眼鏡) [名] eyeglasses without rims

私たちは彼に毛布をかけ、15分後にローリング医師が糊のきいた襟と縁なしの老眼鏡をかけて、犬が吐いた後始末を頼まれた男のような表情でやって来た。

He examined Wade's head.

彼はウェードの頭を診察した。

“A superficial cut and bruise,” he said.

cut (切り傷) [名] a break in the skin

bruise (打撲傷) [名] an injury in which the skin is not broken but is discolored by a blow or impact

「表面的な切り傷と打撲傷だ」と彼は言った。

“No chance of concussion.

concussion (脳震盪) [名] a head injury that has temporary effects in brain functions

「脳震盪の可能性はない。

I should say his breath would indicate his condition rather obviously.”

indicate (示す) [動] be a sign of; be an indication of

彼の息が彼の状態をかなり明らかに示していると言えるだろう。」

He reached for his hat.

彼は帽子に手を伸ばした。

He picked up his bag.

彼はバッグを拾い上げた。

“Keep him warm,” he said.

「彼を暖かくしておいてください」と彼は言った。

“You might bathe his head gently and get rid of the blood.

bathe (洗う) [動] wash or clean with water

「彼の頭を優しく洗って血を落としてもいいでしょう。

He'll sleep it off.”

off (忘れる) [副] no longer on or in contact with something

彼は眠ってそれを忘れるでしょう」

“I can't get him upstairs alone, Doctor,” I said.

「彼を一人で二階に連れて行くことはできません、先生」と私は言った。

“Then leave him where he is.”

「それなら彼をそのままにしておいてください」

He looked at me without interest.

彼は私を興味なさそうに見た。

“Goodnight, Mrs. Wade.

「おやすみなさい、ウェード夫人。

As you know I don't treat alcoholics.

as you know (ご存知の通り) [句] used to introduce a statement that is already known by the listener

treat (診る) [動] to give medical care to

ご存知の通り、私はアルコール依存症は診ません。

Even if I did, your husband would not be one of my patients.

one of (1人) [名] a member of a group

診たとしても、あなたの夫は私の患者にはなりません。

I'm sure you understand that.”

あなたはそれを理解しているでしょう。」

“Nobody's asking you to treat him,” I said.

「誰も彼を診るように頼んでいません」と私は言った。

“I'm asking for some help to get him into his bedroom so that I can undress him.”

undress (服を脱がす) [動] take off the clothes of

「彼を寝室に連れて行き、服を脱がせるのに手伝って欲しいのです。」

“And just who are you?”

「あなたは一体誰ですか?」

Dr. Loring asked me freezingly.

ローリング医師は冷たく私に尋ねた。

“My name's Marlowe.

「私の名前はマーロウです。

I was here a week ago.

a week ago (一週間前) [名] seven days before the present time

一週間前にここに来ました。

Your wife introduced me.”

奥様が紹介してくださいました。」

“Interesting,” he said.

「面白い」と彼は言った。

“In what connection do you know my wife?”

「どんな関係で私の妻を知っているんだ?」

“What the hell does that matter? All I want is--”

「それが一体何の関係があるんだ? 私が欲しいのはただ--」

“I'm not interested in what you want,” he cut in on me.

cut in on (遮る) [動] to interrupt someone who is speaking

「あなたが欲しいものには興味がない」と彼は私の言葉を遮った。

He turned to Eileen, nodded briefly, and started out.

彼はアイリーンの方を向き、軽く会釈して、歩き出した。

I got between him and the door and put my back to it.

get between (割って入る) [動] to come or go between two people or things

put one's back to (背を向ける) [動] to turn away from someone or something

私は彼とドアの間に割って入り、ドアに背を向けた。

“Just a minute, Doc. Must be a long time since you glanced at that little piece of prose called the Hippocratic Oath.

Must be (だろう) [助] used to express a strong belief that something is true or that something will happen

a long time (随分と昔) [名] a period of time that is long

that little piece of prose (あの短い散文) [名] a short piece of writing that is not poetry

called (と呼ばれる) [動] to give a name to

the Hippocratic Oath (ヒポクラテスの誓い) [名] an oath historically taken by physicians

「ちょっと待って、先生。ヒポクラテスの誓いと呼ばれるあの短い散文をちらっと見たのは随分と昔のことだろう。

This man called me on the phone and I live some way off.

この男が電話をかけてきて、私は少し離れたところに住んでいる。

He sounded bad and I broke every traffic law in the state getting over here.

traffic law (交通法規) [名] a law regulating traffic

彼は具合が悪そうだったので、私はここへ来るまで州の交通法規をすべて破った。

I found him lying on the ground and I carried him in here and believe me he isn't any bunch of feathers.

feather (羽) [名] one of the light appendages growing from a bird's skin

彼が地面に横たわっているのを見つけて、私は彼をここへ運び込んだが、彼は決して軽くはない。

The houseboy is away and there's nobody here to help me upstairs with Wade.

be away (留守である) [動] not be present

ボーイは留守で、ウェードを二階に運ぶのを手伝ってくれる人がいない。

How does it look to you?”

あなたにはどのように見えますか?」

“Get out of my way,” he said between his teeth.

get out of (どく) [動] move away from

「どけ」と彼は歯の間から言った。

“Or I shall call the sheriff's substation and have them send over a deputy.

sheriff (保安官) [名] a law enforcement officer with less authority than a police officer

substation (事務所) [名] a small local police station

send (よこす) [動] to cause to go or be taken to a destination; to dispatch

「さもないと保安官事務所に電話して、代理人をよこさせる。

As a professional man--”

professional (プロ) [名] a person who is paid to play a sport or game

プロとして」

“As a professional man you're a handful of flea dirt,” I said, and moved out of his way.

move out of (どく) [動] to leave a place

「プロとしてあなたはノミの糞のひと握りにもならない」と私は言って、彼の道からどいた。

He turned red--slowly but distinctly.

turn red (赤くなる) [動] to become red

distinctly (はっきりと) [副] in a clear and definite way

彼は赤くなった。ゆっくりと、しかしはっきりと。

He choked on his own bile.

彼は自分の胆汁でむせた。

Then he opened the door and went out.

それから彼はドアを開けて出て行った。

He shut it carefully.

彼はそれを注意深く閉めた。

As he pulled it shut he looked in at me.

彼はそれを閉めながら私を見た。

It was as nasty a look as I ever got and on as nasty a face as I ever saw.

それは私が今までに受けた中で最も不快な視線であり、私が今までに見た中で最も不快な顔だった。

When I turned away from the door Eileen was smiling.

turn away (離れる) [動] move or cause to move in a different direction

私がドアから離れるとアイリーンは微笑んでいた。

“What's funny?”

「何が面白いんだ?」

I snarled.

私は唸った。

“You. You don't care what you say to people, do you?

「あなたは人に何を言うか気にしないのね?

Don't you know who Dr. Loring is?”

ローリング医師が誰か知らないの?」

“Yeah--and I know what he is.”

what (何者) [名] the thing that is or that is meant or referred to

「ああ、そして彼が何者かも知っている」

She glanced at her wrist watch.

彼女は腕時計をちらっと見た。

“Candy ought to be home by now,” she said.

be home (帰宅している) [動] be in one's own home

by now (もう) [副] before the present time; already

「キャンディはもう帰宅しているはず」と彼女は言った。

“I'll go see. He has a room behind the garage.”

「見に行ってみよう。彼はガレージの裏に部屋を持っている」

She went out through an archway and I sat down and looked at Wade.

彼女はアーチをくぐって出て行き、私は座ってウェードを見やった。

The great big writer man went on snoring.

snoring (いびきをかく) [動] breathe noisily during sleep

偉大な作家は相変わらずいびきをかいていた。

His face was sweaty but I left the rug over him.

sweaty (汗ばんだ) [形] covered with or soaked with sweat

彼の顔は汗ばんでいたが、私は彼の上に敷物をかけたままにした。

In a minute or two Eileen came back and she had Candy with her.

a minute or two (1、2分) [名] a short period of time

have (連れてくる) [動] cause to come with oneself

1、2分するとアイリーンが戻ってきて、キャンディを連れてきた。

[26]

The Mex had a black and white checked sport shirt, heavily pleated black slacks without a belt, two-tone black and white buckskin shoes, spotlessly clean.

Mex (メキシコ人) [名] a Mexican

sport shirt (スポーツシャツ) [名] a shirt that is designed to be worn for sports

heavily (ひどく) [副] to a great degree

pleat (ひだ) [名] a fold in a garment or other item

black slacks (黒いスラックス) [名] a pair of trousers

two-tone (ツートンカラー) [形] having two colors

black and white (黒と白) [形] of the color that is the opposite of white

buckskin (バックスキン) [名] a soft leather made from the skin of a deer

メキシコ人は黒と白のチェックのスポーツシャツ、ベルトのないひだの多い黒いスラックス、黒と白のツートンカラーのバックスキンの靴を履いていて、しみ一つなくきれいだった。

His thick black hair was brushed straight back and shining with some kind of hair oil or cream.

brush (撫でつける) [動] move or cause to move lightly and gently

straight (後ろ) [形] not bent or curved

hair oil (ヘアオイル) [名] a cosmetic product applied to the hair to improve its appearance

彼の濃い黒髪は後ろに撫でつけられていて、何かのヘアオイルかクリームで輝いていた。

“Señor,” he said, and sketched a brief sarcastic bow.

「セニョール」と彼は言い、短く皮肉っぽいお辞儀をした。

“Help Mr. Marlowe carry my husband upstairs, Candy.

「キャンディ、マーロウさんに夫を二階に運ぶのを手伝って。

He fell and hurt himself a little.

fall (転ぶ) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

彼は転んで少し怪我をしたの。

I'm sorry to trouble you.”

ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません」

“De nada, señora,” Candy said smiling.

De nada (デ・ナダ) [名] you're welcome

señora (セニョーラ) [名] a Spanish word for a married woman

「デ・ナダ、セニョーラ」とキャンディは笑顔で言った。

“I think I'll say goodnight,” she said to me.

say goodnight (おやすみなさい) [動] a phrase used to express a farewell in the evening

「おやすみなさい」と彼女は私に言った。

“I'm tired out. Candy will get you anything you want.”

be tired out (疲れた) [動] to be exhausted

get (持ってくる) [動] to obtain or receive

「疲れたよ。キャンディが欲しいものを何でも持ってくるよ」

She went slowly up the stairs.

彼女はゆっくりと階段を上っていった。

Candy and I watched her.

キャンディと私は彼女を見送った。

“Some doll,” he said confidentially.

doll (いい女) [名] a pretty girl

confidentially (内緒話のように) [副] in a confidential manner

「いい女だ」と彼は内緒話のように言った。

“You stay the night?”

stay the night (泊まる) [動] to sleep somewhere for one night

「泊まるの?」

“Hardly.”

hardly (ほとんど) [副] almost not at all; barely

「ほとんど」

“Es lástima. She is very lonely, that one.”

Es lástima (残念だ) [句] it's a pity

「残念だ。彼女はとても孤独だ」

“Get that gleam out of your eyes, kid.

「そんな目で見るんじゃない。

Let's put this to bed.”

これを寝かせよう」

He looked sadly at Wade snoring on the couch.

彼はソファでイビキをかいているウェードを悲しそうに見た。

“Pobrecito,” he murmured as if he meant it.

Pobrecito (かわいそうに) [名] poor little thing

murmur (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

「かわいそうに」彼はそうつぶやいた。

“Borracho como una cuba.”

borracho (酔っ払い) [名] a person who is drunk

como (として) [前] in the manner of

una (1つの) [冠] the number one

「酔っ払い」

“He may be drunk as a sow but he sure ain't little,” I said.

sow (雌豚) [名] an adult female pig

「彼は酔っ払っているかもしれないが、小さくはない」と私は言った。

“You take the feet.”

feet (足) [名] the end of the leg on which a person or animal stands or walks

「足を持って」

We carried him and even for two he was as heavy as a lead coffin.

coffin (棺桶) [名] a box in which a dead person is buried

私たちは彼を運んだが、二人がかりでも彼は鉛の棺桶のように重かった。

At the top of the stairs we went along an open balcony past a closed door.

balcony (バルコニー) [名] a platform with a railing that projects from the wall of a building, typically at an upper level

closed (閉じた) [形] not open

階段の一番上で、私たちは閉じたドアを通り過ぎて開いたバルコニーに沿って進んだ。

Candy pointed to it with his chin.

キャンディは顎でそれを指さした。

“La señora,” he whispered.

señora (奥様) [名] a married woman

「奥様」彼はささやいた。

“You knock very light maybe she let you in.”

「とても軽くノックすれば、彼女はあなたを入れてくれるかもしれない」

I didn't say anything because I needed him.

私は彼が必要だったので何も言わなかった。

We went on with the carcass and turned in at another door and dumped him on the bed.

carcass (死体) [名] the dead body of an animal

dump (放り投げる) [動] throw or drop something in a careless or violent way

私たちは死体を運び続け、別のドアから入って彼をベッドに放り投げた。

Then I took hold of Candy's arm high up near the shoulder where dug-in fingers can hurt.

それから私はキャンディの腕を肩の近くの指を食い込ませると痛い部分をつかんだ。

I made mine hurt him.

私は彼を傷つけた。

He winced a little and then his face set hard.

wince (顔をしかめる) [動] to make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body, as from pain or embarrassment

set (固める) [動] to make or become hard or solid

彼は少し顔をしかめたが、すぐに顔を固くした。

“What's your name, cholo?”

cholo (チョロ) [名] a Mexican-American youth who is a member of a street gang

「あなたの名前はなんだ、チョロ?」

“Take your hand off me,” he snapped.

「手を離せ」と彼は言った。

“And don't call me a cholo. I'm no wetback.

wetback (不法移民) [名] a Mexican who enters the U.S. illegally

「それに私をチョロと呼ぶな。私は不法移民じゃない。

My name is Juan Garcia de Soto yo Soto-mayor.

Juan Garcia de Soto yo Soto-mayor (フアン・ガルシア・デ・ソト・ヨ・ソトマヨル) [名] a Spanish name

私の名前はフアン・ガルシア・デ・ソト・ヨ・ソトマヨルだ。

I am Chileno.”

Chileno (チリ人) [名] a person from Chile

私はチリ人だ」

“Okay, Don Juan. Just don't get out of line around here.

Don Juan (ドン・ファン) [名] a legendary Spanish nobleman and libertine

「分かった、ドン・ファン。ただ、この辺りで羽目を外さないように。

Keep your nose and mouth clean when you talk about the people you work for.”

雇い主の話をするときの口の利き方に気をつけろ」

He jerked loose and stepped back, his black eyes hot with anger.

hot (燃える) [形] having a high degree of heat or a high temperature

彼はぐいと振りほどいて後ろに下がり、黒い目は怒りで燃えていた。

His hand slipped inside his shirt and came out with a long thin knife.

彼の手はシャツの中へ滑り込み、長く細いナイフを持って出てきた。

He balanced it by the point on the heel of his hand, hardly even glancing at it.

balance (支える) [動] keep or put (something) in a steady position

彼はほとんどナイフを見ることなく、手のひらの付け根でナイフの先端を支えた。

Then he dropped the hand and caught the handle of the knife while it hung in the air.

それから彼は手を下ろし、ナイフが空中に浮かんでいる間に柄をつかんだ。

It was done very fast and without any apparent effort.

effort (努力) [名] a vigorous or determined attempt

それはとても素早く、何の努力もせずに行われた。

His hand went up to shoulder height, then snapped forward and the knife sailed through the air and hung quivering in the wood of the window frame.

snap (投げ出す) [動] move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

sail (舞う) [動] move smoothly and quickly through the air

quiver (震える) [動] shake or tremble slightly

彼の手は肩の高さまで上がり、それから前方に投げ出され、ナイフは空中を舞い、窓枠の木に震えながら刺さった。

“Cuidado, señor!” he said with a sharp sneer.

Cuidado (気をつけろ) [名] care

「気をつけろ、旦那」彼は鋭く冷笑しながら言った。

“And keep your paws to yourself.

paw (手) [名] the foot of an animal with claws

「そして、自分の手は自分で守れ。

Nobody fools with me.”

with (で) [前] used to indicate the instrument or means by which an action is performed

誰も私を馬鹿にすることはできない」

He walked lithely across the room and plucked the knife out of the wood, tossed it in the air, spun on his toes and caught it behind him.

catch (キャッチする) [動] intercept and hold (something which is thrown, propelled, or dropped)

彼はしなやかに部屋を横切り、木からナイフを抜き取り、空中に放り投げ、つま先で回転して後ろでキャッチした。

With a snap it disappeared under his shirt.

with a snap (パチンと音を立てて) [副] quickly and suddenly

パチンと音を立てて、それは彼のシャツの下に消えた。

“Neat,” I said, “but just a little on the gaudy side.”

neat (素敵だ) [形] tidy, organized, and clean

gaudy (派手すぎる) [形] excessively bright or showy

「素敵だ」と私は言った。「でも、ちょっと派手すぎるかな」

He strolled up to me smiling derisively.

derisively (嘲笑しながら) [副] in a scornfully humorous manner

彼は嘲笑しながら私のところまで歩いてきた。

“And it might get you a broken elbow,” I said.

「そして、肘を折られるかもしれない」と私は言った。

“Like this.”

like this (こんな風に) [副] in this manner

「こんな風に」

I took hold of his right wrist, jerked him off balance, swung to one side and a little behind him, and brought my bent forearm up under the back of his elbow joint.

right wrist (右手首) [名] the joint connecting the hand and arm

bent (曲げた) [形] having an angle or curve

forearm (前腕) [名] the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist

elbow joint (肘関節) [名] the joint connecting the upper and lower arm

私は彼の右手首を掴み、バランスを崩させ、彼の横に回り込み、少し後ろに回り、曲げた前腕を彼の肘関節の後ろに当てた。

I bore down on it, using my forearm as a fulcrum.

bore down (押し下げる) [動] to exert downward pressure

fulcrum (支点) [名] the point on which a lever pivots

私は前腕を支点にして、それを押し下げた。

“One hard jerk,” I said, “and your elbow joint cracks.

joint (関節) [名] a point of connection between two or more bones

「強く引っ張れば」と私は言った。「肘関節が折れる。

A crack is enough.

折れれば十分だ。

You'd be out of commission as a knife thrower for several months.

be out of commission (できなくなる) [動] be not in working order

thrower (投げ) [名] a person who throws something

several months (数ヶ月) [名] a period of time

ナイフ投げは数ヶ月できなくなる。

Make the jerk a little harder and you'd be through permanently.

もっと強く引っ張れば、永久にできなくなる。

Take Mr. Wade's shoes off.”

shoe (靴) [名] an item of footwear with a sole and an upper part that covers the foot and ankle

ウェード氏の靴を脱がせろ」

I let go of him and he grinned at me.

私は彼を放し、彼は私にニヤリと笑った。

“Good trick,” he said.

trick (技) [名] a clever or skillful act or performance

「いい技だ」と彼は言った。

“I will remember.”

「覚えておく」

He turned to Wade and reached for one of his shoes, then stopped.

彼はウェードに向き直り、彼の靴の片方に手を伸ばしたが、そこで止まった。

There was a smear of blood on the pillow.

smear (血痕) [名] a mark or stain of something

枕に血痕があった。

“Who cut the boss?”

「誰がボスを切ったんだ?」

“Not me, chum. He fell and cut his head on something.

「私じゃない、相棒。彼は転んで頭を何かにぶつけた。

It's only a shallow cut.

浅い切り傷だけだ。

The doctor has been here.”

医者が来たよ」

Candy let his breath out slowly.

let (吐く) [動] allow or enable to do something

キャンディはゆっくりと息を吐いた。

“You see him fall?”

「彼が落ちたのを見たのか?」

“Before I got here.

「私がここに来る前に。

You like this guy, don't you?”

君はこの男が好きなんだね?」

He didn't answer me.

彼は私に答えなかった。

He took the shoes off.

彼は靴を脱いだ。

We got Wade undressed little by little and Candy dug out a pair of green and silver pajamas.

little by little (少しずつ) [副] gradually; slowly

dig out (掘り出す) [動] to find or obtain something with difficulty

私たちは少しずつウェードの服を脱がせ、キャンディは緑と銀のパジャマを掘り出した。

We got Wade into those and got him inside the bed and well covered up.

get (着せる) [動] cause to be in a certain state

私たちはウェードにそれを着せ、ベッドに入れて、よく覆った。

He was still sweaty and still snoring.

彼はまだ汗をかいて、いびきをかいていた。

Candy looked down at him sadly, shaking his sleek head from side to side, slowly.

sleek (なめらかな) [形] smooth and glossy

キャンディは悲しそうに彼を見下ろし、なめらかな頭をゆっくりと左右に振った。

“Somebody's got to take care of him,” he said.

「誰かが彼の面倒を見なければならない」と彼は言った。

“I go change my clothes.”

「着替えてくる」

“Get some sleep. I'll take care of him.

get some sleep (少し寝ろ) [動] sleep for a short period of time

「少し寝ろ。私が彼の面倒を見る。

I can call you if I need you.”

必要なら電話する」

He faced me.

彼は私と向き合った。

“You better take care of him good,” he said in a quiet voice.

「彼の面倒をよく見ろ」と彼は静かな声で言った。

“Very good.”

「とても良い」

He went out of the room.

彼は部屋から出て行った。

I went into the bathroom and got a wet washcloth and a heavy towel.

私は浴室に入り、濡れた手ぬぐいと厚手のタオルを手に入れた。

I turned Wade over a little and spread the towel on the pillow and washed the blood off his head gently so as not to start the bleeding again.

wash off (洗い流す) [動] remove by washing

私はウェードを少しひっくり返し、枕にタオルを広げ、再び出血しないように優しく頭から血を洗い流した。

Then I could see a sharp shallow cut about two inches long.

それから私は約2インチの長さの鋭い浅い切り傷を見ることができた。

It was nothing.

大したことではなかった。

Dr. Loring had been right that much.

ローリング博士はその点では正しかった。

It wouldn't have hurt to stitch it but it probably was not really necessary.

stitch (縫う) [動] make or repair (something) with stitches

縫っても痛くなかっただろうが、おそらく本当に必要ではなかった。

I found a pair of scissors and cut the hair away enough so that I could put on a strip of adhesive.

pair of scissors (はさみ) [名] a tool with two blades used to cut or trim

adhesive (接着剤) [名] a sticky substance that bonds items together

私ははさみを見つけて、接着剤のストリップを貼ることができるように十分に髪を切った。

Then I turned him on his back and washed his face.

それから私は彼を仰向けにして顔を洗った。

I guess that was a mistake.

それは間違いだったと思う。

He opened his eyes.

彼は目を開けた。

They were vague and unfocused at first, then they cleared and he saw me standing beside the bed.

unfocused (焦点が合っていない) [形] not focused

clear (はっきりする) [動] become free of clouds, mist, or rain

最初はぼんやりとして焦点が合っていなかったが、その後はっきりしてきて、彼は私がベッドの横に立っているのを見た。

His hand moved and went up to his head and felt the adhesive.

彼の手は動き、頭に上がって接着剤を感じた。

His lips mumbled something, then his voice cleared up also.

mumble (口ごもる) [動] say something indistinctly

彼の唇は何かを口ごもった後、声もはっきりした。

“Who hit me? You?”

「誰が私を殴った? あなた?」

His hand felt for the adhesive.

feel for (探す) [動] try to find something by touching

彼の手は接着剤を探した。

“Nobody hit you. You took a fall.”

take a fall (転ぶ) [動] fall down

「誰も殴っていない。転んだんだ。」

“Took a fall? When? Where?”

「転んだ? いつ? どこで?」

“Wherever you telephoned from. You called me.

「電話をかけた場所で。電話をかけたのは君だ。

I heard you fall.

君が倒れる音が聞こえた。

Over the wire.”

over the wire (電話で) [名] by telephone

電話で」

“I called you?”

「私が電話をかけた?」

He grinned slowly.

彼はゆっくりとニヤリと笑った。

“Always available, aren't you, fella?

available (暇な) [形] able to be used or obtained

fella (相棒) [名] a man or boy

「いつも暇なんだろ、なあ、相棒?

What time is it?”

今何時?」

“After one a.m.”

「午前1時過ぎ」

“Where's Eileen?”

「アイリーンは?」

“Gone to bed. She had it rough.”

「寝た。彼女は大変だった」

He thought that over silently.

彼は黙って考えた。

His eyes were full of pain.

be full of (満ちている) [動] to be filled with something

彼の目は痛みに満ちていた。

“Did I--”

did (した) [助] used in questions and negative statements

「私は・・・」

He stopped and winced.

彼は立ち止まり、顔をしかめた。

“You didn't touch her as far as I know.

as far as I know (私の知る限り) [副] to the extent of my knowledge

「私の知る限り、あなたは彼女に触れませんでした。

If that's what you mean.

それがあなたの言いたいことなら。

You just wandered outdoors and passed out near the fence.

wander (さまよう) [動] move about or go to a place aimlessly or unsystematically

outdoors (屋外) [名] all of the area that is not inside a building

あなたはただ屋外をさまよい、塀の近くで気を失っただけです。

Quit talking.

話すのはやめろ。

Go to sleep.”

go to sleep (寝る) [動] rest with the eyes closed

寝ろ」

“Sleep,” he said quietly and slowly, like a child reciting its lesson.

recite (暗唱する) [動] repeat aloud from memory

「眠れ」と彼は子供が教科書を暗唱するように静かにゆっくりと言った。

“What would that be?”

「それは何だろう?」

“Maybe a pill would help. Got any?”

pill (薬) [名] a small round mass of solid medicine intended to be swallowed whole

help (効く) [動] be of use to

「薬が効くかもしれない。何か持っているか?」

“In the drawer. Night table.”

「引き出しの中。ナイトテーブル。」

I opened it and found a plastic bottle with red capsules in it.

bottle (瓶) [名] a container with a neck and mouth that is typically used to hold liquids

capsule (カプセル) [名] a small container made of gelatine or plastic that contains a drug or other substance

私はそれを開けて、赤いカプセルの入ったプラスチックの瓶を見つけた。

Seconal, 11⁄2 grains.

Seconal (セコナル) [名] a barbiturate used as a sedative

grain (粒) [名] a small, hard, roundish seed of a cereal

セコナル、11⁄2粒。

Prescription by Dr. Loring.

ローリング医師の処方箋。

That nice Dr. Loring.

あの親切なローリング医師。

Mrs. Roger Wade's prescription.

ロジャー・ウェード夫人の処方箋。

I shook two of them loose and put the bottle back and poured a glass of water from a thermos jug on the night table.

私はそのうちの二錠を振り落として瓶を元に戻し、ナイトテーブルの魔法瓶からコップ一杯の水を注いだ。

He said one capsule would be enough.

彼は一錠で十分だと言った。

He took it and drank some water and lay back and stared at the ceiling again.

lay (横になる) [動] be in or move into a horizontal position

彼はそれを飲み、水を飲み、横になって再び天井を見つめた。

Time passed.

時間が経った。

I sat in a chair and watched him.

私は椅子に座って彼を見た。

He didn't seem to get sleepy.

get sleepy (眠くなる) [動] to become tired and ready to sleep

彼は眠くならないようだった。

Then he said slowly:

それから彼はゆっくりと言った。

“I remember something.

「何かを思い出した。

Do me a favor, Marlowe.

頼みがあるんだ、マーロウ。

I wrote some crazy stuff I don't want Eileen to see.

アイリーンには見られたくない狂ったことを書いたんだ。

It's on top of the typewriter under the cover.

on top of (上に) [前] on the upper surface of

タイプライターの上のカバーの下にある。

Tear it up for me.

tear up (破る) [動] to rip or cut something into pieces

破っておいてくれ。

“Sure. That all you remember?”

「もちろん。覚えているのはそれだけか?」

“Eileen is all right?

「アイリーンは大丈夫か?

Positive about that?”

positive (間違いない) [形] having or showing a good opinion of someone or something

間違いないか?」

“Yes. She's just tired.

yes (ああ) [間] used to express assent or agreement

「ああ。ただ疲れているだけだ。

Let it ride, Wade.

そのままにしておけ、ウェード。

Stop thinking.

考えるのをやめろ。

I shouldn't have asked you.”

shouldn't (すべきではない) [助] should not

君に聞くべきではなかった」

“Stop thinking, the man says.”

「考えるのをやめろ、と男は言う」

His voice was a little drowsy now.

drowsy (眠そう) [形] sleepy or tired

彼の声は今や少し眠そうだった。

He was talking as if to himself.

to oneself (独り言) [名] the act of talking to oneself

彼は独り言を言っているようだった。

“Stop thinking, stop dreaming, stop loving, stop hating.

thinking (考える) [動] direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas

dreaming (夢を見る) [動] have a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

loving (愛する) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for

hating (憎む) [動] feel intense or passionate dislike for

「考えるのをやめろ、夢を見るのをやめろ、愛するのをやめろ、憎むのをやめろ。

Goodnight, sweet prince.

goodnight (おやすみ) [間] a farewell said at night

prince (王子様) [名] a male member of a royal family other than the king

おやすみ、優しい王子様。

I'll take that other pill.”

もう一つの薬を飲もう」

I gave it to him with some more water.

私は彼にそれをもう少しの水と一緒に与えた。

He lay back again, this time with his head turned so that he could see me.

lay back (横になる) [動] to lie down in a relaxed way

this time (今度は) [名] on this occasion

彼は再び横になったが、今度は私を見ることができるように頭を向けた。

“Look, Marlowe, I wrote some stuff I don't want Eileen--”

「ほら、マーロウ、アイリーンには見られたくないものを書いたんだ」

“You told me already.

「もう言ったよ。

I'll attend to it when you go to sleep.”

attend to (出席する) [動] to be present at

あなたが寝たら、私はそれに出席します。」

“Oh. Thanks. Nice to have you around. Very nice.”

「ああ、ありがとう。君が近くにいてくれてよかった。とてもよかった。」

Another longish pause.

longish (長い) [形] somewhat long

再び長い沈黙。

His eyelids were getting heavy.

eyelid (まぶた) [名] either of the two movable folds of skin and muscle that cover the front of the eyeball

彼のまぶたは重くなってきた。

“Ever kill a man, Marlowe?”

「人を殺したことがあるか、マーロウ?」

“Yes.”

「ある。」

“Nasty feeling, isn't it?”

isn't it (だろう) [助] used in speech to turn a statement into a yes-no question

「嫌な気分だろう?」

“Some people like it.”

「それを好む人もいる。」

His eyes went shut all the way.

彼の目は完全に閉じられた。

Then they opened again, but they looked vague.

それから再び開いたが、ぼんやりとしていた。

“How could they?”

「どうして?」

I didn't answer.

私は答えなかった。

The eyelids came down again, very gradually, like a slow curtain in the theater.

gradually (ゆっくりと) [副] in a gradual manner

theater (劇場) [名] a building or area for dramatic performances and a motion-picture house

まぶたは、劇場のゆっくりとしたカーテンのように、とてもゆっくりと再び下がった。

He began to snore.

彼はいびきをかき始めた。

I waited a little longer.

a little longer (もう少し) [副] for a short time more

私はもう少し待った。

Then I dimmed the light in the room and went out.

それから私は部屋の明かりを暗くして出て行った。

[27]

I stopped outside Eileen's door and listened.

私はアイリーンのドアの外で立ち止まり、耳を澄ました。

I didn't hear any sound of movement inside, so I didn't knock.

中からの動きの音は聞こえなかったので、私はノックしなかった。

If she wanted to know how he was, it was up to her.

be up to (次第だ) [動] to be dependent on or decided by someone or something

彼の様子を知りたければ、彼女次第だ。

Downstairs the living room looked bright and empty.

階下のリビングルームは明るく空っぽに見えた。

I put out some of the lights.

私はいくつかの明かりを消した。

From over near the front door I looked up at the balcony.

玄関の近くからバルコニーを見上げた。

The middle part of the living room rose to the full height of the house walls and was crossed by open beams that also supported the balcony.

middle part (真ん中の部分) [名] the part of something that is in the middle

full height (全高) [名] the total height of something

house wall (家の壁) [名] a wall of a house

cross (交差する) [動] go across

open beam (むき出しの梁) [名] a beam that is not covered

support (支える) [動] give assistance to, or be in favor of

居間の真ん中の部分は家の壁の全高まで高くなっており、バルコニーを支えるむき出しの梁が交差していた。

The balcony was wide and edged on two sides by a solid railing which looked to be about three and a half feet high.

バルコニーは広く、両側に高さ約3.5フィートほどある頑丈な手すりがあった。

The top and the uprights were cut square to match the cross beams.

upright (支柱) [名] a vertical post or support

cross beam (横梁) [名] a horizontal beam that crosses a vertical beam

上部と支柱は横梁に合わせて四角く切られていた。

The dining room was through a square arch closed off by double louvered doors.

dining room (食堂) [名] a room where people eat

arch (アーチ) [名] a curved structure that spans an opening and is supported only at its ends

close off (閉ざす) [動] to block or bar access to

louvered door (ルーバードア) [名] a door with horizontal slats that can be opened and closed to control the amount of light or air that passes through

食堂は、二重のルーバードアで閉ざされた四角いアーチをくぐった先にあった。

Above it I guessed there were servants' quarters.

above (上に) [前] in or to a higher place or position

その上には使用人の部屋があるのだろうと推測した。

This part of the second floor was walled off so there would be another stairway reaching it from the kitchen part of the house.

wall off (壁で仕切る) [動] to separate or divide with a wall

stairway (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one level to another

二階のこの部分は壁で仕切られていたので、家の台所部分からそこに通じる別の階段があるはずだった。

Wade's room was in the corner over his study.

Wade's room (ウェードの部屋) [名] the room where Wade lives

be in the corner (角にある) [動] be located in the corner

over his study (書斎の上) [前] on top of the study

ウェードの部屋は書斎の上の角にあった。

I could see the light from his open door reflected against the high ceiling and I could see the top foot of his doorway.

reflect (反射する) [動] throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it

foot (部分) [名] the end of the leg below the ankle joint, on which a person stands or walks

彼の開いたドアからの光が高い天井に反射しているのが見え、彼の戸口の上の部分も見えた。

I cut all the lights except in one standing lamp and crossed to the study.

cross (向かう) [動] go or move across or to the other side of

study (書斎) [名] a room in a house used for reading, writing, or studying

私はスタンドランプを一つ残してすべての明かりを消し、書斎に向かった。

The door was shut but two lamps were lit, a standing lamp at the end of the leather couch and a cowled desk lamp.

shut (閉まる) [動] move into a closed position

ドアは閉まっていたが、革張りのソファの端にあるスタンドランプとカウル付きのデスクランプの二つのランプが点灯していた。

The typewriter was on a heavy stand under this and beside it on the desk there was a disorderly mess of yellow paper.

stand (台) [名] a piece of furniture with a flat top and usually four legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working at

disorderly (乱雑な) [形] lacking order or regularity

タイプライターはその下の重い台の上にあり、その横の机の上には黄色い紙が乱雑に散らばっていた。

I sat in a padded chair and studied the layout.

padded (クッション付きの) [形] having a layer of soft material added for comfort or protection

layout (レイアウト) [名] the way in which the parts of something are arranged

私はクッション付きの椅子に座り、レイアウトを調べた。

What I wanted to know was how he had cut his head.

私が知りたかったのは、彼がどうやって頭を切ったのかということだった。

I sat in his desk chair with the phone at my left hand.

私は彼の机の椅子に座り、左手に電話を置いた。

The spring was set very weak.

spring (バネ) [名] a device that can be pressed or pulled and that returns to its original shape when released

set (設定する) [動] put into a specified state

バネは非常に弱く設定されていた。

If I tilted back and went over, my head might have caught the corner of the desk.

tilt (傾く) [動] move or cause to move into a sloping position

go over (倒れる) [動] fall or cause to fall to the ground

catch (引っかかる) [動] get stuck or trapped

私が後ろに傾いて倒れた場合、私の頭が机の角に引っかかったかもしれない。

I moistened my handkerchief and rubbed the wood.

私はハンカチを湿らせて木をこすった。

No blood, nothing there.

血も何もなかった。

There was a lot of stuff on the desk, including a row of books between bronze elephants, and an old-fashioned square glass inkwell.

stuff (物) [名] the substance or material of which something is made or consists

bronze (青銅) [名] an alloy of copper and tin

inkwell (インク壺) [名] a small pot into which ink is poured for use with a pen

机の上には、青銅の象の間に並んだ本や、昔ながらの四角いガラス製のインク壺など、たくさんの物があった。

I tried that without result.

私はそれを試したが結果は出なかった。

Not much point to it anyway, because if someone else had slugged him, the weapon didn't have to be in the room.

not much point (あまり意味はない) [名] not a lot of reason or purpose

いずれにせよ、あまり意味はない。なぜなら、もし誰かが彼を殴ったとしても、武器が部屋にある必要はない。

And there wasn't anyone else to do it.

そして、それをする人は他にいなかった。

I stood up and switched on the cornice lights.

cornice light (コーニスライト) [名] a light that is mounted on a cornice

私は立ち上がって、コーニスライトをつけました。

They reached into the shadowy corners and of course the answer was simple enough after all.

彼らは影の隅々にまで手を伸ばし、結局のところ答えは十分に単純だった。

A square metal wastebasket was lying on its side over against the wall, with paper spilled.

metal (金属製の) [形] made of metal

over against (寄りかかって) [前] in or into a position opposite to

spill (散らばっている) [動] cause or allow (liquid) to flow over the edge of its container, especially accidentally

四角い金属製のゴミ箱が壁に寄りかかって横倒しになっていて、紙が散らばっていた。

It couldn't have walked there, so it had been thrown or kicked.

そこまで歩いて行けるはずがないので、投げられるか蹴られたかだ。

I tried its sharp comers with my moistened handkerchief.

私は湿らせたハンカチでその鋭い角を試した。

I got the red-brown smear of blood this time.

red-brown (赤茶色) [形] of a color intermediate between red and brown

今度は赤茶色の血痕が付いた。

No mystery at all.

全く謎ではない。

Wade had fallen over and struck his head on the sharp corner of the wastebasket--a glancing blow most likely--picked himself up and booted the damn thing across the room.

fall over (転ぶ) [動] to fall to the ground

strike (ぶつける) [動] to hit or come into contact with something in a forceful way

boot (蹴り飛ばす) [動] to kick something hard

ウェードは転んで頭をゴミ箱の鋭い角にぶつけたのだーおそらく掠り傷だろうー起き上がってその忌々しいものを部屋の向こう側に蹴り飛ばしたのだ。

Easy.

簡単だ。

Then he would have another quick drink.

それから彼はまた一杯飲むだろう。

The drinking liquor was on the cocktail table in front of the couch.

drinking liquor (酒) [名] an alcoholic beverage

cocktail table (コーヒーテーブル) [名] a low table used in front of a sofa

酒はソファの前のコーヒーテーブルの上にあった。

An empty bottle, another three quarters full, a thermos jug of water and a silver bowl containing water which had been ice cubes.

three quarters (四分の三) [名] a fraction equal to three divided by four

thermos jug (魔法瓶) [名] a vacuum flask

silver bowl (銀のボウル) [名] a bowl made of silver

ice cube (氷) [名] a small block of ice

空のボトル、四分の三ほど残ったボトル、水の入った魔法瓶、氷が溶けた水の入った銀のボウル。

There was only one glass and it was the large economy size.

only (一つだけ) [形] no more than; solely

economy (エコノミー) [名] the large-scale production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

グラスは一つだけで、それは大きなエコノミーサイズだった。

Having taken his drink he felt a little better.

酒を飲んで彼は少し気分が良くなった。

He noticed the phone off the hook in a bleary sort of way and very likely didn't remember any more what he had been doing with it.

off the hook (外れている) [形] not in its proper place

bleary (ぼんやりした) [形] not clear or bright

very likely (おそらく) [副] almost certainly

do with (~する) [動] have to do with; be connected with

彼はぼんやりと受話器が外れているのに気づいたが、おそらくもうそれで何をしていたのか覚えていなかった。

So he just walked across and put it back in its cradle.

walk across (歩いて行く) [動] walk from one side of something to the other

cradle (元の場所) [名] a support or a frame for holding something

だから彼はただ歩いて行き、それを元の場所に戻した。

The time had been just about right.

be just about right (ちょうどよい) [動] be very close to the desired or required quality or standard

時間はちょうどよかった。

There is something compulsive about a telephone.

compulsive (強迫的) [形] resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain manner

電話には何か強迫的なものがある。

The gadget-ridden man of our age loves it, loathes it, and is afraid of it.

gadget-ridden (機械に支配された) [形] full of gadgets

loathe (嫌う) [動] feel intense dislike or disgust for

be afraid of (恐れる) [動] be frightened of

機械に支配された現代人は電話を愛し、嫌い、恐れている。

But he always treats it with respect, even when he is drunk.

しかし、酔っ払っている時でさえ、彼はいつも電話を敬意を持って扱う。

The telephone is a fetish.

fetish (呪物) [名] an object that is believed to have magical powers

電話は呪物だ。

Any normal man would have said hello into the mouthpiece before hanging up, just to be sure.

mouthpiece (受話器) [名] the part of a telephone into which a person speaks

just to be sure (念のため) [副] to be certain or to make certain

普通の人なら、念のため、受話器にハローと言ってから電話を切るだろう。

But not necessarily a man who was bleary with drink and had just taken a fall.

しかし、酒でぼんやりしていて、転んだばかりの男なら、必ずしもそうではない。

It didn't matter anyhow.

anyhow (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case; anyway

いずれにせよ、それは問題ではなかった。

His wife might have done it, she might have heard the fall and the bang as the wastebasket bounced against the wall and come into the study.

bounce (跳ね返る) [動] move quickly up, down, or from side to side

彼の妻がそうしたのかもしれないし、彼女は転倒音とゴミ箱が壁に当たって跳ね返った音を聞いて書斎に入ってきたのかもしれない。

About that time the last drink would kick him in the face and he would stagger out of the house and across the front lawn and pass out where I had found him.

about that time (その頃には) [名] at about that time

front lawn (前庭) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house

その頃には最後の一杯が彼の顔を蹴り、彼は家からよろめき出て、前庭を横切り、私が彼を見つけた場所で気を失ったのだろう。

Somebody was coming for him.

誰かが彼を迎えに来ていた。

By this time he didn't know who it was.

by this time (この時までには) [副] at this time

この時までには彼はそれが誰かを知らなかった。

Maybe the good Dr. Verringer.

もしかしたら善良なヴェリンジャー博士かもしれない。

So far, so good.

ここまでは順調だ。

So what would his wife do?

では彼の妻は何をするだろうか?

She couldn't handle him or reason with him and she might well be afraid to try.

reason (議論する) [動] to talk about something in a logical way

be afraid (恐れている) [動] to be scared or frightened

彼女は彼を扱うことも彼と議論することもできなかったし、試みることを恐れているかもしれない。

So she would call somebody to come and help.

だから彼女は誰かに電話して助けを求めるだろう。

The servants were out, so it would have to be by the telephone.

使用人は外出していたから、電話で呼ぶしかない。

Well, she had called somebody.

彼女は誰かに電話したのだ。

She had called that nice Dr. Loring.

nice (感じのいい) [形] pleasant; agreeable; delightful

彼女はあの感じのいいローリング医師に電話したのだ。

I'd just assumed she called him after I got there.

私は彼女が私が着いた後に彼に電話したのだと思っていた。

She hadn't said so.

彼女はそうは言わなかった。

From here on it didn't quite add up.

from here on (ここから先) [名] the time from now on

add up (わかる) [動] make sense; be consistent

ここから先はよくわからない。

You'd expect her to look for him and find him and make sure he wasn't hurt.

彼女が彼を探して見つけ、彼が怪我をしていないか確認すると思うだろう。

It wouldn't hurt him to lie out on the ground on a warm summer night for a while.

lie out (横たわる) [動] be in a horizontal position

暖かい夏の夜にしばらく地面に横たわっていても彼は怪我をしないだろう。

She couldn't move him.

彼女は彼を動かすことができなかった。

It had taken all I had to do that.

take (尽くす) [動] use up or consume

それをするのに全力を尽くした。

But you wouldn't quite expect to find her standing in the open doorway smoking a cigarette, not knowing except very vaguely where he was.

しかし、彼女が開いた戸口に立ってタバコを吸い、彼がどこにいるか非常に漠然としか知らないのを見つけることはあまり期待できないだろう。

Or would you?

would (期待する) [助] used to express a polite request

あるいは期待するだろうか?

I didn't know what she had been through with him, how dangerous he was in that condition, how much afraid she might be to go near him.

私は彼女が彼と何を経験してきたのか、彼がその状態でどれほど危険だったのか、彼女が彼に近づくことをどれほど恐れているのかを知らなかった。

“I've had all of it I can take,” she had said to me when I arrived.

have all of it (耐えられるだけ耐えてきた) [動] to have experienced or endured something to the fullest extent

「私は耐えられるだけ耐えてきた」と彼女は私が到着した時に言った。

“You find him.”

「彼を見つけて」

Then she had gone inside and pulled a faint.

pull a faint (気を失う) [動] lose consciousness

それから彼女は中に入って気を失った。

It still bothered me, but I had to leave it at that.

at that (それで) [副] in addition to that; on top of that

それはまだ私を悩ませたが、私はそれをそのままにしなければならなかった。

I had to assume that when she had been up against the situation often enough to know there was nothing she could do about it except to let it ride, then that would be what she would do.

be up against (直面する) [動] to be in a difficult situation

often enough (十分な頻度で) [副] frequently enough

let it ride (乗り越える) [動] to allow something to continue without interference

would be (だろう) [助] a polite way of making a request

私は彼女がその状況に直面した時、彼女がそれを乗り越える以外に何もできないことを知るのに十分な頻度で直面していたと仮定しなければならなかった。

Just that.

ただそれだけだ。

Let it ride.

ride (乗り越える) [動] travel on a vehicle

乗り越えろ。

Let him lie out there on the ground until somebody came around with the physical equipment to handle him.

physical (物理的な) [形] relating to physics or the laws of physics

equipment (機器) [名] the set of tools or other items that are used for a particular purpose

誰かが彼を扱うための物理的な機器を持って来るまで、彼を地面に寝かせておこう。

It still bothered me.

それでも気になった。

It bothered me also that she had checked out and gone into her own room while Candy and I got him upstairs to bed.

go into (戻る) [動] to enter or go inside

キャンディと私が彼を二階のベッドに連れて行った時に、彼女がチェックアウトして自分の部屋に戻ったことも気になった。

She said she loved the guy.

彼女は彼を愛していると言っていた。

He was her husband, they had been married for five years, he was a very nice guy indeed when sober--those were her own words.

own words (彼女自身の言葉) [名] the words that someone said

彼は彼女の夫で、結婚して5年になるが、酔っていない時は本当にいい人だ、というのが彼女自身の言葉だった。

Drunk, he was something else, something to stay away from because he was dangerous.

something else (別人) [名] a different person

stay away from (近寄らない) [動] not go near or approach

酔うと別人になって、危険だから近寄らない方がいい、とも。

All right, forget it.

いいよ、忘れろ。

But somehow it still bothered me.

だが、それでも気になった。

If she was really scared, she wouldn't have been standing there in the open door smoking a cigarette.

be scared (怖がる) [動] to be afraid of something

open door (ドアを開ける) [動] to move a door so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

smoke a cigarette (タバコを吸う) [動] to inhale and exhale the smoke of a cigarette

本当に怖がっているのなら、ドアを開けてタバコを吸いながら立っているはずがない。

If she was just bitter and withdrawn and disgusted, she wouldn't have fainted.

bitter (苦々しい) [形] having a sharp, strong taste

withdrawn (内向的) [形] shy and not willing to talk to other people

disgusted (嫌悪感を抱いている) [形] feeling a strong dislike for something

彼女がただ苦々しく、内向的で、嫌悪感を抱いているだけなら、気絶することはなかっただろう。

There was something else.

something else (何か他のもの) [名] an unspecified or unknown thing

何か他のものがあった。

Another woman, perhaps.

おそらく別の女性だ。

Then she had only just found out.

彼女はつい先ほど知ったのだ。

Linda Loring? Maybe.

リンダ・ローリング? もしかしたら。

Dr. Loring thought so and said so in a very public manner.

think so (そう考える) [動] to have the opinion that something is true or likely

in a very public manner (公然と) [副] in a way that is known or seen by many people

ローリング医師はそう考え、公然とそう言った。

I stopped thinking about it and took the cover off the typewriter.

take (外す) [動] remove something from a place

私はそれについて考えるのをやめ、タイプライターのカバーを外した。

The stuff was there, several loose sheets of typed yellow paper that I was supposed to destroy so Eileen wouldn't see them.

sheet (枚) [名] a large, thin, flat piece of paper

typed (タイプされた) [形] produced with a typewriter

destroy (破棄する) [動] cause (something) to cease to exist or be in a usable condition

そこには、アイリーンの目に触れないように私が破棄することになっていた、タイプされた黄色い紙が数枚あった。

I took them over to the couch and decided I deserved a drink to go with the reading matter.

deserve (価値がある) [動] be worthy of

go with (一緒に) [動] be in harmony or agreement with

reading matter (読むもの) [名] something to read

私はそれらをソファに持っていき、読むものと一緒に飲み物を飲む価値があると決めた。

There was a half bath off the study.

half bath (半分浴室) [名] a bathroom with a toilet and sink but no shower or bathtub

off (外に) [前] away from; at a distance from

書斎の外に半分浴室があった。

I rinsed the tall glass out and poured a libation and sat down with it to read.

rinse (洗う) [動] wash with water

libation (酒) [名] an alcoholic drink

私は背の高いグラスを洗い、酒を注ぎ、それをもって座って読んだ。

And what I read was really wild.

wild (ワイルド) [形] not controlled or restricted

そして、私が読んだものは本当にワイルドだった。

Like this:

こんな感じだ。

[28]

The moon's four days off the full and there's a square patch of moonlight on the wall and it's looking at me like a big blind milky eye, a wall eye.

moon (月) [名] the natural satellite of the earth

four days (4日) [名] a period of four days

full (満月) [名] the phase of the moon when it is fully illuminated

patch (差し) [名] a small area of something

moonlight (月明かり) [名] the light of the moon

blind (盲目の) [形] unable to see

milky (乳白色の) [形] resembling milk in color

wall eye (壁の目) [名] an eye with a white or light-colored iris

月は満月まであと4日で、壁には四角い月明かりが差し、大きな盲目の乳白色の目、壁の目のように私を見ている。

Joke.

joke (ジョーク) [名] something said or done to cause laughter

ジョークだ。

Goddam silly simile.

simile (比喩) [名] a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike

くだらない比喩だ。

Writers. Everything has to be like something else.

everything (何もかも) [名] all that exists; all that is included in a group or category

作家ってのは、何もかも何かに似せなくちゃいけないんだ。

My head is as fluffy as whipped cream but not as sweet.

fluffy (ふわふわした) [形] having a lot of small feathers, hairs, or fibers

whipped cream (ホイップクリーム) [名] cream that has been beaten with a whisk or mixer until it becomes light and fluffy

頭の中はホイップクリームのようにふわふわしているが、甘くはない。

More similes.

もっと比喩だ。

I could vomit just thinking about the lousy racket.

lousy (ひどい) [形] very bad or unpleasant

あのひどい騒ぎを思い出すだけで吐き気がする。

I could vomit anyway.

とにかく吐き気がする。

I probably will.

おそらく吐くだろう。

Don't push me.

私をせかさないで。

Give me time.

give (ちょうだい) [動] transfer possession of something to someone

時間をちょうだい。

The worms in my solar plexus crawl and crawl and crawl.

私のみぞおちの虫が這い回り、這い回り、這い回る。

I would be better off in bed but there would be a dark animal underneath the bed and the dark animal would crawl around rustling and hump himself and bump the underside of the bed, then I would let out a yell that wouldn't make any sound except to me.

be better off (ましである) [動] to be in a better situation

underneath (下に) [前] below or beneath something

rustle (ガサガサ) [動] to make a light, dry, rubbing sound

hump (背を丸める) [動] to bend or arch the back

yell (叫び声) [名] a loud, sharp cry

make (上げる) [動] to cause to exist or happen

ベッドに横になった方がましだろうが、ベッドの下に黒い動物がいて、その黒い動物がガサガサと這い回り、背を丸めてベッドの下側にぶつかり、私は自分以外には聞こえない叫び声を上げるだろう。

A dream yell, a yell in a nightmare.

夢の叫び、悪夢の叫び。

There is nothing to be afraid of and I am not afraid because there is nothing to be afraid of, but just the same I was lying like that once in bed and the dark animal was doing it to me, bumping himself against the underside of the bed, and I had an orgasm.

be lying (横たわっている) [動] be in a horizontal position

orgasm (オーガズム) [名] the climax of sexual excitement

恐れるものは何もない、恐れるものが何もないから私は恐れていない、しかし同じように私はかつてベッドに横たわっていて、黒い動物がベッドの下側にぶつかって私にそれをしていて、私はオーガズムを感じた。

That disgusted me more than any other of the nasty things I have done.

disgust (嫌な気分にさせる) [動] to cause a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval

それは私がした他のどんな嫌なことよりも私を嫌な気分にさせた。

I'm dirty. I need a shave. My hands are shaking.

私は汚れている。髭を剃らなければならない。手が震えている。

I'm sweating. I smell foul to myself.

私は汗をかいている。自分の臭いがする。

The shirt under my arms is wet and on the chest and back.

chest (胸) [名] the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the abdomen

シャツは脇の下と胸と背中が濡れている。

The sleeves are wet in the folds of the elbows.

fold (折り目) [名] a part of something that is folded over or doubled over

袖は肘の折り目が濡れている。

The glass on the table is empty.

テーブルの上のグラスは空だ。

It would take both hands to pour the stuff now.

今では両手を使って注ぐ必要がある。

I could get one out of the bottle maybe to brace me.

brace (気合いを入れる) [動] to prepare for something difficult or unpleasant

ボトルから取り出して、気合いを入れることができるかもしれない。

The taste of the stuff is sickening.

taste (味) [名] the sensation produced when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on taste buds in the oral cavity

酒の味が気持ち悪い。

And it wouldn't get me anywhere.

そして、それは私をどこにも連れて行ってくれない。

In the end I won't be able to sleep even and the whole world will moan in the horror of tortured nerves.

in the end (最終的には) [副] at the end of a period of time or a series of events

be able to (できる) [助] have the ability or power to do something

whole world (全世界) [名] the earth and all the people living on it

moan (うめく) [動] make a low, continuous sound of pain or suffering

horror (恐怖) [名] an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust

tortured (拷問された) [形] subjected to severe pain as a punishment or in order to force them to do or say something

最終的には眠ることさえできなくなり、全世界が拷問された神経の恐怖にうめくだろう。

Good stuff, huh, Wade? More.

good stuff (いい酒) [名] something of high quality

いい酒だね、ウェード? もっと。

It's all right for the first two or three days and then it is negative.

two or three (2、3) [名] a small number

negative (マイナス) [形] expressing denial, refusal, or negation

最初の2、3日は大丈夫だが、その後はマイナスになる。

You suffer and you take a drink and for a little while it is better, but the price keeps getting higher and higher and what you get for it is less and less and then there is always the point where you get nothing but nausea.

take a drink (酒を飲む) [動] drink alcohol

for a little while (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

price (代償) [名] the amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something

higher and higher (どんどん高くなる) [形] of a higher standard or quality

less and less (どんどん少なくなる) [形] of a lower standard or quality

nausea (吐き気) [名] a feeling of sickness in one's stomach that makes one want to vomit

苦しんで酒を飲むと、しばらくは良くなるが、代償はどんどん高くなり、得られるものはどんどん少なくなり、吐き気しか感じなくなるポイントが必ずある。

Then you call Verringer.

それからヴェリンジャーに電話する。

All right, Verringer, here I come.

here I come (行くぞ) [間] an expression of readiness to do something

よし、ヴェリンジャー、行くぞ。

There isn't any Verringer any more.

もうヴェリンジャーはいない。

He's gone to Cuba or he is dead.

彼はキューバに行ったか、死んだ。

The queen has killed him.

queen (女王) [名] the female ruler of an independent state

女王が彼を殺した。

Poor old Verringer, what a fate, to die in bed with a queen--that kind of queen.

poor (かわいそうな) [形] lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal in a society

fate (運命) [名] the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power

かわいそうなヴェリンジャー、女王とベッドで死ぬなんて、どんな運命だ、あんな女王と。

Come on, Wade, let's get up and go places.

go places (どこかに行く) [動] be successful

さあ、ウェード、起きてどこかに行こう。

Places where we haven't ever been and aren't ever going back to when we have been.

haven't ever been (行ったことがない) [動] have not been to a place

aren't ever going back (二度と戻らない) [動] will not go back to a place

今まで行ったことのない場所、そして行ったら二度と戻らない場所。

Does this sentence make sense?

この文は意味をなすか?

No.

いいえ。

Okay, I'm not asking any money for it.

いいでしょう、お金は求めません。

A short pause here for a long commercial.

pause (休憩) [名] a temporary stop in action or speech

commercial (コマーシャル) [名] a paid advertisement on television or radio

ここで長いコマーシャルのために少し休憩。

Well, I did it.

ええ、私はそれをしました。

I got up. What a man.

what a man (なんて男だ) [名] an expression of surprise or admiration

私は立ち上がった。なんて男だ。

I went over to the couch and here I am kneeling beside the couch with my hands down on it and my face in my hands, crying.

kneel (ひざまずく) [動] be in or assume a position in which the body is supported by a knee or the knees, as when praying or showing submission

私はソファに行き、ソファの横にひざまずき、手をソファに置き、顔を両手で覆って泣いた。

Then I prayed and despised myself for praying.

pray (祈る) [動] address a prayer to God or another deity

despise (軽蔑する) [動] look down on with intense aversion

それから私は祈り、祈ったことを軽蔑した。

Grade Three drunk despising himself.

Grade Three (三流) [名] a level of quality

三流の酔っ払いが自分を軽蔑している。

What the hell are you praying to, you fool?

fool (馬鹿野郎) [名] a person who acts unwisely

いったい何に祈っているんだ、この馬鹿野郎。

If a well man prays, that's faith.

faith (信仰) [名] a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof

健康な人が祈るなら、それは信仰だ。

A sick man prays and he is just scared.

病人が祈るのはただ怖いからだ。

Nuts to prayer.

prayer (祈り) [名] a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship

祈りなんてくだらない。

This is the world you made and you make it all by yourself and what little outside help you got--well you made that too.

これはあなたが作った世界で、あなたはそれをすべて自分で作り、外部から得たわずかな助けも、あなたはそれも作った。

Stop praying, you jerk.

jerk (馬鹿野郎) [名] a contemptible person

祈るのはやめろ、この馬鹿野郎。

Get up on your feet and take that drink.

on your feet (自分の足で) [名] standing up

立ち上がって、その酒を飲め。

It's too late for anything else now.

too late (遅すぎる) [形] after the usual or expected time

anything else (他のこと) [名] something else

今さら他のことを考えるには遅すぎる。

Well, I took it.

まあ、私はそれを受け取った。

Both hands.

両手で。

Poured it in the glass too.

グラスにも注いだ。

Hardly spilled a drop.

drop (滴) [名] a small round or pear-shaped portion of liquid

ほとんど一滴もこぼさなかった。

Now if I can hold it without vomiting.

hold (飲み込む) [動] keep in one's mouth or throat

vomiting (吐く) [動] eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth

吐かずに飲み込めれば。

Better add some water.

水を少し加えたほうがいい。

Now lift it slow.

ゆっくり持ち上げろ。

Easy, not too much at a time.

easy (ゆっくり) [副] at a slow pace

not too much (飲みすぎないように) [副] not in excess

at a time (一度に) [副] all at once

ゆっくり、一度に飲みすぎないように。

It gets warm. It gets hot.

get warm (暖かくなる) [動] become warm

get hot (熱くなる) [動] become hot

暖かくなる。熱くなる。

If I could stop sweating.

汗が止まればいいのに。

The glass is empty.

be empty (空だ) [動] to contain nothing

グラスが空だ。

It's down on the table again.

be down on (上にある) [動] be on the surface of something

グラスはまたテーブルの上にある。

There's a haze over the moonlight but I set that glass down in spite of it, carefully, carefully, like a spray of roses in a tall vase.

haze (靄) [名] a small amount of smoke, dust, or other particles in the air that makes it difficult to see

spray (花束) [名] a bunch of flowers or leaves arranged in an attractive way

vase (花瓶) [名] a container used to hold flowers or other plants

月明かりに靄がかかっているが、それにもかかわらず、私はそのグラスを、背の高い花瓶にバラの花束を飾るように、注意深く、注意深く置いた。

The roses nod their heads with dew.

dew (露) [名] water droplets that form on cold surfaces at night

バラは露で頭を垂れる。

Maybe I'm a rose.

もしかしたら私はバラかもしれない。

Brother, have I got dew.

have (浴びる) [動] to experience or be subjected to something

兄弟よ、私は露を浴びた。

Now to get upstairs.

get upstairs (二階へ行く) [動] go to the floor above the ground floor

さあ、二階へ行こう。

Maybe a short one straight for the journey.

straight (ストレート) [形] not mixed with anything else

journey (旅) [名] an act of traveling from one place to another

旅のために短い一杯をストレートで飲むかもしれない。

No? Okay, whatever you say.

いいえ? 分かった、君の言う通りにしよう。

Take it upstairs when I get there.

get (着く) [動] arrive at a place

私が着いたら二階に運んでくれ。

If I get there, something to look forward to.

look forward to (楽しみにする) [動] to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen

私がそこに着いたら、何か楽しみがある。

If I make it upstairs I am entitled to compensation.

compensation (補償) [名] something that is given to make up for a loss or injury

私が二階に着いたら、私は補償を受ける権利がある。

A token of regard from me to me.

token (しるし) [名] a sign or symbol of something

regard (敬意) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something

to (へ) [前] used to indicate a destination

私から私への敬意のしるしだ。

I have such a beautiful love for myself--and the sweet part of it--no rivals.

rival (ライバル) [名] a person or thing competing with another for the same goal

私は自分自身をとても美しく愛しているし、その甘い部分にはライバルがいない。

Double space.

二倍のスペース。

Been up and came down.

be up (起きている) [動] be awake

起きて、降りてきた。

Didn't like it upstairs.

二階は好きではなかった。

The altitude makes my heart flutter.

altitude (高度) [名] the vertical distance above sea level

flutter (ときめく) [動] move or fly quickly and unsteadily

高度が私の心をときめかせる。

But I keep hitting these typewriter keys.

しかし、私はこのタイプライターのキーを打ち続ける。

What a magician is the subconscious.

subconscious (潜在意識) [名] the part of the mind that is not fully conscious but that influences behavior and emotions

magician (魔法使い) [名] a person with magical powers

潜在意識とはなんと魔法使いなのだろう。

If only it would work regular hours.

regular hours (定時) [名] the time that a person is expected to work each day

それが定時で働いてくれれば良いのだが。

There was moonlight upstairs too.

二階にも月明かりがあった。

Probably the same moon.

おそらく同じ月だろう。

No variety about the moon.

variety (変化) [名] the quality or state of being different or diverse

月には変化がない。

It comes and goes like the milkman and the moon's milk is always the same.

milkman (牛乳配達人) [名] a person who delivers milk

milk (牛乳) [名] a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals

牛乳配達人のように行き来するが、月の牛乳はいつも同じだ。

The milk's moon is always--hold it, chum.

牛乳の月はいつも・・・ちょっと待てよ、相棒。

You've got your feet crossed.

cross (組む) [動] to put one leg over the other

足を組んでいる。

This is no time to get involved in the case history of the moon.

get involved in (巻き込まれる) [動] to be affected by or included in something

case history (病歴) [名] a record of a patient's medical history

月の病歴に巻き込まれる暇はない。

You got enough case history to take care of the whole damn valley.

君は谷全体を世話するのに十分な病歴がある。

She was sleeping on her side without sound.

彼女は音もなく横向きに寝ていた。

Her knees drawn up.

draw up (引き上げる) [動] to move something upwards

彼女の膝は引き上げられた。

Too still I thought.

still (静か) [形] making little or no noise

あまりにも静かだと思った。

You always make some sound when you sleep.

寝ているときはいつも音を立てる。

Maybe not asleep, maybe just trying to sleep.

寝ていないのかもしれない、ただ寝ようとしているだけかもしれない。

If I went closer I would know.

close (近づく) [動] move or bring nearer

近づけばわかるだろう。

Might fall down too.

倒れるかもしれない。

One of her eyes opened--or did it?

彼女の目が片方開いた--開いたのか?

She looked at me or did she?

彼女は私を見た--見たのか?

No. Would have sat up and said, Are you sick, darling?

いいえ。起き上がって「具合が悪いの、ダーリン?」と言うだろう。

Yes, I am sick, darling.

具合が悪いんだ、ダーリン。

But don't give it a thought, darling, because this sick is my sick and not your sick, and let you sleep still and lovely and never remember and no slime from me to you and nothing come near you that is grim and gray and ugly.

give it a thought (心配する) [動] to think about something

still (静かに) [副] not moving or making a sound

slime (汚いもの) [名] a moist, sticky, slippery substance

grim (恐ろしく) [形] stern or forbidding in appearance

でも、ダーリン、心配しないで、これは私の病気であなたの病気ではないから、静かに愛らしく眠って、何も思い出さないで、私からあなたに汚いものがつかないように、あなたの近くに恐ろしく灰色で醜いものが来ないように。

You're a louse, Wade. Three adjectives, you lousy writer.

louse (ろくでなし) [名] a contemptible person

adjective (形容詞) [名] a word that describes a noun

君はろくでなしだ、ウェード。三つの形容詞、君はろくでなしの作家だ。

Can't you even stream-of-consciousness you louse without getting it in three adjectives for Chrissake?

stream-of-consciousness (意識の流れ) [名] a continuous flow of ideas, feelings, and sensations that are not necessarily connected to each other

Chrissake (キリストのために) [名] a phrase used to express anger, frustration, or surprise

君は意識の流れさえできないのか、三つの形容詞なしにそれを得ることなく、君はろくでなしなのか?

I came downstairs again holding on to the rail.

come downstairs (階下へ降りる) [動] move from an upper floor to a lower floor

私は手すりをつかんで再び階下へ降りた。

My guts lurched with the steps and I held them together with a promise.

gut (内臓) [名] the stomach and intestines

私の内臓は階段で揺れ、私は約束でそれらを一緒に保った。

I made the main floor and I made the study and I made the couch and I waited for my heart to slow down.

make (たどり着く) [動] reach a destination

main floor (メインフロア) [名] the principal floor of a building

slow down (落ち着く) [動] become slower

私はメインフロアまでたどり着き、書斎までたどり着き、ソファまでたどり着き、心臓が落ち着くのを待った。

The bottle is handy.

handy (便利な) [形] useful or convenient

ボトルは便利だ。

One thing you can say about Wade's arrangements the bottle is always handy.

one thing (1つのこと) [名] a single thing

arrangement (配置) [名] the way in which something is organized or arranged

handy (手近な) [形] convenient to handle or use

ウェイドの配置について言えることは、ボトルがいつも手近にあるということだ。

Nobody hides it, nobody locks it up.

誰もそれを隠さず、誰もそれを閉じ込めない。

Nobody says, Don't you think you've had enough, darling?

誰も言わない、もう十分飲んだんじゃない、ダーリン?

You'll make yourself sick, darling.

make oneself sick (病気になってしまう) [動] to become ill

あなたは病気になってしまうよ、ダーリン。

Nobody says that.

誰もそんなことは言わない。

Just sleep on side softly like roses.

ただバラのようにそっと横になって眠る。

I gave Candy too much money.

私はキャンディに多すぎる金を渡した。

Mistake.

間違い。

Should have started him with a bag of peanuts and worked up to a banana.

peanut (ピーナッツ) [名] a plant that produces edible seeds

work up to (上げる) [動] gradually increase the amount or intensity of something

ピーナッツの袋から始めてバナナまで上げるべきだった。

Then a little real change, slow and easy, always keep him eager.

change (小銭) [名] money in small denominations

それから少し本物の小銭をゆっくりと簡単に渡して、いつも彼を熱心にしておく。

You give him a big slug of the stuff to begin with and pretty soon he has a stake.

begin with (始める) [動] start doing something

pretty soon (すぐに) [副] in a short time

最初に大金を渡せば、すぐに彼は賭け金を持つ。

He can live in Mexico for a month, live high wide and nasty, on what it costs here for a day.

nasty (不快に) [形] highly unpleasant

彼はメキシコで1ヶ月、ここで1日かかる費用で、贅沢に暮らすことができる。

So when he gets that stake, what does he do?

stake (賭け金) [名] a sum of money or something else of value that is risked in a game or bet

だから彼がその賭け金を手に入れたら、彼は何をする?

Well, does a man ever have enough money, if he thinks he can get more?

もっと手に入ると思うなら、十分なお金を持つ人がいるだろうか?

Maybe it's all right.

たぶん大丈夫だろう。

Maybe I ought to kill the shiny-eyed bastard.

shiny (輝く) [形] bright; reflecting much light

たぶん私はあの目が輝くろくでなしを殺すべきだ。

A good man died for me once, why not a cockroach in a white jacket?

good man (善人) [名] a person who is kind and generous

white jacket (白いジャケット) [名] a jacket that is white in color

why not (いけない理由があるだろうか) [句] used to make a suggestion or to ask a question

かつて善人が私のために死んだ、白いジャケットを着たゴキブリが死んではいけない理由があるだろうか?

Forget Candy.

キャンディのことは忘れろ。

There's always a way to blunt a needle.

blunt (鈍らせる) [動] to make or become less sharp or pointed

針を鈍らせる方法は常にある。

The other I shall never forget.

shall (決して) [助] will

もう一人は決して忘れないだろう。

It's carved on my liver in green fire.

carve (刻む) [動] cut (something) into a hard surface

liver (肝臓) [名] a large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates

fire (炎) [名] the state of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame

それは私の肝臓に緑の炎で刻まれている。

Better telephone. Losing control. Feel them jumping, jumping, jumping.

control (コントロール) [名] the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events

jump (跳ねる) [動] move up or down or from one place to another with a quick, sudden movement

電話した方がいい。コントロールを失っている。彼らが跳ねているのを感じろ、跳ねている、跳ねている。

Better call someone quick before the pink things crawl on my face.

ピンクのものが私の顔を這う前に誰かに電話した方がいい。

Better call, call, call.

電話した方がいい、電話、電話。

Call Sioux City Sue. Hello, Operator, give me Long Distance. Hello, Long Distance, get me Sioux City Sue. What's her number?

Sioux City Sue (スー・シティ・スー) [名] a song by Dick Thomas and Lee

operator (交換手) [名] a person employed to operate a machine or device

long distance (長距離) [名] a telephone call to a distant place

get (繋ぐ) [動] to cause (someone or something) to arrive at a destination

スー・シティ・スーに電話しろ。もしもし、交換手、長距離を頼む。もしもし、長距離、スー・シティ・スーに繋いでくれ。彼女の番号は?

No have number, just name, Operator. You'll find her walking along Tenth Street, on the shady side, under the tall corn trees with their spreading ears....

No have number (番号は知らない) [動] not have a number

just name (名前だけだ) [名] only a name

You'll find her (彼女は) [代] you will find her

walking (歩いている) [動] move at regular paces by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

Tenth Street (テンス・ストリート) [名] a street

shady side (日陰の側) [名] the side that is in the shade

tall corn trees (背の高いトウモロコシの木) [名] a tall corn tree

spreading ears (広がる穂) [名] ears that spread

番号は知らない、名前だけだ、交換手。彼女はテンス・ストリートを歩いている、日陰の側、背の高いトウモロコシの木の下、広がる穂の下を......

All right, Operator, all right.

分かった、交換手、分かった。

Just cancel the whole program and let me tell you something, I mean, ask you something.

cancel (キャンセルする) [動] decide that something that was planned will not happen

program (予定) [名] a plan of things that will happen

予定は全部キャンセルして、何か言わせて、いや、何か聞かせてくれ。

Who's going to pay for all those snazzy parties Gifford is throwing in London, if you cancel my long distance call?

pay for (支払う) [動] give money in exchange for a good or service

party (パーティー) [名] a social gathering of people

throw (開く) [動] organize and host

London (ロンドン) [名] the capital city of England

long distance call (長距離電話) [名] a telephone call made to a distant place

私の長距離電話をキャンセルしたら、ギフォードがロンドンで開く派手なパーティーの費用は誰が払うんだ?

Yeah, you think your job is solid.

solid (安泰) [形] firm or strong in shape or structure

ああ、君は自分の職は安泰だと思っている。

You think.

君はそう思っている。

Here, I better talk to Gifford direct.

ギフォードと直接話す方がいい。

Get him on the line.

on the line (電話) [名] a means of communication or transport

彼に電話を代わってくれ。

His valet just brought in his tea.

valet (従者) [名] a man's personal male attendant

tea (お茶) [名] a hot drink made by infusing the dried, cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and consumed primarily for its stimulating effects

彼の従者がちょうどお茶を持って来た。

If he can't talk we'll send over somebody that can.

彼が話せないなら話せる誰かを送る。

Now what did I write that for?

for (ために) [前] with the object or purpose of

いったい何のためにこんなことを書いたんだ?

What was I trying not to think about?

何を考えないようにしていたんだ?

Telephone.

電話。

Better telephone now.

電話した方がいい。

Getting very bad, very, very...

とても悪くなってきた、とても、とても...

That was all.

それが全てだった。

I folded the sheets up small and pushed them down into my inside breast pocket behind the note case.

私はその紙を小さく折りたたんで、手帳の後ろの胸ポケットに押し込んだ。

I went over to the french windows and opened them wide and stepped out onto the terrace.

step out (出る) [動] leave a place

私はフランス窓のところまで行き、それを大きく開けてテラスに出た。

The moonlight was a little spoiled.

月明かりは少し損なわれていた。

But it was summer in Idle Valley and summer is never quite spoiled.

しかし、ここはアイドル・バレーの夏であり、夏は決して損なわれることはない。

I stood there looking at the motionless colorless lake and thought and wondered.

colorless (色のない) [形] lacking color

私はそこに立って、動かず色のない湖を眺め、考え、そして不思議に思った。

Then I heard a shot.

shot (銃声) [名] the discharge of a gun or other firearm

その時、私は銃声を聞いた。

[29]

On the balcony two lighted doors were open now--Eileen's and his.

his (彼の) [代] belonging to or connected with a male person or animal previously mentioned

バルコニーでは、明かりのついた二つのドアが開いていた。アイリーンの部屋と彼の部屋だ。

Her room was empty.

彼女の部屋は空だった。

There was a sound of struggling from his and I came through the door in a jump to find her bending over the bed wrestling with him.

struggle (争う) [動] make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction

wrestle (格闘する) [動] engage in a violent or determined struggle

彼の部屋から争う音が聞こえ、私はドアを飛び越えて中に入ると、彼女がベッドの上で彼と格闘しているのを見つけた。

The black gleam of a gun shot up into the air, two hands, a large male hand and a woman's small hand were both holding it, neither by the butt.

butt (銃身) [名] the thicker end of a gun barrel

銃の黒い輝きが空中に舞い上がり、二つの手、大きな男性の手と女性の小さな手が、どちらも銃身を握っていた。

Roger was sitting up in bed and leaning forward pushing.

ロジャーはベッドに起き上がり、前かがみになって押していた。

She was in a pale blue house coat, one of those quilted things, her hair was all over her face and now she had both hands on the gun and with a quick jerk she got it away from him.

be in (着ている) [動] to be wearing

house coat (室内着) [名] a garment worn over other clothes for warmth or protection

one of those quilted things (キルティングの服) [名] a garment made of two layers of fabric with a layer of padding in between

with a quick jerk (素早く) [副] quickly

get away from (遠ざける) [動] to move away from

彼女は淡いブルーの室内着を着ていて、髪の毛が顔全体にかかっていたが、今は両手で銃を握り、素早く銃を彼から遠ざけた。

I was surprised that she had the strength, even dopey as he was.

be surprised (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

dopey (酔っ払った) [形] stupid, foolish, or dull

彼がどんなに酔っ払っていても、彼女にそんな力があったことに驚いた。

He fell back glaring and panting and she stepped away and bumped into me.

fall back (後ろに倒れる) [動] move back or away

glare (睨みつける) [動] stare angrily

step away (離れる) [動] move away

彼は睨みつけながら息を切らして後ろに倒れ、彼女は離れて私にぶつかった。

She stood there leaning against me, holding the gun with both hands pressed hard against her body.

press (押し付ける) [動] move into a position of contact with something by using steady force

彼女は私に寄りかかって立ったまま、両手で銃を握りしめて体に押し付けていた。

She was racked with panting sobs.

rack (苦しめる) [動] cause to suffer

彼女は息を切らしてすすり泣いていた。

I reached around her body and put my hand on the gun.

私は彼女の体に手を回して銃に手を置いた。

She spun around as if it took that to make her realize I was there.

彼女は私がそこにいることに気づいたかのように振り返った。

Her eyes widened and her body sagged against me.

widen (大きく見開く) [動] to make or become wider

sag (寄りかかる) [動] to sink, bend, or hang down

彼女は目を大きく見開き、体は私に寄りかかった。

She let go of the gun.

let go (放す) [動] to release something

彼女は銃を放した。

It was a heavy clumsy weapon, a Webley double-action hammerless.

clumsy (不器用な) [形] lacking in skill or coordination

Webley (ウェブリー) [名] a British firearms company

double-action (ダブルアクション) [形] a type of firearm that can be fired by either pulling the trigger or cocking the hammer

hammerless (ハンマーレス) [形] a type of firearm that does not have a hammer

それは重く不器用な武器で、ウェブリーダブルアクションハンマーレスだった。

The barrel was warm.

barrel (銃身) [名] the tube through which a projectile is fired from a gun

銃身は暖かかった。

I held her with one arm, dropped the gun in my pocket, and looked past her head at him.

hold (抱く) [動] to keep or have in one's possession

past (越し) [前] to or on the further side of

私は片腕で彼女を抱き、銃をポケットに落とし、彼女の頭越しに彼を見た。

Nobody said anything.

誰も何も言わなかった。

Then he opened his eyes and that weary smile played on his lips.

それから彼は目を開け、その疲れた笑顔が彼の唇に浮かんだ。

“Nobody hurt,” he muttered.

「誰も怪我をしていない」と彼はつぶやいた。

“Just a wild shot into the ceiling.”

「天井に当たっただけだ」

I felt her go stiff.

go stiff (硬直する) [動] to become rigid or inflexible

彼女が硬直したのを感じた。

Then she pulled away.

それから彼女は離れた。

Her eyes were focused and clear.

彼女の目は焦点が合っていて澄んでいた。

I let her go.

let (行かせる) [動] allow to happen or not prevent

私は彼女を行かせた。

“Roger,” she said in a voice not much more than a sick whisper, “did it have to be that?”

whisper (囁き声) [名] a soft or confidential tone of voice

「ロジャー」彼女は病的な囁き声で言った。「そうしなければならなかったの?」

He stared owlishly, licked his lip and said nothing.

owlishly (フクロウのように) [副] in a way that resembles an owl

lick (なめる) [動] move the tongue over the surface of

彼はフクロウのようにじっと見つめ、唇をなめ、何も言わなかった。

She went and leaned against the dressing table.

dressing table (ドレッシングテーブル) [名] a table with a mirror at which one sits while dressing

彼女はドレッシングテーブルに寄りかかった。

Her hand moved mechanically and threw the hair back from her face.

mechanically (機械的に) [副] in a mechanical manner

彼女の手は機械的に動き、髪を顔から払いのけた。

She shuddered once from head to foot, shaking her head from side to side.

shudder (震える) [動] tremble or shiver

彼女は頭から足まで震え、頭を左右に振った。

“Roger,” she whispered again.

「ロジャー」彼女は再びささやいた。

“Poor Roger. Poor miserable Roger.”

「かわいそうなロジャー。かわいそうな哀れなロジャー」

He was staring straight up at the ceiling now.

彼は今、天井をじっと見上げていた。

“I had a nightmare,” he said slowly.

「悪夢を見た」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“Somebody with a knife was leaning over the bed.

「ナイフを持った誰かがベッドの上に身を乗り出していた。

I don't know who.

誰かはわからない。

Looked a little like Candy.

look (似ている) [動] to be similar to

キャンディに少し似ていた。

Couldn't of been Candy.”

couldn't (はずはない) [助] be not able to

キャンディのはずはない」

“Of course not, darling,” she said softly.

「もちろん違うよ、ダーリン」と彼女は優しく言った。

She left the dressing table and sat down on the side of the bed.

彼女は化粧台を離れ、ベッドの端に腰を下ろした。

She put her hand out and began to stroke his forehead.

put one's hand out (手を伸ばす) [動] extend one's hand

彼女は手を伸ばして彼の額を撫で始めた。

“Candy has gone to bed long ago.

「キャンディはずっと前に寝たよ。

And why would Candy have a knife?”

それにキャンディがナイフを持っているわけがないよ」

“He's a Mex. They all have knives,” Roger said in the same remote impersonal voice.

「彼はメキシコ人だ。彼らはみんなナイフを持っている」とロジャーは同じく遠く離れた非人称的な声で言った。

“They like knives.

「彼らはナイフが好きなんだ。

And he doesn't like me.”

それに彼は私を嫌っている」

“Nobody likes you,” I said brutally.

「誰も君を好きじゃないよ」と私は残酷に言った。

She turned her head swiftly.

彼女は素早く頭を回した。

“Please--please don't talk like that. He didn't know.

please (お願い) [動] to make a polite request

talk (言う) [動] to speak or converse

「お願いだから、そんな言い方しないで。彼は知らなかった。

He had a dream--”

have a dream (夢がある) [動] to have a strong desire to achieve something

彼には夢があった」

“Where was the gun?” I growled, watching her, not paying any attention to him.

「銃はどこにあった?」私は彼には注意を払わずに彼女を見ながら唸った。

“Night table. In the drawer.”

「ナイトテーブル。引き出しの中」

He turned his head and met my stare.

彼は頭を回して私の視線と合った。

There hadn't been any gun in the drawer, and he knew I knew it.

引き出しには銃などなかったし、彼は私がそれを知っていることを知っていたのだ。

The pills had been in there and some odds and ends, but no gun.

odds and ends (ガラクタ) [名] various articles of little value

薬やガラクタは入っていたが、銃はなかった。

“Or under the pillow,” he added.

「あるいは枕の下」と彼は付け加えた。

“I'm vague about it.

「私はそれについてはあいまいだ。

I shot once--” he lifted a heavy hand and pointed--“up there.”

私は一発撃った」彼は重い手を持ち上げて指さした。「あそこだ」

I looked up.

私は見上げた。

There seemed to be a hole in the ceiling plaster all right.

plaster (しっくい) [名] a soft mixture of lime, sand, and water that is spread over walls and ceilings to form a smooth hard surface when it dries

天井のしっくいに穴があるように見えた。

I went where I could look up at it.

私はそれを見上げられるところに行った。

Yes.

はい。

The kind of hole a bullet might make.

弾丸が作りそうな穴の種類。

From that gun it would go on through, into the attic.

go on through (突き抜ける) [動] to continue to do something

attic (屋根裏部屋) [名] a space found directly below the pitched roof

その銃からそれは屋根裏部屋へと突き抜けるだろう。

I went back close to the bed and stood looking down at him, giving him the hard eye.

hard eye (厳しい目) [名] a stare that is intended to intimidate or express anger

私はベッドの近くに戻り、彼を見下ろして立って、彼を厳しい目で見た。

“Nuts. You meant to kill yourself.

「ばかげた。君は自殺するつもりだった。

You didn't have any nightmare.

君は悪夢など見なかった。

You were swimming in a sea of self-pity. You didn't have any gun in the drawer or under your pillow either.

sea (海) [名] a large expanse of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and surrounding its land masses

self-pity (自己憐憫) [名] a feeling of sadness and being sorry for yourself

君は自己憐憫の海を泳いでいた。君は引き出しにも枕の下にも銃など持っていなかった。

You got up and got the gun and got back into bed and there you were all ready to wipe out the whole messy business.

ready (準備が整った) [形] in a state of readiness

wipe out (一掃する) [動] destroy or eliminate completely

君は起き上がって銃を取り、ベッドに戻り、そこで君はすべての厄介な問題を一掃する準備が整った。

But I don't think you had the nerve.

nerve (勇気) [名] the ability to control your feelings and behavior when you are in a dangerous or difficult situation

しかし、君にはその勇気はなかったと思う。

You fired a shot not meant to hit anything.

fire (発射する) [動] shoot a projectile

shot (銃弾) [名] a small projectile made of metal

君は何も当てるつもりのない銃弾を発射した。

And your wife came running--that's what you wanted.

そして君の妻が走ってきた。それが君の望みだった。

Just pity and sympathy, pal.

ただの哀れみと共感だ、相棒。

Nothing else.

それだけだ。

Even the struggle was mostly fake.

struggle (格闘) [名] a violent confrontation or struggle

fake (偽物) [名] a thing that is not genuine; a forgery

格闘さえもほとんど偽物だった。

She couldn't take a gun away from you if you didn't want her to.”

君が望まなければ彼女は君から銃を奪うことはできなかった。」

“I'm sick,” he said.

「気分が悪い」と彼は言った。

“But you could be right. Does it matter?”

「しかし、君は正しいかもしれない。それが何か問題か?」

“It matters like this.

「こんな風に問題だ。

They'd put you in the psycho ward, and believe me, the people who run that place are about as sympathetic as Georgia chain-gang guards.”

psycho ward (精神病棟) [名] a hospital ward for mentally ill patients

Georgia (ジョージア州) [名] a state in the southeastern United States

chain-gang (鎖につながれた囚人) [名] a group of convicts chained together

君は精神病棟に入れられるだろうし、信じてほしいのだが、あそこを運営している連中はジョージア州の鎖につながれた囚人の看守と同じくらい同情心がない」

Eileen stood up suddenly.

アイリーンは突然立ち上がった。

“That's enough,” she said sharply.

sharply (きっぱり) [副] in a sharp manner

「もう十分よ」と彼女はきっぱり言った。

“He is sick, and you know it.”

be sick (病気である) [動] to be ill

「彼は病気で、あなたもそれを知っている」

“He wants to be sick.

「彼は病気でいたいんだ。

I'm just reminding him of what it would cost him.”

私は彼にそれが彼にどんな犠牲を払うことになるかを思い出させているだけだ」

“This is not the time to tell him.”

「今は彼に言う時ではない」

“Go on back to your room.”

「自分の部屋に戻りなさい」

Her blue eyes flashed.

flash (光る) [動] to shine brightly and suddenly

彼女の青い目が光った。

“How dare you--”

you (そんな) [代] the person or people that are being spoken to

「よくもそんな--」

“Go on back to your room.

「自分の部屋に戻りなさい。

Unless you want me to call the police.

警察に電話して欲しくないならね。

These things are supposed to be reported.”

be supposed to (〜することになっている) [動] be expected or required to

report (報告する) [動] give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated

こういうことは報告しないといけないのよ」

He almost grinned.

彼はほとんどニヤリと笑った。

“Yeah, call the police,” he said, “like you did on Terry Lennox.”

「ああ、警察に電話しろ」と彼は言った。「テリー・レノックスにしたようにな」

I didn't pay any attention to that.

私はそれには注意を払わなかった。

I was still watching her.

私はまだ彼女を見ていた。

She looked exhausted now, and frail, and very beautiful.

exhausted (疲れ果てた) [形] extremely tired

彼女は今や疲れ果て、弱々しく、そしてとても美しく見えた。

The moment of flashing anger was gone.

flash (燃え上がる) [動] to burn brightly and suddenly

怒りが燃え上がった瞬間は過ぎ去った。

I put a hand out and touched her arm.

put a hand out (手を伸ばす) [動] extend one's hand

私は手を伸ばして彼女の腕に触れた。

“It's all right,” I said.

「大丈夫だ」と私は言った。

“He won't do it again. Go back to bed.”

do it again (それをしない) [動] do something again

go back to bed (ベッドに戻りなさい) [動] go back to bed

「彼は二度とそれをしない。ベッドに戻りなさい。」

She gave him a long look and went out of the room.

long look (じっと見つめる) [名] a long, steady look

彼女は彼をじっと見つめて部屋から出て行った。

When the open door was empty of her I sat down on the side of the bed where she had been sitting.

be empty of (いなくなる) [動] to be without something or someone

side of the bed (ベッドの横) [名] the area next to a bed

開いたドアから彼女がいなくなると、私は彼女が座っていたベッドの横に座った。

“More pills?”

「もっと薬を?」

“No thanks. It doesn't matter whether I sleep.

no thanks (いいえ、ありがとう) [句] a polite way of declining an offer

whether (かどうか) [接] used to introduce a clause expressing a doubt, choice, possibility, wish, etc.

「いいえ、ありがとう。寝るかどうかは問題ではない。

I feel a lot better.”

ずっと気分がいい」

“Did I hit right about that shot?

hit (正解) [動] to be correct or accurate

right (正解) [形] correct or accurate

「あの銃撃について私は正解だったか?

It was just a crazy bit of acting?”

acting (演技) [名] the art or occupation of performing in plays, movies, or television

あれはただの狂った演技だったのか?」

“More or less.”

「多かれ少なかれ」

He turned his head away.

彼は頭をそむけた。

“I guess I was lightheaded.”

lightheaded (頭がふらふらする) [形] feeling dizzy or faint

「私は頭がふらふらしていたと思う」

“Nobody can stop you from killing yourself, if you really want to. I realize that. So do you.”

「本当に死にたいのなら、誰も君が自殺するのを止めることはできない。私はそれを理解している。君もそうだろう」

“Yes.” He was still looking away.

「はい」彼はまだ目をそらしていた。

“Did you do what I asked you--that stuff in the typewriter?”

「私が頼んだことはやったか? タイプライターの中にあるもの」

“Uh huh. I'm surprised you remember.

「ああ、覚えているなんて驚きだ。

It's pretty crazy writing.

かなり狂った書き方だ。

Funny thing, it's clearly typed.”

clearly (はっきりと) [副] in a way that is easy to understand

面白いことに、それははっきりとタイプされている」

“I can always do that--drunk or sober--up to a point anyway.”

up to a point (ある程度) [副] to a limited extent

「酔っ払っていても酔っ払っていなくても、いつでもそうできる」

“Don't worry about Candy,” I said.

「キャンディのことは心配しないで」と私は言った。

“You're wrong about his not liking you.

「彼が君を好きではないというのは間違いだ。

And I was wrong to say nobody did.

そして、誰もそうしなかったと言うのは間違いだった。

I was trying to jar Eileen, make her mad.”

jar (怒らせる) [動] to have a harsh or unpleasant effect on

私はアイリーンを怒らせようとしていたんだ」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“She pulled one faint already tonight.”

pull (気絶する) [動] to lose consciousness

faint (気絶) [名] a loss of consciousness

「彼女は今夜すでに一度気絶した」

He shook his head slightly.

彼はわずかに頭を振った。

“Eileen never faints.”

「アイリーンは決して気絶しない」

“Then it was a phony.”

「それならそれは偽物だった」

He didn't like that either.

彼はそれも気に入らなかった。

“What did you mean--a good man died for you?”

「どういう意味だ? 善人が君のために死んだ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

He frowned, thinking about it.

彼は眉をひそめ、それについて考えた。

“Just rubbish. I told you I had a dream--”

rubbish (ゴミ) [名] waste material; refuse

「ただのゴミだ。夢を見たと言ったけど」

“I'm talking about that guff you typed out.”

type out (タイプする) [動] write something using a typewriter or computer keyboard

guff (ナンセンスな話) [名] nonsense

「君がタイプしたあのナンセンスな話のことだ」

He looked at me now, turning his head on the pillow as if it had enormous weight.

weight (重さ) [名] the amount that a person or thing weighs

彼は私を見た。まるで頭がとても重いかのように枕の上で頭を回した。

“Another dream.”

「また夢だ」

“I'll try again. What's Candy got on you?”

get (握っている) [動] obtain by care, effort, or the use of special means

「もう一度やってみるよ。キャンディは君に何を握っているんだ?」

“Shove it, Jack,” he said, and closed his eyes.

shove (うるさい) [動] push or thrust something or someone roughly

「うるさい、ジャック」彼はそう言って目を閉じた。

I got up and closed the door.

私は立ち上がってドアを閉めた。

“You can't run forever, Wade.

「永遠に逃げ回ることはできないよ、ウェード。

Candy could be a blackmailer, sure.

could be (かもしれない) [助] be possible or likely

キャンディは恐喝者かもしれない。

Easy.

簡単だ。

He could even be nice about it--like you and lift your dough at the same time.

be nice about (うまくやる) [動] to be pleasant or agreeable

lift (巻き上げる) [動] to take away; to steal

彼はそれをうまくやることさえできる--あなたを好きになって、同時にあなたの金を巻き上げる。

What is it--a woman?”

何だ--女か?」

“You believe that fool, Loring,” he said with his eyes closed.

「あの馬鹿を信じるのか、ローリング」彼は目を閉じて言った。

“Not exactly. What about the sister--the one that's dead?”

「そうではない。妹は--死んだ方はどうだ?」

It was a wild pitch in a sense but it happened to split the plate.

wild pitch (暴投) [名] a pitch that is not hittable

split the plate (ストライクゾーンに来る) [動] to throw a pitch that is in the strike zone

ある意味暴投だったが、たまたまストライクゾーンに来た。

His eyes snapped wide open.

snap (見開く) [動] open or shut with a sharp sound

彼の目は大きく見開かれた。

A bubble of saliva showed on his lips.

bubble (泡) [名] a small ball of air or gas in a liquid

saliva (唾液) [名] a watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands

彼の唇に唾液の泡が浮かんだ。

“Is that--why you're here?” he asked slowly, and in a whispering voice.

「それが--ここに来た理由か?」彼はゆっくりと、ささやくような声で尋ねた。

“You know better. I was invited. You invited me.”

know better (よく知っている) [動] to be aware of the truth of a situation

invite (招待する) [動] to ask someone to come to an event or to do something

「あなたはよく知っている。私は招待された。あなたが私を招待した。」

His head rolled back and forth on the pillow.

back and forth (前後に) [副] from one place to another and back again

彼の頭は枕の上を前後に転がった。

In spite of the seconal he was eaten up by his nerves.

in spite of (にもかかわらず) [前] without being influenced by; notwithstanding

eat up (参る) [動] to consume all of something

セコナルを飲んだにもかかわらず、彼は神経が参っていた。

His face was covered with sweat.

彼の顔は汗で覆われていた。

“I'm not the first loving husband who has been an adulterer.

loving (愛情深い) [形] feeling or showing love

adulterer (不倫をした人) [名] a person who has committed adultery

「私は不倫をした最初の愛情深い夫ではない。

Leave me alone, damn you.

damn (くそったれ) [動] (vulgar) used to express anger or annoyance

一人にしておいてくれ、くそったれ。

Leave me alone.”

一人にしておいてくれ」

I went into the bathroom and got a face towel and wiped his face off.

face towel (顔用タオル) [名] a towel for wiping the face

私は浴室に入り、顔用タオルを取って彼の顔を拭いた。

I grinned at him sneeringly.

sneeringly (嘲笑的に) [副] in a manner that shows contempt

私は彼に嘲笑的にニヤリと笑った。

I was the heel to end all heels.

end (終わらせる) [動] bring to a conclusion; finish

私はすべての悪党を終わらせる悪党だった。

Wait until the man is down, then kick him and kick him again.

be down (倒れる) [動] be in a low position

相手が倒れるまで待ち、それから蹴り、また蹴る。

He's weak.

彼は弱い。

He can't resist or kick back.

kick back (蹴り返す) [動] to retaliate or respond in a negative way

彼は抵抗したり、蹴り返したりできない。

“One of these days we'll get together on it,” I said.

get together (一緒にやる) [動] meet or come together

on it (それで) [代] on that thing

「そのうち一緒にやろう」と私は言った。

“I'm not crazy,” he said.

「私は狂っていない」と彼は言った。

“You just hope you're not crazy.”

「あなたはただ自分が狂っていないことを願っているだけだ」

“I've been living in hell.”

「私は地獄で暮らしてきた」

“Oh sure. That's obvious. The interesting point is why. Here--take this.”

That's obvious (それは明らかだ) [代] that thing

「ああ、もちろん。それは明らかだ。興味深い点はなぜかだ。ほら、これを受け取って」

I had another seconal out of the night table and another glass of water.

have (取り出す) [動] to hold, possess, or own

glass of water (水) [名] a drink consisting of water

私はナイトテーブルからもう一錠のセコナルを取り出し、もう一杯の水を飲んだ。

He got up on one elbow and grabbed for the glass and missed it by a good four inches.

彼は片方の肘で起き上がり、グラスを掴もうとしたが、4インチほど外れた。

I put it in his hand.

私は彼の手にそれを置いた。

He managed to drink and swallow his pill.

swallow (飲み込む) [動] to cause to go down the throat

彼はなんとか水を飲み、薬を飲み込んだ。

Then he lay back flat and deflated, his face drained of emotion.

deflate (しぼむ) [動] to lose air or gas

drain (消える) [動] to cause to disappear or be lost

それから彼は平らに横になり、しぼみ、彼の顔から感情が消えた。

His nose had that pinched look.

pinched (つまんだ) [形] squeezed or compressed

彼の鼻はつまんだような感じだった。

He could almost have been a dead man.

彼はほとんど死人のようだった。

He wasn't throwing anybody down any stairs tonight.

stairs (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one level to another

今夜は誰も階段から投げ落とさなかった。

Most likely not any night.

most likely (おそらく) [副] very probably

any night (どの夜も) [名] any night

おそらくどの夜もそうしないだろう。

When his eyelids got heavy I went out of the room.

get heavy (重くなる) [動] become heavy

彼のまぶたが重くなったとき、私は部屋から出た。

The weight of the Webley was against my hip, dragging at my pocket.

against (当たる) [前] in contact with

ウェブリーの重みが私の腰に当たり、ポケットを引きずっていた。

I started back downstairs again.

start back (戻り始める) [動] start to go back

私は再び階下に戻り始めた。

Eileen's door was open.

be open (開いている) [動] not closed or locked

アイリーンのドアは開いていた。

Her room was dark but there was enough light from the moon to frame her standing just inside the door.

frame (照らす) [動] to put a border around something

彼女の部屋は暗かったが、月の光が十分にあって、ドアのすぐ内側に立っている彼女を照らしていた。

She called out something that sounded like a name, but it wasn't mine.

call out (呼ぶ) [動] to say something loudly

彼女は名前のように聞こえる何かを呼んだが、それは私の名前ではなかった。

I stepped close to her.

step (近づく) [動] move or walk a short distance

私は彼女に近づいた。

“Keep your voice down,” I said.

「声を低くして」と私は言った。

“He's gone back to sleep.”

sleep (眠り) [名] the natural state of rest in which consciousness practically disappears

「彼は眠りに戻った」

“I always knew you would come back,” she said softly.

「あなたが戻ってくるといつも分かっていたよ」と彼女は優しく言った。

“Even after ten years.”

「10年後でさえ」

I peered at her.

at (~を) [前] the object of a verb or preposition

私は彼女をじっと見た。

One of us was goofy.

私たちのどちらかが間抜けだった。

“Shut the door,” she said in the same caressing voice.

「ドアを閉めて」と彼女は同じ優しい声で言った。

“All these years I have kept myself for you.”

all these years (この数年間) [名] the entire time from the past until now

「この数年間、私はあなたのために自分を守ってきた」

I turned and shut the door.

私は振り返ってドアを閉めた。

It seemed like a good idea at the moment.

その瞬間にはそれは良い考えに思えた。

When I faced her she was already falling towards me.

私が彼女の方を向いた時、彼女は既に私に向かって倒れかかっていた。

So I caught her.

catch (抱きとめる) [動] to grab or seize something or someone

だから私は彼女を抱きとめた。

I damn well had to.

damn well (そうせざるを得なかった) [副] used to emphasize that you are certain about something

私はそうせざるを得なかった。

She pressed herself hard against me and her hair brushed my face.

brush (撫でる) [動] to touch or move against lightly

彼女は私に強く押し付けてきて、彼女の髪が私の顔を撫でた。

Her mouth came up to be kissed.

彼女の口はキスを求めて上がってきた。

She was trembling.

tremble (震える) [動] to shake or shiver

彼女は震えていた。

Her lips opened and her teeth opened and her tongue darted.

dart (飛び出す) [動] move suddenly and quickly

彼女の唇が開き、歯が開き、舌が飛び出した。

Then her hands dropped and jerked at something and the robe she was wearing came open and underneath it she was as naked as September Morn but a darn sight less coy.

come open (開く) [動] become open

September Morn (九月の朝) [名] a painting by Paul Chabas

coy (恥ずかしがり屋) [形] shy or modest

それから彼女の手は落ちて何かをぐいと引っ張り、彼女が着ていたローブが開き、その下には九月の朝のように裸だったが、恥ずかしがり屋ではなかった。

“Put me on the bed,” she breathed.

「ベッドに寝かせて」と彼女は息を切らした。

I did that. Putting my arms around her I touched bare skin, soft skin, soft yielding flesh.

do that (そうする) [動] do the thing that has been mentioned

put one's arms around (腕を回す) [動] put one's arms around someone

bare skin (素肌) [名] skin that is not covered by clothing

soft skin (柔らかい肌) [名] skin that is smooth and not rough

soft yielding flesh (柔らかく従順な肉) [名] flesh that is soft and yielding

私はそうした。彼女の周りに腕を回して、私は素肌、柔らかい肌、柔らかく従順な肉に触れた。

I lifted her and carried her the few steps to the bed and lowered her.

lift (抱き上げる) [動] raise to a higher position

lower (降ろす) [動] move to a lower position

私は彼女を抱き上げ、ベッドまで数歩運んで降ろした。

She kept her arms around my neck.

彼女は私の首に腕を回したままだった。

She was making some kind of a whistling noise in her throat.

彼女は喉で何か口笛のような音を立てていた。

Then she thrashed about and moaned.

thrash (暴れ回る) [動] move or cause to move violently or wildly

それから彼女は暴れ回り、うめいた。

This was murder.

これは殺人だった。

I was as erotic as a stallion.

erotic (エロい) [形] relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire

stallion (種馬) [名] an uncastrated adult male horse

私は種馬のようにエロかった。

I was losing control.

私は自制心を失いつつあった。

You don't get that sort of invitation from that sort of woman very often anywhere.

invitation (誘い) [名] a request or encouragement to go somewhere or to do something

very often (滅多に) [副] not often; infrequently

どこであれ、あんな女性からあんな誘いを受けるなんてことは滅多にない。

Candy saved me.

キャンディが私を救った。

There was a thin squeak and I swung around to see the doorknob moving.

squeak (きしみ音) [名] a short, high-pitched sound

doorknob (ドアノブ) [名] a handle that is turned to open or close a door

かすかなきしみ音がして、私は振り返り、ドアノブが動いているのを見た。

I jerked loose and jumped for the door.

jump (飛び込む) [動] to move suddenly and quickly from one place to another, using the muscles in your legs

私は振りほどいてドアに向かって飛び込んだ。

I got it open and barged out through it and the Mex was tearing along the hall and down the stairs.

get it open (ドアを開ける) [動] cause to be open

barge out (飛び出す) [動] move or go quickly and suddenly

tear (走り抜ける) [動] move or go quickly and violently

私はドアを開けて、そこから飛び出したが、メキシコ人は廊下を走り抜けて階段を下りていた。

Halfway down he stopped and turned and leered at me.

leer (睨みつける) [動] look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way

途中で彼は立ち止まり、振り返って私を睨みつけた。

Then he was gone.

それから彼は去っていった。

I went back to the door and shut it--from the outside this time.

私はドアに戻って、今度は外側から閉めた。

Some kind of weird noises were coming from the woman on the bed, but that's all they were now.

some kind of (何か) [名] an unspecified thing

weird (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

ベッドの上の女性から何か奇妙な音が聞こえてきたが、今はそれだけだった。

Weird noises.

奇妙な音。

The spell was broken.

spell (呪文) [名] a word or formula believed to have magical power

break (解ける) [動] cause to come apart by force

呪文は解けた。

I went down the stairs fast and crossed into the study and grabbed the bottle of Scotch and tilted it.

cross (入る) [動] go or move across

私は急いで階段を降りて書斎に入り、スコッチのボトルをつかんで傾けた。

When I couldn't swallow any more I leaned against the wall and panted and let the stuff burn in me until the fumes reached my brain.

fume (煙) [名] a gas or vapor that smells strongly or is harmful

もう飲み込めなくなると、壁にもたれて息を切らし、煙が脳に達するまでその液体を体内で燃やした。

It was a long time since dinner.

long time (長い時間) [名] a large amount of time

夕食から長い時間が経っていた。

It was a long time since anything that was normal.

普通のことが起こってから長い時間が経っていた。

The whiskey hit me hard and fast and I kept guzzling it until the room started to get hazy and the furniture was all in the wrong places and the lamplight was like widlfire or summer lightning.

guzzle (飲み続ける) [動] drink greedily or quickly

get hazy (ぼやける) [動] become unclear or indistinct

lamplight (ランプの光) [名] the light from a lamp

wildfire (山火事) [名] an unplanned fire in an area of natural vegetation

summer lightning (夏の稲妻) [名] a distant lightning without thunder, seen on summer nights

ウイスキーは私を激しく、そして素早く襲い、部屋がぼやけ始め、家具がすべて間違った場所に置かれ、ランプの光が山火事や夏の稲妻のようになるまで、私はそれを飲み続けた。

Then I was flat out on the leather couch, trying to balance the bottle on my chest.

flat out (横になる) [動] to lie down

leather couch (革張りのソファ) [名] a sofa made of leather

balance (乗せる) [動] to put something in a position in which it is not likely to fall

それから私は革張りのソファに横になり、胸の上にボトルを乗せようとした。

It seemed to be empty.

空っぽのようだった。

It rolled away and thumped on the floor.

thump (落ちる) [動] hit or strike heavily

それは転がって床に落ちた。

That was the last incident of which I took any precise notice.

incident (出来事) [名] something that happens, especially something unpleasant

take notice (覚えている) [動] become aware of or pay attention to

それが私が正確に覚えている最後の出来事だった。

[30]

A shaft of sunlight tickled one of my ankles.

shaft (一筋) [名] a long thin straight part of something

sunlight (陽光) [名] the light of the sun

tickle (くすぐる) [動] touch or stroke lightly in a way that causes laughter or pleasure

一筋の陽光が私の足首をくすぐった。

I opened my eyes and saw the crown of a tree moving gently against a hazed blue sky.

open one's eyes (目を開ける) [動] to become aware of something

crown (冠) [名] the top part of a tree

move (揺れる) [動] to change position

hazed (かすんだ) [形] obscured by haze

目を開けると、かすんだ青い空を背景に木の冠が優しく揺れているのが見えた。

I rolled over and leather touched my cheek.

roll over (寝返りを打つ) [動] turn from one side to the other

私は寝返りを打って、革が私の頬に触れた。

An axe split my head.

axe (斧) [名] a tool with a heavy bladed head fixed to a handle

斧が私の頭を割った。

I sat up.

私は起き上がった。

There was a rug over me.

私の上には敷物があった。

I threw that off and got my feet on the floor.

throw off (投げ捨てる) [動] to get rid of something

get one's feet on the floor (床に足をつける) [動] to get out of bed

私はそれを投げ捨てて、床に足をつけた。

I scowled at a clock.

私は時計を睨みつけた。

The clock said a minute short of six-thirty.

six-thirty (6時半) [名] the time that is thirty minutes after six o'clock

時計は6時半まであと1分を示していた。

I got up on my feet and it took character.

私は立ち上がったが、それには気合いが必要だった。

It took will power.

それにはかなりの意志の力が必要だった。

It took a lot out of me, and there wasn't as much to spare as there once had been.

take a lot out of (かなりのエネルギーを消費する) [動] to make someone very tired

there wasn't as much to spare as there once had been (以前ほど余裕はなかった) [動] to have something left over after using what is needed

かなりのエネルギーを消費したが、以前ほど余裕はなかった。

The hard heavy years had worked me over.

hard (苦しい) [形] causing or involving much effort or endurance

長く苦しい年月が私を打ちのめしていた。

I plowed across to the half bath and stripped off my tie and shirt and sloshed cold water in my face with both hands and sloshed it on my head.

plow (歩く) [動] walk or move slowly or with difficulty

strip off (脱ぐ) [動] remove all of one's clothes

slosh (かける) [動] splash or move around in a liquid

cold water (冷たい水) [名] water that is not hot

私は半身浴槽まで歩き、ネクタイとシャツを脱ぎ、両手で冷たい水を顔にかけ、頭にもかけた。

When I was dripping wet I toweled myself off savagely.

drip (滴る) [動] fall or let fall in drops

びしょ濡れになった私は、荒々しくタオルで体を拭いた。

I put my shirt and tie back on and reached for my jacket and the gun in the pocket banged against the wall.

bang (当たる) [動] to strike or be struck with a loud noise

私はシャツとネクタイを着け直し、上着に手を伸ばすと、ポケットの中の銃が壁に当たった。

I took it out and swung the cylinder away from the frame and tipped the cartridges into my hand, five full, one just a blackened shell.

cylinder (シリンダー) [名] a solid geometric figure with two parallel circular bases joined by a curved surface

tip (手に取る) [動] tilt or cause to tilt

blackened (黒く焦げた) [形] made or become black

shell (薬莢) [名] the outer covering of a mollusk or crustacean

私は銃を取り出し、シリンダーをフレームから外して、弾薬を手に取った。5発は装填済みで、1発は黒く焦げた薬莢だった。

Then I thought, what's the use, there are always more of them.

what's the use (何の役に立つんだ) [名] what is the point of doing something

there are always more of them (あいつらはいつももっといるじゃないか) [名] there are always more of those people

それから私は、何の役に立つんだ、あいつらはいつももっといるじゃないか、と思った。

So I put them back where they had been before and carried the gun into the study and put it away in one of the drawers of the desk.

それで私は弾薬を元の場所に戻し、銃を書斎に運び、机の引き出しの1つにしまった。

When I looked up Candy was standing in the doorway, spick and span in his white coat, his hair brushed back and shining black, his eyes bitter.

spick and span (きれいな) [形] neat, clean, and in good condition

私が見上げると、キャンディが戸口に立っていた。白いコートを着て、髪を後ろに撫でつけ、黒く輝き、目は苦々しかった。

“You want some coffee?”

「コーヒーはいるかい?」

“Thanks.”

「ありがとう」

“I put the lamps out.

「私はランプを消した。

The boss is okay.

ボスは大丈夫だ。

Asleep.

眠っている。

I shut his door.

私は彼のドアを閉めた。

Why you get drunk?”

なぜ酔っ払ったんだ?」

“I had to.”

「そうせざるを得なかったんだ」

He sneered at me.

彼は私を嘲笑した。

“Didn't make her, huh?

make (犯す) [動] have sex with

「彼女を犯さなかったのか?

Got tossed out on your can, shamus.”

get tossed out (放り出される) [動] be thrown out

放り出されたんだな、探偵」

“Have it your own way.”

have it your own way (お好きなように) [動] do what you want to do

「お好きなように」

“You ain't tough this morning, shamus.

「今朝は強くないね、探偵。

You ain't tough at all.”

全然強くないね」

“Get the goddam coffee,” I yelled at him.

「コーヒーをとってきてくれ」と私は彼に叫んだ。

“Hijo de la puta!”

Hijo de la puta (ヒホ・デ・ラ・プータ) [名] a Spanish insult

「ヒホ・デ・ラ・プータ!」

In one jump I had him by the arm.

私は一跳びで彼の腕をつかんだ。

He didn't move.

彼は動かなかった。

He just looked at me contemptuously.

彼はただ私を軽蔑したように見た。

I laughed and let go of his arm.

let go of (離す) [動] release one's hold on something

私は笑って彼の腕を離した。

“You're right, Candy.

「君は正しい、キャンディ。

I'm not tough at all.”

私は全然タフじゃない」

He turned and went out.

彼は振り返って出て行った。

In no time at all he was back with a silver tray and a small silver pot of coffee on it and sugar and cream and a neat triangular napkin.

in no time at all (すぐに) [副] very quickly

silver tray (銀の盆) [名] a tray made of silver

small silver pot (小さな銀のポット) [名] a small pot made of silver

neat (きれいな) [形] tidy, clean, or smart

triangular (三角形の) [形] having three sides and three angles

すぐに彼は銀の盆にコーヒーの入った小さな銀のポットと砂糖とクリームときれいな三角形のナプキンを乗せて戻ってきた。

He set it down on the cocktail table and removed the empty bottle and the rest of the drinking materials.

remove (片付ける) [動] take away

empty bottle (空のボトル) [名] a bottle that has nothing in it

drinking material (飲み物) [名] a liquid that can be drunk

彼はそれをカクテルテーブルに置き、空のボトルと残りの飲み物を片付けた。

He picked another bottle off the floor.

pick (拾い上げる) [動] take up or gather

彼は床から別のボトルを拾い上げた。

“Fresh. Just made,” he said, and went out.

「淹れたてです」と言って彼は出て行った。

I drank two cups black.

私はブラックを二杯飲んだ。

Then I tried a cigarette.

それから私はタバコを吸ってみた。

It was all right.

大丈夫だった。

I still belonged to the human race.

human race (人間の種族) [名] the human species

私はまだ人間の種族に属していた。

Then Candy was back in the room again.

それからキャンディがまた部屋に戻ってきた。

“You want breakfast?” he asked morosely.

「朝食は?」と彼は不機嫌そうに尋ねた。

“No, thanks.”

「いいえ、ありがとう」

“Okay, scram out of here.

「わかった、ここから出ていけ。

We don't want you around.”

君にはいてもらいたくない」

“Who's we?”

「私たちって誰?」

He lifted the lid of a box and helped himself to a cigarette.

help oneself to (出す) [動] take something without asking

彼は箱の蓋を開けてタバコを出した。

He lit it and blew smoke at me insolently.

insolently (横柄に) [副] in an arrogant and rude way

彼は火をつけて、横柄に私に向かって煙を吹きかけた。

“I take care of the boss,” he said.

「私はボスの世話をする」と彼は言った。

“You making it pay?”

make it pay (稼ぐ) [動] to make a profit

「それで稼いでいるのか?」

He frowned, then nodded.

彼は眉をひそめ、それからうなずいた。

“Oh yes. Good money.”

「ああ、そうだ。いい金だ。」

“How much on the side--for not spilling what you know?”

how much (どれくらい) [限] the extent or degree to which something is the case

on the side (横流し) [名] an additional activity or occupation

for not spilling (漏らさないために) [前] in order to not do something

what you know (知っていることを) [名] the information that you have

「どれくらい横流ししているんだ? 知っていることを漏らさないために?」

He went back to Spanish.

彼はスペイン語に戻った。

“No entendido.”

entendido (わからない) [形] understood

「わからない。」

“You understand all right.

understand (わかる) [動] perceive the intended meaning of words, language, or a speaker

「君はちゃんとわかっている。

How much you shake him for?

shake (巻き上げる) [動] to obtain money from someone by threatening or deceiving them

彼からいくら巻き上げたんだ?

I bet it's not more than a couple of yards.”

bet (思う) [動] feel sure that something is the case

yard (ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

2ヤード以上は離れていないと思う。」

“What's that? Couple of yards.”

「それは何? 2ヤード。」

“Two hundred bucks.”

two hundred (200) [数] a number equal to 200

「200ドル。」

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

“You give me couple of yards, shamus.

give (貸す) [動] temporarily allow someone to have or use something

「2ヤード貸してくれ、探偵。

So I don't tell the boss you come out of her room last night.”

そうすれば、私はボスに昨夜あなたが彼女の部屋から出てきたことを伝えない。」

“That would buy a whole busload of wetbacks like you.”

whole (一杯) [形] all of; the entire amount of

busload (バス一杯) [名] the number of people that can be carried by a bus

「それであなたのような不法移民をバス一杯買える。」

He shrugged that off.

彼はそれを無視した。

“The boss gets pretty rough when he blows his top.

「ボスは頭に血が上るとかなり荒れる。

Better pay up, shamus.”

pay up (払う) [動] pay the full amount of money that you owe

払った方がいいぜ、探偵。」

“Pachuco stuff,” I said contemptuously.

「パチューコのやり方だ」と私は軽蔑して言った。

“All you're touching is the small money.

「あなたが触れているのは小銭だけだ。

Lots of men play around when they're lit.

be lit (酔っ払う) [動] to be drunk

酔っ払うと遊び回る男は多い。

Anyhow she knows all about it.

とにかく彼女は全てを知っている。

You don't have anything to sell.”

売るものなんて何も持っていない」

There was a gleam in his eye.

彼の目には輝きがあった。

“Just don't come round any more, tough boy.”

come round (来る) [動] to visit someone

「もう来ないでくれ、タフガイ」

“I'm leaving.”

「私は行く」

I stood up and walked around the table.

私は立ち上がってテーブルの周りを歩いた。

He moved enough to keep facing towards me.

彼は私と向き合うために十分に動いた。

I watched his hand but he evidently wasn't wearing a knife this morning.

evidently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is obvious or easily seen or understood

私は彼の手を見たが、彼は今朝ナイフを身に着けていなかったのは明らかだった。

When I was close enough I slapped a hand across his face.

slap (平手打ちする) [動] hit someone with the palm of your hand

十分に近づいたとき、私は彼の顔を平手打ちした。

“I don't get called a son of a whore by the help, greaseball.

greaseball (イタリア野郎) [名] a person of Italian descent

「私は使用人に売春婦の息子とは呼ばれない、イタリア野郎。

I've got business here and I come around whenever I feel like it.

business (用事) [名] a task or an errand

whenever (いつでも) [副] at any time

feel like (気が向く) [動] to be inclined to do something

私はここに用事があって、気が向いたらいつでも来るんだ。

Watch your lip from now on.

lip (口の利き方) [名] the way you speak

これからは口の利き方に気をつけろ。

You might get pistol-whipped.

get (殴られる) [動] receive as a punishment

pistol-whipped (ピストルで殴られる) [動] hit with a pistol

ピストルで殴られるかもしれないぞ。

That pretty face of yours would never look the same again.”

あなたのそのきれいな顔も二度と元通りにはならないだろう。」

He didn't react at all, not even to the slap.

slap (平手打ち) [名] a blow with the open hand

彼は全く反応しなかった、平手打ちに対してさえも。

That and being called a greaseball must have been deadly insults to him.

insult (侮辱) [名] a disrespectful or scornfully abusive remark or action

それに、イタリア野郎と呼ばれたことは彼にとって致命的な侮辱だったに違いない。

But this time he just stood there wooden-faced, motionless.

しかし、今回は彼はただ無表情でそこに立ったまま、動かなかった。

Then without a word he picked up the coffee tray and carried it out.

without a word (一言も言わずに) [副] in silence

pick up (持ち上げる) [動] to lift something up

coffee tray (コーヒーの盆) [名] a tray used to carry coffee

carry out (運び出す) [動] to take something out of a place

それから彼は一言も言わずにコーヒーの盆を持ち上げて運び出した。

“Thanks for the coffee,” I said to his back.

「コーヒーをありがとう」と私は彼の背中に言った。

He kept going.

彼は歩き続けた。

When he was gone I felt the bristles on my chin, shook myself, and decided to be on my way.

feel (撫でる) [動] to touch something in order to experience its texture, temperature, or shape

bristle (無精ひげ) [名] a short, stiff hair

be on one's way (出かける) [動] to start a journey

彼がいなくなると、私はあごの無精ひげを撫で、身を震わせ、出かけることにした。

I had had a skinful of the Wade family.

have had a skinful (うんざりしている) [動] to have had enough of something

私はウェード一家にうんざりしていた。

As I crossed the living room Eileen was coming down the stairs in white slacks and open-toed sandals and a pale blue shirt.

open-toed (つま先の開いた) [形] having an open toe

sandals (サンダル) [名] an open shoe consisting of a sole strapped to the foot

私が居間を横切ると、アイリーンが白いスラックスとつま先の開いたサンダルと淡いブルーのシャツを着て階段を降りてきた。

She looked at me with complete surprise.

彼女は私をとても驚いた様子で見た。

“I didn't know you were here, Mr. Marlowe,” she said, as though she hadn't seen me for a week and at that time I had just dropped in for tea.

hadn't seen (会っていなかった) [動] not see

for a week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

at that time (その時) [名] the time in question

for tea (お茶を飲みに) [名] a hot drink made by infusing the dried leaves of the tea plant in boiling water

「あなたがここにいらしたのを知らなかったよ、マーロウさん」と彼女は言った。まるで私と一週間会っていなかったかのようだった。そしてその時、私はお茶を飲みに立ち寄っただけだった。

“I put his gun in the desk,” I said.

「彼の銃を机の中に入れた」と私は言った。

“Gun?”

「銃?」

Then it seemed to dawn on her.

dawn on (理解する) [動] to become gradually understood or realized by someone

それから彼女は理解したようだった。

“Oh, last night was a little hectic, wasn't it?

hectic (忙しい) [形] full of activity and confusion

「ああ、昨夜は少し忙しかったよね?

But I thought you had gone home.”

go home (帰る) [動] return to one's own home

でもあなたは帰ったと思ったよ」

I walked over closer to her.

私は彼女に近づいていった。

She had a thin gold chain around her neck and some kind of fancy pendant in gold and blue on white enamel.

have (巻く) [動] to hold or possess

some kind of (ある種の) [名] a type of

pendant (ペンダント) [名] a piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain worn around the neck

enamel (エナメル) [名] a glassy substance that is applied to the surface of metal, pottery, or other materials and fired to give a smooth, hard, shiny finish

彼女は首に細い金の鎖を巻き、白のエナメルに金と青の派手なペンダントを下げていた。

The blue enameled part looked like a pair of wings, but not spread out.

wing (翼) [名] an organ or structure that enables a bird, bat, or insect to fly

青いエナメル部分は一対の翼のように見えたが、広がってはいなかった。

Against these there was a broad white enamel and gold dagger that pierced a scroll.

these (これら) [代] the things that are close to you or that you are talking about

broad (幅広の) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

gold (金の) [形] made of or covered with gold

dagger (短剣) [名] a short pointed knife with a sharp blade

pierce (突き刺す) [動] to make a hole in something with a sharp or pointed object

scroll (巻物) [名] a roll of paper or parchment with writing on it

その対照的に、巻物を突き刺した幅広の白いエナメルと金の短剣があった。

I couldn't read the words.

言葉は読めなかった。

It was some kind of military insigne.

military (軍) [形] of or relating to the armed forces

insigne (記章) [名] a badge or emblem

それはある種の軍の記章だった。

“I got drunk,” I said.

「酔っぱらった」と私は言った。

“Deliberately and not elegantly.

deliberately (わざと) [副] done on purpose

「わざと、優雅にではなく。

I was a little lonely.”

少し寂しかったんだ」

“You didn't have to be,” she said, and her eyes were as clear as water.

「そうする必要はなかったのに」と彼女は言い、彼女の目は水のように澄んでいた。

There wasn't a trace of guile in them.

trace (跡) [名] a mark, sign, or evidence of the existence or passing of something

guile (策略) [名] sly or cunning intelligence

そこには策略の跡はなかった。

“A matter of opinion,” I said.

「意見の問題だ」と私は言った。

“I'm leaving now and I'm not sure I'll be back.

「私は今出発するが、戻ってくるかどうかはわからない。

You heard what I said about the gun?”

銃について私が言ったことを聞いたか?」

“You put it in his desk.

「あなたはそれを彼の机に入れた。

It might be a good idea to put it somewhere else.

be a good idea (良い考えかもしれない) [動] be a good idea

それをどこか別の場所に置くのは良い考えかもしれない。

But he didn't really mean to shoot himself, did he?”

しかし、彼は本当に自分を撃つつもりはなかったのでしょうね?」

“I can't answer that.

「それには答えられない。

But next time he might.”

しかし、次回はそうするかもしれない。」

She shook her head.

彼女は首を横に振った。

“I don't think so. I really don't.

「そうは思わない。本当にそうは思わない。

You were a wonderful help last night, Mr. Marlowe.

昨夜は本当に助かりました、マーロウさん。

I don't know how to thank you.”

どうお礼を申し上げたらよいか」

“You made a pretty good try.”

make a try (試みる) [動] to attempt to do something

go (いく) [動] to move or travel from one place to another

「かなりいい線までいったよ」

She got pink. Then she laughed.

get pink (顔を赤らめる) [動] become pink

彼女は顔を赤らめた。それから笑った。

“I had a very curious dream in the night,” she said slowly, looking off over my shoulder.

look off (遠くを見る) [動] to look away from something

「昨夜とても奇妙な夢を見たの」と彼女は私の肩越しに遠くを見ながらゆっくりと言った。

“Someone I used to know was here in the house.

used to (昔) [助] in the past

「昔知っていた人がこの家にいるの。

Someone who has been dead for ten years.”

be dead (亡くなる) [動] to be no longer alive

10年前に亡くなった人」

Her fingers went up and touched the gold and enamel pendant.

彼女の指は上にあがり、金とエナメルのペンダントに触れた。

“That's why I am wearing this today.

「だから今日これを着けているの。

He gave it to me.”

彼がくれたの」

“I had a curious dream myself,” I said.

have a dream (夢を見る) [動] experience a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

myself (私も) [代] used to emphasize that the speaker or writer is included in a group of people

「私も奇妙な夢を見た」と私は言った。

“But I'm not telling mine.

「でも私は話さない。

Let me know how Roger gets on and if there is anything I can do.”

get on (乗る) [動] to board a vehicle

ロジャーの様子と私にできることがあったら知らせてください」

She lowered her eyes and looked into mine.

彼女は目を伏せて私の目を見た。

“You said you were not coming back.”

「戻ってこないって言ったのに」

“I said I wasn't sure.

be not sure (わからない) [動] not know for certain

「わからないと言った。

I may have to come back.

戻ってくるかもしれない。

I hope I won't.

戻ってこないことを願っている。

There is something very wrong in this house.

wrong (悪い) [形] not correct or right; mistaken

この家には何かとても悪いことがある。

And only part of it came out of a bottle.”

そしてその一部だけが瓶から出てきた」

She stared at me, frowning.

彼女は私をじっと見つめ、眉をひそめた。

“What does that mean?”

「それはどういう意味?」

“I think you know what I'm talking about.”

be talking about (言っている) [動] be discussing or referring to

「私が何を言っているのか分かっていると思う」

She thought it over carefully.

彼女はそれを注意深く考えた。

Her fingers were still touching the pendant gently.

彼女の指はペンダントに優しく触れていた。

She let out a slow patient sigh.

let out (ため息をつく) [動] to make a sound that expresses sadness, tiredness, or relief

slow (ゆっくり) [形] moving or operating or done without speed or hurry

彼女はゆっくりと忍耐強くため息をついた。

“There's always another woman,” she said quietly.

「いつも別の女性がいる」と彼女は静かに言った。

“At some time or other.

at some time or other (いつか) [副] at some unspecified time in the future

「いつか。

It's not necessarily fatal.

必ずしも致命的ではない。

We're talking at cross purposes, aren't we?

talk at cross purposes (話がかみ合わない) [動] to have a conversation in which the people involved are not understanding each other

aren't we (ね) [助] used in speech to turn a statement into a question, especially when asking for agreement

私たちは話がかみ合っていないね?

We are not even talking about the same thing, perhaps.”

私たちは同じことについて話していないのかもしれない。」

“Could be,” I said.

「そうかもしれない」と私は言った。

She was still standing on the steps, the third step from the bottom.

彼女はまだ階段に立っていた、下から3段目だ。

She still had her fingers on the pendant.

彼女はまだペンダントに指を置いていた。

She still looked like a golden dream.

golden (黄金の) [形] made of or relating to gold

彼女はまだ黄金の夢のように見えた。

“Especially if you have in mind that the other woman is Linda Loring.”

「特に、そのもう一人の女性がリンダ・ローリングだと考えているなら」

She dropped her hand from the pendant and came down one more step of the stairs.

彼女はペンダントから手を離し、階段をもう一段降りてきた。

“Dr. Loring seems to agree with me,” she said indifferently.

「ローリング医師は私に同意しているみたい」と彼女は冷淡に言った。

“He must have some source of information.”

「彼には何か情報源があるに違いない」

“You said he had played that scene with half the males in the valley.”

「あなたは彼が谷の男性の半分とその場面を演じたと言った」

“Did I? Well--it was the conventional sort of thing to say at the time.”

conventional (慣例的な) [形] based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed

at the time (当時) [名] the time in question

「そう言ったか? まあ、それは当時言うべき慣例的なことだ」

She came down another step.

step (一段) [名] a movement of the foot in walking or running

彼女はさらに一段降りてきた。

“I haven't shaved,” I said.

「髭を剃っていない」と私は言った。

That startled her.

彼女は驚いた。

Then she laughed.

それから彼女は笑った。

“Oh, I wasn't expecting you to make love to me.”

make love (愛する) [動] have sex

「ああ、あなたが私を愛してくれるとは思っていなかったよ」

“Just what did you expect of me, Mrs. Wade--in the beginning, when you first persuaded me to go hunting?

go hunting (狩りに行く) [動] go to a place where animals are and kill them for food or as a sport

「ウェードさん、私に何を期待していたんですか? 最初に私を狩りに誘ったときに?

Why me--what have I got to offer?”

offer (できる) [動] present or proffer (something) for consideration, discussion, or use

なぜ私に? 私に何ができるんですか?」

“You kept faith,” she said quietly.

keep faith (信頼を守る) [動] to remain loyal to someone or something

「あなたは信頼を守った」と彼女は静かに言った。

“When it couldn't have been very easy.”

「それは簡単なことではなかったでしょう」

“I'm touched. But I don't think that was the reason.”

be touched (感動する) [動] be moved emotionally

「感動したよ。でもそれが理由だったとは思わない」

She came down the last step and then she was looking up at me.

彼女は最後の段を降りてきて、それから私を見上げていた。

“Then what was the reason?”

「では理由は何だったの?」

“Or if it was--it was a damn poor reason.

「あるいはそれが理由だったとしても、それはひどく貧弱な理由だった。

Just about the worst reason in the world.”

just about (ほとんど) [副] very nearly; almost

worst (最もひどい) [形] of the poorest quality or the lowest standard; least good or desirable

世界で最もひどい理由だ」

She frowned a tiny frown.

tiny (少し) [形] very small

彼女は少し眉をひそめた。

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“Because what I did--this keeping faith--is something even a fool doesn't do twice.”

what I did (私がしたこと) [名] the thing that I did

keeping faith (信頼を守ること) [名] the action of keeping faith

even a fool (愚か者でさえ) [名] even a person who is not very intelligent

doesn't do twice (二度としない) [動] does not do something two times

「私がしたこと、この信頼を守ることは、愚か者でさえ二度としないことだ」

“You know,” she said lightly, “this is getting to be a very enigmatic conversation.”

you know (ねえ) [間] used to introduce a statement or question

lightly (軽く) [副] gently; softly

enigmatic (謎めいた) [形] mysterious; puzzling

「ねえ」と彼女は軽く言った。「これはとても謎めいた会話になってきたよ」

“You're a very enigmatic person, Mrs. Wade.

「あなたはとても謎めいた人だ、ウェード夫人。

So long and good luck and if you really care anything about Roger, you'd better find him the right kind of doctor--and quick.”

さよなら、幸運を祈る、もし本当にロジャーのことを気にかけているなら、彼に適切な医者を見つけた方がいい、それも早く」

She laughed again.

彼女はまた笑った。

“Oh, that was a mild attack last night.

attack (発作) [名] a sudden and violent onset of a disease or a symptom

「ああ、昨夜のは軽い発作だったよ。

You ought to see him in a bad one.

ひどい発作の時の彼を見るべきよ。

He'll be up and working by this afternoon.”

彼は午後には起きて仕事するよ」

“Like hell he will.”

like hell (そんなわけない) [副] not at all; not a chance

「そんなわけない」

“But believe me he will.

「でも信じて。

I know him so well.”

私は彼のことをよく知っているよ」

I gave her the last shot right in the teeth and it sounded pretty nasty.

shot (一撃) [名] an attempt to hit or reach something

right (ちょうど) [副] directly; straight

私は彼女の歯に最後の一撃を与え、それはかなりひどい音がした。

“You don't really want to save him, do you?

「あなたは本当に彼を救いたいわけではないのね?

You just want to look as if you are trying to save him.”

look as if (~のように見える) [動] to appear to be

彼を救おうとしているように見せたいだけなのね」

“That,” she said deliberately, “was a very beastly thing to say to me.”

deliberately (慎重に) [副] done consciously and intentionally

beastly (ひどい) [形] very unpleasant or bad

「それは」と彼女は慎重に言った。「私に言うのはとてもひどいことだったよ」

She stepped past me and walked through the dining room doors and then the big room was empty and I crossed to the front door and let myself out.

step past (通り過ぎる) [動] walk past

walk through (通り抜ける) [動] go through

big room (大きな部屋) [名] a large room

let oneself out (外に出た) [動] go out

彼女は私を通り過ぎてダイニングルームのドアを通り抜け、それから大きな部屋は空になり、私は玄関のドアまで歩いて行き、外に出た。

It was a perfect summer morning in that bright secluded valley.

secluded (隔離された) [形] shut off or hidden away from others

その明るく隔離された谷では完璧な夏の朝だった。

It was too far from the city to get any smog and cut off by the low mountains from the dampness of the ocean.

cut off (遮断する) [動] to stop the passage of something

ocean (海) [名] a large expanse of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and surrounding its land masses

街から遠すぎてスモッグが届かず、低い山々によって海の湿気から遮断されていた。

It was going to be hot later, but in a nice refined exclusive sort of way, nothing brutal like the heat of the desert, not sticky and rank like the heat of the city.

refined (洗練された) [形] having a high degree of excellence

brutal (残酷な) [形] savagely violent

rank (不快な) [形] having an extremely unpleasant smell or taste

後で暑くなるだろうが、砂漠の暑さのような残酷なものではなく、街の暑さのようなべたべたした不快なものではなく、上品で洗練された独特の暑さになるだろう。

Idle Valley was a perfect place to live.

アイドルバレーは住むのに最適な場所だった。

Perfect. Nice people with nice homes, nice cars, nice horses, nice dogs, possibly even nice children.

完璧だ。素敵な家、素敵な車、素敵な馬、素敵な犬、おそらく素敵な子供たちを持つ素敵な人々。

But all a man named Marlowe wanted from it was out.

all (ただ) [副] only

out (抜け出す) [動] go or come out of

しかし、マーロウという名の男が望んだのは、ただそこを抜け出すことだけだった。

And fast.

しかもすぐに。

[31]

I went home and showered and shaved and changed clothes and began to feel clean again.

change clothes (着替える) [動] put on different clothes

feel clean (清潔な気分になる) [動] have a feeling of being clean

私は家に帰り、シャワーを浴び、髭を剃り、着替え、再び清潔な気分になった。

I cooked some breakfast, ate it, washed up, swept the kitchen and the service porch, filled a pipe and called the phone answering service.

cook (作る) [動] prepare (food, a dish, or a meal) by combining and heating the ingredients in various ways

wash up (洗い物をする) [動] wash one's hands and face

service porch (勝手口) [名] a porch used for deliveries and service

私は朝食を作り、食べ、洗い物をして、台所と勝手口を掃除し、パイプに煙草を詰め、電話代行サービスに電話した。

I shot a blank.

blank (空砲) [名] a cartridge that contains gunpowder but no bullet

私は空砲を撃った。

Why go to the office?

なぜ事務所に行くのか?

There would be nothing there but another dead moth and another layer of dust.

そこにはもう一匹の死んだ蛾ともう一層の埃以外何もないだろう。

In the safe would be my portrait of Madison.

金庫の中には私の描いたマディソンの肖像画があるだろう。

I could go down and play with that, and with the five crisp hundred dollar bills that still smelled of coffee.

hundred dollar bills (百ドル紙幣) [名] a bill worth one hundred dollars

私は降りて行って、それで遊ぶことができた。そして、まだコーヒーの匂いがするパリッとした5枚の百ドル紙幣で。

I could do that, but I didn't want to.

私はそうすることができたが、そうしたくなかった。

Something inside me had gone sour.

go sour (酸っぱくなる) [動] to become unpleasant or bad

私の中の何かが酸っぱくなっていた。

None of it really belonged to me.

どれも本当に私のものには思えなかった。

What was it supposed to buy?

何を買うつもりだったのか?

How much loyalty can a dead man use?

loyalty (忠誠心) [名] the quality of being loyal

死んだ人間がどれだけの忠誠心を使えるだろうか?

Phooey: I was looking at life through the mists of a hangover.

くそっ、私は二日酔いのもやを通して人生を見ていた。

It was the kind of morning that seems to go on forever.

go on (続く) [動] continue without stopping

永遠に続くように思える朝だった。

I was flat and tired and dull and the passing minutes seemed to fall into a void, with a soft whirring sound, like spent rockets.

flat (無気力な) [形] lacking energy or enthusiasm

passing (過ぎ去る) [形] going by

void (虚空) [名] an empty space

whirring (ヒューヒューと音を立てる) [動] make a continuous high-pitched sound

rocket (ロケット) [名] a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents, used typically as a firework or signal

私は無気力で疲れ果て、退屈で、過ぎ去る時間が、使い果たしたロケットのように、柔らかくヒューヒューと音を立てて、虚空に落ちていくように思えた。

Birds chirped in the shrubbery outside and the cars went up and down Laurel Canyon Boulevard endlessly.

chirp (さえずる) [動] make a short, high-pitched sound

go up and down (行き来する) [動] move from one place to another

Laurel Canyon Boulevard (ローレル・キャニオン大通り) [名] a street in Los Angeles

endlessly (延々と) [副] for a very long time

外の植え込みで鳥がさえずり、車がローレル・キャニオン大通りを延々と行き来していた。

Usually I wouldn't even hear them.

普段はそんな音は聞こえない。

But I was brooding and irritable and mean and oversensitive.

brood (考え込む) [動] to think about something in a sad or angry way

irritable (イライラする) [形] easily annoyed or made angry

mean (意地悪) [形] unkind or spiteful

oversensitive (過敏) [形] too sensitive

しかし、私は考え込んでいて、イライラしていて、意地悪で、過敏だった。

I decided to kill the hangover.

私は二日酔いを治すことにした。

Ordinarily I was not a morning drinker.

ordinarily (普段は) [副] under normal conditions

普段は朝酒を飲む方ではない。

The Southern California climate is too soft for it.

Southern California (南カリフォルニア) [名] the southern part of the state of California

climate (気候) [名] the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period

soft (穏やか) [形] not rough or violent; mild, moderate, or slight

南カリフォルニアの気候はそれにはあまりにも穏やかだ。

You don't metabolize fast enough.

metabolize (代謝する) [動] convert (food) into living tissue or energy

代謝が十分に速くない。

But I mixed a tall cold one this time and sat in an easy chair with my shirt open and pecked at a magazine, reading a crazy story about a guy that had two lives and two psychiatrists, one was human and one was some kind of insect in a hive.

easy chair (安楽椅子) [名] a comfortable padded armchair

しかし、今回は背の高い冷たいものを混ぜて、シャツを開けて安楽椅子に座り、雑誌をつついて、2つの人生と2人の精神科医を持つ男についての狂った話を読んでいた。1人は人間で、もう1人は巣箱の中の昆虫の一種だった。

The guy kept going from one to the other and the whole thing was as crazy as a crumpet, but funny in an off-beat sort of way.

one to the other (次から次へと) [名] from one thing to another

whole thing (全体) [名] everything

その男は次から次へと行き続け、全体がクランペットのように狂っていたが、風変わりな方法で面白かった。

I was handling the drink carefully, a sip at a time, watching myself.

sip (一口) [名] a small mouthful of liquid

私は飲み物を注意深く扱い、一口ずつ飲み、自分自身を観察していた。

It was about noon when the telephone rang and the voice said: “This is Linda Loring.

電話が鳴り、声がしたのは正午頃だった。「リンダ・ローリングです。

I called your office and your phone service told me to try your home.

phone service (電話サービス) [名] a service that allows people to talk to each other over long distances using a telephone

事務所に電話したら、電話サービスが自宅に電話するように言っていました。

I'd like to see you.”

あなたに会いたいです」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“I'd rather explain that in person.

「それは直接説明したいのです。

You go to your office from time to time, I suppose.”

あなたは時々事務所に行くのですよね」

“Yeah. From time to time.

「ああ、時々ね。

Is there any money in it?”

be in (ある) [動] be present or available

お金はあるのかい?」

“I hadn't thought of it that way.

「そんな風には考えていませんでした。

But I have no objection, if you want to be paid.

have no objection (異議はありません) [動] to not be against something

でも、もしあなたが支払いを求めるなら、私は異議はありません。

I could be at your office in about an hour.”

1時間ほどであなたの事務所に行けます」

“Goody.”

goody (よかった) [間] expressing mild pleasure or satisfaction

「よかった」

“What's the matter with you?” she asked sharply.

「どうしたの?」と彼女は鋭く尋ねた。

“Hangover. But I'm not paralyzed. I'll be there.

be there (行く) [動] arrive at a place

「二日酔い。でも麻痺はしていない。行くよ。

Unless you'd rather come here.”

unless (~でなければ) [接] except if

ここに来たいなら別だけど」

“Your office would suit me better.”

suit (都合がいい) [動] be convenient or favorable for

「そちらの事務所の方が都合がいい」

“I've got a nice quiet place here.

「ここは静かでいい場所だ。

Dead-end street, no near neighbors.”

dead-end street (行き止まりの道) [名] a street that has no exit at one end

near neighbor (近所の住民) [名] a person who lives near you

行き止まりの道で近所の住民もいない」

“The implication does not attract me--if I understand you.”

implication (含意) [名] the conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated

attract (惹きつける) [動] cause to come to a place or participate in an event

「その含意は私を惹きつけないーもし私があなたを理解しているなら」

“Nobody understands me, Mrs. Loring. I'm enigmatic.

enigmatic (謎めいている) [形] mysterious or difficult to understand

「誰も私を理解していない、ローリング夫人。私は謎めいている。

Okay, I'll struggle down to the coop.”

わかった、私は小屋まで奮闘するよ」

“Thank you so much.”

so (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

「どうもありがとう」

She hung up.

彼女は電話を切った。

I was slow getting down there because I stopped on the way for a sandwich.

sandwich (サンドイッチ) [名] two pieces of bread with a layer of food between them

途中でサンドイッチを食べるために立ち寄ったので、そこまで行くのが遅くなった。

I aired out the office and switched on the buzzer and poked my head through the communicating door and she was there already, sitting in the same chair where Mendy Menendez had sat and looking through what could have been the same magazine.

air out (換気する) [動] ventilate

switch on (鳴らす) [動] turn on

私は事務所の換気をしてブザーを鳴らし、内扉から頭を突き出したが、彼女はすでにそこにいて、メンディ・メネンデスが座っていたのと同じ椅子に座り、同じ雑誌かもしれないものを眺めていた。

She had a tan gabardine suit on today and she looked pretty elegant.

彼女は今日は黄褐色のギャバジンのスーツを着ていて、かなり優雅に見えた。

She put the magazine aside, gave me a serious look and said:

put aside (脇に置く) [動] to not consider or think about something

give a look (見る) [動] to direct one's gaze at someone or something

彼女は雑誌を脇に置き、私を真面目な顔で見て言った。

“Your Boston fern needs watering.

Boston fern (ボストンシダ) [名] a species of fern

「あなたのボストンシダは水やりが必要です。

I think it needs repotting too.

植え替えも必要だと思います。

Too many air roots.”

root (根) [名] the part of a plant that grows down into the soil and absorbs water and nutrients

気根が多すぎます」

I held the door open for her.

私は彼女のためにドアを開けた。

The hell with the Boston fern.

the hell with (どうでもいい) [名] an expression of anger or annoyance

ボストンシダなんてどうでもいい。

When she was inside and I had let the door swing shut I held the customer's chair for her and she gave the office the usual once-over.

be inside (中に入る) [動] be in the interior of something

swing shut (閉める) [動] move or cause to move back and forth or from one side to another

once-over (ざっと見渡す) [名] a quick examination or inspection

彼女が中に入り、私がドアを閉めると、私は彼女のために客用の椅子を用意し、彼女はいつものように事務所をざっと見渡した。

I got around to my side of the desk.

私は机の自分の側に回った。

“You're establishment isn't exactly palatial,” she said.

establishment (事務所) [名] a business organization or a place of business

palatial (豪華な) [形] like a palace in being large, impressive, and expensive

「あなたの事務所は豪華とは言えないよね」と彼女は言った。

“Don't you even have a secretary?”

「秘書もいないんですか?」

“It's a sordid life, but I'm used to it.”

sordid (みじめな) [形] morally degraded

used to (慣れた) [動] be familiar with something through experience

「みじめな人生だけど、慣れたよ」

“And I shouldn't think very lucrative,” she said.

lucrative (儲かる) [形] producing a great deal of profit

「あまり儲からないと思うよ」と彼女は言った。

“Oh I don't know. Depends.

I don't know (わからない) [動] to not have knowledge of something

Depends (場合による) [動] to be determined by or based on something

「ああ、わからないな。場合による。

Want to see a portrait of Madison?”

マディソンの肖像画を見たい?」

“A what?”

「何?」

“A five-thousand-dollar bill.

five-thousand-dollar (五千ドル) [名] a unit of money equal to 100 cents

「五千ドル札。

Retainer. I've got it in the safe.”

着手金。金庫に入れてある。」

I got up and started over there.

start (向かう) [動] go or travel toward a place

私は立ち上がってそこに向かった。

I spun the knob and opened it and unlocked a drawer inside, opened an envelope, and dropped it in front of her.

私はノブを回して開け、中の引き出しの鍵を開け、封筒を開けて彼女の前に落とした。

She stared at it in something like amazement.

amazement (驚き) [名] a feeling of great surprise or wonder

彼女は驚きのようなものでそれを見つめた。

“Don't let the office fool you,” I said.

fool (騙す) [動] deceive or trick

「事務所に騙されてはいけない」と私は言った。

“I worked for an old boy one time that would cash in at about twenty millions.

old boy (老いた男) [名] a man who has been at a particular school

one time (かつて) [名] a particular occasion or event

cash in (現金で受け取る) [動] to exchange something for money

twenty millions (2000万) [名] a very large number

「私はかつて、約2000万ドルを現金で受け取る老いた男のために働いていた。

Even your old man would say hello to him.

あなたの父親でさえ彼に挨拶するだろう。

His office was no better than mine, except he was a bit deaf and had that soundproofing stuff on the ceiling.

no better than (より良いところはない) [形] not any better than

deaf (耳が遠い) [形] unable to hear or hear well

soundproofing (防音) [名] the process of making a room or building soundproof

彼の事務所は私の事務所より良いところはなかったが、彼は少し耳が遠く、天井に防音材を貼っていた。

On the floor brown linoleum, no carpet.”

on the floor (床に) [前] on the ground

carpet (カーペット) [名] a floor covering made of thick woven fabric

床には茶色のリノリウムが敷いてあり、カーペットは敷いていなかった。」

She picked the portrait of Madison up and pulled it between her fingers and turned it over.

彼女はマディソンの肖像画を手に取り、指で挟んで裏返した。

She put it down again.

彼女はそれを再び置いた。

“You got this from Terry, didn't you?”

「これをテリーからもらったのね?」

“Gosh, you know everything, don't you Mrs. Loring?”

Gosh (おや) [間] an expression of surprise

「おや、ローリング夫人、あなたは何もかも知っていますね?」

She pushed the bill away from her, frowning.

彼女は眉をひそめながら、その紙幣を押しのけた。

“He had one. He carried it on him ever since he and Sylvia were married the second time.

ever since (ずっと) [副] from the time that

「彼は持っていたよ。彼はシルヴィアと二度目の結婚をしてからずっとそれを持ち歩いていた。

He called it his mad money.

mad money (非常用資金) [名] a small amount of money kept for emergencies or unexpected expenses

彼はそれを自分の非常用資金と呼んでいた。

It was not found on his body.”

be found (見つかる) [動] to be discovered or noticed

彼の遺体からは見つからなかったよ」

“There could be other reasons for that.”

「それには他の理由があるかもしれない」

“I know. But how many people carry a five-thousand-dollar bill around with them?

around (持ち歩く) [副] in all directions; on all sides

「わかってるよ。でも、5000ドル札を持ち歩く人なんてどれだけいるかしら?

How many who could afford to give you that much money would give it to you in this form?”

あなたにそれだけのお金を渡せる余裕のある人のうち、どれだけの人がこんな形で渡すかしら?」

It wasn't worth answering.

答える価値もなかった。

I just nodded.

私はただうなずいた。

She went on brusquely.

brusquely (ぶっきらぼうに) [副] in a blunt or abrupt manner

彼女はぶっきらぼうに続けた。

“And what were you supposed to do for it, Mr. Marlowe?

「そして、あなたはそのために何をすることになっていたの、マーロウさん?

Or would you tell me?

それとも教えてくれる?

On that last ride down to Tijuana he had plenty of time to talk.

ティファナへの最後のドライブで彼は話す時間が十分にあった。

You made it very clear the other evening that you didn't believe his confession.

make it clear (はっきりと示す) [動] to make something easy to understand

other evening (先日の夜) [名] the evening of the day before the present day

あなたは先日の夜、彼の自白を信じていないことをはっきりと示した。

Did he give you a list of his wife's lovers so that you might find a murderer among them?”

lover (愛人) [名] a person having a sexual or romantic relationship with someone, often outside marriage

彼はあなたに妻の愛人のリストを渡して、その中から殺人者を見つけられるようにしたのか?」

I didn't answer that either, but for different reasons.

私はそれにも答えなかったが、理由は別だった。

“And would the name of Roger Wade appear on that list by any chance?” she asked harshly.

appear (載っている) [動] be presented to the sight or mind

「そして、ロジャー・ウェードの名前は、ひょっとしてそのリストに載っているだろうか?」と彼女は厳しく尋ねた。

“If Terry didn't kill his wife, the murderer would have to be some violent and irresponsible man, a lunatic or a savage drunk.

irresponsible (無責任な) [形] not showing or having a proper sense of responsibility

「もしテリーが妻を殺さなかったなら、殺人者は暴力的で無責任な男、狂人、あるいは野蛮な酔っぱらいでなければならない。

Only that sort of man could, to use your own repulsive phrase, beat her face into a bloody sponge.

repulsive (嫌な) [形] causing a feeling of disgust

phrase (言い回し) [名] a small group of words that forms a unit

あなた自身の嫌な言い回しを使うと、そのような男だけが彼女の顔を血まみれのスポンジに殴打することができる。

Is that why you are making yourself so very useful to the Wades--a regular mother's helper who comes on call to nurse him when he is drunk, to find him when he is lost, to bring him home when he is helpless?”

make oneself useful (役に立つ) [動] to be helpful

mother's helper (母親の助手) [名] a person who helps a mother with her children or with housework

come on call (電話で呼び出される) [動] to be summoned by telephone

nurse (看病する) [動] to care for a sick or injured person

だからあなたはウェード家でとても役に立っているのですか? 彼が酔っ払ったときに看病し、彼が迷子になったときに見つけ、彼がどうしようもないときに家に連れて帰るために、電話で呼び出される母親の助手なのですか?」

“Let me set you right on a couple of points, Mrs. Loring.

set right (正しいことを言う) [動] to correct or make right

「2、3点、正しいことを言わせてください、ローリング夫人。

Terry may or may not have given me that beautiful piece of engraving.

may or may not (かもしれないし、ないかもしれない) [助] expressing possibility

engraving (彫刻) [名] the art of cutting designs into a hard surface

テリーは私にあの美しい彫刻をくれたかもしれないし、くれなかったかもしれない。

But he gave me no list and mentioned no names.

mention (挙げる) [動] refer to briefly

しかし、彼は私にリストを渡さず、名前も挙げなかった。

There was nothing he asked me to do except what you seem to feel sure I did do, drive him to Tijuana.

彼が私に頼んだことは、あなたが私がやったと確信しているように見える、彼をティファナまで連れて行くこと以外には何もなかった。

My getting involved with the Wades was the work of a New York publisher who is desperate to have Roger Wade finish his book, which involves keeping him fairly sober, which in turn involves finding out if there is any special trouble that makes him get drunk.

involve (必要) [動] require as a necessary logical consequence

turn (必要) [名] a change of direction, position, or course

special (特別) [形] better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual or common

私がウェード家に関わるようになったのは、ロジャー・ウェードに本を完成させようと必死になっているニューヨークの出版社の仕事で、彼をかなりしらふに保つことが必要で、そのためには彼を酔わせる特別な問題がないかどうかを調べる必要があった。

If there is and it can be found out, then the next step would be an effort to remove it.

もし問題があって、それが判明したら、次のステップはそれを解決する努力になる。

I say effort, because the chances are you couldn't do it.

努力と言うのは、おそらくあなたにはできないだろうからだ。

But you could try.”

でも、試すことはできる」

“I could tell you in one simple sentence why he gets drunk,” she said contemptuously.

「彼が酔っ払う理由を簡単な一文で言うことができるよ」と彼女は軽蔑的に言った。

“That anemic blond show piece he's married to.”

anemic (貧血の) [形] lacking in color

show piece (見世物) [名] an item that is displayed for people to look at

「彼が結婚したあの貧血の金髪の見世物」

“Oh I don't know,” I said.

「ああ、わからない」と私は言った。

“I wouldn't call her anemic.”

「彼女を貧血とは呼ばない」

“Really? How interesting.”

「本当に? 面白いよね」

Her eyes glittered.

glitter (きらめく) [動] shine with a bright, reflected light

彼女の目がきらめいた。

I picked up my portrait of Madison.

私はマディソンの肖像画を拾い上げた。

“Don't chew too long on that one, Mrs. Loring.

「それをあまり長く噛まないで、ローリング夫人。

I am not sleeping with the lady.

私はその女性とは寝ていない。

Sorry to disappoint you.”

disappoint (期待を裏切る) [動] fail to meet the hopes or expectations of

期待を裏切ってすみません」

I went over to the safe and put my money away in the locked compartment.

locked compartment (鍵のかかった区画) [名] a section of a container that can be locked

私は金庫に行き、鍵のかかった区画にお金を入れた。

I shut the safe and spun the dial.

私は金庫を閉め、ダイヤルを回した。

“On second thought,” she said to my back, “I doubt very much that anyone is sleeping with her.”

on second thought (考え直したんだけど) [句] after thinking about something again

「考え直したんだけど」と彼女は私の背中に言った。「誰かが彼女と寝ているなんてとても信じられないよ」

I went back and sat on the corner of the desk.

私は戻って机の角に座った。

“You're getting bitchy, Mrs. Loring. Why?

get bitchy (意地悪になる) [動] become mean or spiteful

「あなたは意地悪になってきたよ、ローリング夫人。なぜ?

Are you carrying a torch for our alcoholic friend?”

carry a torch (恋する) [動] to be in love with someone who does not love you back

alcoholic (アルコール中毒) [名] a person who has a strong desire to drink alcohol and who does not have control over their drinking

あなたは私たちのアルコール中毒の友人に恋しているの?」

“I hate remarks like that,” she said bitingly.

bitingly (辛辣に) [副] in a sharp or sarcastic way

「私はそのような発言は嫌い」と彼女は辛辣に言った。

“I hate them. I suppose that idiotic scene my husband made makes you think you have the right to insult me.

idiotic (馬鹿げた) [形] extremely stupid or foolish

「私は彼らが嫌い。私の夫が作った馬鹿げた場面があなたに私を侮辱する権利があると思わせているのでしょうね。

No, I am not carrying a torch for Roger Wade.

いいえ、私はロジャー・ウェードに恋していません。

I never did--even when he was a sober man who behaved himself.

私はそうしたことは一度もなかった--彼が素面で自分を律していた時でさえ。

Still less now that he is what he is.”

still less (なおさら) [副] to an even smaller extent or degree

what he is (今のような状態) [名] the state that he is in now

彼が今のような状態になってからはなおさらです」

I flopped into my chair, reached for a matchbox, and stared at her.

flop (どっかりと腰を下ろす) [動] to sit or lie down heavily

私は椅子にどっかりと腰を下ろし、マッチ箱に手を伸ばし、彼女をじっと見つめた。

She looked at her watch.

彼女は時計を見た。

“You people with a lot of money are really something,” I said.

「あなたたちお金持ちは本当にすごいね」と私は言った。

“You think anything you choose to say, however nasty, is perfectly all right.

choose (選ぶ) [動] pick from a number of options

perfectly (まったく) [副] in a way that is complete or correct in every way

「どんなにひどいことを言っても、まったく問題ないと思っている。

You can make sneering remarks about Wade and his wife to a man you hardly know, but if I hand you back a little change, that's an insult.

sneering (嘲笑的な) [形] showing contempt or scorn

change (お返し) [名] the act or process of becoming different

あなたはほとんど知らない男にウェードとその妻について嘲笑的な発言をすることができるが、私があなたに少しお返しをすると、それは侮辱になる。

Okay, let's play it low down.

low (低く) [副] at or to a low level or position

よし、低く弾こう。

Any drunk will eventually turn up with a loose woman.

eventually (やがて) [副] in the end; finally

turn up (現れる) [動] to arrive or appear

どんな酔っ払いも、やがてふしだらな女と現れる。

Wade is a drunk, but you're not a loose woman.

ウェードは酔っ払いだが、あなたはふしだらな女ではない。

That's just a casual suggestion your high-bred husband drops to brighten up a cocktail party.

high-bred (育ちの良い) [形] of good breeding

drop (言う) [動] to say something casually

brighten up (盛り上げる) [動] to make more cheerful or lively

それはあなたの育ちの良い夫がカクテルパーティーを盛り上げるために言う何気ない提案に過ぎない。

He doesn't mean it, he's just saying it for laughs.

彼はそれを本気で言っているのではなく、ただ笑いのために言っているだけだ。

So we rule you out, and look for a loose woman elsewhere.

rule out (除外する) [動] to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of

だから私たちはあなたを除外して、他の場所でふしだらな女を探す。

How far do we have to look, Mrs. Loring--to find one that would involve you enough to bring you down here trading sneers with me?

trade (交わす) [動] exchange something for something else

ローリング夫人、どれだけ遠くを見渡せば、あなたをここまで連れてきて、私と冷笑を交わすほどあなたを巻き込むような女性を見つけられるだろうか?

It has to be somebody rather special, doesn't it--otherwise why should you care?”

かなり特別な誰かであるに違いない、そうでなければなぜあなたが気にかけるのか?」

She sat perfectly silent, just looking.

彼女はただ見つめながら、完全に沈黙して座っていた。

A long half minute went by.

長い30秒が過ぎた。

The corners of her mouth were white and her hands were rigid on her gabardine bag that matched her suit.

corner (端) [名] the place where two or more lines or edges meet

gabardine (ギャバジン) [名] a smooth, durable, tightly woven fabric, typically of worsted or cotton, used especially for raincoats, suits, and uniforms

彼女の口の端は白く、彼女の手はスーツに合ったギャバジンバッグに硬直していた。

“You haven't exactly wasted your time, have you?” she said at last.

「あなたは時間を無駄にしたわけではないのね?」と彼女はついに言った。

“How convenient that this publisher should have thought of employing you!

「この出版社があなたを雇おうと思ったなんて、なんて都合がいいの!

So Terry named no names to you!

だからテリーさんはあなたに名前を言わなかったんだ!

Not a name.

名前は言っていない。

But it really didn't matter, did it, Mr. Marlowe?

でも、それは本当に問題ではなかったでしょう、マーロウさん?

Your instinct was unerring.

instinct (直感) [名] a natural ability that makes you know something without having to think about it

unerring (間違っていない) [形] making no mistakes

あなたの直感は間違っていなかった。

May I ask what you propose to do next?”

propose (提案する) [動] put forward a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, for consideration or discussion by others

次に何をするつもりか聞いてもいいかな?」

“Nothing.”

「何も」

“Why, what a waste of talent!

waste (無駄遣い) [名] the act of using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

「なんて才能の無駄遣い!

How can you reconcile it with your obligation to your portrait of Madison?

reconcile (折り合いをつける) [動] to make or become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

マディソンの肖像画に対する義務とどう折り合いをつけるつもり?

Surely there must be something you can do.”

何かできることがあるはずよ」

“Just between the two of us,” I said, “you're getting pretty corny.

between the two of us (ここだけの話) [名] a secret between two people

「ここだけの話」と私は言った。「君は随分と陳腐になってきたな。

So Wade knew your sister.

つまりウェードは君の妹を知っていたんだ。

Thanks for telling me, however indirectly.

indirectly (間接的) [副] not directly

教えてくれてありがとう。間接的ではあったけど。

I already guessed it.

すでに推測していた。

So what?

so (だから) [接] for that reason; therefore

だから何?

He's just one of what was most likely a fairly rich collection.

just one (1つにすぎない) [名] a single item

fairly rich (かなり豊富な) [形] quite a lot

collection (コレクション) [名] a gathering of things

彼はおそらくかなり豊富なコレクションの1つにすぎない。

Let's leave it there.

そこに置いておこう。

And let's get around to why you wanted to see me.

そして、あなたが私に会いたかった理由に話を移そう。

That kind of got lost in the shuffle didn't it?”

get lost (失われる) [動] to become unable to find your way

shuffle (混乱) [名] a state of confusion or disorder

そういうのは混乱の中で失われてしまったね?」

She stood up.

彼女は立ち上がった。

She glanced at her watch once more.

彼女はもう一度時計をちらっと見た。

“I have a car downstairs.

「私は下に車を停めている。

Could I prevail upon you to drive home with me and drink a cup of tea?”

prevail upon (説得する) [動] to persuade or induce someone to do something

drive home (家まで車で行く) [動] to drive to one's home

drink a cup of tea (お茶を飲む) [動] to consume a cup of tea

私と一緒に家まで車で行って、お茶を飲んでもらえないでしょうか?」

“Go on,” I said.

「続けてくれ」と私は言った。

“Let's have it.”

have (聞く) [動] to be told or informed of

「聞かせてくれ」

“Do I sound so suspicious?

suspicious (疑わしい) [形] deserving to be suspected; questionable

「そんなに疑わしいように聞こえるか?

I have a guest who would like to make your acquaintance.”

あなたと知り合いになりたいと思っている客がいます」

“The old man?”

「老人か?」

“I don't call him that,” she said evenly.

「私は彼をそう呼びません」と彼女は平然と言った。

I stood up and leaned across the desk.

私は立ち上がって机に寄りかかった。

“Honey, you're awful cute sometimes. You really are.

Honey (ハニー) [名] a sweet sticky yellowish fluid made by bees and used as food

「ハニー、あなたは時々とても可愛いよ。本当にそうよ。

Is it all right if I carry a gun?”

銃を持って行ってもいいかしら?」

“Surely you're not afraid of an old man.”

「確かにあなたは老人を恐れていない。」

She wrinkled her lip at me.

wrinkle (歪める) [動] make or cause to make small folds or lines in the skin

彼女は私に唇を歪めた。

“Why not? I'll bet you are--plenty.”

why not (なぜ) [副] for what reason not

I'll bet (そうだと思う) [動] I am certain

「なぜ? あなたはそうだと思うわー十分に。」

She sighed.

彼女はため息をついた。

“Yes, I'm afraid I am.

be afraid (思う) [動] to think or believe

I am (そう思うよ) [代] the speaker or writer

「そう、そう思うよ。

I always have been.

いつもそうだった。

He can be rather terrifying.”

can be (ことがある) [助] be possible or likely

terrifying (恐ろしい) [形] causing terror

彼は恐ろしいことがある。」

“Maybe I'd better take two guns,” I said, then wished I hadn't.

「銃を二丁持っていった方がいいかな」と私は言ったが、そう言わなければよかったと思った。

[32]

It was the damndest-looking house I ever saw.

それは私が今まで見た中で最もひどい見た目の家だった。

It was a square gray box three stories high, with a mansard roof, steeply sloped and broken by twenty or thirty double dormer windows with a lot of wedding cake decoration around them and between them.

box (箱) [名] a container with a flat base and sides, typically with a lid

mansard roof (マンサード屋根) [名] a roof having two slopes on each of its sides, the lower slope being much steeper than the upper

steeply (急勾配に) [副] at a steep angle

break (ある) [動] be in a specified state

twenty (二十) [数] the number 20

thirty (三十) [数] the number 30

dormer window (ドーマー窓) [名] a window that projects vertically from a sloping roof

wedding cake (ウェディングケーキ) [名] a rich cake with icing and decorations, typically served at a wedding reception

それは三階建ての四角い灰色の箱で、マンサード屋根が急勾配に傾斜し、その周囲と間にウェディングケーキの装飾が施された二重のドーマー窓が二十から三十個ほどあった。

The entrance had double stone pillars on each side but the cream of the joint was an outside spiral staircase with a stone railing, topped by a tower room from which there must have been a view the whole length of the lake.

cream (白眉) [名] the very best part of something

spiral staircase (螺旋階段) [名] a staircase in a tower or other building that rises in a continuous curve

入口の両側には二重の石柱があったが、その建物の白眉は石の手すりがついた外側の螺旋階段で、その上には塔の部屋があり、そこからは湖全体を見渡すことができたに違いない。

The motor yard was paved with stone.

motor yard (車庫) [名] a place where cars are stored

pave (石畳にする) [動] to cover a road or path with stones or bricks

車庫は石畳だった。

What the place really seemed to need was a half mile of poplar-lined driveway and a deer park and a wild garden and a terrace on three levels and a few hundred roses outside the library window and a long green vista from every window ending in forest and silence and quiet emptiness.

half mile (半マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 880 yards

poplar (ポプラ) [名] a fast-growing deciduous tree with light wood

deer park (鹿公園) [名] an enclosed area of land where deer are kept

wild garden (野生の庭園) [名] a garden that is allowed to grow naturally

library (図書室) [名] a place where books, magazines, and other materials are kept for people to read, borrow, or refer to

forest (森) [名] a large area of land covered with trees

silence (静寂) [名] the complete absence of sound

emptiness (空虚) [名] the state of containing nothing

その場所に本当に必要なのは、ポプラの並木道が半マイル続く私道と、鹿公園と野生の庭園と三段のテラスと、図書室の窓の外に数百本のバラと、どの窓からも見える森と静寂と静かな空虚に続く長い緑の景色だった。

What it had was a wall of fieldstone around a comfortable ten or fifteen acres, which is a fair hunk of real estate in our crowded little country.

fieldstone (野石) [名] stone that is found in fields and used for building

ten or fifteen acres (10エーカーから15エーカー) [名] a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet

実際にあったのは、10エーカーから15エーカーの敷地を囲む野石の壁で、この混雑した小さな国では、かなりの不動産である。

The driveway was lined with a cypress hedge trimmed round.

line (並ぶ) [動] be arranged in or form a line

hedge (生垣) [名] a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs

trim (刈り込む) [動] cut back (a plant)

私道には丸く刈り込まれたヒノキの生垣が並んでいた。

There were all sorts of ornamental trees in clumps here and there and they didn't look like California trees.

ornamental (観賞用の) [形] serving to decorate or embellish

clump (群生) [名] a small group of trees or plants growing closely together

そこかしこにあらゆる種類の観賞用の木が群生しており、カリフォルニアの木には見えなかった。

Imported stuff.

import (輸入する) [動] bring in from a foreign country

輸入品だ。

Whoever built that place was trying to drag the Atlantic seaboard over the Rockies.

whoever (誰が) [代] no matter who

Atlantic (大西洋) [名] the 2nd largest of the world's oceans

seaboard (海岸) [名] the land along the sea

Rockies (ロッキー山脈) [名] a mountain range in western North America

誰が建てたにせよ、大西洋岸をロッキー山脈に引きずり込もうとしていた。

He was trying hard, but he hadn't made it.

try (努力する) [動] to make an effort to do something

make (成功する) [動] to achieve or complete something

彼は一生懸命努力していたが、成功していなかった。

Amos, the middle-aged colored chauffeur, stopped the Caddy gently in front of the pillared entrance, hopped out, and came around to hold the open door for Mrs. Loring.

Amos (エイモス) [名] a male given name

Caddy (キャデラック) [名] a Cadillac

pillared (柱のある) [形] having pillars

come around (回る) [動] change one's opinion or attitude

中年の黒人運転手エイモスは、柱のある玄関の前にキャデラックをそっと停め、飛び降りて、ローリング夫人のために開いたドアを支えに回った。

I got out first and helped him hold it.

first (先に) [副] before anyone or anything else

私は先に降りて、彼がドアを支えるのを手伝った。

I helped her get out.

私は彼女が降りるのを手伝った。

She had hardly spoken to me since we got into the car in front of my building.

彼女は私の建物の前で車に乗ってからほとんど私に話しかけなかった。

She looked tired and nervous.

nervous (神経質な) [形] easily worried or frightened

彼女は疲れて神経質そうに見えた。

Maybe this idiotic hunk of architecture depressed her.

architecture (建築物) [名] the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

depress (落ち込ませる) [動] make sad or less hopeful

たぶんこの馬鹿げた建築物が彼女を落ち込ませたのだろう。

It would have depressed a laughing jackass and made it coo like a mourning dove.

laughing jackass (笑い上戸のろば) [名] a kookaburra

それは笑い上戸のろばを落ち込ませ、喪に服す鳩のようにクークー鳴かせただろう。

“Who built this place?” I asked her.

「誰がここを建てたの?」と私は彼女に尋ねた。

“And who was he mad at?”

「そして彼は誰に怒っていたの?」

She finally smiled.

彼女はついに微笑んだ。

“Hadn't you seen it before?”

「以前にそれを見たことがなかった?」

“Never been this far into the valley.”

「谷のここまで来たことは一度もない」

She walked me over to the other side of the driveway and pointed up.

over (向こう側) [前] to the other side of

彼女は私を私道の反対側に連れて行き、上を指さした。

“The man who built it jumped out of that tower room and landed about where you are standing.

jump (飛び降りる) [動] move quickly upwards or across a space by using the muscles in one's legs

「それを建てた男はあの塔の部屋から飛び降りて、あなたが立っているあたりに着地した。

He was a French count named La Tourelle and unlike most French counts he had a lot of money.

count (伯爵) [名] a European nobleman

unlike (違って) [前] not like; different from

彼はラ・トゥーレルという名のフランスの伯爵で、ほとんどのフランスの伯爵とは違って、彼はたくさんのお金を持っていた。

His wife was Ramona Desborough, who was not exactly threadbare herself.

Ramona Desborough (ラモナ・デスボロー) [名] a person's name

threadbare (貧乏な) [形] having little or no money

彼の妻はラモナ・デスボローで、彼女自身も決して貧乏ではなかった。

In the silent-picture days she made thirty thousand a week.

silent-picture (無声映画) [名] a movie with no sound

day (時代) [名] a period of time in which events occur

thirty thousand (3万ドル) [名] a large amount of money

無声映画の時代には、彼女は週に3万ドルを稼いでいた。

La Tourelle built this place for their home.

La Tourelle (ラ・トゥーレル) [名] a small tower

ラ・トゥーレルはここを彼らの家として建てた。

It's supposed to be a miniature of the Château de Blois.

ブロワ城のミニチュアだそうだ。

You know that, of course.”

あなたはそれを知っているでしょう。」

“Like the back of my hand,” I said.

like the back of my hand (手の甲のように) [熟] very well

「手の甲のように」と私は言った。

“I remember now. It was one of those Sunday paper stories once.

Sunday (日曜) [名] the first day of the week

「思い出した。かつて日曜版の新聞に載った話の一つだ。

She left him and he killed himself.

彼女は彼のもとを去り、彼は自殺した。

There was some kind of queer will too, wasn't there?”

will (遺言) [名] a legal document that sets out a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property and the care of any children after their death

何か奇妙な遺言もあったよね?」

She nodded.

彼女はうなずいた。

“He left his ex-wife a few millions for carfare and tied the rest up in a trust.

ex-wife (元妻) [名] a woman who was once married to a particular man

a few millions (数百万) [名] a large number of people or things

carfare (交通費) [名] the money paid for a ride on public transportation

tie (縛り付ける) [動] fasten or secure with a tie or something similar

trust (信託) [名] a legal arrangement in which someone (the trustee) holds property or assets for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary)

「彼は元妻に交通費として数百万ドルを残し、残りは信託に縛り付けた。

The estate was to be kept on just as it was.

estate (遺産) [名] all the money and property that someone leaves behind when they die

be to (することになっている) [助] be expected or required to

keep on (維持する) [動] continue doing something

遺産はそのまま維持されることになっていた。

Nothing was to be changed, the dining table was to be laid in style every night, and nobody was to be allowed inside the grounds except the servants and the lawyers.

dining table (食卓) [名] a table where people eat

lay (並べる) [動] put something somewhere

style (おしゃれ) [名] a manner of doing something

every night (毎晩) [名] the night of each day

ground (敷地) [名] the surface of the earth

何も変えてはならず、食卓は毎晩おしゃれに並べられ、使用人と弁護士以外は敷地内に入ることを許されなかった。

The will was broken, of course.

もちろん遺言は破られた。

Eventually the estate was carved up to some extent and when I married Dr. Loring my father gave it to me for a wedding present.

eventually (結局) [副] in the end, especially after a long delay, series of events, or extended period of time

carve up (分割する) [動] to divide something into smaller pieces

to some extent (ある程度) [副] to a certain degree or amount

結局、遺産はある程度分割され、私がローリング博士と結婚したときに父が結婚祝いとして私にくれた。

It must have cost him a fortune merely to make it fit to live in again.

fortune (かなりの費用) [名] a large amount of money

fit (住める) [形] in good physical condition

彼が再び住めるようにするだけでもかなりの費用がかかったに違いない。

I loathe it.

私はそれを嫌悪する。

I always have.”

いつもそうだった」

“You don't have to stay here, do you?”

「ここにいなくてもいいでしょう?」

She shrugged in a tired sort of way.

彼女は疲れたように肩をすくめた。

“Part of the time, at least.

「少なくとも、ある程度は。

One of his daughters has to show him some sign of stability.

stability (安定) [名] the state or quality of being stable

娘の一人には、彼に安定の兆しを見せなければならない。

Dr. Loring likes it here.”

Dr. Loring (ローリング先生) [名] a doctor named Loring

ローリング先生はここが好きなんです」

“He would. Any guy who could make the kind of scene he made at Wade's house ought to wear spats with his pajamas.”

make a scene (騒ぎを起こす) [動] to behave in a way that attracts attention and causes embarrassment

spats (スパッツ) [名] a short gaiter covering the instep and ankle

「彼はそうするだろう。ウェイドの家で彼がやったようなことをできる奴は、パジャマにスパッツを履くべきだ」

She arched her eyebrows.

arch (ひそめる) [動] to form or cause to form an arch

彼女は眉をひそめた。

“Why, thank you for taking such an interest, Mr. Marlowe.

take an interest (興味を持つ) [動] to be interested in something

「まあ、そんなに興味を持ってくれてありがとう、マーロウさん。

But I think enough has been said on that subject.

subject (件) [名] the topic of a conversation or discussion

しかし、その件については十分話したと思う。

Shall we go in?

中に入りましょうか?

My father doesn't like to be kept waiting.”

be kept waiting (待たされる) [動] be made to wait

父は待たされるのが嫌いなんです」

We crossed the driveway again and went up the stone steps and half of the big double doors swung open noiselessly and an expensive and very snooty looking character stood aside for us to enter.

stone step (石段) [名] a step made of stone

big double door (大きな二重扉) [名] a door with two parts that open in the middle

swing open (音もなく開く) [動] open by swinging

snooty (横柄な) [形] arrogant and snobbish

私たちは再び車道を横切り、石段を上ると、大きな二重扉の半分が音もなく開き、高価でとても横柄そうな人物が私たちが入るのを脇に立って待っていた。

The hallway was bigger than all the floor space in the house I was living in.

hallway (玄関) [名] a corridor or wide space just inside the front entrance of a house, hotel, or other building

bigger (広い) [形] of great size or extent

floor space (床面積) [名] the area of a floor in a building

live in (住んでいる) [動] have as one's permanent home

玄関は私が住んでいる家の床面積よりも広かった。

It had a tesselated floor and there seemed to be stained-glass windows at the back and if there had been any light coming through them I might have been able to see what else was there.

床はモザイク模様で、奥にはステンドグラスの窓があるようで、そこから光が差し込んでいたら、他に何があるのか見ることができたかもしれない。

From the hallway we went through some more double carved doors into a dim room that couldn't have been less than seventy feet long.

carved (彫刻が施された) [形] cut (a hard material) in order to produce an object, design, or inscription

long (長さ) [名] the measurement of the distance from one end of something to the other

玄関からさらに二重の彫刻が施された扉をくぐり、長さ70フィート以上はある薄暗い部屋に入った。

A man was sitting there waiting, silent.

男がそこに座って黙って待っていた。

He stared at us coldly.

彼は冷たく私たちを見つめた。

“Am I late, Father?” Mrs. Loring asked hurriedly.

Father (神父様) [名] a priest in the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican Church

「遅れたかしら、神父様?」ローリング夫人は急いで尋ねた。

“This is Mr. Philip Marlowe.

「こちらはフィリップ・マーロウさん。

Mr. Harlan Potter.”

ハーラン・ポッターさん」

The man just looked at me and moved his chin down about half an inch.

男は私をただ見つめ、顎を半インチほど下げた。

“Ring for tea,” he said.

ring (頼む) [動] to call someone on the telephone

「お茶を頼んでくれ」と彼は言った。

“Sit down, Mr. Marlowe.”

「座ってください、マーロウさん」

I sat down and looked at him.

私は座って彼を見た。

He looked at me like an entomologist looking at a beetle.

entomologist (昆虫学者) [名] a person who studies insects

beetle (カブトムシ) [名] an insect with hard front wings that cover and protect the back wings when at rest

彼は昆虫学者がカブトムシを見るように私を見た。

Nobody said anything.

誰も何も言わなかった。

There was complete silence until the tea came.

お茶が来るまで完全な沈黙があった。

It was put down on a huge silver tray on a Chinese table.

Chinese (中国製) [形] of or relating to China or its language, culture, or people

それは中国製のテーブルの上の巨大な銀の盆に置かれた。

Linda sat at a table and poured.

リンダはテーブルに座ってお茶を注いだ。

“Two cups,” Harlan Potter said.

「2杯」ハーラン・ポッターは言った。

“You can have your tea in another room, Linda.”

「リンダ、君は別の部屋でお茶を飲んでいい」

“Yes, Father. How do you like your tea, Mr. Marlowe?”

Father (お父様) [名] a male parent

「はい、お父様。お茶はどんなのがお好きですか、マーロウさん?」

“Any way at all,” I said.

any way (どんなのでもいい) [名] any method or manner

「どんなのでもいい」私は言った。

My voice seemed to echo off into the distance and get small and lonely.

echo (反響) [名] a sound or series of sounds caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener

私の声は遠くで反響し、小さく孤独になったように思えた。

She gave the old man a cup and then gave me a cup.

彼女は老人にカップを渡し、それから私にカップを渡した。

Then she stood up silently and went out of the room.

それから彼女は静かに立ち上がり、部屋から出て行った。

I watched her go.

私は彼女が行くのを見守った。

I took a sip of tea and got a cigarette out.

take a sip (一口飲む) [動] drink a small amount of liquid

私はお茶を一口飲み、タバコを取り出した。

“Don't smoke, please.

「タバコは吸わないでください。

I am subject to asthma.”

be subject to (持ちである) [動] be likely to be affected by

asthma (喘息) [名] a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing

私は喘息持ちなんです」

I put the cigarette back in the pack.

pack (箱) [名] a cardboard or plastic container and the items inside it

私はタバコを箱に戻した。

I stared at him.

私は彼をじっと見つめた。

I don't know how it feels to be worth a hundred million or so, but he didn't look as if he was having any fun.

1億ドルの価値があるというのはどんな感じかわからないが、彼は楽しんでいるようには見えなかった。

He was an enormous man, all of six feet five and built to scale.

six feet five (6フィート5インチ) [名] a height of 6 feet and 5 inches

build (体格) [名] the physical structure, size, and development of a person's body

彼は6フィート5インチの巨体で、体格もそれに見合ったものだった。

He wore a gray tweed suit with no padding.

tweed (ツイード) [名] a rough, heavy woolen cloth

彼はパッドのない灰色のツイードのスーツを着ていた。

His shoulders didn't need any.

彼の肩にはパッドなど必要なかった。

He wore a white shirt and a dark tie and no display handkerchief.

display (見せる) [動] show or make visible

彼は白いシャツと濃い色のネクタイを着用し、ハンカチは見せていなかった。

A spectacle case showed in the outside breast pocket.

spectacle case (眼鏡ケース) [名] a case for holding spectacles

breast pocket (胸ポケット) [名] a pocket on the front of a shirt

胸ポケットの外側に眼鏡ケースが見えた。

It was black, like his shoes.

それは彼の靴のように黒かった。

His hair was black too, no gray at all.

彼の髪も黒く、白髪は全くなかった。

It was brushed sideways across his skull in a MacArthur sweep.

brush (ブラシをかける) [動] move lightly against

sideways (横に) [副] to or from one side

MacArthur (マッカーサー) [名] American general who served as supreme commander of Allied forces in the southwest Pacific during World War II

それはマッカーサーのように頭蓋骨を横切って横にブラシをかけられていた。

And I had a hunch there was nothing under it but bare skull.

have a hunch (予感がある) [動] to have a feeling that something is going to happen

bare (ただの) [形] without covering or clothing

そして、私はその下には何もない、ただの頭蓋骨があるという予感があった。

His eyebrows were thick and black.

彼の眉毛は太く黒かった。

His voice seemed to come from a long way off.

彼の声は遠くから聞こえてきたようだった。

He drank his tea as if he hated it.

彼は嫌いそうにお茶を飲んだ。

“It will save time, Mr. Marlowe, if I put my position before you.

save time (時間を節約する) [動] to do something more quickly

put one's position (立場を説明する) [動] to explain one's point of view

「マーロウさん、私の立場をあなたに説明すれば時間の節約になるでしょう。

I believe you are interfering in my affairs.

affair (仕事) [名] a matter or concern

あなたは私の仕事に干渉していると思う。

If I am correct, I propose to stop it.”

もし私が正しければ、私はそれを止めることを提案する。」

“I don't know enough about your affairs to interfere in them, Mr. Potter.”

Mr. Potter (ポッターさん) [名] a character in the story

「ポッターさん、私はあなたの仕事に干渉するほどあなたの仕事について知りません。」

“I disagree.”

「私はそうは思わない。」

He drank some more tea and put the cup aside.

彼はさらにお茶を飲み、カップを脇に置いた。

He leaned back in the big chair he was sitting in and took me to pieces with his hard gray eyes.

big chair (大きな椅子) [名] a chair that is large

hard gray eyes (固い灰色の目) [名] eyes that are hard and gray

彼は座っていた大きな椅子に寄りかかり、固い灰色の目で私をバラバラにした。

“I know who you are, naturally.

「もちろん、あなたが誰かは知っている。

And how you make your living--if you make one--and how you became involved with Terry Lennox.

make a living (生計を立てる) [動] earn enough money to support oneself

そして、あなたがどうやって生計を立てているのか、もし生計を立てているなら、そして、あなたがどうやってテリー・レノックスと関わるようになったのか。

It has been reported to me that you helped Terry get out of the country, that you have doubts about his guilt, and that you have since made contact with a man who was known to my dead daughter.

have doubts about (疑問を持つ) [動] be uncertain about something

make contact with (接触する) [動] communicate with

あなたがテリーを国外に逃がすのを助けたこと、彼の罪に疑問を持っていること、そしてそれ以来、私の亡くなった娘と知り合いだった男性と接触したことが報告されている。

For what purpose has not been explained to me.

どんな目的でかは私には説明されていない。

Explain it.”

説明してくれ」

“If the man has a name,” I said, “name it.”

「その男に名前があるなら、名前を言ってみろ」と私は言った。

He smiled very slightly but not as if he was falling for me.

fall for (惚れる) [動] to fall in love with

彼は微笑んだが、私に惚れたという感じではなかった。

“Wade. Roger Wade. Some sort of writer, I believe.

「ウェード。ロジャー・ウェード。何かの作家だったと思う。

A writer, they tell me, of rather prurient books which I should not be interested to read.

prurient (わいせつな) [形] having or showing too much interest in sexual matters

私が読むべきではない、かなりわいせつな本を書く作家だと聞いた。

I further understand that this man is a dangerous alcoholic.

さらに、この男は危険なアルコール依存症だと理解している。

That may have given you a strange notion.”

それがあなたに奇妙な考えを与えたかもしれない。」

“Maybe you had better let me have my own notions, Mr. Potter. They are not important, naturally, but they're all I have.

「ポッターさん、私に自分の考えを持たせてくれた方がいいかもしれません。それらは当然重要ではありませんが、私が持っているのはそれだけです。

First, I do not believe Terry killed his wife, because of the way it was done and because I don't think he was that kind of man.

believe (思う) [動] to think that something is true or that something exists

まず、私はテリーが妻を殺したとは思わない。その方法と、彼がそういう男だとは思えないからだ。

Second, I didn't make contact with Wade. I was asked to live in his house and do what I could to keep him sober while he finished a job of writing.

live in (住む) [動] have as one's home

do what I could (できることをする) [動] do everything possible

writing (執筆) [名] the activity or occupation of writing

第二に、私はウェードと連絡を取らなかった。私は彼の家に住み、彼が執筆の仕事を終えるまで彼を酔わせないようにできることをするように頼まれた。

Third, if he is a dangerous alcoholic, I haven't seen any sign of it.

third (第三に) [副] in the third place

第三に、もし彼が危険なアルコール依存症なら、私はその兆候を見たことがない。

Fourth, my first contact was at the request of his New York publisher and I didn't at that time have any idea that Roger Wade even knew your daughter.

fourth (第四に) [他] the number 4 in a series

contact (接触) [名] the state of physical touching

第四に、私の最初の接触は彼のニューヨークの出版社の要請によるもので、当時私はロジャー・ウェードがあなたの娘を知っていることすら知らなかった。

Fifth, I refused this offer of employment and then Mrs. Wade asked me to find her husband who was away somewhere taking a cure.

fifth (第五に) [名] the number 5

employment (雇用) [名] the state of having paid work

away (どこかで) [副] in or to a place that is not here

take a cure (治療を受ける) [動] receive medical care

第五に、私はこの雇用を断り、ウェード夫人はどこかで治療を受けている夫を探すように頼んだ。

I found him and took him home.”

私は彼を見つけて家に連れて帰った。」

“Very methodical,” he said dryly.

dryly (冷たく) [副] in a matter-of-fact way

「とても几帳面だね」と彼は冷たく言った。

“I'm not finished being methodical, Mr. Potter. Sixth--you or someone on your instructions sent a lawyer named Sewell Endicott to get me out of jail.

Sixth (第六に) [名] the number 6

instruction (指示) [名] a direction or order

「まだ几帳面な話は終わっていません、ポッターさん。第六に、あなたかあなたの指示を受けた誰かが、私を刑務所から出すためにスーエル・エンディコットという弁護士を送りました。

He didn't say who sent him, but there wasn't anyone else in the picture.

彼は誰が彼を送ったのか言いませんでしたが、他に誰もいませんでした。

Seventh, when I got out of jail a hoodlum named Mendy Menendez pushed me around and warned me to keep my nose clean and gave me a song and dance about how Terry had saved his life and the life of a gambler at Las Vegas named Randy Starr.

Seventh (第七に) [名] the number 7

keep one's nose clean (きれいに保つ) [動] to stay out of trouble

song (歌) [名] a short poem with a regular rhythm

dance (踊り) [名] a series of rhythmic steps and movements usually performed to music

gambler (ギャンブラー) [名] a person who gambles

第七に、私が刑務所から出たとき、メンディ・メネンデスという名のチンピラが私を押しのけ、私の鼻をきれいに保つように警告し、テリーがどのように彼の命とランディ・スターという名のラスベガスのギャンブラーの命を救ったかについて歌と踊りを見せてくれました。

The story could be true for all I know.

私の知る限り、その話は真実かもしれない。

Menendez pretended to be sore that Terry hadn't asked him for help getting to Mexico and had asked a punk like me instead.

メネンデスは、テリーがメキシコに行くために彼に助けを求めず、代わりに私のようなチンピラに頼んだことに腹を立てているふりをした。

He, Menendez, could have done it two ways from the jack by lifting one finger, and done it much better.”

could have done (できただろう) [助] be able to do something in the past

two ways (2つの方法) [名] two different methods

lifting (持ち上げる) [動] raise something to a higher position

one finger (指を1本) [名] a single digit on a hand

done (行う) [動] perform an action

much better (はるかにうまく) [副] to a much greater extent

彼、メネンデスは、指を1本持ち上げるだけで、ジャックから2つの方法でそれを行うことができ、はるかにうまくやれただろう。」

“Surely,” Harlan Potter said with a bleak smile, “you are not under the impression that I number Mr. Menendez and Mr. Starr among my acquaintances.”

impression (印象) [名] an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence

number (数える) [動] count

acquaintance (知人) [名] a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend

「確かに」ハーラン・ポッターは暗い笑みを浮かべて言った、「あなたは私がメネンデス氏とスター氏を私の知人の中に数えているという印象を受けていない。」

“I wouldn't know, Mr. Potter.

wouldn't know (知りません) [動] do not know

「私は知りません、ポッターさん。

A man doesn't make your kind of money in any way I can understand.

私が理解できる範囲では、人はあなたのようなお金を稼ぐことはできない。

The next person to warn me off the courthouse lawn was your daughter, Mrs. Loring.

courthouse (裁判所) [名] a building in which a court of law meets

次に私に裁判所の芝生から立ち退くように警告したのはあなたの娘、ローリング夫人だった。

We met by accident at a bar and we spoke because we were both drinking gimlets, Terry's favorite drink, but an uncommon one around here.

accident (偶然) [名] something that happens without anyone planning it

favorite (好きな) [形] something or someone that you like a lot

uncommon (珍しい) [形] not common; unusual

私たちはバーで偶然出会い、二人ともギムレットを飲んでいたので話しかけたのです。ギムレットはテリーの好きな飲み物ですが、この辺りでは珍しいものです。

I didn't know who she was until she told me.

until (まで) [前] up to (the point in time or the event mentioned)

彼女が言うまで私は彼女が誰だか知らなかった。

I told her a little of how I felt about Terry and she gave me the idea that I would have a short unhappy career if I got you mad.

career (経歴) [名] an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress

私は彼女にテリーに対する気持ちの一部を話すと、彼女は私があなたを怒らせたら短く不幸な経歴になるだろうという考えを私に与えた。

Are you mad, Mr. Potter?”

be mad (怒っている) [動] to be angry

怒っているんですか、ポッターさん?」

“When I am,” he said coldly, “you will not have to ask me.

when (時) [名] the point or period at which something happens

「私が怒っている時は」と彼は冷たく言った。「私に尋ねる必要はないだろう。

You will be in no uncertainty about it.”

be in no uncertainty (疑う余地はない) [動] to be certain about something

あなたはそれを疑う余地はないだろう。」

“What I thought. I've been kind of expecting the goon squad to drop around, but they haven't shown so far.

kind of (ある程度) [副] to some extent or degree

goon squad (チンピラ) [名] a group of thugs

「私が考えたこと。チンピラがやってくるのではないかと期待していたが、今のところ現れていない。

I haven't been bothered by the cops either.

haven't been bothered (悩まされていない) [動] to be annoyed or worried by something

cops (警察) [名] a police officer

警察にも悩まされていない。

I could have been.

could have been (ありえた) [助] a possibility that did not happen in the past

ありえた。

I could have been given a rough time.

be given (与えられる) [動] to be presented with something

ひどい目に遭わされたかもしれない。

I think all you wanted, Mr. Potter, was quiet.

quiet (静けさ) [名] the absence of noise or disturbance

ポッターさん、あなたが欲しかったのは静けさだけだったと思います。

Just what have I done to disturb you?”

私があなたを邪魔するような何をしたというのですか?」

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

It was a sour kind of grin, but it was a grin.

それは苦々しい笑みだったが、笑みだった。

He put his long yellow fingers together and crossed a leg over his knee and leaned back comfortably.

彼は長い黄色い指を合わせ、片足を膝の上に組み、楽に後ろにもたれた。

“A pretty good pitch, Mr. Marlowe, and I have let you make it.

pitch (ピッチ) [名] the quality of a sound governed by the rate of vibrations producing it

「かなりいいピッチだ、マーロウさん、そして私はあなたにそれをさせた。

Now listen to me.

さあ、私の話を聞いてくれ。

You are exactly right in thinking all I want is quiet.

私が欲しいのは静けさだけだと考えるのは全く正しい。

It's quite possible that your connection with the Wades may be incidental, accidental, and coincidental.

incidental (偶然) [形] happening as a minor consequence of something else

coincidental (偶然の一致) [形] happening at the same time by chance

あなたのウェード家とのつながりは、偶然、偶然、偶然の一致である可能性が非常に高い。

Let it remain so.

そのままにしておこう。

I am a family man in an age when it means almost nothing.

family man (家庭的な男) [名] a man who is devoted to his family

age (時代) [名] a period of time in which events occur

私は家庭的な男だが、それがほとんど意味をなさない時代に生きている。

One of my daughters married a Bostonian prig and the other made a number of foolish marriages, the last being with a complaisant pauper who allowed her to live a worthless and immoral life until he suddenly and for no good reason lost his self-control and murdered her.

prig (気取った男) [名] a person who behaves as if they are morally superior to other people

being (結婚) [名] the state or quality of having existence

complaisant (気立ての良い) [形] willing to please others or to accept what they do or say without protest

pauper (貧乏人) [名] a very poor person

worthless (価値のない) [形] having no real value or use

immoral (不道徳な) [形] not conforming to accepted standards of morality

娘の一人はあるボストン人の気取った男と結婚し、もう一人は愚かな結婚を何度も繰り返し、最後は、彼女が価値のない不道徳な生活を送ることを許した、気立ての良い貧乏人と結婚したが、彼は突然、理由もなく自制心を失い、彼女を殺害した。

You think that impossible to accept because of the brutality with which it was done.

with which (が) [関] that

あなたは、それが行われた残虐さのために、受け入れることは不可能だと思う。

You are wrong.

あなたは間違っている。

He shot her with a Mauser automatic, the very gun he took with him to Mexico.

彼は彼女をモーゼル自動拳銃で撃った。それは彼がメキシコに持っていったまさにその銃だった。

And after he shot her he did what he did in order to cover the bullet wound.

bullet wound (銃傷) [名] a wound caused by a bullet

cover (隠す) [動] hide or conceal

そして、彼は彼女を撃った後、銃傷を隠すために彼がしたことをした。

I admit the brutality of this, but remember the man had been in a war, had been badly wounded, had suffered a great deal and seen others suffer.

wound (傷つける) [動] to inflict a wound on

others (他人) [名] people in general apart from oneself

私はこの残虐さを認めるが、その男が戦争にいたこと、ひどく傷ついたこと、多くの苦しみを味わい、他人が苦しむのを見てきたことを思い出してほしい。

He may not have intended to kill her.

彼は彼女を殺すつもりはなかったかもしれない。

There may have been some sort of scuffle, since the gun belonged to my daughter.

scuffle (争い) [名] a short, confused fight or struggle

銃は私の娘のものだったので、ある種の争いがあったかもしれない。

It was a small but powerful gun, 7.65 m/m caliber, a model called P.P.K.

caliber (口径) [名] the diameter of the inside of a gun barrel

model (モデル) [名] a person who wears clothes to show them to potential customers

それは小さいが強力な銃で、口径7.65ミリ、P.P.K.と呼ばれるモデルだった。

The bullet went completely through her head and lodged in the wall behind a chintz curtain.

lodge (突き刺さる) [動] be fixed or embedded in something

弾丸は彼女の頭を完全に貫通し、更紗のカーテンの後ろの壁に突き刺さった。

It was not found immediately and the fact was not published at all.

be not found (見つからない) [動] not to be able to find something

be not published (公表されない) [動] not to be made public

それはすぐには見つからず、その事実は全く公表されなかった。

Now let us consider the situation.”

では、状況を考えてみましょう」

He broke off and stared at me.

break off (話をやめる) [動] stop talking

彼は話をやめて私をじっと見つめた。

“Are you very badly in need of a cigarette?”

badly (とても) [副] to a severe or serious degree

「タバコがとても欲しいですか?」

“Sorry, Mr. Potter.

「すみません、ポッターさん。

I took it out without thinking.

without thinking (何も考えずに) [副] without giving any thought to something

私は何も考えずにそれを取り出した。

Force of habit.”

習慣の力です」

I put the cigarette back for the second time.

私は二度目にタバコを戻した。

“Terry had just killed his wife.

「テリーは妻を殺したばかりだった。

He had ample motive from the rather limited police point of view.

彼には、警察のかなり限られた視点から見れば、十分な動機があった。

But he also had an excellent defense--that it was her gun in her possession and that he tried to take it away from her and failed and she shot herself with it.

defense (弁護) [名] the action of defending from or resisting attack

possession (所持) [名] the state of having, owning, or controlling something

fail (失敗する) [動] to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal

しかし、彼にはまた、優れた弁護があった。それは彼女の銃であり、彼は彼女からそれを奪おうとしたが失敗し、彼女はそれで自分を撃ったということだ。

A good trial lawyer could have done a lot with that.

trial lawyer (法廷弁護士) [名] a lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court

do (成し遂げる) [動] carry out, execute, or perform

a lot (多くのこと) [名] a large number or amount

優秀な法廷弁護士なら、それで多くのことを成し遂げることができただろう。

He would probably have been acquitted.

be acquitted (無罪になる) [動] be found not guilty of a crime

彼はおそらく無罪になっただろう。

If he had called me up then, I would have helped him.

もし彼がその時私に電話をしてくれていたら、私は彼を助けただろう。

But by making the murder a brutal affair to cover the traces of the bullet, he made it impossible.

しかし、弾丸の痕跡を隠すために殺人を残忍なものにすることで、彼はそれを不可能にした。

He had to run away and even that he did clumsily.”

clumsily (不器用に) [副] in a way that is awkward or not skillful

彼は逃げなければならなかったし、それさえも不器用にやった。」

“He certainly did, Mr. Potter.

「彼は確かにそうしました、ポッターさん。

But he called you up in Pasadena first, didn't he?

しかし、彼は最初にパサデナであなたに電話をかけたのでしょう?

He told me he did.”

彼はそうしたと私に言った。」

The big man nodded.

大男はうなずいた。

“I told him to disappear and I would still see what I could do.

「私は彼に姿を消すように言った、そして私はまだ私ができることを見るだろう。

I didn't want to know where he was.

私は彼がどこにいるか知りたくなかった。

That was imperative.

imperative (絶対必要) [形] of vital importance; crucial

それは絶対必要だった。

I could not hide a criminal.”

criminal (犯罪者) [名] a person who has committed a crime

私は犯罪者を隠すことはできなかった。」

“Sounds good, Mr. Potter.”

「いいですね、ポッターさん」

“Do I detect a note of sarcasm? No matter.

detect (聞こえる) [動] discover or notice the presence or existence of

「皮肉を言っているように聞こえるが? かまわない。

When I learned the details there was nothing to be done.

learn (知る) [動] get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

be done (できる) [動] be finished or completed

詳細を知ったときには何もできなかった。

I could not permit the sort of trial that kind of killing would result in.

permit (許す) [動] allow to do something

そのような殺人によって生じる裁判を許すことはできなかった。

To be frank, I was very glad when I learned that he had shot himself in Mexico and left a confession.”

to be frank (率直に言って) [副] in a direct and honest way

率直に言って、彼がメキシコで自殺して自白を残したことを知ったとき、私はとても嬉しかった。」

“I can understand that, Mr. Potter.”

「それは理解できます、ポッターさん」

He beetled his eyebrows at me.

beetle (ひそめる) [動] to project or overhang

彼は私に眉をひそめた。

“Be careful, young man.

「気をつけろ、若者。

I don't like irony.

irony (皮肉) [名] the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning

私は皮肉は好きではない。

Can you understand now that I cannot tolerate any further investigation of any sort by any person?

tolerate (許容する) [動] allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference

私が誰によるどんな種類のさらなる調査も許容できないことを理解できるか?

And why I have used all my influence to make what investigation there was as brief as possible and as little publicized as possible?”

publicize (公表する) [動] make public; make known to the general public

そして、なぜ私が調査をできるだけ短く、できるだけ公表しないように全力を尽くしたか?」

“Sure--if you're convinced he killed her.”

convince (確信する) [動] cause (someone) to believe firmly in the truth of something

「もちろん、彼が彼女を殺したと確信しているなら」

“Of course he killed her.

「もちろん彼が彼女を殺した。

With what intent is another matter.

with what intent (どんな意図で) [名] the aim or purpose of something

another matter (別の問題) [名] a different issue or problem

どんな意図でかは別の問題だ。

It is no longer important.

それはもはや重要ではない。

I am not a public character and I do not intend to be.

私は公人ではないし、なるつもりもない。

I have always gone to a great deal of trouble to avoid any kind of publicity.

go to a great deal of trouble (かなりの努力をする) [動] to make a lot of effort

avoid (避ける) [動] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

私はいつもあらゆる種類の宣伝を避けるためにかなりの努力をしてきた。

I have influence but I don't abuse it.

have influence (影響力を持つ) [動] to be able to change or affect someone or something

abuse (乱用する) [動] to use something in a wrong or harmful way

私は影響力を持っているが、それを乱用はしない。

The District Attorney of Los Angeles County is an ambitious man who has too much good sense to wreck his career for the notoriety of the moment.

Los Angeles County (ロサンゼルス郡) [名] a county in the U.S. state of California

ambitious (野心的な) [形] having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed

wreck (台無しにする) [動] cause the destruction of

notoriety (悪名) [名] the state of being well known for some bad quality or deed

ロサンゼルス郡の地方検事は野心的な男だが、一時の悪名のために自分の経歴を台無しにするほど無分別ではない。

I see a glint in your eye, Marlowe. Get rid of it.

君の目が光っているのが見えるぞ、マーロウ。やめろ。

We live in what is called a democracy, rule by the majority of the people.

democracy (民主主義) [名] a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state

rule (支配) [名] the exercise of authority or control

我々は民主主義と呼ばれる、国民の過半数による支配の中で生きている。

A fine ideal if it could be made to work.

ideal (理想) [名] a standard of perfection; a perfect type

work (機能する) [動] operate or function properly

それがうまく機能すれば素晴らしい理想だ。

The people elect, but the party machines nominate, and the party machines to be effective must spend a great deal of money.

elect (選挙する) [動] choose or decide by voting

party machine (党の機械) [名] a political organization that controls a political party

nominate (指名する) [動] formally propose someone as a candidate for election or for an honor or award

effective (効果的な) [形] producing a desired or intended result

国民が選挙するが、党の機械が指名し、党の機械が効果的に機能するためには多額の資金を費やさなければならない。

Somebody has to give it to them, and that somebody, whether it be an individual, a financial group, a trade union or what have you, expects some consideration in return.

financial group (金融グループ) [名] a group of companies that provide financial services

trade union (労働組合) [名] an organization of workers formed to protect the rights and interests of its members

what have you (何であれ) [名] whatever else you might mention

consideration (配慮) [名] thinking about the needs or feelings of someone else

誰かが彼らにそれを渡さなければならず、その誰かは、それが個人であろうと、金融グループであろうと、労働組合であろうと、何であれ、見返りに何らかの配慮を期待している。

What I and people of my kind expect is to be allowed to live our lives in decent privacy.

decent (きちんとした) [形] conforming to generally or traditionally accepted standards of behavior or morals

私や私のような人々が期待しているのは、私たちの生活をきちんとしたプライバシーの中で送らせてもらうことだ。

I own newspapers, but I don't like them.

私は新聞を所有しているが、好きではない。

I regard them as a constant menace to whatever privacy we have left.

regard (見ている) [動] consider or think of in a specified way

constant (絶え間ない) [形] non-stop

menace (脅威) [名] a person or thing that causes trouble or risk

私はそれらを、私たちに残されたプライバシーに対する絶え間ない脅威だと見ている。

Their constant yelping about a free press means, with a few honorable exceptions, freedom to peddle scandal, crime, sex, sensationalism, hate, innuendo, and the political and financial uses of propaganda.

yelp (叫び) [名] a short, sharp cry

peddle (広める) [動] sell (goods) in small quantities, especially in the street

sex (性) [名] either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions

sensationalism (扇情主義) [名] the use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement

innuendo (当てこすり) [名] an indirect and usually malicious hint

propaganda (プロパガンダ) [名] information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular point of view or political cause

彼らの絶え間ない報道の自由に対する叫びは、いくつかの立派な例外を除いて、スキャンダル、犯罪、性、扇情主義、憎しみ、当てこすり、そしてプロパガンダの政治的および金銭的利用を広める自由を意味している。

A newspaper is a business out to make money through advertising revenue.

make money (金儲けをする) [動] earn a living

advertising revenue (広告収入) [名] income from advertisements

新聞は広告収入で金儲けをするための事業だ。

That is predicated on its circulation and you know what the circulation depends on.”

predicate (述べる) [動] to base or establish something on something else

depend on (依存する) [動] to be controlled or determined by something else

それは発行部数に基づいており、発行部数が何に依存しているかはご存じの通りだ。」

I got up and walked around my chair.

私は立ち上がって椅子の周りを歩いた。

He eyed me with cold attention.

彼は冷たい視線で私を見た。

I sat down again.

私は再び座った。

I needed a little luck.

私には少し運が必要だった。

Hell, I needed it in carload lots.

畜生、私には車一杯の運が必要だった。

“Okay, Mr. Potter, what goes from here?”

「オーケー、ポッターさん、ここからどうする?」

He wasn't listening. He was frowning at his own thoughts.

彼は聞いていなかった。彼は自分の考えに眉をひそめていた。

“There's a peculiar thing about money,” he went on.

「金には奇妙なことがある」と彼は続けた。

“In large quantities it tends to have a life of its own, even a conscience of its own.

large quantity (大量) [名] a lot of something

「大量にあると、金は独自の命を持ち、独自の良心さえ持つ傾向がある。

The power of money becomes very difficult to control.

power (力) [名] the ability or capacity to perform or act

金の力を制御するのは非常に難しくなる。

Man has always been a venal animal.

venal (金で動く) [形] capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration

人間は常に金で動く動物だった。

The growth of populations, the huge costs of wars, the incessant pressure of confiscatory taxation--all these things make him more and more venal.

population (人口) [名] all the inhabitants of a particular town, area, or country

huge (莫大な) [形] extremely large or great

incessant (絶え間ない) [形] continuing without pause or interruption

taxation (課税) [名] the imposition of a tax or taxes

人口の増加、戦争の莫大な費用、没収課税の絶え間ない圧力、これらすべてが彼をますます金で動くようにする。

The average man is tired and scared, and a tired, scared man can't afford ideals.

average (平均的な) [形] constituting or relating to the average

平均的な人間は疲れ、怖がっている。そして疲れ、怖がっている人間は理想を持ち得ない。

He has to buy food for his family.

彼は家族のために食べ物を買わなければならない。

In our time we have seen a shocking decline in both public and private morals.

decline (低下) [名] a change to a lower state or level

public (公的) [形] of or concerning the people as a whole

moral (道徳) [名] a lesson, especially one concerning what is right or prudent, that can be derived from a story, a piece of information, or an experience

私たちの時代には、公的にも私的にも道徳が驚くほど低下しているのを目の当たりにしてきた。

You can't expect quality from people whose lives are a subjection to a lack of quality.

subjection (服従) [名] the state of being under the control or power of another

quality (質) [名] the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something

質の欠如に服従する生活を送っている人々に質を期待することはできない。

You can't have quality with mass production.

mass production (大量生産) [名] the production of large quantities of a standardized article

大量生産では品質は得られない。

You don't want it because it lasts too long.

長持ちしすぎるから欲しくない。

So you substitute styling, which is a commercial swindle intended to produce artificial obsolescence.

substitute (代替する) [動] use instead of

styling (スタイリング) [名] the way in which something is made, designed, or presented

commercial (商業的) [形] concerned with or engaged in commerce or trade

produce (生み出す) [動] cause to happen or exist

artificial (人工的な) [形] made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

obsolescence (陳腐化) [名] the process of becoming obsolete

だから、人工的な陳腐化を生み出すことを意図した商業的詐欺であるスタイリングに代替する。

Mass production couldn't sell its goods next year unless it made what it sold this year look unfashionable a year from now.

a year from now (1年後) [名] the year that is one year after the current year

look unfashionable (時代遅れに見えるようにする) [動] to make something look like it is not in fashion

大量生産は、今年販売したものを1年後には時代遅れに見えるようにしなければ、来年は商品を販売できない。

We have the whitest kitchens and the most shining bathrooms in the world.

shining (輝く) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; bright

bathroom (バスルーム) [名] a room with a bath, shower, and usually a toilet

私たちは世界で最も白いキッチンと最も輝くバスルームを持っている。

But in the lovely white kitchen the average American housewife can't produce a meal fit to eat, and the lovely shining bathroom is mostly a receptacle for deodorants, laxatives, sleeping pills, and the products of that confidence racket called the cosmetic industry.

housewife (主婦) [名] a married woman whose main occupation is caring for her family, managing household affairs, and doing housework

produce (作る) [動] make or manufacture from components or raw materials

fit (適した) [形] of a suitable quality, standard, or type

receptacle (容器) [名] a place or container for holding something

deodorant (消臭剤) [名] a substance that destroys or masks unpleasant odors

laxative (下剤) [名] a medicine or food that loosens the bowels and so helps to relieve constipation

racket (ラケット) [名] a dishonest scheme or swindle

product (製品) [名] an article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale

cosmetic (化粧品) [名] a preparation, such as a cream, lotion, or powder, used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or body

しかし、素敵な白いキッチンでは、平均的なアメリカの主婦は食べるのに適した食事を作ることができず、素敵な輝くバスルームは、ほとんどが消臭剤、下剤、睡眠薬、そして化粧品産業と呼ばれるその信頼できるラケットの製品の容器である。

We make the finest packages in the world, Mr. Marlowe.

package (パッケージ) [名] a small box or container

私たちは世界で最も素晴らしいパッケージを作っている、マーロウさん。

The stuff inside is mostly junk.”

中身はほとんどがガラクタだ」

He took out a large white handkerchief and touched his temples with it.

temple (こめかみ) [名] the flat region on either side of the forehead

彼は大きな白いハンカチを取り出し、それでこめかみを触った。

I was sitting there with my mouth open, wondering what made the guy tick.

tick (動かす) [動] make a sound like that of a clock or watch

私は口を開けてそこに座り、何が彼を動かしているのかと考えていた。

He hated everything.

彼はすべてを憎んでいた。

“It's a little too warm for me in these parts,” he said.

a little too warm (少し暖かすぎる) [形] somewhat more warm than desired

in these parts (この辺) [名] in this area

「この辺は私には少し暖かすぎる」と彼は言った。

“I'm used to a cooler climate.

be used to (慣れている) [動] be familiar with something through experience

「私はもっと涼しい気候に慣れている。

I'm beginning to sound like an editorial that has forgotten the point it wanted to make.”

私は言いたいことを忘れた社説のように聞こえ始めている。」

“I got your point all right, Mr. Potter.

「あなたの言いたいことはよく分かりました、ポッターさん。

You don't like the way the world is going so you use what power you have to close off a private corner to live in as near as possible to the way you remember people lived fifty years ago before the age of mass production.

corner (空間) [名] an area or region

ago (前) [副] earlier; previously

あなたは世界の進み方が気に入らないから、自分の持っている力を駆使して、50年前の大量生産時代以前の人々の生活にできるだけ近い生活を送るために、プライベートな空間を閉鎖している。

You've got a hundred million dollars and all it has bought you is a pain in the neck.”

あなたは1億ドルを持っているが、それで買えたのは首の痛みだけだ。」

He pulled the handkerchief taut by two opposite corners, then crumpled it into a ball and stuffed it in a pocket.

taut (ピンと張った) [形] stretched or pulled tight

ball (玉) [名] a round solid shape

stuff (押し込む) [動] fill tightly with something

彼はハンカチを2つの対角線の角で引っ張ってピンと張り、それから丸めてポケットに押し込んだ。

“And then?” he asked shortly.

and then (それで) [接] used to introduce a further statement or question

「それで?」と彼は短く尋ねた。

“That's all there is, there isn't any more.

That's all there is (それだけだ) [句] that is all that exists

there isn't any more (それ以上はない) [句] there is no more than that

「それだけだ、それ以上はない。

You don't care who murdered your daughter, Mr. Potter.

あなたは娘を誰が殺したか気にしていない、ポッターさん。

You wrote her off as a bad job long ago.

bad job (厄介者) [名] a person or thing that is difficult to deal with or that causes problems

あなたはずっと前に彼女を厄介者として見捨てた。

Even if Terry Lennox didn't kill her, and the real murderer is still walking around free, you don't care.

free (自由に) [副] without cost or payment

テリー・レノックスが彼女を殺さなかったとしても、そして本当の殺人者がまだ自由に歩き回っていても、あなたは気にしない。

You wouldn't want him caught, because that would revive the scandal and there would have to be a trial and his defense would blow your privacy as high as the Empire State Building.

revive (復活させる) [動] to bring back to life or consciousness

Empire State Building (エンパイアステートビルディング) [名] a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States

あなたは彼が捕まるのを望まないだろう、なぜならそれはスキャンダルを復活させ、裁判がなければならず、彼の弁護はあなたのプライバシーをエンパイアステートビルディングと同じくらい高く吹き飛ばすだろうからだ。

Unless, of course, he was obliging enough to commit suicide, before there was any trial.

もちろん、裁判が始まる前に彼が自殺するほど義理堅くなければ。

Preferably in Tahiti or Guatemala or the middle of the Sahara Desert.

preferably (できれば) [副] more desirable or suitable than others

Tahiti (タヒチ) [名] an island in the South Pacific

Guatemala (グアテマラ) [名] a country in Central America

the middle of (真ん中) [名] the point or part that is equally distant from all sides or ends

the Sahara Desert (サハラ砂漠) [名] a large desert on the African continent

できればタヒチやグアテマラ、あるいはサハラ砂漠の真ん中がいい。

Anywhere where the County would hate the expense of sending a man to verify what had happened.”

verify (確かめる) [動] make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified

郡が何が起こったのかを確かめるために人を派遣する費用を嫌うような場所ならどこでもいい」

He smiled suddenly, a big rugged smile with a reasonable amount of friendliness in it.

rugged (無骨な) [形] having a rough, irregular surface

friendliness (友好的な気持ち) [名] the quality of being friendly

彼は突然笑顔になった、かなりの友好的な気持ちが込められた大きくて無骨な笑顔だった。

“What do you want from me, Marlowe?”

「私に何の用だ、マーロウ?」

“If you mean how much money, nothing.

「もしお金の額を聞いているのなら、ゼロだ。

I didn't ask myself here.

私はここに自分から来たわけではない。

I was brought.

連れてこられたんだ。

I told the truth about how I met Roger Wade.

私はロジャー・ウェードとどのように出会ったかについて真実を語った。

But he did know your daughter and he does have a record of violence, although I haven't seen any of it.

have a record of (記録がある) [動] have a history of

haven't seen (見たことがない) [動] have not seen

しかし、彼はあなたの娘を知っていましたし、暴力の記録もあります。私はそれを見たことはありませんが。

Last night the guy tried to shoot himself.

昨夜、その男は自殺しようとした。

He's a haunted man.

haunted (悩める) [形] troubled or disturbed

彼は悩める人だ。

He has a massive guilt complex.

guilt (罪悪感) [名] a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done something wrong, such as causing harm to another person

complex (複雑) [形] having many parts and being difficult to understand or explain

彼はひどい罪悪感を抱えている。

If I happened to be looking for a good suspect, he might do.

もし私がたまたま良い容疑者を探していたら、彼はそうするかもしれない。

I realize he's only one of many, but he happens to be the only one I've met.”

only one (唯一の人) [名] the only person

彼は多くのうちの一人だとは分かっているが、たまたま私が会った唯一の人だ」

He stood up and standing up he was really big.

彼は立ち上がった。立つと彼は本当に大きかった。

Tough too.

タフでもあった。

He came over and stood in front of me.

彼は私のところに来て、私の前に立った。

“A telephone call, Mr. Marlowe, would deprive you of your license.

deprive (剥奪する) [動] take something away from someone

「電話一本で、マーロウさん、あなたは免許を剥奪される。

Don't fence with me.

私と口論するな。

I won't put up with it.”

put up with (我慢する) [動] to tolerate or accept something even though it is unpleasant or annoying

私はそれを我慢しない」

“Two telephone calls and I'd wake up kissing the gutter--with the back of my head missing.”

back (後頭部) [名] the part of the body of a person or animal that is opposite the front

「電話二本で私は目を覚まして側溝にキスをすることになるだろうー後頭部が欠けた状態で」

He laughed harshly.

彼は荒々しく笑った。

“I don't operate that way.

operate (動く) [動] function or work

「私はそんな風に動かない。

I suppose in your quaint line of business it is natural for you to think so.

quaint (古風な) [形] attractive in an old-fashioned or unusual way

line of business (仕事の流儀) [名] the type of work that a person or company does

natural (自然な) [形] existing or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind

あなたの古風な仕事の流儀ではそう考えるのが自然なのでしょう。

I've given you too much of my time.

あなたに時間をかけすぎた。

I'll ring for the butler to show you out.”

ring (呼ぶ) [動] to make a telephone call

show (案内する) [動] to guide or direct someone or something

執事を呼んで案内させよう」

“Not necessary,” I said, and stood up myself.

「必要ありません」と言って私は立ち上がった。

“I came here and got told.

get told (聞かされる) [動] be told something

「ここに来て聞かされた。

Thanks for the time.”

時間をありがとう」

He held his hand out.

彼は手を差し出した。

“Thank you for coming.

「来てくれてありがとう。

I think you're a pretty honest sort of fellow.

君は正直な人間だと思う。

Don't be a hero, young man.

ヒーローになるな、若者よ。

There's no percentage in it.”

percentage (利益) [名] a proportion of a whole expressed as a fraction of 100

そこには利益はない。」

I shook hands with him.

私は彼と握手した。

He had a grip like a pipe wrench.

grip (握力) [名] the ability to hold something firmly

pipe wrench (パイプレンチ) [名] a tool for gripping and turning pipes

彼はパイプレンチのような握力だった。

He smiled at me benignantly now.

benignantly (優しく) [副] in a kind and gentle way

彼は私に優しく微笑んだ。

He was Mr. Big, the winner, everything under control.

Mr. Big (ビッグ氏) [名] a person who is important or powerful

winner (勝者) [名] a person who wins something

under control (支配下にある) [形] being controlled or supervised

彼はビッグ氏であり、勝者であり、すべてを支配していた。

“One of these days I might be able to throw some business your way,” he said.

「そのうち、君に仕事を回せるかもしれない」と彼は言った。

“And don't go away thinking that I buy politicians or law enforcement officers. I don't have to.

politician (政治家) [名] a person who is involved in politics

law enforcement officer (警察官) [名] a person who is employed to enforce the law

「そして、私が政治家や警察官を買収していると思って帰らないでくれ。私はそうする必要はない。

Goodbye, Mr. Marlowe.

さようなら、マーロウさん。

And thank you again for coming.”

そして、来てくれてありがとう」

He stood there and watched me out of the room.

彼はそこに立って、私が部屋から出ていくのを見守った。

I had my hand on the front door when Linda Loring popped out of a shadow somewhere.

have one's hand on (手を掛ける) [動] to be touching or holding something

pop out (飛び出す) [動] to come out or appear suddenly

私が玄関のドアに手を掛けた時、どこからか影からリンダ・ローリングが飛び出してきた。

“Well?” she asked me quietly.

「どう?」彼女は静かに私に尋ねた。

“How did you get on with Father?”

get on (うまくやる) [動] to be friendly with someone

「父とはどうだった?」

“Fine. He explained civilization to me.

「よかったよ。彼は私に文明について説明してくれたよ。

I mean how it looks to him.

彼にとってそれがどう見えるかという意味だ。

He's going to let it go on for a little while longer.

a little while (もう少し) [名] a short period of time

longer (長く) [形] having a great or greater length

彼はそれをもう少し長く続けるつもりだ。

But it better be careful and not interfere with his private life.

private life (私生活) [名] the part of a person's life that is not connected with their work or public duties

しかし、彼の私生活を邪魔しないように注意した方がいい。

If it does, he's apt to make a phone call to God and cancel the order.”

make a phone call (電話する) [動] to use a telephone to talk to someone

もしそうなら、彼は神に電話して注文をキャンセルする傾向がある。」

“You're hopeless,” she said.

hopeless (絶望的) [形] having no hope

「あなたは絶望的だ」と彼女は言った。

“Me? I'm hopeless?

「私? 私は絶望的?

Lady, take a look at your old man.

old man (旦那さん) [名] a husband or a boyfriend

奥さん、あなたの旦那さんを見てみろ。

Compared with him I'm a blue-eyed baby with a brand new rattle.”

compare (比べる) [動] estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between

brand new (真新しい) [形] completely new

rattle (ガラガラ) [名] a toy or other object that makes a rattling sound when shaken

彼と比べたら私は真新しいガラガラを持った青い目の赤ん坊だ。」

I went on out and Amos had the Caddy there waiting.

go on out (外に出た) [動] go outside

Caddy (キャディ) [名] a person who carries a golfer's clubs and provides other assistance during a round of golf

私は外に出ると、エイモスがキャディを待たせていた。

He drove me back to Hollywood.

彼は私をハリウッドまで送り返した。

I offered him a buck but he wouldn't take it.

私は彼に1ドル渡そうとしたが彼は受け取らなかった。

I offered to buy him the poems of T. S. Eliot.

poem (詩) [名] a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical, usually metaphorical, and often exhibits such formal elements as meter, rhyme, and stanzaic str...

T. S. Eliot (T.S.エリオット) [名] an American-born British poet, playwright, literary critic, and editor

私は彼にT.S.エリオットの詩集を買ってあげようと申し出た。

He said he already had them.

彼はすでに持っていると言った。

[33]

A week went by and I heard nothing from the Wades.

hear (連絡がある) [動] be informed of

一週間が過ぎたがウェード夫妻からは何の連絡もなかった。

The weather was hot and sticky and the acid sting of the smog had crept as far west as Beverly Hills.

acid (酸っぱい) [形] having a sharp, sour taste

sting (刺激) [名] a sharp, painful sensation

creep (忍び寄る) [動] move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being seen or heard

天気は蒸し暑く、スモッグの酸っぱい刺激がビバリーヒルズまで西に忍び寄っていた。

From the top of Mulholland Drive you could see it leveled out all over the city like a ground mist.

Mulholland Drive (マリホランド・ドライブ) [名] a road in Los Angeles

top (頂上) [名] the highest point of something

level out (広がる) [動] to become flat or even

マリホランド・ドライブの頂上からは、それが地面の霧のように街全体に広がっているのを見ることができた。

When you were in it you could taste it and smell it and it made your eyes smart.

その中にいる時には、それを味わうことができ、匂いを嗅ぐことができ、目が痛くなった。

Everybody was griping about it.

gripe (不平を言う) [動] complain about something

誰もがそれについて不平を言っていた。

In Pasadena, where the stuffy millionaires holed up after Beverly Hills was spoiled for them by the movie crowd, the city fathers screamed with rage.

stuffy (堅苦しい) [形] lacking in interest or excitement

movie crowd (映画関係者) [名] people who work in the film industry

city father (市の父) [名] a person who is important in the government of a city

ビバリーヒルズが映画関係者によって台無しにされた後、堅苦しい億万長者たちが隠れ住むパサデナでは、市の父たちは怒りで叫んだ。

Everything was the fault of the smog.

全てはスモッグのせいだった。

If the canary wouldn't sing, if the milkman was late, if the Pekinese had fleas, if an old coot in a starched collar had a heart attack on the way to church, that was the smog.

canary (カナリア) [名] a small yellow bird

milkman (牛乳配達) [名] a man who delivers milk

Pekinese (ペキニーズ) [名] a breed of dog

flea (ノミ) [名] a small wingless jumping insect

old coot (老いぼれ) [名] an old person

heart attack (心臓発作) [名] a sudden and sometimes fatal occurrence of coronary thrombosis

カナリアが歌わない、牛乳配達が遅れる、ペキニーズにノミがいる、糊のきいた襟をつけた老いぼれが教会に行く途中で心臓発作を起こす、それはスモッグのせいだった。

Where I lived it was usually clear in the early morning and nearly always at night.

where I lived (私の住んでいるところ) [名] the place where I lived

early morning (早朝) [名] the early part of the morning

私の住んでいるところでは、早朝はたいてい晴れており、夜はほとんどいつも晴れていた。

Once in a while a whole day would be clear, nobody quite knew why.

whole day (一日中) [名] the entire day

be clear (晴れる) [動] be sunny

時々、一日中晴れることもあったが、誰もその理由をよく知らなかった。

It was on a day like that--it happened to be a Thursday--that Roger Wade called me up.

on a day like that (そんな日) [名] a day like the one being described

happen to be (たまたま) [動] occur by chance

ロジャー・ウェードが私に電話をかけてきたのは、そんな日だった。たまたま木曜日だった。

“How are you? This is Wade.”

How are you? (元気かい?) [句] a greeting

This is Wade. (ウェードだ) [句] a self-introduction

「元気かい? ウェードだ」

He sounded fine.

fine (元気) [形] in good health

彼は元気そうだった。

“Fine, and you?”

「元気だよ、君は?」

“Sober, I'm afraid.

「残念ながらしらふだ。

Scratching a hard buck.

scratch (稼ぐ) [動] to make a living

苦労して稼いでる。

We ought to have a talk.

have a talk (話す) [動] to speak or converse

話さなくちゃいけない。

And I think I owe you some dough.”

それに君に借金があると思う」

“Nope.”

「いいえ」

“Well, how about lunch today?

lunch (昼食) [名] a meal eaten in the middle of the day

「じゃあ、今日の昼食はどう?

Could you make it here somewhere around one?”

make it (来れる) [動] arrive or be present

somewhere around (頃) [副] approximately

1時頃ここに来れる?」

“I guess so. How's Candy?”

「そう思う。キャンディは元気?」

“Candy?” He sounded puzzled.

「キャンディ?」彼は困惑したように聞こえた。

He must have blacked out plenty that night.

black out (記憶を失う) [動] lose consciousness

that night (その夜) [名] the night of the day that is being talked about

彼はその夜、かなり記憶を失っていたに違いない。

“Oh, he helped you put me to bed that night.”

「ああ、彼はあの夜、私を寝かせるのを手伝ってくれたんだ」

“Yeah. He's a helpful little guy--in spots. And Mrs. Wade?”

helpful (役に立つ) [形] providing assistance

「ああ、彼は役に立つ小さな男だ--時々はね。ウェード夫人は?」

“She's fine too. She's in town shopping today.”

shopping (買い物) [名] the activity of buying goods or services

「彼女も元気だ。今日は街で買い物をしている」

We hung up and I sat and rocked in my swivel chair.

swivel chair (回転椅子) [名] a chair with a seat that can be rotated to face in any direction

電話を切って、私は回転椅子に座って揺れた。

I ought to have asked him how the book was going.

彼に本がどうなっているか尋ねるべきだった。

Maybe you always ought to ask a writer how the book is going.

たぶん、作家にはいつも本がどうなっているか尋ねるべきなのだろう。

And then again maybe he gets damned tired of that question.

get tired of (うんざりする) [動] to become bored with or annoyed by something

そしてまた、彼はその質問にうんざりしているのかもしれない。

I had another call in a little while, a strange voice.

have a call (電話がかかってくる) [動] receive a phone call

しばらくして、また電話がかかってきた。見知らぬ声だった。

“This is Roy Ashterfelt.

Roy Ashterfelt (ロイ・アシュターフェルト) [名] a person's name

「ロイ・アシュターフェルトです。

George Peters told me to call you up, Marlowe.”

ジョージ・ピーターズから電話するように言われました、マーロウ」

“Oh yes, thanks. You're the fellow that knew Terry Lennox in New York.

Oh yes (ああ、そう) [間] an expression of surprise or disappointment

「ああ、そう、ありがとう。あなたはニューヨークでテリー・レノックスを知っていた人ですね。

Called himself Marston then.”

call (名乗る) [動] to give a name to

当時はマーストンと名乗っていました」

“That's right. He was sure on the sauce.

on the sauce (酔っている) [句] drunk

「その通りです。彼は確かに酔っていました。

But it's the same guy all right.

でも間違いなく同じ男です。

You couldn't very well mistake him.

mistake (間違える) [動] to be wrong about the identity of someone or something

彼を間違えるはずがありません。

Out here I saw him in Chasen's one night with his wife.

ある夜、彼が妻とチェイセンにいるのを見ました。

I was with a client.

私はクライアントと一緒でした。

The client knew them.

クライアントは彼らを知っていました。

Can't tell you the client's name, I'm afraid.”

クライアントの名前は言えません。」

“I understand. It's not very important now, I guess.

「分かりました。今となっては重要ではないと思います。

What was his first name?”

彼の下の名前は何でしたか?」

“Wait a minute while I bite my thumb. Oh yeah, Paul. Paul Marston.

oh yeah (ああ、そう) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

Paul (ポール) [名] a male given name

Paul Marston (ポール・マーストン) [名] a male given name

「親指を噛むまで待って。ああ、そう、ポール。ポール・マーストン。

And there was one thing more, if it interests you.

そして、もし興味があるなら、もう一つあった。

He was wearing a British Army service badge.

British Army (イギリス陸軍) [名] the land warfare branch of the British Armed Forces

service badge (従軍記章) [名] a badge awarded for military service

彼はイギリス陸軍の従軍記章を着けていた。

Their version of the ruptured duck.”

version (バージョン) [名] a particular form of something differing in certain respects from an earlier form or other forms of the same type of thing

ruptured duck (傷ついたアヒル) [名] a military discharge pin

彼らのバージョンの傷ついたアヒルだ。」

“I see. What happened to him?”

「なるほど。彼に何が起こったんだ?」

“I don't know. I came west.

「知らない。私は西へ来た。

Next time I saw him he was here too--married to Harlan Potter's somewhat wild daughter.

somewhat (やや) [副] to some extent

次に彼に会ったときは彼もここにいた。ハーラン・ポッターのやや奔放な娘と結婚していた。

But you know all that.”

でも君は全部知っているだろう。」

“They're both dead now.

「彼らは二人とも死んだ。

But thanks for telling me.”

でも教えてくれてありがとう。」

“Not at all. Glad to help.

Not at all (どういたしまして) [句] you're welcome

Glad to help (喜んでお手伝いします) [句] I'm happy to help

「どういたしまして。喜んでお手伝いします。

Does it mean anything to you?”

何か意味があるか?」

“Not a thing,” I said, and I was a liar.

「何もない」と私は言ったが、嘘だった。

“I never asked him about himself.

「彼に彼自身について尋ねたことは一度もない。

He told me once he had been brought up in an orphanage.

彼は孤児院で育ったと一度だけ私に言った。

Isn't it just possible you made a mistake?”

あなたが間違えた可能性はないの?」

“With that white hair and that scarred face, brother? Not a chance.

「あの白い髪と傷だらけの顔で、兄弟? ありえない。

I won't say I never forget a face, but not that one.”

顔を忘れることはないとは言わないが、あの顔は忘れない。」

“Did he see you?”

「彼はあなたを見たの?」

“If he did, he didn't let on.

let on (気づく) [動] to reveal or disclose something

「もし見たとしても、彼は気づかなかった。

Hardly expect him to in the circumstances.

状況的に彼が気づくとは期待しにくい。

Anyhow he might not have remembered me.

いずれにせよ、彼は私を覚えていなかったかもしれない。

Like I said, he was always pretty well lit back in New York.”

light (酔っ払う) [動] to become intoxicated

back in (で) [句] in a place that you have been to before

私が言ったように、彼はニューヨークではいつもかなり酔っ払っていた。」

I thanked him some more and he said it was a pleasure and we hung up.

私は彼にもう少し感謝し、彼は喜んでだといい、私たちは電話を切った。

I thought about it for a while.

私はしばらくそれについて考えた。

The noise of the traffic outside the building on the boulevard made an unmusical obbligato to my thinking.

make (なる) [動] become

unmusical (音楽的でない) [形] not having a pleasant sound

obbligato (オブリガート) [名] an accompaniment that is essential to the music

thinking (思考) [名] the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

大通りの建物の外の交通の騒音が私の思考に音楽的でないオブリガートになった。

It was too loud.

それはあまりにもうるさかった。

In summer in hot weather everything is too loud.

hot weather (暑い時期) [名] a period of time when the temperature is high

夏の暑い時期にはすべてがうるさすぎる。

I got up and shut the lower part of the window and called Detective-Sergeant Green at Homicide.

私は起き上がって窓の下の部分を閉め、殺人課のグリーン刑事部長に電話した。

He was obliging enough to be in.

be obliging (親切である) [動] willing to do something for someone

be in (出勤している) [動] be present at one's place of work

彼は親切にも出勤していた。

“Look,” I said, after the preliminaries, “I heard something about Terry Lennox that puzzles me.

puzzle (困惑させる) [動] to confuse or bewilder someone

「あの」と私は前置きの後で言った。「テリー・レノックスについて何か聞いたんだが、それが気になってね。

A fellow I know used to know him in New York under another name.

私の知っている男がニューヨークで彼を知っていたんだが、別の名前だった。

You check his war record?”

彼の戦争記録を調べたかい?」

“You guys never learn,” Green said harshly.

「君たちは学習しないな」とグリーンは厳しく言った。

“You just never learn to stay on your own side of the street.

「君たちは自分の側に留まることを学習しない。

That matter is closed, locked up, weighted with lead and dropped in the ocean.

close (終わり) [動] to bring or come to an end

weight (重し) [名] a unit of force equal to the gravitational force exerted on a body of given mass by the earth at sea level

その件は終わり、鍵をかけられ、鉛の重しをつけて海に沈められた。

Get it?”

分かったか?」

“I spent part of an afternoon with Harlan Potter last week at his daughter's house in Idle Valley. Want to check?”

last week (先週) [名] the week before the present one

「私は先週、午後の一部をアイドル・バレーの娘の家でハーラン・ポッターと過ごした。確認したいか?」

“Doing what?” he asked sourly.

「何を?」と彼は不機嫌そうに尋ねた。

“Supposing I believe you.”

「仮に君を信じるとして」

“Talking things over. I was invited. He likes me.

talk over (話し合う) [動] discuss something thoroughly

「いろいろ話し合った。招待されたんだ。彼は私を気に入っている。

Incidentally, he told me the girl was shot with a Mauser P.P.K. 7.65 m/m.

Incidentally (ついでに) [副] by the way; in passing

Mauser P.P.K. 7.65 m/m (モーゼルP.P.K.7.65ミリ) [名] a type of gun

ついでに、彼は少女がモーゼルP.P.K.7.65ミリで撃たれたと私に言った。

That news to you?”

news (ニュース) [名] a report of recent events

君には初耳か?」

“Go on.”

「続けろ」

“Her own gun, chum.

「彼女自身の銃だ、相棒。

Makes a little difference, maybe.

make a difference (違う) [動] to be important or significant

少しは違うかもしれない。

But don't get me wrong.

get wrong (誤解する) [動] to fail to understand something correctly

でも誤解しないでくれ。

I'm not looking into any dark corners.

look into (探す) [動] to investigate or examine something

私は暗い隅を探しているわけではない。

This is a personal matter.

これは個人的な問題だ。

Where did he get that wound?”

彼はどこでその傷を負ったんだ?」

Green was silent.

silent (黙っている) [形] not making or accompanied by any sound

グリーンは黙っていた。

I heard a door close in the background.

私は後ろでドアが閉まる音を聞いた。

Then he said quietly, “Probably in a knife fight south of the border.”

south (南) [名] the direction that is on your right when you are facing the rising sun

それから彼は静かに言った、「おそらく国境の南でナイフで戦ったのでしょう。」

“Aw hell, Green, you had his prints.

Aw hell (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disgust, or disappointment

「ああ、グリーン、君は彼の指紋を持っていたじゃないか。

You sent them to Washington like always.

いつものようにワシントンに送ったじゃないか。

You got a report back--like always.

いつものように報告書を受け取ったじゃないか。

All I asked was something about his service record.”

service record (軍歴) [名] a record of a person's military service

私が尋ねたのは彼の軍歴についてだけだ。」

“Who said he had one.”

「彼に軍歴があるなんて誰が言ったんだ。」

“Well, Mendy Menendez for one.

「ええ、メンディ・メネンデスはその一人だ。

Seems Lennox saved his life one time and that's how he got the wound.

レノックスが一度彼の命を救ったらしいが、そのときに傷を負ったらしい。

He was captured by the Germans and they gave him the face he had.”

capture (捕らえる) [動] take or keep in custody by force

German (ドイツ人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Germany

彼はドイツ軍に捕らえられて、あの顔にされたんだ。」

“Menendez, huh? You believe that son of a bitch?

son of a bitch (野郎) [名] a person who is stupid, foolish, or despicable

「メネンデス、そうか? あの野郎を信じるか?

You got a hole in your own head.

頭に穴が開いてるぞ。

Lennox didn't have any war record.

レノックスには戦争記録がなかった。

Didn't have any record of any kind under any name.

any name (どんな名前) [名] any name at all

どんな名前でもどんな種類の記録もなかった。

You satisfied?”

satisfied (満足) [形] having had enough of something

満足か?」

“If you say so,” I said.

「そう言うなら」と私は言った。

“But I don't see why Menendez would bother to come up here and tell me a yarn and warn me to keep my nose clean on account of Lennox was a pal of him and Randy Starr in Vegas and they didn't want anybody fooling around.

yarn (作り話) [名] a long and complicated story

fool around (干渉する) [動] behave in a silly or playful way

「しかし、なぜメネンデスがわざわざここまで来て、私に作り話をして、レノックスが彼とラスベガスのランディ・スターの仲間だったので、誰にも干渉してほしくないという理由で、私に干渉しないように警告したのかわからない。

After all Lennox was already dead.”

結局のところ、レノックスはすでに死んでいた。」

“Who knows what a hoodlum figures?” Green asked bitterly.

「チンピラが何を考えているのか誰が知っている?」とグリーンは苦々しく尋ねた。

“Or why? Maybe Lennox was in a racket with them before he married all that money, and got respectable.

be in a racket (共謀する) [動] be involved in a dishonest scheme

all that money (大金) [名] a lot of money

get respectable (立派になる) [動] become worthy of respect

「あるいはなぜ? レノックスは、あの大金と結婚して立派になる前は、彼らと共謀していたのかもしれない。

He was a floor manager at Starr's place in Vegas for a while.

floor manager (フロアマネージャー) [名] a person who manages the floor of a business

Starr's (スターの) [名] a person's name

彼はしばらくの間、ラスベガスのスターの店のフロアマネージャーだった。

That's where he met the girl.

That's where (そこで) [副] in the place that

そこで彼はあの娘と出会った。

A smile and a bow and a dinner jacket.

bow (会釈) [名] a gesture of greeting, respect, or submission

笑顔と会釈とディナージャケット。

Keep the customers happy and keep an eye on the house players.

keep an eye on (目を光らせる) [動] to watch someone or something carefully

house player (常連客) [名] a person who regularly gambles at a particular casino

客を満足させ、常連客に目を光らせる。

I guess he had class for the job.”

have class (向いている) [動] to be suitable or appropriate for something

彼はその仕事に向いていたんだと思う。」

“He had charm,” I said.

「彼には魅力があった」と私は言った。

“They don't use it in police business.

「警察では使わない。

Much obliged, Sergeant.

ありがとう、巡査部長。

How is Captain Gregorius these days?”

グレゴリウス警部は最近どうですか?」

“Retirement leave. Don't you read the papers?”

retirement (退職) [名] the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work

leave (休暇) [名] a period of time during which you are not working

「退職休暇。新聞を読まないんですか?」

“Not the crime news, Sergeant. Too sordid.”

「犯罪記事は読みません、巡査部長。あまりにも下品ですから。」

I started to say goodbye but he chopped me off.

chop off (遮る) [動] interrupt someone while they are speaking

私は別れの言葉を言い始めたが、彼は私を遮った。

“What did Mr. Money want with you?”

「マネー氏はあなたに何を望んでいたんですか?」

“We just had a cup of tea together. A social call.

have a cup of tea (お茶を飲む) [動] drink a cup of tea

social call (社交的な訪問) [名] a visit made for social purposes

「ただ一緒にお茶を飲んだだけです。社交的な訪問です。

He said he might put some business my way.

彼は私に仕事を回してくれるかもしれないと言っていました。

He also hinted--just hinted, not in so many words--that any cop that looked cross-eyed at me would be facing a grimy future.”

hint (ほのめかす) [動] to suggest or mention indirectly

cross-eyed (横目) [形] having one or both eyes turned inward toward the nose

grimy (汚れた) [形] covered with dirt or grime

future (未来) [名] the time that is to come

彼はまた、私を横目で見る警官は誰でも汚れた未来に直面するだろうとほのめかしました。ほのめかしただけで、言葉で言ったわけではありません。」

“He don't run the police department,” Green said.

police department (警察) [名] a department of the government that is responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order

「彼は警察を運営していない」とグリーンは言った。

“He admits it. Doesn't even buy commissioners or D.A.'s, he said.

commissioner (警察委員) [名] a person appointed to a commission

「彼はそれを認めている。彼は、警察委員や地方検事さえ買収していないと言っていた。

They just kind of curl up in his lap when he's having a doze.”

curl up (丸くなる) [動] to lie or sit with the knees bent and the arms close to the body

彼が居眠りしているときに、彼らは彼の膝の上で丸くなるだけだ。」

“Go to hell,” Green said, and hung up in my ear.

go to hell (地獄に落ちろ) [動] a phrase used to express anger or frustration

「地獄に落ちろ」とグリーンは言い、私の耳元で電話を切った。

A difficult thing, being a cop.

警官であることは難しいことだ。

You never know whose stomach it's safe to jump up and down on.

stomach (胃袋) [名] the organ in the body that breaks down food

jump up and down (踏みつける) [動] move up and down repeatedly

誰の胃袋を踏みつけても安全かわからない。

[34]

The stretch of broken-paved road from the highway to the curve of the hill was dancing in the noon heat and the scrub that dotted the parched land on both sides of it was flour-white with granite dust by this time.

stretch (部分) [名] a continuous area or expanse

broken-paved (舗装が壊れた) [形] having a broken surface

curve (曲がり角) [名] a line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight for some or all of its length

heat (熱) [名] the quality or state of being hot

parched (焼けた) [形] dried out by heat

land (土地) [名] the part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water

flour-white (小麦粉のように白い) [形] having the color of flour

this time (この時間) [名] the present time

ハイウェイから丘の曲がり角までの舗装が壊れた道の部分は真昼の熱で踊り、その両側の焼けた土地に点在する低木はこの時間には花崗岩の塵で小麦粉のように白かった。

The weedy smell was almost nauseating.

weedy (雑草の) [形] full of weeds

nauseating (吐き気を催す) [形] causing you to feel as if you are going to vomit

雑草の匂いはほとんど吐き気を催すほどだった。

A thin hot acrid breeze was blowing.

acrid (刺激的な) [形] having a sharp, bitter taste or smell

薄く熱く刺激的なそよ風が吹いていた。

I had my coat off and my sleeves rolled up, but the door was too hot to rest an arm on.

have off (脱ぐ) [動] remove an item of clothing

roll up (まくり上げる) [動] to make something into a roll

私はコートを脱いで袖をまくっていたが、ドアは熱すぎて腕を乗せることができなかった。

A tethered horse dozed wearily under a clump of live oaks.

tether (つなぐ) [動] tie up or fasten an animal with a rope

live oak (オークの木) [名] an evergreen oak tree

つながれた馬がオークの木の下で疲れたようにうたた寝していた。

A brown Mexican sat on the ground and ate something out of a newspaper.

褐色のメキシコ人が地面に座って新聞紙から何かを食べていた。

A tumbleweed rolled lazily across the road and came to rest against a piece of granite outcrop, and a lizard that had been there an instant before disappeared without seeming to move at all.

tumbleweed (タンブルウィード) [名] a plant that breaks off from its roots in the autumn and is blown about by the wind

lazily (ゆっくりと) [副] in a slow and relaxed way

come to rest (止まる) [動] stop moving

lizard (トカゲ) [名] a type of reptile

seem (見える) [動] give the impression of being

タンブルウィードが道を横切ってゆっくりと転がり、花崗岩の露頭に寄りかかって止まり、一瞬前にそこにいたトカゲは全く動かないように見えながら姿を消した。

Then I was around the hill on the blacktop and in another country.

be around (回る) [動] to go around something

それから私はアスファルトの丘を回り、別の国に入った。

In five minutes I turned into the driveway of the Wades' house, parked and walked across the flagstones and rang the bell.

walk across (渡る) [動] move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

5分後、私はウェード家の私道に入り、駐車して敷石を渡り、ベルを鳴らした。

Wade answered the door himself, in a brown and white checked shirt with short sleeves, pale blue denim slacks, and house slippers.

answer (開ける) [動] respond to a signal

checked (チェックの) [形] having a pattern of squares

slipper (履き) [名] a light indoor shoe

ウェードは、半袖の茶色と白のチェックのシャツ、淡いブルーのデニムのスラックス、そして室内履きを履いて、自分でドアを開けた。

He looked tanned and he looked good.

彼は日焼けして元気そうだった。

There was an inkstain on his hand and a smear of cigarette ash on one side of his nose.

inkstain (インクの染み) [名] a mark left by ink

smear (付着) [名] a mark left by something dirty

cigarette ash (タバコの灰) [名] the ash from a cigarette

彼の手にはインクの染みがあり、鼻の片側にはタバコの灰が付着していた。

He led the way into his study and parked himself behind his desk.

lead the way (案内する) [動] show the way to someone

彼は書斎に案内し、机の向こうに座った。

On it there was a thick pile of yellow typescript.

pile (山) [名] a heap of things laid or lying one on top of another

typescript (タイプライターの原稿) [名] a typewritten document

その上には黄色いタイプライターの原稿が厚く積み重なっていた。

I put my coat on a chair and sat on the couch.

私はコートを椅子に置き、ソファに座った。

“Thanks for coming, Marlowe. Drink?”

thanks for coming (来てくれてありがとう) [名] an expression of gratitude for someone's arrival

「来てくれてありがとう、マーロウ。飲み物は?」

I got that look on my face you get when a drunk asks you to have a drink.

私は酔っ払いに酒を勧められた時のような顔をした。

I could feel it.

私はそれを感じることができた。

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

“I'll have a coke,” he said.

coke (コーラ) [名] a carbonated soft drink

「コーラを頼む」と彼は言った。

“You pick up fast,” I said.

pick up (飲み込む) [動] to learn or understand something quickly

「君は飲み込みが早いな」と私は言った。

“I don't think I want a drink right now.

「今は飲みたくないな。

I'll take a coke with you.”

君と一緒にコーラを飲もう」

He pressed something with his foot and after a while Candy came.

彼は足で何かを押し、しばらくするとキャンディが来た。

He looked surly.

surly (不機嫌そう) [形] bad-tempered and unfriendly

彼は不機嫌そうに見えた。

He had a blue shirt on and an orange scarf and no white coat.

orange (オレンジ色の) [形] of the color intermediate between red and yellow in the spectrum

彼は青いシャツを着てオレンジ色のスカーフを巻いており、白衣は着ていなかった。

Two-tone black and white shoes, elegant high-wasted gabardine pants.

high-wasted (ハイウエスト) [形] having a high waist

pant (パンツ) [名] an item of clothing that covers the lower part of the body and has two holes for the legs

黒と白のツートンカラーの靴、エレガントなハイウエストのギャバジンパンツ。

Wade ordered the cokes.

ウェードはコーラを注文した。

Candy gave me a hard stare and went away.

キャンディは私をじっと見つめて立ち去った。

“Book?” I said, pointing to the stack of paper.

stack (束) [名] a pile of objects

「本?」私は紙の束を指さして言った。

“Yeah. Stinks.”

stink (ひどい) [動] to have a very unpleasant smell

「ああ。ひどい」

“I don't believe it. How far along?”

along (進む) [副] forward or onward

「信じられない。どれくらい進んでる?」

“About two thirds of the way--for what it's worth.

two thirds (三分の二) [名] a fraction equal to 2 divided by 3

「三分の二くらいだ。

Which is damn little.

damn (ほとんど) [形] very

ほとんど進んでいない。

You know how a writer can tell when he's washed up?”

wash up (才能が枯渇する) [動] to be finished or done for

作家が自分の才能が枯渇したことをどうやって知るか知っているか?」

“Don't know anything about writers.”

「作家については何も知らない」

I filled my pipe.

私はパイプに煙草を詰めた。

“When he starts reading his old stuff for inspiration. That's absolute.

inspiration (インスピレーション) [名] the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative

「インスピレーションを得るために自分の古い作品を読み始めるときだ。それは絶対だ。

I've got five hundred pages of typescript here, well over a hundred thousand words.

five hundred (五百) [名] the number 500

typescript (タイプ原稿) [名] a typewritten copy of a document

hundred thousand (十万) [名] the number 100,000

ここに五百ページのタイプ原稿がある。十万語を優に超えている。

My books run long.

run (長い) [動] to be of a specified length

私の本は長い。

The public likes long books.

public (世間) [名] the people as a whole

世間は長い本が好きだ。

The damn fool public thinks if there's a lot of pages there must be a lot of gold.

damn fool (馬鹿) [名] a person who is foolish or stupid

世間の馬鹿どもはページ数が多いと金の含有量が多いと思うんだ。

I don't dare read it over.

over (再び) [副] once more; again

私はそれを読み返す勇気がない。

And I can't remember half of what's in it.

can't remember (覚えていない) [動] be unable to recall

そして、私はその半分も覚えていない。

I'm just plain scared to look at my own work.”

私は自分の作品を見るのが怖いだけだ」

“You look good yourself,” I said.

look good (元気そう) [動] to appear healthy or happy

yourself (あなたも) [代] used to refer to the person being spoken to as the object of a verb or preposition

「あなたも元気そうね」と私は言った。

“From the other night I wouldn't have believed it.

the other night (あの夜) [名] a night in the past

「あの夜から、私はそれを信じることができなかった。

You've got more guts than you think you have.”

あなたは自分が思っているよりも根性がある」

“What I need right now is more than guts.

「今私に必要なのは根性以上のものよ。

Something you don't get by wishing for it.

願っても手に入らないもの。

A belief in yourself.

belief (信念) [名] a feeling of being certain that something exists or is true

自分を信じること。

I'm a spoiled writer who doesn't believe any more.

spoil (甘やかす) [動] treat with excessive indulgence

私はもう信じることができない甘やかされた作家だ。

I have a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and a beautiful sales record.

sales record (販売記録) [名] a document showing the amount of a product that has been sold

私は美しい家、美しい妻、そして美しい販売記録を持っている。

But all I really want is to get drunk and forget.”

でも、私が本当に欲しいのは酔って忘れることだけだ」

He leaned his chin in his cupped hands and stared across the desk.

cup (合わせる) [動] shape something like a cup

彼は両手を合わせ、その中に顎を乗せて机の向こうを見つめた。

“Eileen said I tried to shoot myself.

「アイリーンは私が自分を撃とうとしたと言った。

Was it that bad?”

be (be動詞) [助] used with a past participle to form the passive voice

そんなにひどかったのか?」

“You don't remember?”

「覚えていないのか?」

He shook his head.

彼は首を横に振った。

“Not a damn thing except that I fell down and cut my head.

fall down (転ぶ) [動] move quickly and suddenly from a higher to a lower position

「転んで頭を切ったこと以外は何も覚えていない。

And after a while I was in bed.

in bed (ベッドに) [副] in a bed

そしてしばらくして私はベッドにいた。

And you were there.

そして君がそこにいた。

Did Eileen call you?”

アイリーンが君に電話したのか?」

“Yeah. Didn't she say?”

「ああ。彼女は言わなかったのか?」

“She hasn't been talking to me very much this last week.

「彼女は先週あまり私と話さなかった。

I guess she's had it.

have it (我慢の限界だった) [動] to have had enough of something

彼女は我慢の限界だったんだと思う。

Up to here.”

ここまで」

He put the edge of one hand against his neck just under his chin.

彼は片手の端を顎のすぐ下の首に当てた。

“That show Loring put on here didn't help any.”

put on (やる) [動] to organize and present a play, concert, or other public event

「ローリングがここでやったショーは役に立たなかった」

“Mrs. Wade said it meant nothing.”

「ウェード夫人はそれは何の意味もないと言っていた」

“Well, she would, wouldn't she?

wouldn't (だろうね) [助] used to express a strong intention or determination

「そうだろうね、彼女はそう言うだろうね?

It happened to be the truth, but I don't suppose she believed it when she said it.

happen to be (たまたま〜である) [動] to occur by chance

それはたまたま真実だったが、彼女がそれを言ったとき、彼女はそれを信じていたとは思わない。

The guy is just abnormally jealous.

abnormally (異常に) [副] in an unusual or irregular manner

jealous (嫉妬深い) [形] feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements and advantages

彼はただ異常に嫉妬深いだけだ。

You have a drink or two with his wife in the corner and laugh a little and kiss her goodbye and right off he assumes you are sleeping with her.

have a drink (1杯飲む) [動] drink an alcoholic beverage

あなたは彼の妻と隅っこで1杯か2杯飲んで、少し笑って、別れのキスをすると、彼はすぐにあなたが彼女と寝ていると思い込む。

One reason being that he isn't.”

1つの理由は、彼がそうではないということだ。」

“What I like about Idle Valley,” I said, “is that everybody is living just a comfortable normal life.”

「私がアイドル・バレーで気に入っているのは、誰もがただ快適で普通の生活を送っていることだ」と私は言った。

He frowned and then the door opened and Candy came in with two cokes and glasses and poured the cokes.

彼は眉をひそめたが、ドアが開き、キャンディが2つのコーラとグラスを持って入ってきて、コーラを注いだ。

He set one in front of me without looking at me.

彼は私を見ずに1つを私の前に置いた。

“Lunch in half an hour,” Wade said, “and where's the white coat?”

「30分で昼食だ」とウェードは言った。「白衣はどこだ?」

“This my day off,” Candy said, deadpan.

deadpan (真顔) [形] lacking expression

「今日は私の休日だ」とキャンディは真顔で言った。

“I ain't the cook, boss.”

「私は料理人じゃないよ、ボス」

“Cold cuts or sandwiches and beer will do,” Wade said.

cold cut (コールドカット) [名] a slice of cooked meat

「コールドカットかサンドイッチとビールでいい」とウェードは言った。

“The cook's off today, Candy.

off (休み) [形] not working or in operation

「今日は料理人が休みだ、キャンディ。

I've got a friend to lunch.”

友人と昼食を食べる」

“You think he is your friend?” Candy sneered.

「彼が友人だと思うの?」キャンディは冷笑した。

“Better ask your wife.”

「奥さんに聞いた方がいい」

Wade leaned back in his chair and smiled at him.

ウェードは椅子に寄りかかり、彼に微笑んだ。

“Watch your lip, little man.

「口の利き方に気をつけろ、小僧。

You've got it soft here.

soft (楽な) [形] easy or comfortable

あなたはここでは楽な生活を送っている。

I don't often ask a favor of you, do I?”

ask a favor (頼みごとをする) [動] ask someone to do something for you

あまり頼みごとはしないよね?」

Candy looked down at the floor.

キャンディは床を見下ろした。

After a moment he looked up and grinned.

しばらくして彼は顔を上げてニヤリと笑った。

“Okay, boss. I put the white coat on.

put on (着る) [動] to put clothes on oneself

「分かった、ボス。私は白いコートを着た。

I get the lunch, I guess.”

昼食を食べるよ」

He turned softly and went out.

彼はそっと振り返り、出て行った。

Wade watched the door close.

ウェードはドアが閉まるのを見た。

Then he shrugged and looked at me.

それから彼は肩をすくめて私を見た。

“We used to call them servants.

「昔は召使と呼んでいた。

Now we call them domestic help.

domestic (家事) [形] of or relating to a house or home

今は家事手伝いと呼んでいる。

I wonder how long it will be before we have to give them breakfast in bed.

彼らにベッドで朝食を出さなければならなくなるまであとどれくらいかかるだろうか。

I'm paying the guy too much money.

私は彼に払いすぎている。

He's spoiled.”

be spoiled (甘やかされている) [動] be treated with too much indulgence

彼は甘やかされている。」

“Wages--or something on the side?”

wage (給料) [名] a fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee

「給料か、それとも何か副業か?」

“Such as what?” he asked sharply.

such as (例えば) [接] for example

「例えば?」と彼は鋭く尋ねた。

I got up and handed him some folded yellow sheets.

私は立ち上がって、彼に折り畳んだ黄色い紙を渡した。

“You'd better read it.

「読んだ方がいい。

Evidently you don't remember asking me to tear it up.

tear (破る) [動] pull or rip apart or to pieces with force

明らかに、あなたは私にそれを破るように頼んだことを覚えていない。

It was in your typewriter, under the cover.”

それはあなたのタイプライターのカバーの下にあった。」

He unfolded the yellow pages and leaned back to read them.

unfold (広げる) [動] open or spread out from a folded state

yellow pages (黄色い紙) [名] a telephone directory listing businesses and their contact numbers

彼は黄色い紙を広げ、それを読むために後ろにもたれた。

The glass of coke fizzed unnoticed on the desk in front of him.

fizz (泡立つ) [動] to make a hissing or bubbling sound

unnoticed (気づかれない) [形] not noticed or observed

彼の前にある机の上のコカコーラのグラスは泡立っていたが、彼は気づかなかった。

He read slowly, frowning.

彼はゆっくりと読み、眉をひそめた。

When he came to the end he refolded the sheets and ran a finger along the edge.

come to the end (最後まで読む) [動] reach the end of something

彼は最後まで読むと、紙を折り直し、端に沿って指を走らせた。

“Did Eileen see this?” he asked carefully.

「アイリーンはこれを見たか?」と彼は慎重に尋ねた。

“I wouldn't know. She might have.”

might have (見たかもしれない) [助] be possible or likely

「知らない。彼女は見たかもしれない」

“Pretty wild, isn't it?”

isn't it (だよね) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

「かなりワイルドだよね?」

“I liked it. Especially the part about a good man dying for you.”

「私は好きだった。特にあなたのために死ぬ善人についての部分」

He opened the paper again and tore it into long strips viciously and dumped the strips into his wastebasket.

strip (帯) [名] a long thin piece of something

dump (捨てる) [動] put or throw away in a careless, hurried, or forceful way

彼は再び新聞を開き、それを長い帯状に激しく引き裂き、その帯をゴミ箱に捨てた。

“I suppose a drunk will write or say or do anything,” he said slowly.

「酔っ払いは何でも書いたり言ったりしたりするものだろう」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“It's meaningless to me.

「私には意味がない。

Candy's not blackmailing me.

blackmail (脅迫) [動] to demand money from someone by threatening to reveal a secret about them

キャンディは私を脅迫していない。

He likes me.”

彼は私を気に入っている。」

“Maybe you'd better get drunk again.

「また酔っ払った方がいいかもしれない。

You might remember what you meant.

何を意味していたか思い出せるかもしれない。

You might remember a lot of things.

たくさんのことを思い出せるかもしれない。

We've been through this before--that night when the gun went off.

be through (経験する) [動] to have finished or completed something

go off (発砲される) [動] to explode or cause to explode

私たちは以前にこれを経験したことがある--銃が発砲されたあの夜。

I suppose the seconal blanked you out too.

blank out (記憶が飛ぶ) [動] to lose consciousness or memory

セコナルであなたも記憶が飛んだのでしょうね。

You sounded sober enough.

あなたは十分に酔っていないように聞こえた。

But now you pretend not to remember writing that stuff I just gave you.

でも今は、私が渡したあの手紙を書いたことを覚えていないふりをしている。

No wonder you can't write your book, Wade. It's a wonder you can stay alive.”

本が書けないのも無理はないよね、ウェード。生きていることが不思議なくらいだよ」

He reached sideways and opened a drawer of his desk.

彼は横に手を伸ばして机の引き出しを開けた。

His hand fumbled in it and came up with a three-decker check book.

fumble (手探りする) [動] to feel or grope about clumsily

three-decker (三段式の) [形] having three levels or layers

check book (小切手帳) [名] a book of checks

彼の手はそこで手探りし、三段式の小切手帳を取り出した。

He opened it and reached for a pen.

彼はそれを開き、ペンに手を伸ばした。

“I owe you a thousand dollars,” he said quietly.

「私はあなたに千ドル借りている」と彼は静かに言った。

He wrote in the book.

book (小切手帳) [名] a set of blank or ruled pages bound together between two covers

彼はその小切手帳に書いた。

Then on the counterfoil.

counterfoil (控え) [名] a part of a ticket, receipt, or other document that is retained by the issuer as a record

それから控えに書いた。

He tore the check out, came around the desk with it, and dropped it in front of me.

tear (切り取る) [動] to separate or pull apart by force

彼はその小切手を切り取り、それをもって机の周りを回り、私の前にそれを落とした。

“Is that all right?”

「これでいいかな?」

I leaned back and looked up at him and didn't touch the check and didn't answer him.

私は後ろにもたれ、彼を見上げ、小切手には触れず、彼に答えなかった。

His face was tight and drawn.

drawn (こわばり) [形] looking strained or tense

彼の顔は引きつり、こわばっていた。

His eyes were deep and empty.

deep (深い) [形] having a specified depth

彼の目は深く、空虚だった。

“I suppose you think I killed her and let Lennox take the rap,” he said slowly.

take the rap (罪をなすりつける) [動] take the blame for something

「君は私が彼女を殺して、レノックスに罪をなすりつけたと思っているんだろう」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“She was a tramp all right.

「彼女は確かに浮気女だった。

But you don't beat a woman's head in just because she's a tramp.

だが、浮気女だからといって、女を殴り殺すわけにはいかない。

Candy knows I went there sometimes.

キャンディは私が時々そこへ行っていたことを知っているよ。

The funny part of it is I don't think he would tell.

面白いのは、彼が話すとは思えないことだ。

I could be wrong, but I don't think so.”

間違っているかもしれないが、そうは思わない」

“Wouldn't matter if he did,” I said.

「彼がそうしたとしても問題ではない」と私は言った。

“Harlan Potter's friends wouldn't listen to him.

「ハーラン・ポッターの友人は彼の話を聞かないだろう。

Also, she wasn't killed with that bronze thing.

それに、彼女はあのブロンズ製のもので殺されたわけではない。

She was shot through the head with her own gun.”

彼女は自分の銃で頭を撃たれた」

“She maybe had a gun,” he said almost dreamily.

「彼女は銃を持っていたかもしれない」と彼はほとんど夢見心地に言った。

“But I didn't know she had been shot.

be shot (撃たれる) [動] to be hit by a bullet or other projectile

「しかし、彼女が撃たれたとは知らなかった。

It wasn't published.”

be published (公表される) [動] be made available to the public

公表されなかった」

“Didn't know or didn't remember?” I asked him.

「知らなかったのか、覚えていなかったのか?」と私は彼に尋ねた。

“No, it wasn't published.”

「いや、公表されなかった」

“What are you trying to do to me, Marlowe?”

「私に何をしようとしているんだ、マーロウ?」

His voice was still dreamy, almost gentle.

dreamy (夢見心地) [形] having a quality that suggests a dream

彼の声は相変わらず夢見心地で、ほとんど優しかった。

“What do you want me to do? Tell my wife? Tell the police?

「私に何をしてほしいんだ? 妻に言うのか? 警察に言うのか?

What good would it do?”

何の役に立つんだ?」

“You said a good man died for you.”

「あなたは良い人があなたのために死んだと言った。」

“All I meant was that if there had been any real investigation I might have been identified as one--but only one--of the possible suspects.

identify (特定する) [動] to establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is

「私が言いたかったのは、もし本格的な捜査があったら、私は容疑者の一人として特定されたかもしれないということだけだ。

It would have finished me in several ways.”

そうなれば私はいろいろな意味で終わりだった。」

“I didn't come here to accuse you of a murder, Wade.

accuse (告発する) [動] charge someone with a crime or wrongdoing

「私はあなたを殺人罪で告発するためにここに来たわけではない、ウェード。

What's eating you is that you're not sure yourself.

eat (悩ませる) [動] to consume (something) as food

あなたを悩ませているのは、あなた自身が確信が持てないことだ。

You have a record of violence to your wife.

あなたには妻への暴力の記録がある。

You black out when you're drunk.

あなたは酔うと記憶を失う。

It's no argument to say you don't beat a woman's head in just because she's a tramp.

女が浮浪者だからといって頭を殴らないというのは議論の余地がない。

That is exactly what somebody did do.

まさに誰かがそうしたのだ。

And the guy who got credit for the job seemed to me a lot less likely than you.”

get credit for (功績を認められる) [動] be given credit for

そして、その仕事の功績を認められた男は、私にはあなたよりもずっと可能性が低いように思えた。」

He walked to the open french windows and stood looking out at the shimmer of heat over the lake.

shimmer (揺らめき) [名] a soft light that shines or reflects in an unsteady way

彼は開いたフランス窓まで歩き、湖の上の熱の揺らめきを眺めながら立っていた。

He didn't answer me.

彼は私に答えなかった。

He hadn't moved or spoken a couple of minutes later when there was a light knock at the door and Candy came in wheeling a tea wagon, with a crisp white cloth, silver-covered dishes, a pot of coffee, and two bottles of beer.

couple of minutes (数分) [名] a short period of time

light knock (軽いノック) [名] a gentle knock

tea wagon (ティーワゴン) [名] a small table on wheels used for serving tea

white cloth (白い布) [名] a piece of white fabric

silver-covered dishes (銀色の皿) [名] dishes that are covered in silver

pot of coffee (コーヒーのポット) [名] a container for making coffee

two bottles of beer (ビールを2本) [名] two containers of beer

彼は数分後も動かず、話もしなかったが、ドアを軽くノックする音がして、キャンディがパリッとした白い布、銀色の皿、コーヒーのポット、ビールを2本載せたティーワゴンを押して入ってきた。

“Open the beer, boss?” he asked Wade's back.

「ビールを開けようか、ボス?」彼はウェードの背中に尋ねた。

“Bring me a bottle of whiskey.”

「ウイスキーを持ってきてくれ」

Wade didn't turn around.

turn around (振り返る) [動] to change direction, position, or course

ウェードは振り返らなかった。

“Sorry, boss. No whiskey.”

「すみません、ボス。ウイスキーはありません」

Wade spun around and yelled at him, but Candy didn't budge.

yell at (怒鳴りつける) [動] shout angrily at someone

budge (動く) [動] move or change position slightly

ウェードは振り返って彼を怒鳴りつけたが、キャンディは動かなかった。

He looked down at the check lying on the cocktail table and his head twisted as he read it.

彼はカクテルテーブルに置いてある小切手を見下ろし、それを読むと頭をひねった。

Then he looked up at me and hissed something between his teeth.

hiss (シューッと言う) [動] to make a sharp sibilant sound

それから彼は私を見上げ、歯の間から何かをシューッと言った。

Then he looked at Wade.

それから彼はウェードに目を向けた。

“I go now. This my day off.”

「私は今行く。今日は私の休日だ」

He turned and went.

彼は振り返って去った。

Wade laughed.

ウェードは笑った。

“So I get it myself,” he said sharply, and went.

go (去った) [動] move away from a place

「じゃあ自分で取ってくる」と彼はきっぱりと言って去った。

I lifted one of the covers and saw some neatly trimmed three-cornered sandwiches.

cover (蓋) [名] a thing that covers or protects something else

neatly (きれいに) [副] in a neat manner

trim (切り揃える) [動] cut something to make it neater or more attractive

私は蓋の1つを持ち上げ、きれいに切り揃えられた三角のサンドイッチを見た。

I took one and poured some beer and ate the sandwich standing up.

私は1つ取ってビールを注ぎ、立ったままサンドイッチを食べた。

Wade came back with a bottle and a glass.

ウェードはボトルとグラスを持って戻ってきた。

He sat down on the couch and poured a stiff jolt and sucked it down.

jolt (一杯) [名] a sudden abrupt movement

suck down (飲み干す) [動] to drink something quickly

彼はソファに腰を下ろし、強い一杯を注いでそれを飲み干した。

There was the sound of a car going away from the house, probably Candy leaving by the service driveway.

家から車が去っていく音がした、おそらくキャンディが裏口から出発したのだろう。

I took another sandwich.

私はもう1つサンドイッチを取った。

“Sit down and make yourself comfortable,” Wade said.

make yourself comfortable (くつろぐ) [動] relax and feel at ease

「座ってくつろいでくれ」とウェードは言った。

“We have all afternoon to kill.”

「午後いっぱい時間があるんだ」

He had a glow on already.

have a glow on (酔っている) [動] to be drunk

彼はすでに酔っていた。

His voice was vibrant and cheerful.

vibrant (活気がある) [形] full of energy and life

cheerful (陽気な) [形] noticeably happy and optimistic

彼の声は活気があって陽気だった。

“You don't like me, do you, Marlowe?”

「私のこと好きじゃないでしょう、マーロウ?」

“That question has already been asked and answered.”

「その質問はすでに尋ねられ、答えられている」

“Know something? You're a pretty ruthless son of a bitch.

「知ってるか? あなたは本当に冷酷な野郎だ。

You'd do anything to find what you want.

あなたは欲しいものを見つけるためには何でもするだろう。

You'd even make love to my wife while I was helpless drunk in the next room.”

あなたは私が隣の部屋で酔っ払って無力な間に私の妻と寝ることさえするだろう」

“You believe everything that knife thrower tells you?”

knife thrower (ナイフ投げ) [名] a person who throws knives

「あなたはナイフ投げの言うことを全部信じるのか?」

He poured some more whiskey into his glass and held it up against the light.

彼はグラスにウィスキーをもう少し注ぎ、それを光にかざした。

“Not everything, no.

no (いや) [間] used to express denial, refusal, or disagreement

「全部ではない、いや。

A pretty color whiskey is, isn't it?

ウィスキーってきれいな色だよね?

To drown in a golden flood--that's not so bad.

drown (溺れる) [動] die through submersion in and inhalation of water

flood (洪水) [名] an overflowing of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land

黄金の洪水に溺れるのはそんなに悪くない。

To cease upon the midnight with no pain.'

cease (死ぬ) [動] come or bring to an end

midnight (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

「真夜中に痛みもなく死ぬ」

How does that go on?

どうなる?

Oh, sorry, you wouldn't know.

ああ、すみません、あなたは知らないでしょう。

Too literary.

文学的すぎる。

You're some kind of a dick, aren't you?

dick (チンポ野郎) [名] a stupid, annoying, or rude person

あなたは一種のチンポ野郎ですね?

Mind telling me why you're here.”

mind (教えてもらえますか) [動] be bothered or annoyed by

ここに来た理由を教えてもらえますか?」

He drank some more whiskey and grinned at me.

彼はさらにウイスキーを飲み、私にニヤリと笑った。

Then he spotted the check lying on the table.

それから彼はテーブルの上に横たわっている小切手を見つけた。

He reached for it and read it over his glass.

彼はそれに手を伸ばし、グラスの上からそれを読んだ。

“Seems to be made out to somebody named Marlowe.

make out (振り出す) [動] write out or fill out

「マーロウという名の誰かに振り出されているようだ。

I wonder why, what for.

what for (何のため) [副] for what reason or purpose

なぜだろう、何のためだろう。

Seems I signed it.

私が署名したようだ。

Foolish of me.

私の愚かさだ。

I'm a gullible chap.”

gullible (騙されやすい) [形] easily deceived or fooled

chap (やつ) [名] a man or boy

私は騙されやすいやつだ」

“Stop acting,” I said roughly.

「演技はやめろ」と私は荒々しく言った。

“Where's your wife?”

「奥さんはどこだ?」

He looked up politely.

彼は丁寧に顔を上げた。

“My wife will be home in due course.

be home (帰宅する) [動] to be in one's own home

due course (いずれ) [名] the proper or usual time or sequence

「妻はいずれ帰宅するでしょう。

No doubt by that time I shall be passed out and she can entertain you at her leisure.

entertain (もてなす) [動] provide hospitality for

at one's leisure (ゆっくりと) [副] without haste or hurry

その時までには私は間違いなく酔いつぶれているでしょうから、彼女がゆっくりとあなたをもてなすことができます。

The house will be yours.”

家はあなたのものになります。」

“Where's the gun?” I asked suddenly.

「銃はどこだ?」と私は突然尋ねた。

He looked blank.

blank (ぼんやり) [形] empty or lacking

彼はぼんやりとしていた。

I told him I had put it in his desk.

私はそれを彼の机に入れたと彼に言った。

“Not there now, I'm sure,” he said.

not there (そこにはない) [副] not in that place

I'm sure (確かだ) [句] I am certain

「今はそこにはない、確かだ」と彼は言った。

“You may search if it pleases you.

search (探す) [動] try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly

「もし望むなら探してもいい。

Just don't steal any rubber bands.”

rubber band (輪ゴム) [名] a circular piece of rubber used to hold things together

ただ輪ゴムは盗まないでくれ」

I went to the desk and frisked it.

frisk (探す) [動] search someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs

私は机に行き、それを探した。

No gun.

銃はなかった。

That was something.

それは何かだった。

Probably Eileen had hidden it.

おそらくアイリーンがそれを隠したのだろう。

“Look, Wade, I asked you where your wife was.

「おい、ウェード、奥さんがどこにいるか聞いたんだ。

I think she ought to come home.

彼女は家に帰るべきだと思う。

Not for my benefit, friend, for yours.

benefit (利益) [名] an advantage or profit gained from something

私の利益のためではなく、友人、あなたのためだ。

Somebody has to look out for you, and I'll be goddamned if it's going to be me.”

look out for (面倒を見る) [動] take care of

be goddamned (地獄に落ちる) [動] be cursed by God

誰かが君の面倒を見なければならないが、それが私だとしたら、私は地獄に落ちるだろう。」

He stared vaguely.

彼はぼんやりと見つめた。

He was still holding the check.

彼はまだ小切手を持っていた。

He put his glass down and tore the check across, then again and again, and let the pieces fall to the floor.

again and again (何度も何度も) [副] repeatedly

let (落とす) [動] to allow or permit

彼はグラスを置き、小切手を横に引き裂き、それから何度も何度も引き裂き、破片を床に落とした。

“Evidently the amount was too small,” he said.

「明らかに金額が少なすぎた」と彼は言った。

“Your services come very high.

「あなたのサービスはとても高くつく。

Even a thousand dollars and my wife fail to satisfy you.

fail (できない) [動] be unsuccessful in doing or achieving something

千ドルと私の妻でさえあなたを満足させることができない。

Too bad, but I can't go any higher.

go any higher (これ以上は出せない) [動] to increase in amount or value

残念だが、これ以上は出せない。

Except on this.”

on (~に関して) [前] about; concerning; with regard to

これを除いては」

He patted the bottle.

彼はボトルを軽く叩いた。

“I'm leaving,” I said.

「私は行く」と私は言った。

“But why? You wanted me to remember.

「でもなぜ? あなたは私に思い出して欲しかった。

Well--here in the bottle is my memory.

ええと、このボトルの中に私の記憶がある。

Stick around, pal.

待ってろ、相棒。

When I get lit enough I'll tell you about all the women I have murdered.”

get lit (酔う) [動] become drunk

十分に酔ったら、私が殺したすべての女性について話すよ」

“All right, Wade. I'll stick around for a while. But not in here.

stick around (待つ) [動] to stay in a place

not in here (ここではない) [副] not in this place

「わかった、ウェード。しばらく待つよ。でもここではない。

If you need me, just smash a chair against the wall.”

私が必要なら、椅子を壁にぶつけて」

I went out and left the door open.

私は出て行き、ドアを開けたままにした。

I walked across the big living room and out to the patio and pulled one of the chaises into the shadow of the overhang and stretched out on it.

walk across (横切る) [動] go across by walking

out to (〜へ出る) [前] in the direction of

patio (パティオ) [名] a paved outdoor area adjoining a house

私は大きな居間を横切ってパティオに出て、長椅子の1つを張り出し部分の影に引っ張り、その上に横になった。

Across the lake there was a blue haze against the hills.

湖の向こうには丘を背景に青い靄がかかっていた。

The ocean breeze had begun to filter through the low mountains to the west.

ocean breeze (海風) [名] a wind from the sea

filter (吹き抜ける) [動] pass gradually through or as if through a filter

low mountains (低い山々) [名] a mountain of low elevation

西の低い山々を抜けて海風が吹き始めていた。

It wiped the air clean and it wiped away just enough of the heat.

それは空気をきれいにし、ちょうど十分な熱を取り除いた。

Idle Valley was having a perfect summer.

have (迎える) [動] experience; undergo

アイドル・バレーは完璧な夏を迎えていた。

Somebody had planned it that way.

誰かがそのように計画したのだ。

Paradise Incorporated, and also Highly Restricted.

Paradise Incorporated (パラダイス株式会社) [名] a company that owns and operates a resort

Highly Restricted (非常に制限されている) [形] subject to many limitations or restrictions

パラダイス株式会社、また、非常に制限されている。

Only the nicest people.

とても素敵な人々だけだ。

Absolutely no Central Europeans.

absolutely (絶対に) [副] without any doubt

Central Europeans (中央ヨーロッパ人) [名] a person from Central Europe

絶対に中央ヨーロッパ人はいない。

Just the cream, the top drawer crowd, the lovely, lovely people.

top drawer (一流) [名] the highest level or rank

まさにクリーム、一流の群衆、素敵な、素敵な人々。

Like the Lorings and the Wades. Pure gold.

ローリングやウェードのような。純金だ。

[35]

I lay there for half an hour trying to make up my mind what to do.

私はそこで30分横になって、何をすべきか決心しようとした。

Part of me wanted to let him get good and drunk and see if anything came out.

get good and drunk (酔っ払う) [動] to become intoxicated

私の一部は彼に酔っ払って何か出てくるか見たいと思った。

I didn't think anything much would happen to him in his own study in his own house.

私は彼自身の家で彼自身の書斎で彼に何かが起こるとは思えなかった。

He might fall down again but it would be a long time.

彼はまた倒れるかもしれないが、それは長い時間がかかるだろう。

The guy had capacity.

have capacity (能力がある) [動] be able to do something

彼には能力があった。

And somehow a drunk never hurts himself very badly.

そして、どういうわけか酔っ払いは決して自分をひどく傷つけることはない。

He might get back his mood of guilt.

get back (取り戻す) [動] to return to a previous state or condition

彼は罪悪感を取り戻すかもしれない。

More likely, this time he would just go to sleep.

more likely (もっとありそうな) [形] having a higher probability

go to sleep (眠りに行く) [動] go to bed

もっとありそうなのは、今回は彼はただ眠りに行くだろうということだ。

The other part of me wanted to get out and stay out, but this was the part I never listened to.

other (別の) [形] not the same as the one already mentioned

stay out (関わらない) [動] not be involved in something

listen to (耳を傾ける) [動] pay attention to what someone is saying

私の別の部分は抜け出して、関わらないようにしたいと思っていたが、これは私が決して耳を傾けなかった部分だった。

Because if I ever had I would have stayed in the town where I was born and worked in the hardware store and married the boss's daughter and had five kids and read them the funny paper on Sunday morning and smacked their heads when they got out of line and squabbled with the wife about how much spending money they were to get and what programs they could have on the radio or TV set.

hardware store (金物屋) [名] a store that sells hardware

smack (叩く) [動] hit with the open hand

get out of line (行儀が悪くなる) [動] behave badly

squabble (口論する) [動] argue about something in a petty way

なぜなら、もし私がそうしていたら、私は生まれた町に残り、金物屋で働き、上司の娘と結婚し、5人の子供を持ち、日曜日の朝に彼らに漫画を読み、彼らが行儀が悪くなったら頭を叩き、彼らがどれだけの小遣いをもらうべきか、ラジオやテレビでどんな番組を見るべきかについて妻と口論していただろうからだ。

I might even have got rich--small-town rich, an eight-room house, two cars in the garage, chicken every Sunday and the Reader's Digest on the living room table, the wife with a cast iron permanent and me with a brain like a sack of Portland cement.

small-town (小さな町) [名] a town with a small population

eight-room (8部屋) [形] having eight rooms

every Sunday (毎週日曜日) [名] the first day of the week

Reader's Digest (リーダーズ・ダイジェスト) [名] a general interest family magazine

cast iron (鋳鉄) [名] a hard, brittle alloy of iron and carbon

permanent (パーマ) [名] a hairstyle in which the hair is chemically treated to make it curly

Portland cement (ポルトランドセメント) [名] a type of cement made by heating limestone and clay in a kiln

私は金持ちになっていたかもしれない--小さな町の金持ち、8部屋の家、ガレージに2台の車、毎週日曜日にチキン、居間のテーブルにリーダーズ・ダイジェスト、妻はパーマをかけ、私はポルトランドセメントの袋のような脳みそ。

You take it, friend.

君が受け取れ、友よ。

I'll take the big sordid dirty crooked city.

take (選ぶ) [動] to choose or select

crooked (曲がった) [形] not straight

私は大きくて下品で汚い曲がった街を選ぶ。

I got up and went back to the study.

私は立ち上がって書斎に戻った。

He was just sitting there staring at nothing, the Scotch bottle more than half empty, a loose frown on his face and a dull glitter in his eyes.

彼はただそこに座って何も見ずに、スコッチのボトルは半分以上空で、顔にはゆるいしかめ面を浮かべ、目には鈍い輝きを浮かべていた。

He looked at me like a horse looking over a fence.

彼は私を柵越しに見る馬のように見た。

“What d'you want?”

「何が欲しいんだ?」

“Nothing. You all right?”

「何もない。大丈夫か?」

“Don't bother me.

「邪魔するな。

I have a little man on my shoulder telling me stories.”

私の肩に小さな男がいて、物語を語っているんだ」

I got another sandwich off the tea wagon and another glass of beer.

私はティーワゴンからもう一つサンドイッチを取り、もう一杯ビールを飲んだ。

I munched the sandwich and drank the beer, leaning against his desk.

munch (むしゃむしゃ食べる) [動] chew with a steady, noisy, and unhurried action

私は彼の机にもたれかかり、サンドイッチをむしゃむしゃ食べ、ビールを飲んだ。

“Know something?” he asked suddenly, and his voice suddenly seemed much more clear.

「何か知ってる?」彼は突然尋ね、彼の声は突然ずっとはっきりしたように思えた。

“I had a male secretary once.

「私にはかつて男性秘書がいた。

Used to dictate to him.

use to (~していた) [助] do something regularly or frequently in the past

dictate (口述筆記させる) [動] say or read aloud something for someone else to write down

彼に口述筆記をさせていた。

Let him go. He bothered me sitting there waiting for me to create.

let go (行かせろ) [動] release your hold on something

create (創作する) [動] bring something into existence

彼を行かせろ。彼は私が創作するのを待ってそこに座っているのが私を悩ませた。

Mistake. Ought to have kept him.

keep (雇い続ける) [動] continue to have, use, or do something

間違いだった。彼を雇い続けるべきだった。

Word would have got around I was a homo.

get around (広まる) [動] become known

homo (ホモ) [名] a homosexual person

私がホモだという噂が広まっていただろう。

The clever boys that write book reviews because they can't write anything else would have caught on and started giving me the buildup.

book review (本評) [名] a critical assessment of a book

clever (賢い) [形] having or showing an ability to learn and understand things quickly and easily

catch on (捕まえる) [動] become popular or fashionable

本評を書く賢い少年たちは、他に何も書けないので、私を捕まえて、私を育て始めていただろう。

Have to take care of their own, you know.

their own (彼ら自身の) [代] the people or things belonging to or connected with the group of people that is being discussed

you know (わかるだろう) [句] you understand; you know what I mean

彼ら自身の面倒を見なければならない、わかるだろう。

They're all queers, every damn one of them.

queer (ホモ) [名] a person who is gay

every damn one (一人残らず) [限] each and every one

彼らはみんなホモだ、一人残らず。

The queer is the artistic arbiter of our age, chum.

artistic (芸術的) [形] having or showing skill in art

arbiter (権威者) [名] a person who has the power to decide a dispute

ホモは我々の時代の芸術的権威者だ、相棒。

The pervert is the top guy now.”

pervert (変態) [名] a person whose sexual behavior is regarded as abnormal and unacceptable

変態は今やトップの男だ。」

“That so? Always been around, hasn't he?”

be around (いる) [動] be present in a place

「そうか? いつもいたよな?」

He wasn't looking at me.

彼は私を見ていなかった。

He was just talking.

彼はただ話していた。

But he heard what I said.

しかし彼は私の言ったことを聞いた。

“Sure, thousands of years.

thousands (何千) [名] a very large number

years (年) [名] the time it takes the earth to make one complete orbit of the sun

「もちろん、何千年も。

And especially in all the great ages of art.

そして特に芸術の偉大な時代のすべてにおいて。

Athens, Rome, the Renaissance, the Elizabethan Age, the Romantic Movement in France--loaded with them.

Athens (アテネ) [名] the capital and largest city of Greece

Rome (ローマ) [名] the capital city of Italy

the Renaissance (ルネサンス) [名] the revival of classical learning and culture

the Elizabethan Age (エリザベス朝) [名] the period of Queen Elizabeth I's reign

the Romantic Movement (ロマン主義運動) [名] an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century

France (フランス) [名] a country in western Europe

アテネ、ローマ、ルネサンス、エリザベス朝、フランスのロマン主義運動--それらでいっぱいだ。

Queers all over the place.

all over the place (そこら中) [副] in all parts of a place

そこら中にホモがいる。

Ever read The Golden Bough? No, too long for you.

The Golden Bough (黄金の枝) [名] a book by Sir James George Frazer

for you (君には) [前] used to indicate the person or thing affected by an action or feeling

黄金の枝を読んだことはあるか? いや、君には長すぎるな。

Shorter version though.

shorter (短縮) [形] of less than average length

短縮版ならあるけど。

Ought to read it.

読むべきだ。

Proves our sexual habits are pure conventions like--wearing a black tie with a dinner jacket.

sexual (性的) [形] relating to the instincts, physiological processes, and activities connected with reproduction

convention (慣習) [名] a way in which something is usually done

我々の性的習慣が、ディナージャケットに黒いネクタイを締めるといったような、純粋な慣習であることを証明している。

Me. I'm a sex writer, but with frills and straight.”

sex writer (セックス作家) [名] a writer who writes about sex

frill (飾り気) [名] a decorative edging or trimming

straight (真面目) [形] honest and direct

私。私はセックス作家だが、飾り気があって真面目だ。」

He looked up at me and sneered.

彼は私を見上げて、冷笑した。

“You know something? I'm a liar.

「何か知ってる? 私は嘘つきだ。

My heroes are eight feet tall and my heroines have callouses on their bottoms from lying in bed with their knees up.

heroine (ヒロイン) [名] a woman admired for her courage or noble qualities

eight feet (8フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

私のヒーローは身長8フィート、ヒロインはベッドに膝を立てて寝ているため、お尻にたこができている。

Lace and ruffles, swords and coaches, elegance and leisure, duels and gallant death.

lace (レース) [名] a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern

ruffle (フリル) [名] a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

sword (剣) [名] a weapon with a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

coach (馬車) [名] a horse-drawn carriage

elegance (優雅さ) [名] the quality of being graceful and stylish

leisure (余暇) [名] time free from the demands of work or duty

duel (決闘) [名] a prearranged combat between two people

gallant (勇敢な) [形] courageous and noble in bearing or conduct

レースとフリル、剣と馬車、優雅さと余暇、決闘と勇敢な死。

All lies.

すべて嘘だ。

They used perfume instead of soap, their teeth rotted because they never cleaned them, their fingernails smelled of stale gravy.

clean (磨く) [動] make clean

彼らは石鹸の代わりに香水を使い、歯を磨かないので歯は腐り、爪は古くなった肉汁の匂いがした。

The nobility of France urinated against the walls in the marble corridors of Versailles, and when you finally got several sets of underclothes off the lovely marquise the first thing you noticed was that she needed a bath.

nobility (貴族) [名] the highest social class in some countries

urinate (放尿する) [動] discharge urine

marble (大理石) [名] a hard metamorphic rock that can be polished and is used in sculpture and architecture

marquise (侯爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a marquis

underclothes (下着) [名] clothes worn under other clothes, especially next to the skin

bath (風呂) [名] a large container that you fill with water and sit in to wash yourself

フランスの貴族はヴェルサイユの大理石の廊下の壁に向かって放尿し、ようやく美しい侯爵夫人から下着を何枚か脱がせたら、まず気づくのは彼女が風呂に入る必要があるということだった。

I ought to write it that way.”

私はそのように書くべきだ」

“Why don't you?”

「なぜそうしないの?」

He chuckled.

彼はくすくす笑った。

“Sure, and live in a five-room house in Compton--if I was that lucky.”

five-room house (5部屋の家) [名] a house with five rooms

Compton (コンプトン) [名] a city in southern California

「もちろん、コンプトンの5部屋の家に住むよ。もし私がそんなに運が良ければね」

He reached down and patted the whiskey bottle.

彼は手を伸ばしてウイスキーボトルを軽く叩いた。

“You're lonely, pal.

「君は孤独だ、相棒。

You need company.”

君には仲間が必要だ」

He got up and walked fairly steadily out of the room.

steadily (安定して) [副] in a stable manner

彼は立ち上がり、かなり安定して部屋から出て行った。

I waited, thinking about nothing.

私は何も考えずに待った。

A speedboat came racketing down the lake.

speedboat (スピードボート) [名] a motorboat designed for high speeds

スピードボートが湖を騒がしく下って来た。

When it came in sight I could see that it was high out of the water on its step and towing a surfboard with a husky sunburned lad on it.

come in sight (視界に入る) [動] become visible

tow (牽引する) [動] pull or move something with a rope, chain, or cable

surfboard (サーフボード) [名] a long narrow board used in surfing

husky (たくましい) [形] strong and healthy

sunburned (日焼けした) [形] having skin that has been reddened by exposure to the sun

それが視界に入った時、私はそれが水面から高く持ち上げられ、日焼けしたたくましい若者が乗ったサーフボードを牽引しているのが見えた。

I went over to the french windows and watched it make a sweeping turn.

sweeping turn (大きく旋回する) [名] a turn that is wide or large

私はフランス窓に行き、それが大きく旋回するのを見た。

Too fast, the speedboat almost turned over.

too fast (速すぎる) [形] at a speed that is higher than is safe or desirable

スピードが速すぎて、スピードボートはほとんど転覆しそうだった。

The surfboard rider danced on one foot trying to hold his balance, then went shooting off into the water.

rider (乗り手) [名] a person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, etc.

shoot off (飛び込む) [動] to move or travel very quickly

サーフボードに乗った人はバランスを保とうと片足で踊り、それから水の中に飛び込んだ。

The speedboat drifted to a stop and the man in the water came up to it in a lazy crawl, then went back along the tow rope and rolled himself on to the surfboard.

come up to (近づく) [動] approach

lazy (ゆっくりとした) [形] moving slowly or with little effort

tow rope (牽引ロープ) [名] a rope used to pull something

スピードボートは漂流して止まり、水中の男はゆっくりと這ってそれに近づき、それから牽引ロープに沿って戻り、サーフボードに転がった。

Wade came back with another bottle of whiskey.

ウェードは別のウィスキーのボトルを持って戻ってきた。

The speedboat picked up and went off into the distance.

go off (去っていった) [動] to leave a place

スピードボートはスピードを上げ、遠くへ去っていった。

Wade put his fresh bottle down beside the other.

ウェードは新しいボトルをもう1つのボトルの横に置いた。

He sat down and brooded.

彼は座って考え込んだ。

“Christ, you're not going to drink all that, are you?”

「おい、全部飲むつもりじゃないだろう?」

He squinted his eyes at me.

彼は私をじっと見た。

“Take off, buster.

take off (失せろ) [動] leave quickly

「失せろ、野郎。

Go on home and mop the kitchen floor or something.

家に帰って台所の床を拭くか何かしてろ。

You're in my light.”

be in one's light (邪魔だ) [動] to be in the way of someone or something

邪魔だ」

His voice was thick again.

彼の声はまたしわがれた。

He had taken a couple in the kitchen, as usual.

couple (二杯) [名] two

彼はいつものように台所で二杯飲んでいた。

“If you want me, holler.”

holler (声をかける) [動] shout or yell

「私が必要なら、声をかけて」

“I couldn't get low enough to want you.”

get low (落ちぶれる) [動] to become low or lower

「あなたを必要とするほど落ちぶれられない」

“Yeah, thanks. I'll be around until Mrs. Wade comes home.

be around (ここにいる) [動] to be present in a place

「ああ、ありがとう。ウェード夫人が帰宅するまでここにいるから。

Ever hear of anybody named Paul Marston?”

named (名の) [形] having a specified name

ポール・マーストンという名の誰かについて聞いたことはあるか?」

His head came up slowly.

come up (上げる) [動] to move or travel up

彼はゆっくりと頭を上げた。

His eyes focused, but with effort.

彼の目は焦点を合わせたが、努力を要した。

I could see him fighting for control.

彼が自制心を取り戻そうと戦っているのがわかった。

He won the fight for the moment.

fight (戦い) [名] a violent confrontation of opposing military forces in a war

彼はその瞬間の戦いに勝った。

His face became expressionless.

彼の顔は無表情になった。

“Never did,” he said carefully, speaking very slowly.

「一度もない」と彼は慎重に、とてもゆっくりと言った。

“Who's he?”

「彼って誰?」

* * * * *

The next time I looked in on him he was asleep, with his mouth open, his hair damp with sweat, and reeking of Scotch.

look in on (覗く) [動] to visit or check on someone or something

damp (湿る) [形] slightly wet

reek (匂いがする) [動] to have a strong or unpleasant smell

次に彼を覗いた時、彼は口を開けて寝ており、髪は汗で湿り、スコッチの匂いがした。

His lips were pulled back from his teeth in a loose grimace and the furred surface of his tongue looked dry.

grimace (しかめっ面) [名] an ugly, twisted expression on the face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement

surface (表面) [名] the outside part or uppermost layer of something

彼の唇は緩くしかめっ面で歯から引き剥がされ、舌の毛皮のような表面は乾燥して見えた。

One of the whiskey bottles was empty.

whiskey bottle (ウイスキーボトル) [名] a bottle that contains whiskey

ウイスキーボトルの1つは空だった。

A glass on the table had about two inches in it and the other bottle was about three quarters full.

two inches (2インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

other (もう1本の) [形] used to refer to a different person or thing from the one already mentioned or known about

three quarters (4分の3) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

テーブルの上のグラスには約2インチの液体が入っており、もう1本のボトルは約4分の3がいっぱいだった。

I put the empty on the tea wagon and rolled it out of the room, then went back to close the french windows and turn the slats of the blinds.

私は空のボトルをティーワゴンに載せて部屋から出し、それから戻ってフランス窓を閉め、ブラインドのスラットを回した。

The speedboat might come back and wake him.

スピードボートが戻ってきて彼を起こすかもしれない。

I shut the study door.

私は書斎のドアを閉めた。

I wheeled the tea wagon out to the kitchen, which was blue and white and large and airy and empty.

wheel (転がす) [動] cause to move by turning

airy (風通しがよい) [形] having or allowing much fresh air

私はティーワゴンを台所まで転がしていった。台所は青と白で大きく、風通しがよく、空っぽだった。

I was still hungry.

hungry (空腹) [形] feeling a need or wish to eat

私はまだ空腹だった。

I ate another sandwich and drank what was left of the beer, then poured a cup of coffee and drank that.

私はもう1つのサンドイッチを食べ、残ったビールを飲み、それからコーヒーを1杯注いで飲んだ。

The beer was flat but the coffee was still hot.

flat (気の抜けた) [形] having lost effervescence

ビールは気の抜けた状態だったが、コーヒーはまだ熱かった。

Then I went back to the patio.

それから私はパティオに戻った。

It was quite a long time before the speedboat came tearing down the lake again.

quite a long time (かなり長い時間) [名] a long time

tear down (切り裂く) [動] to destroy or demolish something

かなり長い時間が経って、スピードボートが再び湖を切り裂いてやってきた。

It was almost four o'clock when I heard its distant roar swell into an ear-splitting howl of noise.

four o'clock (4時) [名] the time of day when the hour hand of a clock is pointing to the number 4

roar (轟音) [名] a very loud, deep sound

swell (膨れ上がる) [動] grow or cause to grow in size, amount, or intensity

ear-splitting (耳をつんざくような) [形] extremely loud

howl (轟音) [名] a long, loud, mournful cry

遠くの轟音が耳をつんざくような轟音に膨れ上がるのを聞いたのは、4時近くだった。

There ought to be a law.

法律があるべきだ。

Probably was and the guy in the speedboat didn't give a damn.

おそらくそうだったのだろうが、スピードボートの男は気にも留めなかった。

He enjoyed making a nuisance of himself, like other people I was meeting.

make a nuisance of oneself (迷惑をかける) [動] cause trouble or annoyance

彼は私が会った他の人々のように、自分を厄介にすることを楽しんでいた。

I walked down to the edge of the lake.

walk down (歩いて行く) [動] move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

私は湖の端まで歩いて行った。

He made it this time.

make it (成功する) [動] to achieve something

彼は今回は成功した。

The driver slowed just enough on the turn and the brown lad on the surfboard leaned far out against the centrifugal pull.

driver (運転手) [名] a person who drives a vehicle

slow (減速する) [動] move or cause to move at a slower speed

centrifugal pull (遠心力) [名] the force that tends to pull a rotating body away from its center of rotation

運転手はカーブで十分に減速し、サーフボードに乗った褐色の若者は遠心力に逆らって大きく身を乗り出した。

The surfboard was almost out of the water, but one edge stayed in and then the speedboat straightened out and the surfboard still had a rider and they went back the way they had come and that was that.

サーフボードはほとんど水から出ていたが、片方の端は水の中に残り、スピードボートは真っ直ぐになり、サーフボードにはライダーが乗ったままで、彼らは来た道を戻っていった。

The waves stirred up by the boat came charging in towards the shore of the lake at my feet.

stir up (かき回す) [動] to cause to move or be active

come charging in (押し寄せる) [動] to move or come quickly and with a lot of force

ボートによってかき回された波が私の足元の湖岸に向かって押し寄せてきた。

They slapped hard against the piles of the short landing and jumped the tied boat up and down.

slap (ぶつかる) [動] hit or strike with the open hand

pile (杭) [名] a long thin piece of wood or metal that is driven into the ground

landing (着地点) [名] a place where people or things are landed

波は短い着地点の杭に激しくぶつかり、縛られたボートが上下に跳ねた。

They were still slapping it around when I turned back to the house.

turn back (戻る) [動] go back in the direction from which you came

私が家に戻ったときも、波はまだボートを叩きつけていた。

As I reached the patio I heard a bell chiming from the direction of the kitchen.

chime (鳴る) [動] make a clear ringing sound

パティオに着くと、台所の方角からベルが鳴るのが聞こえた。

When it sounded again I decided that only the front door would have chimes.

sound (鳴る) [動] make or cause to make a sound

再び鳴ったとき、私は玄関だけにチャイムがあるだろうと判断した。

I crossed to it and opened it.

cross (歩いて行く) [動] move across or through

私はそこまで歩いて行き、ドアを開けた。

Eileen Wade was standing there looking away from the house.

アイリーン・ウェードがそこに立って、家から目をそらしていた。

As she turned she said: “I'm sorry, I forgot my key.”

彼女は振り返りながら言った。「ごめんなさい、鍵を忘れちゃった」

Then she saw me.

それから彼女は私を見た。

“Oh--I thought it was Roger or Candy.”

「ああ、ロジャーかキャンディかと思った」

“Candy isn't here. It's Thursday.”

isn't (いない) [動] is not

「キャンディはここにいない。今日は木曜日だ」

She came in and I shut the door.

彼女は中に入り、私はドアを閉めた。

She put a bag down on the table between the two davenports.

彼女は2つのソファの間にあるテーブルにバッグを置いた。

She looked cool and also distant.

彼女は冷静で、またよそよそしく見えた。

She pulled off a pair of white pigskin gloves.

彼女は白い豚皮の手袋を脱いだ。

“Is anything wrong?”

「何か問題でも?」

“Well, there's a little drinking being done. Not bad.

Well (ええ) [間] used to express surprise, hesitation, or to introduce a remark

being done (されている) [動] to be finished or completed

Not bad (悪くない) [形] not very good, but not very bad either

「ええ、少し飲酒はしています。悪くない。

He's asleep on the couch in his study.”

be asleep (寝ている) [動] be in a state of sleep

彼は書斎のソファで寝ています」

“He called you?”

「彼が電話したのか?」

“Yes, but not for that.

not (いいえ) [副] used to express negation or denial

「はい、でもそのためではありません。

He asked me to lunch.

彼は私を昼食に誘った。

I'm afraid he didn't have any himself.”

彼は自分で飲まなかったと思う」

“Oh.” She sat down slowly on a davenport.

「ああ」彼女はゆっくりと長椅子に腰を下ろした。

“You know, I completely forgot it was Thursday.

completely (すっかり) [副] totally; absolutely

「木曜日だということをすっかり忘れていたの。

The cook's away too.

away (いない) [副] not present; not here

料理人もいない。

How stupid.”

なんて愚かなの」

“Candy got the lunch before he left.

「キャンディは出かける前に昼食を用意してくれたよ。

I guess I'll blow now.

blow (失礼する) [動] leave

そろそろ失礼するよ。

I hope my car wasn't in your way.”

私の車が邪魔にならなかったといいのですが」

She smiled.

彼女は微笑んだ。

“No. There was plenty of room.

「いいえ、十分なスペースがありました。

Won't you have some tea?

have some tea (お茶を飲む) [動] drink tea

お茶を飲みませんか?

I'm going to have some.”

私は飲むつもりです」

“All right.”

「分かった」

I didn't know why I said that.

なぜそう言ったのか私には分からなかった。

I didn't want any tea.

私はお茶を飲みたくなかった。

I just said it.

私はただそう言っただけだ。

She slipped off a linen jacket.

slip off (脱ぐ) [動] take off an item of clothing

彼女はリネンのジャケットを脱いだ。

She hadn't worn a hat.

彼女は帽子をかぶっていなかった。

“I'll just look in and see if Roger is all right.”

look in (見てくる) [動] to visit someone or something for a short time

「ロジャーが大丈夫か見てくるだけよ」

I watched her cross to the study door and open it.

私は彼女が書斎のドアまで歩いて行き、それを開けるのを見守った。

She stood there a moment and closed the door and came back.

彼女はそこにしばらく立って、ドアを閉めて戻ってきた。

“He's still asleep. Very soundly.

soundly (ぐっすり) [副] in a deep and undisturbed way

「彼はまだ眠っているよ。とてもぐっすり。

I have to go upstairs for a moment.

for a moment (ちょっと) [副] for a short period of time

ちょっと二階に行かなくちゃ。

I'll be right down.”

be right down (すぐに降りてくる) [動] to come or go down from a higher to a lower place or position

すぐに降りてくるよ」

I watched her pick up her jacket and gloves and bag and go up the stairs and into her room.

私は彼女が上着と手袋とバッグを取り、階段を上って自分の部屋に入るのを見守った。

The door closed.

ドアが閉まった。

I crossed to the study with the idea of removing the bottle of hooch.

私は密造酒の瓶を片付けようと思い書斎に渡った。

If he was still asleep, he wouldn't need it.

be still asleep (まだ眠っている) [動] be in a state of sleep

彼がまだ眠っているなら、それは必要ないだろう。

[36]

The shutting of the french windows had made the room stuffy and the turning of the Venetian blinds had made it dim.

フランス窓を閉めたので部屋は蒸し暑く、ベネチアンブラインドを閉めたので薄暗かった。

There was an acrid smell on the air and there was too heavy a silence.

空気中には刺激臭があり、重苦しい沈黙があった。

It was not more than sixteen feet from the door to the couch and I didn't need more than half of that to know a dead man lay on that couch.

not more than (ไม่เกิน) [形] no greater than

sixteen feet (16フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

ドアからソファまでは16フィートしかなく、その半分も歩かないうちにソファに死体が横たわっていることがわかった。

He was on his side with his face to the back of the couch, one arm crooked under him and the forearm of the other lying almost across his eyes.

on one's side (横向き) [形] lying on one's side

彼は横向きで顔をソファの背もたれに向け、片方の腕を自分の下に曲げ、もう片方の前腕をほとんど目の上に置いていた。

Between his chest and the back of the couch there was a pool of blood and in that pool lay the Webley Hammerless.

pool (血だまり) [名] a small area of liquid, typically rainwater

彼の胸とソファの背もたれの間に血だまりがあり、その中にウェブリー・ハンマーレスが横たわっていた。

The side of his face was a smeared mask.

mask (仮面) [名] a covering for all or part of the face, typically worn as a disguise

彼の顔の側面は塗りたくられた仮面のようだった。

I bent over him, peering at the edge of the wide open eye, the bare and gaudy arm, at the inner curve of which I could see the puffed and blackened hole in his head from which the blood oozed still.

bend over (身をかがめる) [動] to move your body so that your head is lower than your waist

wide open (大きく見開いた) [形] open as much as possible

bare (むき出しの) [形] not covered or protected

gaudy (派手な) [形] too bright or showy

inner (内側の) [形] the inside part of something

puffed (膨らんだ) [形] swollen or bloated

ooze (にじみ出る) [動] to flow or leak out slowly

私は彼の上に身をかがめ、大きく見開いた目の端、むき出しの派手な腕を覗き込み、その内側の曲線には、まだ血がにじみ出ている頭の膨らんだ黒ずんだ穴が見えた。

I left him like that.

私は彼をそのままにした。

His wrist was warm but there was no doubt he was quite dead.

彼の手首は温かかったのだが、彼が死んでいることは間違いなかった。

I looked around for some kind of note or scribble.

scribble (走り書き) [名] a piece of writing that is done quickly and carelessly

私は何かメモや走り書きがないか見回した。

There was nothing but the pile of script on the desk.

机の上には台本の山以外何もなかった。

They don't always leave notes.

彼らはいつもメモを残すわけではない。

The typewriter was uncovered on its stand.

uncover (カバーを外す) [動] remove the covering from

タイプライターはカバーを外されて台の上に置かれていた。

There was nothing in that.

そこには何もなかった。

Otherwise everything looked natural enough.

otherwise (その他) [副] in other circumstances

natural (自然) [形] existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind

その他はすべて自然に見えた。

Suicides prepare themselves in all sorts of ways, some with liquor, some with elaborate champagne dinners.

all sorts of (あらゆる) [限] of many different kinds

ways (方法) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

dinner (ディナー) [名] the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening

自殺者はあらゆる方法で準備をする。酒を飲む者もいれば、手の込んだシャンパンディナーを食べる者もいる。

Some in evening clothes, some in no clothes.

evening clothes (夜会服) [名] a man's formal evening dress

no clothes (服を着ない) [名] not wearing any clothes

夜会服を着る者もいれば、服を着ない者もいる。

People have killed themselves on the tops of walls, in ditches, in bathrooms, in the water, over the water, on the water.

人々は壁のてっぺん、溝、浴室、水の中、水の上、水の上で自殺した。

They have hanged themselves in bars and gassed themselves in garages.

hang (吊る) [動] to fasten or be fastened to something above with no support from below

彼らはバーで首を吊り、ガレージでガスを吸った。

This one looked simple.

これは単純そうに見えた。

I hadn't heard the shot but it must have gone off when I was down by the lake watching the surfboard rider make his turn.

go off (鳴る) [動] explode or cause to explode

私は銃声を聞かなかったが、私が湖のほとりでサーフボードに乗った人がターンするのを見ているときに鳴ったに違いない。

There was plenty of noise.

たくさんの音がした。

Why that should have mattered to Roger Wade I didn't know.

I didn't know (私は知らなかった) [動] be not aware of

それがなぜロジャー・ウェードにとって重要だったのか私は知らなかった。

Perhaps it hadn't.

had (そうではない) [助] used to form the past tense and past participle of regular verbs

おそらくそうではない。

The final impulse had coincided with the run of the speedboat.

impulse (衝動) [名] a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act

coincide (一致する) [動] occur at the same time

run (走行) [名] the act of moving at a fast pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

最後の衝動はスピードボートの走行と一致していた。

I didn't like it, but nobody cared what I liked.

私はそれを好まなかったが、誰も私の好みを気にしなかった。

The torn pieces of the check were still on the floor but I left them.

torn (破れた) [形] having been torn

小切手の破片はまだ床に落ちていたが、私はそれを残した。

The torn strips of that stuff he had written that other night were in the wastebasket.

tear (破れる) [動] to separate or cause to separate into pieces by pulling

strip (切れ端) [名] a long, narrow piece of something

彼がその夜書いたものの破れた切れ端がゴミ箱の中にあった。

These I did not leave.

これらは残さなかった。

I picked them out and made sure I had them all and stuffed them into my pocket.

pick out (拾い上げる) [動] to choose or select

stuff (詰め込む) [動] to fill something with something else

私はそれらを拾い上げ、全部あることを確認してポケットに詰め込んだ。

The basket was almost empty, which made it easy.

basket (バスケット) [名] a container made from wood, straw, or other flexible material

バスケットはほとんど空だったので、それは簡単だった。

No use wondering where the gun had been.

no use (無駄だ) [名] no good purpose or result

銃がどこにあったのか考えても無駄だ。

There were too many places to hide it in.

それを隠す場所はたくさんあった。

It could have been in a chair or in the couch, under one of the cushions.

椅子やソファのクッションの下にあったかもしれない。

It could have been on the floor, behind the books, anywhere.

床の上、本の裏、どこにでもあったかもしれない。

I went out and shut the door.

私は出て行ってドアを閉めた。

I listened.

私は耳を傾けた。

From the kitchen, sounds.

台所から音がする。

I went out there.

私はそこへ行った。

Eileen had a blue apron on and the kettle was just beginning to whistle.

kettle (やかん) [名] a metal pot with a spout and handle, used for boiling water

アイリーンは青いエプロンを着ていて、やかんがちょうど音を立て始めたところだった。

She turned the flame down and gave me a brief impersonal glance.

impersonal (無表情に) [形] lacking human feeling or warmth

彼女は火を弱め、私をちらっと無表情に見た。

“How do you like your tea, Mr. Marlowe?”

「お茶はどんなのがお好きですか、マーロウさん?」

“Just out of the pot as it comes.”

pot (ポット) [名] a container with a handle and a spout used for boiling or serving tea or coffee

「ポットから出したままで」

I leaned against the wall and got a cigarette out just to have something to do with my fingers.

have something to do with (動かす) [動] be involved with or connected to

私は壁にもたれかかり、ただ指を動かすためにタバコを取り出した。

I pinched and squeezed it and broke it in half and threw one half on the floor.

pinch (つまむ) [動] to grip something tightly between two surfaces, typically between the finger and thumb

私はそれをつまんで握りつぶし、半分に折って片方を床に投げた。

Her eyes followed it down.

彼女の目はそれを下まで追った。

I bent and picked it up.

私はかがんでそれを拾った。

I squeezed the two halves together into a little ball.

私は二つを一緒に握りつぶして小さな玉にした。

She made the tea.

彼女はお茶を入れた。

“I always take cream and sugar,” she said over her shoulder.

take (入れる) [動] to move something or someone to a place

「私はいつもクリームと砂糖を入れるのよ」と彼女は肩越しに言った。

“Strange, when I drink my coffee black.

「変ね、私はコーヒーをブラックで飲むのに。

I learned tea drinking in England.

私はイギリスでお茶を飲むことを覚えた。

They were using saccharin instead of sugar.

saccharin (サッカリン) [名] a white crystalline powder used as a sugar substitute

彼らは砂糖の代わりにサッカリンを使っていた。

When the war came they had no cream, of course.”

戦争が始まると、もちろんクリームはなくなった。」

“You lived in England?”

「イギリスに住んでいたの?」

“I worked there. I stayed all through the Blitz.

Blitz (空襲) [名] a series of bombings on British cities during World War II

「そこで働いていた。空襲の間ずっとそこにいた。

I met a man--but I told you about that.”

ある男性に会ったんだけど、そのことは話したよね。」

“Where did you meet Roger?”

「どこでロジャーに会ったの?」

“In New York.”

「ニューヨークで」

“Married there?”

「そこで結婚したの?」

She swung around, frowning.

彼女は振り返り、眉をひそめた。

“No, we were not married in New York. Why?”

「いいえ、ニューヨークでは結婚しませんでした。なぜ?」

“Just talking while the tea draws.”

「お茶が出る間に話していただけ」

She looked out of the window over the sink.

彼女は流しの上の窓から外を見た。

She could see down to the lake from there.

彼女はそこから湖を見下ろすことができた。

She leaned against the edge of the drainboard and her fingers fiddled with a folded tea towel.

tea towel (ティータオル) [名] a cloth for drying dishes

彼女は水切り板の端に寄りかかり、指で折り畳んだティータオルをいじった。

“It has to be stopped,” she said, “and I don't know how.

「それを止めなくてはならない」と彼女は言った。「でもどうしたらいいかわからない。

Perhaps he'll have to be committed to an institution.

be committed to (入れられる) [動] be put in

institution (施設) [名] an organization founded for a religious, educational, social, or similar purpose

おそらく彼は施設に入れられることになるだろう。

Somehow I can't quite see myself doing that.

can't quite see (想像できない) [動] be unable to visualize or predict

どういうわけか、私は自分がそうしている姿を想像できない。

I'd have to sign something, wouldn't I?”

何かに署名しなくてはならないよね?」

She turned around when she asked that.

彼女はそう尋ねると振り返った。

“He could do it himself,” I said.

「彼は自分でそれをすることができた」と私は言った。

“That is, he could have up to now.”

up to now (今まで) [句] until now

「つまり、彼は今までそうすることができた」

The tea timer rang its bell.

tea timer (ティータイマー) [名] a timer used to measure the time needed to brew tea

ティータイマーがベルを鳴らした。

She turned back to the sink and poured the tea from one pot into another.

彼女は流しに戻り、ポットからポットにお茶を注いだ。

Then she put the fresh pot on the tray she had already fixed up with cups.

それから彼女はすでにカップを乗せておいたトレイに新しいポットを置いた。

I went over and got the tray and carried it to the table between the two davenports in the living room.

go over (取りに行く) [動] to go to a place

私はトレイを取りに行き、居間の2つのソファの間にあるテーブルに運んだ。

She sat down opposite me and poured two cups.

opposite (向かいに) [前] facing or across from

彼女は私の向かいに座り、2つのカップに注いだ。

I reached for mine and set it down in front of me for it to cool.

私は自分のカップを取り、冷ますために目の前に置いた。

I watched her fix hers with two lumps of sugar and the cream.

lump (塊) [名] a compact mass of a substance

私は彼女が砂糖を2つとクリームを入れてコーヒーを飲むのを見守った。

She tasted it.

彼女はそれを味わった。

“What did you mean by that last remark?” she asked suddenly.

「最後の発言はどういう意味?」と彼女は突然尋ねた。

“That he could have up to now--committed himself to some institution, you meant, didn't you?”

commit (預ける) [動] do or perform

「彼が今までに何かの施設に自分を預けることができた、という意味でしょう?」

“I guess it was a wild pitch.

「それは暴投だったと思う。

Did you hide the gun I told you about?

私が言った銃を隠したのか?

You know, the morning after he made that play upstairs.”

the morning after (翌朝) [名] the morning following a particular event

彼が二階であの芝居をした翌朝のことよ」

“Hide it?” she repeated frowning.

「隠す?」彼女は眉をひそめて繰り返した。

“No. I never do anything like that.

like that (そんなこと) [副] in that way; in the way mentioned

「いいえ、私はそんなことは絶対にしません。

I don't believe in it.

believe in (信じる) [動] to have faith in the existence of

私はそんなことは信じません。

Why are you asking?”

なぜそんなことを聞くんですか?」

“And you forgot your house keys today?”

house key (家の鍵) [名] a key that opens the door to a house

「そして、今日は家の鍵を忘れた?」

“I told you I did.”

「忘れたと言いました」

“But not the garage key.

「でも、ガレージの鍵は忘れなかった。

Usually in this kind of house the outside keys are mastered.”

this kind of (この種の) [限] of this type

master (マスターキーにする) [動] to learn or understand thoroughly

普通、この種の家では外側の鍵はマスターキーになっている」

“I don't need a key for the garage,” she said sharply.

「ガレージの鍵は必要ない」と彼女は鋭く言った。

“It opens by a switch.

「スイッチで開くのよ。

There's a relay switch inside the front door you push up as you go out.

push up (押し上げる) [動] move something upwards

玄関の内側にリレースイッチがあって、外出する時にそれを押し上げるの」

Then another switch beside the garage operates that door.

operate (開く) [動] (of a person) control the functioning of (a machine, process, or system)

そしてガレージの横にある別のスイッチでドアが開くのよ」

Often we leave the garage open.

私たちはよくガレージを開けっ放しにするのよ。

Or Candy goes out and closes it.”

あるいはキャンディが外出して閉めるのよ」

“I see.”

「なるほど」

“You are making some rather strange remarks,” she said with acid in her voice.

make (言う) [動] say or express

acid (辛辣な) [形] sharp or biting in manner or tone

「あなたは妙なことを言うのね」と彼女は辛辣な声で言った。

“You did the other morning.”

the other morning (先日朝) [名] a morning in the past

「先日朝にそうしたでしょう」

“I've had some rather strange experiences in this house.

「私はこの家で妙な経験をしたんだ。

Guns going off in the night, drunks lying out on the front lawn and doctors coming that won't do anything.

夜に銃声が鳴り、酔っ払いが前庭に横たわり、医者が来ても何もしない。

Lovely women wrapping their arms around me and talking as if they thought I was someone else, Mexican houseboys throwing knives.

wrap (回す) [動] to wind or fold around something

think (思っている) [動] to have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

someone else (誰か別の人間) [名] a person who is not the speaker or the person being spoken to

美しい女性が私に腕を回して、私を誰か別の人間だと思っているかのように話しかけ、メキシコ人のボーイがナイフを投げつけてくる。

It's a pity about that gun.

あの銃は残念だったな。

But you don't really love your husband, do you?

でも、あなたは本当に夫を愛していないのですよね?

I guess I said that before too.”

前にも言ったと思うけど」

She stood up slowly.

彼女はゆっくりと立ち上がった。

She was as calm as a custard, but her violet eyes didn't seem quite the same color, nor of quite the same softness.

custard (カスタード) [名] a sweet yellow sauce made from milk, eggs, sugar, and flour

softness (柔らかさ) [名] the quality or state of being soft

彼女はカスタードのように落ち着いていたが、彼女のすみれ色の目は全く同じ色でも、全く同じ柔らかさでもないように見えた。

Then her mouth began to tremble.

それから彼女の口が震え始めた。

“Is--is something wrong in there?” she asked very slowly, and looked towards the study.

「あそこで何かあったの?」彼女はとてもゆっくりと尋ね、書斎の方を見た。

I barely had time to nod before she was running.

私がうなずく間もなく彼女は走り出した。

She was at the door in a flash.

be at (いる) [動] to be present in a place

彼女はすぐにドアのところにいた。

She threw it open and darted in.

彼女はドアを開け放ち、中へ飛び込んだ。

If I expected a wild scream I was fooled.

scream (悲鳴) [名] a loud, piercing cry or noise

私が悲鳴を期待していたとしたら、それは間違いだった。

I didn't hear anything.

何も聞こえなかった。

I felt lousy.

私は気分が悪かった。

I ought to have kept her out and eased into that corny routine about bad news, prepare yourself, won't you sit down, I'm afraid something rather serious has happened.

ought to have (〜するべきだった) [助] should have

keep (出しておく) [動] not get rid of

ease into (踏む) [動] move gradually into

routine (手順) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in a certain order or manner

bad news (悪い知らせ) [名] information that is unpleasant or unwelcome

私は彼女を外に出しておくべきだったし、心の準備をしてください、座りませんか、かなり深刻なことが起こったのではないかと、悪い知らせについて陳腐な手順を踏むべきだった。

Blah, blah, blah.

blah (ああ) [名] nonsense

ああ、ああ、ああ。

And when you have worked your way through it you haven't saved anybody a thing.

work one's way through (乗り越える) [動] to progress through something with difficulty

そして、あなたがそれを乗り越えたとき、あなたは誰も救っていない。

Often enough you have made it worse.

often enough (よくある) [副] frequently

あなたはそれを悪化させることがよくある。

I got up and followed her into the study.

私は立ち上がって、彼女について書斎に入った。

She was kneeling beside the couch with his head pulled against her breast, smearing herself with his blood.

breast (胸) [名] either of the two soft, protruding organs on the upper front of a woman's body that secrete milk after pregnancy

smear (浴びる) [動] cover or mark with a greasy or sticky substance

彼女はソファの横にひざまずき、彼の頭を胸に抱き寄せ、彼の血を浴びていた。

She wasn't making a sound of any kind.

彼女はどんな音も立てていなかった。

Her eyes were shut.

彼女の目は閉じていた。

She was rocking back and forth on her knees as far as she could, holding him tight.

hold (抱きしめる) [動] grasp or grip something firmly

彼女は彼を抱きしめて、できる限り膝を前後に揺らしていた。

I went back out and found a telephone and a book.

book (電話帳) [名] a printed work consisting of pages bound together between two covers

私は戻って電話と電話帳を見つけた。

I called the sheriff's substation that seemed to be nearest.

私は一番近そうな保安官事務所に電話した。

Didn't matter, they'd relay it by radio in any case.

relay (中継する) [動] pass on or transmit

どちらにせよ、彼らはそれを無線で中継するだろう。

Then I went out to the kitchen and turned the water on and fed the strips of yellow paper from my pocket down the electric garbage grinder.

electric (電気) [形] of or relating to electricity

garbage (ゴミ) [名] trash, refuse

grinder (粉砕機) [名] a machine for crushing or grinding

それから私は台所に行って水を流し、ポケットから黄色い紙片を取り出して電気ゴミ粉砕機に流し込んだ。

I dumped the tea leaves from the other pot after it.

tea leaf (茶葉) [名] the dried leaves of the tea plant

私はその後、もう一つのポットから茶葉を捨てた。

In a matter of seconds the stuff was gone.

matter of seconds (数秒) [名] a very short period of time

数秒のうちに紙は消えてしまった。

I shut off the water and switched off the motor.

shut off (止める) [動] stop the operation of

私は水を止め、モーターを切った。

I went back to the living room and opened the front door and stepped outside.

私は居間に戻り、玄関のドアを開けて外に出た。

There must have been a deputy cruising close by because he was there in about six minutes.

cruise (パトロールする) [動] move slowly and steadily

close by (近くに) [副] near

six minutes (6分) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

近くをパトロールしていた巡査がいたに違いない。彼は約6分でそこに着いた。

When I took him into the study she was still kneeling by the couch.

kneel (跪く) [動] to be in or assume a position in which the body is supported by a knee or the knees, as when praying or showing submission

私が彼を書斎に連れて行った時、彼女はまだソファのそばに跪いていた。

He went over to her at once.

彼はすぐに彼女のところに行った。

“I'm sorry, ma'am.

ma'am (奥様) [名] a term of respect for a woman

「すみません、奥様。

I understand how you must feel, but you shouldn't be touching anything.”

お気持ちは分かりますが、何も触らないでください」

She turned her head, then scrambled to her feet.

scramble (よろよろと立ち上がる) [動] move or climb quickly and awkwardly

彼女は頭を向け、それからよろよろと立ち上がった。

“It's my husband. He's been shot.”

「夫です。撃たれたんです」

He took his cap off and put it on the desk.

彼は帽子を脱いで机の上に置いた。

He reached for the telephone.

彼は電話に手を伸ばした。

“His name is Roger Wade,” she said in a high brittle voice.

brittle (脆い) [形] easily broken or damaged

「彼の名前はロジャー・ウェードです」と彼女は高く脆い声で言った。

“He's the famous novelist.”

famous (有名な) [形] known about by many people

「彼は有名な小説家です」

“I know who he is, ma'am,” the deputy said, and dialed.

dial (かける) [動] operate a telephone

「彼が誰か知っています、奥様」と副保安官は言って、電話をかけた。

She looked down at the front of her blouse.

blouse (ブラウス) [名] a woman's shirt

彼女はブラウスの前を見た。

“May I go upstairs and change this?”

go upstairs (二階に行く) [動] go to the floor above the ground floor

「二階に行って着替えてもいいかしら?」

“Sure.” He nodded to her and spoke into the phone, then hung up and turned.

「もちろん」彼は彼女にうなずいて電話で話し、それから電話を切って振り返った。

“You say he's been shot.

「彼が撃たれたと言うのね。

That mean somebody else shot him?”

それは誰かが彼を撃ったということ?」

“I think this man murdered him,” she said without looking at me, and went quickly out of the room.

「この男が彼を殺したと思う」彼女は私を見ずにそう言って、素早く部屋から出て行った。

The deputy looked at me.

副保安官は私を見た。

He got a notebook out.

notebook (ノート) [名] a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in

彼はノートを取り出した。

He wrote something in it.

彼はそれに何かを書いた。

“I better have your name,” he said casually, “and address. You the one called in?”

「あなたの名前と住所を教えてもらった方がいいな」彼はさりげなく言った。電話した人ですか?」

“Yes.”

「そうです」

I told him my name and address.

私は彼に自分の名前と住所を教えた。

“Just take it easy until Lieutenant Ohls gets here.”

Lieutenant (警部) [名] a commissioned officer in the armed forces, fire department, or police force

「オールズ警部が来るまで落ち着いていてください」

“Bernie Ohls?”

Bernie Ohls (バーニー・オールズ) [名] a character in the story

「バーニー・オールズ?」

“Yeah. You know him?”

「ああ。彼を知っているんですか?」

“Sure. I've known him a long time.

「もちろん。彼とは長い付き合いですよ。

He used to work out of the D.A.'s office.”

work out (働く) [動] to do exercises

彼は検察局で働いていました」

“Not lately,” the deputy said.

「最近はそうでもない」と副保安官は言った。

“He's Assistant Chief of Homicide, working out of the L.A. Sheriff's office.

Assistant Chief (副部長) [名] the second-highest-ranking officer in a police department

Sheriff's office (保安局) [名] the office of the chief law enforcement officer of a county

「彼は殺人課の副部長で、ロサンゼルス保安局で働いている。

You a friend of the family, Mr. Marlowe?”

家族ぐるみの友人ですか、マーロウさん?」

“Mrs. Wade didn't make it sound that way.”

make it sound that way (そうは言っていなかった) [動] to say something in a way that makes it seem like something else

「ウェード夫人はそうは言っていなかった」

He shrugged and half smiled.

彼は肩をすくめて、半分笑った。

“Just take it easy, Mr. Marlowe.

「落ち着いてください、マーロウさん。

Not carrying a gun, are you?”

are (ですよね) [助] used to form the present tense of the verb be

銃は持っていませんよね?」

“Not today.”

「今日は持っていません」

“I better make sure.”

「念のため確認しておきましょう」

He did.

彼はそうした。

He looked towards the couch then.

それから彼はソファの方を見た。

“In spots like this you can't expect the wife to make much sense.

「こんな状況では妻があまり意味をなさないと期待することはできない。

We better wait outside.”

外で待った方がいい」

[37]

Ohls was a medium-sized thick man with short-cropped faded blond hair and faded blue eyes.

Ohls (オールズ) [名] a character in the story

medium-sized (中型の) [形] of average size

thick (太った) [形] having a large amount of fat

short-cropped (短く刈った) [形] cut very short

faded (色あせた) [形] having lost color or brightness

オールズは短く刈った色あせた金髪と色あせた青い目をした中型の太った男だった。

He had stiff white eyebrows and in the days before he stopped wearing a hat you were always a little surprised when he took it off--there was so much more head than you expected.

彼は硬い白い眉毛をしており、帽子をかぶるのをやめる前は、彼が帽子を脱ぐといつも少し驚いたものだった。頭が予想以上に大きかったのだ。

He was a hard tough cop with a grim outlook on life but a very decent guy underneath.

grim (悲観的な) [形] very serious or unpleasant

outlook (見方) [名] a person's point of view or general attitude to life

underneath (内面) [名] the inner side or bottom of something

彼は人生を悲観的に見るタフな警官だったが、内面はとてもまともな人だった。

He ought to have made captain years ago.

years ago (何年も前に) [名] a long time ago

彼は何年も前に警部に昇進するべきだった。

He had passed the examination among the top three half a dozen times.

examination (試験) [名] a formal test of a person's knowledge or skill

top three (上位三位) [名] the first three places in a competition

彼は試験に上位三位以内で合格したことが六回もあった。

But the Sheriff didn't like him and he didn't like the Sheriff.

しかし、保安官は彼を好きではなかったし、彼も保安官を好きではなかった。

He came down the stairs rubbing the side of his jaw.

彼は顎の横をこすりながら階段を降りてきた。

Flashlights had been going off in the study for a long time.

go off (点滅する) [動] to start operating or sounding

書斎では長い間懐中電灯が点滅していた。

Men had gone in and out.

go in and out (出たり入ったりする) [動] to move from inside to outside and back again

男たちが出たり入ったりしていた。

I had just sat in the living room with a plain-clothes dick and waited.

私はただ私服の刑事と一緒に居間に座って待っていた。

Ohls sat down on the edge of a chair and dangled his hands.

オールズは椅子の端に腰を下ろし、手をぶらぶらさせた。

He was chewing on an unlit cigarette.

unlit (火のついていない) [形] not lit; dark

彼は火のついていないタバコを噛んでいた。

He looked at me broodingly.

brood (じっと) [動] think deeply about something

彼は私をじっと見つめた。

“Remember the old days when they had a gatehouse and a private police force in Idle Valley?”

old days (昔) [名] a time in the past

gatehouse (門番小屋) [名] a house at a gate

「昔、アイドル・バレーに門番小屋と私設警察があったのを覚えているか?」

I nodded.

私はうなずいた。

“And gambling also.”

gambling (ギャンブル) [名] the activity or practice of playing at a game of chance for money or other stakes

「そしてギャンブルも」

“Sure. You can't stop it.

「もちろん。それを止めることはできない。

This whole valley is still private property.

private property (私有地) [名] land owned by a private person or group

この谷全体は今でも私有地だ。

Like Arrowhead used to be, and Emerald Bay.

Arrowhead (アローヘッド) [名] arrowhead

Emerald Bay (エメラルドベイ) [名] Emerald Bay

アローヘッドやエメラルドベイがそうだったように。

Long time since I was on a case with no reporters jumping around.

on a case (事件を担当する) [名] a legal dispute or criminal prosecution

no reporters (記者がいない) [名] a person who reports, especially one employed to report news or conduct interviews for a newspaper, magazine, or television or radio station

jumping around (飛び回る) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

記者が飛び回っていない事件を担当したのは久しぶりだ。

Somebody must have whispered in Sheriff Petersen's ear.

誰かがピーターセン保安官の耳にささやいたに違いない。

They kept it off the teletype.”

teletype (テレタイプ) [名] a kind of typewriter that can send and receive messages over a long distance

彼らはそれをテレタイプから遠ざけた。」

“Real considerate of them,” I said.

considerate (思いやりがある) [形] thinking about the needs or feelings of other people

「彼らは本当に思いやりがある」と私は言った。

“How is Mrs. Wade?”

「ウェード夫人はどうですか?」

“Too relaxed. She must of grabbed some pills.

relaxed (リラックスしている) [形] free from tension and anxiety

pill (錠剤) [名] a small, round, solid piece of medicine that you swallow

「あまりにもリラックスしている。彼女はいくつかの錠剤を飲んだに違いない。

There's a dozen kinds up there--even demerol.

demerol (デメロール) [名] a synthetic opioid analgesic

そこには12種類もある--デメロールさえある。

That's bad stuff.

それは悪いものだ。

Your friends don't have a lot of luck lately, do they?

あなたの友人は最近あまり運がないね?

They get dead.”

彼らは死んでしまう。」

I didn't have anything to say to that.

have anything to say (言うことがある) [動] to have something to say

私はそれに対して何も言うことがなかった。

“Gunshot suicides always interest me,” Ohls said loosely.

「銃による自殺はいつも興味深い」とオールズは言った。

“So easy to fake.

「偽装が簡単だからね。

The wife says you killed him.

奥さんはあなたが彼を殺したと言っている。

Why would she say that?”

なぜ彼女はそう言うのか?」

“She doesn't mean it literally.”

literally (文字通り) [副] in a literal manner or sense; exactly

「彼女は文字通りそう思っているわけではない」

“Nobody else was here.

「誰もここにはいなかった。

She says you knew where the gun was, knew he was getting drunk, knew he had fired off the gun the other night when she had to fight with him to get the gun away from him.

fire (撃つ) [動] shoot

get away (奪い取る) [動] escape or get free from

彼女はあなたが銃の場所を知っていた、彼が酔っ払っていることを知っていた、彼女が彼から銃を奪い取るために彼と戦わなければならなかったとき、彼が銃を撃ったことを知っていたと言っている。

You were there that night too.

あなたもその夜そこにいた。

Don't seem to help much, do you?”

あまり助けにならないようだね」

“I searched his desk this afternoon. No gun.

「私は今日の午後彼の机を探した。銃はなかった。

I'd told her where it was and to put it away.

私は彼女にそれがどこにあるか、そしてそれを片付けるように言った。

She says now she didn't believe in that sort of thing.”

彼女は今ではそういうことを信じていないと言っている」

“Just when would 'now' be?”

「今とはいつのことですか?」

Ohls asked gruffly.

オルスがぶっきらぼうに尋ねた。

“After she came home and before I phoned the substation.”

「彼女が帰宅してから私が警察署に電話するまでの間に」

“You searched the desk. Why?”

「机を探したんだな。なぜだ?」

Ohls lifted his hands and put them on his knees.

オルスは両手を持ち上げて膝の上に置いた。

He was looking at me indifferently, as if he didn't care what I said.

indifferently (無関心な) [副] without interest or concern

彼は私が何を言おうと気にしていないかのように無関心な目で私を見ていた。

“He was getting drunk.

「彼は酔っ払い始めていた。

I thought it just as well to have the gun somewhere else.

私は銃をどこか別の場所に置いておくのも同じことだと思った。

But he didn't try to kill himself the other night.

しかし、彼は先日夜に自殺しようとはしなかった。

It was just show-off.”

show-off (見せかけ) [名] a person who tries to attract attention by behaving in a way that shows they are very confident or very good at something

それはただの見せかけだった。」

Ohls nodded.

オールズはうなずいた。

He took the chewed cigarette out of his mouth, dropped it into a tray, and put a fresh one in place of it.

put (くわえる) [動] to move or place in a specified position

彼は口から噛み砕いたタバコを取り出し、それを灰皿に落とし、代わりに新しいタバコをくわえた。

“I quit smoking,” he said.

smoking (喫煙) [名] the action or habit of smoking tobacco

「私はタバコをやめた」と彼は言った。

“Got me coughing too much.

cough (咳) [名] a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs, typically caused by irritation of the throat or respiratory tract

too much (ひどい) [形] to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible

「咳がひどくなった。

But the goddam things still ride me.

ride (支配する) [動] to be in control of or have power over someone or something

でも、この忌々しいものがまだ私を支配している。

Can't feel right without one in my mouth.

feel right (落ち着く) [動] to be in a state of mental or emotional well-being

口に咥えていないと落ち着かない。

You supposed to watch the guy when he's alone?”

彼が一人でいる時も監視するつもりか?」

“Certainly not. He asked me to come out and have lunch.

ask (言う) [動] say something to someone

come out (外に出る) [動] leave a place

have lunch (昼食をとる) [動] eat lunch

「もちろん違う。彼は私に外に出て昼食をとるように言った。

We talked and he was kind of depressed about his writing not going well.

私たちは話し、彼は執筆がうまくいかないことに少し落ち込んでいた。

He decided to hit the bottle.

彼は酒を飲むことにした。

Think I should have taken it away from him?”

彼から取り上げるべきだったと思うか?」

“I'm not thinking yet.

「まだ考えていない。

I'm just trying to get a picture.

get a picture (全体像をつかむ) [動] to understand the situation

私はただ全体像をつかもうとしているだけだ。

How much drinking did you do?”

どれくらい飲んだんだ?」

“Beer.”

「ビール」

“It's your tough luck you were here, Marlowe.

tough luck (運が悪い) [名] bad luck

「ここにいたのは運が悪かったな、マーロウ。

What was the check for?

for (ため) [前] used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action

小切手は何のためだったんだ?

The one he wrote and signed and tore up?”

彼が書いて署名して破ったやつ?」

“They all wanted me to come and live here and keep him in line.

line (彼を監視して) [名] a length of cord, wire, or other material used to mark a boundary or to fasten something

「みんな私がここに住んで彼を監視して欲しかった。

All means himself, his wife, and his publisher, a man named Howard Spencer.

means (とは) [動] to have a specified significance

a man (男) [名] an adult male human being

named (という) [動] give a name to

みんなとは彼自身、彼の妻、そして彼の出版社、ハワード・スペンサーという男だ。

He's in New York, I guess.

彼はニューヨークにいると思う。

You can check with him.

check with (確認する) [動] to make sure that something is correct or acceptable

彼に確認できる。

I turned it down.

turn down (断る) [動] refuse to accept or consider

私は断った。

Afterwards she came to me and said her husband was off on a toot and she was worried and would I find him and bring him home.

toot (酒を飲む) [名] a short blast on a horn or whistle

その後彼女は私のところに来て、夫が酒を飲みに行って心配だから、彼を見つけて家に連れて帰ってほしいと言った。

I did that.

私はそうした。

Next thing I knew I was carrying him in off his front lawn and putting him to bed.

次に私が知っていることは、彼を前庭から運び出し、ベッドに寝かせたことだった。

I didn't want any part of it, Bernie.

Bernie (バーニー) [名] a male given name

私はその一部を欲しがらなかった、バーニー。

It just kind of grew up around me.”

grow up (育つ) [動] become an adult

それは私の周りで育ったようなものだ」

“Nothing to do with the Lennox case, huh?”

nothing to do with (関係ない) [名] not connected with

「レノックス事件とは関係ないね?」

“Aw, for Pete's sake.

for Pete's sake (ピートのために) [間] an expression of annoyance or frustration

「ああ、ピートのために。

There isn't any Lennox case.”

レノックス事件なんてない」

“How true,” Ohls said dryly.

「本当だ」オールズは辛口に言った。

He squeezed his kneecaps.

kneecap (膝頭) [名] the flat bone at the front of the knee

彼は膝頭を握り締めた。

A man came in at the front door and spoke to the other dick.

front door (正面玄関) [名] the main door to a building

男が正面玄関から入ってきて、もう一人の刑事に話しかけてきた。

Then came across to Ohls.

come across (来る) [動] to be found or encountered by chance

それからオールズのところに来た。

“There's a Dr. Loring outside, Lieutenant.

「ローリング医師が外にいる、警部。

Says he was called.

be called (呼ばれる) [動] be given a name or title

呼ばれたと言っている。

He's the lady's doctor.”

女性の医者だ」

“Let him in.”

「彼を入れろ」

The dick went back and Dr. Loring came in with his neat black bag.

刑事は戻り、ローリング医師がきちんとした黒いバッグを持って入ってきた。

He was cool and elegant in a tropical worsted suit.

cool (涼しげ) [形] moderately cold

tropical (熱帯用の) [形] relating to the tropics

worsted (梳毛) [名] a smooth, hard-wearing woolen cloth

彼は熱帯用の梳毛のスーツを着て涼しげで優雅だった。

He went past me without looking at me.

彼は私を見ずに通り過ぎた。

“Upstairs?” he asked Ohls.

「二階か?」彼はオールズに尋ねた。

“Yeah--in her room.”

「ああ、彼女の部屋だ」

Ohls stood up.

オールズは立ち上がった。

“What you give her that demerol for, Doc?”

「彼女にデメロールを何のために与えたんだ、ドクター?」

Dr. Loring frowned at him.

ローリング医師は彼に眉をひそめた。

“I prescribe for my patient as I think proper,” he said coldly.

prescribe (処方する) [動] recommend or direct the use of

proper (適切な) [形] suitable or right in the circumstances

「私は患者に適切だと思う処方をする」と彼は冷たく言った。

“I am not required to explain why.

「理由を説明する必要はない。

Who says I gave Mrs. Wade demerol?”

私がウェード夫人にデメロールを与えたと誰が言ったんだ?」

“I do. The bottle's up there with your name on it.

「私が言う。瓶はそこにあり、あなたの名前が書かれている。

She's got a regular drugstore in her bathroom.

drugstore (ドラッグストア) [名] a place where medicines and other articles are sold

彼女は浴室に普通のドラッグストアを持っている。

Maybe you don't know it, Doc, but we have a pretty complete exhibit of the little pills downtown.

ドクター、あなたは知らないかもしれないが、我々はダウンタウンに小さな錠剤のかなり完全な展示品を持っている。

Bluejays, redbirds, yellow jackets, goofballs, and all the rest of the list.

bluejay (ブルージェイズ) [名] a noisy and aggressive North American jay with a striking blue and white crest

redbird (レッドバーズ) [名] a North American finch with a red crest and breast

yellow jacket (イエロージャケット) [名] a small black-and-yellow social wasp that typically builds its nest in the ground

goofball (グーフボール) [名] a foolish or stupid person

ブルージェイズ、レッドバーズ、イエロージャケット、グーフボール、そしてリストの残りすべて。

Demerol's about the worst of the lot.

about (およそ) [前] on the subject of

the worst (最悪) [名] the most serious or unpleasant

デメロールはその中でも最悪だ。

That's the stuff Goering lived on, I heard somewhere.

それがゲーリングが生きていたものだった、とどこかで聞いた。

Took eighteen a day when they caught him.

eighteen (18) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of seventeen and one

彼が捕まった時、1日に18錠飲んでいた。

Took the army doctors three months to cut him down.”

cut down (減らす) [動] reduce in size or amount

軍医が彼の薬を減らすのに3ヶ月かかった。」

“I don't know what those words mean,” Dr. Loring said frigidly.

「その言葉の意味はわからない」ローリング医師は冷たく言った。

“You don't? Pity.

「わからない? 残念。

Bluejays are sodium amytal.

Bluejays (ブルージェイズ) [名] a North American jay with a crest and blue or bluish gray plumage

sodium amytal (ソディウム・アミタール) [名] a barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic

ブルージェイズはソディウム・アミタールだ。

Redbirds are seconal.

redbird (レッドバード) [名] a cardinal

レッドバードはセコナルだ。

Yellow jackets are nembutal.

nembutal (ネンブタール) [名] a barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic

イエロー・ジャケットはネンブタールだ。

Goofballs are one of the barbiturates laced with benzedrine.

one (一種) [名] a single person or thing

barbiturate (バルビツール酸系の薬) [名] a drug that acts as a sedative

benzedrine (ベンゼドリン) [名] a drug used as a stimulant

グーフボールはベンゼドリンを混ぜたバルビツール酸系の薬の一種だ。

Demerol is a synthetic narcotic that is very habit forming.

habit forming (習慣性のある) [形] causing or likely to cause addiction

デメロールは非常に習慣性のある合成麻薬だ。

You just hand 'em out, huh?

hand out (配る) [動] give something to each of a group of people

あなたはただそれらを配っているだけなんですね?

Is the lady suffering from something serious?”

suffer (患っている) [動] be affected by a disease or condition

奥様は何か深刻な病気でも患っているのですか?」

“A drunken husband can be a very serious complaint indeed for a sensitive woman,” Dr. Loring said.

「酒飲みの夫は、敏感な女性にとって確かに非常に深刻な不満の種になることがあります」とローリング医師は言った。

“You didn't get around to him, huh? Pity.

「彼に会えなかったんだね? 残念だ。

Mrs. Wade's upstairs, Doc.

ウェード夫人は二階です、先生。

Thanks for the time.”

時間をありがとう」

“You are impertinent, sir.

impertinent (失礼な) [形] not showing proper respect; rude

「あなたは失礼な人ね。

I shall report you.”

報告しますよ」

“Yeah, do that,” Ohls said.

do that (そうしろ) [動] do that

「ああ、そうしろ」オールズは言った。

“But before you report me, do something else.

「だが報告する前に、他のことをしろ。

Keep the lady clear in her head.

女性の頭をはっきりさせろ。

I've got questions to ask.”

質問したいことがある」

“I shall do exactly what I think best for her condition.

「私は彼女の容態に最善と思うことをするだけだ。

Do you know who I am, by any chance?

ひょっとして私が誰か知っているか?

And just to make matters clear, Mr. Wade was not my patient.

make matters clear (はっきりさせる) [動] to make something clear or easy to understand

my patient (私の患者) [名] a person who is receiving medical care from me

はっきりさせておきたいのは、ウェード氏は私の患者ではなかった。

I don't treat alcoholics.”

私はアルコール依存症は診ない」

“Just their wives, huh?” Ohls snarled at him.

「ただ彼らの妻だけか?」オールズは彼に唸った。

“Yeah, I know who you are, Doc.

「ああ、私はあなたが誰か知っている、先生。

I'm bleeding internally.

internally (内側に) [副] on the inside

内出血している。

My name is Ohls.

私の名前はオールズだ。

Lieutenant Ohls.”

オールズ警部だ。」

Dr. Loring went on up the stairs.

go on up (上っていった) [動] to continue to move in an upward direction

ローリング医師は階段を上っていった。

Ohls sat down again and grinned at me.

オールズは再び腰を下ろし、私にニヤリと笑った。

“You got to be diplomatic with this kind of people,” he said.

diplomatic (外交的な) [形] of or relating to diplomacy

「こういう連中とは外交的にやらなきゃいけない」と彼は言った。

A man came out of the study and came up to Ohls.

書斎から男が出てきてオールズに近づいてきた。

A thin serious-looking man with glasses and a brainy forehead.

serious-looking (真面目そうな) [形] appearing to be serious

glasses (眼鏡) [名] a pair of lenses in a frame that are held in front of a person's eyes by a bridge over the nose and arms which rest over or behind the ears, used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, ...

brainy (知的な) [形] intelligent

眼鏡をかけ、知的な額をした、真面目そうな痩せた男だった。

“Lieutenant.”

lieutenant (警部補) [名] a police officer of a rank below captain and above sergeant

「警部補」

“Shoot.”

「撃て」

“The wound is contact, typically suicidal, with a good deal of distention from gas pressure.

typically (典型的に) [副] in a way that is characteristic of something

suicidal (自殺の) [形] of or relating to suicide

distention (膨張) [名] the state of being distended

gas (ガス) [名] a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to pressure

「傷は接触によるもので、典型的な自殺の傷で、ガス圧による膨張がかなりある。

The eyes are exophthalmic from the same cause.

be exophthalmic (突出している) [動] to be affected with exophthalmos

cause (原因) [名] the reason for which something is done or created or for which something happens

目は同じ原因で突出している。

I don't think there will be any prints on the outside of the gun.

銃の外側に指紋は残っていないと思う。

It's been bled on too freely.”

bleed (血が流れる) [動] lose blood

freely (自由に) [副] without restriction or limitation

血があまりにも自由に流れている」

“Could it be homicide if the guy was asleep or passed out drunk?”

「その男が眠っていたり、酔って意識を失っていたら、殺人になるのか?」

Ohls asked him.

オルスが彼に尋ねた。

“Of course, but there's no indication of it.

「もちろん、しかしその兆候はない。

The gun's a Webley Hammerless.

Webley Hammerless (ウェブリー・ハンマーレス) [名] a type of gun

銃はウェブリー・ハンマーレスだ。

Typically, this gun takes a very stiff pull to cock it, but a very light pull to discharge it.

typically (通常) [副] in a typical manner

cock (起こす) [動] pull back the hammer of (a gun)

discharge (発射する) [動] fire (a gun)

通常、この銃は撃鉄を起こすのに非常に強い力が必要だが、発射するには非常に軽い力で済む。

The recoil explains the position of the gun.

recoil (反動) [名] the backward movement of a gun when it is fired

反動が銃の位置を説明している。

I see nothing against suicide so far.

これまでのところ自殺に反対する理由は見当たらない。

I expect a high figure on alcoholic concentration.

figure (数値) [名] a number that represents a particular amount

alcoholic (アルコール) [名] a drink that contains alcohol

concentration (濃度) [名] the degree to which something is concentrated

アルコール濃度が高い数値を期待している。

If it's high enough--” the man stopped and shrugged meaningly--“I might be inclined to doubt suicide.”

それが十分に高ければ--」男は意味ありげに肩をすくめて言葉を切った--「私は自殺を疑うかもしれない。」

“Thanks. Somebody call the coroner?”

「ありがとう。誰か検死官を呼んだか?」

The man nodded and went away.

男はうなずいて立ち去った。

Ohls yawned and looked at his watch.

オールズはあくびをして時計を見た。

Then he looked at me.

それから彼は私を見た。

“You want to blow?”

「吹きたいか?」

“Sure, if you'll let me.

「もちろん、もし許してくれるなら。

I thought I was a suspect.”

私は容疑者だと思っていた。」

“We might oblige you later on.

oblige (義務を負わせる) [動] make someone do something

「後であなたに義務を負わせることがあるかもしれない。

Stick around where you can be found, that's all.

見つけられる場所にいるように、それだけだ。

You were a dick once, you know how they go.

君もかつては刑事だった、彼らがどうするか知っているだろう。

Some you got to work fast before the evidence gets away from you.

証拠が逃げてしまう前に素早く動かなければならないものもある。

This one is just the opposite.

opposite (逆) [名] something that is the reverse of something else

これはその逆だ。

If it was a homicide, who wanted him dead?

もし殺人なら、誰が彼の死を望んだのか?

His wife? She wasn't here.

be not here (ここにいない) [動] not be present

彼の妻? 彼女はここにいなかった。

You? Fine, you had the house to yourself and knew where the gun was.

have to oneself (独り占めする) [動] have something all to oneself

あなた? いいでしょう、あなたは家を独り占めし、銃のありかを知っていた。

A perfect setup.

setup (仕掛け) [名] the way in which something is organized or arranged

完璧な仕掛けだ。

Everything but a motive, and we might perhaps give some weight to your experience.

give some weight to (重きを置く) [動] to consider something to be important

動機以外はすべて揃っている、そして我々はおそらくあなたの経験に重きを置くかもしれない。

I figure if you wanted to kill a guy, you could maybe do it a little less obviously.”

誰かを殺したいなら、もう少し目立たないようにできると思うんだ」

“Thanks, Bernie. I could at that.”

「ありがとう、バーニー。できるよ」

“The help wasn't here.

「使用人はいなかった。

They're out. So it must have been somebody that just happened to drop by.

drop by (立ち寄る) [動] visit someone or something for a short time

彼らは外出している。だから、たまたま立ち寄った誰かだったに違いない。

That somebody had to know where Wade's gun was, had to find him drunk enough to be asleep or passed out, and had to pull the trigger when that speedboat was making enough noise to drown the shot, and had to get away before you came back into the house.

pull the trigger (引き金を引く) [動] cause an event to happen

その誰かはウェードの銃がどこにあるかを知っていて、彼が眠るか気絶するほど酔っているのを見つけ、あのスピードボートが銃声をかき消すほどの音を立てている時に引き金を引いて、あなたが家に戻ってくる前に逃げなければならなかった。

That I don't buy on any knowledge I have now.

buy (信じる) [動] to accept as true

私が今持っている知識では、それは信じられない。

The only person who had the means and opportunity was the one guy who wouldn't have used them--for the simple reason he was the one guy who had them.”

wouldn't have used (使わなかったであろう) [動] would not have used

simple reason (単純な理由) [名] a reason that is easy to understand

one guy (唯一の人物) [名] a person who is male

手段と機会があった唯一の人物は、それらを使わなかったであろう唯一の人物だった--彼がそれらを持っていた唯一の人物だったという単純な理由で。」

I stood up to go.

私は立ち上がった。

“Okay, Bernie. I'll be home all evening.”

I'll (私は) [他] I will

be home (家にいる) [動] be in one's house

all evening (夕方ずっと) [名] the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night

「オーケー、バーニー。私は夕方ずっと家にいるよ。」

“There's just one thing,” Ohls said musingly.

just one thing (ただ一つだけ) [名] the only thing

「ただ一つだけある」オールズは考え込んだように言った。

“This man Wade was a big time writer.

big time (大物) [形] of major significance or importance

「このウェードという男は大物作家だった。

Lots of dough, lots of reputation.

reputation (名声) [名] the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something

大金持ちで、名声も高かった。

I don't go for his sort of crap myself.

go for (興味がある) [動] to be attracted to or interested in

crap (くだらないもの) [名] nonsense; rubbish; garbage

私自身は彼のようなくだらないものには興味がない。

You might find nicer people than his characters in a whorehouse.

彼の登場人物よりもいい人は売春宿で見つけられるかもしれない。

That's a matter of taste and none of my business as a cop.

taste (好み) [名] the ability to understand and enjoy good things

none of (〜ではない) [限] not any of

それは好みの問題で、警察官としての私の仕事ではない。

With all this money he had a beautiful home in one of the best places to live in in the county.

all this money (たくさんのお金) [名] a large amount of money

one of the best (最も住みやすい場所の1つ) [名] a very good place

彼はたくさんのお金で、郡内で最も住みやすい場所の1つに美しい家を構えていた。

He had a beautiful wife, lots of friends, and no troubles at all.

彼には美しい妻とたくさんの友人がいて、悩みは全くなかった。

What I want to know is what made all that so tough that he had to pull a trigger?

pull a trigger (引き金を引く) [動] cause an event to happen

私が知りたいのは、彼が引き金を引かなければならないほど、何がそんなに大変だったのかということである。

Sure as hell something did.

確かに何かがあった。

If you know, you better get ready to lay it on the line.

lay it on the line (話す) [動] to speak frankly and honestly

もし知っているなら、それを話す準備をした方がいい。

See you.”

じゃあね」

I went to the door.

私はドアに行った。

The man on the door looked back at Ohls, got the sign, and let me out.

ドアの男はオールズを振り返り、合図を受け、私を外に出した。

I got into my car and had to edge over on the lawn to get around the various official cars that jammed the driveway.

edge over (端を通る) [動] move slowly and carefully

get around (避ける) [動] avoid or circumvent

various (様々な) [形] different from each other; diverse

official (公用) [形] relating to an authority or public body and its activities and business

jam (ふさぐ) [動] block or obstruct

私は車に乗り込み、私道をふさいでいる様々な公用車を避けるために芝生の上を走行しなければならなかった。

At the gate another deputy looked me over but didn't say anything.

門で別の保安官が私をじろじろ見たが何も言わなかった。

I slipped my dark glasses on and drove back towards the main highway.

slip on (かける) [動] put on quickly or carelessly

drive back (走らせる) [動] drive in the opposite direction

main highway (幹線道路) [名] a main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities

私はサングラスをかけて、幹線道路に向かって車を走らせた。

The road was empty and peaceful.

道は空いていて静かだった。

The afternoon sun beat down on the manicured lawns and the large roomy expensive houses behind them.

beat down (照らす) [動] to shine brightly

manicured (手入れの行き届いた) [形] having been trimmed and cared for

roomy (広々とした) [形] having plenty of space

午後の日差しが手入れの行き届いた芝生とその背後にある大きくて広々とした高価な家々を照らしていた。

A man not unknown to the world had died in a pool of blood in a house in Idle Valley, but the lazy quiet had not been disturbed.

lazy (怠惰な) [形] unwilling to work or use energy

disturb (乱す) [動] interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of

世間に知られていないわけではない男が、アイドル・バレーの家で血の海の中で死んだが、怠惰な静けさは乱されなかった。

So far as the newspapers were concerned it might have happened in Tibet.

so far as (に関する限り) [接] to the extent or degree that

Tibet (チベット) [名] a region in East Asia covering much of the Tibetan Plateau spanning about 2,500,000 square kilometres

新聞に関する限り、それはチベットで起こったかもしれない。

At a turn of the road the walls of two estates came down to the shoulder and a dark green sheriff's car was parked there.

estate (私有地) [名] a large area of land in the country with a large house

shoulder (路肩) [名] the part of a road next to the edge of the road surface

道の曲がり角に2つの私有地の塀が路肩まで迫り、そこに濃い緑色の保安官の車が駐車していた。

A deputy got out and held up his hand.

hold up (挙げる) [動] raise something

保安官代理が降りてきて手を挙げた。

I stopped.

私は車を止めた。

He came to the window.

彼は窓に近づいてきた。

“May I see your driver's license, please?”

driver's license (運転免許証) [名] an official document that gives you the legal right to drive a vehicle

「運転免許証を見せてください」

I took out my wallet and handed it to him open.

私は財布を取り出し、開いて彼に渡した。

“Just the license, please.

「免許証だけお願いします。

I'm not allowed to touch your wallet.”

私はあなたの財布に触れることは許されていません」

I took it out and gave it to him.

私は免許証を取り出し、彼に渡した。

“What's the trouble?”

「どうしたんですか?」

He glanced into my car and handed me back my license.

彼は私の車の中をちらっと見て、免許証を返してくれた。

“No trouble,” he said.

no trouble (何も問題ありません) [名] no difficulty or problems

「何も問題ありません」と彼は言った。

“Just a routine check.

routine check (ルーチンチェック) [名] a regular inspection of something

「ただのルーチンチェックです。

Sorry to have troubled you.”

お手数をおかけして申し訳ありません」

He waved me on and went back to the parked car.

彼は私に手を振って、駐車中の車に戻った。

Just like a cop.

まるで警官のようだ。

They never tell you why they are doing anything.

彼らはなぜ何かをしているのかを決して教えてくれない。

That way you don't find out they don't know themselves.

そうすれば、彼ら自身も知らないことがわからない。

I drove home, bought myself a couple of cold drinks, went out to dinner, came back, opened the windows and my shirt and waited for something to happen.

drive home (家まで車を走らせる) [動] drive to one's home

cold drink (冷たい飲み物) [名] a drink that is served cold

私は家まで車を走らせ、冷たい飲み物を2杯買い、夕食に出かけ、戻ってきて、窓とシャツを開けて、何かが起こるのを待った。

I waited a long time.

私は長い間待った。

It was nine o'clock when Bernie Ohls called up and told me to come in and not stop on the way to pick any flowers.

pick (摘む) [動] take hold of and remove with the fingers

バーニー・オールズが電話をかけてきて、途中で花を摘むために立ち止まらずに来るように言ったのは9時だった。

[38]

They had Candy in a hard chair against the wall of the Sheriff's anteroom.

have (座らせる) [動] cause to be in a specified state

anteroom (控え室) [名] a small room leading to a larger room

彼らは保安官の控え室の壁に面した硬い椅子にキャンディを座らせていた。

He hated me with his eyes as I went by him into the big square room where Sheriff Petersen held court in the middle of a collection of testimonials from a grateful public to his twenty years of faithful public service.

Sheriff Petersen (ピーターセン保安官) [名] the sheriff of the county

hold court (法廷を開く) [動] preside over a court of law

testimonial (証言) [名] a formal statement testifying to someone's character, qualifications, or achievements

grateful (感謝する) [形] feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness

faithful (忠実な) [形] loyal, constant, and steadfast

public service (公務) [名] a service provided by a government to its citizens

私が彼の横を通り過ぎて、ピーターセン保安官が20年間の忠実な公務に対する感謝の証言の真ん中で法廷を開いた大きな四角い部屋に入ると、彼は私を憎しみの目で見た。

The walls were loaded with photographs of horses and Sheriff Petersen made a personal appearance in every photograph.

load (貼る) [動] to put something into or onto something else

make a personal appearance (登場する) [動] to be present in person

壁には馬の写真がぎっしりと貼られ、ピーターセン保安官はどの写真にも登場していた。

The corners of his carved desk were horses' heads.

彼の彫刻が施された机の角は馬の頭だった。

His inkwell was a mounted polished horse's hoof and his pens were planted in the mate to it filled with white sand.

mount (台にする) [動] to fix something in a raised position

hoof (ひづめ) [名] the horny part of the foot of an animal such as a horse

plant (植える) [動] to put a plant in the ground

mate (仲間) [名] a friend or companion

sand (砂) [名] a loose granular material consisting of very small particles of rock

彼のインク壺は磨かれた馬のひづめを台にしたものであり、彼のペンは白い砂で満たされたその仲間に植えられていた。

A gold plate on each of these said something or other about a date.

plate (プレート) [名] a flat dish

これらのそれぞれに金のプレートが付いていて、日付について何かを言っていた。

In the middle of a spotless desk blotter lay a bag of Bull Durham and a pack of brown cigarette papers.

in the middle of (真ん中に) [前] in the center of

Bull Durham (ブル・ダーラム) [名] a brand of tobacco

pack (袋) [名] a small container made of paper or plastic

cigarette paper (タバコの紙) [名] a thin paper for making cigarettes

きれいな机の吸い取り紙の真ん中に、ブル・ダーラムの袋と茶色のタバコの紙が置かれていた。

Petersen rolled his own.

ピーターセンは自分で巻いた。

He could roll one with one hand on horseback and often did, especially when leading a parade on a big white horse with a Mexican saddle loaded with beautiful Mexican silverwork.

horseback (馬) [名] the back of a horse

lead (先導する) [動] be in charge or command of

parade (パレード) [名] a public procession

saddle (サドル) [名] a seat for a rider on a horse or other animal

silverwork (銀細工) [名] objects made from silver

彼は馬に乗って片手で巻くことができ、特に美しいメキシコの銀細工を積んだメキシコのサドルをつけた大きな白い馬でパレードを先導するときにはよくそうしていた。

On horseback he wore a flat-crowned Mexican sombrero.

flat-crowned (平らな冠) [形] having a flat top

馬に乗るときは、平らな冠のメキシコのソンブレロを被っていた。

He rode beautifully and his horse always knew exactly when to be quiet, when to act up so that the Sheriff with his calm inscrutable smile could bring the horse back under control with one hand.

be quiet (静かにする) [動] make or become silent

act up (行動する) [動] behave in a disruptive or unruly way

彼は美しく乗りこなし、彼の馬はいつ静かにし、いつ行動すればよいかを常に正確に知っていたので、保安官は落ち着いた不可解な笑みを浮かべて片手で馬を制御することができた。

The Sheriff had a good act.

have a good act (いい演技をする) [動] to perform well in a play or movie

保安官はいい演技をしていた。

He had a handsome hawklike profile, getting a little saggy under the chin by now, but he knew how to hold his head so it wouldn't show too much.

hawklike (タカのような) [形] resembling a hawk

profile (横顔) [名] the outline of a person's face seen from one side

show (目立つ) [動] be or make visible

彼はハンサムなタカのような横顔をしており、今ではあごの下が少し垂れ下がっていたが、あまり目立たないように頭の持ち方を知っていた。

He put a lot of hard work into having his picture taken.

hard work (努力) [名] a great deal of effort or endurance

have (撮られる) [動] to cause to be done or made

彼は写真を撮られることに多くの努力を注いだ。

He was in his middle fifties and his father, a Dane, had left him a lot of money.

middle fifties (50代半ば) [名] the age of a person who is between 50 and 55 years old

Dane (デンマーク人) [名] a person from Denmark

lot of money (たくさんのお金) [名] a large amount of money

彼は50代半ばで、デンマーク人の父親が彼にたくさんのお金を残していた。

The Sheriff didn't look like a Dane, because his hair was dark and his skin was brown and he had the impassive poise of a cigar store Indian and about the same kind of brains.

impassive (無表情な) [形] not showing emotion

poise (落ち着き) [名] a state of balance or equilibrium

cigar store Indian (葉巻店のインディアン) [名] a wooden statue of a Native American man that was used as an advertisement for tobacco shops

保安官は髪の毛が黒く、肌が褐色で、葉巻店のインディアンのような無表情な落ち着きと、ほぼ同じ種類の頭脳を持っていたので、デンマーク人には見えなかった。

But nobody had ever called him a crook.

しかし、誰も彼を悪党と呼んだことはなかった。

There had been crooks in his department and they had fooled him as well as they had fooled the public, but none of the crookedness rubbed off on Sheriff Petersen.

department (署) [名] a division of a large organization

crookedness (悪党ぶり) [名] the quality of being dishonest or a criminal

rub off (影響する) [動] have an effect on

彼の署には悪党がいて、彼らは彼を騙しただけでなく、一般市民も騙していたが、その悪党ぶりはピーターセン保安官には全く影響しなかった。

He just went right on getting elected without even trying, riding white horses at the head of parades, and questioning suspects in front of cameras.

go right on (続ける) [動] continue doing something

get elected (選挙に勝つ) [動] be chosen for a position by voting

white horse (白馬) [名] a horse of a light grey or silver color

head (先頭) [名] the front part of something

彼は努力もせずに選挙に勝ち続け、パレードの先頭で白馬に乗り、カメラの前で容疑者に尋問していた。

That's what the captions said.

caption (キャプション) [名] a title or brief explanation for a picture or illustration

キャプションにはそう書いてあった。

As a matter of fact he never questioned anybody.

as a matter of fact (実際のところ) [副] in reality; in fact

実際のところ、彼は誰にも尋問したことがなかった。

He wouldn't have known how.

how (方法) [名] the way that something is done or happens

彼は尋問の仕方を知らなかっただろう。

He just sat at his desk looking sternly at the suspect, showing his profile to the camera.

sternly (厳しく) [副] in a severe or strict manner

彼はただ机に座って容疑者を厳しく見つめ、横顔をカメラに映していた。

The flash bulbs would go off, the camera men would thank the Sheriff deferentially, and the suspect would be removed not having opened his mouth, and the Sheriff would go home to his ranch in the San Fernando Valley.

flash bulb (フラッシュ) [名] a device for producing a brief bright light used in photography

camera man (カメラマン) [名] a person who operates a camera

deferentially (丁重に) [副] with respect

be removed (連行される) [動] be taken away

open one's mouth (口を開く) [動] speak

go home (帰っていく) [動] return to one's home

フラッシュがたかれ、カメラマンが保安官に丁重に礼を言い、容疑者は口を開くことなく連行され、保安官はサンフェルナンドバレーにある自分の牧場へ帰っていった。

There he could always be reached.

彼はいつもそこに連絡がとれた。

If you couldn't reach him in person, you could talk to one of his horses.

彼に直接連絡がとれなければ、彼の馬のどれかに話しかければよかった。

Once in a while, come election time, some misguided politician would try to get Sheriff Petersen's job, and would be apt to call him things like The Guy With The Built-In Profile or The Ham That Smokes Itself, but it didn't get him anywhere.

come election time (選挙の時期になると) [名] when it is time for an election

misguided (見当違いの) [形] having or showing faulty judgment or reasoning

get (奪おうとして) [動] obtain by effort

built-in (内蔵された) [形] forming an integral part of a structure or system

smoke (燻製する) [動] cook (food) by exposing it to smoke

時々、選挙の時期になると、見当違いの政治家がピーターセン保安官の職を奪おうとして、彼のことを横顔が内蔵された男とか、自分で燻製するハムとか呼んだりしたが、それでは彼をどこにも連れて行けなかった。

Sheriff Petersen just went right on getting re-elected, a living testimonial to the fact that you can hold an important public office forever in our country with no qualifications for it but a clean nose, a photogenic face, and a close mouth.

getting re-elected (再選される) [動] be elected again

living testimonial (生きた証拠) [名] a person who is a living example of something

hold (就く) [動] have or occupy a position or office

important public office (重要な公職) [名] a position in the government that is important

qualification (資格) [名] a quality or accomplishment that makes someone suitable for a job or position

clean nose (きれいな鼻) [名] a nose that is free of dirt or mucus

photogenic face (写真写りのいい顔) [名] a face that looks good in photographs

close mouth (口を閉ざす) [動] to not talk about something

ピーターセン保安官は再選され続け、この国では、きれいな鼻、写真写りのいい顔、口を閉ざすこと以外に資格がなくても、重要な公職に永遠に就くことができるという事実を証明する生きた証拠となった。

If on top of that you look good on a horse, you are unbeatable.

on top of that (その上) [副] in addition to that

look good (格好よく見える) [動] be attractive

unbeatable (無敵) [形] too good to be defeated

その上、馬に乗って格好よく見えれば、無敵だ。

As Ohls and I went in, Sheriff Petersen was standing behind his desk and the camera boys were filing out by another door.

camera boy (カメラマン) [名] a person who operates a camera

file out (ぞろぞろと出てくる) [動] walk or move in a line

オールズと私が入っていくと、ピーターセン保安官が机の後ろに立っていて、カメラマンたちが別のドアからぞろぞろと出てきた。

The Sheriff had his white stetson on.

have on (かぶる) [動] to be wearing something

stetson (ステットソン) [名] a hat with a high crown and a wide brim

保安官は白いステットソンをかぶっていた。

He was rolling a cigarette.

彼はタバコを巻いていた。

He was all set to go home.

be all set (準備が整う) [動] be ready to do something

彼は帰宅の準備が整っていた。

He looked at me sternly.

彼は私を厳しい目で見た。

“Who's this?” he asked in a rich baritone voice.

baritone (バリトン) [名] the second lowest male singing voice

「どなた?」と彼は豊かなバリトンの声で尋ねた。

“Name's Philip Marlowe, Chief,” Ohls said.

「名前はフィリップ・マーロウ、署長」オールズは言った。

“Only person in the house when Wade shot himself.

「ウェードが自殺した時、家には彼女しかいなかった。

You want a picture?”

写真が欲しいか?」

The Sheriff studied me.

study (じっと見る) [動] to read and understand something

保安官は私をじっと見た。

“I don't think so,” he said, and turned to a big tired-looking man with iron-gray hair.

iron-gray (鉄灰色の) [形] of a color between gray and black

「そうは思わない」と彼は言い、鉄灰色の髪の疲れた顔の大きな男の方を向いた。

“If you need me, I'll be at the ranch, Captain Hernandez.”

「私が必要なら、牧場にいます、ヘルナンデス警部」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、旦那様」

Petersen lit his cigarette with a kitchen match.

Petersen (ピーターセン) [名] a person's name

kitchen match (台所用のマッチ) [名] a match that is used in the kitchen

ピーターセンは台所用のマッチでタバコに火をつけた。

He lit it on his thumbnail.

thumbnail (親指の爪) [名] the nail of the thumb

彼は親指の爪で火をつけた。

No lighters for Sheriff Petersen.

ピーターセン保安官はライターは使わない。

He was strictly a roll-your-own-and-light-'em-with-one-hand type.

roll-your-own (自分で巻く) [動] to make your own cigarettes

one-hand (片手) [名] one of the two hands of a human being

彼は厳密に自分で巻いて片手で火をつけるタイプだった。

He said goodnight and went out.

say goodnight (おやすみと言う) [動] say goodbye to someone at night

彼はおやすみと言って出て行った。

A deadpan character with hard black eyes went with him, his personal bodyguard.

hard (固い) [形] not soft

go with (一緒に行く) [動] accompany

彼の個人的なボディーガードである、固い黒い目をした無表情な人物が彼と一緒に行った。

The door closed.

ドアが閉まった。

When he was gone Captain Hernandez moved to the desk and sat in the Sheriff's enormous chair and a stenotype operator in the corner moved his stand out from the wall to get elbow room.

be gone (去る) [動] leave a place

Captain Hernandez (ヘルナンデス警部) [名] a police officer

stenotype operator (速記タイピスト) [名] a person who operates a stenotype machine

elbow room (肘の余裕) [名] space in which to move or work

彼が去ると、ヘルナンデス警部は机に移動して保安官の巨大な椅子に座り、隅にいた速記タイピストは肘の余裕を得るために壁からスタンドを動かした。

Ohls sat at the end of the desk and looked amused.

オールズは机の端に座って面白がっているようだった。

“All right, Marlowe,” Hernandez said briskly.

Hernandez (ヘルナンデス) [名] a character in the story

「よし、マーロウ」とヘルナンデスはきびきびと言った。

“Let's have it.”

have (話す) [動] to speak or talk

「話してくれ」

“How come I don't get my photo taken?”

「どうして私の写真は撮らないの?」

“You heard what the Sheriff said.”

「保安官が言ったことを聞いただろう」

“Yeah, but why?”

「ああ、でもどうして?」

I whined.

whine (泣き言を言う) [動] complain in a feeble or petulant way

私は泣き言を言った。

Ohls laughed.

オールズは笑った。

“You know damn well why.”

「理由はよく知っているだろう」

“You mean on account of I'm tall, dark, and handsome and somebody might look at me?”

「私が背が高く、浅黒く、ハンサムなので誰かが私を見るかもしれないからですか?」

“Cut it,” Hernandez said coldly.

cut (やめる) [動] stop doing something

「やめろ」ヘルナンデスは冷たく言った。

“Let's get on with your statement.

get on with (続ける) [動] to continue doing something

「供述を続けろ。

Start from the beginning.”

最初から始めろ」

I gave it to them from the beginning: my interview with Howard Spencer, my meeting with Eileen Wade, her asking me to find Roger, my finding him, her asking me to the house, what Wade asked me to do and how I found him passed out near the hibiscus bushes and the rest of it.

give (話す) [動] communicate or express (information, an opinion, or a feeling)

私は最初から彼らに話した。ハワード・スペンサーとの面談、アイリーン・ウェードとの出会い、彼女が私にロジャーを探すように頼んだこと、私が彼を見つけたこと、彼女が私を家に招いたこと、ウェードが私に何を頼んだか、そして私が彼がハイビスカスの茂みの近くで気を失っているのを見つけたこと、そして残りのこと。

The stenotype operator took it down.

速記官はそれを書き取った。

Nobody interrupted me.

誰も私を遮らなかった。

All of it was true.

全て真実だった。

The truth and nothing but the truth.

but (以外) [接] except; other than

真実、真実以外何もなかった。

But not quite all the truth.

not quite (全てではない) [副] not completely or entirely

しかし、全ての真実ではなかった。

What I left out was my business.

leave out (省略する) [動] not include or mention

私が省略したのは私の仕事だった。

“Nice,” Hernandez said at the end.

「いいですね」とヘルナンデスは最後に言った。

“But not quite complete.”

「しかし、完全ではありませんね」

This was a cool competent dangerous guy, this Hernandez.

このヘルナンデスという男は冷静で有能で危険な男だった。

Somebody in the Sheriff's office had to be.

保安局の誰かがそうだったに違いない。

“The night Wade shot off the gun in his bedroom you went into Mrs. Wade's room and were in there for some time with the door shut.

「ウェードが寝室で銃を撃った夜、あなたはウェード夫人の部屋に入り、しばらくドアを閉めてそこにいましたね。

What were you doing in there?”

be doing (している) [動] be engaged in an activity

あなたはそこで何をしていたのですか?」

“She called me in and asked me how he was.”

「彼女が私を呼び、彼の様子を尋ねたのです」

“Why shut the door?”

「なぜドアを閉めたのですか?」

“Wade was half asleep and I didn't want to make any noise.

「ウェードは半分眠っていたので、私は音を立てたくなかったのです。

Also the houseboy was hanging around with his ear out.

それにボーイが耳をそばだててうろついていました。

Also she asked me to shut the door.

それに彼女がドアを閉めるように言ったのです。

I didn't realize it was going to be important.”

それが重要だとは分かりませんでした」

“How long were you in there?”

how long (どれくらい) [副] for what length of time

「どれくらいそこにいた?」

“I don't know. Three minutes maybe.”

「分かりません。3分くらいでしょうか」

“I suggest you were in there a couple of hours,” Hernandez said coldly.

suggest (思う) [動] to put forward for consideration

couple of hours (2時間) [名] a period of time lasting for two hours

「2時間くらいそこにいたと思うが」とヘルナンデスは冷たく言った。

“Do I make myself clear?”

make oneself clear (分かりますか) [動] to express oneself in a way that is easy to understand

「私の言っていることは分かりますか?」

I looked at Ohls.

私はオールズを見た。

Ohls didn't look at anything.

オールズは何も見なかった。

He was chewing on an unlighted cigarette as usual.

unlighted (火のついていない) [形] not lit

彼はいつものように火のついていないタバコを噛んでいた。

“You are misinformed, Captain.”

be misinformed (誤解している) [動] to be given or to have incorrect or misleading information

「あなたは誤解しています、警部」

“We'll see. After you left the room you went downstairs to the study and spent the night on the couch.

go downstairs (階下に行く) [動] move from a higher to a lower floor

「それは後でわかる。部屋を出た後、あなたは階下の書斎に行き、ソファで一夜を過ごした。

Perhaps I should say the rest of the night.”

おそらく夜の残りの時間と言うべきだろう」

“It was ten minutes to eleven when he called me at home.

「彼が私の家に電話をかけてきたのは11時10分前だった。

It was long past two o'clock when I went into the study for the last time that night.

be long past (過ぎていた) [動] be a long time after

私がその夜最後に書斎に入ったのは2時を過ぎていた。

Call it the rest of the night if you like.”

夜の残りの時間と呼んでもいい」

“Get the houseboy in here,” Hernandez said.

「ボーイをここに呼んでくれ」とヘルナンデスは言った。

Ohls went out and came back with Candy.

オールズは出て行き、キャンディを連れて戻ってきた。

They put Candy in a chair.

彼らはキャンディを椅子に座らせた。

Hernandez asked him a few questions to establish who he was and so on.

establish (確認する) [動] to cause to be recognized and accepted

so on (など) [副] and other similar things

ヘルナンデスは彼が誰かなどを確認するためにいくつか質問をした。

Then he said: “All right, Candy--we'll call you that for convenience--after you helped Marlowe put Roger Wade to bed, what happened?”

convenience (便宜) [名] the quality of being easy to use or to do

それから彼は言った。「よし、キャンディ、便宜上そう呼ぶが、マーロウがロジャー・ウェードをベッドに寝かせるのを手伝った後、何が起こった?」

I knew what was coming more or less.

more or less (大体) [副] approximately

私はこれから何が起こるか大体分かっていた。

Candy told his story in a quiet savage voice with very little accent.

キャンディはほとんど訛りのない静かで荒々しい声で彼の話を語った。

It seemed as if he could turn that on and off at will.

turn on and off (オンオフする) [動] to start or stop the operation of a machine or device

at will (自由に) [副] in accordance with one's wishes

彼はそれを自由にオンオフできるかのようだった。

His story was that he had hung around downstairs in case he was wanted again, part of the time in the kitchen where he got himself some food, part of the time in the living room.

in case (かもしれないので) [接] if; in the event that

part of the time (そのうちの一部) [名] a portion of a period of time

彼の話では、彼はまた呼ばれるかもしれないので、階下でぶらぶらしていたということだった。そのうちの一部は台所で食べ物を手に入れ、一部は居間で過ごした。

While in the living room sitting in a chair near the front door he had seen Eileen Wade standing in the door of her room and he had seen her take her clothes off.

居間で玄関の近くの椅子に座っている間に、彼はアイリーン・ウェードが彼女の部屋のドアに立っているのを見たし、彼女が服を脱ぐのを見た。

He had seen her put a robe on with nothing under it and he had seen me go into her room and I shut the door and stayed in there a long time, a couple of hours he thought.

彼は彼女が何も着ていない状態でローブを着るのを見たし、私が彼女の部屋に入るのを見たし、私がドアを閉めて長い時間そこにいた、彼は数時間だと思った。

He had gone up the stairs and listened.

彼は階段を上って耳を傾けた。

He had heard the bed-springs making sounds.

bed-spring (ベッドスプリング) [名] a set of springs supporting a mattress in a bed

彼はベッドスプリングが音を立てるのを聞いた。

He had heard whispering.

彼はささやき声を聞いた。

He made his meaning very obvious.

obvious (明確) [形] easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent

彼は自分の意味をとても明確にした。

When he had finished he gave me a corrosive look and his mouth was twisted tight with hatred.

corrosive (腐食させるような) [形] causing corrosion

look (目) [名] the direction in which someone or something is facing

彼は言い終わると私を腐食させるような目で見て、口を憎しみでぎゅっとねじ曲げた。

“Take him out,” Hernandez said.

take (連れ出す) [動] to carry or bring with oneself

「彼を連れ出せ」とヘルナンデスは言った。

“Just a minute,” I said.

「ちょっと待って」と私は言った。

“I want to question him.”

「彼に尋問したい」

“I ask the questions here,” Hernandez said sharply.

「ここでは私が尋問する」とヘルナンデスは鋭く言った。

“You don't know how, Captain.

know how (仕方を知る) [名] knowledge of how to do something

「あなたは尋問の仕方を知らない、警部。

You weren't there.

あなたはそこにいなかった。

He's lying and he knows it and I know it.”

彼は嘘をついていて、彼も私もそれを知っている」

Hernandez leaned back and picked up one of the Sheriff's pens.

ヘルナンデスは後ろにもたれ、保安官のペンを1本手にした。

He bent the handle of the pen.

bend (曲げる) [動] to make or become curved or crooked

彼はペンの柄を曲げた。

It was long and pointed and made of stiffened horsehair.

made of (でできている) [動] to be composed of

stiffened (硬い) [形] made or become stiff or stiffer

horsehair (馬の毛) [名] the hair from the mane or tail of a horse

それは長くて尖っていて、硬い馬の毛でできていた。

When he let go of the point it sprang back.

point (先端) [名] the sharp end of a tool, weapon, or other object

spring back (跳ね返る) [動] to return to a previous position or state

彼が先端を離すと、それは跳ね返った。

“Shoot,” he said at last.

「撃て」と彼はついに言った。

I faced Candy.

私はキャンディと向き合った。

“Where were you when you saw Mrs. Wade take her clothes off?”

「ウェード夫人が服を脱ぐのを見たとき、どこにいた?」

“I was sitting down in a chair near the front door,” he said in a surly tone.

「私は玄関の近くの椅子に座っていた」と彼は不機嫌そうに言った。

“Between the front door and the two facing davenports?”

face (向かい合った) [動] be opposite to

「玄関と向かい合った2つのソファの間?」

“What I said.”

「私が言った通りだ」

“Where was Mrs. Wade?”

「ウェード夫人はどこにいた?」

“Just inside the door of her room.

「彼女の部屋のドアのすぐ内側だ。

The door was open.”

ドアは開いていた」

“What light was there in the living room?”

「居間にはどんな明かりがあった?」

“One lamp. Tall lamp what they call a bridge lamp.”

bridge (ブリッジ) [名] a structure making a path between two ends of an obstacle

「ランプが一つ。背の高いランプ、ブリッジランプと呼ばれるもの」

“What light was on the balcony?”

「バルコニーにはどんな明かりがあった?」

“No light. Light in her bedroom.”

「明かりはなかった。彼女の寝室に明かりがあった」

“What kind of light in her bedroom?”

「彼女の寝室にはどんな明かりがあった?」

“Not much light. Night table lamp, maybe.”

「あまり明るくなかった。ナイトテーブルのランプかもしれない」

“Not a ceiling light?”

「天井の照明ではない?」

“No.”

「違う」

“After she took her clothes off--standing just inside the door of her room, you said--she put on a robe.

「彼女が服を脱いだ後、部屋のドアのすぐ内側に立って、彼女はローブを着た。

What kind of robe?”

どんなローブ?」

“Blue robe. Long thing like a house coat.

「青いローブ。部屋着のような長いもの。

She tie it with a sash.”

彼女はそれを帯で結んだ。」

“So if you hadn't actually seen her take her clothes off you wouldn't know what she had on under the robe?”

「つまり、彼女が服を脱ぐのを実際に見ていなかったら、彼女がローブの下に何を着ていたかわからないだろう?」

He shrugged. He looked vaguely worried.

彼は肩をすくめた。彼は漠然と心配そうに見えた。

“Sí. That's right.

Sí (Sí) [間] yes

That's right (その通り) [句] you are correct

「Sí。その通り。

But I see her take her clothes off.”

でも、彼女が服を脱ぐのは見た。」

“You're a liar. There isn't any place in the living room from which you could see her take her clothes off right bang in her doorway, much less inside her room.

「嘘つきだ。彼女が部屋の中で服を脱ぐのを見ることができる場所は居間にはないし、ましてや彼女の部屋の中なんて見えない。

She would have to come out to the edge of the balcony.

彼女はバルコニーの端まで出てこなければならない。

If she had done that she would have seen you.”

もし彼女がそうしていたら、あなたを見ているはずだ。」

He just glared at me.

彼はただ私を睨みつけた。

I turned to Ohls.

私はオールズの方へ向いた。

“You've seen the house.

「あなたは家を見た。

Captain Hernandez hasn't--or has he?”

has (見たのか) [助] have

ヘルナンデス警部は見ていないーそれとも見たのか?」

Ohls shook his head slightly.

オールズはわずかに頭を振った。

Hernandez frowned and said nothing.

ヘルナンデスは眉をひそめて何も言わなかった。

“There is no spot in that living room, Captain Hernandez, from which he could see even the top of Mrs. Wade's head--even if he was standing up--and he says he was sitting down--provided she was as far back as her own doorway or inside it.

「ヘルナンデス警部、あの居間には、彼が立っていたとしても、ウェード夫人の頭のてっぺんさえ見ることができる場所はないー彼は座っていたと言っているー彼女が自分の戸口まで後退していたり、その中にいるのであれば。

I'm four inches taller than he is and I could only see the top foot of an open door when I was standing just inside the front door of the house.

four inches (4インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot

taller (背が高い) [形] of more than average height

top foot (上部1フィート) [名] the uppermost part of something

私は彼より4インチ背が高いが、家の玄関のすぐ内側に立ったとき、開いたドアの上部1フィートしか見えなかった。

She would have to come out to the edge of the balcony for him to see what he says he saw.

彼が見たと言っているものを見るには、彼女はバルコニーの端まで出てこなければならない。

Why would she do that?

彼女がそんなことをする理由は?

Why would she undress in her doorway even?

undress (服を脱ぐ) [動] take off one's clothes

彼女が戸口で服を脱ぐ理由は?

There's no sense to it.”

no sense (意味がない) [名] something that is not logical or reasonable

意味がない。」

Hernandez just looked at me.

ヘルナンデスはただ私を見た。

Then he looked at Candy.

それから彼はキャンディを見た。

“How about the time element?” he asked softly, speaking to me.

time element (時間的な要素) [名] the time it takes to do something

「時間的な要素は?」と彼は私に話しかけながら、そっと尋ねた。

“That's his word against mine.

「それは彼の言葉と私の言葉のどちらを信じるかの問題だ。

I'm talking about what can be proved.”

私は証明できる事について話しているんだ。」

Hernandez spit Spanish at Candy too fast for me to understand.

spit (早口で話す) [動] to eject saliva or other liquid from the mouth

ヘルナンデスはキャンディにスペイン語で早口で話しかけたので、私には理解できなかった。

Candy just stared at him sulkily.

sulkily (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a bad-tempered and uncooperative way

キャンディはただ不機嫌そうに彼を見つめた。

“Take him out,” Hernandez said.

「彼を連れて行け」とヘルナンデスは言った。

Ohls jerked a thumb and opened the door.

オールズは親指を動かしてドアを開けた。

Candy went out.

キャンディは出て行った。

Hernandez brought out a box of cigarettes, stuck one on his lip, and lit it with a gold lighter.

bring out (取り出す) [動] to cause to appear or come out

stick (挟む) [動] to be or become fixed or embedded in something

ヘルナンデスはタバコの箱を取り出し、1本を唇に挟み、金のライターで火をつけた。

Ohls came back into the room.

オールズが部屋に戻ってきた。

Hernandez said calmly: “I just told him that if there was an inquest and he told that story on the stand, he'd find himself doing a one-to-three up in Q for perjury.

stand (証言台) [名] a raised platform in a court of law on which a witness stands to give testimony

ヘルナンデスは落ち着いて言った。「私は彼に、もし検死審問があって、彼が証言台でその話をしたら、偽証罪で1年から3年刑務所に入ることになるだろうと言っただけだ。

Didn't seem to impress him much.

彼にはあまり印象に残らなかったようだ。

It's obvious what's eating him.

彼を悩ませているものが何であるかは明らかだ。

An old-fashioned case of hot pants.

case (ケース) [名] an instance of something occurring; an example

昔ながらのホットパンツのケースだ。

If he'd been around and we had any reason to suspect murder, he'd make a pretty good pigeon--except that he would have used a knife.

have any reason (理由がある) [動] have a cause or explanation for something

make a pretty good pigeon (かなり良いカモになる) [動] be a good target for deception or fraud

もし彼が近くにいて、私たちが殺人を疑う理由があれば、彼はナイフを使っただろうということを除いて、かなり良いカモになるだろう。

I got the impression earlier that he felt pretty bad about Wade's death.

get the impression (印象を受ける) [動] to have a feeling or opinion about something or someone

earlier (以前) [副] at a time in the past

feel bad (悲しむ) [動] to feel sad or unhappy

彼はウェードの死をかなり悲しんでいるという印象を以前に受けた。

Any questions you want to ask, Ohls?”

何か聞きたいことはあるか、オールズ?」

Ohls shook his head.

オールズは首を横に振った。

Hernandez looked at me and said: “Come back in the morning and sign your statement.

ヘルナンデスは私を見て言った。「朝に戻ってきて、供述書に署名してくれ。

We'll have it typed out by then.

それまでにタイプしておく。

We ought to have a p.m. report by ten o'clock, preliminary anyway.

p.m. (午後) [名] the period of a day from noon to midnight

ten o'clock (十時) [名] ten o'clock

午後十時までには、とにかく予備的な報告書が届くはずだ。

Anything you don't like about this setup, Marlowe?”

この状況で何か気に入らないことがあるか、マーロウ?」

“Would you mind rephrasing the question?

rephrase (言い換える) [動] express something in a different way

「質問を言い換えてもらえませんか?

The way you put it suggests there might be something I do like about it.”

put (言う) [動] to express something in words

あなたの言い方だと、私が気に入っていることがあるかもしれないという印象を受けます」

“Okay,” he said wearily.

「わかった」と彼は疲れたように言った。

“Take off. I'm going home.”

「脱げ。家に帰る」

I stood up.

私は立ち上がった。

“Of course I never did believe that stuff Candy pulled on us,” he said.

pull (言う) [動] to move or cause to move in a specified way, especially by exerting force

「もちろん、キャンディが私たちに言ったことは信じなかった」と彼は言った。

“Just used it for a corkscrew.

corkscrew (コルク抜き) [名] a tool for pulling corks from bottles

「コルク抜きとして使っただけだ。

No hard feelings, I hope.”

hard feeling (悪く思う) [名] a feeling of anger or resentment

悪く思わないでくれよ」

“No feelings at all, Captain.

no feelings (何も感じない) [名] a lack of emotion

「何も感じませんよ、警部。

No feelings at all.”

何も感じません」

They watched me go out and didn't say goodnight.

彼らは私が出ていくのを見送り、おやすみなさいとは言わなかった。

I walked down the long corridor to the Hill Street entrance and got into my car and drove home.

私は長い廊下を歩いてヒルストリートの入り口まで行き、車に乗って家まで運転した。

No feelings at all was exactly right.

何も感じないというのはまさに正しかった。

I was as hollow and empty as the spaces between the stars.

hollow (空虚な) [形] having a space or cavity inside

私は星と星の間の空間のように空虚だった。

When I got home I mixed a stiff one and stood by the open window in the living room and sipped it and listened to the groundswell of the traffic on Laurel Canyon Boulevard and looked at the glare of the big angry city hanging over the shoulder of the hills through which the boulevard had been cut.

get home (家に着く) [動] arrive at one's house

groundswell (波音) [名] a large wave or waves

hang (かかる) [動] be suspended from

cut (切り開く) [動] make an opening in

家に着くと、私は強い酒を混ぜて、居間の開いた窓のそばに立ち、それをすすりながら、ローレルキャニオン大通りの交通の波音を聞き、大通りが切り開かれた丘の肩にかかる大きくて怒った街のまぶしさを眺めた。

Far off the banshee wail of police or fire sirens rose and fell, never for very long completely silent.

banshee (バンシー) [名] a female spirit in Irish mythology who is said to warn of a death in the family by wailing

wail (叫び) [名] a long high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger

fall (下がる) [動] go down

遠くで警察や消防のサイレンのバンシーの叫びが上下し、長い間完全に沈黙することはなかった。

Twenty-four hours a day somebody is running, somebody else is trying to catch him.

一日二十四時間、誰かが走り、誰かが彼を捕まえようとしている。

Out there in the night of a thousand crimes people were dying, being maimed, cut by flying glass, crushed against steering wheels or under heavy tires.

maim (手足を失う) [動] wound or injure someone so that part of the body is permanently damaged

crush (押しつぶす) [動] press or squeeze with a lot of force

steering wheel (ハンドル) [名] a wheel for steering a vehicle

夜の街では、何千もの犯罪が起こり、人々が死に、手足を失い、飛び散ったガラスで切られ、ハンドルに押しつぶされたり、重いタイヤの下敷きになったりしている。

People were being beaten, robbed, strangled, raped, and murdered.

strangle (絞殺する) [動] kill by squeezing the throat

rape (強姦する) [動] have sex with someone against their will

人々は殴られ、強盗に遭い、絞殺され、強姦され、殺害されている。

People were hungry, sick; bored, desperate with loneliness or remorse or fear, angry, cruel, feverish, shaken by sobs.

loneliness (孤独) [名] the state of being alone

remorse (後悔) [名] a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done

feverish (熱に浮かされる) [形] having or showing the symptoms of a fever

shaken (震える) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

人々は空腹で、病気で、退屈で、孤独や後悔や恐怖で絶望し、怒り、残酷で、熱に浮かされ、すすり泣きによって震えている。

A city no worse than others, a city rich and vigorous and full of pride, a city lost and beaten and full of emptiness.

no worse than (劣らず) [形] not worse than

vigorous (活気がある) [形] strong, healthy, and full of energy

beaten (打ちのめされた) [形] defeated or overwhelmed

他の都市に劣らず、豊かで活気があり、誇りにあふれた都市であり、失われ、打ちのめされ、空虚さに満ちた都市である。

It all depends on where you sit and what your own private score is.

score (スコア) [名] the number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or by a team

それはすべて、どこに座っているか、自分のプライベートなスコアが何であるかによって決まる。

I didn't have one.

私は持っていなかった。

I didn't care.

私は気にしなかった。

I finished the drink and went to bed.

私は飲み物を飲み終えて寝た。

[39]

The inquest was a flop.

flop (失敗) [名] a complete failure

検死は失敗だった。

The coroner sailed into it before the medical evidence was complete, for fear the publicity would die on him.

sail into (開始する) [動] to begin something with great energy or enthusiasm

medical evidence (医学的証拠) [名] evidence that is obtained through medical procedures or tests

die on (薄れる) [動] to become less intense or strong

検死官は、世間の注目が薄れる前に、医学的証拠が揃う前に検死を開始した。

He needn't have worried.

needn't (必要はない) [助] not need to

彼は心配する必要はなかった。

The death of a writer--even a loud writer--is not news for long, and that summer there was too much to compete.

compete (競合する) [動] strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others

作家の死は、たとえ有名な作家であっても、長くニュースにはならないし、その夏は競合するニュースが多すぎた。

A king abdicated and another was assassinated.

abdicate (退位する) [動] renounce one's throne

assassinate (暗殺する) [動] kill a famous or important person, usually for political reasons

ある王は退位し、別の王は暗殺された。

In one week three large passenger planes crashed.

one week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

large (大型) [形] of great size or extent

passenger plane (旅客機) [名] an aircraft that carries passengers

crash (墜落する) [動] to break or cause to break into pieces violently

一週間で三機の大型旅客機が墜落した。

The head man of a big wire service was shot to pieces in Chicago in his own automobile.

head man (社長) [名] the person in charge of a company or organization

wire service (通信社) [名] a news agency that supplies news to newspapers, radio, and television

be shot to pieces (銃で撃たれる) [動] to be hit by a bullet or other projectile

Chicago (シカゴ) [名] a city in Illinois

automobile (車) [名] a vehicle used to transport people

大手通信社の社長がシカゴで自分の車の中で銃で撃たれた。

Twenty-four convicts were burned to death in a prison fire.

twenty-four (24) [数] the number 24

convict (囚人) [名] a person found guilty of a crime and sentenced

burn (焼死) [動] be on fire; be very hot

刑務所の火事で24人の囚人が焼死した。

The Coroner of Los Angeles County was out of luck.

be out of luck (運が悪い) [動] to be unlucky

ロサンゼルス郡の検死官は運が悪かった。

He was missing the good things in life.

彼は人生の良いものを失っていた。

As I left the stand I saw Candy.

スタンドを離れる時、キャンディを見た。

He had a bright malicious grin on his face--I had no idea why--and as usual he was dressed just a little too well, in a cocoa brown gabardine suit with a white nylon shirt and a midnight blue bow tie.

have a bright malicious grin on one's face (顔に明るく悪意のある笑みを浮かべる) [動] to have a smile that is both happy and mean

be dressed just a little too well (少しだけ着飾りすぎる) [動] to be wearing clothes that are too nice for the occasion

cocoa brown (ココアブラウン) [形] a color that is a mix of brown and red

nylon (ナイロン) [名] a strong, light, synthetic material

midnight blue (真夜中の青) [形] a very dark blue color

bow tie (蝶ネクタイ) [名] a type of necktie that is tied in a bow

彼は顔に明るく悪意のある笑みを浮かべていたが、私はその理由がわからなかった。そしていつものように、彼はココアブラウンのギャバジンのスーツに白いナイロンのシャツと真夜中の青い蝶ネクタイを着て、少しだけ着飾りすぎていた。

On the witness stand he was quiet and made a good impression.

witness stand (証言台) [名] the place in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give testimony

make a good impression (良い印象を与える) [動] to be perceived positively by others

証言台では彼は静かで良い印象を与えた。

Yes, the boss had been pretty drunk lately a lot of times.

a lot of times (何度も) [名] many times

はい、上司は最近かなり酔っ払っていました。

Yes, he had helped put him to bed the night the gun went off upstairs.

put to bed (寝かしつける) [動] put someone to bed

はい、彼は銃が上階で暴発した夜、彼を寝かしつけるのを手伝いました。

Yes, the boss had demanded whiskey before he, Candy, left on the last day, but he had refused to get it.

demand (要求する) [動] ask authoritatively or urgently for something

はい、上司はキャンディが最後の日に去る前にウイスキーを要求しましたが、彼はそれを拒否しました。

No, he didn't know anything about Mr. Wade's literary work, but he knew the boss had been discouraged.

literary work (文学作品) [名] a work of art that is written

いいえ、彼はウェード氏の文学作品については何も知りませんでしたが、上司が落胆していたことは知っていました。

He kept throwing it away and then getting it out of the wastebasket again.

get out of (取り出す) [動] to remove something from a place

彼はそれを捨て続け、それから再びゴミ箱から取り出しました。

No, he had never heard Mr. Wade quarreling with anyone.

いいえ、彼はウェード氏が誰かと喧嘩しているのを聞いたことがありません。

And so on.

and so on (などなど) [句] used to indicate that a list of items is not complete

などなど。

The coroner milked him but it was thin stuff.

milk (搾り取る) [動] to draw or extract from

thin (薄っぺら) [形] having little substance or quality

検死官は彼から情報を搾り取ったが、それは薄っぺらなものだった。

Somebody had done a good coaching job on Candy.

coaching (コーチング) [名] the activity of instructing or training a person or group of people

誰かがキャンディに良いコーチングをしていた。

Eileen Wade wore black and white.

アイリーン・ウェードは黒と白を着ていた。

She was pale and spoke in a low clear voice which even the amplifer could not spoil.

彼女は青白く、アンプでも損なうことのできない低く澄んだ声で話した。

The coroner handled her with two pairs of velvet gloves.

velvet (ベルベット) [名] a fabric with a thick, soft, smooth surface

検死官は彼女を2組のベルベットの手袋で扱った。

He talked to her as if he had trouble keeping the sobs out of his voice.

talk to (話しかけた) [動] speak to someone

have trouble (苦労する) [動] experience difficulty

sob (すすり泣き) [名] a convulsive catching of the breath with a spasm of the throat

彼は声からすすり泣きを抑えるのに苦労しているかのように彼女に話しかけた。

When she left the stand he stood up and bowed and she gave him a faint fugitive smile that nearly made him choke on his saliva.

faint (微かな) [形] not strong or bright

fugitive (逃げるような) [形] running away or trying to escape

nearly (むせそうになる) [副] very close to a particular state or condition

choke (唾液) [動] have difficulty in breathing because of a blocked throat

彼女が証言台を離れる時、彼は立ち上がってお辞儀をすると、彼女は彼に微かな逃げるような微笑みを返したので、彼は唾液でむせそうになった。

She almost passed me without a glance on the way out, then at the last moment turned her head a couple of inches and nodded very slightly, as if I was somebody she must have met somewhere a long time ago, but couldn't quite place in her memory.

last moment (最後の瞬間) [名] the final moment

long time ago (ずっと前) [名] a time in the past that is not recent

彼女はほとんど私をちらっとも見ずに通り過ぎようとしたが、最後の瞬間に頭を数インチ回して、まるで私がずっと前にどこかで会ったことがあるはずだが、記憶に残っていない誰かであるかのように、ごくわずかにうなずいた。

Outside on the steps when it was all over I ran into Ohls.

over (終わった) [形] having ended or been completed

すべてが終わった後、外階段でオールズに出くわした。

He was watching the traffic down below, or pretending to.

彼は下の交通を見ていた、あるいは見ているふりをしていた。

“Nice job,” he said without turning his head.

「いい仕事だった」と彼は頭を向けずに言った。

“Congratulations.”

「おめでとう」

“You did all right on Candy.”

do all right (よくやる) [動] perform well

「キャンディの件はよくやった」

“Not me, kid. The D.A. decided the sexy stuff was irrelevant.”

sexy (セクシーな) [形] sexually attractive or exciting

irrelevant (関係ない) [形] not connected with or relevant to something

「私じゃない、坊や。検察官はセクシーな部分は関係ないと判断した」

“What sexy stuff was that?”

「セクシーな部分って何だ?」

He looked at me then.

彼は私を見た。

“Ha, ha, ha,” he said.

「ハハハ」と彼は言った。

“And I don't mean you.”

mean (~のことである) [動] to have as one's purpose or intention

「君のことじゃないよ」

Then his expression got remote.

それから彼の表情は遠くを見つめるものになった。

“I been looking at them for too many years.

「私は長年彼らを見てきた。

It wearies a man.

weary (疲れる) [動] to make or become tired

疲れるよ。

This one came out of the special bottle.

これは特別なボトルから出てきたものだ。

Old private stock.

stock (ストック) [名] a supply of something that is available for use

古い個人のストックだ。

Strictly for the carriage trade.

厳密に上流階級向けだ。

So long, sucker. Call me when you start wearing twenty-dollar shirts.

twenty-dollar (20ドル) [形] costing twenty dollars

さよなら、カモ。20ドルのシャツを着るようになったら電話してくれ。

I'll drop around and hold your coat for you.”

drop around (立ち寄る) [動] to visit someone or something for a short time

私が立ち寄って、コートを持ってあげよう」

People eddied around us going up and down the steps.

eddy (渦巻く) [動] move in a circular motion

go up and down (上り下りする) [動] move up and down

人々が私たちの周りを渦巻き、階段を上り下りしていた。

We just stood there.

私たちはただそこに立っていた。

Ohls took a cigarette out of his pocket and looked at it and dropped it on the concrete and ground it to nothing with his heel.

grind (踏みつぶす) [動] crush or break something into very small pieces

オールズはポケットからタバコを取り出し、それを眺めてコンクリートの上に落とし、踵で踏みつぶした。

“Wasteful,” I said.

wasteful (もったいない) [形] using or expending something of value carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

「もったいない」と私は言った。

“Only a cigarette, pal. It's not a life.

「ただのタバコだ、相棒。人生ではない。

After a while maybe you marry the girl, huh?”

しばらくしたら、その娘と結婚するかもしれないな?」

“Shove it.”

「うるさい」

He laughed sourly.

彼は苦笑した。

“I been talking to the right people about the wrong things,” he said acidly.

「私は正しい人々に間違ったことを話していた」と彼は辛辣に言った。

“Any objection?”

objection (異議) [名] an expression or feeling of disapproval

「何か異議は?」

“No objection, Lieutenant,” I said, and went on down the steps.

「異議はありません、警部補」と言って、私は階段を降りていった。

He said something behind me but I kept going.

彼は私の後ろで何か言ったが、私は歩き続けた。

I went over to a corn-beef joint on Flower.

corn-beef (コーンビーフ) [名] a type of beef that has been preserved in salt

私はフラワー通りのコーンビーフ屋に行った。

It suited my mood.

suit (合う) [動] be appropriate or satisfactory for

私の気分に合っていた。

A rude sign over the entrance said: “Men Only. Dogs and Women Not Admitted.”

rude (無礼な) [形] offensively impolite or ill-mannered

admit (入場する) [動] to allow to enter

入口の上の無礼な看板には「男性のみ。犬と女性は入場不可」と書いてあった。

The service inside was equally polished.

inside (店内) [名] the inner part of a building

equally (同様に) [副] in the same way or to the same degree

polished (洗練されていた) [形] having a smooth and shiny surface

店内の接客も同様に洗練されていた。

The waiter who tossed your food at you needed a shave and deducted his tip without being invited.

deduct (差し引く) [動] subtract or take away

tip (チップ) [名] a small amount of money given to someone as a reward for their services

食べ物を投げつけるウェイターは髭を剃る必要があり、頼まれもしないのにチップを差し引いた。

The food was simple but very good and they had a brown Swedish beer which could hit as hard as a martini.

hit (強い) [動] to come or go to a place

食事はシンプルだがとてもおいしく、マティーニと同じくらい強いスウェーデンの黒ビールがあった。

When I got back to the office the phone was ringing.

事務所に戻ると電話が鳴っていた。

Ohls said: “I'm coming by your place.

I'm coming (行く) [動] to move or travel toward a place

by (そっち) [前] near or next to

オルスは言った。「そっちに行く。

I've got things to say.”

話したいことがある」

He must have been at or near the Hollywood substation because he was in the office inside twenty minutes.

must have been (いたに違いない) [助] used to express a strong belief that something is true or has happened

inside (以内に) [前] in or into the interior of

彼はハリウッド支署かその近くにいたに違いない。なぜなら彼は20分以内に事務所に来た。

He planted himself in the customer's chair and crossed his legs and growled:

彼は客用の椅子にどっかりと腰を下ろし、足を組み、唸った。

“I was out of line. Sorry. Forget it.”

out of line (失礼な) [形] not behaving in a way that is considered acceptable

「私は失礼だった。すみません。忘れてください」

“Why forget it? Let's open up the wound.”

wound (傷口) [名] a break in the skin or flesh caused by a cut, blow, or other impact

「なぜ忘れるんだ? 傷口を開けてみよう」

“Suits me. Under the hat, though.

「私には合っている。帽子の下だが。

To some people you're a wrong gee.

some people (一部の人々) [名] a group of people

gee (人) [名] a person

一部の人々にとってあなたは間違った人だ。

I never knew you to do anything too crooked.”

あなたがあまりにも曲がったことをするのを見たことがない」

“What was the crack about twenty-dollar shirts?”

crack (言う) [動] to say something in a joking or sarcastic way

「20ドルのシャツについて何を言ったんだ?」

“Aw hell, I was just sore,” Ohls said.

「ああ、地獄、私はただ痛かった」とオールズは言った。

“I was thinking of old man Potter.

「私はポッター老人のことを考えていた。

Like he told a secretary to tell a lawyer to tell District Attorney Springer to tell Captain Hernandez you were a personal friend of his.”

District Attorney (地区検事) [名] the prosecuting attorney for a local government area

彼が秘書に弁護士に地区検事のスプリンガーにヘルナンデス警部にあなたが彼の個人的な友人だと伝えるように言ったように」

“He wouldn't take the trouble.”

「彼は面倒なことはしない」

“You met him. He gave you time.”

「あなたは彼に会った。彼はあなたに時間を与えた」

“I met him, period.

period (以上) [名] the end of a period of time

「私は彼に会った、以上。

I didn't like him, but perhaps it was only envy.

envy (嫉妬) [名] a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck

私は彼が好きではなかったが、おそらくそれはただの嫉妬だった。

He sent for me to give me some advice.

send for (呼び寄せる) [動] to ask someone to come to you

advice (アドバイス) [名] an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do

彼は私にアドバイスをするために私を呼び寄せた。

He's big and he's tough and I don't know what else.

彼は大きくてタフで、他に何があるのかわからない。

I don't figure he's a crook.”

彼が悪党だとは思わない」

“There ain't no clean way to make a hundred million bucks,” Ohls said.

no clean way (クリーンな方法なんてない) [名] no way that is clean

hundred million bucks (1億ドル) [名] a hundred million dollars

「1億ドルを稼ぐクリーンな方法なんてない」とオールズは言った。

“Maybe the head man thinks his hands are clean but somewhere along the line guys got pushed to the wall, nice little businesses got the ground cut from under them and had to sell out for nickels, decent people lost their jobs, stocks got rigged on the market, proxies got bought up like a pennyweight of old gold, and the five per centers and the big law firms got paid hundred-grand fees for beating some law the people wanted but the rich guys didn't, on account of it cut into their profits.

along the line (どこかで) [副] at some point in a process

get pushed (押し付けられる) [動] be forced to move in a particular direction

nice little business (小さな商売) [名] a small business that is pleasant or attractive

get the ground cut (足元をすくわれる) [動] be defeated or undermined

sell out (売り払う) [動] dispose of something by selling it

stock (株) [名] a share of the value of a company

get rigged (不正に操作される) [動] be manipulated or controlled in a dishonest way

proxy (代理人) [名] a person authorized to act for another

get bought up (買い占められる) [動] be purchased in large quantities

pennyweight (1ペニーウェイト) [名] a unit of weight equal to 24 grains

old gold (古い金) [名] gold that has been mined for a long time

five per center (5パーセントの人間) [名] a person who receives a commission of five percent on sales

big law firm (大手法律事務所) [名] a large law firm

get paid (受け取る) [動] receive money

hundred-grand fee (10万ドルの手数料) [名] a fee of one hundred thousand dollars

beat (打ち負かす) [動] defeat or overcome

some law (法律) [名] a rule or set of rules made by the government

rich guy (金持ち) [名] a wealthy person

cut into (~を削る) [動] reduce or diminish

「たぶんトップの人は自分の手がきれいだと思っているのだろうが、どこかで誰かが壁に押し付けられ、小さな商売が足元をすくわれ、5セントで売り払わざるを得なくなり、まともな人が職を失い、株が市場で不正に操作され、代理人が古い金の1ペニーウェイトのように買い占められ、5パーセントの人間や大手法律事務所は、人々が望んでいるが金持ちが望んでいない法律を打ち負かすために10万ドルの手数料を受け取った。

Big money is big power and big power gets used wrong.

big power (大いなる力) [名] a lot of power

get used (使われ方をする) [動] be used in a particular way

大金は大いなる力であり、大いなる力は間違った使われ方をする。

It's the system.

それがシステムだ。

Maybe it's the best we can get, but it still ain't any Ivory Soap deal.”

Ivory Soap (アイボリーソープ) [名] a brand of soap

たぶんそれが私たちにできる最善のことなんだろうけど、それでもアイボリーソープのような取引ではない」

“You sound like a Red,” I said, just to needle him.

needle (揶揄する) [動] to tease or annoy someone

「まるで赤い奴みたいだ」と私は彼を揶揄するために言った。

“I wouldn't know,” he said contemptuously.

「知らないな」と彼は軽蔑的に言った。

“I ain't been investigated yet.

「まだ調査されていない。

You liked the suicide verdict, didn't you?”

自殺という評決は気に入っただろう?」

“What else could it be?”

「他に何がある?」

“Nothing else, I guess.”

「他には何もないと思う」

He put his hard blunt hands on the desk and looked at the big brown freckles on the backs of them.

freckle (そばかす) [名] a small light brown spot on the skin, often caused by exposure to the sun

彼は硬く無骨な手を机の上に置き、手の甲にある大きな茶色のそばかすを見た。

“I'm getting old.

「私は年をとった。

Keratosis, they call those brown spots.

Keratosis (角化症) [名] a skin condition characterized by overgrowth of the horny layer

spot (斑点) [名] a small area of a different color from the surface around it

角化症、彼らはこれらの茶色の斑点をそう呼ぶ。

You don't get them until you're past fifty.

50歳を過ぎるまでは出てこない。

I'm an old cop and an old cop is an old bastard.

私は老いぼれ警官で、老いぼれ警官は老いぼれ野郎だ。

I don't like a few things about this Wade death.”

私はこのウェード氏の死についていくつか気に入らないことがある。」

“Such as?”

「例えば?」

I leaned back and watched the tight sun wrinkles around his eyes.

wrinkle (しわ) [名] a line or fold in the skin

私は後ろにもたれかかり、彼の目の周りの日焼けによるしわを見た。

“You get so you can smell a wrong setup, even when you know you can't do a damn thing about it.

even (たとえ) [接] in spite of the fact that

「あなたは間違った設定の匂いを嗅ぎつけることができるようになる、たとえそれについて何もできないとわかっていても。

Then you just sit and talk like now.

それから、今のように座って話すだけだ。

I don't like that he left no note.”

彼がメモを残さなかったことが気に入らない」

“He was drunk. Probably just a sudden crazy impulse.”

「彼は酔っていた。おそらく突然の狂った衝動だろう」

Ohls lifted his pale eyes and dropped his hands off the desk.

オールズは青白い目を上げ、机から手を離した。

“I went through his desk.

go through (調べる) [動] to search or examine something thoroughly

「私は彼の机を調べた。

He wrote letters to himself.

彼は自分宛ての手紙を書いていました。

He wrote and wrote and wrote.

彼は書き続けた。

Drunk or sober he hit that typewriter.

酔っ払っていてもシラフでも彼はタイプライターを打った。

Some of it is wild, some of it kind of funny, and some of it is sad.

いくつかはワイルドで、いくつかはちょっとおかしくて、いくつかは悲しい。

The guy had something on his mind.

have something on one's mind (考え事をする) [動] to be thinking about something

彼は何か考え事をしていた。

He wrote all around it but he never quite touched it.

all around (周辺) [副] in every direction

彼はその周辺のことは全て書いたが、そのこと自体には触れなかった。

That guy would have left a two-page letter if he knocked himself off.”

knock oneself off (自殺する) [動] kill oneself

あの男が自殺するなら2ページの手紙を残すだろう。」

“He was drunk,” I said again.

「彼は酔っていた」と私は再び言った。

“With him that didn't matter,” Ohls said wearily.

「彼には関係なかった」とオールズは疲れたように言った。

“The next thing I don't like is he did it there in that room and left his wife to find him.

「次に気に入らないのは、彼があの部屋でそれをして、妻に見つけさせたことだ。

Okay, he was drunk.

いいだろう、彼は酔っていた。

I still don't like it.

それでも気に入らない。

The next thing I don't like is he pulled the trigger just when the noise of that speedboat could drown out the shot.

次に気に入らないのは、彼があのスピードボートの音が銃声をかき消すちょうどその時に引き金を引いたことだ。

What difference would it make to him?

彼にとってどんな違いがあるというのか?

More coincidence, huh?

もっと偶然が重なったんだな?

More coincidence still that the wife forgot her door keys on the help's day off and had to ring the bell to get into the house.”

もっと偶然が重なって、妻はメイドの休みの日に鍵を忘れて、家に入るためにベルを鳴らさなければならなかった。」

“She could have walked around to the back,” I said.

walk around (回って入る) [動] to go to the other side of something by walking

「彼女は裏に回って入れたかもしれない」と私は言った。

“Yeah, I know. What I'm talking about is a situation.

「ああ、わかってる。私が話していることは状況だ。

Nobody to answer the door but you, and she said on the stand she didn't know you were there.

answer the door (ドアを開ける) [動] open the door when someone knocks or rings the doorbell

あなた以外にドアを開ける人はいなかったし、彼女は証言台であなたがそこにいたことを知らなかったと言った。

Wade wouldn't have heard the bell if he had been alive and working in his study.

wouldn't have heard (聞こえなかっただろう) [動] would not have perceived or become aware of by the ear

working (働いている) [動] be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose of result

ウェードが生きていて書斎で仕事をしていたら、ベルの音は聞こえなかっただろう。

His door is soundproofed.

soundproof (防音) [形] impervious to sound

彼のドアは防音だ。

The help was away.

使用人はいなかった。

That was Thursday.

それが木曜日だった。

That she forgot.

彼女はそれを忘れていた。

Like she forgot her keys.”

彼女が鍵を忘れたように。」

“You're forgetting something yourself, Bernie.

「バーニー、君も何か忘れているよ。

My car was in the driveway.

私の車は私道にあった。

So she knew I was there--or that somebody was there--before she rang the bell.”

だから彼女は私がそこにいることを知っていた--あるいは誰かがそこにいることを--彼女がベルを鳴らす前に。」

He grinned.

彼はニヤリと笑った。

“I forgot that, didn't I?

「それを忘れていたね。

All right, here's the picture.

よし、これが写真だ。

You were down at the lake, the speedboat was making all that racket--incidentally it was a couple of guys from Lake Arrowhead just visiting, had their boat on a trailer--

be down at (~にいる) [動] be at a lower place

Lake Arrowhead (アローヘッド湖) [名] a reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains

boat (ボート) [名] a small vessel for transport by water

trailer (トレーラー) [名] a vehicle pulled by another vehicle

君は湖にいて、モーターボートが騒ぎを起こしていた--ちなみにそれはちょうど訪れていたアローヘッド湖の二人組で、彼らのボートをトレーラーに乗せていた--

Wade was asleep in his study or passed out, somebody took the gun out of his desk already, and she knew you had put it there because you told her that other time.

ウェードは書斎で眠っているか、意識を失っていて、誰かがすでに机から銃を取り出していて、彼女はあなたが以前にそう言ったので、あなたがそこに銃を置いたことを知っていた。

Now suppose she didn't forget her keys, that she goes into the house, looks across and sees you down at the water, looks into the study and sees Wade asleep, knows where the gun is, gets it, waits for the right moment, plugs him, drops the gun where it was found, goes back outside the house, waits a little while for the speedboat to go away, and then rings the doorbell and waits for you to open it.

look across (見渡す) [動] look at something from one side to the other

look into (覗く) [動] look at something from the outside

plug (撃つ) [動] shoot

彼女が鍵を忘れなかったとしたら、彼女は家に入り、向こう側を見て、あなたが水辺にいるのを見て、書斎を覗いてウェードが眠っているのを見て、銃がどこにあるかを知っていて、それを手に入れ、適切な瞬間を待ち、彼を撃ち、銃が見つかった場所に落とし、家の外に戻り、モーターボートが去るまで少し待ってから、ドアベルを鳴らしてあなたが開けるのを待つ。

Any objections?”

異議はあるか?」

“With what motive?”

「どんな動機で?」

“Yeah,” he said sourly.

「ああ」と彼は不機嫌そうに言った。

“That knocks it. If she wanted to slough the guy, it was easy.

knock (困ったな) [動] to strike or hit

slough (捨てる) [動] to cast off or shed

「それは困ったな。もし彼女が男を捨てたければ、それは簡単だった。

She had him over a barrel, habitual drunk, record of violence to her.

have over a barrel (酒浸りにする) [動] to have someone in a position where they have no choice but to do what you want

habitual drunk (常習的な飲酒) [名] the practice of drinking alcohol regularly

record of violence (暴力の記録) [名] a document that shows that someone has been violent in the past

彼女は彼を酒浸りにして、彼女への暴力の記録を残した。

Plenty alimony, nice fat property settlement.

plenty (十分な) [形] more than enough

alimony (慰謝料) [名] a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to his or her spouse after divorce or separation

nice (素晴らしい) [形] very good; excellent

fat (素晴らしい) [形] very good; excellent

settlement (分与) [名] an official agreement or decision that ends a dispute or legal case

十分な慰謝料、素晴らしい財産分与。

No motive at all.

動機は全くなかった。

Anyhow the timing was too neat.

timing (タイミング) [名] the choice of a right moment for doing something

neat (絶妙) [形] very good or skillful

いずれにせよタイミングがあまりにも絶妙だった。

Five minutes earlier and she couldn't have done it unless you were in on it.”

earlier (早ければ) [副] before the usual or expected time

couldn't have done (できなかったでしょう) [助] be unable to do something

in on (共犯) [動] involved in a secret or illegal activity

5分早ければ、あなたが共犯でなければ彼女はできなかったでしょう」

I started to say something but he put his hand up.

start (言いかける) [動] begin to do or say something

put one's hand up (手を挙げる) [動] raise one's hand

私は何か言いかけたが、彼は手を挙げた。

“Take it easy. I'm not accusing anybody, just speculating.

「落ち着いてください。私は誰かを非難しているのではなく、ただ推測しているだけだ。

Five minutes later and you get the same answer.

5分後でも同じ答えが返ってくる。

She had ten minutes to pull it off.”

pull it off (やり遂げる) [動] to succeed in doing something difficult

彼女にはそれをやり遂げる為の10分があった。」

“Ten minutes,” I said irritably, “that couldn't possibly have been foreseen, much less planned.”

irritably (苛立って) [副] in an annoyed or impatient way

foresee (予測する) [動] to know or realize beforehand

much less (ましてや) [副] to a much smaller extent

「10分」私は苛立って言った。「それは予測できなかったし、ましてや計画なんてできなかった。」

He leaned back in the chair and sighed.

sigh (ため息) [名] a long, deep, audible breath that expresses sadness, tiredness, relief, etc.

彼は椅子に寄りかかり、ため息をついた。

“I know. You've got all the answers, I've got all the answers.

「わかってる。君は全て答えを知っているし、私も全て答えを知っている。

And I still don't like it.

それでも私はそれが気に入らない。

What the hell were you doing with these people anyway?

what the hell (一体全体) [間] used to express anger, surprise, or disgust

these people (こんな連中) [名] the people being referred to

一体全体、君はこんな連中と何をしていたんだ?

The guy writes you a check for a grand, then tears it up.

up (捨てる) [副] to a higher place or position

男は君に千ドルの小切手を書いて、それから破り捨てる。

Got mad at you, you say.

君に怒ったんだ、と君は言う。

You didn't want it anyway, wouldn't have taken it, you say.

君はとにかくそれを欲しがらなかったし、受け取らなかっただろう、と君は言う。

Maybe.

たぶん。

Did he think you were sleeping with his wife?”

彼は君が彼の妻と寝ていると思ったのか?」

“Lay off, Bernie.”

「やめろ、バーニー」

“I didn't ask were you, I asked did he think you were.”

were (だった) [動] be in the past tense

「君が寝ていたかとは聞かなかった、彼が君が寝ていると思ったか聞いたんだ」

“Same answer.”

「同じ答えだ」

“Okay, try this. What did the Mex have on him?”

have on (握っている) [動] to have information about someone that you can use to control or influence them

「オーケー、こうしよう。メキシコ人は彼に何を握っていたんだ?」

“Nothing that I know of.”

「私の知る限り何も」

“The Mex has too much money.

「メキシコ人は金持ちすぎる。

Over fifteen hundred in the bank, all kinds of clothes, a brand new Chevy.”

over fifteen hundred (千五百ドル以上) [名] an amount of money

all kinds of (あらゆる種類の) [限] a large number or wide range of

brand new (新品の) [形] recently bought or made

Chevy (シェビー) [名] a Chevrolet car

銀行に千五百ドル以上、あらゆる種類の服、新品のシェビー」

“Maybe he peddles dope,” I said.

peddle (売る) [動] sell (goods) from place to place

「麻薬の売人かもしれない」と私は言った。

Ohls pushed himself up out of the chair and scowled down at me.

push oneself up (立ち上がる) [動] to move from a sitting or lying position to a standing position

オールズは椅子から立ち上がり、私を睨みつけた。

“You're an awful lucky boy, Marlowe. Twice you've slid out from under a heavy one.

one (やつ) [名] a person

「あなたはひどく運のいい奴だ、マーロウ。二度も重いやつから逃げ出した。

You could get overconfident.

overconfident (自信過剰) [形] having too much confidence

自信過剰になるかもしれない。

You were pretty helpful to those people and you didn't make a dime.

君はあの人たちをかなり助けたのに、一銭も稼がなかった。

You were pretty helpful to a guy named Lennox too, the way I hear it.

君はレノックスという男にもかなり助けたと聞いている。

And you didn't make a dime out of that one either.

that (その) [限] the one mentioned before

そして、君はそこからも一銭も稼がなかった。

What do you do for eating money, pal?

君は食費を稼ぐために何をしているんだい?

You got a lot saved so you don't have to work any more?”

君はたくさん貯金があって、もう働かなくてもいいのか?」

I stood up and walked around the desk and faced him.

walk around (回る) [動] move around something

私は立ち上がって机を回り、彼と向き合った。

“I'm a romantic, Bernie. I hear voices crying in the night and I go see what's the matter.

romantic (ロマンチスト) [名] a person who is romantic

「私はロマンチストなんだ、バーニー。夜に泣き声が聞こえたら、何が起こっているのか見に行く。

You don't make a dime that way.

dime (10セント) [名] a coin worth ten cents

そういうやり方では10セントも稼げない。

You got sense, you shut your windows and turn up more sound on the TV set.

get sense (分別のある) [動] to become aware of something

分別のある人は窓を閉め、テレビの音量を上げる。

Or you shove down on the gas and get far away from there.

shove down (踏み込む) [動] push or thrust something with force

gas (アクセル) [名] the pedal that controls the speed of a vehicle

get far away (遠ざかる) [動] move a long distance away

あるいはアクセルを踏み込んで、そこから遠ざかる。

Stay out of other people's troubles.

stay out of (首を突っ込むな) [動] not get involved in something

other people's (他人の) [名] people other than yourself

他人のトラブルに首を突っ込むな。

All it can get you is the smear.

smear (汚名) [名] a mark or stain

得るものは汚名だけだ。

The last time I saw Terry Lennox we had a cup of coffee together that I made myself in my house, and we smoked a cigarette.

have a cup of coffee (コーヒーを飲む) [動] drink a cup of coffee

私が最後にテリー・レノックスに会ったとき、私たちは私の家で私が淹れたコーヒーを飲み、タバコを吸った。

So when I heard he was dead I went out to the kitchen and made some coffee and poured a cup for him and lit a cigarette for him and when the coffee was cold and the cigarette was burned down I said goodnight to him.

burn down (燃え尽きる) [動] be destroyed or consumed by fire

だから彼が死んだと聞いたとき、私は台所に行ってコーヒーを淹れ、彼のために一杯注ぎ、彼のためにタバコに火をつけ、コーヒーが冷めてタバコが燃え尽きるまで彼に話しかけ、おやすみなさいと言った。

You don't make a dime that way.

そんなやり方では10セントも稼げない。

You wouldn't do it.

君はそんなことはしない。

That's why you're a good cop and I'm a private eye.

だから君は良い警官で、私は私立探偵なんだ。

Eileen Wade is worried about her husband, so I go out and find him and bring him home.

アイリーン・ウェードは夫のことを心配しているから、私は出かけて彼を見つけて家に連れて帰る。

Another time he's in trouble and calls me up and I go out and carry him in off the lawn and put him to bed and I don't make a dime out of it.

make a dime (10セント稼ぐ) [動] to earn a small amount of money

別の時に彼は困って私に電話をかけてきて、私は出かけて彼を芝生から運び出し、ベッドに寝かせたが、私はそれで10セントも稼げなかった。

No percentage at all.

全く割に合わない。

No nothing, except sometimes I get my face pushed in or get tossed in the can or get threatened by some fast money boy like Mendy Menendez.

get one's face pushed in (顔を殴られる) [動] to be punched in the face

get tossed in the can (刑務所に入れられる) [動] to be put in jail

get threatened (脅される) [動] to be told that one will be hurt or punished if one does not do something

fast money boy (金持ちの若造) [名] a young man who has made a lot of money quickly

何も、時々顔を殴られたり、刑務所に入れられたり、メンディ・メネンデスのような金持ちの若造に脅されたりする以外は。

But no money, not a dime.

でもお金は、10セントも。

I've got a five-thousand-dollar bill in my safe but I'll never spend a nickel of it.

金庫に5000ドル札があるが、そのうちの5セントも使わない。

Because there was something wrong with the way I got it.

それを手に入れた方法に何か問題があったからだ。

I played with it a little at first and I still get it out once in a while and look at it.

最初は少し遊んだし、今でも時々取り出して眺める。

But that's all--not a dime of spending money.”

not a dime (10セントも使わない) [句] not even a small amount

でもそれだけだ、10セントも使わない」

“Must be a phony,” Ohls said dryly, “except they don't make them that big.

「偽物に違いない」とオールズは冷たく言った、「ただ、偽物でもそんなに大きくは作らない。

So what's your point with all this yap?”

what's your point (どういうつもりだ) [名] the main idea or purpose of something

all this yap (こんなくだらないことを言う) [名] a lot of talking or chattering

で、こんなくだらないことを言うのはどういうつもりだ?」

“No point. I told you I was a romantic.”

「何の意味もない。ロマンチストだと言っただろう」

“I heard you. And you don't make a dime at it.

「聞いたよ。しかもそれで一銭も稼げない。

I heard that too.”

それも聞いたよ」

“But I can always tell a cop to go to hell.

「でも、いつでも警官に地獄に落ちろと言えるんだ。

Go to hell, Bernie.”

地獄に落ちろ、バーニー」

“You wouldn't tell me to go to hell if I had you in the back room under the light, chum.”

back room (奥の部屋) [名] a room at the back of a building

under the light (照明の下) [名] a device for producing light

「私が君を奥の部屋の照明の下に連れて行ったら、地獄に落ちろなんて言わないだろうな、相棒」

“Maybe we'll find out about that some day.”

「いつかそのことがわかればいいな」

He walked to the door and yanked it open.

彼はドアまで歩いて行き、それをぐいと開けた。

“You know something, kid?

「何か知ってるかい、坊や?

You think you're cute but you're just stupid.

自分は可愛いと思ってるんだろうけど、ただの馬鹿だよ。

You're a shadow on the wall.

君は壁の影だ。

I've got twenty years on the cops without a mark against me.

mark (記録) [名] a symbol or word that is written or printed

against (不名誉な) [形] not in favor of; opposed to

私は警察で20年間働いてきたが、一度も不名誉な記録はない。

I know when I'm being kidded and I know when a guy is holding out on me.

kid (からかう) [動] to make fun of someone in a playful way

hold out (隠す) [動] to keep something secret or hidden

私がからかわれている時も、誰かが私に何かを隠している時も分かるんだ。

The wise guy never fools anybody but himself.

賢い奴は誰も騙さない、自分以外は。

Take it from me, chum.

私から受け取って、相棒。

I know.”

分かってる。」

He pulled his head back out of the doorway and let the door close.

彼は頭を戸口から引っ込めて、ドアを閉めた。

His heels hammered down the corridor.

hammer (打ち鳴らす) [動] hit or strike heavily and repeatedly

彼の踵が廊下を打ち鳴らした。

I could still hear them when the phone on my desk started to sound.

机の上の電話が鳴り始めた時もまだ彼らの声が聞こえた。

The voice said in that clear professional tone:

professional (プロの) [形] of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession or its members

その声は明瞭なプロの口調で言った。

“New York is calling Mr. Philip Marlowe.”

「ニューヨークからフィリップ・マーロウさんに電話です」

“I'm Philip Marlowe.”

「私、フィリップ・マーロウです」

“Thank you. One moment, please, Mr. Marlowe.

「ありがとう。少々お待ちください、マーロウさん」

Here is your party.”

おつなぎします」

The next voice I knew.

次に聞こえた声は知っていた。

“Howard Spencer, Mr. Marlowe.

「ハワード・スペンサーです、マーロウさん。

We've heard about Roger Wade.

ロジャー・ウェードのことを聞きました。

It was a pretty hard blow.

blow (衝撃) [名] a sudden event that has a strong and unpleasant effect

かなりの衝撃だった。

We haven't the full details, but your name seems to be involved.”

full detail (詳細) [名] all the facts about something

詳細は分かりませんが、あなたの名前が関係しているようです」

“I was there when it happened.

「それが起こったとき私はそこにいました。

He just got drunk and shot himself.

shoot oneself (自分を撃つ) [動] shoot oneself

彼はただ酔っ払って自分を撃っただけだ。

Mrs. Wade came home a little later.

a little later (少し遅れて) [副] after a short time

ウェード夫人は少し遅れて帰宅した。

The servants were away--Thursday's the day off.”

使用人はいなかった。木曜日は休みだ」

“You were alone with him?”

「彼と二人きりだったのか?」

“I wasn't with him.

「私は彼と一緒ではなかった。

I was outside the house, just hanging around waiting for his wife to come home.”

be outside (外にいる) [動] be on the outside of something

私は家の外にいて、彼の妻が帰宅するのを待っていただけだ」

“I see. Well, I suppose there will be an inquest.”

「なるほど。まあ、検死があるだろう」

“It's all over, Mr. Spencer. Suicide.

「すべて終わりました、スペンサーさん。自殺です。

And remarkably little publicity.”

remarkably (驚くほど) [副] in a way that is very noticeable or surprising

そして驚くほどほとんど宣伝しなかった」

“Really? That's curious.”

「本当に? それは奇妙だ」

He didn't exactly sound disappointed--more like puzzled and surprised.

disappointed (失望した) [形] unhappy because something that you hoped for or expected did not happen

彼は失望したというよりは、困惑して驚いたようだった。

“He was so well known.

well known (有名な) [形] known by many people

「彼はとても有名だった。

I should have thought--well, never mind what I thought.

should have (すべきだった) [助] used to express a past obligation or advice

thought (考えた) [動] have or formulate in the mind

never mind (気にしないで) [動] do not worry about or be concerned about

私は考えるべきだった--まあ、私が何を考えたかは気にしないで。

I guess I'd better fly out there, but I can't make it before the end of next week.

next week (来週) [名] the week after this week

飛行機で行った方がいいと思うけど、来週末までには行けない。

I'll send a wire to Mrs. Wade.

send (打つ) [動] cause to be conveyed

ウェード夫人に電報を打つ。

There may be something I could do for her--and also about the book.

There may be (あるかもしれない) [動] it is possible that there is

for her (彼女のために) [前] for the benefit of her

and also (そしてまた) [接] and in addition

about the book (本について) [前] on the subject of the book

彼女のために何かできることがあるかもしれない--そして本についても。

I mean there may be enough of it so that we could get someone to finish it.

so that (~ように) [接] with the result or aim that

get someone to do (誰かに~してもらう) [動] cause someone to do something

つまり、誰かに完成させてもらうのに十分な量があるかもしれないということだ。

I assume you did take the job after all.”

結局、仕事を引き受けたんだね」

“No. Although he asked me to himself.

「いいえ。彼自身が私に頼んだにもかかわらず。

I told him right out I couldn't stop him from drinking.”

right out (はっきりと) [副] in a direct and open manner

私は彼に、彼の飲酒を止めることはできないとはっきりと言った」

“Apparently you didn't even try.”

apparently (どうやら) [副] as far as one knows or can see

「どうやら、あなたは試みさえしなかったようだ」

“Look, Mr. Spencer, you don't know the first damn thing about this situation.

Mr. Spencer (スペンサーさん) [名] a man's name

「見てください、スペンサーさん、あなたはこの状況について最初のくそったれなことを知らない。

Why not wait until you do before jumping to conclusions?

jump to conclusions (結論を出す) [動] to make a decision or form an opinion about something without having all the facts

結論を出す前に、そうするまで待ってみませんか?

Not that I don't blame myself a little.

not that (わけではない) [接] it is not the case that

自分を少しも責めていないわけではない。

I guess that's inevitable when something like this happens, and you're the guy on the spot.”

inevitable (避けられない) [形] certain to happen; unavoidable

spot (現場) [名] a particular place or location

こういうことが起こったときには避けられないことだと思うし、あなたはその場にいた人だ」

“Of course,” he said.

「もちろん」と彼は言った。

“I'm sorry I made that remark.

make a remark (発言する) [動] say something

「そんな発言をしてすみません。

Most uncalled for.

uncalled for (必要のないもの) [形] unnecessary or inappropriate

ほとんど必要のないものだった。

Will Eileen Wade be at her home now--or wouldn't you know?”

アイリーン・ウェードは今自宅にいるだろうか? それとも知らないか?」

“I wouldn't know, Mr. Spencer.

「知りません、スペンサーさん。

Why don't you just call her up?”

彼女に電話してみませんか?」

“I hardly think she would want to speak to anyone yet,” he said slowly.

「彼女がまだ誰かと話したいとは思わない」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“Why not? She talked to the Coroner and never batted an eye.”

「どうして? 彼女は検死官と話したが、まばたきもしなかった」

He cleared his throat.

彼は咳払いをした。

“You don't sound exactly sympathetic.”

sympathetic (同情している) [形] feeling or showing sympathy

「あなたは同情しているように聞こえない」

“Roger Wade is dead, Spencer.

「ロジャー・ウェードが死んだ、スペンサー。

He was a bit of a bastard and maybe a bit of a genius too.

genius (天才) [名] a person who is exceptionally intelligent or creative, either generally or in some particular respect

彼は少しろくでなしで、もしかしたら少し天才でもあった。

That's over my head.

over one's head (理解を超えている) [熟] beyond one's ability to understand

それは私の理解を超えている。

He was an egotistical drunk and he hated his own guts.

egotistical (利己的な) [形] excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself

彼は利己的な酔っぱらいで、自分の内臓を憎んでいた。

He made me a lot of trouble and in the end a lot of grief.

grief (悲しみ) [名] deep sorrow or mental suffering caused by a loss or misfortune

彼は私に多くのトラブルを起こし、最後には多くの悲しみをもたらした。

Why the hell should I be sympathetic?”

the hell (一体) [名] used to express anger, surprise, or annoyance

be sympathetic (同情する) [動] feel or show sympathy

なぜ私が同情しなければならないんだ?」

“I was talking about Mrs. Wade,” he said shortly.

「私はウェード夫人のことを話していたんだ」と彼は短く言った。

“So was I.”

「私もそうだった」

“I'll call you when I get in,” he said abruptly.

get in (着く) [動] to arrive at a place

「着いたら電話する」と彼は唐突に言った。

“Goodbye.”

「さようなら」

He hung up. I hung up.

彼は電話を切った。私は電話を切った。

I stared at the telephone for a couple of minutes without moving.

without moving (動かずに) [副] in a stationary manner

私は数分間動かずに電話を見つめた。

Then I got the phone book up on the desk and looked for a number.

phone book (電話帳) [名] a book listing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people in a city or area

それから私は机の上の電話帳を取り、番号を探した。

[40]

I called Sewell Endicott's office.

私はスーエル・エンディコットの事務所に電話した。

Somebody said he was in court and would not be available until late in the afternoon.

誰かが彼は法廷にいて午後遅くまで戻らないと言った。

Would I care to leave my name?

名前を残してもいいですか?

No.

いいえ。

I dialed the number of Mendy Menendez's joint on the Strip.

私はストリップにあるメンディ・メネンデスの店の番号をダイヤルした。

It was called El Tapado this year, not a bad name either.

El Tapado (エル・タパド) [名] a name

not a bad name (悪くない名前) [名] a name that is not bad

今年はエル・タパドと呼ばれていたが、これも悪くない名前だ。

In American Spanish that means buried treasure among other things.

American Spanish (アメリカのスペイン語) [名] the Spanish language as spoken in the Americas

buried treasure (埋蔵金) [名] a valuable collection of items that has been hidden in the ground

アメリカのスペイン語では、それはとりわけ埋蔵金という意味だ。

It had been called other names in the past, quite a few other names.

quite a few (かなりの数) [名] a large number

過去には他の名前で呼ばれていたが、かなりの数の名前があった。

One year it was just a blue neon number on a blank high wall facing south on the Strip, with its back against the hill and a driveway curving around one side out of sight of the street.

one year (ある年) [名] a period of 365 or 366 days

neon (ネオン) [名] a noble gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and that forms a reddish glow when used in electric lamps

number (数字) [名] a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label

blank (真っ白な) [形] empty

curve (曲がる) [動] move or cause to move in a smooth, rounded course

ある年には、ストリップの南向きの真っ白な高い壁に青いネオンの数字が描かれているだけで、背後には丘があり、車道は通りから見えない片側を曲がっていた。

Very exclusive.

exclusive (高級な) [形] excluding or not admitting other things

とても高級だ。

Nobody knew much about it except vice cops and mobsters and people who could afford thirty bucks for a good dinner and any amount up to fifty grand in the big quiet room upstairs.

vice cop (風紀課の警官) [名] a police officer who enforces laws against vice

mobster (ギャング) [名] a member of a criminal gang

thirty bucks (30ドル) [名] thirty dollars

good dinner (おいしい夕食) [名] a dinner that is enjoyable

fifty grand (5万ドル) [名] fifty thousand dollars

風紀課の警官やギャング、そしておいしい夕食に30ドル、2階の静かな大部屋で5万ドルまで払える人以外は、誰もそのことをよく知らなかった。

I got a woman who didn't know from nothing.

何も知らない女を捕まえた。

Then I got a captain with a Mex accent.

captain (巡査部長) [名] a police officer of high rank

それからメキシコ訛りの巡査部長に代わった。

“You wish to speak with Mr. Menendez? Who is calling?”

speak with (話す) [動] to talk to someone

Mr. Menendez (メネンデスさん) [名] a man's name

「メネンデスさんとお話ししたいのですか? どなたですか?」

“No names, amigo. Private matter.”

No names (名前は言えない) [名] a phrase used to indicate that one does not want to reveal the identity of someone

Private matter (内緒だ) [名] a matter that is not to be discussed with others

「名前は言えない、アミーゴ。内緒だ」

“Un momento, por favor.”

un momento (少々) [名] a short period of time

「少々お待ちください」

There was a longish wait.

longish (かなりの) [形] fairly long

かなり待たされた。

I got a hard boy this time.

hard (手強い) [形] difficult to do or deal with

今度は手強い男を捕まえた。

He sounded as if he was talking through the slit in an armored car.

armored car (装甲車) [名] a vehicle that is protected by armor

彼は装甲車のスリットから話しているように聞こえた。

It was probably just the slit in his face.

slit (スリット) [名] a long narrow cut or opening

おそらく彼の顔のスリットのせいだろう。

“Talk it up. Who wants him?”

「話せ。誰が彼を欲しがっているんだ?」

“The name's Marlowe.”

「名前はマーロウだ。」

“Who's Marlowe?”

「マーロウって誰だ?」

“This Chick Agostino?”

「このチック・アゴスティーノ?」

“No, this ain't Chick.

「いや、これはチックじゃない。

Come on, let's have the password.”

let's have (教えろ) [動] to give or allow someone to have something

さあ、合言葉を教えろ。」

“Go fry your face.”

fry (焼く) [動] cook in hot fat

「顔を焼きに行け。」

There was a chuckle.

chuckle (くすくす笑い) [名] a quiet laugh

くすくす笑いがあった。

“Hold the line.”

hold the line (電話を切らないで) [動] to wait for a short time

「電話を切らないで。」

Finally another voice said: “Hello, cheapie. What's the time by you?”

hello (やあ) [間] used as a greeting

what's the time (何時だ) [名] the time of day

ついに別の声が言った。「やあ、安物。そっちは何時だ?」

“You alone?”

「一人か?」

“You can talk, cheapie.

「話せるぞ、安物。

I been looking over some acts for the floor show.”

floor show (フロアショー) [名] a show performed on the main floor of a nightclub or restaurant

フロアショーの出し物をいくつか見ていたんだ。」

“You could cut your throat for one.”

cut one's throat (喉を切る) [動] kill oneself by cutting one's throat

「一本のために喉を切ってもいいくらいだ。」

“What would I do for an encore?”

encore (アンコール) [名] a repeated or additional performance of an item at the end of a concert, as called for by an audience

「アンコールには何をすればいいんだ?」

I laughed.

私は笑った。

He laughed.

彼は笑った。

“Been keeping your nose clean?” he asked.

「おとなしくしていたのか?」と彼は尋ねた。

“Haven't you heard?

「聞いてないのか?

I got to be friends with another guy who suicided.

私は自殺した別の男と友達になった。

They're going to call me the 'Kiss-of-Death Kid' from now on.”

これからは私のことを「死の接吻の子供」と呼ぶだろう。」

“That's funny, huh?”

「それは面白いね?」

“No, it isn't funny.

「いや、面白くない。

Also the other afternoon I had tea with Harlan Potter.”

the other afternoon (先日午後) [名] the afternoon of the day before yesterday

have tea (お茶を飲む) [動] drink tea

それに、先日午後、私はハーラン・ポッターとお茶を飲んだ。」

“Nice going. I never drink the stuff myself.”

nice going (いい調子だ) [間] used to express approval

stuff (飲み物) [名] an unspecified substance or thing

「いい調子だ。私は自分では絶対に飲まない。」

“He said for you to be nice to me.”

be nice to (親切にする) [動] be kind to

「彼は私に親切にするように言った。」

“I never met the guy and I don't figure to.”

figure (つもり) [動] think or expect

「私はその男に会ったことがないし、会うつもりもない。」

“He casts a long shadow.

cast (落とす) [動] throw or fling something with force

「彼は長い影を落とす。

All I want is a little information, Mendy.

私が欲しいのはちょっとした情報だけだ、メンディ。

Like about Paul Marston.”

ポール・マーストンについてのような。」

“Never heard of him.”

「彼のことは聞いたことがない。」

“You said that too quick.

「それを言うのが早すぎる。

Paul Marston was the name Terry Lennox used one time in New York before he came west.”

ポール・マーストンはテリー・レノックスが西部に来る前にニューヨークで一度使っていた名前だ。」

“So?”

「それで?」

“His prints were checked through the F.B.I. files. No record.

「彼の指紋はFBIのファイルで調べられた。記録はなし。

That means he never served in the Armed Forces.”

Armed Forces (軍隊) [名] the military forces of a country

つまり彼は軍隊に勤務したことがない。」

“So?”

「それで?」

“Do I have to draw you a picture?

draw (描く) [動] to make a picture of something with a pencil, pen, or crayon

「絵を描いて説明する必要があるか?

Either that foxhole yarn of yours was all spaghetti or it happened somewhere else.”

spaghetti (でたらめ) [名] a long, thin, cylindrical pasta

君のあの塹壕の話は全部でたらめだったか、どこか別の場所で起こったかのどちらかだ。」

“I didn't say where it happened, cheapie.

「どこで起こったかなんて言ってないぜ、安物。

Take a kind word and forget the whole thing.

親切な言葉を受け入れ、全てを忘れろ。

You got told, you better stay told.”

get told (言われる) [動] to be told something

stay told (言われた通りにする) [動] to do what you are told

言われた通りにしておけ。」

“Oh sure. I do something you don't like and I'm swimming to Catalina with a streetcar on my back.

Catalina (カタリナ) [名] an island off the coast of California

「ああ、もちろん。私が何か気に入らないことをしたら、私は背中に路面電車を乗せてカタリナまで泳ぐことになる。

Don't try to scare me, Mendy.

scare (怖がらせる) [動] to cause to become frightened

私を怖がらせようとしないで、メンディ。

I've been up against the pros.

be up against (戦う) [動] to be in a situation where you are competing with someone or something

pro (プロ) [名] a person who is paid to play a sport or game

私はプロと戦ってきた。

You ever been in England?”

be in (~に行ったことがある) [動] to have visited a place

イギリスに行ったことはあるか?」

“Be smart, cheapie.

「賢くしろ、安物。

Things can happen to a guy in this town.

この街ではいろいろなことが起こりうる。

Things can happen to big strong boys like Big Willie Magoon.

ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンのような大きくて強い男にもいろいろなことが起こりうる。

Take a look at the evening paper.”

夕刊を見てみろ」

“I'll get one if you say so.

「そう言うなら、そうするよ。

It might even have my picture in it.

have (載っている) [動] contain or be made up of

私の写真が載っているかもしれない。

What about Magoon?”

Magoon (マグーン) [名] a character in the story

マグーンはどうなった?」

“Like I said--things can happen.

「言ったように、何かが起こりうる。

I wouldn't know how except what I read.

本で読んだ以外に方法は知らない。

Seems Magoon tried to shake down four boys in a car with Nevada plates.

shake down (脅迫する) [動] to extort money from

Nevada (ネバダ) [名] a state in the western United States

plate (ナンバープレート) [名] a flat piece of metal with a number on it that is attached to the front and back of a vehicle

マグーンはネバダのナンバープレートの車に乗った4人の少年を脅迫しようとしたらしい。

Was parked right by his house.

彼の家のすぐそばに駐車されていた。

Nevada plates with big numbers like they don't have.

ネバダのナンバープレートには大きな数字が書いてあって、彼らは持っていなかった。

Must have been some kind of a rib.

some kind of (一部) [名] a part of something

肋骨の一部だったに違いない。

Only Magoon ain't feeling funny, what with both arms in casts, and his jaw wired in three places, and one leg in high traction.

what with (~なので) [接] because of

cast (ギプス) [名] a hard casing used to immobilize a broken bone

leg (脚) [名] one of the two lower limbs of a person or animal

traction (牽引) [名] the act of pulling something

マグーンだけは両腕をギプスで固められ、顎を3か所ワイヤーで固定され、片足を牽引されているので、笑えない。

Magoon ain't tough any more.

マグーンはもうタフではない。

It could happen to you.”

あなたにも起こりうることだ」

“He bothered you, huh?

「彼はあなたを悩ませた、そうでしょう?

I saw him bounce your boy Chick off the wall in front of Victor's.

bounce (叩きつける) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

彼がビクターの前であなたの子分チックを壁に叩きつけたのを見た。

Should I ring up a friend in the Sheriff's office and tell him?”

ring up (電話する) [動] call someone on the phone

保安局の友人に電話して伝えようか?」

“You do that, cheapie,” he said very slowly.

「そうしろ、安物」彼はゆっくりと言った。

“You do that.”

「そうしろ」

“And I'll mention that at the time I was just through having a drink with Harlan Potter's daughter.

at the time (その時) [名] the time when something happens

just through (ちょうど終わった) [形] having just finished

Harlan Potter's daughter (ハーラン・ポッターの娘) [名] the daughter of Harlan Potter

「そして、その時私はハーラン・ポッターの娘と飲み終わったところだったと言うだろう。

Corroborative evidence, in a sense, don't you think?

corroborative evidence (補強証拠) [名] evidence that confirms or supports other evidence

don't you think (思う) [動] to have an opinion or belief about something

ある意味、補強証拠になると思うが?

You figure to smash her up too?”

up (も) [副] also

彼女も殴るつもりか?」

“Listen to me careful, cheapie--”

「よく聞け、安物野郎」

“Were you ever in England, Mendy?

「イギリスに行ったことはあるか、メンディ?

You and Randy Starr and Paul Marston or Terry Lennox or whatever his name was?

君とランディ・スターとポール・マーストン、あるいはテリー・レノックス、あるいは彼の名前が何であれ?

In the British Army perhaps?

British Army (イギリス軍) [名] the military land forces of the United Kingdom

イギリス軍にいたとか?

Had a little racket in Soho and got hot and figured the Army was a cooling-off spot?”

have a little racket (ちょっとした悪事を働く) [動] to be involved in illegal or dishonest activities

Soho (ソーホー) [名] a district in London

get hot (追い詰められる) [動] to be in a difficult or dangerous situation

cooling-off spot (逃げ場) [名] a place where someone can go to relax or calm down

ソーホーでちょっとした悪事を働いて、追い詰められて、軍隊が逃げ場だと思ったとか?」

“Hold the line.”

「電話を切らないで」

I held it.

hold (切らない) [動] to keep in a certain position or state

私は電話を切らなかった。

Nothing happened except that I waited and my arm got tired.

何も起こらなかったが、私は待ち続け、腕が疲れた。

I switched the receiver to the other side.

switch (持ち替える) [動] change from one thing to another

私は受話器を反対側の耳に持ち替えた。

Finally he came back.

やっと彼が戻ってきた。

“Now listen careful, Marlowe. You stir up that Lennox case and you're dead.

stir up (蒸し返す) [動] to cause (something unpleasant) to happen again

「よく聞け、マーロウ。レノックス事件を蒸し返したらあなたは死ぬ。

Terry was a pal and I got feelings too.

テリーは友人だったし、私にも感情がある。

So you got feelings.

感情があるんだな。

I'll go along with you just this far.

go along with (従う) [動] to agree with or accept something

just this far (ここまで) [副] to this extent or degree

ここまではあなたに従う。

It was a Commando outfit.

Commando (コマンド部隊) [名] a member of a military unit trained to carry out surprise raids

コマンド部隊の服装だった。

It was British. It happened in Norway, one of those islands off the coast.

British (イギリス軍) [名] the armed forces of the United Kingdom

Norway (ノルウェー) [名] a country located in northern Europe

イギリス軍だった。ノルウェーの海岸沖の島の1つで起こった。

They got a million of them.

彼らは100万個持っている。

November 1942.

November (11月) [名] the eleventh month of the year

1942 (1942年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

1942年11月。

Now will you lie down and rest that tired brain of yours?”

lie down (横になる) [動] to be in or move into a horizontal position

rest (休める) [動] to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength

さあ、横になって疲れた脳を休めたら?」

“Thank you, Mendy. I will do that.

will (そうする) [助] express a strong intention or determination

「ありがとう、メンディ。そうするよ。

Your secret is safe with me.

safe (安全) [形] free from danger or threat

with (任せて) [前] in the company of; accompanied by

あなたの秘密は私に任せて。

I'm not telling it to anybody but the people I know.”

知り合い以外には誰にも言わない」

“Buy yourself a paper, cheapie.

cheapie (ケチ) [名] a person who is unwilling to spend money

「新聞を買えよ、ケチ。

Read and remember.

読んで覚えろ。

Big tough Willie Magoon.

Willie Magoon (ウィリー・マグーン) [名] a character in the story

大きくてタフなウィリー・マグーン。

Beat up in front of his own house.

beat up (殴る) [動] to hit someone or something repeatedly and violently

自分の家の前で殴られた。

Boy, was he surprised when he come out of the ether!”

ether (麻酔) [名] a colorless volatile liquid used as an anesthetic

麻酔から覚めた時、彼は驚いたよ!」

He hung up.

彼は電話を切った。

I went downstairs and bought a paper and it was just as Menendez had said.

just as (ちょうど〜の通り) [接] in the same way that

私は階下に行き、新聞を買ったが、それはメネンデスが言った通りだった。

There was a picture of Big Willie Magoon in his hospital bed.

hospital bed (病院のベッド) [名] a bed in a hospital

病院のベッドにいるビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンの写真があった。

You could see half his face and one eye.

彼の顔の半分と片目が見えた。

The rest of him was bandages.

bandage (包帯) [名] a strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body

彼の残りの部分は包帯だった。

Seriously but not critically injured.

seriously (重傷) [副] to a severe or intense degree

critically (致命傷) [副] in a way that is extremely serious or dangerous

重傷だが致命傷ではない。

The boys had been very careful about that.

少年たちはその点については非常に注意深かった。

They wanted him to live.

彼らは彼に生きて欲しかった。

After all he was a cop.

結局のところ彼は警官だった。

In our town the mobs don't kill a cop.

私たちの町ではギャングは警官を殺さない。

They leave that to the juveniles.

彼らはそれを少年たちに任せる。

And a live cop who has been put through the meat grinder is a much better advertisement.

meat grinder (肉挽き機) [名] a machine that grinds meat

advertisement (宣伝) [名] a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy

そして肉挽き機にかけられた生きた警官ははるかに良い宣伝になる。

He gets well eventually and goes back to work.

get well (回復する) [動] become healthy again

彼は最終的に回復して仕事に戻る。

But from that time on something is missing--the last inch of steel that makes all the difference.

from that time on (その時から) [副] from that time forward

be missing (欠けている) [動] be absent or lacking

the last inch (最後の一インチ) [名] the final part of something

make all the difference (すべての違いを生み出す) [動] be the deciding factor

しかしその時から何かが欠けている--すべての違いを生み出す最後の一インチの鋼鉄。

He's a walking lesson that it is a mistake to push the racket boys too hard--especially if you are on the vice squad and eating at the best places and driving a Cadillac.

彼は歩く教訓であり、ラケット少年たちをあまり強く押しすぎるのは間違いである--特にあなたが風紀班にいて、最高の場所で食事をし、キャデラックを運転しているならば。

I sat there and brooded about it for a while and then I dialed the number of The Carne Organization and asked for George Peters.

ask for (呼び出す) [動] request to speak to someone on the telephone

私はそこに座ってしばらくそれについて考え込んだ後、カーネ・オーガニゼーションの番号をダイヤルしてジョージ・ピーターズを呼び出した。

He was out.

彼は外出していた。

I left my name and said it was urgent.

私は名前を残して、急ぎだと言った。

He was expected in about five-thirty.

expect (予定である) [動] to think or believe that something will happen or that someone will do something

five-thirty (5時半) [名] the time half past five

彼は5時半頃に帰社する予定だった。

I went over to the Hollywood Public Library and asked questions in the reference room, but couldn't find what I wanted.

Hollywood Public Library (ハリウッド公立図書館) [名] a public library in Hollywood

私はハリウッド公立図書館に行き、参考図書室で質問したが、欲しいものは見つからなかった。

So I had to go back for my Olds and drive downtown to the Main Library.

Olds (オールズモビル) [名] a brand of automobile

Main Library (中央図書館) [名] the main library of a city or town

だから私はオールズモビルを取りに戻り、ダウンタウンの中央図書館まで運転しなければならなかった。

I found it there, in a smallish red-bound book published in England.

smallish (小さな) [形] rather small

red-bound (赤い表紙の) [形] having a red cover

私はそこで、イギリスで出版された赤い表紙の小さな本の中にそれを見つけた。

I copied what I wanted from it and drove home.

copy (書き写す) [動] make an identical version of

私はそこから欲しいものを書き写して、家まで運転した。

I called The Carne Organization again.

私は再びカーネ・オーガニゼーションに電話した。

Peters was still out, so I asked the girl to reroute the call to me at home.

girl (女性) [名] a young woman

reroute (転送する) [動] send or direct along a different route

ピーターズはまだ外出中だったので、私はその女性に電話を自宅に転送するように頼んだ。

I put the chessboard on the coffee table and set out a problem called The Sphynx.

chessboard (チェス盤) [名] a board used for playing chess

The Sphynx (スフィンクス) [名] a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human

私はチェス盤をコーヒーテーブルに置き、スフィンクスと呼ばれる問題を出した。

It is printed on the end papers of a book on chess by Blackburn, the English chess wizard, probably the most dynamic chess player who ever lived, although he wouldn't get to first base in the cold war type of chess they play nowadays.

Blackburn (ブラックバーン) [名] a city in Lancashire, England

wizard (魔術師) [名] a man who has magical powers

dynamic (ダイナミックな) [形] energetic and forceful

chess player (チェスプレイヤー) [名] a person who plays chess

それは、イギリスのチェスの魔術師、ブラックバーンによるチェスに関する本の巻末に印刷されている。彼はおそらくこれまでで最もダイナミックなチェスプレイヤーだが、今日プレイされている冷戦型のチェスでは最初の一歩を踏み出すことさえできないだろう。

The Sphynx is an eleven-mover and it justifies its name.

Sphynx (スフィンクス) [名] a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human

eleven-mover (11手で解ける問題) [名] a chess problem that can be solved in eleven moves

スフィンクスは11手で解ける問題で、その名に恥じない。

Chess problems seldom run to more than four or five moves.

run to (~になる) [動] reach or amount to

チェスの問題は4手か5手以上になることはめったにない。

Beyond that the difficulty of solving them rises in almost geometrical progression.

difficulty (難易度) [名] the quality of being difficult

geometrical progression (幾何級数) [名] a sequence of numbers in which each number is multiplied by a constant to obtain the next number

それを超えると、解く難易度はほぼ幾何級数的に上昇する。

An eleven-mover is sheer unadulterated torture.

sheer (まったくもって) [形] nothing more or less than

unadulterated (純粋な) [形] not mixed or diluted with any other substance or material

torture (拷問) [名] the act of causing severe pain to someone as a punishment or in order to force them to do or say something

11手の問題はまったくもって純粋な拷問だ。

Once in a long while when I feel mean enough I set it out and look for a new way to solve it.

mean (卑劣) [形] unkind or unfair

たまに、自分が卑劣だと感じたときには、それを並べて新しい解き方を探す。

It's a nice quiet way to go crazy.

go crazy (狂う) [動] become insane or out of control

狂うにはいい静かな方法だ。

You don't even scream, but you come awfully close.

悲鳴を上げることすらないが、かなり近づいてくる。

George Peters called me at five-forty.

five-forty (5時40分) [名] a time

ジョージ・ピーターズが5時40分に電話をかけてきた。

We exchanged pleasantries and condolences.

exchange (交わす) [動] give and receive something in return for something else

pleasantry (挨拶) [名] a polite remark made in greeting or casual conversation

condolence (哀悼) [名] an expression of sympathy

私たちは挨拶と哀悼の言葉を交わした。

“You've got yourself in another jam, I see,” he said cheerfully.

「また面倒なことに巻き込まれたようだね」と彼は陽気に言った。

“Why don't you try some quiet business like embalming?”

「防腐処理のような静かな仕事を試してみたらどうだ?」

“Takes too long to learn.

「習得に時間がかかりすぎる。

Listen, I want to become a client of your agency, if it doesn't cost too much.”

聞いてくれ、私は君の代理店のクライアントになりたいんだ、あまり費用がかからなければね」

“Depends what you want done, old boy.

「何をしたいかに依るね、お兄さん。

And you'd have to talk to Carne.”

それにカーンと話さなければならない」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“Well, tell me.”

「じゃあ、教えて」

“London is full of guys like me, but I wouldn't know one from the other.

「ロンドンは私のような男でいっぱいだが、私は誰が誰だかわからない。

They call them private enquiry agents.

enquiry (探偵) [名] an investigation or official examination

彼らは私立探偵と呼ばれる。

Your outfit would have connections.

outfit (組織) [名] a group of people who work together

あなたの組織にはコネがあるでしょう。

I'd just have to pick a name at random and probably get hornswoggled.

random (無作為) [形] having no definite aim or purpose

get hornswoggled (騙される) [動] be deceived or tricked

私はただ無作為に名前を選ぶだけで、おそらく騙されるだろう。

I want some information that should be easy enough to get, and I want it quick.

簡単に手に入るはずの情報が欲しいんだ、しかもすぐに。

Must have it before the end of next week.”

来週の終わりまでには手に入れなければならない。」

“Spill.”

spill (吐く) [動] to let or cause to flow or run out, as from a container

「吐け」

“I want to know something about the war service of Terry Lennox or Paul Marston, whatever name he used.

war service (従軍) [名] military service during a war

whatever (どちらでも) [代] no matter which

「テリー・レノックス、またはポール・マーストン、どちらの名前を使っていたにせよ、彼の従軍について何か知りたいんだ。

He was in the Commandos over there.

Commandos (コマンド部隊) [名] a military unit trained and organized for carrying out raids

彼は向こうでコマンド部隊にいた。

He was captured wounded in November 1942 in a raid on some Norwegian island.

wound (負傷する) [動] inflict a wound on

November 1942 (1942年11月) [名] the eleventh month of the year 1942

Norwegian (ノルウェーの) [形] of or relating to Norway or its people or language

island (島) [名] a piece of land surrounded by water

彼は1942年11月にノルウェーの島への襲撃で負傷して捕らえられた。

I want to know what outfit he was posted from and what happened to him.

be posted (所属する) [動] to be assigned to a particular job or position

彼がどこの部隊に所属していたのか、そして彼に何が起こったのかを知りたいんだ。

The War Office will have all that.

War Office (戦争省) [名] the British government department responsible for the administration of the British Army

戦争省にはすべてあるはずだ。

It's not secret information, or I wouldn't think so.

それは秘密情報ではない、あるいはそうは思わない。

Let's say a question of inheritance is involved.”

inheritance (相続) [名] the legal process of passing on property, titles, debts, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual

involve (関係する) [動] to be connected with or concerned with something

相続の問題が関係しているとしよう。」

“You don't need a P.I. for that.

「それには私立探偵は必要ない。

You could get it direct

直接手に入れることができる。

Write them a letter.”

手紙を書けばいい。」

“Shove it, George.

「うるさい、ジョージ。

I might get an answer in three months.

3ヶ月後に返事が来るかもしれない。

I want one in five days.”

five days (5日) [名] a period of time

5日以内に欲しいんだ。」

“You have a thought there, pal. Anything else?”

have a thought (考えがある) [動] to have an idea or opinion about something

anything else (他に何か) [名] something else; anything more

「なるほど、相棒。他に何か?」

“One thing more. They keep all their vital records over there in a place they call Somerset House.

One thing more (もう1つ) [名] an additional item

vital record (重要な記録) [名] an official record of a vital event

Somerset House (サマセット・ハウス) [名] a large building in London

「もう1つ。彼らはサマセット・ハウスと呼ばれる場所にすべての重要な記録を保管している。

I want to know if he figures there in any connection--birth, marriage, naturalization, anything at all.”

figure (関係がある) [動] be involved in or connected with

birth (出生) [名] the beginning of life

naturalization (帰化) [名] the granting of citizenship to a foreigner

彼がそこに何か関係があるかどうか知りたいんだ--出生、結婚、帰化、何でもいい。」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“What do you mean, why?

「なぜってどういう意味だ?

Who's paying the bill?”

誰が支払うんだ?」

“Suppose the names don't show?”

show (載る) [動] be present or have a place in a list, book, or other record

「名前が載っていなかったら?」

“Then I'm stuck. If they do, I want certified copies of anything your man turns up.

be stuck (行き詰まる) [動] be unable to move or progress

certified copy (認証されたコピー) [名] a copy of a document that has been signed and stamped by a notary public to confirm that it is a true copy of the original document

turn up (見つける) [動] discover or notice

「それなら行き詰まる。もしそうなら、君の担当者が見つけ出したものの認証されたコピーが欲しい。

How much you soaking me?”

soak (ぼったくる) [動] to charge someone too much money for something

いくらぼったくるんだ?」

“I'll have to ask Carne. He may thumb it out altogether.

thumb (却下する) [動] reject or dismiss something

altogether (全部) [副] completely; totally

「カーンに聞かなければならない。彼は全部却下するかもしれない。

We don't want the kind of publicity you get.

私たちはあなたのような宣伝は望んでいない。

If he lets me handle it, and you agree not to mention the connection, I'd say three hundred bucks.

three hundred bucks (300ドル) [名] three hundred dollars

もし彼が私にそれを扱わせ、あなたがその関係について言及しないことに同意するなら、私は300ドルと言うだろう。

Those guys over there don't get much by dollar standards.

those guys (連中) [名] a group of people

get (稼ぐ) [動] earn or make money

向こうの連中はドル基準ではあまり稼いでいない。

He might hit us for ten guineas, less than thirty bucks.

hit (要求する) [動] to ask for or demand something

guinea (ギニー) [名] a former British gold coin with a value of one pound and one shilling

彼は私たちに10ギニー、30ドル未満を要求するかもしれない。

On top of that any expenses he might have.

その上、彼が持つかもしれないどんな経費も。

Say fifty bucks altogether and Carne wouldn't open a file for less than two-fifty.”

altogether (全部で) [副] in total

全部で50ドルだとすると、カーンは250ドル以下ではファイルを開かないだろう。」

“Professional rates.”

「プロの料金だ。」

“Ha, ha. He never heard of them.”

「はは。彼は彼らのことを聞いたことがなかった。」

“Call me, George.

「電話して、ジョージ。

Want to eat dinner?”

夕食を食べたい?」

“Romanoff's?”

Romanoff's (ロマノフ) [名] a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California

「ロマノフ?」

“All right,” I growled, “if they'll give me a reservation--which I doubt.”

reservation (予約) [名] an arrangement to have something held for you or to have a place kept for you

「分かった」私は唸った。「予約が取れればだが、それは疑わしい」

“We can have Carne's table.

have (空いている) [動] be available for use

「カーネのテーブルなら空いてるよ。

I happen to know he's dining privately.

dine (食事をする) [動] eat dinner

privately (プライベートで) [副] in a private manner

彼がプライベートで食事をしているということをたまたま知っている。

He's a regular at Romanoff's.

regular (常連) [名] a person who frequents a place

彼はロマノフの常連だ。

It pays off in the upper brackets of the business.

pay off (報われる) [動] to produce a good result

upper bracket (トップクラス) [名] the highest level of a group of people or things

それがこの業界のトップクラスでは報われる。

Carne is a pretty big boy in this town.”

カーネはこの街ではかなりの大物よ」

“Yeah, sure. I know somebody--and know him personally--who could lose Carne under his little fingernail.”

lose (隠せる) [動] be unable to find

「ああ、もちろん。カーネを小指の爪の下に隠せる人を知っている--個人的に知っている」

“Good work, kid. I always knew you would come through in the clutch.

Good work (よくやった) [名] an expression of praise

come through (切り抜ける) [動] to succeed in doing something

clutch (ピンチ) [名] a critical situation

「よくやった、坊や。君がピンチを切り抜けられるといつも思っていたよ。

See you about seven o'clock in the bar at Romanoff's.

seven o'clock (7時) [名] the time seven hours after midnight

in (で) [前] inside

the bar (バー) [名] a place where alcohol and sometimes food is served

7時頃ロマノフのバーでお会いしましょう。

Tell the head thief you're waiting for Colonel Carne.

thief (泥棒) [名] a person who steals something

カーネ大佐を待っていると、頭の泥棒に伝えろ。

He'll clear a space around you so you don't get elbowed by any riffraff like screenwriters or television actors.”

clear (空ける) [動] make (something) free of objects or obstructions

get elbowed (肘で突かれる) [動] be hit with an elbow

riffraff (下層民) [名] disreputable or undesirable people

彼は君の周りの空間を空けてくれるから、脚本家やテレビ俳優のような下層民に肘で突かれることもない」

“See you at seven,” I said.

seven (7時) [名] the number 7

「7時に会いましょう」と私は言った。

We hung up and I went back to the chess board.

電話を切り、私はチェス盤に戻った。

But The Sphynx didn't seem to interest me any more.

しかし、スフィンクスはもはや私の興味を引くものではなかった。

In a little while Peters called me back and said it was all right with Carne provided the name of their agency was not connected with my problems.

call back (電話をかけてくる) [動] return a phone call

provide (関係しない限り) [動] give or make available

しばらくしてピーターズが電話をかけてきて、カーンは、彼らの代理店の名前が私の問題に関係しない限り、問題ないと言った。

Peters said he would get a night letter off to London at once.

get (打つ) [動] to send a message

night letter (夜間電報) [名] a telegram sent at night at a reduced rate

off (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation

ピーターズはすぐにロンドンに夜間電報を打つと言った。

[41]

Howard Spencer called me on the following Friday morning.

following (次の) [形] coming after something in time; next

Friday (金曜日) [名] the sixth day of the week

ハワード・スペンサーが次の金曜日の朝に電話をかけてきた。

He was at the Ritz-Beverly and suggested I drop over for a drink in the bar.

drop over (立ち寄る) [動] visit someone or something for a short time

彼はリッツ・ビバリーにいると言い、バーで一杯飲みに来ないかと誘った。

“Better make it in your room,” I said.

「部屋で飲んだ方がいい」と私は言った。

“Very well, if you prefer it. Room 828.

prefer (したい) [動] like (one thing or person) better than another or others

「そうしたいなら、いいよ。828号室。

I've just talked to Eileen Wade.

アイリーン・ウェードと話した。

She seems quite resigned.

resign (諦める) [動] accept that something unpleasant cannot be changed

彼女はすっかり諦めているようだ。

She has read the script Roger left and says she thinks it can be finished off very easily.

easily (簡単に) [副] without difficulty or effort

彼女はロジャーが残した脚本を読んで、とても簡単に完成できると思うと言っている。

It will be a good deal shorter than his other books, but that is balanced by the publicity value.

shorter (短い) [形] having a small distance from one end to the other

value (価値) [名] the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something

彼の他の本よりもかなり短くなるだろうが、それは宣伝価値によってバランスが取れている。

I guess you think we publishers are a pretty callous bunch.

callous (冷淡な) [形] showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

私たち出版社は、かなり冷淡な連中だと思うだろう。

Eileen will be home all afternoon.

all afternoon (午後中ずっと) [名] the entire afternoon

アイリーンは午後中ずっと家にいる。

Naturally she wants to see me and I want to see her.”

当然、彼女は私に会いたがっているし、私も彼女に会いたいと思っている。」

“I'll be over in half an hour, Mr. Spencer.”

be over (伺う) [動] come or go to a place

「30分以内に伺います、スペンサーさん」

He had a nice roomy suite on the west side of the hotel.

彼はホテルの西側に広々とした素敵なスイートルームを持っていた。

The living room had tall windows opening on a narrow iron-railed balcony.

open (面する) [動] to move a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

居間には鉄の手すりがついた狭いバルコニーに面した大きな窓があった。

The furniture was upholstered in some candy-striped material and that with the heavily flowered design of the carpet gave it an old-fashioned air, except that everything you could put a drink down on had a plate glass top and there were nineteen ash trays spotted around.

upholster (覆う) [動] cover or line with fabric

candy-striped (キャンディーストライプ) [形] having stripes of two or more colors

material (布) [名] a substance from which something is or can be made

flowered (花柄) [形] having a pattern of flowers

old-fashioned (古風な) [形] of a style or type formerly in vogue

plate glass (板ガラス) [名] a thick sheet of glass with a smooth surface

there were (置かれていた) [動] exist or be present

nineteen (19個) [他] the number 19

spot (置かれていた) [動] see or notice

家具はキャンディーストライプの布で覆われ、花柄のカーペットと相まって古風な雰囲気を醸し出していたが、飲み物を置けるものにはすべて板ガラスの天板がついていて、灰皿が19個も置かれていた。

A hotel room is a pretty sharp indication of the manners of the guests.

pretty sharp (かなりはっきりとした) [形] very clear

indication (示すこと) [名] a sign or suggestion of something

manners (マナー) [名] the way in which someone behaves in a particular situation

ホテルの部屋は宿泊客のマナーをかなりはっきりと示している。

The Ritz-Beverly wasn't expecting them to have any.

The Ritz-Beverly (リッツ・ビバリー) [名] a hotel in Beverly Hills, California

リッツ・ビバリーでは彼らがマナーを守るとは期待していなかった。

Spencer shook hands.

スペンサーは握手した。

“Sit down,” he said.

「座れ」と彼は言った。

“What will you drink?”

「何を飲む?」

“Anything or nothing.

「何でもいいし、何もいらない。

I don't have to have a drink.”

飲み物はなくても構わない」

“I fancy a glass of Amontillado.

fancy (飲みたい) [動] want or wish to have or do something

Amontillado (アモンティリャード) [名] a type of sherry

「私はアモンティリャードを一杯飲みたい。

California is poor drinking country in the summer.

poor (貧弱な) [形] lacking in quality or value

drinking (飲み物) [名] a liquid that is drunk

カリフォルニアは夏には飲み物が貧弱な国だ。

In New York you can handle four times as much for one half the hangover.”

ニューヨークでは二日酔いの半分で4倍飲める」

“I'll take a rye whiskey sour.”

take (頼む) [動] to order or request something

rye whiskey (ライ・ウイスキー) [名] a type of whiskey made from rye grain

sour (サワー) [名] a cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar

「ライ・ウイスキー・サワーを頼む」

He went to the phone and ordered.

彼は電話に行き、注文した。

Then he sat down on one of the candy-striped chairs and took off his rimless glasses to polish them on a handkerchief.

それから彼はキャンディーストライプの椅子の1つに腰を下ろし、縁なしのメガネを外してハンカチで磨いた。

He put them back on, adjusted them carefully, and looked at me.

adjust (調整する) [動] make minor changes in order to achieve accuracy or improve performance

彼はそれを元に戻し、注意深く調整し、私を見た。

“I take it you have something on your mind.

take (思う) [動] to have or feel

mind (心配事) [名] the state of being mentally or emotionally disturbed or troubled

「何か心配事があるようだね。

That's why you wanted to see me up here rather than in the bar.”

だからバーではなくここで私に会いたかったんだね。」

“I'll drive you out to Idle Valley.

「アイドルバレーに連れて行ってあげるよ。

I'd like to see Mrs. Wade too.”

私もウェード夫人に会いたいんだ。」

He looked a little uncomfortable.

彼は少し居心地が悪そうだった。

“I'm not sure that she wants to see you,” he said.

not sure (わからない) [形] not having or showing confidence or certainty

「彼女があなたに会いたいかどうかはわからない」と彼は言った。

“I know she doesn't.

doesn't (会いたくない) [動] does not

「彼女が会いたくないのは知っている。

I can get in on your ticket.”

get in (入場する) [動] to be allowed to enter a place

あなたのチケットで入場できる。」

“That would not be very diplomatic of me, would it?”

「それはあまり外交的ではないね」

“She tell you she didn't want to see me?”

「彼女は私に会いたくないと言った?」

“Not exactly, not in so many words.”

exactly (はっきりと) [副] in a precise and accurate manner

so many words (そうはっきりとは) [名] a lot of words

「そうはっきりとは言っていない」

He cleared his throat.

彼は咳払いをした。

“I get the impression that she blames you for Roger's death.”

blame (せいにする) [動] to say or think that someone or something is responsible for a bad situation or event

「彼女はロジャーの死を君のせいにしているような印象を受けた」

“Yeah. She said that right out--to the deputy who came the afternoon he died.

「ああ、彼女はそう言ったよ、彼が死んだ午後に来た保安官に。

She probably said it to the Sheriff's homicide lieutenant that investigated the death.

彼女はおそらく死を調査した保安官の殺人課の警部にもそう言っただろう。

She didn't say it to the Coroner, however.”

しかし、彼女は検死官にはそう言わなかった」

He leaned back and scratched the inside of his hand with a finger, slowly.

彼は後ろにもたれかかり、ゆっくりと指で手のひらを掻いた。

It was just a sort of doodling gesture.

sort (仕草) [名] a kind, type, or category

doodling (落書き) [名] an unskillful drawing made absentmindedly

それはただの落書きのような仕草だった。

“What good would it do for you to see her, Marlowe?

「彼女に会って何になるんだ、マーロウ?

It was a pretty dreadful experience for her.

dreadful (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause great fear or suffering

彼女にとってそれはかなり恐ろしい経験だった。

I imagine her whole life had been pretty dreadful for some time.

whole life (人生) [名] the entire period of a person's life

pretty dreadful (かなり恐ろしい) [形] very bad or serious

for some time (しばらくの間) [名] a period of time

彼女の人生はしばらくの間かなり恐ろしかったと思う。

Why make her live it over?

なぜ彼女にそれを思い出させるんだ?

Do you expect to convince her that you didn't miss out a little?”

miss out (見逃す) [動] fail to get or have something

君が少しも見逃していなかったと彼女を説得するつもりか?」

“She told the deputy I killed him.”

「彼女は私が彼を殺したと副保安官に言った」

“She couldn't have meant that literally. Otherwise--”

「彼女は文字通りそれを意味したわけではない。そうでなければ--」

The door buzzer rang.

ドアのブザーが鳴った。

He got up to go to the door and open it.

彼はドアまで行って開けるために立ち上がった。

The room service waiter came in with the drinks and put them down with as much flourish as if he was serving a seven course dinner.

room service (ルームサービス) [名] the service of delivering food and drink to a hotel guest's room

as much as (まるで) [接] to the same extent or degree that

course (コース) [名] a series of lessons or classes that cover a particular subject

ルームサービスのウェイターが飲み物を持って入ってきて、まるで七品コースのディナーを提供するかのように、華麗に置いた。

Spencer signed the check and gave him four bits.

スペンサーは伝票にサインして、彼に50セント硬貨を4枚渡した。

The guy went away.

男は去っていった。

Spencer picked up his glass of sherry and walked away as if he didn't want to hand me my drink.

sherry (シェリー酒) [名] a fortified wine made in Spain

スペンサーはシェリー酒のグラスを手に取ると、私に飲み物を渡したくないかのように歩き去った。

I let it stay where it was.

stay (置く) [動] be in a place and not move or be moved

私はそれをそのままにしておいた。

“Otherwise what?”

otherwise (さもなければ) [副] in a different way; in other circumstances

「さもなければ?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“Otherwise she would have said something to the Coroner, wouldn't she?”

「さもなければ彼女は検死官に何か言っただろう、そうだろう?」

He frowned at me.

彼は私に眉をひそめた。

“I think we are talking nonsense.

「私たちはナンセンスな話をしていると思う。

Just what did you want to see me about?”

私に会って何がしたいんだ?」

“You wanted to see me.”

「私に会いたかったのでしょう。」

“Only,” he said coldy, “because when I talked to you from New York you said I was jumping to conclusions.

「ただ」と彼は冷たく言った。「私がニューヨークからあなたに話しかけた時、あなたは私が結論を急いでいると言っていた。

That implied to me that you had something to explain.

imply (暗示する) [動] to express or suggest indirectly

それは私にあなたが何か説明することがあるということを暗示していた。

Well, what is it?”

それが何だ?」

“I'd like to explain it in front of Mrs. Wade.”

「私はウェード夫人の前でそれを説明したい。」

“I don't care for the idea.

「その考えは気にいらない。

I think you had better make your own arrangements.

make one's own arrangements (自分で手配する) [動] to make plans or preparations for something

had better (した方がいい) [助] would be wiser to; would be more sensible to

あなたは自分で手配した方がいいと思う。

I have a great regard for Eileen Wade.

have a great regard (敬意を抱く) [動] to have a high opinion of someone or something

私はアイリーン・ウェードに敬意を抱いている。

As a businessman I'd like to salvage Roger's work if it can be done.

salvage (救済する) [動] save from ruin, destruction, or loss

ビジネスマンとして、私はロジャーの作品を救済したいと思っている。

If Eileen feels about you as you suggest, I can't be the means of getting you into her house.

アイリーンがあなたに対してあなたが言うような気持ちを持っているのなら、私はあなたを彼女の家に入れるための手段にはなれない。

Be reasonable.”

道理をわきまえろ」

“That's all right,” I said.

「大丈夫だ」と私は言った。

“Forget it. I can get to see her without any trouble.

「忘れろ。彼女に会うのは何の問題もない。

I just thought I'd like to have somebody along with me as a witness.”

along with (一緒に) [前] in addition to

証人として誰か一緒に来てくれる人がいたらいいなと思っただけだ」

“Witness to what?” he almost snapped at me.

snap (食ってかかる) [動] to speak or say something in an angry or impatient way

「何の証人だ?」彼は私に食ってかかった。

“You'll hear it in front of her or you won't hear it at all.”

「彼女の前で聞くか、全く聞かないかだ」

“Then I won't hear it at all.”

「それなら全く聞かない」

I stood up.

私は立ち上がった。

“You're probably doing the right thing, Spencer.

do the right thing (正しいことをする) [動] act in a way that is morally correct

「おそらく正しいことをしているんだ、スペンサー。

You want that book of Wade's--if it can be used.

ウェードの本が欲しいんだな、もしそれが使えるなら。

And you want to be a nice guy.

want to be (でありたい) [動] wish to be

そしていい人でありたい。

Both laudable ambitions.

laudable (立派な) [形] deserving praise

どちらも立派な野心だ。

I don't share either of them.

私はどちらも共有しない。

The best of luck to you and goodbye.”

best of luck (幸運を祈る) [名] a wish for someone to have good luck

幸運を祈る、さようなら」

He stood up suddenly and started towards me.

彼は突然立ち上がり、私に向かって歩き出した。

“Now just a minute, Marlowe.

「ちょっと待って、マーロウ。

I don't know what's on your mind but you seem to take it hard.

be on one's mind (考えている) [動] to be thinking about something

take it hard (悩んでいる) [動] to be very upset about something

何を考えているかわからないが、かなり悩んでいるようだ。

Is there some mystery about Roger Wade's death?”

ロジャー・ウェイドの死に何か謎があるのか?」

“No mystery at all.

「謎なんて全然ない。

He was shot through the head with a Webley Hammerless revolver.

revolver (リボルバー) [名] a pistol with a revolving chamber

彼はウェブリー・ハンマーレス・リボルバーで頭を撃たれた。

Didn't you see a report of the inquest?”

検死報告書を見なかったのか?」

“Certainly.” He was standing close to me now and he looked bothered.

bothered (困った) [形] worried or upset

「もちろん」彼は今や私の近くに立っていて、困ったように見えた。

“That was in the eastern papers and a couple of days later a much fuller account in the Los Angeles papers.

eastern (東部の) [形] of or relating to the east

「それは東部の新聞に載り、数日後にはロサンゼルスの新聞にもっと詳しい記事が載った。

He was alone in the house, although you were not far away.

あなたは遠く離れていなかったが、彼は家で一人だった。

The servants were away, Candy and the cook, and Eileen had been uptown shopping and arrived home just after it happened.

be away (留守にする) [動] to be absent from a place

be uptown (街にいる) [動] to be in the business district of a city

arrive (着く) [動] to reach a destination

使用人たちは留守で、キャンディと料理人は、アイリーンは街で買い物をしていて、それが起こった直後に帰宅した。

At the moment it happened a very noisy motorboat on the lake drowned the sound of the shot, so that even you didn't hear it.”

それが起こった瞬間、湖の上のとても騒がしいモーターボートが銃声をかき消したので、あなたでさえそれを聞かなかった。」

“That's correct,” I said.

「その通りだ」と私は言った。

“Then the motorboat went away, and I walked back from the lake edge and into the house, heard the doorbell ringing, and opened it to find Eileen Wade had forgotten her keys.

motorboat (モーターボート) [名] a boat propelled by a motor

「それからモーターボートが去り、私は湖の端から家に戻り、ドアベルが鳴っているのを聞いて、それを開けるとアイリーン・ウェードが鍵を忘れていたのを見つけた。

Roger was already dead.

ロジャーはすでに死んでいた。

She looked into the study from the doorway, thought he was asleep on the couch, went up to her room, then out to the kitchen to make some tea.

彼女は戸口から書斎を覗き、彼がソファで寝ていると思い、自分の部屋に上がってから、お茶を入れるために台所に出た。

A little later than she did I also looked into the study, noticed there was no sound of breathing, and found out why.

彼女より少し遅れて私も書斎を覗き、呼吸音がないことに気づき、その理由を突き止めた。

In due course I called the law.”

in due course (やがて) [副] at the proper time

やがて私は警察を呼んだ。」

“I see no mystery,” Spencer said quietly, all the sharpness gone from his voice.

「謎はないと思う」とスペンサーは静かに言い、声から鋭さが消えた。

“It was Roger's own gun, and only the week before he had shot it off in his own room.

「それはロジャー自身の銃で、たった一週間前に彼は自分の部屋でそれを撃った。

You found Eileen struggling to get it away from him.

get away (奪う) [動] escape or leave a place or situation

あなたはアイリーンが彼からそれを奪おうと奮闘しているのを見つけた。

His state of mind, his behavior, his depressions over his work--all that was brought out.”

state of mind (精神状態) [名] the mental state of a person

depression (憂鬱) [名] a mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, and despair

彼の精神状態、彼の行動、彼の仕事に対する憂鬱、すべてが明らかになった。」

“She told you the stuff is good.

「彼女はあなたにその品物は良いと言った。

Why should he be depressed over it?”

be depressed (落ち込む) [動] to be in a state of general unhappiness or despondency

なぜ彼はそれで落ち込むのか?」

“That's just her opinion, you know.

「それは彼女の意見にすぎない。

It may be very bad.

とてもひどいかもしれない。

Or he may have thought it worse than it was.

it (実際) [代] the thing or animal previously mentioned

was (だった) [動] be in the past tense

あるいは彼は実際よりもひどいと思ったのかもしれない。

Go on.

続けろ。

I'm not a fool.

私は馬鹿ではない。

I can see there is more.”

もっとあることがわかる。」

“The homicide dick who investigated the case is an old friend of mine.

「事件を捜査した殺人課の刑事は私の古い友人だ。

He's a bulldog and a bloodhound and an old wise cop.

bulldog (ブルドッグ) [名] a sturdy, heavily built dog with a large head and short legs

bloodhound (警察犬) [名] a large, short-haired hound with a keen sense of smell, used in tracking

彼はブルドッグで、警察犬で、賢い老刑事だ。

He doesn't like a few things.

彼はいくつかのことが嫌いだ。

Why did Roger leave no note--when he was a writing fool?

fool (大好き) [名] a person who is foolish or stupid

なぜロジャーはメモを残さなかったのか? 彼は書くのが大好きだったのに。

Why did he shoot himself in such a way as to leave the shock of discovery to his wife?

discovery (発見) [名] the action or process of discovering or being discovered

なぜ彼は妻に発見のショックを与えるような方法で自殺したのか?

Why did he bother to pick the moment when I couldn't hear the gun go off?

なぜ彼は私が銃声を聞くことができない瞬間を選んだのか?

Why did she forget her house keys so that she had to be let in to the house?

be let in (入れてもらう) [動] be allowed to enter

なぜ彼女は家の鍵を忘れて家に入れてもらう必要があったのか?

Why did she leave him alone on the day the help got off?

get off (休みである) [動] be excused from work or duty

なぜ彼女は使用人が休みの日に彼を一人にしたのか?

Remember, she said she didn't know I would be there.

思い出して、彼女は私がそこにいることを知らなかったと言った。

If she did, those two cancel out.”

cancel out (相殺される) [動] to have an effect that is opposite to and destroys the effect of something else

もし彼女がそうなら、その2つは相殺される。」

“My God,” Spencer bleated, “are you telling me the damn fool cop suspects Eileen?”

bleat (悲鳴を上げる) [動] to make a sound like a sheep or goat

damn fool (馬鹿な) [形] very foolish

「なんてことだ」スペンサーは悲鳴を上げた。「あの馬鹿な警官がアイリーンを疑っていると言うのか?」

“He would if he could think of a motive.”

think of (思い浮かべる) [動] to form an idea or opinion of

「動機が思い浮かべばそうするだろう。」

“That's ridiculous. Why not suspect you?

ridiculous (馬鹿げている) [形] deserving or inviting laughter or scorn as absurdly incongruous or inappropriate

「それは馬鹿げている。なぜ君を疑わないんだ?

You had all afternoon.

午後中ずっと時間があったのに。

There could have been only a few minutes when she could have done it--and she had forgotten her house keys.”

only a few minutes (数分しか) [名] a very short period of time

when she could have done it (彼女がそれをできる時間) [名] the time when she was able to do it

彼女がそれをできる時間は数分しかなかったはずだーそして彼女は家の鍵を忘れていた。」

“What motive could I have?”

「私にどんな動機があるというんだ?」

He reached back and grabbed my whiskey sour and swallowed it whole.

reach back (後ろに手を伸ばす) [動] stretch one's arm backwards

彼は後ろに手を伸ばして私のウイスキーサワーをつかみ、一気に飲み干した。

He put the glass down carefully and got a handkerchief out and wiped his lips and his fingers where the chilled glass had moistened them.

彼はグラスを慎重に置き、ハンカチを取り出して、冷えたグラスで湿った唇と指を拭った。

He put the handkerchief away.

彼はハンカチをしまった。

He stared at me.

彼は私をじっと見つめた。

“Is the investigation still going on?”

「捜査はまだ続いているんですか?」

“Couldn't say. One thing is sure.

couldn't say (言えない) [動] be unable to say

is sure (確かである) [動] be certain or confident about something

「言えない。一つ確かなのは

They know by now whether he had drunk enough hooch to pass him out.

彼が意識を失うほど酒を飲んだかどうかは、今頃は分かっているだろう。

If he had, there may still be trouble.”

もしそうなら、まだ問題があるかもしれない」

“And you want to talk to her,” he said slowly, “in the presence of a witness.”

presence (前で) [名] the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing

「そして、あなたは彼女と話したい」と彼はゆっくりと言った、「証人の前で」

“That's right.”

「その通り」

“That means only one of two things to me, Marlowe.

「それは私にとって二つのうち一つしか意味がない、マーロウ。

Either you are badly scared

あなたはひどく怖がっているか

or you think she ought to be.”

彼女がそうであるべきだと思っているかだ」

I nodded.

私はうなずいた。

“Which one?” he asked grimly.

grimly (厳しく) [副] in a very serious or angry way

「どちらだ?」と彼は厳しく尋ねた。

“I'm not scared.”

「私は怖くない」

He looked at his watch.

彼は時計を見た。

“I hope to God you're crazy.”

hope (祈る) [動] wish for something

「君が狂っていることを神に祈るよ」

We looked at each other in silence.

私たちは黙って見つめ合った。

[42]

North through Coldwater Canyon it began to get hot.

Coldwater Canyon (コールドウォーターキャニオン) [名] a canyon in Los Angeles

コールドウォーターキャニオンを北上すると暑くなり始めた。

When we topped the rise and started to wind down towards the San Fernando Valley it was breathless and blazing.

top (越える) [動] reach the highest point of

rise (坂) [名] an upward slope

wind down (下り始める) [動] go down a slope

San Fernando Valley (サンフェルナンドバレー) [名] a valley in California

breathless (息もつかせない) [形] unable to breathe properly

blazing (炎天下) [形] very hot

坂の頂上を越えてサンフェルナンドバレーに向かって下り始めると、息もつかせないほどの炎天下だった。

I looked sideways at Spencer.

私は横目でスペンサーを見た。

He had a vest on, but the heat didn't seem to bother him.

彼はチョッキを着ていたが、暑さは気にならないようだった。

He had something else to bother him a lot more.

a lot more (もっと) [副] to a greater extent or degree

彼にはもっと気になることが他にあった。

He looked straight ahead through the windshield and said nothing.

look straight ahead (真っ直ぐ前を見る) [動] to look directly in front of oneself

say nothing (何も言わない) [動] to remain silent

彼はフロントガラス越しに真っ直ぐ前を見て何も言わなかった。

The valley had a thick layer of smog nuzzling down on it.

nuzzle (覆いかぶさる) [動] to lie or press closely or affectionately

谷には厚いスモッグの層が覆いかぶさっていた。

From above it looked like a ground mist and then we were in it and it jerked Spencer out of his silence.

ground mist (地面の霧) [名] a mist that forms near the ground

be in (~の中にいる) [動] to be inside something

上から見ると地面の霧のように見えたが、その中に入るとスペンサーは沈黙を破った。

“My God, I thought Southern California had a climate,” he said.

My God (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise, disgust, or dismay

「なんてことだ、南カリフォルニアは気候がいいと思っていたのに」と彼は言った。

“What are they doing--burning old truck tires?”

truck (トラック) [名] a large, heavy motor vehicle designed for transporting goods

「彼らは何をしているんだ? 古いトラックのタイヤを燃やしているのか?」

“It'll be all right in Idle Valley,” I told him soothingly.

soothingly (なだめるように) [副] in a way that makes someone or something calmer or less angry

「アイドル・バレーは大丈夫ですよ」となだめるように言った。

“They get an ocean breeze in there.”

「あそこは海風が吹きます」

“I'm glad they get something besides drunk,” he said.

besides (以外に) [前] in addition to; apart from; other than

「酔っ払う以外に何かを得られるならよかった」と彼は言った。

“From what I've seen of the local crowd in the rich suburbs I think Roger made a tragic mistake in coming out here to live.

local crowd (地元の人々) [名] the people who live in a particular area

rich suburbs (裕福な郊外) [名] a wealthy area outside of a city

「裕福な郊外の地元の人々を見てきたことから、ロジャーがここに住むために来たのは悲劇的な間違いだったと思う。

A writer needs stimulation--and not the kind they bottle.

stimulation (刺激) [名] the action of stimulating someone or something or the state of being stimulated

作家には刺激が必要だ。瓶詰めされたものではない。

There's nothing around here but one great big suntanned hangover.

one great big (日焼けした) [形] very large

suntanned (日焼けした) [形] having a tan

この辺りには日焼けした二日酔い以外何もない。

I'm referring to the upper crust people of course.”

refer to (言及する) [動] mention or allude to

upper crust (上流階級) [名] the highest social class

もちろん上流階級の人々のことだ。」

I turned off and slowed down for the dusty stretch to the entrance of Idle Valley, then hit the paving again and in a little while the ocean breeze made itself felt, drifting down through the gap in the hills at the far end of the lake.

make itself felt (感じられる) [動] be perceived or noticed

私は道を曲がり、アイドル・バレーの入り口までの埃っぽい道のために速度を落とし、それから再び舗装道路に乗り、しばらくすると海風が感じられ、湖の遠端にある丘の隙間を通って吹き下ろしてきた。

High sprinklers revolved over the big smooth lawns and the water made a swishing sound as it licked at the grass.

sprinkler (スプリンクラー) [名] a device for spraying water

revolve (回る) [動] move in a circular motion

高いスプリンクラーが大きく滑らかな芝生の上を回り、水が草をなめるようにシューシューと音を立てていた。

By this time most of the well-heeled people were away somewhere else.

by this time (この頃には) [副] at this time; now

away (別の場所に) [副] in or to a different place or position

この頃には裕福な人々のほとんどはどこか別の場所にいた。

You could tell by the shuttered look of the houses and the way the gardener's truck was parked smack in the middle of the driveway.

家のシャッターが閉まっている様子や、庭師のトラックが私道の真ん中に駐車されている様子から、それがわかる。

Then we reached the Wades' place and I swung through the gateposts and stopped behind Eileen's Jaguar.

それから私たちはウェード邸に着き、私は門柱をくぐり抜けてアイリーンのジャガーの後ろに停車した。

Spencer got out and marched stolidly across the flagstones to the portico of the house.

march (歩いていく) [動] walk with regular and measured tread

stolidly (無表情に) [副] in an impassive manner

スペンサーは車から降り、敷石を横切って家の玄関まで無表情に歩いていった。

He rang the bell and the door opened almost at once.

彼がベルを鳴らすと、ドアはほとんどすぐに開いた。

Candy was there in the white jacket and the dark good-looking face and the sharp black eyes.

キャンディは白いジャケットを着て、黒くハンサムな顔に鋭い黒い目をした姿でそこにいた。

Everything was in order.

be in order (整然としている) [動] be arranged or organized in a neat, tidy, or systematic way

すべてが整然としていた。

Spencer went in.

スペンサーは中に入った。

Candy gave me a brief look and nearly shut the door in my face.

nearly (ほとんど) [副] very close to

キャンディは私をちらっと見て、私の目の前でドアを閉めそうになった。

I waited and nothing happened.

私は待ったが何も起こらなかった。

I leaned on the bell and heard the chimes.

私はベルに寄りかかり、チャイムが鳴るのを聞いた。

The door swung wide and Candy came out snarling.

ドアが大きく開き、キャンディが唸りながら出てきた。

“Beat it! Turn blue.

turn blue (青くなる) [動] become blue

「失せろ! 青くなる。

You want a knife in the belly?”

腹にナイフを突き刺されたいのか?」

“I came to see Mrs. Wade.”

「ウェード夫人に会いに来たんだ」

“She don't want any part of you.”

「彼女はあなたに会いたくない」

“Out of my way, peasant.

peasant (下郎) [名] a poor farmer of low social status who works on the land owned by a rich landlord

「どけ、下郎。

I got business here.”

私は用事があるんだ」

“Candy!”

「キャンディ!」

It was her voice, and it was sharp.

それは彼女の声で、鋭かった。

He gave me a final scowl and backed into the house.

彼は私に最後に睨みつけ、家の中に後退りした。

I went in and shut the door.

私は中に入り、ドアを閉めた。

She was standing at the end of one of the facing davenports, and Spencer was standing beside her.

彼女は向かい合ったソファの端に立っており、スペンサーが彼女の横に立っていた。

She looked like a million.

彼女は百万ドルの価値があるように見えた。

She had white slacks on, very high-waisted, and a white sport shirt with half sleeves, and a lilac-colored handkerchief budding from the pocket over her left breast.

high-waisted (ハイウエスト) [形] having a high waist

half (半袖) [形] being one of two equal parts

彼女は白いスラックスを履き、とてもハイウエストで、半袖の白いスポーツシャツを着ており、左胸のポケットからライラック色のハンカチが芽を出していた。

“Candy is getting rather dictatorial lately,” she said to Spencer.

dictatorial (独裁的) [形] of or relating to a dictator

「キャンディは最近かなり独裁的になってきている」と彼女はスペンサーに言った。

“It's so good to see you, Howard.

「会えて嬉しいよ、ハワード。

And so nice of you to come all this way.

all this way (わざわざ) [副] to a great distance or extent

わざわざ来てくれてありがとう。

I didn't realize you were bringing someone with you.”

誰かを連れてくるなんて知らなかったよ」

“Marlowe drove me out,” Spencer said.

drive (連れてくる) [動] to cause to move or be moved in a specified way, especially by using a vehicle

「マーロウが私を連れてきたんだ」とスペンサーは言った。

“Also he wanted to see you.”

「彼も君に会いたがっていたんだ」

“I can't imagine why,” she said coolly.

imagine (想像する) [動] form a mental image or concept of

「なぜだか想像もつかないよ」と彼女は冷たく言った。

Finally she looked at me, but not as if not seeing me for a week had left an emptiness in her life.

やっと彼女は私を見た。しかし、一週間私に会わなかったことが彼女の人生に空虚さを残したという風ではなかった。

“Well?”

「それで?」

“It's going to take a little time,” I said.

「少し時間がかかりそうだ」と私は言った。

She sat down slowly.

彼女はゆっくりと腰を下ろした。

I sat down on the other davenport.

私はもう一つのソファに腰を下ろした。

Spencer was frowning.

スペンサーは眉をひそめていた。

He took his glasses off and polished them.

彼は眼鏡を外して磨いた。

That gave him a chance to frown more naturally.

それが彼にもっと自然に眉をひそめる機会を与えた。

Then he sat on the other end of the davenport from me.

それから彼は私から離れたソファの端に座った。

“I was sure you would come in time for lunch,” she told him, smiling.

come in time (間に合う) [動] to arrive or happen early enough

「あなたはきっと昼食に間に合うように来てくれると確信していたのよ」と彼女は彼に微笑みながら言った。

“Not today, thanks.”

「今日はいいよ、ありがとう」

“No? Well, of course if you are too busy.

「そう? まあ、もちろん忙しいなら仕方ないよね。

Then you just want to see that script.”

なら、台本だけ見たいんだね」

“If I may.”

if I may (もしよろしければ) [句] used to ask for permission to do something

「もしよろしければ」

“Of course. Candy! Oh, he's gone.

「もちろん。キャンディ! ああ、彼は行ってしまった。

It's on the desk in Roger's study.

ロジャーの書斎の机の上にある。

I'll get it.”

私が取ってくる」

Spencer stood up.

スペンサーは立ち上がった。

“May I get it?”

「私が取ってきてもいいですか?」

Without waiting for an answer he started across the room.

答えを待たずに彼は部屋を横切った。

Ten feet behind her he stopped and gave me a strained look.

ten feet (10フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

strained (緊張した) [形] tense or anxious

彼女の10フィート後ろで彼は立ち止まり、私を緊張した表情で見た。

Then he went on.

それから彼は続けた。

I just sat there and waited until her head came around and her eyes gave me a cool impersonal stare.

私はただそこに座って、彼女の頭が回って彼女の目が私を冷たく非人情な視線で見つめるまで待った。

“What was it you wanted to see me about?” she asked curtly.

「私に会って何がしたいの?」と彼女は素っ気なく尋ねた。

“This and that. I see you are wearing that pendant again.”

this and that (あれこれ) [名] various things

「あれこれ。君がまたあのペンダントを着けているのを見たよ。」

“I often wear it.

「私はよくそれを着けるよ。

It was given to me by a very dear friend a long time ago.”

それはずっと前にとても親しい友人からもらったものなの。」

“Yeah. You told me.

「ああ、君はそう言ったね。

It's a British military badge of some sort, isn't it?”

British (イギリスの) [形] of or relating to Great Britain or its people

badge (バッジ) [名] a small piece of metal or plastic with a design or words on it, which you wear on your clothes to show that you belong to a particular group or organization

それはイギリス軍のバッジの一種だよね?」

She held it out at the end of the thin chain.

end (先) [名] the last part of something

彼女はそれを細い鎖の先にぶら下げて差し出した。

“It's a jeweler's reproduction of one.

jeweler (宝石商) [名] a person who makes, sells, or repairs jewelry

reproduction (複製品) [名] a copy of an original work of art

「それは宝石商が作った複製品よ。

Smaller than the original and in gold and enamel.”

original (本物) [名] the earliest form of something

本物より小さくて、金とエナメルでできているよ。」

Spencer came back across the room and sat down again and put a thick pile of yellow paper on the corner of the cocktail table in front of him.

スペンサーは部屋を横切って戻ってきて、再び腰を下ろし、目の前のコーヒーテーブルの角に黄色い紙の厚い束を置いた。

He glanced at it idly, then his eyes were watching Eileen.

glance (眺める) [動] take a brief or hurried look

idly (ぼんやりと) [副] in an idle manner

彼はそれをぼんやりと眺め、それから彼の目はアイリーンを見ていた。

“Could I look at it a little closer?”

a little closer (もう少し近くで) [副] a small amount more near

「もう少し近くで見てもいいかな?」

I asked her.

私は彼女に尋ねた。

She pulled the chain around until she could unfasten the clasp.

unfasten (外す) [動] undo or unfasten (something)

彼女は留め金を外せるまで鎖を引っ張った。

She handed the pendant to me, or rather she dropped it in my hand.

彼女はペンダントを私に手渡した、というより私の手に落とした。

Then she folded her hands in her lap and just looked curious.

それから彼女は膝の上で手を組み、ただ好奇心旺盛そうに見えた。

“Why are you so interested?

「なぜそんなに興味があるの?

It's the badge of a regiment called the Artists Rifles, a Territorial regiment.

regiment (連隊) [名] a large group of soldiers

Territorial regiment (郷土連隊) [名] a regiment of the Territorial Army

それはアーティスト・ライフルズと呼ばれる連隊のバッジだ、郷土連隊だ。

The man who gave it to me was lost soon afterwards.

それを私にくれた人はその後すぐに亡くなった。

At Andalsnes in Norway, in the spring of that terrible year--1940.”

Andalsnes (アンダルスネス) [名] a town in Norway

spring (春) [名] the season of the year between winter and summer

ノルウェーのアンダルスネスで、あの恐ろしい年の春に--1940年。」

She smiled and made a brief gesture with one hand.

彼女は微笑んで片手で短い身振りをした。

“He was in love with me.”

be in love with (恋をする) [動] to be deeply fond of someone

「彼は私に恋をしていた。」

“Eileen was in London all through the Blitz,” Spencer said in an empty voice.

Blitz (ロンドン大空襲) [名] the heavy and frequent bombing raids on British cities during World War II

「アイリーンはロンドン大空襲の間ずっとロンドンにいた」とスペンサーは虚ろな声で言った。

“She couldn't get away.”

「彼女は逃げることができなかった。」

We both ignored Spencer.

私たちは二人ともスペンサーを無視した。

“And you were in love with him,” I said.

「そしてあなたは彼に恋をしていた」と私は言った。

She looked down and then raised her head and our glances locked.

lock (合わせる) [動] to fasten or secure (something) with a lock

彼女は下を向いてから頭を上げ、私たちは視線を合わせた。

“It was a long time ago,” she said.

「それはずっと昔のこと」と彼女は言った。

“And there was a war.

「そして戦争があった。

Strange things happen.”

奇妙なことが起こる」

“There was a little more to it than that, Mrs. Wade.

「それだけではありません、ウェード夫人。

I guess you forget how much you opened up about him.

open up (話す) [動] to start talking freely and honestly about your feelings or personal life

彼についてどれだけ話したか忘れたのでしょう。

The wild mysterious improbable kind of love that never comes but once.'

「一度しか訪れない、野性的で神秘的でありえないような愛」

I'm quoting you.

あなたの言葉を引用しているだけです。

In a way you're still in love with him.

in a way (ある意味) [副] to some extent or in some manner

in love (愛している) [形] feeling a strong or constant affection for a person

ある意味、あなたはまだ彼を愛している。

It's darn nice of me to have the same initials.

同じイニシャルを持つなんて、なんて素敵なことでしょう。

I suppose that had something to do with your picking me out.”

have something to do with (~と関係がある) [動] be involved in or connected with

pick out (選ぶ) [動] choose or select from a number of alternatives

それがあなたが私を選んだ理由の一部だったのでしょう」

“His name was nothing like yours,” she said coldly.

nothing like (全く似ていない) [名] not at all similar to

「彼の名前はあなたとは全く似ていませんでした」と彼女は冷たく言った。

“And he is dead, dead, dead.”

「そして彼は死んだ、死んだ、死んだ」

I held the gold and enamel pendant out to Spencer.

私は金とエナメルのペンダントをスペンサーに差し出した。

He took it reluctantly.

reluctantly (渋々) [副] unwillingly; hesitantly

彼はそれを渋々受け取った。

“I've seen it before,” he muttered.

「これを前に見たことがある」と彼はつぶやいた。

“Check me on the design,” I said.

design (デザイン) [名] a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made

「デザインを調べて」と私は言った。

“It consists of a broad dagger in white enamel with a gold edge.

consist of (でできている) [動] be composed or made up of

「それは金の縁取りのついた白いエナメルの幅広の短剣でできている。

The dagger points downwards and the flat of the blade crosses in front of a pair of upward-curling pale blue enamel wings.

upward (上向き) [形] moving or directed toward a higher place or position

短剣は下を向き、刃の平らな部分は上向きにカールした淡いブルーのエナメルの翼の前で交差している。

Then it crosses in back of a scroll.

それからそれは巻物の後ろで交差する。

On the scroll are the words: Who dares wins.”

巻物には「勇気ある者が勝つ」という言葉が書かれている。

“That seems to be correct,” he said.

「それは正しいようだ」と彼は言った。

“What makes it important?”

「何がそれを重要にしているのか?」

“She says it's a badge of the Artists Rifles, a Territorial outfit.

Artists Rifles (芸術家ライフル隊) [名] a volunteer unit of the British Army

Territorial (郷土部隊) [名] a member of the Territorial Army

「彼女はそれが郷土部隊の芸術家ライフル隊のバッジだと言っている。

She says it was given to her by a man who was in that outfit and was lost in the Norwegian campaign with the British Army in the spring of 1940 at Andalsnes.”

campaign (戦い) [名] a series of military operations intended to achieve a particular objective

彼女はそれをその部隊に所属し、1940年の春にアンドルネスでイギリス軍と共にノルウェーの戦いで亡くなった男性からもらったと言っている。」

I had their attention.

彼らの注意を引いた。

Spencer watched me steadily.

スペンサーは私をじっと見ていた。

I wasn't talking to the birds and he knew it.

私は鳥に話しかけていたわけではなく、彼もそれを知っていた。

Eileen knew it too.

アイリーンもそれを知っていた。

Her tawny eyebrows were crimped in a puzzled frown which could have been genuine.

crimp (縮れる) [動] to make or become bent or twisted

彼女の黄褐色の眉毛は、本物かもしれない困惑したしかめっ面で縮れていた。

It was also unfriendly.

unfriendly (不親切な) [形] not friendly

それはまた不親切でもあった。

“This is a sleeve badge,” I said.

「これは袖章だ」と私は言った。

“It came into existence because the Artists Rifles were made over or attached or seconded or whatever the correct term is into a Special Air Service Outfit. They had originally been a Territorial Regiment of infantry.

come into existence (存在するようになる) [動] start to exist

be made over (改編される) [動] be changed or altered

be attached (配属される) [動] be assigned to a particular unit or organization

be seconded (出向する) [動] be temporarily transferred to another position or organization

correct term (正しい用語) [名] the term that is considered correct

Special Air Service Outfit (特別空挺部隊) [名] a special forces unit of the British Army

originally (もともと) [副] at or from the beginning

infantry (歩兵) [名] soldiers who fight on foot

「それは、アーティスト・ライフルズが特別空挺部隊に改編されたり、配属されたり、出向したり、正しい用語が何であれ、存在するようになった。彼らはもともと歩兵の郷土連隊だった。

This badge didn't even exist until 1947.

このバッジは1947年まで存在しなかった。

Therefore nobody gave it to Mrs. Wade in 1940.

therefore (だから) [副] for that reason; consequently

1940 (1940年) [名] a year in the 20th century

だから1940年に誰もウェード夫人にそれを渡さなかった。

Also, no Artists Rifles were landed at Andalsnes in Norway in 1940.

land (上陸する) [動] come to the ground after a flight

また、1940年にノルウェーのアンダルスネスにアーティスト・ライフルズが上陸することはなかった。

Sherwood Foresters and Leicestershires, yes.

Sherwood Foresters (シャーウッド・フォレスターズ) [名] a regiment of the British Army

Leicestershires (レスターシャー) [名] a regiment of the British Army

シャーウッド・フォレスターズとレスターシャー、そう。

Both Territorial.

どちらも郷土部隊。

Artists Rifles, no.

アーティスト・ライフルズ、いいえ。

Am I being nasty?”

be nasty (意地悪である) [動] be mean or unkind

私は意地悪かな?」

Spencer put the pendant down on the coffee table and pushed it slowly across until it was in front of Eileen.

スペンサーはペンダントをコーヒーテーブルに置き、アイリーンの前に来るまでゆっくりと押しやった。

He said nothing.

彼は何も言わなかった。

“Do you think I wouldn't know?”

「私が知らないと思うの?」

Eileen asked me contemptuously.

アイリーンは私を軽蔑して尋ねた。

“Do you think the British War Office wouldn't know?”

「イギリスの戦争省が知らないと思うの?」

I asked her right back.

right back (すぐに) [副] immediately

私は彼女にすぐに尋ね返した。

“Obviously there must be some mistake,” Spencer said mildly.

「明らかに何か間違いがあるに違いない」とスペンサーは穏やかに言った。

I swung around and gave him a hard stare.

私は振り返って彼をじっと見つめた。

“That's one way of putting it.”

「それは一つの言い回しだ」

“Another way of putting it is that I am a liar,” Eileen said icily.

another way (別の言い方) [名] an alternative method

「別の言い方をすれば、私は嘘つきだ」とアイリーンは冷たく言った。

“I never knew anyone named Paul Marston, never loved him or he me.

「私はポール・マーストンという名の誰も知らなかったし、彼を愛したことも彼が私を愛したこともなかった。

He never gave me a reproduction of his regimental badge, he was never missing in action, he never existed.

regimental badge (連隊のバッジ) [名] a badge worn by members of a regiment

missing in action (戦闘中に行方不明) [名] a member of the armed forces who is reported missing during active service

彼は私に連隊のバッジの複製をくれたことはなかったし、戦闘中に行方不明になったこともなかったし、存在したこともなかった。

I bought this badge myself in a shop in New York where they specialize in imported British luxuries, things like leather goods, hand-made brogues, regimental and school ties and cricket blazers, knickknacks with coats of arms on them and so on.

shop (店) [名] a place where you can buy things

specialize (専門にする) [動] concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill

luxury (高級品) [名] an expensive and enjoyable item that is not essential

good (製品) [名] a thing that is produced

hand-made (手作りの) [形] made by hand rather than by machine

brogue (ブローグ) [名] a strong outdoor shoe with a decorative pattern of holes

regimental (連隊の) [形] of or relating to a regiment

cricket (クリケット) [名] an outdoor game played on grass with a ball and bat by two teams of 11 players each

blazer (ブレザー) [名] a kind of jacket, often made of wool, that is worn as part of a uniform

knickknack (小物) [名] a small object that is used for decoration

coat of arms (紋章) [名] a design that is used as a symbol of a family, organization, or country

私はこのバッジをニューヨークの店で自分で買った。そこは革製品、手作りのブローグ、連隊や学校のネクタイ、クリケットのブレザー、紋章のついた小物など、英国の高級輸入品を専門に扱っている。

Would an explanation like that satisfy you, Mr. Marlowe?”

そのような説明で満足してもらえるかしら、マーロウさん?」

“The last part would.

「最後の部分は満足できる。

Not the first. No doubt somebody told you it was an Artists Rifles badge and forgot to mention what kind, or didn't know.

doubt (疑い) [名] a feeling of uncertainty about something

最初の部分は違う。間違いなく誰かがあなたにそれがアーティスト・ライフルズのバッジだと言ったが、どんな種類かを言うのを忘れたか、知らなかったんだ。

But you did know Paul Marston and he did serve in that outfit, and he was missing in action in Norway.

serve (所属している) [動] work for

しかし、あなたはポール・マーストンを知っていて、彼はその部隊に所属していて、ノルウェーで行方不明になった。

But it didn't happen in 1940, Mrs. Wade.

しかし、それは1940年には起こらなかった、ウェード夫人。

It happened in 1942 and he was in the Commandos then, and it wasn't at Andalsnes, but on a little island off the coast where the Commando boys pulled a fast raid.”

raid (襲撃) [名] a sudden attack

それは1942年に起こり、彼は当時コマンド部隊に所属していたし、アンダルスネスではなく、コマンド部隊の兵士たちが急襲を行った海岸沖の小さな島だった」

“I see no need to be so hostile about it,” Spencer said in an executive sort of voice.

hostile (敵対的) [形] showing or feeling opposition or dislike

「そんなに敵対的になる必要はないと思うが」とスペンサーは重役のような声で言った。

He was fooling with the yellow sheets in front of him now.

fool with (弄る) [動] to play with something in a careless or clumsy way

彼は今、目の前にある黄色い紙を弄っていた。

I didn't know whether he was trying to stooge for me or was just sore.

stooge (おとぼけ) [名] a person who is used by another person as a tool

彼が私のためにおとぼけを演じようとしているのか、ただ痛いのか、私にはわからなかった。

He picked up a slab of yellow script and weighed it on his hand.

weigh (重さを量る) [動] to measure the weight of something

彼は黄色い台本の束を拾い上げ、手で重さを量った。

“You going to buy that stuff by the pound?”

go to (するつもりである) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

pound (重さ) [名] a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces

「それを重さで買うつもりか?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

He looked startled, then he smiled a small difficult smile.

look startled (驚いたように見える) [動] to appear to be surprised

彼は驚いたように見え、それから小さく困ったような笑みを浮かべた。

“Eileen had a pretty rough time in London,” he said.

「アイリーンはロンドンでかなり苦労したんだ」と彼は言った。

“Things get confused in one's memory.”

get confused (混乱する) [動] become mixed up or disordered

「記憶の中で物事は混乱する」

I took a folded paper out of my pocket.

私はポケットから折り畳んだ紙を取り出した。

“Sure,” I said.

「もちろん」と私は言った。

“Like who you got married to.

like (とか) [接] for example

「誰と結婚したかとか。

This is a certified copy of a marriage certificate.

marriage certificate (結婚証明書) [名] a document that certifies that two people are married

これは結婚証明書の認証されたコピーだ。

The original came from Caxton Hall Registry Office.

come from (来た) [動] move or travel from one place to another

Caxton Hall Registry Office (カクストン・ホール登記所) [名] a registry office in London

原本はカクストン・ホール登記所から来た。

The date of the marriage is August 1942.

August 1942 (1942年8月) [名] the eighth month of the year 1942

結婚日は1942年8月だ。

The parties named are Paul Edward Marston and Eileen Victoria Sampsell.

party (当事者) [名] a person or group involved in a legal action

Eileen Victoria Sampsell (アイリーン・ヴィクトリア・サンプセル) [名] a person's name

当事者はポール・エドワード・マーストンとアイリーン・ヴィクトリア・サンプセルだ。

In a sense Mrs. Wade is right.

in a sense (ある意味) [副] to some extent; in some way

ある意味、ウェード夫人は正しい。

There was no such person as Paul Edward Marston.

Paul Edward Marston (ポール・エドワード・マーストン) [名] a person's name

no such person (そんな人はいない) [名] a person who does not exist

ポール・エドワード・マーストンなんて人はいなかった。

It was a fake name because in the army you have to get permission to get married.

fake name (偽名) [名] a name that is not a person's real name

get permission (許可を得る) [動] to be allowed to do something

get married (結婚する) [動] to legally unite with someone in a ceremony

偽名だったんだ、軍隊では結婚するのに許可を得なきゃいけないからね。

The man faked an identity.

fake (偽る) [動] to make something that is not real or true seem real or true

identity (身元) [名] the fact of being who or what a person or thing is

男は身元を偽った。

In the army he had another name.

軍隊では彼は別の名前だった。

I have his whole army history.

have (わかっている) [動] know or understand something

彼の軍歴は全部わかっている。

It's a wonder to me that people never seem to realize that all you have to do is ask.”

all you have to do is (~さえすればいい) [句] the only thing you need to do is

私には不思議でならないのは、人々は尋ねさえすればいいということに気が付かないらしいということだ。」

Spencer was very quiet now.

be very quiet (とても静かである) [動] to make little or no noise

スペンサーは今やとても静かだった。

He leaned back and stared.

彼は後ろにもたれかかり、じっと見つめた。

But not at me.

at (見た) [動] to direct one's gaze at

しかし私を見たわけではない。

He stared at Eileen.

彼はアイリーンを見つめた。

She looked back at him with one of those faint half deprecatory, half seductive smiles women are so good at.

one of those (そのうちの1つ) [名] an unspecified number of things

faint (かすかな) [形] lacking clarity or brightness

deprecatory (非難するような) [形] expressing disapproval

seductive (誘惑するような) [形] tending to seduce

be good at (得意とする) [動] to be skilled at something

彼女は女性がとても得意とする、半分非難するような、半分誘惑するような微笑みを浮かべて彼を振り返った。

“But he was dead, Howard.

「でも彼は死んでいたのよ、ハワード。

Long before I met Roger.

ロジャーに会うずっと前のことよ。

What could it possibly matter?

それがいったい何だというのか?

Roger knew all about it.

ロジャーはすべてを知っていた。

I never stopped using my unmarried name.

私は結婚前の姓を使い続けた。

In the circumstances I had to.

状況的にそうせざるを得なかった。

It was on my passport.

パスポートにそう書いてあった。

Then after he was killed in action--”

action (戦闘) [名] the fact or state of acting or of being active

彼が戦死した後で--」

She stopped and drew a slow breath and let her hand fall slowly and softly to her knee.

彼女は話をやめてゆっくりと息を吸い、手をゆっくりと柔らかく膝に落とした。

“All finished, all done for, all lost.”

done (終わり) [動] complete; finished

「すべて終わり、すべて終わり、すべて失われた」

“You're sure Roger knew?” he asked her slowly.

「ロジャーは確かに知っていたのか?」と彼はゆっくりと彼女に尋ねた。

“He knew something,” I said.

「彼は何かを知っていた」と私は言った。

“The name Paul Marston had a meaning for him.

have a meaning (意味がある) [動] to be significant or important

「ポール・マーストンという名前は彼にとって意味があった。

I asked him once and he got a funny look in his eyes.

一度彼に尋ねたら、彼はおかしな目つきになった。

But he didn't tell me why.”

しかし、彼は私に理由を言わなかった。」

She ignored that and spoke to Spencer.

彼女はそれを無視してスペンサーに話しかけた。

“Why, of course Roger knew all about it.”

all about (すべて) [名] everything about something

「もちろん、ロジャーはすべて知っていたよ。」

Now she was smiling at Spencer patiently as if he was being a little slow on the take.

take (理解) [名] the amount of money received in a particular period

今や彼女はスペンサーが理解が少し遅いように辛抱強く彼に微笑みかけていた。

The tricks they have.

彼らが持っているトリック。

“Then why lie about the dates?” Spencer asked dryly.

「ではなぜ日付について嘘を?」スペンサーは冷たく尋ねた。

“Why say the man was lost in 1940 when he was lost in 1942?

「なぜ彼が1942年に失踪したのに1940年に失踪したと言うのか?

Why wear a badge that he couldn't have given you and make a point of saying that he did give it to you?”

make a point of (言う) [動] emphasize something

なぜ彼があなたに渡したはずのないバッジを着けて、彼があなたに渡したと言うのか?」

“Perhaps I was lost in a dream,” she said softly.

be lost (迷子になる) [動] be unable to find one's way

「たぶん私は夢の中で迷子になっていたのね」と彼女はそっと言った。

“Or a nightmare, more accurately.

「あるいはもっと正確に言えば悪夢ね。

A lot of my friends were killed in the bombing.

bombing (爆撃) [名] an attack with bombs

私の友人の多くが爆撃で殺された。

When you said goodnight in those days you tried not to make it sound like goodbye.

say goodnight (おやすみなさいと言う) [動] to say goodbye to someone at night

make it sound like (聞こえないようにする) [動] to cause something to seem like something else

当時おやすみなさいと言う時、さよならのように聞こえないように気を付けた。

But that's what it often was.

that's what it often was (それはしばしばそうだった) [句] that is the way it often was

しかし、それはしばしばそうだった。

And when you said goodbye to a soldier--it was worse.

soldier (兵士) [名] a person who serves in an army

そして、兵士に別れを告げる時、それはもっとひどかった。

It's always the kind and gentle ones that get killed.”

get killed (殺される) [動] to be killed

いつも優しくて穏やかな人が殺される」

He didn't say anything.

彼は何も言わなかった。

I didn't say anything.

私は何も言わなかった。

She looked down at the pendant lying on the table in front of her.

lie (置かれる) [動] to be in or assume a horizontal position

彼女は目の前のテーブルに置かれたペンダントを見た。

She picked it up and fitted it to the chain around her neck again and leaned back composedly.

fit (付ける) [動] to be of the right shape and size

composedly (落ち着いて) [副] in a calm and controlled manner

彼女はそれを拾い上げ、再び首の周りの鎖に付け、落ち着いて後ろにもたれた。

“I know I haven't any right to cross-examine you, Eileen,” Spencer said slowly.

cross-examine (尋問する) [動] question closely, especially in a court of law

「君に尋問する権利はないことは分かっている、アイリーン」スペンサーはゆっくりと言った。

“Let's forget it.

「忘れよう。

Marlowe made a big thing out of the badge and the marriage certificate and so on.

make a big thing out of (大げさに騒ぎ立てる) [動] to make a big deal out of something

マーロウはバッジや結婚証明書などを大げさに騒ぎ立てた。

Just for a moment I guess he had me wondering.”

have me wondering (迷わせる) [動] to make me feel confused or uncertain

ほんの一瞬、彼は私を迷わせたと思う。」

“Mr. Marlowe,” she told him quietly, “makes a big thing out of trifles.

make a big thing out of trifles (些細なことを大げさに騒ぎ立てる) [動] to make a big deal out of something that is not important

「マーロウさんは」彼女は静かに彼に言った、「些細なことを大げさに騒ぎ立てます。

But when it comes to a really big thing--like saving a man's life--he is out by the lake watching a silly speedboat.”

come to (ことになる) [動] reach a certain state or situation

でも本当に大事なことになると、例えば人の命を救うようなことになると、彼は湖のほとりで馬鹿げたスピードボートを見ているんです。」

“And you never saw Paul Marston again,” I said.

「そして、あなたは二度とポール・マーストンに会わなかった」と私は言った。

“How could I when he was dead?”

「彼が死んだのに、どうして会えるでしょう?」

“You didn't know he was dead.

「あなたは彼が死んだことを知らなかった。

There was no report of his death from the Red Cross.

Red Cross (赤十字) [名] an international humanitarian organization that provides assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts

赤十字から彼の死の報告はなかった。

He might have been taken prisoner.”

have been taken (捕虜になった) [動] to be captured by an enemy in a war

prisoner (捕虜) [名] a person who is captured and held by an enemy in a war

彼は捕虜になったかもしれない。」

She shuddered suddenly.

彼女は突然身震いした。

“In October 1942,” she said slowly, “Hitler issued an order that all Commando prisoners were to be turned over to the Gestapo. I think we all know what that meant.

October 1942 (1942年10月) [名] the tenth month of the year 1942

Hitler (ヒトラー) [名] leader of the Nazi Party and Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945

issue (出す) [動] to officially or formally announce or declare

「1942年10月」彼女はゆっくりと言った。「ヒトラーはすべてのコマンド部隊の捕虜をゲシュタポに引き渡すよう命令を出した。それが何を意味するかは誰もが知っていると思う。

Torture and a nameless death in some Gestapo dungeon.” She shuddered again.

nameless (名もなき) [形] having no name

dungeon (地下牢) [名] a dark underground prison cell

ゲシュタポの地下牢での拷問と名もなき死。」彼女は再び身震いした。

Then she blazed at me: “You're a horrible man.

blaze (睨みつける) [動] to burn or shine brightly

それから彼女は私を睨みつけた。「あなたはひどい人だ。

You want me to live that over again, to punish me for a trivial lie.

punish (罰する) [動] inflict a penalty or sanction on (someone) as retribution for an offense

あなたは私が些細な嘘を罰するために、もう一度それを生き直すことを望んでいる。

Suppose someone you loved had been caught by those people and you knew what had happened, what must have happened to him or her?

catch (捕まる) [動] take or keep in one's grasp

あなたの愛する人がその人々に捕まり、何が起こったのか、彼または彼女に何が起こったのかを知っているとしたら?

Is it so strange that I tried to build another kind of memory--even a false one?”

私が別の種類の記憶を作ろうとしたことはそんなに奇妙なことでしょうか? 偽りの記憶であっても?」

“I need a drink,” Spencer said.

「酒が必要だ」とスペンサーは言った。

“I need a drink badly. May I have one?”

「酒がとても必要だ。一杯飲んでもいいかな?」

She clapped her hands and Candy drifted up from nowhere as he always did.

clap (叩く) [動] to strike (two things, especially two flat surfaces) together with a sharp sound

drift (現れる) [動] to be carried slowly by a current of air or water

彼女は手を叩き、キャンディはいつものようにどこからともなく現れた。

He bowed to Spencer.

彼はスペンサーにお辞儀をした。

“What you like to drink, Señor Spencer?”

「何をお飲みになりますか、スペンサー様?」

“Straight Scotch, and plenty of it,” Spencer said.

「ストレートのスコッチをたっぷりと」スペンサーは言った。

Candy went over in the corner and pulled the bar out from the wall.

キャンディは角に行き、壁からバーを引き出した。

He got a bottle up on it and poured a stiff jolt into a glass.

get up (持ち上げる) [動] to rise from a sitting or lying position

彼はボトルを持ち上げ、グラスに強い一杯を注いだ。

He came back and set it down in front of Spencer.

彼は戻ってきて、それをスペンサーの前に置いた。

He started to leave again.

彼は再び立ち去り始めた。

“Perhaps, Candy,” Eileen said quietly, “Mr. Marlowe would like a drink too.”

perhaps (もしかしたら) [副] possibly; maybe

would like (欲しい) [動] want

「キャンディ、もしかしたらマーロウさんも飲み物が欲しいかもしれないよ」とアイリーンは静かに言った。

He stopped and looked at her, his face dark and stubborn.

stubborn (頑固な) [形] unwilling to change one's opinion or to do what someone else wants

彼は立ち止まって彼女を見た。彼の顔は暗く頑固だった。

“No, thanks,” I said.

「いいえ、ありがとう」と私は言った。

“No drink for me.”

no drink (飲まない) [名] not drinking

for me (私は) [代] I

「私は飲まない」

Candy made a snorting sound and walked off.

walk off (歩き去る) [動] leave a place by walking

キャンディは鼻を鳴らす音を立てて歩き去った。

There was another silence.

再び沈黙があった。

Spencer put down half of his drink.

put down (飲み干す) [動] to drink all of something

スペンサーは飲み物の半分を飲み干した。

He lit a cigarette.

彼はタバコに火をつけた。

He spoke to me without looking at me.

彼は私を見ずに私に話しかけた。

“I'm sure Mrs. Wade or Candy could drive me back to Beverly Hills.

「ウェード夫人かキャンディがビバリーヒルズまで送ってくれると思う。

Or I can get a cab.

cab (タクシー) [名] a vehicle for hire with a driver

あるいはタクシーを呼ぶこともできる。

I take it you've said your piece.”

take it (思う) [動] assume or understand something to be the case

君は自分の意見を言ったと思う」

I refolded the certified copy of the marriage license.

marriage license (結婚許可証) [名] a document issued by a government agency giving permission for two people to get married

私は結婚許可証の認証済みコピーを折り返した。

I put it back in my pocket.

私はそれをポケットに戻した。

“Sure that's the way you want it?”

sure (本当に) [副] without doubt or question

「本当にそうしたいのかい?」

I asked him.

私は彼に尋ねた。

“That's the way everybody wants it.”

「誰もがそうしたいんだ」

“Good.” I stood up.

「いいでしょう」私は立ち上がった。

“I guess I was a fool to try to play it this way.

「こんな風にプレイしようとするなんて私は愚かだったと思う。

Being a big time publisher and having the brains to go with it--if it takes any--you might have assumed I didn't come out here just to play the heavy.

big time (大手) [形] of major importance or significance

go with (見合う) [動] be appropriate or suitable for

play the heavy (脅し) [動] use threats or violence to intimidate or coerce

大手出版社の社長で、それに見合う頭脳を持っているなら、私がここに来たのはただの脅しではないと推測できるだろう。

I didn't revive ancient history or spend my own money to get the facts just to twist them around somebody's neck.

ancient history (古代史) [名] the history of the world from the beginning of recorded human history to the fall of the Western Roman Empire

get (つかむ) [動] come to have possession, ownership, or control of

私は古代史を復活させたり、事実をつかむために自分のお金を使ったりして、誰かの首を絞めようとしたわけではない。

I didn't investigate Paul Marston because the Gestapo murdered him, because Mrs. Wade was wearing the wrong badge, because she got mixed up on her dates, because she married him in one of those quickie wartime marriages.

date (デート) [名] a social or romantic appointment or engagement

mix up (混同する) [動] confuse two or more things

quickie (即席) [形] done or made very quickly

wartime (戦時中) [名] a period of time during which a war is taking place

私がポール・マーストンを調査したのは、ゲシュタポが彼を殺したからでも、ウェード夫人が間違ったバッジを着けていたからでも、彼女がデートを混同したからでも、彼女が戦時中の即席結婚で彼と結婚したからでもない。

When I started investigating him I didn't know any of those things.

私が彼を調査し始めたとき、私はそれらの事柄のどれも知らなかった。

All I knew was his name.

私が知っていたのは彼の名前だけだった。

Now how do you suppose I knew that?”

私がそれを知っていたのはどうしてだと思う?」

“No doubt somebody told you,” Spencer said curtly.

「誰かが君に言ったに違いない」とスペンサーは素っ気なく言った。

“Correct, Mr. Spencer.

「正解です、スペンサーさん。

Somebody who knew him in New York after the war and later on saw him out here in Chasen's with his wife.”

戦後ニューヨークで彼を知っていて、その後彼が妻とここチェイセンにいるのを見た人です」

“Marston is a pretty common name,” Spencer said, and sipped his whiskey.

「マーストンはかなりありふれた名前だ」とスペンサーは言い、ウイスキーをすすった。

He turned his head sideways and his right eyelid drooped a fraction of an inch.

turn one's head (頭を向ける) [動] to move your head in a particular direction

彼は頭を横に向け、右まぶたを数ミリ下げた。

So I sat down again.

だから私はまた座った。

“Even Paul Marstons could hardly be unique.

Paul Marstons (ポール・マーストン) [名] a character in the story

unique (唯一無二) [形] being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else

「ポール・マーストンでさえ、唯一無二ということはあり得ない。

There are nineteen Howard Spencers in the Greater New York area telephone directories, for instance.

Howard Spencers (ハワード・スペンサー) [名] a male given name of English origin

Greater New York (ニューヨーク大都市圏) [名] the New York metropolitan area

telephone directory (電話帳) [名] a book listing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people in a particular area

例えば、ニューヨーク大都市圏の電話帳には19人のハワード・スペンサーが載っている。

And four of them are just plain Howard Spencer with no middle initial.”

middle initial (ミドルネーム) [名] the initial of a person's middle name

そのうち4人はミドルネームなしのただのハワード・スペンサーだ」

“Yeah. How many Paul Marstons would you say had had one side of their faces smashed by a delayed-action mortar shell and showed the scars and marks of the plastic surgery that repaired the damage?”

one side (片側) [名] one of the two parts that something has

smash (粉砕する) [動] break or destroy something violently

delayed-action (時限) [形] a type of bomb or other explosive device that is designed to explode some time after it has been placed or set

mark (痕跡) [名] a visible sign of something

plastic surgery (整形手術) [名] surgery that is done to repair or improve the appearance of a part of the body

「そうか。顔の片側を時限迫撃砲で粉砕され、その損傷を修復した整形手術の傷跡や痕跡が残っているポール・マーストンは何人いるだろうか?」

Spencer's mouth fell open.

fall open (開ける) [動] to move or cause to move into a position in which an opening is created

スペンサーは口をあんぐりと開けた。

He made some kind of heavy breathing sound.

彼は何か重い呼吸音を立てた。

He got out a handkerchief and tapped his temples with it.

tap (軽く叩く) [動] to hit something lightly

彼はハンカチを取り出し、それでこめかみを軽く叩いた。

“How many Paul Marstons would you say had saved the lives of a couple of tough gamblers named Mendy Menendez and Randy Starr on that same occasion?

「その同じ機会にメンディ・メネンデスとランディ・スターという名の2人のタフなギャンブラーの命を救ったポール・マーストンは何人いるだろうか?

They're still around, they've got good memories.

be still around (まだ健在である) [動] to be still alive or in existence

彼らはまだ健在で、記憶力も良い。

They can talk when it suits them.

suit (都合が良い) [動] be convenient or acceptable to

彼らは都合の良い時に話すことができる。

Why ham it up any more, Spencer?

ham it up (大げさに言う) [動] to act in an exaggerated way

スペンサー、これ以上大げさに言う必要はないだろう?

Paul Marston and Terry Lennox were the same man.

same (同一) [形] being the same one or ones; identical

ポール・マーストンとテリー・レノックスは同一人物だった。

It can be proved beyond any shadow of a doubt.”

beyond any shadow of a doubt (疑いの余地なく) [副] without any doubt

それは疑いの余地なく証明できる。」

I didn't expect anyone to jump six feet into the air and scream and nobody did.

jump (飛び上がる) [動] move upwards with a sudden forceful movement

誰もが6フィート空中に飛び上がって叫ぶとは思っていなかったし、誰もそうしなかった。

But there is a kind of silence that is almost as loud as a shout.

shout (叫び声) [名] a loud cry or yell

しかし、叫び声と同じくらい大きな沈黙がある。

I had it.

私はそれを手に入れた。

I had it all around me, thick and hard.

all around (周り) [名] the area around something

私はそれを私の周りに、厚くそして固く持っていた。

In the kitchen I could hear water run.

台所で水が流れる音が聞こえた。

Outside on the road I could hear the dull thump of a folded newspaper hit the driveway, then the light inaccurate whistling of a boy wheeling away on his bicycle.

thump (音) [名] a dull sound as of a heavy object striking a surface

inaccurate (不正確な) [形] not accurate; not exact or correct

外の通りで、折り畳まれた新聞が私道に当たる鈍い音が聞こえ、それから自転車で走り去る少年の軽い不正確な口笛が聞こえた。

I felt a tiny sting on the back of my neck.

sting (刺し傷) [名] a wound or pain caused by a sting

私は首の後ろに小さな刺し傷を感じた。

I jerked away from it and swung around.

私はそれから離れてぐるりと振り返った。

Candy was standing there with his knife in his hand.

キャンディはナイフを手に持ってそこに立っていた。

His dark face was wooden but there was something in his eyes I hadn't seen before.

彼の黒い顔は木のようだったが、彼の目には今まで見たことのないものがあった。

“You are tired, amigo,” he said softly.

「疲れたな、アミーゴ」と彼は優しく言った。

“I fix you a drink, no?”

no (どう) [間] used to express a negative answer or denial

「飲み物を作るよ、どう?」

“Bourbon on the rocks, thanks,” I said.

on the rocks (オンザロック) [名] served with ice cubes

「バーボンのオンザロックを、ありがとう」と私は言った。

“De pronto, señor.”

「すぐに、旦那様」

He snapped the knife shut, dropped it into the side pocket of his white jacket and went softly away.

snap (閉じる) [動] shut or close with a snapping sound

side pocket (横ポケット) [名] a pocket on the side of a garment

彼はナイフを閉じて、白いジャケットの横ポケットに落とし、そっと立ち去った。

Then at last I looked at Eileen.

それからようやく私はアイリーンを見た。

She sat leaning forward, her hands clasped tightly.

clasp (握り締める) [動] hold something tightly in one's hand

彼女は前かがみに座り、手をぎゅっと握り締めていた。

The downward tilt of her face hid her expression if she had any.

downward (下向きの) [形] moving or directed toward a lower place

tilt (傾き) [名] a slope or slant

彼女の顔は下を向いていたので、もし表情があったとしても隠されていた。

And when she spoke her voice had the lucid emptiness of that mechanical voice on the telephone that tells you the time and if you keep on listening, which people don't because they have no reason to, it will keep on telling you the passing seconds forever, without the slightest change of inflection.

when she spoke (彼女が話した時) [名] the time when she spoke

her voice (彼女の声) [名] the sound that she makes

lucid emptiness (明晰な空虚さ) [名] the state of being clear and empty

mechanical voice (機械的な声) [名] the sound that a machine makes

tells you the time (時刻を告げる) [動] says what time it is

if you keep on listening (もし聞き続ければ) [名] if you continue to listen

which people don't (人々はそうしない) [名] which people do not do

because they have no reason to (理由がないので) [名] because they do not have a reason to

it will keep on telling you (告げ続けるだろう) [動] it will continue to tell you

the passing seconds (過ぎ去る秒) [名] the seconds that have passed

without the slightest change of inflection (わずかな抑揚の変化もなく) [名] without any change in the way that the voice goes up and down

そして彼女が話した時、彼女の声には電話で時刻を告げる機械的な声のような明晰な空虚さがあり、もし聞き続ければ、人々は理由がないのでそうしないが、それはわずかな抑揚の変化もなく、永遠に過ぎ去る秒を告げ続けるだろう。

“I saw him once, Howard. Just once.

「私は彼に一度会ったよ、ハワード。一度だけ。

I didn't speak to him at all.

私は彼とは全く話さなかった。

Nor he to me.

nor (~も~ない) [接] and not; also not

to (~と) [前] used to indicate the second person or thing involved in an action or relationship

彼も私とは話さなかった。

He was terribly changed.

彼はひどく変わっていた。

His hair was white and his face--it wasn't quite the same face.

彼の髪は白く、顔は・・・全く同じ顔ではなかった。

But of course I knew him, and of course he knew me.

しかし、もちろん私は彼を知っていたし、彼も私を知っていた。

We looked at each other.

look at (見合う) [動] to direct one's gaze at

私たちはお互いを見合った。

That was all.

それが全てだった。

Then he was gone out of the room and the next day he was gone from her house.

next day (翌日) [名] the day after today

それから彼は部屋から出て行き、翌日には彼女の家から出て行った。

It was at the Lorings' I saw him--and her.

Lorings (ローリング) [名] a family name

私が彼と彼女を見たのはローリングの家だった。

One afternoon late.

one afternoon (ある日の午後) [名] the time of day from noon to evening

ある日の午後遅く。

You were there, Howard. And Roger was there.

あなたもそこにいたよ、ハワード。そしてロジャーも。

I suppose you saw him too.”

あなたも彼を見たと思うよ」

“We were introduced,” Spencer said.

「紹介された」スペンサーは言った。

“I knew who he was married to.”

「彼が誰と結婚しているかは知っていた」

“Linda Loring told me he just disappeared.

「リンダ・ローリングは彼がただ姿を消したと言っていた。

He gave no reason.

give (言う) [動] express (an opinion or reaction)

彼は理由を言わなかった。

There was no quarrel.

喧嘩はなかった。

Then after a while that woman divorced him.

divorce (離婚する) [動] legally end a marriage

それからしばらくしてその女性は彼と離婚した。

And still later I heard she found him again.

そしてさらに後になって彼女が彼を再び見つけたと聞いた。

He was down and out.

彼は落ちぶれていた。

And they were married again.

そして彼らは再婚した。

Heaven knows why.

Heaven (神) [名] the place where God lives and where good people go after they die

神のみぞ知る。

I suppose he had no money and it didn't matter to him any more.

have no money (お金がない) [動] be poor

彼にはお金がなく、もう彼にとってそれは問題ではなかったと思う。

He knew that I was married to Roger.

彼は私がロジャーと結婚していることを知っていた。

We were lost to each other.”

each other (互いに) [代] one another

私たちは互いに失われた。」

“Why?” Spencer asked.

「なぜ?」スペンサーは尋ねた。

Candy put my drink in front of me without a word.

キャンディは何も言わずに私の飲み物を私の前に置いた。

He looked at Spencer and Spencer shook his head.

彼はスペンサーを見て、スペンサーは首を横に振った。

Candy drifted away.

キャンディは立ち去った。

Nobody paid any attention to him.

誰も彼に注意を払わなかった。

He was like the prop man in a Chinese play, the fellow that moves things around on the stage and the actors and audience alike behave as if he wasn't there.

prop man (小道具係) [名] a person who moves props around on a stage

彼は中国の劇の小道具係のようで、舞台で物を動かす人だが、俳優も観客も彼がそこにいないかのように振る舞う。

“Why?” she repeated.

repeat (繰り返す) [動] say or do something again

「なぜ?」と彼女は繰り返した。

“Oh, you wouldn't understand.

「ああ、君には理解できないだろう。

What we had was lost.

私たちが持っていたものは失われた。

It could never be recovered.

be recovered (取り戻される) [動] return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength

それは決して取り戻すことはできない。

The Gestapo didn't get him after all.

結局ゲシュタポは彼を捕まえなかった。

There must have been some decent Nazis who didn't obey Hitler's order about the Commandos.

There must have been (いたに違いない) [動] to be certain or sure about something

Nazis (ナチス) [名] a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party

didn't obey (従わなかった) [動] to not do what someone tells you to do

コマンド部隊に関するヒトラーの命令に従わなかったまともなナチスが何人かいたに違いない。

So he survived, he came back.

survive (生き残る) [動] continue to live or exist

だから彼は生き残り、戻ってきた。

I used to pretend to myself that I would find him again, but as he had been, eager and young and unspoiled.

unspoiled (無垢な) [形] not damaged or harmed

私は彼を再び見つけるだろうと自分自身に言い聞かせていたが、彼は熱心で若く、そして無垢だった。

But to find him married to that redheaded whore--that was disgusting.

redheaded (赤毛の) [形] having red hair

しかし、彼があの赤毛の売春婦と結婚しているのを見つけるのは、それは嫌なことだった。

I already knew about her and Roger.

私はすでに彼女とロジャーのことを知っていた。

I have no doubt Paul did too.

have no doubt (疑いがない) [動] be certain or sure about something

ポールもそうだったに違いない。

So did Linda Loring, who is a bit of a tramp herself, but not completely so.

tramp (浮気者) [名] a person who has many casual sexual relationships

リンダ・ローリングもそうだった。彼女自身も少し浮気者だが、完全にそうではない。

They all are in that set.

彼らは皆そのセットにいる。

You ask me why I didn't leave Roger and go back to Paul.

なぜロジャーを捨ててポールに戻らなかったのかと聞くでしょう。

After he had been in her arms and Roger had been in those same willing arms?

be in one's arms (腕の中にいる) [動] to be held by someone

be in the same (同じ中にいる) [動] to be in the same place or situation

arms (腕) [名] an upper limb

彼が彼女の腕の中にいて、ロジャーが同じ喜んで抱きしめる腕の中にいた後で?

No thank you.

いいえ、ありがとう。

I need a little more inspiration than that.

それよりもう少しインスピレーションが必要だ。

Roger I could forgive.

ロジャーは許せた。

He drank, he didn't know what he was doing.

彼は酒を飲んで、何をしているのか分からなかった。

He worried about his work and he hated himself because he was just a mercenary hack.

mercenary (金目当ての) [形] motivated by a desire for money or other material gain

hack (三文文士) [名] a writer who produces dull, unoriginal work

彼は自分の仕事を心配し、ただの金目当ての三文文士である自分を憎んだ。

He was a weak man, unreconciled, frustrated, but understandable.

unreconciled (折り合いがつかず) [形] not reconciled

frustrated (欲求不満) [形] prevented from accomplishing a goal or from progressing

understandable (理解できる) [形] able to be understood

彼は弱い男で、折り合いがつかず、欲求不満だったが、理解できる。

He was just a husband.

彼はただの夫だった。

Paul was either much more or he was nothing.

much more (もっとすごい) [形] to a greater extent or degree

ポールはもっとすごいか、無かだった。

In the end he was nothing.”

in the end (結局) [副] finally; ultimately

結局彼は無だった。」

I took a swig of my drink.

take a swig (一口飲む) [動] drink a large amount of something quickly

私は飲み物を一口飲んだ。

Spencer had finished his.

スペンサーは飲み終えていた。

He was scratching at the material of the davenport.

material (布地) [名] the substance or matter from which something is made or composed

彼はソファの布地を引っ掻いていた。

He had forgotten the pile of paper in front of him, the unfinished novel of the very much finished popular author.

unfinished (未完成) [形] not finished or completed

彼は目の前の紙の束を忘れていた。非常に完成された人気作家の未完成の小説だ。

“I wouldn't say he was nothing,” I said.

「彼が何者でもなかったとは言えない」と私は言った。

She lifted her eyes and looked at me vaguely and dropped them again.

彼女は目を上げてぼんやりと私を見た後、再び目を落とした。

“Less than nothing,” she said, with a new note of sarcasm in her voice.

less than nothing (何者でもなかったどころか) [名] a person or thing of no importance

「何者でもなかったどころか」と彼女は言った。声に新たな皮肉の響きがあった。

“He knew what she was, he married her.

「彼は彼女がどんな人間か知っていた。彼は彼女と結婚した。

Then because she was what he knew she was, he killed her.

そして彼女が彼が知っていた通りの人間だったから、彼は彼女を殺した。

And then ran away and killed himself.”

そして逃げ出して自殺した。」

“He didn't kill her,” I said, “and you know it.”

「彼は彼女を殺していない」と私は言った。「そしてあなたはそれを知っている。」

She came upright with a smooth motion and stared at me blankly.

come upright (起き上がる) [動] to move from a lying position to a sitting or standing position

blankly (ぼんやりと) [副] in a way that shows no expression or interest

彼女は滑らかな動きで起き上がり、ぼんやりと私を見つめた。

Spencer let out a noise of some kind.

スペンサーは何か音を出した。

“Roger killed her,” I said, “and you also know that.”

「ロジャーが彼女を殺した」と私は言った。「そしてあなたもそれを知っている。」

“Did he tell you?” she asked quietly.

「彼があなたに言ったのですか?」と彼女は静かに尋ねた。

“He didn't have to.

「彼は言う必要がなかった。

He did give me a couple of hints.

彼は私に二、三のヒントをくれた。

He would have told me or someone in time.

in time (そのうち) [副] eventually

彼は私か誰かにそのうち話しただろう。

It was tearing him to pieces not to.”

tear (ズタズタにする) [動] to pull or rip something apart

not to (話さないこと) [動] to not do something

話さないことが彼をズタズタにしていた。」

She shook her head slightly.

彼女はかすかに頭を振った。

“No, Mr. Marlowe. That was not why he was tearing himself to pieces.

「いいえ、マーロウさん。それが彼がズタズタになっていた理由ではありません。

Roger didn't know he had killed her.

ロジャーは彼女を殺したことを知らなかった。

He had blacked out completely.

彼は完全に意識を失っていた。

He knew something was wrong and he tried to bring it to the surface, but he couldn't.

彼は何かが間違っていることを知っていて、それを表面化させようとしたが、できなかった。

The shock had destroyed his memory of it.

destroy (破壊する) [動] cause so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

ショックで彼の記憶は破壊されていた。

Perhaps it would have come back and perhaps in the last moments of his life it did come back.

おそらくそれは戻ってきただろうし、おそらく彼の人生の最後の瞬間にそれは戻ってきたのだろう。

But not until then.

not until (それまでは~ない) [接] not before

しかし、それまでは戻らなかった。

Not until then.”

not until then (それまでは) [副] not before that time

それまでは戻らなかった。」

Spencer said in a sort of growl: “That sort of thing just doesn't happen, Eileen.”

growl (唸り声) [名] a deep guttural sound

スペンサーは唸るように言った。「そんな事は起こらないよ、アイリーン。」

“Oh yes, it does,” I said.

it does (起こるよ) [動] happen

「ああ、起こるよ」と私は言った。

“I know of two well established instances.

well established (確かな) [形] firmly established; settled

instance (例) [名] an example or occurrence of something

「私は二つの確かな例を知っている。

One was a blackout drunk who killed a woman he picked up in a bar.

blackout (記憶喪失) [名] a temporary loss of consciousness

pick up (引っかける) [動] meet someone casually and have sex with them

一つは、バーで引っかけた女を殺した記憶喪失の酔っ払いだった。

He strangled her with a scarf she was wearing fastened with a fancy clasp.

fasten (締める) [動] make or become fixed or secure

彼は彼女が着ていたスカーフを派手な留め金で締めて彼女を絞殺した。

She went home with him and what went on then is not known except that she got dead and when the law caught up with him he was wearing the fancy clasp on his own tie and he didn't have the faintest idea where he got it.”

go home (家に行く) [動] return to one's place of residence

what went on (何が起こったのか) [名] the events that took place

wear (つける) [動] to have on one's person as clothing, decoration, or protection

have the faintest idea (見当もつかない) [動] to have no knowledge or understanding of something

彼女は彼と一緒に家に行ったが、その後何が起こったのかは彼女が死んだこと以外は不明で、警察が彼を捕まえたとき、彼は自分のネクタイに派手な留め金をつけていたが、どこで手に入れたのか全く見当もつかなかった。」

“Never?” Spencer asked.

「絶対に?」スペンサーは尋ねた。

“Or just at the time?”

just (その時だけ) [副] at the moment mentioned

「それともその時だけ?」

“He never admitted it.

「彼は決して認めなかった。

And he's not around any more to be asked.

be asked (尋ねられる) [動] be spoken to in order to obtain information

そして、彼はもう尋ねられる場所にはいない。

They gassed him.

gas (ガスで殺す) [動] kill with gas

彼らは彼をガスで殺した。

The other case was a head wound.

もう一つの事件は頭部に傷を負ったものだった。

He was living with a rich pervert, the kind that collects first editions and does fancy cooking and has a very expensive secret library behind a panel in the wall.

first edition (初版本) [名] the first version of a book

collect (集める) [動] bring or gather together

fancy (凝った) [形] elaborate or highly decorated

cooking (料理) [名] the practice or skill of preparing food

secret (秘密の) [形] not known or seen or meant to be known or seen by others

彼は金持ちの変態と一緒に住んでいて、初版本を集めたり、凝った料理をしたり、壁のパネルの裏に非常に高価な秘密の図書館を持っているような人だった。

The two of them had a fight.

二人は喧嘩をした。

They fought all over the house, from room to room, the place was a shambles and the rich guy eventually got the low score.

shambles (修羅場) [名] a state of total disorder

彼らは家中を部屋から部屋へと戦い、その場所は修羅場となり、金持ちの男は最終的に低い点数を取った。

The killer, when they caught him, had dozens of bruises on him and a broken finger.

killer (犯人) [名] a person who kills

broken (骨折) [形] having been fractured or damaged

犯人は捕まった時、何十もの打撲傷と指の骨折を負っていた。

All he knew for sure was that he had a headache and he couldn't find his way back to Pasadena.

find one's way (道を見つける) [動] to go to a place

彼が確実に知っていたのは、頭痛がしてパサデナに戻る道が見つからないことだけだった。

He kept circling around and stopping to ask directions at the same service station.

circle (回る) [動] move around something

service station (ガソリンスタンド) [名] a place where you can buy fuel for your car

彼はぐるぐる回り続け、同じガソリンスタンドで道を尋ねるために立ち止まっていた。

The guy at the service station decided he was nuts and called the cops.

ガソリンスタンドの男は彼が狂っていると判断し、警察を呼んだ。

Next time around they were waiting for him.”

次に彼が来た時に彼らは彼を待っていた。」

“I don't believe that about Roger,” Spencer said.

「ロジャーについては信じられない」とスペンサーは言った。

“He was no more psycho than I am.”

no more (同じくらい) [副] not more than

「彼は私と同じくらい精神病質だった。」

“He blacked out when he was drunk,” I said.

「彼は酔うと記憶を失った」と私は言った。

“I was there. I saw him do it,” Eileen said calmly.

「私はそこにいた。彼がそれをするのを見た」とアイリーンは落ち着いて言った。

I grinned at Spencer.

私はスペンサーにニヤリと笑った。

It was some kind of grin, not the cheery kind probably, but I could feel my face doing its best.

それはある種のニヤニヤした笑顔で、おそらく陽気な笑顔ではなかったが、私は自分の顔が最善を尽くしているのを感じることができた。

“She's going to tell us about it,” I told him.

「彼女は私たちにそれについて話すつもりだ」と私は彼に言った。

“Just listen. She's going to tell us.

「ただ聞いていればいい。彼女は私たちに話すつもりだ。

She can't help herself now.”

can't help (抑えられない) [動] be unable to stop or control

彼女は今、自分を抑えられない」

“Yes, that is true,” she said gravely.

gravely (真面目な顔で) [副] in a serious manner

「そう、それは本当だ」と彼女は真面目な顔で言った。

“There are things no one likes to tell about an enemy, much less about one's own husband.

「誰も敵について話したがらないことがあるし、ましてや自分の夫については話したがらない。

And if I have to tell them publicly on a witness stand, you are not going to enjoy it, Howard.

publicly (公に) [副] in a public manner

witness stand (証人台) [名] the place where a witness sits or stands to give testimony in a court of law

そして、もし私が証人台で公に話さなければならないとしたら、あなたはそれを喜ばないだろう、ハワード。

Your fine, talented, ever so popular and lucrative author is going to look pretty cheap.

talented (才能がある) [形] having a special natural ability or aptitude

ever so (とても) [副] to a very great extent

あなたの立派で才能があり、とても人気があり、収益性の高い作家はかなり安っぽく見えるだろう。

Sexy as all get out, wasn't he?

とてもセクシーだったよね?

On paper, that is.

on paper (書類上では) [名] in theory but not in practice

つまり、書類上では。

And how the poor fool tried to live up to it!

live up to (応える) [動] to be as good as expected or promised

そして、その哀れな愚か者はそれに応えようとしたのだ!

All that woman was to him was a trophy.

be to (にとって) [動] be the case for

trophy (トロフィー) [名] a cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success

彼にとってその女性はトロフィーに過ぎなかった。

I spied on them.

spy (スパイする) [動] work for a government or other organization by secretly collecting information about enemies or competitors

私は彼らをスパイした。

I should be ashamed of that.

私はそれを恥じるべきだ。

One has to say these things.

人はこういったことを言わなければならない。

I am ashamed of nothing.

私は何も恥じていない。

I saw the whole nasty scene.

私はその不快な場面を全部見た。

The guest house she used for her amours happens to be a nice secluded affair with its own garage and entrance on a side street, a dead end, shaded by big trees.

amour (情事) [名] a love affair

secluded (人目につかない) [形] shut off or hidden from view

affair (建物) [名] a building

side street (脇道) [名] a minor street running off a main street

dead end (袋小路) [名] a road or passage with only one entrance

shade (日陰) [名] comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight

彼女が情事に使っていたゲストハウスは、たまたま、大きな木々が日陰をつくっている袋小路の脇道に、専用のガレージと入口がある、人目につかない素敵な建物だった。

The time came, as it must to people like Roger, when he was no longer a satisfactory lover.

satisfactory (満足できる) [形] good enough to fulfill a need or requirement

ロジャーのような人には必ず訪れる時が来た。彼はもはや満足できる恋人ではなかった。

Just a little too drunk.

ちょっと酔いすぎただけだ。

He tried to leave but she came out after him screaming and stark naked, waving some kind of small statuette.

stark naked (真っ裸) [形] completely naked

wave (振り回す) [動] move to and fro in the air

彼は立ち去ろうとしたが、彼女は叫びながら、真っ裸で、何か小さな像を振り回しながら彼の後を追いかけてきた。

She used language of a depth of filth and depravity I couldn't attempt to describe.

language (言葉) [名] the system of communication used by a particular community or country

filth (卑猥) [名] disgusting dirt or refuse

depravity (下品) [名] the state of being corrupt or wicked

彼女は私がとても表現できないほど卑猥で下品な言葉を使った。

Then she tried to hit him with the statuette.

それから彼女はその像で彼を殴ろうとした。

You are both men and you must know that nothing shocks a man quite so much as to hear a supposedly refined woman use the language of the gutter and the public urinal.

shock (ショックを与える) [動] cause to feel surprised, upset, or disappointed

supposedly (はずの) [副] used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no evidence to support this

refined (上品な) [形] having good manners, taste, and education

public urinal (公衆便所) [名] a place with toilets that anyone can use

あなたたちは二人とも男性だから、上品なはずの女性の口からドブや公衆便所の言葉を聞くことほど男性にショックを与えるものはないことを知っているはずだ。

He was drunk, he had had sudden spells of violence, and he had one then.

spell (発作) [名] a short period of time

彼は酔っ払っていて、突然暴力的になることがあったが、その時もそうだった。

He tore the statuette out of her hand.

彼は彼女の手から像を奪い取った。

You can guess the rest.”

残りは推測できるでしょう」

“There must have been a lot of blood,” I said.

「血が大量に出たに違いない」と私は言った。

“Blood?” She laughed bitterly.

「血?」彼女は苦々しく笑った。

“You should have seen him when he got home.

「彼が帰宅した時を見るべきだったよ。

When I ran for my car to get away he was just standing there looking down at her.

私が逃げるために車に走ったとき、彼はただそこに立って彼女を見下ろしていた。

Then he bent and picked her up in his arms and carried her into the guest house.

pick up (抱き上げる) [動] lift something up

carry (運び込む) [動] take or bring something from one place to another

それから彼はかがんで彼女を腕に抱き上げ、ゲストハウスに運び込んだ。

I knew then that the shock had partially sobered him.

partially (少し) [副] to some extent; not totally

sober (酔いが醒める) [動] to become sober

その時、私はショックで彼が少し酔いが醒めたのだと分かった。

He got home in about an hour.

about an hour (約1時間) [名] a period of time

彼は約1時間で帰宅した。

He was very quiet.

彼はとても静かだった。

It shook him when he saw me waiting.

shake (驚かせる) [動] to cause to tremble or vibrate

彼は私が待っているのを見て驚いた。

But he wasn't drunk then.

しかし、彼はその時酔っていなかった。

He was dazed.

be dazed (ぼうっとしている) [動] to be in a state of confusion or shock

彼はぼうっとしていた。

There was blood on his face, on his hair, all over the front of his coat.

彼の顔、髪、コートの前面に血が付いていた。

I got him into the lavatory off the study and got him stripped and cleaned off enough to get him upstairs into the shower.

lavatory (洗面所) [名] a room with a toilet

strip (脱ぐ) [動] remove all or most of one's clothes

shower (シャワー) [名] a device for spraying water over a person for washing or refreshing

私は彼を書斎の洗面所に連れて行き、服を脱がせて、二階のシャワーに連れて行くのに十分なほどきれいにした。

I put him to bed.

私は彼をベッドに寝かせた。

I got an old suitcase and went downstairs and gathered up the bloody clothes and put them in the suitcase.

gather up (集める) [動] to collect or bring together

私は古いスーツケースを持ち、階下に行き、血まみれの服を集めてスーツケースに入れた。

I cleaned the basin and the floor and then I took a wet towel out and made sure his car was clean.

basin (洗面台) [名] a large bowl-shaped container that you fill with water and use for washing yourself

私は洗面台と床を掃除し、それから濡れたタオルを取り出し、彼の車がきれいであることを確認した。

I put it away and got mine out.

私はそれを片付けて、自分のを取り出した。

I drove to the Chatsworth Reservoir and you can guess what I did with the suitcase full of bloody clothes and towels.”

Chatsworth Reservoir (チャッツワース貯水池) [名] a reservoir in Chatsworth, California

guess (想像がつく) [動] to estimate or suppose (something) without having all the facts; to conjecture

私はチャッツワース貯水池まで車を走らせ、血まみれの服やタオルでいっぱいのスーツケースをどうしたかは想像がつくだろう。」

She stopped.

stop (口をつぐむ) [動] cease an action or activity

彼女は口をつぐんだ。

Spencer was scratching at the palm of his left hand.

スペンサーは左手の手のひらを掻いていた。

She gave him a quick glance and went on.

彼女は彼をちらっと見て、続けた。

“While I was away he got up and drank a lot of whiskey.

「私がいない間に彼は起きて、たくさんのウイスキーを飲んだ。

And the next morning he didn't remember a single thing.

the next morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after the present day

そして翌朝、彼は何も覚えていなかった。

That is, he didn't say a word about it or behave as if he had anything on his mind but a hangover.

say a word (一言も言わない) [動] to say something

behave (態度を取る) [動] to act or conduct oneself in a specified way

つまり、彼はそれについて一言も言わず、二日酔い以外に何か心配事があるかのような態度も取らなかった。

And I said nothing.”

そして私も何も言わなかった。」

“He must have missed the clothes,” I said.

「彼は服がなくなったことに気づいたに違いない」と私は言った。

She nodded.

彼女はうなずいた。

“I think he did eventually--but he didn't say so.

「彼は結局気づいたと思うけど、そうは言わなかった。

Everything seemed to happen at once about that time.

at once (一斉に) [副] all at the same time; simultaneously

その頃は全てが一斉に起こったように思えた。

The papers were full of it, then Paul was missing, and then he was dead in Mexico.

be full of (いっぱいである) [動] to be completely filled with something

be missing (行方不明である) [動] to be absent from a place where one is expected to be

新聞はそれでいっぱいだった、そしてポールは行方不明になり、そして彼はメキシコで死んだ。

How was I to know that would happen?

そんなことが起こるとどうして分かっただろう?

Roger was my husband.

ロジャーは私の夫だった。

He had done an awful thing, but she was an awful woman.

彼はひどいことをしたが、彼女はひどい女だった。

And he hadn't known what he was doing.

そして彼は自分が何をしているのか分かっていなかった。

Then almost as suddenly as it began the papers dropped it.

それから始まったときと同じくらい突然に新聞はそれを落とした。

Linda's father must have had something to do with that.

リンダの父親はそれに何か関係があったに違いない。

Roger read the papers, of course, and he made just the sort of comments one would expect from an innocent bystander who had just happened to know the people involved.”

comment (コメント) [名] a remark, statement, or observation

bystander (傍観者) [名] a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part

involved (関係する) [形] connected with or concerned with something

ロジャーはもちろん新聞を読んで、彼はちょうど関係者を知ったばかりの無実の傍観者から期待されるようなコメントをした。」

“Weren't you afraid?” Spencer asked her quietly.

「怖くなかった?」スペンサーは静かに彼女に尋ねた。

“I was sick with fear, Howard.

be sick with (病気である) [動] to be affected by a disease

「私は恐怖で病気だった、ハワード。

If he remembered, he would probably kill me.

もし彼が思い出したら、彼はおそらく私を殺すだろう。

He was a good actor--most writers are--and perhaps he already knew and was just waiting for a chance.

彼は良い俳優だった--ほとんどの作家はそうである--そしておそらく彼はすでに知っていて、ただチャンスを待っていただけだった。

But I couldn't be sure.

しかし、私は確信が持てなかった。

He might--just might--have forgotten the whole thing permanently.

彼は--もしかしたら--全てのことを永久に忘れてしまったのかもしれない。

And Paul was dead.”

そしてポールは死んだ。」

“If he never mentioned the clothes that you had dumped in the reservoir, that proved he suspected something,” I said.

reservoir (貯水池) [名] a large lake that is used as a source of water

「もし彼があなたが貯水池に捨てた服について言及しなかったなら、それは彼が何かを疑っていたことを証明する」と私は言った。

“And remember, in that stuff he left in the typewriter the other time--the time he shot the gun off upstairs and I found you trying to get it away from him--he said a good man had died for him.”

「そして思い出して、彼がタイプライターに残したあの文章--彼が二階で銃を撃って、私があなたから銃を取り上げようとした時--彼は良い人が彼のために死んだと言った。」

“He said that?”

「彼はそう言ったの?」

Her eyes widened just the right amount.

widen (大きくなる) [動] become larger or wider

彼女の目はちょうどいい具合に大きくなった。

“He wrote it--on the typewriter.

「彼はそれを書いた--タイプライターで。

I destroyed it, he asked me to.

私はそれを破棄した、彼がそうするように頼んだ。

I supposed you had already seen it.”

あなたはすでにそれを見たと思っていた。」

“I never read anything he wrote in his study.”

「私は彼が書斎で書いたものは何も読んだことがない。」

“You read the note he left the time Verringer took him away.

「あなたは彼がヴェリンジャーが彼を連れ去ったときに残したメモを読んだ。

You even dug something out of the wastebasket.”

dig (掘り出す) [動] to break up and move earth, sand, etc., with a tool or with the hands

あなたはゴミ箱から何かを掘り出した。」

“That was different,” she said coolly.

「それは別だ」と彼女は冷静に言った。

“I was looking for a clue to where he might have gone.”

「私は彼がどこに行ったのか手がかりを探していた。」

“Okay,” I said, and leaned back.

「分かった」と私は言って、後ろにもたれた。

“Is there any more?”

be there (ある) [動] exist

any more (他に) [副] to any further extent or degree

「他に何かあるか?」

She shook her head slowly, with a deep sadness.

彼女は深い悲しみを込めてゆっくりと首を横に振った。

“I suppose not. At the very last, the afternoon he killed himself, he may have remembered.

very last (最後に) [名] the last in a series

「そうは思わない。最後に、彼が自殺した午後、彼は思い出したかもしれない。

We'll never know.

私たちは決して知ることはないだろう。

Do we want to know?”

知りたいと思うだろうか?」

Spencer cleared his throat.

clear (咳払いをする) [動] to make a sound in your throat to show that you are about to speak

スペンサーは咳払いをした。

“What was Marlowe supposed to do in all this?

「この中でマーロウは何をすることになっていたんだ?

It was your idea to get him here.

彼をここに連れてくるのはあなたの考えだった。

You talked me into that, you know.”

talk into (説得する) [動] persuade someone to do something

あなたは私にそれを説得したんだ、知ってるよね。」

“I was terribly afraid.

「私はとても怖かった。

I was afraid of Roger and I was afraid for him.

be afraid for (恐れる) [動] be scared for

私はロジャーを恐れていたし、彼のために恐れていた。

Mr. Marlowe was Paul's friend, almost the last person to see him who knew him.

マーロウさんはポールの友人で、彼を知る人物の中で彼に会った最後の人物に近い。

Paul might have told him something.

ポールは彼に何かを話したかもしれない。

I had to be sure.

私は確かめなければならなかった。

If he was dangerous, I wanted him on my side.

もし彼が危険なら、私は彼を味方につけたかった。

If he found out the truth, there might still be some way to save Roger.”

もし彼が真実を突き止めたら、ロジャーを救う方法がまだあるかもしれない」

Suddenly and for no reason that I could see, Spencer got tough.

for no reason (理由がわからない) [名] without a cause or explanation

突然、私には理由がわからないが、スペンサーは強気になった。

He leaned forward and pushed his jaw out.

push (突き出す) [動] to move something away from yourself with a force

彼は前かがみになって顎を突き出した。

“Let me get this straight, Eileen.

get something straight (はっきりさせる) [動] to make something clear or easy to understand

「はっきりさせよう、アイリーン。

Here was a private detective who was already in bad with the police.

be in bad with (折り合いが悪い) [動] to be in a bad relationship with someone

ここにすでに警察と折り合いの悪い私立探偵がいた。

They'd had him in jail.

彼らは彼を刑務所に入れていた。

He was supposed to have helped Paul--I call him that because you do--jump the country to Mexico.

jump (逃亡する) [動] move quickly and suddenly

彼はポール--あなたがそう呼ぶので私もそう呼ぶ--がメキシコに国外逃亡するのを手伝ったはずだった。

That's a felony, if Paul was a murderer.

murderer (殺人犯) [名] a person who has committed murder

ポールが殺人犯ならそれは重罪だ。

So if he found out the truth and could clear himself, he would just sit on his hands and do nothing.

sit on one's hands (手をこまねく) [動] fail to take action

だからもし彼が真実を知り、自分を潔白にできるとしても、彼はただ手をこまねいて何もしないだろう。

Was that your idea?”

それはあなたの考えだったのか?」

“I was afraid, Howard.

「怖かったのよ、ハワード。

Can't you understand that?

それがわからないの?

I was living in the house with a murderer who might be a maniac.

私は狂人かもしれない殺人者と家で一緒に暮らしていた。

I was alone with him a large part of the time.”

be alone with (二人きりになる) [動] to be in a place with only one other person

large part (ほとんど) [名] a majority of something

私はほとんどの時間彼と二人きりだった。」

“I understand that,” Spencer said, still tough.

「それはわかっている」とスペンサーは相変わらず厳しい口調で言った。

“But Marlowe didn't take it on, and you were still alone.

take on (引き受ける) [動] to agree to do something

「しかしマーロウは引き受けなかったし、あなたは相変わらず一人だった。

Then Roger fired the gun off and for a week after that you were alone.

それからロジャーは銃を撃ち、その後一週間あなたは一人だった。

Then Roger killed himself and very conveniently it was Marlowe who was alone that time.”

conveniently (都合よく) [副] in a way that is easy or convenient

それからロジャーは自殺し、とても都合のいいことにその時一人だったのはマーロウだった。」

“That is true,” she said.

「それは本当だよ」と彼女は言った。

“What of it? Could I help it?”

what of it (それがどうしたの) [句] what is the importance of that

could I help it (私がどうにかなること) [句] I couldn't do anything about it

「それがどうしたの? 私がどうにかなること?」

“All right,” Spencer said.

「分かった」とスペンサーは言った。

“Is it just possible you thought Marlowe might find the truth and with the background of the gun going off once already, just kind of hand it to Roger and say something like, 'Look, old man, you're a murderer and I know it and your wife knows it.

find the truth (真実を突き止める) [動] discover the truth

「マーロウが真実を突き止め、銃がすでに一度発射されたという背景を踏まえて、それをロジャーに渡してこう言うかもしれないと思ったのか?『おい、あなたは殺人者だ。私も知っているし、あなたの妻も知っている。

She's a fine woman.

彼女は素晴らしい女性だ。

She has suffered enough.

彼女は十分に苦しんだ。

Not to mention Sylvia Lennox's husband.

シルビア・レノックスの夫は言うまでもない。

Why not do the decent thing and pull the trigger and everybody will assume it was just a case of too much wild drinking?

assume (考える) [動] suppose that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge

なぜまともな事をせずに引き金を引くのか、誰もがただの飲み過ぎだと考えるだろう?

So I'll stroll down by the lake and smoke a cigarette, old man.

だから私は湖のほとりを散歩してタバコを吸うよ、おじさん。

Good luck and goodbye.

幸運を祈る、さようなら。

Oh, here's the gun.

ああ、銃はここだ。

It's loaded and it's all yours.'”

弾は込めてある、全部あなたのものだ」

“You're getting horrible, Howard.

「あなたはひどくなってるよ、ハワード。

I didn't think anything of the sort.”

sort (風) [名] a kind, type, or class

私はそんな風には考えなかった」

“You told the deputy Marlowe had killed Roger.

「あなたは保安官にマーロウがロジャーを殺したと言った。

What was that supposed to mean?”

あれはどういう意味だったんだ?」

She looked at me briefly, almost shyly.

shyly (恥ずかしそうに) [副] in a shy manner

彼女は私をちらっと、ほとんど恥ずかしそうに見た。

“I was very wrong to say that.

「あれは言うべきではなかった。

I didn't know what I was saying.”

何を言っているのか自分でも分からなかった」

“Maybe you thought Marlowe had shot him,” Spencer suggested calmly.

「マーロウが彼を撃ったと思ったのかもしれない」とスペンサーは冷静に言った。

Her eyes narrowed.

彼女は目を細めた。

“Oh no, Howard. Why? Why would he do that?

「ああ、ハワード。どうして? どうして彼はそんなことをしたの?

That's an abominable suggestion.”

abominable (ひどい) [形] causing moral revulsion

それはひどい提案だ」

“Why?” Spencer wanted to know.

want to know (知りたがる) [動] to be curious about something

「なぜ?」スペンサーは知りたがった。

“What's abominable about it?

「何がひどいんだ?

The police had the same idea.

have the same idea (同じ考えを持つ) [動] to have the same opinion or thought as someone else

警察も同じ考えだった。

And Candy gave them a motive.

そしてキャンディは彼らに動機を与えた。

He said Marlowe was in your room for two hours the night Roger shot a hole in his ceiling--after Roger had been put to sleep with pills.”

彼は、ロジャーが天井に穴を開けた夜、マーロウがあなたの部屋に2時間いたと言っていた。ロジャーが薬で眠らされた後だ。」

She flushed to the roots of her hair.

彼女は髪の毛の根元まで赤面した。

She stared at him dumbly.

dumbly (ぼんやりと) [副] in a stupid or foolish manner

彼女は彼をぼんやりと見つめた。

“And you didn't have any clothes on,” Spencer said brutally.

「そしてあなたは服を着ていなかった」とスペンサーは残酷に言った。

“That's what Candy told them.”

「キャンディがそう言ったんだ」

“But at the inqest--” she began to say in a shattered kind of voice.

shattered (打ちひしがれた) [形] broken into many pieces

「でも、検死で・・・」彼女は打ちひしがれたような声で言い始めた。

Spencer cut her off.

cut off (遮る) [動] to stop or interrupt someone or something

スペンサーは彼女を遮った。

“The police didn't believe Candy.

「警察はキャンディを信じなかった。

So he didn't tell it at the inquest.”

だから彼は検死でそれを言わなかった」

“Oh.”

「ああ」

It was a sigh of relief.

relief (安堵) [名] a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress

それは安堵のため息だった。

“Also,” Spencer went on coldly, “the police suspected you. They still do.

「また」スペンサーは冷たく続けた。「警察は君を疑った。彼らは今でも疑っている。

All they need is a motive.

彼らに必要なのは動機だけだ。

Looks to me like they might be able to put one together now.”

put together (まとめる) [動] to assemble or construct something

私には彼らが今一つのものをまとめることができるように思える。」

She was on her feet.

be on one's feet (立ち上がる) [動] to stand up

彼女は立ち上がった。

“I think you had both better leave my house,” she said angrily.

「あなたたち二人とも私の家から出て行った方がいいと思うよ」と彼女は怒って言った。

“The sooner the better.”

the sooner the better (早ければ早いほどいい) [句] the earlier something happens, the better it is

「早ければ早いほどいいよ。」

“Well, did you or didn't you?” Spencer asked calmly, not moving except to reach for his glass and find it empty.

find (わかる) [動] discover or notice something

「そうか、そうしたのか、しなかったのか?」スペンサーは落ち着いて尋ね、グラスに手を伸ばして空だとわかる以外は動かなかった。

“Did I or didn't I what?”

「そうしたのか、しなかったのか、何を?」

“Shoot Roger?”

「ロジャーを撃ったのか?」

She was standing there staring at him.

彼女はそこに立って彼を見つめていた。

The flush had gone.

flush (紅潮) [名] a redness of the face

紅潮は消えていた。

Her face was white and tight and angry.

彼女の顔は青白く、引きつり、怒っていた。

“I'm just giving you the sort of thing you'd get in court.”

「私はただ、法廷であなたが得るようなことをあなたに与えているだけだ」

“I was out. I had forgotten my keys.

「私は外出していた。私は鍵を忘れていた。

I had to ring to get into the house.

私は家に入るためにベルを鳴らさなければならなかった。

He was dead when I got home.

私が家に帰ったとき、彼は死んでいた。

All that is known.

be known (知られている) [動] be familiar with; have knowledge of

全てが知られている。

What has got into you, for God's sake?”

get into (取り付く) [動] to become interested in or involved with something

for God's sake (一体) [間] used to express annoyance, impatience, or surprise

一体どうしたんだ?」

He took a handkerchief out and wiped his lips.

彼はハンカチを取り出し、唇を拭った。

“Eileen, I've stayed in this house twenty times.

「アイリーン、私はこの家に20回も泊まったことがある。

I've never known that front door to be locked during the daytime.

be locked (鍵がかかる) [動] to be fastened or secured with a lock

daytime (日中) [名] the time of day when it is light outside

玄関の鍵が日中にかかっているのを見たことがない。

I don't say you shot him.

君が彼を撃ったとは言わない。

I just asked you.

君に尋ねただけだ。

And don't tell me it was impossible.

そして、それが不可能だったなんて言わないでくれ。

The way things worked out it was easy.”

物事がうまく運んだので簡単だった。」

“I shot my own husband?” she asked slowly and wonderingly.

wonderingly (不思議そうに) [副] in a wondering manner

「私が自分の夫を撃った?」彼女はゆっくりと不思議そうに尋ねた。

“Assuming,” Spencer said in the same indifferent voice, “that he was your husband.

indifferent (無関心な) [形] having no particular interest in or feeling about something

「仮に」スペンサーは同じ無関心な声で言った。「彼があなたの夫だったとして。

You had another when you married him.”

あなたは彼と結婚した時に別の夫がいた。」

“Thank you, Howard. Thank you very much.

「ありがとう、ハワード。本当にありがとう。

Roger's last book, his swan song, is there in front of you.

swan song (白鳥の歌) [名] a person's final public performance or professional activity before retirement

ロジャーの最後の本、彼の白鳥の歌があなたの目の前にある。

Take it and go.

それを取って行きなさい。

And I think you had better call the police and tell them what you think.

そして、警察に電話して、あなたの考えを話した方がいいと思う。

It will be a charming ending to our friendship.

charming (魅力的な) [形] very pleasant or attractive

ending (結末) [名] the final part of something

それは私たちの友情の魅力的な結末になるだろう。

Most charming.

とても魅力的だ。

Goodbye, Howard.

さようなら、ハワード。

I am very tired and I have a headache.

have a headache (頭痛がする) [動] to experience pain in the head

私はとても疲れていて、頭痛がする。

I'm going to my room and lie down.

私は自分の部屋に行って横になる。

As for Mr. Marlowe--and I suppose he put you up to all this--I can only say to him that if he didn't kill Roger in a literal sense, he certainly drove him to his death.”

put someone up to (~させる) [動] to encourage or persuade someone to do something, especially something that is wrong or dishonest

in a literal sense (文字通りの意味で) [副] taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory

drive someone to (~に追いやる) [動] to force someone to do something

マーロウ氏については、彼があなたにこの全てをさせたと思うが、彼に言えるのは、彼が文字通りの意味でロジャーを殺さなかったとしても、彼は確かに彼を死に追いやったということだけだ。」

She turned to walk away.

彼女は立ち去ろうと振り返った。

I said sharply: “Mrs. Wade, just a moment.

just a moment (ちょっと待ってください) [名] a very short period of time

私はきっぱりと言った。「ウェード夫人、ちょっと待ってください。

Let's finish the job.

仕事を終わらせよう。

No sense in being bitter.

苦々しく思う意味はない。

We are all trying to do the right thing.

私たちは皆正しいことをしようとしている。

That suitcase you threw into the Chatsworth Reservoir--was it heavy?”

あなたがチャッツワース貯水池に投げ込んだあのスーツケースは重かったか?」

She turned and stared at me.

彼女は振り返って私をじっと見つめた。

“It was an old one, I said.

「古いやつだった」と私は言った。

Yes, it was very heavy.”

ああ、とても重かったよ」

“How did you get it over the high wire fence around the reservoir?”

get (越える) [動] go over, above, or across

wire (金網) [名] a metal drawn out into a thin flexible thread

「どうやって貯水池の周りの高い金網を越えたんだ?」

“What? The fence?” She made a helpless gesture.

「何? 塀?」彼女は困った仕草をした。

“I suppose in emergencies one has an abnormal strength to do what has to be done.

abnormal (異常な) [形] deviating from what is standard, usual, or expected

「緊急時には人はしなければならないことをするための異常な強さを持つと思う。

Somehow or other I did it.

somehow or other (とにかく) [副] in some way or other; by some means

とにかく私はそれをやった。

That's all.”

それだけよ。」

“There isn't any fence,” I said.

「塀なんてない」と私は言った。

“Isn't any fence?”

「塀がない?」

She repeated it dully, as if it didn't mean anything.

dully (ぼんやりと) [副] in a way that is not interesting or exciting

彼女は何も意味がないかのようにそれをぼんやりと繰り返した。

“And there was no blood on Roger's clothes.

「そしてロジャーの服に血はついていなかった。

And Sylvia Lennox wasn't killed outside the guest house, but inside it on the bed.

そしてシルヴィア・レノックスはゲストハウスの外ではなく、中のベッドで殺された。

And there was practically no blood, because she was already dead--shot dead with a gun--and when the statuette was used to beat her face to a pulp, it was beating a dead woman.

そして血はほとんどなかった、なぜなら彼女はすでに死んでいたからだ--銃で撃たれて死んでいた--そして小像が彼女の顔をぐちゃぐちゃに殴打するために使われた時、それは死んだ女性を殴打していた。

And the dead, Mrs. Wade, bleed very little.”

そして死んだ人は、ウェードさん、ほとんど血を流さない。」

She curled her lip at me contemptuously.

彼女は私を軽蔑して唇を曲げた。

“I suppose you were there,” she said scornfully.

scornfully (軽蔑的に) [副] in a scornful manner

「あなたはそこにいたんだよね」と彼女は軽蔑的に言った。

Then she went away from us.

go away (離れていく) [動] move from a place

それから彼女は私たちから離れていった。

We watched her go.

go (去っていく) [動] move or travel from one place to another

私たちは彼女が去っていくのを見守った。

She went up the stairs slowly, moving with calm elegance.

彼女は落ち着いた優雅さで動きながらゆっくりと階段を上っていった。

She disappeared into her room and the door closed softly but firmly behind her.

彼女は部屋に姿を消し、ドアは彼女の後ろで柔らかくしかししっかりと閉まった。

Silence.

沈黙。

“What was that about the wire fence?” Spencer asked me vaguely.

wire fence (有刺鉄線のフェンス) [名] a fence made of wire

「有刺鉄線のフェンスって何のこと?」スペンサーがぼんやりと私に尋ねた。

He was moving his head back and forth.

back and forth (前後) [副] to and fro

彼は頭を前後に動かしていた。

He was flushed and sweating.

彼は顔を赤らめ、汗をかいていた。

He was taking it gamely but it wasn't easy for him to take.

gamely (勇敢に) [副] in a brave or plucky way

彼はそれを勇敢に受け止めていたが、彼にとってそれを受け入れるのは簡単ではなかった。

“Just a gag,” I said.

gag (ギャグ) [名] a joke or funny story

「ただのギャグだよ」と私は言った。

“I've never been close enough to the Chatsworth Reservoir to know what it looks like.

close enough (十分に近い) [形] a short distance away

「私はチャッツワース貯水池がどんなものか知っているくらい近くに行ったことがない。

Maybe it has a fence around it, maybe not.”

周りに柵があるかもしれないし、ないかもしれない」

“I see,” he said unhappily.

unhappily (不幸そうに) [副] in an unhappy manner

「なるほど」と彼は不幸そうに言った。

“But the point is she didn't know either.”

「しかし、要点は彼女も知らなかったということだ」

“Of course not. She killed both of them.”

「もちろん違う。彼女は二人とも殺した」

[43]

Then something moved softly and Candy was standing at the end of the couch looking at me.

すると何かがそっと動いて、キャンディがソファの端に立って私を見ていた。

He had his switch knife in his hand.

switch knife (飛び出しナイフ) [名] a knife with a blade that springs out of the handle when a button is pressed

彼は手に飛び出しナイフを持っていた。

He pressed the button and the blade shot out.

shoot out (飛び出す) [動] to move or cause to move suddenly and rapidly

彼はボタンを押し、刃が飛び出した。

He pressed the button and the blade went back into the handle.

彼はボタンを押し、刃が柄の中に戻った。

There was a sleek glitter in his eye.

彼の目にはつややかな輝きがあった。

“Million de pardones, señor,” he said.

pardon (許し) [名] the act of forgiving

「本当に申し訳ありません、旦那様」と彼は言った。

“I was wrong about you.

be wrong about (間違っている) [動] to have an incorrect opinion or belief about something

「君については間違っていた。

She killed the boss.

彼女はボスを殺した。

I think I--”

I think (思う) [動] to have an opinion or belief about something

私は・・・」

He stopped and the blade shot out again.

彼は立ち止まり、刃が再び飛び出した。

“No.” I stood up and held my hand out.

「いいえ」私は立ち上がって手を差し出した。

“Give me the knife, Candy.

「ナイフを渡して、キャンディ。

You're just a nice Mexican houseboy.

あなたはただの気のいいメキシコ人のボーイだ。

They'd hang it onto you and love it.

hang (押し付ける) [動] to fasten or attach (something) so that it is suspended

love (喜ぶ) [動] to be extremely fond of

彼らはそれをあなたに押し付けて喜ぶだろう。

Just the kind of smoke screen that would make them grin with delight.

smoke screen (煙幕) [名] a cloud of smoke created to hide military units or installations

delight (喜び) [名] a feeling of very great happiness

彼らを喜ばせる煙幕のようなものだった。

You don't know what I'm talking about.

あなたは私が何を言っているのかわからない。

But I do.

do (知っている) [動] be aware of

でも私は知っている。

They fouled it up so bad that they couldn't straighten it out now if they wanted to.

foul up (汚す) [動] to make a mess of something

so bad (ひどく) [副] to a very great extent

straighten out (まっすぐにする) [動] to make something straight

彼らはそれをひどく汚したので、彼らが望むなら今それをまっすぐにすることはできなかった。

And they don't want to.

そして彼らはそれを望んでいない。

They'd blast a confession out of you so quickly you wouldn't even have time to tell them your full name.

blast (吹き飛ばす) [動] to blow up or destroy with explosives

quickly (すぐに) [副] in a short time

full name (フルネーム) [名] a person's complete name, including their first name, middle name, and last name

彼らはあなたから自白をすぐに吹き飛ばすので、あなたは彼らにあなたのフルネームを言う時間さえないだろう。

And you'd be sitting on your fanny up in San Quentin with a life sentence three weeks from Tuesday.”

fanny (お尻) [名] buttocks

San Quentin (サン・クエンティン) [名] a California state prison

life sentence (終身刑) [名] a sentence of imprisonment for the rest of a person's life

three weeks (3週間) [名] a period of three weeks

Tuesday (火曜日) [名] the day of the week before Wednesday and following Monday

そして、あなたは火曜日から3週間の終身刑でサン・クエンティンであなたのお尻の上に座っているだろう。」

“I tell you before I am not a Mexican.

「私はメキシコ人ではないと前に言った。

I am Chileno from Viña del Mar near Valparaíso.”

Viña del Mar (ビニャ・デル・マル) [名] a city in Chile

Valparaíso (バルパライソ) [名] a city in Chile

私はバルパライソ近くのビニャ・デル・マル出身のチリ人だ。」

“The knife, Candy. I know all that. You're free.

free (自由だ) [形] not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes

「ナイフ、キャンディ。私はそれをすべて知っている。あなたは自由だ。

You've got money saved.

あなたは貯金がある。

You've probably got eight brothers and sisters back home.

back home (故郷) [名] the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or community

あなたはおそらく故郷に8人の兄弟姉妹がいる。

Be smart and go back where you came from.

be smart (賢くする) [動] to be intelligent or clever

go back (帰る) [動] to return to a place

where you came from (来た場所) [名] the place you came from

賢くして、来た場所に帰りなさい。

This job here is dead.”

この仕事は死んでいる。」

“Lots of jobs,” he said quietly.

「たくさんの仕事」と彼は静かに言った。

Then he reached out and dropped the knife into my hand.

それから彼は手を伸ばしてナイフを私の手に落とした。

“For you I do this.”

「あなたのためにこれをする。」

I dropped the knife into my pocket.

私はナイフをポケットに落とした。

He glanced up towards the balcony.

彼はバルコニーを見上げた。

“La señora--what do we do now?”

La señora (奥様) [名] a married woman

「奥様、これからどうしましょう?」

“Nothing. We do nothing at all.

「何もしない。何もしないのよ。

The señora is very tired.

奥様はとてもお疲れです。

She has been living under a great strain.

strain (ストレス) [名] a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances

彼女は大きなストレスの下で生活を送ってきた。

She doesn't want to be disturbed.”

be disturbed (邪魔される) [動] be interrupted while doing something

彼女は邪魔されたくないのよ」

“We've got to call the police,” Spencer said grittily.

「警察を呼ばなきゃ」スペンサーは歯を食いしばって言った。

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“Oh my God, Marlowe--we have to.”

Oh my God (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

「なんてことだ、マーロウ、そうしなきゃ」

“Tomorrow. Pick up your pile of unfinished novel and let's go.”

「明日。未完成の小説の山を拾って行こう」

“We've got to call the police.

「警察を呼ばなきゃ。

There is such a thing as law.”

法律というものがある」

“We don't have to do anything of the sort.

「そんな事をする必要はない。

We haven't enough evidence to swat a fly with.

swat (叩く) [動] hit with a sharp blow from the flat of the hand or a flat object

ハエを叩くにも十分な証拠がない。

Let the law enforcement people do their own dirty work.

dirty work (汚い仕事) [名] a task that is unpleasant or difficult

法執行機関の人間に彼ら自身の汚い仕事をさせろ。

Let the lawyers work it out.

work out (解決する) [動] find a solution to a problem

弁護士に解決させろ。

They write the laws for other lawyers to dissect in front of other lawyers called judges so that other judges can say the first judges were wrong and the Supreme Court can say the second lot were wrong.

dissect (解剖する) [動] cut up or cut open in order to examine and analyze

Supreme Court (最高裁判所) [名] the highest court in the judicial branch of government

彼らは他の弁護士が裁判官と呼ばれる他の弁護士の前で解剖するための法律を書き、他の裁判官が最初の裁判官が間違っていたと言うことができ、最高裁判所が2番目の裁判官が間違っていたと言うことができるようにする。

Sure there's such a thing as law.

確かに法律というものはある。

We're up to our necks in it.

up to one's neck (首まで浸かっている) [熟] deeply involved in something

私たちはそれに首まで浸かっている。

About all it does is make business for lawyers.

about all (すべて) [名] the whole amount

それがすることのすべては弁護士のために仕事を作ることである。

How long do you think the big-shot mobsters would last if the lawyers didn't show them how to operate?”

big-shot (大物) [名] a person of great importance

show (教える) [動] to make known or clear

弁護士が彼らにどうやって運営するかを教えなかったら、大物ギャングはどれくらい続くと思う?」

Spencer said angrily: “That has nothing to do with it.

do with (関係する) [動] be connected with or relevant to

スペンサーは怒って言った。「それは関係ない。

A man was killed in this house.

この家で男が殺された。

He happened to be an author and a very successful and important one, but that has nothing to do with it either.

彼はたまたま作家で、とても成功した重要な作家だったが、それも関係ない。

He was a man and you and I know who killed him.

彼は人間で、誰が彼を殺したかは君も私も知っている。

There's such a thing as justice.”

正義というものがある。」

“Tomorrow.”

「明日」

“You're just as bad as she is if you let her get away with it.

get away with (逃げる) [動] to avoid punishment or detection for something

「彼女を逃がしたら、君も彼女と同じくらい悪い。

I'm beginning to wonder about you a little, Marlowe.

君のことが少し気になり始めているよ、マーロウ。

You could have saved his life if you had been on your toes.

be on one's toes (注意深い) [動] be alert and ready to act

君がもっと注意深ければ彼の命を救えたかもしれない。

In a sense you let her get away with it.

let (逃がす) [動] allow to happen or be done

ある意味、君は彼女を逃がしたんだ。

And for all I know this whole performance this afternoon has been just that--a performance.”

for all I know (私の知る限り) [句] to the best of my knowledge

そして、私の知る限り、今日の午後のこのパフォーマンスはまさにそれだった--パフォーマンスだ」

“That's right. A disguised love scene.

love scene (ラブシーン) [名] a scene in a movie or play in which two people make love

「その通り。偽装されたラブシーン。

You could see Eileen is crazy about me.

crazy (夢中) [形] insane or foolish

アイリーンが私に夢中なのがわかるだろ。

When things quiet down we may get married.

quiet down (落ち着く) [動] become quiet or quieter

物事が落ち着いたら結婚するかもしれない。

She ought to be pretty well fixed.

fixed (裕福な) [形] having a lot of money

彼女は相当裕福なはずだ。

I haven't made a buck out of the Wade family yet.

make a buck (一銭ももらう) [動] earn money

Wade family (ウェード家) [名] the family of Wade

私はまだウェード家から一銭ももらっていない。

I'm getting impatient.”

get impatient (焦れる) [動] to become impatient

私、焦れてきちゃった」

He took his glasses off and polished them.

彼は眼鏡を外して磨いた。

He wiped perspiration from the hollows under his eyes, replaced the glasses and looked at the floor.

perspiration (汗) [名] the process of sweating and the liquid produced by it

hollow (くぼみ) [名] a hole or depression

replace (かけ直す) [動] take the place of

彼は目の下のくぼみから汗を拭き、眼鏡をかけ直して床を見た。

“I'm sorry,” he said.

「すみません」と彼は言った。

“I've taken a pretty stiff punch this afternoon.

「私は今日の午後かなり強いパンチを食らった。

It was bad enough to know Roger had killed himself.

ロジャーが自殺したことを知るだけでも十分にひどかった。

But this other version makes me feel degraded--just knowing about it.”

degraded (堕落した) [形] having been reduced in quality or value

しかし、この別のバージョンは、それを知るだけで、私を堕落した気分にさせる。」

He looked up at me.

彼は私を見上げた。

“Can I trust you?”

trust (信頼する) [動] have confidence in the reliability, truth, or ability of

「あなたを信頼できるか?」

“To do what?”

「何を?」

“The right thing--whatever it is.”

「正しいことを、それが何であれ」

He reached down and picked up the pile of yellow script and tucked it under his arm.

tuck (挟む) [動] push or fold the edges or ends of something into or under something else

彼は手を伸ばして黄色い台本の束を拾い上げ、それを腕の下に挟んだ。

“No, forget it. I guess you know what you are doing.

「いや、忘れてくれ。君は自分のしていることを分かっていると思う。

I'm a pretty good publisher but this is out of my line.

out of (専門外) [前] not within the limits of

私はかなり優秀な出版社だが、これは私の専門外だ。

I guess what I really am is just a goddam stuffed shirt.”

stuffed shirt (堅物) [名] a person who is too formal and old-fashioned

私の本当の姿は、ただのくそったれの堅物なんだろう」

He walked past me and Candy stepped out of his way, then went quickly to the front door and held it open.

walk past (通り過ぎる) [動] go past someone or something

step out of (避ける) [動] move away from

hold open (開ける) [動] keep something open

彼は私の横を通り過ぎ、キャンディは彼の道を避け、それから素早く玄関に行き、ドアを開けた。

Spencer went out past him with a brief nod.

go out (通り過ぎる) [動] pass by

past (前) [前] in front of

スペンサーは彼の前を通り過ぎ、軽く会釈した。

I followed.

私は後に続いた。

I stopped beside Candy and looked into his dark shining eyes.

私はキャンディの横に立ち、彼の暗く輝く目を見た。

“No tricks, amigo,” I said.

「トリックはなしだ、アミーゴ」と私は言った。

“The señora is very tired,” he said quietly.

「セニョーラはとても疲れている」と彼は静かに言った。

“She has gone to her room.

「彼女は自分の部屋に行った。

She will not be disturbed.

be disturbed (邪魔をされる) [動] be interrupted or bothered

彼女は邪魔をされない。

I know nothing, señor.

私は何も知らない、セニョール。

No me acuerdo de nada ...

No me acuerdo de nada (何も覚えていない) [句] I don't remember anything

何も覚えていない...

A sus órdenes, señor.”

A sus órdenes (ご命令を) [句] at your service

ご命令を、セニョール」

I took the knife out of my pocket and held it out to him.

私はポケットからナイフを取り出し、彼に差し出した。

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“Nobody trusts me, but I trust you, Candy.”

「誰も私を信じない、でも私はあなたを信じる、キャンディ」

“Lo mismo, señor. Muchas gracias.”

Lo mismo (同じです) [名] the same

Muchas gracias (ムチャス・グラシアス) [名] thank you very much

「同じです、セニョール。ムチャス・グラシアス」

Spencer was already in the car.

スペンサーはすでに車の中にいた。

I got in and started it and backed down the driveway and drove him back to Beverly Hills.

私は乗り込んでエンジンをかけ、私道をバックで下り、彼をビバリーヒルズまで送った。

I let him out at the side entrance of the hotel.

私はホテルの横の入口で彼を降ろした。

“I've been thinking all the way back,” he said as he got out.

「帰り道ずっと考えていたんだ」と彼は降りるときに言った。

“She must be a little insane.

insane (狂っている) [形] not sane; not of sound mind

「彼女は少し狂っているに違いない。

I guess they'd never convict her.”

convict (有罪にする) [動] to find or prove guilty of an offense or crime

彼女が有罪になることはないだろう」

“They won't even try,” I said.

「彼らは試みさえしないだろう」と私は言った。

“But she doesn't know that.”

「しかし彼女はそれを知らない」

He struggled with the batch of yellow paper under his arm, got it straightened out, and nodded to me.

batch (束) [名] a quantity or consignment of goods produced at one time

彼は腕の下の黄色い紙の束と格闘し、それをまっすぐにして、私にうなずいた。

I watched him heave open the door and go on in.

私は彼がドアを開けて中に入るのを見守った。

I eased up on the brake and the Olds slid out from the white curb, and that was the last I saw of Howard Spencer.

ease up (緩める) [動] to become less intense or severe

brake (ブレーキ) [名] a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle

slide out (滑り出す) [動] to move smoothly and quickly

私はブレーキを緩め、オールズは白い縁石から滑り出した。そしてそれが私がハワード・スペンサーを見た最後だった。

* * * * *

I got home late and tired and depressed.

私は遅く帰宅し、疲れ、落ち込んでいた。

It was one of those nights when the air is heavy and the night noises seem muffled and far away.

one of those nights (そんな夜の1つ) [名] a night when the air is heavy and the night noises seem muffled and far away

muffled (くぐもった) [形] (of a sound) not clear or distinct

far away (遠く) [副] at or to a great distance

空気が重く、夜の音がくぐもったように遠くで聞こえる夜だった。

There was a high misty indifferent moon.

高くかかった霧のかかった無関心な月があった。

I walked the floor, played a few records, and hardly heard them.

play a record (レコードをかける) [動] to put a record on a record player and listen to it

私は床を歩き、レコードを何枚かかけたが、ほとんど聞こえなかった。

I seemed to hear a steady ticking somewhere, but there wasn't anything in the house to tick.

steady (一定の) [形] not faltering or wavering

tick (カチカチという音) [名] a short, sharp sound, especially one produced by a clock or watch

どこかで一定のカチカチという音が聞こえるようだった。しかし、家の中にカチカチ音を立てるようなものはなかった。

The ticking was in my head.

ticking (カチカチ音) [名] a series of short, sharp sounds

カチカチ音は私の頭の中にあった。

I was a one-man death watch.

私は一人で死を見守っていた。

I thought of the first time I had seen Eileen Wade and the second and the third and the fourth.

fourth (四度目) [名] the fourth occasion on which something happens or is done

私は初めてアイリーン・ウェードに会った時のことを思い出し、そして二度目、三度目、四度目のことを思い出した。

But after that something in her got out of drawing.

get out of (狂う) [動] become crazy or insane

drawing (絵) [名] a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon

しかし、その後、彼女の中の何かが狂ってしまった。

She no longer seemed quite real.

彼女はもはや現実的ではないように思えた。

A murderer is always unreal once you know he is a murderer.

unreal (非現実的) [形] not real or true

殺人者は、殺人者だと知った途端に非現実的になる。

There are people who kill out of hate or fear or greed.

greed (貪欲) [名] a very strong wish to have more of something, especially money, than is fair or reasonable

憎しみや恐怖や貪欲から殺す人がいる。

There are the cunning killers who plan and expect to get away with it.

get away with (逃げ切る) [動] to avoid being caught or punished for something

計画的に殺して、逃げ切ろうとする狡猾な殺人者もいる。

There are the angry killers who do not think at all.

全く考えない怒り狂った殺人者もいる。

And there are the killers who are in love with death, to whom murder is a remote kind of suicide.

そして、死を愛し、殺人を遠回しな自殺と考える殺人者もいる。

In a sense they are all insane, but not in the way Spencer meant it.

ある意味、彼らは皆狂っているが、スペンサーが意味する狂気ではない。

It was almost daylight when I finally went to bed.

私がようやくベッドに入ったのは、もう夜が明けそうだった。

The jangle of the telephone dragged me up out of a black well of sleep.

電話の音が私を眠りの深い井戸から引きずり出した。

I rolled over on the bed, fumbled for slippers, and realized that I hadn't been asleep for more than a couple of hours.

fumble (探す) [動] feel or grope about clumsily or uncertainly

a couple of (2) [名] two

私はベッドの上で寝返りを打ち、スリッパを探して、2時間以上寝ていなかったことに気がついた。

I felt like a half-digested meal eaten in a greasy-spoon joint.

greasy-spoon joint (安食堂) [名] a cheap restaurant that serves simple food

half-digested (半分消化された) [形] partially digested

私は安食堂で食べた半分消化された食事のような気分だった。

My eyes were stuck together and my mouth was full of sand.

目はくっつき、口の中は砂だらけだった。

I heaved up on the feet and lumbered into the living room and pulled the phone off the cradle and said into it: “Hold the line.”

heave up (踏み出す) [動] to lift or move something with great effort

lumber (よろめき入る) [動] to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way

say into (受話器に向かって言う) [動] to speak into something

私は足を踏み出し、居間によろめき入り、電話を台から取り上げ、受話器に向かって言った。「電話を切らないで。」

I put the phone down and went into the bathroom and hit myself in the face with some cold water.

私は電話を置き、浴室に入り、冷たい水で顔を洗った。

Outside the window something went snip, snip, snip.

snip (チョキチョキ) [動] cut with scissors or shears

窓の外で何かがチョキチョキチョキと音を立てた。

I looked out vaguely and saw a brown expressionless face.

look out (外を見る) [動] to be careful or vigilant

私はぼんやりと外を見ると、無表情な褐色の顔が見えた。

It was the once-a-week Jap gardener I called Hardhearted Harry.

once-a-week (週一) [形] happening or done once a week

Jap (日本人) [名] a person of Japanese descent

Hardhearted Harry (冷血ハリー) [名] a person who is cold-hearted and unfeeling

それは私が冷血ハリーと呼ぶ週一の日本人庭師だった。

He was trimming the tecoma--the way a Japanese gardener trims your tecoma.

trim (剪定する) [動] to cut off the ends of something

Japanese (日本人) [名] a person from Japan

彼はテコマを剪定していた--日本人庭師がテコマを剪定する方法で。

You ask him four times and he says, “next week,” and then he comes by at six o'clock in the morning and trims it outside your bedroom window.

come by (やってくる) [動] visit

six o'clock (6時) [名] the time 6:00

彼に4回頼むと彼は「来週」と言い、それから朝6時にやってきて寝室の窓の外で剪定する。

I rubbed my face dry and went back to the telephone.

rub (拭く) [動] move a hand or cloth over the surface of something

dry (乾かす) [動] make or become free from moisture or liquid

私は顔を拭いて電話に戻った。

“Yeah?”

「はい?」

“This is Candy, señor.”

「キャンディです、セニョール」

“Good morning, Candy.”

good morning (おはよう) [名] a greeting used in the morning

「おはよう、キャンディ」

“La señora es muerta.”

es (は) [動] be

muerta (死にました) [形] dead

「セニョーラは死にました」

Dead. What a cold black noiseless word it is in any language.

noiseless (音のない) [形] making no noise

死んだ。どんな言語でも、なんて冷たく、黒く、音のない言葉だろう。

The lady is dead.

lady (奥様) [名] a woman of good breeding, refinement, and gentle manners

奥様は亡くなりました。

“Nothing you did, I hope.”

「君が何かしたわけではないだろうね」

“I think the medicine.

medicine (薬) [名] a drug or other preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease

「薬のせいだと思う。

It is called demerol.

デメロールという薬です。

I think forty, fifty in the bottle.

瓶に40、50錠あったと思う。

Empty now.

今は空っぽだ。

No dinner last night.

No dinner (夕食を食べなかった) [名] the last meal of the day

昨夜は夕食を食べなかった。

This morning I climb up on the ladder and look in the window.

climb up (登る) [動] move up or down with effort

今朝、私は梯子を登って窓を覗いた。

Dressed just like yesterday afternoon.

昨日の午後と同じ服を着ていた。

I break the screen open.

私は網戸を壊して開けた。

La señora es muerta.

es muerta (亡くなりました) [動] to die

奥様は亡くなりました。

Frio como agua de nieve.”

Frio (冷たい) [形] having a low temperature

agua (水) [名] the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressib...

雪の水のように冷たい」

Cold as icewater.

icewater (氷水) [名] water that has been cooled to a very low temperature

氷水のように冷たい」

“You call anybody?”

「誰かに電話したのか?」

“Sí. El Doctor Loring.

El Doctor Loring (ローリング博士) [名] a doctor

「はい。ローリング博士です。

He call the cops.

彼は警察に電話した。

Not here yet.”

not yet (まだ来ていない) [副] up to this time; so far

まだ来ていない」

“Dr. Loring, huh?

「ローリング博士か?

Just the man to come too late.”

遅れて来そうな男だ」

“I don't show him the letter,” Candy said.

「彼に手紙を見せなかった」キャンディは言った。

“Letter to who?”

「誰への手紙?」

“Señor Spencer.”

「スペンサーさん」

“Give it to the police, Candy.

「警察に渡せ、キャンディ。

Don't let Dr. Loring have it.

let (渡す) [動] allow to have or do something

ローリング医師に渡すな。

Just the police.

警察だけだ。

And one more thing, Candy.

one more thing (もう一つ) [名] an additional thing

キャンディ、もう一つ。

Don't hide anything, don't tell them any lies.

何も隠すな、嘘をつくんじゃない。

We were there.

私たちはそこにいた。

Tell the truth.

本当のことを言え。

This time the truth and all the truth.”

今度は真実を、全ての真実を」

There was a little pause.

少しの間があった。

Then he said: “Sí. I catch. Hasta la vista, amigo.”

Hasta la vista (アスタ・ラ・ビスタ) [名] goodbye

それから彼は言った。「はい。分かりました。アスタ・ラ・ビスタ、アミーゴ」

He hung up.

彼は電話を切った。

I dialed the Ritz-Beverly and asked for Howard Spencer.

私はリッツ・ビバリーへ電話をかけ、ハワード・スペンサーを呼び出した。

“One moment, please.

「少々お待ちください。

I'll give you the desk.”

フロントへおつなぎします」

A man's voice said: “Desk speaking. May I help you?”

男性の声がした。「フロントです。ご用件は?」

“I asked for Howard Spencer.

「ハワード・スペンサーを呼び出してくれ。

I know it's early, but it's urgent.”

早朝なのは知っているが、急ぎなんだ」

“Mr. Spencer checked out last evening.

「スペンサーさんは昨夜チェックアウトされました。

He took the eight o'clock plane to New York.”

take (乗る) [動] go by means of a vehicle

eight o'clock (八時) [名] the time of day that is eight hours after midnight

八時の飛行機でニューヨークに向かわれました」

“Oh, sorry. I didn't know.”

「ああ、すまない。知らなかった」

I went out to the kitchen to make coffee--yards of coffee.

私はコーヒーを作るために台所に行った。大量のコーヒーだ。

Rich, strong, bitter, boiling hot, ruthless, depraved.

rich (濃厚な) [形] having a strong, full flavor

boiling hot (熱い) [形] having a high temperature

depraved (堕落した) [形] morally corrupt

濃厚で、強く、苦く、熱く、無慈悲で、堕落した。

The lifeblood of tired men.

lifeblood (命の血) [名] something that is essential for the existence or success of something

men (男たち) [名] an adult male human being

疲れた男たちの命の血だ。

It was a couple of hours later that Bernie Ohls called me.

a couple of hours (数時間) [名] a period of time

バーニー・オールズが私に電話をかけてきたのは数時間後だった。

“Okay, wise guy,” he said.

「わかった、利口ぶった奴」と彼は言った。

“Get down here and suffer.”

「ここに来い、そして苦しむんだ」

[44]

It was like the other time except that it was day and we were in Captain Hernandez's office and the Sheriff was up in Santa Barbara opening Fiesta Week.

day (昼間) [名] the time of light between one night and the next

Santa Barbara (サンタバーバラ) [名] a city in California

Fiesta Week (フィエスタ・ウィーク) [名] a week-long festival held in Santa Barbara

前回と似ていたが、今回は昼間で、我々はヘルナンデス警部の事務所にいて、保安官はサンタバーバラでフィエスタ・ウィークの開会式に出席していた。

Captain Hernandez was there and Bernie Ohls and a man from the coroner's office and Dr. Loring, who looked as if he had been caught performing an abortion, and a man named Lawford, a deputy from the D.A.'s office, a tall gaunt expressionless man whose brother was vaguely rumored to be a boss of the numbers racket in the Central Avenue district.

coroner's office (検死官事務所) [名] an office that investigates deaths

abortion (中絶) [名] the termination of a pregnancy

Lawford (ローフォード) [名] a man

D.A.'s office (地方検事事務所) [名] an office that prosecutes crimes

gaunt (やせ細った) [形] very thin and bony

rumored (噂がある) [動] be talked about as having done something

Central Avenue district (セントラル・アベニュー地区) [名] a district in Los Angeles

ヘルナンデス警部がそこにいて、バーニー・オールズと検死官事務所の男と、中絶手術を行っている現場を押さえられたかのような顔をしたローリング医師、そしてローフォードという名の男、地方検事事務所の代理人で、背が高く、やせ細り、無表情な男で、その兄はセントラル・アベニュー地区のナンバーズ賭博のボスだという噂があった。

Hernandez had some handwritten sheets of note paper in front of him, flesh-pink paper, deckle-edged, and written on with green ink.

handwritten (手書きの) [形] written by hand

note paper (メモ用紙) [名] a piece of paper for writing notes

flesh-pink (肌色の) [形] having the color of human skin

deckle-edged (縁がギザギザの) [形] having a rough or irregular edge

ink (インク) [名] a colored liquid used for writing or printing

ヘルナンデスの前には手書きのメモ用紙が何枚か置かれていた。肌色の紙で、縁がギザギザになっていて、緑のインクで書かれていた。

“This is informal,” Hernandez said, when everybody was as comfortable as you can get in hard chairs.

informal (非公式) [形] not formal

comfortable (楽な) [形] providing ease and relaxation

「これは非公式だ」とヘルナンデスは言った。皆が硬い椅子に座ってできる限り楽な姿勢になった時だった。

“No stenotype or recording equipment.

stenotype (速記) [名] a machine for writing shorthand

recording (録音) [名] the process of making a record of something

「速記や録音機器はなしだ。

Say what you like.

言いたいことを言え。

Dr. Weiss represents the coroner who will decide whether an inquest is necessary.

Dr. Weiss (ワイス医師) [名] a doctor

ワイス医師は検死官の代理で、検死が必要かどうかを決定する。

Dr. Weiss?”

Weiss (ワイス) [名] a German surname

ワイス医師?」

He was fat, cheerful, and looked competent.

彼は太っていて、陽気で、有能そうだった。

“I think no inquest,” he said.

「検死は必要ないだろう」と彼は言った。

“There is every surface indication of narcotic poisoning.

poisoning (中毒) [名] the symptoms caused by a poison

「表面的には麻薬中毒の兆候がすべて揃っている。

When the ambulance arrived the woman was still breathing very faintly and she was in a deep coma and all the reflexes were negative.

ambulance (救急車) [名] a vehicle that takes people to and from a hospital

coma (昏睡) [名] a state of unconsciousness in which a person is alive but unable to move or respond to their environment

救急車が到着した時、女性はまだかすかに息をしていたが、深い昏睡状態で、すべての反射が消失していた。

At that stage you don't save one in a hundred.

stage (段階) [名] a period or phase in a process of change or development

その段階では百人に一人も助からない。

Her skin was cold and respiration would not be noticed without close examination.

respiration (呼吸) [名] the process by which living organisms exchange gases with their environment

close examination (注意深く調べる) [名] a detailed inspection

彼女の肌は冷たく、呼吸は注意深く調べなければ気づかれないほどだった。

The houseboy thought she was dead.

ボーイは彼女が死んだと思った。

She died approximately an hour after that.

approximately (約) [副] used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact

彼女はその後約一時間で死んだ。

I understand the lady was subject to occasional violent attacks of bronchial asthma.

bronchial asthma (気管支喘息) [名] a chronic disease of the lungs characterized by difficulty in breathing due to spasm of the bronchi of the lungs

彼女は時々激しい気管支喘息の発作を起こしていたと聞いている。

The demerol was prescribed by Dr. Loring as an emergency measure.”

emergency measure (緊急措置) [名] an action taken to deal with a sudden and serious problem

デメロールはローリング医師が緊急措置として処方したものだ。」

“Any information or deduction about the amount of demerol taken, Dr. Weiss?”

deduction (推測) [名] a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

taken (服用) [動] swallow or otherwise consume (food, drink, or medicine)

「デメロールの服用量について何か情報や推測はありますか、ワイス医師?」

“A fatal dose,” he said, smiling faintly.

dose (量) [名] the amount of a medicine or drug that is taken at one time

「致死量だ」と彼はかすかに笑いながら言った。

“There is no quick way of determining that without knowing the medical history, the acquired or natural tolerance.

medical history (病歴) [名] a record of a person's past illnesses and medical treatments

acquired (後天性) [形] not innate; learned

tolerance (耐性) [名] the ability to tolerate something, in particular the capacity to endure an unpleasant or harmful substance, treatment, or condition without serious adverse effects

「病歴や後天性または先天性の耐性を知らずにそれを判断する手っ取り早い方法はない。

According to her confession she took twenty-three hundred milligrams, four or five times the minimal lethal dose for a non-addict.”

according to (によると) [前] as stated or reported by

take (服用する) [動] swallow or consume

twenty-three hundred (2300) [数] two thousand three hundred

milligrams (ミリグラム) [名] a unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram

four or five (4、5) [数] four or five

times (倍) [名] an instance of something happening

minimal (最小) [形] the least or smallest amount or quantity possible

lethal (致死) [形] causing or able to cause death

彼女の告白によると、彼女は中毒者ではない人間にとっての最小致死量の4、5倍の2300ミリグラムを服用した。」

He looked questioningly at Dr. Loring.

questioningly (疑問の眼差しで) [副] in a questioning manner

彼は疑問の眼差しでローリング医師を見た。

“Mrs. Wade was not an addict,” Dr. Loring said coldly.

addict (中毒者) [名] a person who is addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity

「ウェード夫人は中毒者ではなかった」とローリング医師は冷たく言った。

“The prescribed dose would be one or two fifty-milligram tablets.

prescribed dose (処方量) [名] the amount of a medicine that is prescribed

one or two (1つか2つ) [名] a small number of things

fifty-milligram tablets (50ミリグラムの錠剤) [名] a small, round, flat piece of medicine that you swallow

「処方量は50ミリグラムの錠剤を1つか2つだ。

Three or four during a twenty-four-hour period would be the most I'd permit.”

twenty-four-hour period (24時間) [名] a period of 24 hours

24時間の間に3つか4つが私が許す最大量だ。」

“But you gave her fifty at a whack,” Captain Hernandez said.

at a whack (一度に) [副] all at once

「しかし、あなたは彼女に一度に50錠与えた」とヘルナンデス警部は言った。

“A pretty dangerous drug to have around in that quantity, don't you think?

drug (薬) [名] a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body

quantity (量) [名] a particular amount of something

「その量を持ち歩くには非常に危険な薬だと思いませんか?

How bad was this bronchial asthma, Doctor?”

この気管支喘息はどれほどひどかったのですか、先生?」

Dr. Loring smiled contemptuously.

ローリング医師は軽蔑的に微笑んだ。

“It was intermittent, like all asthma.

intermittent (断続的) [形] not continuous or steady

「すべての喘息のように、それは断続的でした。

It never amounted to what we term status asthmaticus, an attack so severe that the patient seems in danger of suffocating.”

amount to (至る) [動] to be equal to or the same as

term (呼ぶ) [動] to give a name to

status asthmaticus (喘息発作) [名] a severe and prolonged asthma attack

suffocate (窒息する) [動] to die from lack of oxygen

患者が窒息の危険にさらされるほど重篤な発作である、いわゆる喘息発作に至ることはありませんでした。」

“Any comment, Dr. Weiss?”

「何かコメントはありますか、ワイス先生?」

“Well,” Dr. Weiss said slowly, “assuming the note didn't exist and assuming we had no other evidence of how much of the stuff she took, it could be an accidental overdose.

stuff (量) [名] an unspecified amount of something

「そうですね」ワイス医師はゆっくりと言った。「メモが存在せず、彼女がどれだけの量を飲んだかについて他の証拠がないと仮定すると、それは偶然の過剰摂取である可能性があります。

The safety margin isn't very wide.

safety margin (安全域) [名] the difference between the amount of a drug that causes a therapeutic effect and the amount that causes toxicity

安全域はそれほど広くありません。

We'll know for sure tomorrow.

明日にははっきりとわかるでしょう。

You don't want to suppress the note, Hernandez, for Pete's sake?”

suppress (隠蔽する) [動] to prevent the dissemination of

Pete (ピート) [名] a male given name

sake (頼む) [名] a reason for doing something

ヘルナンデス、頼むからメモを隠蔽したいなんて思っていないだろう?」

Hernandez scowled down at his desk.

ヘルナンデスは机に向かって顔をしかめた。

“I was just wondering.

「ただ不思議に思っただけだ。

I didn't know narcotics were standard treatment for asthma.

standard (標準) [形] of a quality or level regarded as usual or typical

麻薬が喘息の標準治療だとは知らなかった。

Guy learns something every day.”

人は毎日何かを学ぶものだ」

Loring flushed.

ローリングは顔を赤らめた。

“An emergency measure, I said, Captain.

emergency (緊急) [名] a situation that is urgent and requires immediate action

measure (措置) [名] an action that is taken to achieve a particular purpose

「緊急措置だと言ったんだ、警部。

A doctor can't be everywhere at once.

be everywhere (どこにでもいる) [動] be in all places

医者は同時にどこにでもいることはできない。

The onset of an asthmatic flareup can be very sudden.”

onset (発症) [名] the beginning of something, especially something unpleasant

asthmatic (喘息) [形] relating to or affected by asthma

flareup (発作) [名] a sudden increase in the symptoms of a disease or other condition

喘息の発作は突然起こることがある」

Hernandez gave him a brief glance and turned to Lawford.

ヘルナンデスは彼をちらっと見て、ローフォードの方へ向き直った。

“What happens to your office, if I give this letter to the press?”

「私がこの手紙を報道機関に渡したら、あなたの事務所はどうなる?」

The D.A.'s deputy glanced at me emptily.

検察官代理は私を空虚な目でちらっと見た。

“What's this guy doing here, Hernandez?”

doing (している) [動] perform an action

「この男はここで何をしているんだ、ヘルナンデス?」

“I invited him.”

「私が招待したんだ。」

“How do I know he won't repeat everything said in here to some reporter?”

reporter (記者) [名] a person who reports, especially one employed to report news or conduct interviews for a newspaper, magazine, or television or radio station

「彼がここで話されたことをすべて記者に話さないとどうしてわかるんだ?」

“Yeah, he's a great talker.

talker (しゃべる) [名] a person who talks

「ああ、彼はよくしゃべる。

You found that out.

あなたはそれを見つけた。

The time you had him pinched.”

pinch (逮捕する) [動] to arrest or take into custody

彼を逮捕した時。」

Lawford grinned, then cleared his throat.

ローフォードはニヤリと笑い、それから咳払いをした。

“I've read that purported confession,” he said carefully.

「私はその自白と称するものを読んだ」と彼は慎重に言った。

“And I don't believe a word of it.

「そして私はその一言も信じない。

You've got a background of emotional exhaustion, bereavement, some use of drugs, the strain of wartime life in England under bombing, this clandestine marriage, the man coming back here, and so on.

emotional exhaustion (感情的な疲労) [名] a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress

bereavement (死別) [名] the death of a loved one

clandestine (秘密の) [形] kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit

あなたは感情的な疲労、死別、薬物の使用、爆撃下でのイギリスでの戦時中の生活の緊張、この秘密の結婚、ここに帰ってくる男、などの背景がある。

Undoubtedly she developed a feeling of guilt and tried to purge herself of it by a sort of transference.”

undoubtedly (間違いなく) [副] without doubt

develop (抱く) [動] start to experience

purge (浄化する) [動] rid of impurities

transference (転移) [名] the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object

間違いなく彼女は罪悪感を抱き、一種の転移によって自分自身を浄化しようとした。」

He stopped and looked around, but all he saw was faces with no expression.

彼は立ち止まって周りを見回したが、彼が見たのは無表情な顔だけだった。

“I can't speak for the D.A. but my own feeling is that your confession would be no grounds to seek an indictment even if the woman had lived.”

speak for (代弁する) [動] to express the opinions or feelings of (someone else)

seek (求める) [動] to try to get or find

indictment (起訴) [名] a formal accusation of a crime

「私は地方検事のために話すことはできないが、私自身の考えでは、あなたの自白は、たとえその女性が生きていたとしても、起訴を求める根拠にはならないと思う。」

“And having already believed one confession you wouldn't care to believe another that contradicted the first one,” Hernandez said caustically.

contradict (矛盾する) [動] to be opposite to or very different from something else

caustically (皮肉を込めて) [副] in a way that is unkind and critical

「そして、すでに1つの自白を信じていたので、最初の自白と矛盾する別の自白を信じようとはしなかった」とヘルナンデスは皮肉を込めて言った。

“Take it easy, Hernandez.

「落ち着いてください、ヘルナンデス。

Any law enforcement agency has to consider public relations.

law enforcement agency (法執行機関) [名] a government agency responsible for enforcing laws

どんな法執行機関も広報を考えなければならない。

If the papers printed that confession we'd be in trouble.

もし新聞がその自白を印刷したら、私たちは困ったことになる。

That's for sure.

for sure (確かだ) [副] without doubt; certainly

それは確かだ。

We've got enough eager beaver reformer groups around just waiting for that kind of chance to stick a knife into us.

eager beaver (熱心なビーバー) [名] a person who is very eager or enthusiastic

reformer (改革者) [名] a person who works to make changes in the way that something is done

stick a knife into (ナイフで刺す) [動] to stab someone with a knife

私たちには、私たちをナイフで刺す機会を待っている熱心なビーバー改革者グループが十分にいる。

We've got a grand jury that's already jittery about the working-over your vice squad lieutenant got last week--it's about ten days.”

jittery (神経質な) [形] anxious or nervous

about ten days (約10日間) [名] a period of time lasting for ten days

私たちには、先週、あなたの風紀課の警部が受けた取り調べについてすでに神経質になっている大陪審員がいる。それは約10日間だ。」

Hernandez said: “Okay, it's your baby.

ヘルナンデスは言った。「オーケー、それはあなたの赤ちゃんだ。

Sign the receipt for me.”

receipt (領収書) [名] a written statement that you have received something

私のために領収書に署名してください。」

He shuffled the pink deckle-edged pages together and Lawford leaned down to sign a form.

shuffle (シャッフルする) [動] mix up

deckle-edged (デッケルエッジ) [形] having a rough untrimmed edge

彼はピンクのデッケルエッジのページを一緒にシャッフルし、ローフォードはフォームに署名するために身を乗り出した。

He picked up the pink pages, folded them, put them in his breast pocket and walked out.

walk out (歩いて出て行く) [動] to leave a place by walking

彼はピンクのページを拾い上げ、折りたたんで胸ポケットに入れ、歩いて出て行った。

Dr. Weiss stood up.

ワイス博士は立ち上がった。

He was tough, good-natured, unimpressed.

good-natured (気さく) [形] having a pleasant and friendly disposition

unimpressed (印象に残らない) [形] not impressed

彼はタフで、気さくで、印象に残らなかった。

“We had the last inquest on the Wade family too quick,” he said.

「我々はウェード家の最後の検死をあまりに急いで行った」と彼は言った。

“I guess we won't bother to have this one at all.”

「この件については全く気にしないと思う」

He nodded to Ohls and Hernandez, shook hands formally with Loring, and went out.

彼はオールズとヘルナンデスにうなずき、ローリングと正式に握手して、出て行った。

Loring stood up to go, then hesitated.

ローリングは立ち上がって、それからためらった。

“I take it that I may inform a certain interested party that there will be no further investigation of this matter?” he said stiffly.

take it that (思う) [動] to assume or understand something

inform (伝える) [動] to give someone information

interested party (利害関係者) [名] a person or group of people who have an interest in something

further (これ以上) [形] more or greater in amount, degree, or extent

stiffly (堅苦しく) [副] in a stiff manner

「この件についてこれ以上の調査は行われないことを、ある利害関係者に伝えてもいいでしょうか?」と彼は堅苦しく言った。

“Sorry to have kept you away from your patients so long, Doctor.”

「患者さんから長時間引き離してすみません、先生」

“You haven't answered my question,” Loring said sharply.

「私の質問に答えていませんね」とローリングは鋭く言った。

“I'd better warn you--”

「警告しておくが」

“Get lost, Jack,” Hernandez said.

get lost (失せろ) [動] go away

「失せろ、ジャック」とヘルナンデスは言った。

Dr. Loring almost staggered with shock.

ローリング医師はショックでよろめきそうになった。

Then he turned and fumbled his way rapidly out of the room.

rapidly (素早く) [副] very quickly

それから彼は振り返り、手探りで素早く部屋から出て行った。

The door closed and it was a half minute before anybody said anything.

half minute (30秒) [名] 30 seconds

ドアが閉まり、誰かが何かを言うまで30秒かかった。

Hernandez shook himself and lit a cigarette.

ヘルナンデスは身震いしてタバコに火をつけた。

Then he looked at me.

それから彼は私を見た。

“Well?” he said.

「どうだ?」と彼は言った。

“Well what?”

「どうって?」

“What are you waiting for?”

「何を待っているんだ?」

“This is the end, then? Finished? Kaput.”

kaput (終わり) [形] broken, ruined, or destroyed

「これが終わりか? 終わりか? 終わりか?」

“Tell him, Bernie.”

「彼に言ってやれ、バーニー」

“Yeah, sure it's the end,” Ohls said.

「ああ、確かに終わりだ」オールズは言った。

“I was all set to pull her in for questioning.

「私は彼女を尋問に引っ張り出す準備が全て整っていた。

Wade didn't shoot himself.

ウェードは自殺しなかった。

Too much alcohol in his brain.

彼の脳にはアルコールが多すぎた。

But like I told you, where was the motive?

しかし、私が言ったように、動機はどこにあったのか?

Her confession could be wrong in details, but it proves she spied on him.

彼女の自白は細部が間違っているかもしれないが、彼女が彼をスパイしていたことを証明している。

She knew the layout of the guest house in Encino.

彼女はエンシノのゲストハウスのレイアウトを知っていた。

The Lennox frail had taken both her men from her.

frail (弱虫) [名] a person who is weak or sickly

レノックスの弱虫は彼女から二人の男を奪った。

What happened in the guest house is just what you want to imagine.

ゲストハウスで起こったことは、あなたが想像したいことだ。

One question you forgot to ask Spencer. Did Wade own a Mauser P.P.K.?

スペンサーに聞き忘れた質問が一つある。ウェードはモーゼルP.P.K.を所有していたか?

Yeah, he owned a small Mauser automatic.

ああ、彼は小型のモーゼル自動拳銃を所有していた。

We talked to Spencer already today on the phone.

我々は今日すでにスペンサーと電話で話した。

Wade was a blackout drunk.

ウェードは記憶を失うほど酔っ払っていた。

The poor unfortunate bastard either thought he had killed Sylvia Lennox or he actually had killed her or else he had some reason to know his wife had.

unfortunate (不幸な) [形] having or marked by bad luck

else (あるいは) [接] otherwise

哀れな不幸な野郎は、自分がシルヴィア・レノックスを殺したと思ったか、実際に殺したか、あるいは妻が殺したことを知る何らかの理由があった。

Either way he was going to lay it on the line eventually.

either way (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case

lay it on the line (明らかにする) [動] to be honest and direct about something

いずれにせよ、彼は最終的にはそれを明らかにするつもりだった。

Sure, he'd been hitting the hooch long before, but he was a guy married to a beautiful nothing.

hit the hooch (酒を飲む) [動] to drink alcohol

long before (ずっと前から) [副] a long time ago

確かに、彼はずっと前から酒を飲んでいたが、彼は美しい無と結婚した男だった。

The Mex knows all about it.

メキシコ人はそれをすべて知っている。

The little bastard knows damn near everything.

あの小僧はほとんど全てを知っている。

That was a dream girl.

あれは夢の女の子だった。

Some of her was here and now, but a lot of her was there and then.

there (あの場所) [副] in, at, or to that place

彼女の一部は今ここにいたが、彼女の多くはあの時にあの場所にいた。

If she ever got hot pants, it wasn't for her husband.

hot pants (ホットパンツ) [名] a pair of very short shorts

もし彼女がホットパンツを履いたとしても、それは夫のためではなかった。

Get what I'm talking about?”

私の言っていることがわかるかい?」

I didn't answer him.

私は彼に答えなかった。

“Damn near made her yourself, didn't you?”

「自分で作ったようなものだろう?」

I gave him the same no answer.

私は彼に同じく答えなかった。

Ohls and Hernandez both grinned sourly.

オールズとヘルナンデスは二人とも苦々しく笑った。

“Us guys aren't exactly brainless,” Ohls said.

Us guys (私たち) [名] the people who are in the same group as the speaker

exactly (全く) [副] used to emphasize the accuracy of a statement

brainless (頭が空っぽ) [形] lacking intelligence or good judgment

「私たちも全く頭が空っぽってわけじゃないんだ」とオールズは言った。

“We knew there was something in that story about her taking her clothes off.

「彼女が服を脱いだという話には何かあるとわかっていたんだ。

You outtalked him and he let you.

outtalk (言い負かす) [動] talk more than or talk down

あなたは彼を言い負かしたし、彼はそれを許した。

He was hurt and confused and he liked Wade and he wanted to be sure.

be hurt (傷つく) [動] feel pain in a part of your body

be confused (混乱する) [動] be unable to think clearly

be sure (確かめたかった) [動] be certain or confident about something

彼は傷つき、混乱し、ウェードが好きだったし、確かめたかった。

When he got sure he'd have used his knife.

get sure (確かめる) [動] make certain of; make sure of

彼が確かめたなら、彼はナイフを使っただろう。

This was a personal matter with him.

これは彼にとって個人的な問題だった。

He never snitched on Wade.

snitch (密告する) [動] to inform on someone

彼はウェードを密告することはなかった。

Wade's wife did, and she deliberately fouled up the issue just to confuse Wade.

Wade's wife (ウェードの妻) [名] the wife of Wade

issue (問題) [名] a topic or problem that people are discussing or arguing about

confuse (混乱させる) [動] to make someone feel uncertain about something

ウェードの妻がそうしたし、彼女はウェードを混乱させるためにわざと問題を複雑にした。

It all adds.

すべてが加算される。

In the end I guess she was scared of him.

be scared of (怖がる) [動] to be frightened of

結局、彼女は彼を怖がっていたんだと思う。

And Wade never threw her down any stairs.

そしてウェードは彼女を階段から突き落としたことは一度もなかった。

That was an accident.

accident (事故) [名] an unfortunate event that happens unexpectedly and usually results in harm or damage

それは事故だった。

She tripped and the guy tried to catch her.

trip (つまずく) [動] catch one's foot on something and stumble

彼女はつまずき、男は彼女を捕まえようとした。

Candy saw that too.”

キャンディもそれを見た。」

“None of it explains why she wanted me around.”

「彼女が私を欲しがった理由は何も説明されていない。」

“I could think of reasons.

「理由は考えられる。

One of them is old stuff.

そのうちの1つは古いものだ。

Every cop has run into it a hundred times.

どの警官も100回もそれに遭遇している。

You were the loose end, the guy that helped Lennox escape, his friend, and probably to some extent his confidant.

loose end (未解決の部分) [名] an unresolved problem or question

confidant (親友) [名] a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others

あなたは未解決の部分、レノックスの逃亡を助けた男、彼の友人、そしておそらくある程度彼の親友だった。

What did he know and what did he tell you?

彼は何を知っていて、あなたに何を話したのか?

He took the gun that had killed her and he knew it had been fired.

彼は彼女を殺した銃を取り、それが発砲されたことを知っていた。

She could have thought he did it for her.

彼女は彼が彼女のためにそれをしたと思ったかもしれない。

That made her think he knew she had used it.

make (思う) [動] cause (someone) to think or feel something

彼女は彼が彼女がそれを使用したことを知っていると思った。

When he killed himself she was sure.

彼が自殺したとき、彼女は確信した。

But what about you?

what about (どうなの) [句] what is the situation with

でもあなたはどうなの?

You were still the loose end.

あなたはまだ未解決だった。

She wanted to milk you, and she had the charm to use, and a situation ready-made for an excuse to get next to you.

彼女はあなたから搾り取りたいと思っていたし、彼女には使える魅力があったし、あなたの隣に近づくための言い訳のための状況が整っていた。

And if she needed a fall guy, you were it.

そして、もし彼女が身代わりを必要としたら、それはあなただった。

You might say she was collecting fall guys.”

彼女は身代わりを集めていたと言ってもいい。」

“You're imputing too much knowledge to her,” I said.

impute (帰属させる) [動] to attribute or credit to

「あなたは彼女にあまりにも多くの知識を帰属させている」と私は言った。

Ohls broke a cigarette in half and started chewing on one half.

オールズはタバコを半分に折って、半分を噛み始めた。

The other half he stuck behind his ear.

other half (残りの半分) [名] the remaining part of something that has been divided into two equal parts

残りの半分は耳の後ろに挟んだ。

“Another reason is she wanted a man, a big, strong guy that could crush her in his arms and make her dream again.”

another (もう一つの) [形] used to refer to an additional person or thing of the same type as one already mentioned or known about

「もう一つの理由は、彼女が男を欲しがっていたからだ。彼女を腕の中で押しつぶして、再び夢を見させてくれるような大きくて強い男を。」

“She hated me,” I said.

「彼女は私を嫌っていた」と私は言った。

“I don't buy that one.”

「それは信じられない」

“Of course,” Hernandez put in dryly.

「もちろん」とヘルナンデスは冷たく言った。

“You turned her down.

「あなたは彼女を断った。

But she would have got over that.

しかし彼女はそれを乗り越えただろう。

And then you blew the whole thing up in her face with Spencer listening in.”

blow up (ぶちまける) [動] to explode or cause to explode

そしてあなたはスペンサーが聞いている前で彼女に全てをぶちまけた」

“You two characters been seeing any psychiatrists lately?”

see (かかる) [動] visit a doctor or other medical professional for treatment

「君たち二人は最近精神科医にかかっているのか?」

“Jesus,” Ohls said, “hadn't you heard?

Jesus (なんてことだ) [名] the central figure of Christianity

heard (聞いていた) [動] perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)

「なんてことだ」オールズは言った。「聞いていなかったのか?

We got them in our hair all the time these days.

最近はいつも彼らに悩まされている。

We've got two of them on the staff.

うちのスタッフにも二人いる。

This ain't police business any more.

これはもう警察の仕事ではない。

It's getting to be a branch of the medical racket.

racket (詐欺) [名] a fraudulent scheme or enterprise

医療詐欺の一部になりつつある。

They're in and out of jail, the courts, the interrogation rooms.

in and out (出たり入ったり) [副] to and from a place

interrogation room (取調室) [名] a room where prisoners are questioned

彼らは刑務所、裁判所、取調室に出たり入ったりしている。

They write reports fifteen pages long on why some punk of a juvenile held up a liquor store or raped a schoolgirl or peddled tea to the senior class.

rape (強姦) [動] have sexual intercourse with (someone) against their will

schoolgirl (女子学生) [名] a girl attending school

senior class (上級生) [名] the students in the final year of high school or college

彼らは、なぜ少年のチンピラが酒屋を襲ったり、女子学生を強姦したり、上級生にお茶を売り歩いたりしたのかについて、15ページにも及ぶ報告書を書く。

Ten years from now guys like Hernandez and me will be doing Rohrschach tests and word associations instead of chin-ups and target practice.

Ten years from now (今から10年後) [名] a decade in the future

Rohrschach test (ロールシャッハテスト) [名] a psychological test in which subjects' interpretations of inkblots are analyzed using psychological interpretation or complex algorithms

word association (連想テスト) [名] a test of a person's mental functioning in which the subject is presented with a stimulus word and asked to respond with the first word that comes to mind

chin-up (懸垂) [名] a type of exercise in which the body is raised with the arms until the chin is above the bar on which the arms are resting

target practice (射撃) [名] the act of shooting at a target for practice

今から10年後には、ヘルナンデスや私のような連中は懸垂や射撃の代わりにロールシャッハテストや連想テストを受けているだろう。

When we go out on a case we'll carry little black bags with portable lie detectors and bottles of truth serum.

portable (携帯用の) [形] able to be easily carried or moved

lie detector (嘘発見器) [名] a machine designed to detect physiological evidence of lying

truth serum (自白剤) [名] a drug that is supposed to make people tell the truth

事件に出かけるときには、携帯用の嘘発見器や自白剤の瓶を入れた小さな黒いバッグを持って行くことになるだろう。

Too bad we didn't grab the four hard monkeys that poured it on Big Willie Magoon.

hard (チンピラ) [形] solid, firm, and rigid

ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンにそれを浴びせた4人のチンピラを捕まえなかったのは残念だ。

We might have been able to unmaladjust them and make them love their mothers.”

unmaladjust (不適応を解消する) [動] to make someone or something well-adjusted

彼らの不適応を解消して、母親を愛するようにさせることができたかもしれないのに」

“Okay for me to blow?”

「吹いてもいいか?」

“What are you not convinced about?” Hernandez asked, snapping a rubber band.

「何が納得できないんだ?」ヘルナンデスは輪ゴムをパチンと鳴らしながら尋ねた。

“I'm convinced. The case is dead.

be dead (終わっている) [動] no longer alive; deceased

「納得している。事件は終わった。

She's dead, they're all dead.

彼女は死んだ、みんな死んだ。

A nice smooth routine all around.

smooth (スムーズな) [形] having a continuous even surface or movement

全体的にスムーズなルーティンだった。

Nothing to do but go home and forget it ever happened.

nothing to do (何もすることがない) [名] there is no action to take

家に帰って何も起こらなかったことを忘れる以外に何もすることがない。

So I'll do that.”

だからそうするつもりだ」

Ohls reached the half cigarette from behind his ear, looked at it as if wondering how it got there, and tossed it over his shoulder.

オールズは耳の後ろから半分吸ったタバコを取り出し、どうしてそこにあるのか不思議そうに眺めてから、肩越しに放り投げた。

“What are you crying about?” Hernandez said.

「何を泣いているんだ?」とヘルナンデスは言った。

“If she hadn't been fresh out of guns she might have made it a perfect score.”

fresh out of (使い果たす) [動] to have no more of something

「彼女が銃を使い果たしていなければ、完璧なスコアになったかもしれない」

“Also,” Ohls said grimly, “the telephone was working yesterday.”

「それに」オールズは厳しい口調で言った。「昨日は電話が通じていた」

“Oh sure,” I said.

「ああ、もちろん」私は言った。

“You'd have come running and what you would have found would have been a mixed up story that admitted nothing but a few silly lies.

come running (走って来る) [動] to move quickly using your legs, with both feet off the ground at the same time, especially in a hurry

「あなたは走って来ただろうし、あなたが見つけたのは、いくつかの愚かな嘘以外は何も認めない混乱した話だっただろう。

This morning you have what I suppose is a full confession.

今朝、あなたは私が完全な自白だと思うものを手に入れた。

You haven't let me read it, but you wouldn't have called in the D.A. if it was just a love note.

love note (ラブレター) [名] a letter that expresses love

あなたは私にそれを読ませてくれなかったが、それがただのラブレターだったら、あなたは地方検察官を呼ばなかっただろう。

If any real solid work had been done on the Lennox case at the time, somebody would have dug up his war record and where he got wounded and all the rest of it.

real solid work (本当に堅固な仕事) [名] a job that is well-done and reliable

dig up (掘り起こす) [動] to find out or discover something

get wounded (負傷する) [動] to be injured

all the rest of it (その他すべて) [名] everything else

当時、レノックス事件について本当に堅固な仕事がされていたら、誰かが彼の戦争記録やどこで負傷したのか、その他すべてを掘り起こしていただろう。

Somewhere along the line a connection with the Wades would have turned up.

turn up (判明する) [動] be found or discovered

その過程のどこかで、ウェード家とのつながりが判明しただろう。

Roger Wade knew who Paul Marston was.

ロジャー・ウェードはポール・マーストンが誰かを知っていた。

So did another P.I. I happened to get in touch with.”

get in touch with (連絡を取る) [動] communicate with someone

私がたまたま連絡を取った別の私立探偵もそうだった。」

“It's possible,” Hernandez admitted, “but that isn't how police investigations work.

「それはあり得る」とヘルナンデスは認めた。「しかし、警察の捜査はそうはいかないんだ。

You don't fool around with an open-shut case, even if there's no heat on to get it finalized and forgotten.

fool around (いじくり回す) [動] to waste time doing nothing in particular

open-shut case (解決済みの事件) [名] a case that is easy to solve

there's no heat on (プレッシャーがない) [名] a state of being under pressure

get it finalized (決着させる) [動] to make something final

forgotten (忘れ去る) [動] to not be able to remember something

解決済みの事件を、たとえそれを決着させて忘れ去らせるプレッシャーがなくても、いじくり回すことはない。

I've investigated hundreds of homicides.

私は何百もの殺人事件を捜査してきた。

Some are all of a piece, neat, tidy, and according to the book.

all of a piece (すべてがきちんと) [形] consistent; coherent

neat (整然としていて) [形] tidy; orderly

tidy (整然としていて) [形] neat; orderly

according to (本の通りだ) [前] as stated by or in

いくつかは、すべてがきちんと整然としていて、本の通りだ。

Most of them make sense here, don't make sense there.

there (あそこ) [副] in that place

そのほとんどは、ここは筋が通っているが、あそこは筋が通っていない。

But when you get motive, means, opportunity, flight, a written confession, and a suicide immediately afterwards, you leave it lay.

flight (逃走) [名] the act of running away from something

immediately (直後) [副] happening or done without delay

しかし、動機、手段、機会、逃走、自白書、そしてその直後の自殺が揃ったら、それを放っておく。

No police department in the world has the men or the time to question the obvious.

question (疑う) [動] to be uncertain about something

世界のどこの警察にも、自明のことを疑うだけの人員や時間はない。

The only thing against Lennox being a killer was that somebody thought he was a nice guy who wouldn't have done it and that there were others who could equally well have done it.

equally (同じように) [副] in the same way

well (かもしれない) [副] to a high standard; very well

other (他) [形] different from the one already mentioned or considered

レノックスが殺人者であることに反対する唯一の理由は、誰かが彼はそんなことをするはずのないいい人だと思ったことと、同じようにそれをしたかもしれない人が他にもいたことだった。

But the others didn't take it on the lam, didn't confess, didn't blow their brains out.

take it on the lam (逃亡する) [動] to run away from the police

blow one's brains out (脳みそを吹き飛ばす) [動] to kill oneself by shooting oneself in the head

しかし、他の人は逃亡せず、自白せず、脳みそを吹き飛ばさなかった。

He did.

彼はそうした。

And as for being a nice guy I figure sixty to seventy percent of all the killers that end up in the gas chamber or the hot seat or on the end of a rope are people the neighbors thought were just as harmless as a Fuller Brush salesman.

nice guy (いい人) [名] a person who is kind and pleasant

sixty to seventy percent (60から70パーセント) [名] a large proportion

end up (終わる) [動] to finish or arrive at a certain place or state

gas chamber (ガス室) [名] a room that can be filled with a poisonous gas to kill people or animals

hot seat (電気椅子) [名] a chair used for executing criminals by electrocution

Fuller Brush salesman (フラーブラシのセールスマン) [名] a person who sells Fuller Brush products

そして、いい人であることについては、ガス室や電気椅子、あるいはロープの端で終わる殺人者の60から70パーセントは、近所の人がフラーブラシのセールスマンと同じくらい無害だと思っていた人々だと私は考えている。

Just as harmless and quiet and well bred as Mrs. Roger Wade.

well bred (育ちがよい) [形] having or showing good manners

ロジャー・ウェード夫人と同じくらい無害で、静かで、育ちがよかった。

You want to read what she wrote in that letter?

彼女がその手紙に書いたことを読みたいか?

Okay, read it.

read (読んで) [動] look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words by interpreting the characters that form them

いいよ、読んで。

I've got to go down the hall.”

私は廊下に行かなければならない。」

He stood up and pulled a drawer open and put a folder on the top of the desk.

彼は立ち上がって引き出しを開け、机の上にフォルダーを置いた。

“There are five photostats in here, Marlowe.

photostat (写真) [名] a photographic copy of a document

「ここには5枚の写真がある、マーロウ。

Don't let me catch you looking at them.”

君がそれらを見ているところを私が見かけないように。」

He started for the door and then turned his head and said to Ohls: “You want to talk to Peshorek with me?”

start for (歩き出す) [動] begin to move towards

turn one's head (振り返る) [動] rotate one's head

say to (言う) [動] express (something) in words

彼はドアに向かって歩き出し、それから頭を振り返ってオールズに言った。「私と一緒にペショレクと話したいか?」

Ohls nodded and followed him out.

オールズはうなずいて彼について行った。

When I was alone in the office I lifted the cover of the file folder and looked at the white-on-black photostats.

be alone (一人になる) [動] be without other people

file folder (ファイルフォルダ) [名] a folder for holding loose sheets of paper

white-on-black (白黒) [形] having a light color on a dark background

私がオフィスに一人になった時、私はファイルフォルダの表紙を持ち上げて、白黒写真を見ていた。

Then touching only the edges I counted them.

それから、端だけを触って数えた。

There were six, each of several pages clipped together.

clip (クリップで留める) [動] fasten with a clip

6枚あり、それぞれ数ページがクリップで留められていた。

I took one and rolled it up and slipped it into my pocket.

roll up (丸める) [動] make into a roll

私は1枚取り、丸めてポケットに入れた。

Then I read over the next one in the pile.

read over (読み上げる) [動] read aloud

それから、私は山の中の次のものを読み上げた。

When I had finished I sat down and waited.

読み終えると、私は座って待った。

In about ten minutes Hernandez came back alone.

about ten minutes (約10分) [名] ten minutes

約10分後にヘルナンデスが一人で戻ってきた。

He sat down behind his desk again, tallied the photostats in the file folder, and put the file back in his desk.

彼は再び机の後ろに座り、ファイルフォルダの写しを集計し、ファイルを机に戻した。

He raised his eyes and looked at me without any expression.

彼は目を上げ、無表情に私を見た。

“Satisfied?”

「満足した?」

“Lawford know you have those?”

「ローフォードはあなたがそれを持っていることを知っているか?」

“Not from me. Not from Bernie.

「私からは。バーニーから。

Bernie made them himself.

バーニーが自分で作った。

Why?”

なぜ?」

“What would happen if one got loose?”

get loose (外れる) [動] become unfastened or detached

「もし1つが外れたらどうなる?」

He smiled unpleasantly.

彼は不快そうに笑った。

“It won't. But if it did, it wouldn't be anybody in the Sheriff's office.

Sheriff's office (保安官事務所) [名] the office of a sheriff

「外れないよ。でももし外れたとしても、保安官事務所の誰かがやることではない。

The D.A. has photostat equipment too.”

photostat equipment (写真複写機) [名] a machine that makes photographic copies of documents

検察にも写真複写機がある。」

“You don't like District Attorney Springer too well, do you, Captain?”

District Attorney (検察官) [名] the chief prosecutor for a local government area

「検察官のスプリンガーはあまり好きではないのですね、警部?」

He looked surprised.

彼は驚いたように見えた。

“Me? I like everybody, even you.

「私? 私は誰でも好きですよ、あなたでさえ。

Get the hell out of here.

get the hell out of here (とっととここから出て行け) [動] leave immediately

とっととここから出て行け。

I've got work to do.”

仕事があるんだ。」

I stood up to go.

私は立ち上がった。

He said suddenly: “You carry a gun these days?”

彼は突然言った。「最近銃を持ち歩いているのか?」

“Part of the time.”

part (時々) [名] a portion of a whole

「時々ね。」

“Big Willie Magoon carried two.

「ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンは二丁持ち歩いていた。

I wonder why he didn't use them.”

なぜ使わなかったのか不思議だ。」

“I guess he figured he had everybody scared.”

「彼はみんなを怖がらせていると思っていたんだと思う。」

“That could be it,” Hernandez said casually.

「そうかもしれない」とヘルナンデスはさりげなく言った。

He picked up a rubber band and stretched it between his thumbs.

彼は輪ゴムを拾い上げ、親指で伸ばした。

He stretched it farther and farther.

farther (もっと) [副] to a greater distance or extent

彼は輪ゴムをどんどん伸ばした。

Finally with a snap it broke.

ついに輪ゴムはパチンと音を立てて切れた。

He rubbed his thumb where the loose end had snapped back against it.

loose end (切れた端) [名] a piece of something that is no longer attached to the main part

snap back (当たる) [動] move or cause to move back quickly and suddenly

彼は輪ゴムの切れた端が当たった親指をこすった。

“Anybody can be stretched too far,” he said.

be stretched (伸ばされる) [動] be pulled or extended

far (限界を超えて) [副] to a great extent; to a great distance

「誰でも限界を超えて伸ばされる」と彼は言った。

“No matter how tough he looks. See you around.”

「どんなにタフに見えても。また会いましょう」

I went out of the door and got out of the building fast.

go out of (出る) [動] move or travel through an exit

私はドアから出て、建物から素早く出た。

Once a patsy, always a patsy.

一度カモにされたら、永遠にカモだ。

[45]

Back in my dog house on the sixth floor of the Cahuenga Building I went through my regular double play with the morning mail.

dog house (犬小屋) [名] a small building for a dog to live in

Cahuenga Building (カフエンガビル) [名] a building in Los Angeles

go through (行う) [動] perform or carry out

regular (いつもの) [形] happening or done frequently

double play (二重奏) [名] a play in baseball in which two players are put out

morning mail (朝の郵便物) [名] the mail that is delivered in the morning

カフエンガビルの六階にある私の犬小屋に戻り、私は朝の郵便物でいつもの二重奏を行った。

Mail slot to desk to wastebasket, Tinker to Evers to Chance.

mail slot (郵便受け) [名] a slot in a door or wall through which mail is delivered

Tinker (ティンカー) [名] a person who repairs things

Evers (エバース) [名] a person's surname

郵便受けから机へ、机からゴミ箱へ、ティンカーからエバースへ、エバースからチャンスへ。

I blew a clear space on the top of the desk and unrolled the photostat on it.

clear space (空きスペース) [名] an area that is free of obstacles

unroll (広げる) [動] open or spread out (something rolled up)

私は机の上の空きスペースを吹き飛ばし、その上に写真複写を広げた。

I had rolled it so as not to make creases.

crease (しわ) [名] a line or mark caused by folding or crushing something

私はしわにならないようにそれを丸めていた。

I read it over again.

over (もう一度) [副] more than once; again

私はそれをもう一度読んだ。

It was detailed enough and reasonable enough to satisfy any open mind.

reasonable (合理的な) [形] based on or acting on reason or good judgment

open mind (公正な心) [名] a mind that is willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced

それはどんな公正な心も満足させるのに十分詳細で、十分合理的だった。

Eileen Wade had killed Terry's wife in a fit of jealous fury and later when the opportunity was set up she had killed Roger because she was sure he knew.

fury (激怒) [名] extreme anger

set up (訪れる) [動] arrange or organize

アイリーン・ウェードは嫉妬の狂乱でテリーの妻を殺し、後に機会が訪れた時、彼女はロジャーが知っていると確信していたので彼を殺した。

The gun fired into the ceiling of his room that night had been part of the setup.

その夜、彼の部屋の天井に向けて発砲された銃は、その仕掛けの一部だった。

The unanswered and forever unanswerable question was why Roger Wade had stood still and let her put it over.

unanswered (答えのない) [形] not answered

unanswerable (答えられない) [形] not able to be answered

stand still (じっと立つ) [動] to not move

put it over (それをやる) [動] to do something

答えのない、そして永遠に答えられない疑問は、なぜロジャー・ウェードがじっと立って彼女にそれをやらせたのかということだった。

He must have known how it would end.

彼はそれがどのように終わるかを知っていたに違いない。

So he had written himself off and didn't care.

だから彼は自分を捨てて気にしなかった。

Words were his business, he had words for almost everything, but none for this.

言葉は彼の仕事であり、彼はほとんどすべての言葉を持っていたが、この言葉はなかった。

“I have forty-six demerol tablets left from my last prescription,” she wrote.

forty-six (46) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of forty-five and one

tablet (錠剤) [名] a small disk or cylinder of a compressed solid medication

「私は最後の処方箋から46錠のデメロール錠剤が残っている」と彼女は書いた。

“I now intend to take them all and lie down on the bed.

「私は今それらをすべて取ってベッドに横になるつもりだ。

The door is locked.

ドアはロックされている。

In a very short time I shall be beyond saving.

very short time (非常に短時間) [名] a very small amount of time

beyond saving (救済を超える) [動] to be in a situation that is so bad that it cannot be made better

非常に短時間で私は救済を超えてしまうだろう。

This, Howard, is to be understood.

ハワード、これは理解されるべきことだ。

What I write is in the presence of death.

私が書くことは死の存在下にある。

Every word is true.

全ての言葉が真実だ。

I have no regrets--except possibly that I could not have found them together and killed them together.

have no regrets (後悔していない) [動] feel no sadness or disappointment about something

私は後悔していない--おそらく彼らを一緒に見つけることができず、一緒に殺すことができなかったことを除いて。

I have no regrets for Paul whom you have heard called Terry Lennox.

私はあなたがテリー・レノックスと呼ばれているのを聞いたポールに対して後悔していない。

He was the empty shell of the man I loved and married.

empty shell (空の殻) [名] a person who is no longer capable of living a full life

彼は私が愛し結婚した男の空の殻だった。

He meant nothing to me.

彼は私にとって何の意味もなかった。

When I saw him that afternoon for the only time after he came back from the war--at first I didn't know him.

for the only time (初めて) [副] on one occasion only

after he came back (帰ってきてから) [副] after a specified event

彼が戦争から帰ってきてから初めて彼に会ったとき、最初は彼だとわからなかった。

Then I did and he knew me at once.

それから私は彼だとわかり、彼もすぐに私だとわかった。

He should have died young in the snow of Norway, my lover that I gave to death.

彼はノルウェーの雪の中で若くして死ぬべきだった、私が死に追いやった私の恋人。

He came back a friend of gamblers, the husband of a rich whore, a spoiled and ruined man, and probably some kind of crook in his past life.

spoiled (甘やかされた) [形] damaged or flawed

ruined (堕落した) [形] decayed, collapsed, or destroyed

彼はギャンブラーの友人、金持ちの売春婦の夫、甘やかされて堕落した男、そしておそらく過去に何かの犯罪者として戻ってきた。

Time makes everything mean and shabby and wrinkled.

wrinkled (しわくちゃの) [形] having or marked with lines or folds in the skin

時間はすべてを卑劣でみすぼらしく、しわくちゃにする。

The tragedy of life, Howard, is not that the beautiful things die young, but that they grow old and mean.

tragedy (悲劇) [名] a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending

grow old (年老いる) [動] become old

人生の悲劇は、ハワード、美しいものが若くして死ぬことではなく、年老いて卑劣になることだ。

It will not happen to me.

私には起こらない。

Goodbye, Howard.”

さよなら、ハワード」

I put the photostat in the desk and locked it up.

私は写真複写を机の中に入れて鍵をかけた。

It was time for lunch but I wasn't in the mood.

昼食の時間だったが、私は気分が乗らなかった。

I got the office bottle out of the deep drawer and poured a slug and then got the phone book off the hook at the desk and looked up the number of the Journal.

私は深い引き出しから事務所のボトルを取り出し、一杯注いでから、机の上の電話帳を手に取って、ジャーナルの番号を調べた。

I dialed it and asked the girl for Lonnie Morgan.

私は電話をかけ、受付の女性にロニー・モーガンを頼んだ。

“Mr. Morgan doesn't come in until around four o'clock.

Mr. Morgan (モーガンさん) [名] a person's name

around four o'clock (4時頃) [名] a time of day

「モーガンさんは4時頃まで来ません。

You might try the press room at the City Hall.”

press room (プレスルーム) [名] a room in a building where journalists can work and where press conferences are held

市役所のプレスルームに電話してみては」

I called that.

私はそこに電話した。

And I got him.

get (つながる) [動] to be connected to someone by telephone

そして彼につながった。

He remembered me well enough.

彼は私をよく覚えていた。

“You've been a pretty busy guy, I heard.”

be busy (忙しい) [動] having a great deal to do

「君は忙しいらしいね」

“I've got something for you, if you want it.

「君に渡したいものがあるんだが、欲しいかい?

I don't think you want it.”

君は欲しくないと思うけど」

“Yeah? Such as?”

「そうか? 例えば?」

“A photostat of a confession to two murders.”

「二件の殺人の自白の写しだ」

“Where are you?”

「どこにいるんだ?」

I told him.

私は彼に言った。

He wanted more information.

彼はもっと情報が欲しかった。

I wouldn't give him any over the phone.

give (教える) [動] to provide someone with something

私は電話では何も教えなかった。

He said he wasn't on a crime beat.

be on a crime beat (犯罪担当である) [動] to be responsible for reporting on crime

彼は犯罪担当ではないと言った。

I said he was still a newspaperman and on the only independent paper in the city.

independent (独立系) [形] not dependent on or affiliated with others

paper (新聞社) [名] a daily or weekly publication on folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

私は彼がまだ新聞記者であり、市内で唯一の独立系新聞社にいると言った。

He still wanted to argue.

彼はまだ議論したかった。

“Where did you get this whatever it is?

「これはどこで手に入れたんだ?

How do I know it's worth my time?”

時間をかける価値があるかどうか、どうやって知ればいいんだ?」

“The D.A.'s office has the original.

「検察庁が原本を持っている。

They won't release it.

release (公開する) [動] make available to the public

彼らはそれを公開しない。

It breaks open a couple of things they hid behind the icebox.”

break open (暴露する) [動] to cause to come open or apart by force

icebox (冷蔵庫) [名] a refrigerator

彼らが冷蔵庫の裏に隠したいくつかのことを暴露する」

“I'll call you. I have to check with the brass.”

brass (上司) [名] a person in a position of authority

「電話するよ。上司に確認しないといけない」

We hung up.

私たちは電話を切った。

I went to the drugstore and ate a chicken salad sandwich and drank some coffee.

salad (サラダ) [名] a dish consisting of a mixture of raw or cooked vegetables

私はドラッグストアに行ってチキンサラダサンドイッチを食べ、コーヒーを飲んだ。

The coffee was overtrained and the sandwich was as full of rich flavor as a piece torn off an old shirt.

overtrained (濃すぎる) [形] having been trained too much

コーヒーは濃すぎ、サンドイッチは古いシャツを破った切れ端のような豊かな風味に満ちていた。

Americans will eat anything if it is toasted and held together with a couple of toothpicks and has lettuce sticking out of the sides, preferably a little wilted.

hold together (挟む) [動] to keep or maintain in a united or cohesive state

toothpick (爪楊枝) [名] a small thin piece of wood or plastic used for removing food from between the teeth

lettuce (レタス) [名] a plant of the daisy family that is grown for its edible leaves

stick out (突き出す) [動] to extend out from something

wilt (しおれる) [動] to lose freshness or vigor

アメリカ人は、トーストして爪楊枝で挟み、レタスを横から突き出したものなら何でも食べる。できれば少ししおれたレタスがいい。

At three-thirty or so Lonnie Morgan came in to see me.

three-thirty (3時半) [名] the time half past three

3時半頃、ロニー・モーガンが私に会いに来た。

He was the same long thin wiry piece of tired and expressionless humanity as he had been the night he drove me home from the jailhouse.

wiry (針金のような) [形] lean and muscular

humanity (人間性) [名] the quality or state of being human

彼は、私を刑務所から家まで送ってくれた夜と同じように、疲れた無表情な人間の長く細い針金のような部分だった。

He shook hands listlessly and rooted in a crumpled pack of cigarettes.

listlessly (元気なく) [副] lacking energy or enthusiasm

root (探す) [動] to search for something

彼は元気なく握手し、しわくちゃのタバコの箱を探した。

“Mr. Sherman--that's the M.E.--said I could look you up and see what you have.”

Mr. Sherman (シャーマンさん) [名] a man's name

M.E. (検死官) [名] a medical examiner

「シャーマンさん、検死官ですが、あなたに会って、何を持っているか見てもいいと言ってくれました」

“It's off the record unless you agree to my terms.”

off the record (非公式) [形] not for publication

term (条件) [名] a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept

「私の条件に同意しない限り、非公式だ」

I unlocked the desk and handed him the photostat.

私は机の鍵を開け、彼に写真複写を渡した。

He read the four pages rapidly and then again more slowly.

彼は4ページを素早く読み、それからもう一度ゆっくりと読んだ。

He looked very excited--about as excited as a mortician at a cheap funeral.

excited (興奮している) [形] feeling or showing great happiness or pleasure

funeral (葬儀) [名] a ceremony for a dead person

彼はとても興奮しているように見えた。安い葬儀屋の葬儀屋と同じくらい興奮していた。

“Gimme the phone.”

gimme (貸せ) [動] give me

「電話を貸せ」

I pushed it across the desk.

私はそれを机の向こう側に押しやった。

He dialed, waited, and said: “This is Morgan. Let me talk to Mr. Sherman.”

Sherman (シャーマン) [名] a male given name

彼はダイヤルを回し、待って、そして言った。「モーガンです。シャーマンさんと話したいのですが。」

He waited and got some other female and then got his party and asked him to ring back on another line.

get (かける) [動] cause to come into one's possession, power, or control

female (女性) [名] a person bearing two X chromosomes in the cell nuclei and normally having a vagina, a uterus and ovaries, and developing at puberty a relatively large pelvis, relatively small larynx, and large breast...

ring back (かけ直す) [動] call someone again on the telephone

彼は待って、他の女性に電話をかけ、それから彼の相手に電話をかけ、別の回線でかけ直すように頼んだ。

He hung up and sat holding the telephone in his lap with the forefinger pressing the button down.

彼は電話を切り、人差し指でボタンを押しながら電話を膝に抱えて座った。

It rang again and he lifted the receiver to his ear.

lift (当てる) [動] to move something to a higher position

再び鳴り、彼は受話器を耳に当てた。

“Here it is, Mr. Sherman.”

here it is (どうぞ) [句] used to give something to someone

「シャーマンさん、どうぞ」

He read slowly and distinctly.

彼はゆっくりとはっきりと読んだ。

At the end there was a pause.

at the end (最後に) [名] the final part of something

there be (置いた) [動] to exist or be present

最後に一呼吸置いた。

Then, “One moment, sir.”

それから、「少々お待ちください」

He lowered the phone and glanced across the desk.

彼は受話器を下ろし、机の向こうをちらっと見た。

“He wants to know how you got hold of this.”

get hold of (手に入れた) [動] to obtain or acquire something

「彼はあなたがこれをどうやって手に入れたか知りたいんだ」

I reached across the desk and took the photostat away from him.

私は机の向こうに手を伸ばして、彼から写真を取り上げた。

“Tell him it's none of his goddam business how I got hold of it.

「私がどうやって手に入れたかなんて、彼の知ったことではないと伝えてくれ。

Where is something else.

something else (別問題) [名] a different matter

どこは別問題だ。

The stamp on the back of the pages show that.”

ページの裏にあるスタンプがそれを示している」

“Mr. Sherman, it's apparently an official document of the Los Angeles Sheriff's office.

apparently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is obvious or easily seen or understood

official document (公式文書) [名] a document that is issued by an authority and is legally binding

Los Angeles Sheriff's office (ロサンゼルス保安局) [名] the law enforcement agency for Los Angeles County

「シャーマンさん、これは明らかにロサンゼルス保安局の公式文書です。

I guess we could check its authenticity easy enough.

authenticity (本物) [名] the quality of being genuine or real

簡単に本物かどうか確認できると思います。

Also there's a price.”

それに値段もついている」

He listened some more and then said: “Yes, sir. Right here.”

right here (ここにいます) [副] in this place

彼はさらに聞き、それから言った。「はい、旦那。ここにいます」

He pushed the phone across the desk.

彼は電話を机の向こうに押しやった。

“Wants to talk to you.”

「あなたと話したいそうです」

It was a brusque authoritative voice.

brusque (無愛想な) [形] abrupt or offhand in manner

authoritative (威圧的な) [形] having or showing impressive knowledge about a subject and a manner that makes people believe and obey you

それは無愛想で威圧的な声だった。

“Mr. Marlowe, what are your terms?

「マーロウさん、条件は?

And remember the Journal is the only paper in Los Angeles which would even consider touching this matter.”

Journal (ジャーナル) [名] a newspaper or magazine that deals with a particular subject or professional activity

そして、ジャーナル紙はロサンゼルスでこの問題に触れることを検討する唯一の新聞であることを思い出してください」

“You didn't do much on the Lennox case, Mr. Sherman.”

do much (活躍する) [動] to be very active or successful

「あなたはレノックス事件であまり活躍しなかったね、シャーマンさん」

“I realize that. But at that time it was purely a question of scandal for scandal's sake.

at that time (当時) [名] the time in the past when something happened

purely (純粋に) [副] in a pure manner

「それはわかっている。しかし、当時は純粋にスキャンダルのためのスキャンダルの問題だった。

There was no question of who was guilty.

誰が有罪かについては疑問の余地がなかった。

What we have now, if your document is genuine, is something quite different.

document (文書) [名] a piece of paper that provides information

あなたの文書が本物なら、今私たちが持っているのは全く別物だ。

What are your terms?”

条件は?」

“You print the confession in full in the form of a photographic reproduction.

full (全文) [形] complete in every detail

photographic reproduction (写真複写) [名] a copy of a document made by photographing it

「自白書を写真複写の形で全文印刷する。

Or you don't print it at all.”

or (さもなければ) [接] used to introduce an alternative or additional possibility

さもなければ、全く印刷しない。」

“It will be verified.

「それは検証されるだろう。

You understand that?”

理解しているのか?」

“I don't see how, Mr. Sherman.

「どうすればいいのかわからない、シャーマンさん。

If you ask the D.A. he will either deny it or give it to every paper in town.

検察官に尋ねたら、彼はそれを否定するか、町のすべての新聞にそれを渡すだろう。

He'd have to.

彼はそうしなければならない。

If you ask the Sheriff's office they will put it up to the D.A.”

put it up to (渡す) [動] to give something to someone

保安局に尋ねたら、彼らはそれを検察官に渡すだろう。」

“Don't worry about that, Mr. Marlowe. We have ways.

「心配しないで、マーロウさん。私たちには方法がある。

How about your terms?”

条件は?」

“I just told you.”

「今言ったばかりだ。」

“Oh. You don't expect to be paid?”

be paid (支払われる) [動] receive money in exchange for work or a service

「ああ。支払われることを期待していないのか?」

“Not with money.”

「お金では。」

“Well, you know your own business, I suppose.

「まあ、君は自分の仕事を知っていると思う。

May I have Morgan again?”

have (電話してもらえる) [動] to be connected to someone by telephone

モーガンにもう一度電話してもらえるか?」

I gave the phone back to Lonnie Morgan.

私は電話をロニー・モーガンに返した。

He spoke briefly and hung up.

彼は短く話し、電話を切った。

“He agrees,” he said.

「彼は同意した」と彼は言った。

“I take that photostat and he checks it.

「私がその写真複写を持って行き、彼がそれをチェックする。

He'll do what you say.

彼はあなたの言うことをするでしょう。

Reduced to half size it will take about half of page 1A.”

reduce (縮小する) [動] make or become smaller or less

半分の大きさに縮小すれば、1Aページの半分くらいになるだろう。」

I gave him back the photostat.

私は彼に写真複写を返した。

He held it and pulled at the tip of his long nose.

pull (つまむ) [動] to move something or someone towards you by holding it or them

tip (先) [名] the end of something pointed or tapering

彼はそれを持ち、長い鼻の先をつまんだ。

“Mind my saying I think you're a damn fool?”

「君が馬鹿だと思うって言ってもいいかな?」

“I agree with you.”

「君に同意するよ。」

“You can still change your mind.”

「まだ考え直せるよ。」

“Nope. Remember that night you drove me home from the City Bastille?

「いいえ。あの夜、シティ・バスティーユから私を家まで送ってくれたのを覚えてる?

You said I had a friend to say goodbye to.

君は私に別れを告げる友人がいると言った。

I've never really said goodbye to him.

私は彼に本当に別れを告げたことはなかった。

If you publish this photostat, that will be it.

publish (公表する) [動] make public

that will be it (それで終わりだ) [句] that is the end of the matter

君がこの写真を公表したら、それで終わりだ。

It's been a long time--a long, long time.”

長い時間だった--長い、長い時間だった」

“Okay, chum.” He grinned crookedly.

「オーケー、相棒」彼はゆがんだ笑みを浮かべた。

“But I still think you're a damn fool.

「でも、私は君が馬鹿だと思っている。

Do I have to tell you why?”

理由を言わなきゃいけないか?」

“Tell me anyway.”

「とにかく教えてくれ」

“I know more about you than you think.

「私は君が思っている以上に君のことを知っている。

That's the frustrating part of newspaper work.

それが新聞の仕事のイライラする部分だ。

You always know so many things you can't use.

いつも使えないことをたくさん知っている。

You get cynical.

皮肉屋になる。

If this confession is printed in the Journal, a lot of people will be sore.

この自白がジャーナルに印刷されたら、多くの人が痛い目に遭うだろう。

The D.A., the coroner, the Sheriff's crowd, an influential and powerful private citizen named Potter, and a couple of toughies called Menendez and Starr.

influential (有力な) [形] having a lot of influence

private citizen (民間人) [名] a person who is not a member of the military or a government official

toughie (悪党) [名] a person who is tough or violent

検察官、検死官、保安官の群衆、ポッターという名の有力で強力な民間人、そしてメネンデスとスターと呼ばれる2人の悪党。

You'll probably end up in the hospital or in jail again.”

end up (行くことになる) [動] to reach a final state or destination

おそらく病院か刑務所に行くことになるだろう。」

“I don't think so.”

「そうは思わない。」

“Think what you like, pal.

「好きなように考えろ、相棒。

I'm telling you what I think.

私は自分の考えを言っているだけだ。

The D.A. will be sore because he dropped a blanket on the Lennox case.

be sore (痛い目に遭う) [動] to be in a state of pain or discomfort

drop a blanket (隠蔽する) [動] to cover something up or hide it from view

検察官はレノックス事件を隠蔽したから痛い目に遭うだろう。

Even if the suicide and confession of Lennox made him look justified, a lot of people will want to know how Lennox, an innocent man, came to make a confession, how he got dead, did he really commit suicide or was he helped, why was there no investigation into the circumstances, and how come the whole thing died so fast.

look justified (正当化されたように見える) [動] appear to be right or reasonable

a lot of people (多くの人々) [名] a large number of people

come to make a confession (自白に至る) [動] reach a point where you admit that you have done something wrong

how he got dead (どのようにして死んだのか) [名] the manner in which someone died

really commit suicide (本当に自殺したのか) [動] actually kill oneself

was he helped (手助けされたのか) [動] receive assistance from someone

why was there no investigation (なぜ調査が行われなかったのか) [名] the reason why an inquiry was not conducted

how come the whole thing died so fast (全体がそんなに早く死んでしまったのか) [名] the reason why something ended so quickly

レノックスの自殺と自白によって彼が正当化されたように見えても、多くの人々は、無実のレノックスがどのようにして自白に至ったのか、どのようにして死んだのか、本当に自殺したのか、それとも手助けされたのか、なぜ状況の調査が行われなかったのか、そしてなぜ全体がそんなに早く死んでしまったのかを知りたいと思うだろう。

Also, if he has the original of this photostat he will think he has been double-crossed by the Sheriff's people.”

photostat (写し) [名] a copy of a document made by a special photographic process

また、もし彼がこの写しの原本を持っているなら、彼は保安官の連中に裏切られたと思うだろう。」

“You don't have to print the identifying stamp on the back.”

identifying stamp (識別スタンプ) [名] a stamp that identifies something

「裏に識別スタンプを印刷する必要はありません。」

“We won't. We're pals with the Sheriff. We think he's a straight guy.

straight (正直な) [形] honest

「しません。私たちは保安官と仲良しです。彼は正直な人だと思います。

We don't blame him because he can't stop guys like Menendez. Nobody can stop gambling as long as it's legal in all forms in some places and legal in some forms in all places.

long as (限り) [接] during the time that

legal (合法) [形] conforming to or permitted by law or established rules

彼がメネンデスのような連中を止められないからといって、私たちは彼を責めません。ある場所ではあらゆる形態のギャンブルが合法であり、あらゆる場所で何らかの形態のギャンブルが合法である限り、誰もギャンブルを止めることはできない。

You stole this from the Sheriff's office.

これを保安官事務所から盗んだのか。

I don't know how you got away with it.

よく逃げ切れたな。

Want to tell me?”

教えてくれるか?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“Okay. The coroner will be sore because he buggered up the Wade suicide.

be sore (怒っている) [動] angry or annoyed

bugger up (しくじる) [動] to ruin or spoil something

「わかった。検死官はウェードの自殺をしくじったから怒っているだろう。

The D.A. helped him with that too.

検察官もその件で彼を助けた。

Harlan Potter will be sore because something is reopened that he used a lot of power to close up.

reopen (再開される) [動] open again

close up (閉じる) [動] shut or be shut

ハーラン・ポッターは、彼が閉じるために多くの力を使った何かが再開されるので、怒っているだろう。

Menendez and Starr will be sore for reasons I'm not sure of, but I know you got warned off.

Starr (スター) [名] a surname

be not sure of (よくわからない) [動] to be uncertain about something

get warned off (警告される) [動] to be told not to do something

メネンデスとスターは、私にはよくわからない理由で怒っているだろうが、君が警告されたことは知っている。

And when those boys get sore at somebody he gets hurt.

get sore (腹を立てる) [動] become angry or annoyed

get hurt (怪我をする) [動] suffer physical injury

そして、あの連中が誰かに腹を立てると、その人は怪我をする。

You're apt to get the treatment Big Willie Magoon got.”

be apt to (しがちである) [動] be likely to

treatment (扱い) [名] the way someone or something is treated

ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンと同じ目に遭うかもしれない。」

“Magoon was probably getting too heavy for his job.”

「マグーンはおそらく彼の仕事には重すぎたのだろう。」

“Why?” Morgan drawled.

「なぜ?」モーガンはゆっくりと言った。

“Because those boys have to make it stick.

make it stick (成功させる) [動] to make something stay in place or remain in effect

「なぜなら、あの連中はそれを成功させなければならないからだ。

If they take the trouble to tell you to lay off, you lay off.

take the trouble (わざわざする) [動] to make an effort to do something

lay off (手を引く) [動] to stop doing something

彼らがわざわざ手を引けと言うなら、手を引くんだ。

If you don't and they let you get away with it they look weak.

手を引かずに、彼らがそれを見逃せば、彼らは弱く見える。

The hard boys that run the business, the big wheels, the board of directors, don't have any use for weak people.

board (理事会) [名] a group of people who manage or direct an organization

director (理事) [名] a person who is in charge of an organization or institution

事業を運営するタフな連中、大物、理事会は弱い人間は役に立たない。

They're dangerous.

彼らは危険だ。

And then there's Chris Mady.”

Chris Mady (クリス・マディ) [名] a person's name

そしてクリス・マディがいる。」

“He just about runs Nevada, I heard.”

「彼はネバダを運営していると聞いた。」

“You heard right, chum.

「正しい情報を聞いたね、相棒。

Mady is a nice guy but he knows what's right for Nevada.

マディはいい奴だが、彼はネバダにとって何が正しいかを知っている。

The rich hoodlums that operate in Reno and Vegas are very careful not to annoy Mr. Mady.

Reno (リノ) [名] a city in western Nevada

Mr. Mady (マディ氏) [名] a man named Mady

リノとベガスで活動する金持ちのチンピラはマディ氏を怒らせないようにとても注意している。

If they did, their taxes would go up fast and their police co-operation would go down the same way.

tax (税金) [名] a compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers' income and business profits, or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions

cooperation (協力) [名] the action or process of working together to the same end

go down (下がる) [動] decrease

もしそうしたら、彼らの税金は急激に上がり、警察の協力も同じように下がるだろう。

Then the top guys back East would decide some changes were necessary.

East (東) [名] the direction toward the point of the horizon where the sun rises at the equinoxes, on the right-hand side of a person facing north

そうしたら東部のトップの連中は何か変化が必要だと決めるだろう。

An operator who can't get along with Chris Mady ain't operating correctly.

get along (うまくやる) [動] to be or remain on friendly terms

correctly (正しく) [副] in a way that is true or accurate

クリス・マディとうまくやれない業者は正しく運営していない。

Get him the hell out of there and put somebody else in.

彼をそこから追い出して誰か他の人間を入れろ。

Getting him out of there means only one thing to them.

only (ただ一つ) [形] without others or anything else; solely

彼をそこから追い出すことは彼らにとってただ一つのことを意味する。

Out in a wooden box.”

out (出ていく) [副] away from a place

木箱に入って出ていく」

“They never heard of me,” I said.

「彼らは私のことを聞いたことがない」と私は言った。

Morgan frowned and whipped an arm up and down in a meaningless gesture.

whip (上下させる) [動] to move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

モーガンは眉をひそめ、意味のない身振りで腕を上下させた。

“They don't have to.

「彼らはそうする必要はない。

Mady's estate on the Nevada side of Tahoe is right next to Harlan Potter's estate.

Mady (マディ) [名] a person's name

Tahoe (タホ) [名] a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada

right next to (すぐ隣) [名] immediately next to

タホのネバダ側にあるマディの邸宅はハーラン・ポッターの邸宅のすぐ隣にある。

Could be they say hello once in a while.

彼らは時々挨拶するかもしれない。

Could be some character that is on Mady's payroll hears from another guy on Potter's payroll that a punk named Marlowe is buzzing too loud about things that are not any of his business.

be on payroll (給与明細に載っている) [動] be employed by a company

another guy (別の人物) [名] a different person

buzz (騒ぎ立てる) [動] talk excitedly

マディの給与明細に載っている人物が、ポッターの給与明細に載っている別の人物から、マーロウという名のチンピラが自分の仕事とは関係のないことを大声で騒ぎ立てていると聞いたのかもしれない。

Could be that this passing remark gets passed on down to where the phone rings in some apartment in L.A. and a guy with large muscles gets a hint to go out and exercise himself and two or three of his friends.

get passed on (伝わっていく) [動] move or cause to move in a specified direction

get a hint (ヒントを得る) [動] receive a small amount of information

exercise (運動する) [動] do physical activity to stay healthy or become stronger

この何気ない発言が、ロサンゼルスのあるアパートで電話が鳴り、筋肉隆々の男が外に出て自分と2、3人の友人と運動をするというヒントを得るところまで伝わっていくのかもしれない。

If somebody wants you knocked off or smashed, the muscle men don't have to have it explained why.

knock off (殴り倒す) [動] to hit someone or something with a lot of force

smash (殴り倒す) [動] to hit or break something with a lot of force

muscle man (筋肉質の男性) [名] a man who is very strong and has a lot of muscles

誰かがあなたを殴り倒したり、殴り倒したりしたいと思ったら、筋肉質の男性はその理由を説明する必要はない。

It's mere routine to them.

mere (単なる) [形] that is the only thing mentioned

それは彼らにとって単なるルーチンワークだ。

No hard feelings at all.

全く悪気はない。

Just sit still while we break your arm.

腕を折っている間はじっと座ってろ。

You want this back?”

返して欲しくないか?」

He held out the photostat.

彼は写真複写を差し出した。

“You know what I want,” I said.

「私が何を求めているか知っているだろう」と私は言った。

Morgan stood up slowly and put the photostat in his inside pocket.

inside pocket (内ポケット) [名] a pocket on the inside of a garment

モーガンはゆっくりと立ち上がり、写真複写を内ポケットに入れた。

“I could be wrong,” he said.

「間違っているかもしれない」と彼は言った。

“You may know more about it than I do.

「私よりもあなたの方がそのことについて知っているかもしれない。

I wouldn't know how a man like Harlan Potter looks at things.”

ハーラン・ポッターのような男が物事をどう見ているのか私にはわからない」

“With a scowl,” I said.

「しかめっ面で」と私は言った。

“I've met him. But he wouldn't operate with a goon squad.

goon squad (チンピラ集団) [名] a group of thugs hired to intimidate or harm people

「彼に会ったことがある。しかし彼はチンピラ集団と行動を共にすることはないだろう。

He couldn't reconcile it with his opinion of how he wants to live.”

reconcile (両立させる) [動] make or become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

彼は自分の生き方に対する考えとそれを両立させることはできなかった」

“For my money,” Morgan said sharply, “stopping a murder investigation with a phone call and stopping it by knocking off the witnesses is just a question of method.

knock off (殺す) [動] kill

「私に言わせれば」とモーガンは鋭く言った。「電話で殺人事件の捜査を止めるのも、証人を殺して止めるのも、ただの方法の問題だ。

See you around--I hope.”

また会おう--そう願っている」

He drifted out of the office like something blown by the wind.

彼は風に吹かれた何かのように事務所から漂い出て行った。

[46]

I drove out to Victor's with the idea of drinking a gimlet and sitting around until the evening edition of the morning papers was on the street.

drive out (車で向かう) [動] go somewhere by car

with the idea of (しようと思って) [句] with the intention of

sit around (ぶらぶらする) [動] do nothing in particular

evening edition (夕刊) [名] a newspaper that is published in the evening

morning papers (朝刊) [名] a newspaper that is published in the morning

on the street (出る) [句] available for sale

私はジムレットを飲み、朝刊の夕刊が出るまでぶらぶらしようと思って、車でヴィクターズに向かった。

But the bar was crowded and it wasn't any fun.

crowded (混んでいる) [形] having a lot of people in a small space

fun (楽しい) [名] something that provides mirth or amusement

しかし、バーは混んでいて、ちっとも楽しくなかった。

When the barkeep I knew got around to me he called me by name.

私が知っているバーテンダーが私のところに来ると、私の名前を呼んだ。

“You like a dash of bitters in it, don't you?”

dash (少し) [名] a small amount of something

don't (~ではない) [助] used to form the negative of the present tense

「ビターズを少し入れるのがお好きでしたね?」

“Not usually. Just for tonight two dashes of bitters.”

「普段はそうでもない。今夜だけビターズを2滴入れて。」

“I haven't seen your friend lately.

「最近あなたのお友達を見かけませんね。

The one with the green ice.”

緑の氷を飲む人。」

“Neither have I.”

「私もです。」

He went away and came back with the drink.

彼は去って行き、飲み物を持って戻ってきた。

I pecked at it to make it last, because I didn't feel like getting a glow on.

peck (ちびちび飲む) [動] to eat or drink in small amounts

make it last (長持ちさせる) [動] to make something continue for a long time

get a glow on (酔う) [動] to become drunk

私はそれを長持ちさせるためにちびちび飲んだ。酔いたくなかったからだ。

Either I would get really stiff or stay sober.

stiff (酔う) [形] not moving or bending easily

私は本当に酔うか、しらふのままになるかのどちらかだった。

After a while I had another of the same.

have another (もう一杯飲む) [動] to have an additional one of something

the same (同じもの) [名] the same thing

しばらくして、私は同じものをもう一杯飲んだ。

It was just past six when the kid with the papers came into the bar.

just past six (ちょうど6時を過ぎた頃) [名] a time that is just after 6 o'clock

新聞を持った子供がバーに入ってきたのはちょうど6時を過ぎた頃だった。

One of the barkeeps yelled at him to beat it, but he managed one quick round of the customers before a waiter got hold of him and threw him out.

beat it (出ていけ) [動] to go away

round (周り) [名] a circular or curved shape

hold (捕まえる) [動] to take and keep something in your hand or hands

throw (放り出す) [動] to move something with a lot of force

バーテンダーの1人が彼に出ていけと怒鳴ったが、彼はウェイターが彼を捕まえて放り出す前に、客の周りを1周することができた。

I was one of the customers.

私は客の1人だった。

I opened up the Journal and glanced at page 1A.

open up (開く) [動] to make or become open

私はジャーナルを開き、1面をちらっと見た。

They had made it.

it (それを) [代] the thing or object previously mentioned

彼らはそれを成し遂げた。

It was all there.

全てそこにあった。

They had reversed the photostat by making it black on white and by reducing it in size they had fitted it into the top half of the page.

reverse (反転する) [動] turn the other way around

彼らは白地に黒字の反転写真にし、サイズを縮小してページの上半分に収めていた。

There was a short brusque editorial on another page.

別のページには短い無愛想な社説があった。

There was a half column by Lonnie Morgan with a by-line, on still another page.

half column (半段の囲み記事) [名] a half column

by-line (署名入り) [名] a line of text that gives the author's name

another page (別のページ) [名] a different page

別のページにはロニー・モーガンによる署名入りの半段の囲み記事があった。

I finished my drink and left and went to another place to eat dinner and then drove home.

私は飲み物を飲み干して店を出て、別の場所で夕食を食べて、それから車で家に向かった。

Lonnie Morgan's piece was a straightforward factual recapitulation of the facts and happenings involved in the Lennox case and the “suicide” of Roger Wade--the facts as they had been published.

piece (記事) [名] an article in a newspaper or magazine

straightforward (率直な) [形] honest and direct

factual (事実の) [形] based on or concerned with fact

recapitulation (要約) [名] a summary of the main points of something

Roger Wade (ロジャー・ウェイド) [名] a person's name

ロニー・モーガンの記事は、レノックス事件とロジャー・ウェイドの「自殺」に関係する事実と出来事の率直な事実の要約だった。公表された事実だ。

It added nothing, deduced nothing, imputed nothing.

deduce (推論する) [動] reach a conclusion by reasoning

impute (非難する) [動] attribute something to someone or something

何も付け加えず、何も推論せず、何も非難していなかった。

It was clear concise businesslike reporting.

concise (簡潔な) [形] giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words

businesslike (ビジネスライクな) [形] practical and efficient

reporting (報告) [名] the action or process of giving a report

明確で簡潔なビジネスライクな報告だった。

The editorial was something else.

something else (別物) [名] something different

社説は別物だった。

It asked questions--the kind a newspaper asks of public officials when they are caught with jam on their faces.

public official (公職者) [名] a person who is in a position of authority in a government or other public organization

社説は質問していた。新聞が公職者に、顔にジャムを塗りたくった状態で捕まった時にするような質問だ。

About nine-thirty the telephone rang and Bernie Ohls said he would drop by on his way home.

nine-thirty (九時半) [名] the time 9:30

drop by (寄る) [動] to visit someone or something for a short time

on one's way (途中) [名] the route that someone takes to get from one place to another

九時半頃電話が鳴り、バーニー・オールズが帰宅途中に寄ると言ってきた。

“Seen the Journal?” he asked coyly, and hung up without waiting for an answer.

「ジャーナルを見たかい?」と彼は恥ずかしそうに尋ね、答えを待たずに電話を切った。

When he got there he grunted about the steps and said he would drink a cup of coffee if I had one.

get there (着く) [動] arrive at a place

grunt (ぶつぶつ言う) [動] utter a low guttural sound

彼はここに着くと階段についてぶつぶつ言い、コーヒーがあれば一杯飲むと言った。

I said I would make some.

私はコーヒーを入れると言った。

While I made it he wandered around the house and made himself very much at home.

wander (歩き回る) [動] to move about aimlessly or unsystematically

make oneself at home (くつろぐ) [動] to relax and feel comfortable in a place that is not your own

私がコーヒーを入れている間に彼は家の中を歩き回り、とてもくつろいでいた。

“You live pretty lonely for a guy that could get himself disliked,” he said.

「嫌われる可能性のある男にしては、かなり孤独に暮らしているね」と彼は言った。

“What's over the hill in back?”

「後ろの丘の向こうには何があるんだ?」

“Another street. Why?”

「別の道。なぜ?」

“Just asking. Your shrubbery needs pruning.”

「ただ尋ねただけだ。君の低木は剪定が必要だ。」

I carried some coffee into the living room and he parked himself and sipped it.

私はコーヒーを居間に運び、彼は腰を下ろしてそれをすすった。

He lit one of my cigarettes and puffed at it for a minute or two, then put it out.

彼は私のタバコに火をつけ、1、2分吸ってから消した。

“Getting so I don't care for the stuff,” he said.

「タバコを吸わなくなってきた」と彼は言った。

“Maybe it's the TV commercials.

TV commercial (テレビコマーシャル) [名] a television advertisement

「たぶんテレビコマーシャルのせいだ。

They make you hate everything they try to sell.

彼らは売ろうとしているものすべてを嫌いにさせる。

God, they must think the public is a halfwit.

神よ、彼らは一般大衆を半分白痴だと思っているに違いない。

Every time some jerk in a white coat with a stethoscope hanging around his neck holds up some toothpaste or a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of beer or a mouthwash or a jar of shampoo or a little box of something that makes a fat wrestler smell like mountain lilac I always make a note never to buy any.

jerk (馬鹿) [名] a stupid or foolish person

stethoscope (聴診器) [名] a medical instrument for listening to the action of the heart or lungs

mouthwash (マウスウォッシュ) [名] an over-the-counter liquid product used to rinse the mouth

shampoo (シャンプー) [名] a liquid preparation containing detergents for washing the hair

make a note (メモする) [動] to write something down as a reminder

首に聴診器をぶら下げた白衣の馬鹿が歯磨き粉やタバコの箱やビール瓶やマウスウォッシュやシャンプーや太ったレスラーを山のライラックのような香りにする小さな箱を掲げるたびに、私は決して買わないとメモする。

Hell, I wouldn't buy the product even if I liked it.

地獄、私はその製品が好きだったとしても買わない。

You read the Journal, huh?”

ジャーナルを読むんだな?」

“A friend of mine tipped me off. A reporter.”

tip off (教える) [動] to give someone a piece of information, especially secretly

「友人が教えてくれたんだ。記者だ。」

“You got friends?” he asked wonderingly.

「君に友人がいるのか?」彼は不思議そうに尋ねた。

“Didn't tell you how they got hold of the material, did he?”

material (情報) [名] something that is used to make or produce something else

「どうやってその情報を手に入れたかは教えてくれなかっただろう?」

“No. And in this state he doesn't have to tell you.”

「いいえ。そしてこの州では彼は君に言う必要はない。」

“Springer is hopping mad.

hopping mad (怒り狂っている) [形] very angry

「スプリンガーは怒り狂っている。

Lawford, the deputy D.A. that got the letter this morning, claims he took it straight to his boss, but it makes a guy wonder.

deputy D.A. (地方検事補) [名] a person who assists the district attorney

claim (主張する) [動] state or assert that something is the case

straight (直に) [副] without deviation or interruption

make a guy wonder (人々を不思議にさせる) [動] cause someone to be curious or puzzled

今朝手紙を受け取った地方検事補のローフォードは、それを上司に直に渡したと主張しているが、それは人々を不思議にさせる。

What the Journal printed looks like a straight reproduction from the original.”

straight (直接) [形] extending or moving uniformly in one direction only

reproduction (複写) [名] a copy of something

ジャーナルが印刷したものは、原本から直接複写したもののように見える。」

I sipped coffee and said nothing.

私はコーヒーをすすり、何も言わなかった。

“Serves him right,” Ohls went on.

serve (報い) [動] to be suitable or sufficient for

「彼には当然の報いだ」とオールズは続けた。

“Springer ought to have handled it himself.

「スプリンガーは自分で処理すべきだった。

Personally I don't figure it was Lawford that leaked.

leak (漏らす) [動] to allow something to pass or escape through a hole or crack

個人的には、漏らしたのはローフォードだとは思わない。

He's a politician too.”

彼もまた政治家だ。」

He stared at me woodenly.

woodenly (無表情に) [副] in a stiff, awkward, or expressionless manner

彼は私を無表情に見つめた。

“What are you here for, Bernie?

be here for (~しに来た) [動] come to a place for a specific purpose

「何しに来たんだ、バーニー?

You don't like me.

あなたは私を好きではない。

We used to be friends--as much as anybody can be friends with a tough cop.

as much as (限り) [接] to the extent or degree that

私たちはかつて友人だった--誰もがタフな警官と友人になれる限り。

But it soured a little.”

sour (酸っぱくなる) [動] become sour

でも、少し酸っぱくなった」

He leaned forward and smiled--a little wolfishly.

wolfishly (狼のように) [副] in a wolfish manner

彼は前かがみになって微笑んだ--少し狼のように。

“No cop likes it when a private citizen does police work behind his back.

「一般市民が警察の仕事を背後で行うことを好む警官はいない。

If you had connected up Wade and the Lennox frail for me the time Wade got dead I'd have made out.

frail (弱み) [名] a weakness or defect in someone or something

make out (理解する) [動] to understand or comprehend

ウェードが死んだ時にウェードとレノックスの弱みを私に結びつけていたら、私は理解していただろう。

If you had connected up Mrs. Wade and this Terry Lennox I'd have had her in the palm of my hand--alive.

connect up (結びつける) [動] to join or fasten together

have in the palm of one's hand (手のひらに乗せる) [熟] to have complete control over someone or something

ウェード夫人とこのテリー・レノックスを結びつけていたら、私は彼女を私の手のひらに--生きたまま--乗せていただろう。

If you had come clean from the start Wade might be still alive.

come clean (白状する) [動] to tell the truth about something that you have been hiding

start (最初) [名] the beginning of something

最初から白状していたら、ウェードはまだ生きていたかもしれない。

Not to mention Lennox.

レノックスは言うまでもない。

You figure you're a pretty smart monkey, don't you?”

自分をかなり賢い猿だと思ってるんだろ?」

“What would you like me to say?”

like (言ったらいいんだ) [動] be fond of; be pleased with

「何を言ったらいいんだ?」

“Nothing. It's too late.

「何も。もう遅い。

I told you a wise guy never fools anybody but himself.

賢い奴は自分以外は誰も騙せないって言ったろ。

I told you straight and clear.

straight (はっきり) [形] going or lying in a direct line

はっきり言ったはずだ。

So it didn't take.

take (うまくいく) [動] be successful or effective

だから、うまくいかなかった。

Right now it might be smart for you to leave town.

leave town (町を出る) [動] to depart from a town

今すぐ町を出るのが賢明かもしれない。

Nobody likes you and a couple of guys that don't like people do something about it.

誰も君を好きじゃないし、君を好きじゃない連中が何かする。

I had the word from a stoolie.”

have the word (聞いた) [動] receive information

stoolie (密告者) [名] a person who provides information about criminals or criminal activity to the police

密告者から聞いたんだ」

“I'm not that important, Bernie.

「私はそんなに重要じゃないよ、バーニー。

Let's stop snarling at each other.

snarl (いがみ合う) [動] to growl with bared teeth

お互いにいがみ合うのはやめよう。

Until Wade was dead you didn't even enter the case.

be dead (死ぬ) [動] to stop living

enter (関係する) [動] to become involved in something

ウェードが死ぬまでは君は事件に関係していなかった。

After that it didn't seem to matter to you and to the coroner or to the D.A. or to anybody.

その後は君にとっても検死官にとっても検察官にとっても誰にとっても問題ではなかったようだ。

Maybe I did some things wrong.

もしかしたら私は何か間違ったことをしたかもしれない。

But the truth came out.

come out (明らかになる) [動] become known or apparent

しかし真実は明らかになった。

You could have had her yesterday afternoon--with what?”

yesterday afternoon (昨日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the day before today

have (捕まえる) [動] to catch or capture

with what (何で) [名] with what thing or things

昨日の午後彼女を捕まえられたかもしれないのにー何でだ?」

“With what you had to tell us about her.”

「彼女について君が我々に話さなければならなかったことで」

“Me? With the police work I did behind your back?”

「私? 私があなたの背後で行った警察の仕事で?」

He stood up abruptly.

abruptly (急に) [副] quickly and without warning

彼は急に立ち上がった。

His face was red.

be red (赤い) [動] of a color intermediate between orange and violet, as of blood, fire, or rubies

彼の顔は赤かった。

“Okay, wise guy. She'd have been alive.

be alive (生きている) [動] to be living or not dead

「いいだろう、賢い奴め。彼女は生きていただろう。

We could have booked her on suspicion.

我々は彼女を容疑者として逮捕できたかもしれない。

You wanted her dead, you punk, and you know it.”

彼女が死ぬことを望んだんだ、このチンピラ、そしてそれを知っているんだ。」

“I wanted her to take a good long quiet look at herself.

take a look (見つめる) [動] to look at something

「私は彼女に自分自身を長く静かに見つめて欲しかったんだ。

What she did about it was her business.

彼女がそれについて何をするかはその人の勝手だ。

I wanted to clear an innocent man.

clear (晴らす) [動] to free from accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt

私は無実の人を晴らしたいと思った。

I didn't give a good goddam how I did it and I don't now.

give a good goddam (よくわからない) [動] to not care about something

私はそれをどうやってやったのか、そして今もそうなのか、よくわからない。

I'll be around when you feel like doing something about me.”

feel like (したい) [動] to want to do something

doing something (何かしたい) [動] to perform an action

about me (私について) [前] on the subject of me

私について何かしたいと思ったら、私は近くにいるよ」

“The hard boys will take care of you, buster.

hard (硬派) [形] not easily broken, bent, or pierced

take care of (始末する) [動] to deal with or attend to

「硬派の男たちがあなたを始末するぞ、バスター。

I won't have to bother.

私はわざわざする必要はないだろう。

You think you're not important enough to bother them.

あなたは彼らを煩わすほど重要ではないと思っている。

As a P.I. named Marlowe, check.

私立探偵のマーロウとして、チェック。

You're not.

be not (違う) [動] be not

あなたは違う。

As a guy who was told where to get off and blew a raspberry in their faces publicly in a newspaper, that's different.

raspberry (ラズベリー) [名] a small round red or black fruit

publicly (公然と) [副] in a way that is known or seen by many people

どこで降りるかを言われ、新聞で公然と彼らの顔にラズベリーを吹きかけた男として、それは違う。

That hurts their pride.”

それは彼らのプライドを傷つける。」

“That's pitiful,” I said.

「それは哀れだ」と私は言った。

“Just thinking about it makes me bleed internally, to use your own expression.”

「それを考えるだけで、あなたの表現を借りれば、私は内出血する。」

He went across to the door and opened it.

go across (歩いて行く) [動] move or travel from one side to the other

彼はドアまで歩いて行き、それを開けた。

He stood looking down the redwood steps and at the trees on the hill across the way and up the slope at the end of the street.

彼は立ってセコイアの階段を見下ろし、道の向こう側の丘の木々や通りの端の坂を見上げた。

“Nice and quiet here,” he said.

「ここは静かでいいな」と彼は言った。

“Just quiet enough.”

「ちょうどいい静けさだ。」

He went on down the steps and got into his car and left.

go on down (下りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

彼は階段を下りて車に乗り込み、去っていった。

Cops never say goodbye.

警官は決して別れを告げない。

They're always hoping to see you again in the line-up.

line-up (面通し) [名] a group of people brought together for inspection or identification

彼らはいつもまた面通しで会えることを期待している。

[47]

For a short time the next day things looked like getting lively.

for a short time (しばらくの間) [名] a brief period of time

the next day (翌日) [名] the day after today

look like (~そうに見える) [動] appear to be

get lively (活気づく) [動] become more active or energetic

翌日、しばらくの間、事態は活気づきそうに見えた。

District Attorney Springer called an early press conference and delivered a statement.

call (開く) [動] to arrange for or cause to happen

press conference (記者会見) [名] a meeting of journalists

deliver (発表する) [動] to speak or write (something) in a formal way

スプリング地方検事は早朝に記者会見を開き、声明を発表した。

He was the big florid black-browed prematurely gray-haired type that always does so well in politics.

florid (血色のよい) [形] having a red or flushed complexion

black-browed (眉の黒い) [形] having black eyebrows

prematurely (若白髪の) [副] before the usual or proper time

彼は、政治の世界でいつも成功する、大柄で血色がよく、眉が黒く、若白髪のタイプだった。

“I have read the document which purports to be a confession by the unfortunate and unhappy woman who recently took her life, a document which may or may not be genuine, but which, if genuine, is obviously the product of a disordered mind.

purport (称する) [動] to claim or seem to be or do something

take one's life (自ら命を絶つ) [動] to kill oneself

disordered (混乱した) [形] not in order

「私は、最近自ら命を絶った不幸で不幸な女性の告白と称する文書を読んだが、それが本物かどうかはわからないが、本物であれば明らかに混乱した精神の産物である。

I am willing to assume that the Journal published this document in good faith, in spite of its many absurdities and inconsistencies, and these I shall not bore you with enumerating.

good faith (誠意) [名] honesty or sincerity of intention

absurdity (不条理) [名] the quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable

inconsistency (矛盾) [名] the quality or state of being inconsistent

enumerate (列挙する) [動] specify one by one

私は、この文書には多くの不条理や矛盾があるにもかかわらず、ジャーナルが誠意を持ってこの文書を公開したと仮定したいと思っているが、これらを列挙してあなたを退屈させるつもりはない。

If Eileen Wade wrote these words, and my office in conjunction with the staff of my respected coadjutor, Sheriff Petersen, will soon determine whether or no she did, then I say to you that she did not write them with a clear head, nor with a steady hand.

conjunction (協力して) [名] the action of two or more events or things occurring at the same point in time or in a connected sequence

respected (尊敬する) [形] admired and regarded by someone

coadjutor (補佐官) [名] an assistant or helper

determine (判断する) [動] cause (something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in

steady (震えずに) [形] firm and not shaking or moving

もしアイリーン・ウェードがこれらの言葉を書いたとしたら、私の事務所は私の尊敬する補佐官であるピーターセン保安官のスタッフと協力して、彼女が書いたかどうかをすぐに判断するだろうが、彼女は頭がはっきりした状態でも、手も震えずに書いたわけではないと私はあなたに言う。

It is only a matter of weeks since the unfortunate lady found her husband wallowing in his own blood, spilled by his own hand.

matter of weeks (数週間) [名] a period of time

wallow (溺れる) [動] roll around or lie in something

不幸な女性が夫が自分の手で流した自分の血に溺れているのを発見してから、ほんの数週間しか経っていない。

Imagine the shock, the despair, the utter loneliness which must have followed so sharp a disaster!

despair (絶望) [名] the complete loss or absence of hope

utter (完全な) [形] complete and total

sharp (悲惨な) [形] causing a sudden, piercing pain

想像してみてほしい、このような悲惨な出来事の後に続くであろうショック、絶望、そして完全な孤独を!

And now she has joined him in the bitterness of death.

join (再会する) [動] come together or be together

そして今、彼女は死の苦しみの中で彼と再会した。

Is anything to be gained by disturbing the ashes of the dead?

be to be gained (得られる) [動] to be obtained or acquired

disturb (掻き回す) [動] to interfere with the peace or quiet of

ashes (灰) [名] the powdery residue left after a fire has burned

dead (死者) [名] a person who has died

死者の灰を掻き回して何か得るものがあるだろうか?

Anything, my friends, beyond the sale of a few copies of a newspaper which is badly in need of circulation?

beyond (以外に) [前] on the farther side of

badly (増やしたい) [副] in a bad manner

皆さん、発行部数を増やしたい新聞の売り上げ以外に何かあるだろうか?

Nothing, my friends, nothing.

皆さん、何もない、何もないのだ。

Let us leave it at that.

that (そこ) [名] the place or thing that is being mentioned

そこまでにしておこう。

Like Ophelia in that great dramatic masterpiece called Hamlet, by the immortal William Shakespeare, Eileen Wade wore her rue with a difference.

Like Ophelia (オフィーリアのように) [名] a character in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Hamlet (ハムレット) [名] a tragedy by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (ウィリアム・シェイクスピア) [名] an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist

rue (後悔) [名] a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done

不滅のウィリアム・シェイクスピアによるハムレットという偉大な劇的傑作に登場するオフィーリアのように、アイリーン・ウェードは後悔の念を抱いていた。

My political enemies would like to make much of that difference, but my friends and fellow voters will not be deceived.

political enemy (政敵) [名] a person who is opposed to someone in politics

make much of (大いに利用する) [動] to treat as important

fellow voter (有権者) [名] a person who has the right to vote

deceive (騙す) [動] to cause someone to believe something that is not true

私の政敵はその違いを大いに利用したいと思っているが、私の友人や有権者は騙されない。

They know that this office has long stood for wise and mature law enforcement, for justice tempered with mercy, for solid, stable, and conservative government.

stand for (支持する) [動] to represent or symbolize

mercy (慈悲) [名] compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

stable (安定した) [形] not likely to change or fail

conservative (保守的な) [形] averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values

彼らは、この事務所が長い間、賢明で成熟した法執行、慈悲を伴う正義、堅固で安定した保守的な政府を支持してきたことを知っている。

The Journal stands for I know not what, and for what it stands I do not much or greatly care.

stand for (表す) [動] be a symbol of

greatly (とても) [副] to a high degree

ジャーナルは私が知らないことを表しており、それが何を表しているのか私はあまり気にしていない。

Let the enlightened public judge for itself.”

enlightened (賢明な) [形] having or showing a lot of knowledge or understanding

public (国民) [名] the people of a country or area as a whole

賢明な国民に判断を委ねよう」

The Journal printed this guff in its early edition (it was a round-the-clock newspaper) and Henry Sherman, the Managing Editor, came right back at Springer with a signed comment.

early edition (早版) [名] an edition of a newspaper that is printed early in the day

round-the-clock (24時間体制) [形] continuously, without stopping

Henry Sherman (ヘンリー・シャーマン) [名] the name of a person

Managing Editor (編集長) [名] the editor in charge of the preparation and publication of a text, especially for a newspaper, magazine, or book

come right back (すぐに返す) [動] to return to a place or situation that you were in before

signed comment (署名入りのコメント) [名] a comment that has been signed by the person who wrote it

ジャーナルは早版でこのナンセンスを印刷し(24時間体制の新聞だった)、編集長のヘンリー・シャーマンはすぐにシュプリンガーに署名入りのコメントを返した。

Mr. District-Attorney Springer was in good form this morning.

Mr. District-Attorney Springer (シュプリンガー地方検事) [名] the district attorney

be in good form (上機嫌である) [動] to be in a good mood

シュプリンガー地方検事は、今朝は上機嫌だった。

He is a fine figure of a man and he speaks with a rich baritone voice that is a pleasure to listen to.

fine figure (立派な体格) [名] a person with a good-looking body

彼は立派な体格の男性で、聞き心地の良い豊かなバリトンの声で話す。

He did not bore us with any facts.

彼は事実を並べて私たちを退屈させることはなかった。

Any time Mr. Springer cares to have the authenticity of the document in question proved to him, the Journal will be most happy to oblige.

Mr. Springer (シュプリンガー氏) [名] a person's name

care (思う) [動] to be concerned or interested

シュプリンガー氏が問題の文書の信憑性を証明したいと思ったら、いつでもジャーナルは喜んで応じるだろう。

We do not expect Mr. Springer to take any action to reopen cases which had been officially closed with his sanction or under his direction, just as we do not expect Mr. Springer to stand on his head on the tower of the City Hall.

take action (行動をとる) [動] to do something

reopen (再開する) [動] to open again

officially (公式に) [副] in a formal and public way

close (閉鎖する) [動] to shut something

sanction (制裁) [名] a penalty for breaking a law

direction (指示) [名] the action of directing

City Hall (市庁舎) [名] a building where the city government is located

stand on one's head (逆立ちをする) [動] to balance oneself upside down on one's head

シュプリンガー氏が市庁舎の塔で逆立ちをすることを期待していないのと同じように、シュプリンガー氏が彼の制裁または彼の指示の下で公式に閉鎖された事件を再開するための行動をとることを期待していない。

As Mr. Springer so aptly phrases it, is anything to be gained by disturbing the ashes of the dead?

aptly (適切に) [副] in a way that is suitable or appropriate

phrase (表現する) [動] to express something in words

シュプリンガー氏が適切に表現しているように、死者の灰を掻き回すことで何か得られることがあるだろうか?

Or, as the Journal would prefer to phrase it less elegantly, is anything to be gained by finding out who committed a murder when the murderee is already dead?

prefer (好む) [動] like (something or someone) better than another

murderee (殺人事件の被害者) [名] a person who is murdered

gain (得られる) [動] obtain or secure (something)

あるいは、ジャーナルがあまり優雅に表現したくないことだが、殺人事件の被害者がすでに死んでいるのに、誰が殺人を犯したのかを突き止めることで何か得られることがあるだろうか?

Nothing, of course, but justice and truth.

もちろん、正義と真実以外には何も得られない。

On behalf of the late William Shakespeare, the Journal wishes to thank Mr. Springer for his favorable mention of Hamlet, and for his substantially, although not exactly, correct allusion to Ophelia.

on behalf of (に代わって) [前] as the representative of

the late (故) [形] no longer living

favorable (好意的) [形] expressing approval or consent

substantially (実質的に) [副] to a great extent

allusion (言及) [名] an indirect or passing reference

ジャーナルは、故ウィリアム・シェイクスピアに代わって、シュプリンガー氏がハムレットについて好意的に言及したこと、また、オフィーリアについて正確ではないものの、実質的に正しい言及をしたことに対して感謝の意を表したい。

You must wear your rue with a difference' was not said of Ophelia but by her, and just what she meant has never been very clear to our less erudite minds.

wear (抱く) [動] have or show an emotion

Ophelia (オフィーリア) [名] a character in Shakespeare's Hamlet

erudite (博識な) [形] having or showing great knowledge or learning

「あなたは後悔の念を抱かなければならない」とはオフィーリアについてではなく、彼女が言った言葉であり、彼女が何を意味していたのか、私たちのあまり博識ではない頭にはっきりと理解できたことは一度もない。

But let that pass.

しかし、それはさておき。

It sounds well and helps to confuse the issue.

聞こえはよく、問題を混乱させるのに役立つ。

Perhaps we may be permitted to quote, also from that officially approved dramatic production known as Hamlet, a good thing that happened to be said by a bad man:

ハムレットとして知られる公式に認められた劇作品からも、悪い男がたまたま言った良いことを引用することを許されるかもしれない。

“And where the offence is let the great axe fall.”

offence (罪) [名] a crime or other illegal act

「そして、罪のあるところには大きな斧を振り下ろせ」

Lonnie Morgan called me up about noon and asked me how I liked it.

ロニー・モーガンが正午頃に電話をかけてきて、どうだったかと尋ねた。

I told him I didn't think it would do Springer any harm.

do harm (害を及ぼす) [動] cause damage or injury

私は、それがスプリンガーに害を及ぼすとは思わないと彼に言った。

“Only with the eggheads,” Lonnie Morgan said, “and they already had his number.

egghead (頭でっかち) [名] an intellectual

「ただの頭でっかちだ」とロニー・モーガンは言った。「彼らはすでに彼の番号を知っていた。

I meant what about you?”

what about you (君はどうだったんだ) [名] a question asking about the other person's situation

君はどうだったんだ?」

“Nothing about me.

「私については何も。

I'm just sitting here waiting for a soft buck to rub itself against my cheek.”

rub (擦れる) [動] move with pressure against something

私はただここに座って、柔らかいドルが私の頬に擦れるのを待っているだけだ。」

“That wasn't exactly what I meant.”

「それは私が言いたいことではなかった。」

“I'm still healthy.

「私はまだ健康だ。

Quit trying to scare me.

私を怖がらせるのはやめろ。

I got what I wanted.

私は欲しいものを手に入れた。

If Lennox was still alive he could walk right up to Springer and spit in his eye.”

right up to (~まで) [副] all the way to

レノックスがまだ生きていたら、彼はシュプリンガーのところまで歩いて行き、彼の目に唾を吐きかけることができただろう。」

“You did it for him.

「あなたは彼のためにそれをやった。

And by this time Springer knows that.

そして、この時点でシュプリンガーはそれを知っている。

They got a hundred ways to frame a guy they don't like.

frame (陥れる) [動] to put a border or frame around something

彼らは気に入らない奴を陥れる方法を百も持っている。

I don't figure what made it worth your time.

何があなたの時間を費やす価値があったのかわからない。

Lennox wasn't that much man.”

be not that much (そんなに~ない) [動] be not so much

レノックスはそんなに男じゃなかった」

“What's that got to do with it?”

What's that got to do with it? (それがどうしたって言うんだ?) [句] what is the relevance of that?

「それがどうしたって言うんだ?」

He was silent for a moment.

彼はしばらく黙っていた。

Then he said: “Sorry, Marlowe. Shut my big mouth. Good luck.”

それから彼は言った。「すまない、マーロウ。私の大きな口を閉じろ。幸運を祈る。」

We hung up after the usual goodbyes.

私たちはいつもの別れの言葉を交わした後、電話を切った。

* * * * *

About two in the afternoon Linda Loring called me.

about two (2時頃) [名] approximately two

in the afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

午後2時頃、リンダ・ローリングが私に電話をかけてきた。

“No names, please,” she said.

「名前は出さないで」と彼女は言った。

“I've just flown in from that big lake up north.

fly in (飛行機で来る) [動] arrive by plane

「私は北のあの大きな湖から飛行機で来たばかりなの。

Somebody up there is boiling over something that was in the Journal last night.

boil over (激怒する) [動] to become very angry

誰かが昨夜のジャーナルに載っていた何かに激怒している。

My almost ex-husband got it right between the eyes.

ex-husband (元夫) [名] a former husband

get it (撃たれる) [動] to be shot

right between the eyes (目の間) [名] the space between the eyes

私のもうすぐ元夫は、目の間を撃たれた。

The poor man was weeping when I left.

私が去ったとき、その哀れな男は泣いていた。

He flew up to report.”

彼は報告するために飛行機で来たの」

“What do you mean, almost ex-husband?”

「もうすぐ元夫ってどういう意味?」

“Don't be stupid.

「馬鹿なこと言わないで。

For once Father approves.

approve (認める) [動] have or express a favorable opinion of

父も一度は認めた。

Paris is an excellent place to get a quiet divorce.

Paris (パリ) [名] the capital of France

excellent (最適な) [形] extremely good or outstanding

パリは静かに離婚するのに最適な場所だ。

So I shall soon be leaving to go there.

だから私はすぐにそこへ行くために出発する。

And if you have any sense left you could do worse than spend a little of that fancy engraving you showed me going a long way off yourself.”

engraving (版画) [名] the art or process of engraving

go a long way (遠くへ行く) [動] travel a long distance

そしてもし君に少しでも分別が残っているなら、君が私に見せてくれたあの素敵な版画の一部を君自身が遠くへ行くために使うよりも悪いことをするかもしれない。」

“What's it got to do with me?”

What's it got to do with me? (それが私と何の関係があるんだ?) [句] what is the relationship between this and me?

「それが私と何の関係があるんだ?」

“That's the second stupid question you've asked.

「それは君が尋ねた二つ目の愚かな質問だ。

You're not fooling anyone but yourself, Marlowe.

君は自分以外の誰も騙していないよ、マーロウ。

Do you know how they shoot tigers?”

虎をどうやって撃つか知っているか?」

“How would I?”

how would I (私が知っているわけがない) [句] I don't know

「私が知っているわけがない」

“They tie a goat to a stake and then hide out in a blind.

goat (山羊) [名] a mammal that is often kept for its milk or meat

stake (杭) [名] a piece of wood or metal with a pointed end that is driven into the ground

「彼らは杭に山羊を縛り付けて、それから隠れ場所に隠れる。

It's apt to be rough on the goat.

be rough on (酷である) [動] be harsh or unfair to

山羊には酷な話だ。

I like you.

君は好きだ。

I'm sure I don't know why, but I do.

I do (好きだ) [句] I like

理由はわからないが、とにかく好きだ。

I hate the idea of your being the goat.

君が山羊になるなんて嫌だ。

You tried so hard to do the right thing--as you saw it.”

君は正しいことをしようと一生懸命だった。君が正しいと思ったことをね」

“Nice of you,” I said.

「親切だね」と私は言った。

“If I stick my neck out and it gets chopped, it's still my neck.”

stick one's neck out (首を突き出す) [動] to take a risk

get chopped (切られる) [動] to be cut

「私が首を突き出してそれが切られたとしても、それは私の首だ」

“Don't be a hero, you fool,” she said sharply.

「英雄ぶらないで、馬鹿」と彼女は鋭く言った。

“Just because someone we knew chose to be a fall guy, you don't have to imitate him.”

just because (だからといって) [接] for the reason that; since

imitate (真似る) [動] follow as a model or example

「私たちが知っている誰かが身代わりになることを選んだからといって、あなたは彼を真似する必要はない」

“I'll buy you a drink if you're going to be around long enough.”

buy (奢る) [動] get by paying for it

「もしあなたが十分長くいるつもりなら、私はあなたに飲み物を奢るよ」

“Buy me one in Paris.

「パリで私に1つ買って。

Paris is lovely in the fall.”

fall (秋) [名] the season of the year between summer and winter

パリは秋が素敵よ」

“I'd like to do that too.

「私もそうしたい。

I hear it was even better in the spring.

春はもっといいと聞く。

Never having been there I wouldn't know.”

行ったことないからわからないけど」

“The way you're going you never will.”

「その調子だと行けそうにない」

“Goodbye, Linda. I hope you find what you want.”

「さよなら、リンダ。君が欲しいものを見つけられるといいな」

“Goodbye,” she said coldly.

「さよなら」彼女は冷たく言った。

“I always find what I want.

「私はいつも欲しいものを見つけるよ。

But when I find it, I don't want it any more.”

でも見つけると、もう欲しくないの」

She hung up.

彼女は電話を切った。

The rest of the day was a blank.

blank (空白) [名] a space on a document or screen that is empty or has no content

その日の残りは空白だった。

I ate dinner and left the Olds at an all night garage to have the brake linings checked.

eat dinner (夕食を食べる) [動] have dinner

all night (オールナイト) [形] continuing through the night

have something checked (チェックする) [動] cause someone or something to be examined or inspected

私は夕食を食べて、ブレーキライニングをチェックするためにオールズをオールナイトガレージに預けた。

I took a cab home.

私はタクシーで帰宅した。

The street was as empty as usual.

通りはいつものように空だった。

In the wooden mailbox was a free soap coupon.

free (無料の) [形] costing nothing

coupon (クーポン) [名] a voucher entitling the holder to a discount or other benefit

木製の郵便受けには無料の石鹸のクーポンが入っていた。

I went up the steps slowly.

私はゆっくりと階段を上った。

It was a soft night with a little haze in the air.

空気中に少しもやがかかった穏やかな夜だった。

The trees on the hill hardly moved.

丘の上の木々はほとんど動かなかった。

No breeze.

そよ風もなかった。

I unlocked the door and pushed it part way open and then stopped.

part way (少し) [副] to some extent

私はドアの鍵を開け、少し開けてから止めた。

The door was about ten inches open from the frame.

ten inches (10インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

ドアは枠から約10インチ開いていた。

It was dark inside, there was no sound.

中は暗く、音もなかった。

But I had the feeling that the room beyond was not empty.

しかし、向こうの部屋は空ではないという気がした。

Perhaps a spring squeaked faintly or I caught the gleam of a white jacket across the room.

squeak (きしむ) [動] make a high-pitched sound

catch (見える) [動] perceive with the eyes

おそらくバネがかすかにきしんだか、部屋の向こう側に白いジャケットの輝きが見えたのだろう。

Perhaps on a warm still night like this one the room beyond the door was not warm enough, not still enough.

おそらく、このような暖かく静かな夜には、ドアの向こうの部屋は十分に暖かくなく、十分に静かではないだろう。

Perhaps there was a drifting smell of man on the air.

drifting (漂う) [動] to be carried along by a current of air or water

おそらく空気中に人の匂いが漂っていたのだろう。

And perhaps I was just on edge.

on edge (イライラしている) [形] in a state of nervous tension

そして、おそらく私はただイライラしていただけなのだろう。

I stepped sideways off the porch on to the ground and leaned down against the shrubbery.

私はポーチから横に地面に降りて、低木に寄りかかった。

Nothing happened.

何も起こらなかった。

No light went on inside, there was no movement anywhere that I heard.

go on (灯る) [動] to be turned on

中に明かりが灯ることもなく、どこにも動きは聞こえなかった。

I had a gun in a belt holster on the left side, butt forward, a short-barreled Police 38.

belt holster (ベルトホルスター) [名] a holster that is worn on a belt

left side (左側) [名] the side of something that is on the left when you are facing it

butt (銃尾) [名] the end of a gun that is held against the shoulder when firing

forward (前) [副] in the direction that is in front of you

Police 38 (ポリス38) [名] a type of gun

私は左側のベルトホルスターに銃を持ち、銃尾を前にして、短銃身のポリス38を構えた。

I jerked it out and it got me nowhere.

nowhere (無駄) [名] not anywhere; not in any place

私はそれを引っ張り出したが無駄だった。

The silence continued.

continue (続く) [動] keep doing something

沈黙が続いた。

I decided I was a damn fool.

damn fool (大馬鹿者) [名] a very foolish person

私は自分が大馬鹿者だと決めつけた。

I straightened up and lifted a foot to go back to the front door, and then a car turned the corner and came fast up the hill and stopped almost without sound at the foot of my steps.

turn the corner (角を曲がる) [動] to go around a corner

come up (登ってくる) [動] to move to a higher position

私は身を起こして玄関に戻ろうと足を上げたが、その時、車が角を曲がって丘を登ってきて、私の足元でほとんど音もなく止まった。

It was a big black sedan with the lines of a Cadillac.

line (ライン) [名] a long and narrow mark or band

それはキャデラックのラインの入った大きな黒いセダンだった。

It could have been Linda Loring's car, except for two things.

2つのことを除けば、それはリンダ・ローリングの車だったかもしれない。

Nobody opened a door and the windows on my side were all shut tight.

誰もドアを開けず、私の側の窓はすべて閉まっていた。

I waited and listened, crouched against the bush, and there was nothing to listen to and nothing to wait for.

crouch (うずくまる) [動] be in or assume a position in which the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down

私は待ち、耳を傾け、茂みにうずくまったが、聞くべきものも待つべきものも何もなかった。

Just a dark car motionless at the foot of my redwood steps, with the windows closed.

私のレッドウッドの階段のふもとに、窓を閉めたまま動かない黒い車があるだけだった。

If its motor was still running I couldn't hear it.

もしそのモーターがまだ動いていたとしても、私はそれを聞くことができなかった。

Then a big red spotlight clicked on and the beam struck twenty feet beyond the corner of the house.

click (カチッと鳴る) [動] make a short, sharp sound

beam (光) [名] a ray or shaft of light

strike (照らす) [動] to shine or flash

twenty feet (20フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

beyond (先) [前] on or to the farther side of

すると大きな赤いスポットライトがカチッと点灯し、その光が家の角から20フィート先を照らした。

And then very slowly the big car backed until the spotlight could swing across the front of the house, across the hood and up.

up (上に向かう) [副] towards a higher place

そして、スポットライトが家の正面を横切り、ボンネットを横切って上に向かうまで、大きな車はゆっくりと後退した。

Policemen don't drive Cadillacs.

policeman (警察官) [名] a member of a police force

警察官はキャデラックを運転しない。

Cadillacs with red spotlights belong to the big boys, mayors and police commissioners, perhaps District Attorneys.

belong to (〜のものである) [動] be owned by

big boy (大物) [名] a person of great power or influence

mayor (市長) [名] the head of a city government

赤いスポットライトのついたキャデラックは、市長や警察署長、あるいは地方検事などの大物のものである。

Perhaps hoodlums.

あるいはチンピラ。

The spotlight traversed.

traverse (横切る) [動] travel across or through

スポットライトが横切った。

I went down flat, but it found me just the same.

flat (平らに) [副] in a smooth, even, or level manner

just the same (同じように) [副] in the same way

私は平らに降りたが、それは私を同じように見つけた。

It held on me.

hold on (捕まえる) [動] to grasp or grip something firmly

それは私を捕まえた。

Nothing else.

他には何もない。

Still the car door didn't open, still the house was silent and without light.

それでも車のドアは開かず、家は静かで明かりもなかった。

Then a siren growled in low pitch just for a second or two and stopped.

low pitch (低い音) [名] a sound or tone with a low frequency

それからサイレンが低い音で1、2秒鳴り、止まった。

And then at last the house was full of lights and a man in a white dinner jacket came out to the head of the steps and looked sideways along the wall and the shrubbery.

そしてついに家は明かりでいっぱいになり、白いディナージャケットを着た男が階段の頭まで出てきて、壁と植え込みに沿って横を見た。

“Come on in, cheapie,” Menendez said with a chuckle.

with a chuckle (くすくす笑いながら) [副] in a way that shows you are amused

「さあ、入って、安物」メネンデスはくすくす笑いながら言った。

“You've got company.”

「来客だ」

I could have shot him with no trouble at all.

no trouble at all (全く問題なく) [名] without any difficulty

彼を撃つことは全く問題なくできた。

Then he stepped back and it was too late--even if I could have done it.

too late (手遅れ) [形] after the time when something should have been done

それから彼は後ろに下がり、手遅れになった--私がそれをできたとしても。

Then a window went down at the back of the car and I could hear the thud as it opened.

それから車の後ろの窓が下がり、開いたときの音が聞こえた。

Then a machine pistol went off and fired a short burst into the slope of the bank thirty feet away from me.

machine pistol (マシンピストル) [名] a pistol-sized submachine gun

short burst (短いバースト) [名] a short burst of gunfire

bank (土手) [名] a raised land alongside a river

thirty feet (30フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

それからマシンピストルが発射され、私から30フィート離れた土手の斜面に短いバーストを発射した。

“Come on in, cheapie,” Menendez said again from the doorway.

「さあ、入って来い、安物」とメネンデスは再び戸口から言った。

“There just ain't anywhere else to go.”

「他に行くところがないんだ」

So I straightened up and went and the spotlight followed me accurately.

それで私は立ち上がって歩き、スポットライトは正確に私を追った。

I put the gun back in the hoslter on my belt.

私は銃をベルトのホルスターに収めた。

I stepped up onto the small redwood landing and went in through the door and stopped just inside.

step up (足を踏み入れる) [動] to move or walk onto or into something

landing (踊り場) [名] a platform between two flights of stairs

私は小さなレッドウッドの踊り場に足を踏み入れ、ドアを通って中に入り、すぐ内側で立ち止まった。

A man was sitting across the room with his legs crossed and a gun resting sideways on his thigh.

rest (置く) [動] be supported by and not move

男が部屋の向こう側に足を組んで座り、銃を太ももに横向きに置いていた。

He looked rangy and tough and his skin had that dried-out look of people who live in sun-bleached climates.

rangy (がっしりした) [形] tall and thin

dried-out (乾燥した) [形] having lost all moisture

sun-bleached (日焼けした) [形] having lost color due to exposure to the sun

彼はがっしりとしてタフそうに見え、肌は日焼けした気候に住む人々の乾燥した感じだった。

He was wearing a dark brown gabardine-type windbreaker and the zipper was open almost to his waist.

windbreaker (ウインドブレーカー) [名] a light jacket made of a wind-resistant material

zipper (ジッパー) [名] a device consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth that are interlocked by a sliding tab

彼は暗い茶色のギャバジンタイプのウインドブレーカーを着ていて、ジッパーはほとんど腰まで開いていた。

He was looking at me and neither his eyes nor the gun moved.

彼は私を見ていて、目も銃も動かなかった。

He was as calm as an adobe wall in the moonlight.

彼は月明かりの下で日干しレンガの壁のように落ち着いていた。

[48]

I looked at him too long.

私は彼を長く見すぎた。

There was a brief half-seen move at my side and a numbing pain in the point of my shoulder.

half-seen (半分見た) [形] partially seen

numbing (麻痺する) [形] causing a loss of feeling

私の横で半分見たような動きがあり、肩の部分に麻痺するような痛みがあった。

My whole arm went dead to the fingertips.

go dead (麻痺する) [動] lose all or part of the ability to feel

私の腕全体が指先まで麻痺した。

I turned and looked at a big mean-looking Mexican.

mean-looking (意地悪そうな顔をした) [形] having an appearance that suggests a bad or unpleasant character

私は振り返って、意地悪そうな顔をした大柄なメキシコ人を見上げた。

He wasn't grinning, he was just watching me.

彼はニヤニヤ笑っていなかった、ただ私を見ていた。

The .45 in his brown hand dropped to his side.

.45 (45口径) [名] a type of firearm

彼の褐色の手にあった45口径は彼の横に落ちた。

He had a mustache and his head bulged with oily black hair brushed up and back and over and down.

oily (油ぎった) [形] containing or covered with oil

over (横) [前] above or across the top of

彼は口ひげを生やし、頭は上にも後ろにも横にも下にも撫で付けられた油ぎった黒髪で膨らんでいた。

There was a dirty sombrero on the back of his head and the leather chin strap hung loose in two strands down the front of a stitched shirt that smelled of sweat.

chin strap (あご紐) [名] a strap that goes under the chin

strand (本) [名] a single thin piece of something such as hair, thread, or wire

彼の頭の後ろには汚れたソンブレロがあり、革製のあご紐は汗の匂いのする縫い合わせたシャツの前で2本に分かれて垂れ下がっていた。

There is nothing tougher than a tough Mexican, just as there is nothing gentler than a gentle Mexican, nothing more honest than an honest Mexican, and above all nothing sadder than a sad Mexican.

優しいメキシコ人より優しいものはなく、正直なメキシコ人より正直なものはなく、そして何よりも悲しいメキシコ人より悲しいものはないように、タフなメキシコ人よりタフなものはない。

This guy was one of the hard boys.

この男はタフな男の一人だった。

They don't come any harder anywhere.

hard (タフ) [形] not easily chewed or digested

彼らはどこにもそれ以上タフな奴はいない。

I rubbed my arm.

私は腕をさすった。

It tingled a little but the ache was still there and the numbness.

tingle (チクチクする) [動] to feel a slight prickling or stinging sensation

ache (痛み) [名] a dull, persistent pain

numbness (痺れ) [名] a lack of feeling in a part of the body

少しチクチクしたが、痛みと痺れはまだ残っていた。

If I had tried to pull a gun I should probably have dropped it.

pull a gun (銃を抜く) [動] to take out a gun

もし銃を抜こうとしたら、おそらく落としていただろう。

Menendez held his hand out towards the slugger.

slugger (スラッガー) [名] a powerful hitter in baseball

メネンデスはスラッガーに向かって手を差し出した。

Without seeming to look he tossed the gun and Menendez caught it.

彼は見もせずに銃を投げ、メネンデスはそれを受け取った。

He stood in front of me now and his face glistened.

glisten (輝く) [動] to shine or sparkle, especially with reflected light

彼は今私の前に立っていて、顔が輝いていた。

“Where would you like it, cheapie?”

「どこがいいの、安物?」

His black eyes danced.

彼の黒い目が踊った。

I just looked at him.

私はただ彼を見た。

There is no answer to a question like that.

そのような質問に答えはない。

“I asked you a question, cheapie.”

「質問したんだ、安物」

I wet my lips and asked one back.

wet (湿らせる) [動] make or become wet

私は唇を湿らせて、質問を返した。

“What happened to Agostino?

「アゴスティーノはどうなった?

I thought he was your gun handler.”

handler (運び屋) [名] a person who handles something

彼はあなたの銃の運び屋だと思った」

“Chick went soft,” he said gently.

go soft (弱気になる) [動] become less hard or firm

「チックは弱気になった」と彼は穏やかに言った。

“He was always soft--like his boss.”

「彼はいつも弱気だった--彼の上司のように」

The man in the chair flicked his eyes.

椅子の男は目をちらっと動かした。

He almost but not quite smiled.

彼はほとんど笑顔になったが、そうはならなかった。

The tough boy who had paralyzed my arm neither moved nor spoke.

私の腕を麻痺させたタフな少年は動くことも話すこともしなかった。

I knew he was breathing.

彼が呼吸しているのはわかった。

I could smell that.

その匂いがした。

“Somebody bump into your arm, cheapie?”

「誰かが腕にぶつかったのかい、安物?」

“I tripped over an enchilada.”

enchilada (エンチラーダ) [名] a Mexican dish made of a tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a chili sauce

「エンチラーダにつまずいたんだ」

Negligently, not quite looking at me even, he slashed me across the face with the gun barrel.

negligently (ろくに見もせず) [副] without giving enough care or attention

slash (横殴りする) [動] cut with a violent sweeping movement

gun barrel (銃身) [名] the metal tube of a gun through which the bullet travels

彼は私をろくに見もせず、銃身で私の顔を横殴りした。

“Don't get gay with me, cheapie.

get gay (生意気な口をきく) [動] to become happy or excited

「私に生意気な口をきくな、安物。

You're out of time for all that.

be out of time (時間がない) [動] have no time left

all that (そんなこと) [名] all of that; everything that has been mentioned

そんなことをする時間はない。

You got told and you got told nice.

nice (親切に) [形] kind or pleasant

あなたは言われたし、あなたは親切に言われた。

When I take the trouble to call around personally and tell a character to lay off--he lays off.

call around (電話する) [動] to make a series of telephone calls

私がわざわざ電話して、ある人物に手を引くように言うと、その人物は手を引く。

Or else he lays down and don't get up.”

lay down (横たわる) [動] to put oneself in a resting position

さもなければ、その人物は横たわって起き上がらない」

I could feel a trickle of blood down my cheek.

trickle (流れ落ちる) [動] to flow or fall in drops or in a small stream

頬を血が流れ落ちるのを感じた。

I could feel the full numbing ache of the blow in my cheekbone.

numb (しびれる) [動] to lose the power of feeling or movement

頬骨に受けた一撃の痛みで、頬骨が完全にしびれているのを感じた。

It spread until my whole head ached.

spread (広がる) [動] become or cause to become more widely known or distributed

頭全体が痛むまで広がった。

It hadn't been a hard blow, but the thing he used was hard.

hard blow (強い一撃) [名] a strong hit

強い一撃ではなかったが、彼が使ったものはとても硬かった。

I could still talk and nobody tried to stop me.

私はまだ話すことができたし、誰も私を止めようとしなかった。

“How come you do your own slugging, Mendy?

do one's own slugging (自分で殴りつける) [動] to hit someone or something hard, especially with the fist

「どうして自分で殴りつけるんだ、メンディ?

I thought that was coolie labor for the sort of boys that beat up Big Willie Magoon.”

coolie labor (肉体労働) [名] unskilled manual work

beat up (殴り倒す) [動] to hit someone repeatedly and violently

ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンを殴り倒すような連中がする肉体労働だと思ってたんだけど」

“It's the personal touch,” he said softly, “on account of I had personal reasons for telling you.

personal touch (個人的な接触) [名] a small detail that makes something more special or individual

personal reason (個人的な理由) [名] a reason that is based on your own feelings or beliefs

「それは個人的な接触だ」と彼は柔らかく言った。「私が君に話すのには個人的な理由があったからだ。

The Magoon job was strictly business.

マグーンの仕事は厳密にビジネスだった。

He got to thinking he could push me around--me that bought his clothes and his cars and stocked his safe deposit box and paid off the trust deed on his house.

stock (預金する) [動] have or keep a supply of

safe deposit box (貸金庫) [名] a secure container--usually a metal box--that stays in the safe or vault of a federally insured bank or credit union

彼は私を押しのけることができると考えるようになったのだ--彼の服や車を買い、彼の貸金庫に預金し、彼の家の信託証書を支払った私を。

These vice squad babies are all the same.

baby (連中) [名] a person who is young or inexperienced

風紀課の連中はみんな同じだ。

I even paid school bills for his kid.

school bill (学費) [名] the amount of money that you have to pay to a school for your education

私は彼の子供の学費まで払った。

You'd think the bastard would have some gratitude.

gratitude (感謝) [名] the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

あの野郎に感謝の気持ちがあると思うか?

So what does he do?

で、彼は何をする?

He walks into my private office and slaps me around in front of the help.”

walk into (押しかける) [動] enter a place

private office (個人事務所) [名] an office for one person

彼は私の個人事務所に押しかけてきて、従業員の前で私を殴ったんだ。」

“On account of why?” I asked him, in the vague hope of getting him mad at somebody else.

somebody else (誰か他の人) [名] some other person

「何の理由で?」私は彼が誰か他の人に怒りを向けてくれるのではないかと漠然と期待しながら尋ねた。

“On account of some lacquered chippie said we used loaded dice.

lacquered (塗った) [形] covered with lacquer

chippie (女) [名] a young woman

loaded (いかさま) [形] weighted or altered to give unfair advantage

dice (サイコロ) [名] a small cube with each side having a different number of spots on it, used in games of chance

「ある女が、うちがいかさまサイコロを使っているって言ったからだ。

Seems like the bim was one of his sleepy-time gals.

bim (女) [名] a woman

sleepy-time (寝床を共にする) [形] sleepy

gal (女) [名] a woman

その女は彼の寝床を共にする女たちの一人らしい。

I had her put out of the club--with every dime she brought in with her.”

put out (追い出す) [動] expel or eject

私は彼女をクラブから追い出したんだ、彼女が持ってきた10セント玉もろとも。」

“Seems understandable,” I said.

「理解できるね」と私は言った。

“Magoon ought to know no professional gambler plays crooked games.

crooked (いかさまの) [形] not straight or level

「マグーンはプロのギャンブラーはいかさまをしないことを知っているはずだ。

He doesn't have to.

彼はそうする必要がない。

But what have I done to you?”

でも私はあなたに何をしたの?」

He hit me again, thoughtfully.

彼はまた私を殴った。思慮深く。

“You made me look bad.

look (面目) [名] the expression of a person's face

「あなたは私の面目をつぶした。

In my racket you don't tell a guy twice.

私の世界では同じことを二度言うことはない。

Not even a hard number.

hard number (電話番号) [名] a telephone number that is permanently assigned to a particular telephone line

電話番号すら。

He goes out and does it, or you ain't got control.

彼は出かけてそれをやる、さもなければあなたは支配権がない。

You ain't got control, you ain't in business.”

あなたは支配権がない、あなたは商売をしていない。」

“I've got a hunch that there's a little more to it than that,” I said.

than that (それだけ) [名] the amount or number mentioned

「それだけではない予感がする」と私は言った。

“Excuse me if I reach for a handkerchief.”

「ハンカチを探すので失礼」

The gun watched me while I got one out and touched the blood on my face.

get one out (取り出す) [動] take something out of a place

私がハンカチを取り出し、顔の血を拭いている間、銃は私を監視していた。

“A two-bit peeper,” Menendez said slowly, “figures he can make a monkey out of Mendy Menendez.

two-bit (三文) [形] of little value or importance

peeper (探偵) [名] a person who spies on others

make a monkey out of (猿扱いする) [動] to make a fool of someone

「三文探偵が」とメネンデスはゆっくりと言った、「メンディ・メネンデスを猿扱いできると思っている。

He can get me laughed at.

私を笑い者にできると思っている。

He can get me the big razzoo--me, Menendez.

razzoo (大笑い) [名] a loud laugh

私を大笑いさせられると思っている。私を、メネンデスを。

I ought to use a knife on you, cheapie.

cheapie (安物野郎) [名] a person who is cheap or stingy

私はあなたをナイフで刺してやるべきだ、安物野郎。

I ought to cut you into slices of raw meat.”

slice (スライス) [名] a thin piece of food

あなたを生肉のスライスにしてやるべきだ」

“Lennox was your pal,” I said, and watched his eyes.

「レノックスは君の仲間だった」と私は言い、彼の目を見た。

“He got dead. He got buried like a dog without even a name over the dirt where they put his body.

get buried (埋められる) [動] to be buried

dirt (土) [名] soil, especially when loose or muddy

「彼は死んだ。彼は犬のように埋められ、彼の遺体が埋められた土の上には名前すらなかった。

And I had a little something to do with proving him innocent.

そして私は彼の無実を証明するのに少しばかり関係があった。

So that makes you look bad, huh?

だから君は悪く見えるんだな?

He saved your life and he lost his, and that didn't mean a thing to you.

彼は君の命を救い、彼は命を落とした、そしてそれは君にとって何の意味もなかった。

All that means anything to you is playing the big shot.

君にとって意味のあることは、大物ぶることだけだ。

You didn't give a hoot in hell for anybody but yourself.

give a hoot (叫び声を上げる) [動] to care about something

君は自分以外の誰にも地獄の叫び声を上げなかった。

You're not big, you're just loud.”

君は大物ではない、ただ騒がしいだけだ。」

His face froze and he swung his arm back to slug me a third time and this time with the power behind it.

freeze (凍りつく) [動] become solid due to cold

彼の顔は凍りつき、彼は私を三度殴るために腕を振り、今度は力を込めて殴った。

His arm was still going back when I took a half step forward and kicked him in the pit of the stomach.

go back (後ろに引っ込む) [動] move or travel in the direction opposite to that which is considered forward

take a half step (半歩前に出る) [動] move forward by half a step

pit of the stomach (腹の底) [名] the upper part of the abdomen

私が半歩前に出て彼の腹の底を蹴ったとき、彼の腕はまだ後ろに引っ込んでいた。

I didn't think, I didn't plan, I didn't figure my chances or whether I had any.

私は考えなかったし、計画もしなかったし、自分のチャンスやチャンスがあるかどうかも考えなかった。

I just got enough of his yap and I ached and bled and maybe I was just a little punch drunk by this time.

get enough of (うんざりする) [動] to become bored or annoyed with something

yap (口論) [名] a small dog that barks a lot

punch drunk (酔っ払う) [形] suffering from the effects of many blows to the head

私は彼の口論にうんざりしていたし、痛みと出血があったし、この頃には少し酔っ払っていたのかもしれない。

He jackknifed, gasping, and the gun fell out of his hand.

jackknife (折れ曲がる) [動] to fold like a jackknife

gasp (あえぐ) [動] to catch one's breath with an open mouth

彼は折り畳みナイフのように折れ曲がり、あえぎ、銃が手から落ちた。

He groped for it wildly making strained sounds deep in his throat.

wildly (激しく) [副] in a wild manner

彼は喉の奥で緊張した音を立てながら、それを手探りで探した。

I put a knee into his face.

私は彼の顔に膝を突き出した。

He screeched.

screech (金切り声を上げる) [動] to make a loud, high-pitched sound

彼は金切り声を上げた。

The man in the chair laughed.

椅子の男は笑った。

That staggered me.

stagger (驚く) [動] to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

私は驚いた。

Then he stood up and the gun in his hand came up with him.

それから彼は立ち上がり、彼の手の中の銃が彼と共に上がった。

“Don't kill him,” he said mildly.

「彼を殺さないで」と彼は穏やかに言った。

“We want to use him for live bait.”

live bait (生きた餌) [名] a live animal used as bait

「彼を生きた餌に使いたいんだ」

Then there was movement in the shadows of the hall and Ohls came through the door, blank-eyed, expressionless and utterly calm.

blank-eyed (ぼんやりとした目) [形] having or showing a lack of expression

utterly (全く) [副] completely or absolutely

それから廊下の影に動きがあり、オールズがドアから入ってきた。彼はぼんやりとした目で、無表情で、全く落ち着いていた。

He looked down at Menendez.

彼はメネンデスを見下ろした。

Menendez was kneeling with his head on the floor.

メネンデスは頭を床につけて跪いていた。

“Soft,” Ohls said.

「やさしく」オールズは言った。

“Soft as mush.”

mush (どろどろ) [名] a soft, wet, sticky mass

「どろどろになるまでやさしく」

“He's not soft,” I said.

「彼は優しくはない」私は言った。

“He's hurt. Any man can be hurt.

「彼は傷ついている。誰だって傷つくことはある。

Was Big Willie Magoon soft?”

ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンは優しかったか?」

Ohls looked at me.

オールズは私を見た。

The other man looked at me.

もう一人の男は私を見た。

The tough Mex at the door hadn't made a sound.

ドアのところにいたタフなメキシコ人は音を立てなかった。

“Take that goddam cigarette out of your face,” I snarled at Ohls.

「そのくそったれタバコを顔からどけろ」私はオールズに唸った。

“Either smoke it or leave it alone.

「吸うか、放っておくかどっちかにしろ。

I'm sick of watching you.

be sick of (うんざりだ) [動] to be tired of something

あなたを見ているのはうんざりだ。

I'm sick of you, period.

あなたにはうんざりだ、以上。

I'm sick of cops.”

警官にはうんざりだ」

He looked surprised.

彼は驚いたように見えた。

Then he grinned.

それから彼はニヤリと笑った。

“That was a plant, kiddo,” he said cheerfully.

plant (仕掛け) [名] a living organism of the kind exemplified by trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses

「あれは仕掛けだったんだ、坊や」と彼は陽気に言った。

“You hurt bad? Did the nasty mans hit your facey-wacey? Well for my money you had it coming and it was damn useful that you had.”

useful (有用な) [形] able to be used for a particular purpose or in a particular way

「ひどく痛むか? 意地悪な男があなたの顔を殴ったか? 私のお金のためにあなたはそれを受け取ったし、あなたが受け取ったことは非常に有用だった。」

He looked down at Mendy.

彼はメンディを見下ろした。

Mendy had his knees under him.

メンディは膝を抱えていた。

He was climbing out of a well, a few inches at a time.

well (井戸) [名] a hole dug in the ground to obtain water

a few inches (数インチ) [名] a small amount of distance

彼は井戸から登り、一度に数インチずつ登っていた。

He breathed gaspingly.

gaspingly (息を切らして) [副] in a gasping manner

彼は息を切らしていた。

“What a talkative lad he is,” Ohls said, “when he doesn't have three shysters with him to button his lip.”

talkative (おしゃべりな) [形] fond of talking

button one's lip (口を閉ざす) [動] to be quiet

shyster (弁護士) [名] a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unethical or fraudulent methods

「彼はなんておしゃべりな若者なんだろう」とオールズは言った、「彼が口を閉ざすために3人の弁護士を連れていない時だけだが」

He jerked Menendez to his feet.

彼はメンデスを足元に引き寄せた。

Mendy's nose was bleeding.

メンディの鼻は出血していた。

He fumbled the handkerchief out of his white dinner jacket and held it to his nose.

彼は白いディナージャケットからハンカチを取り出し、鼻に当てた。

He said no word.

彼は何も言わなかった。

“You got crossed up, sweetheart,” Ohls told him carefully.

get crossed up (混乱する) [動] to become confused or mixed up

sweetheart (スイートハート) [名] a person you love very much

「あなたは混乱しているんだ、スイートハート」オールズは慎重に彼に言った。

“I ain't grieving a whole lot over Magoon.

grieve (悲しむ) [動] feel intense sorrow or distress

「私はマグーンのことであまり悲しんでいない。

He had it coming.

have it coming (招く) [動] to deserve something bad that happens to you

彼はそれを招いたんだ。

But he was a cop and punks like you lay off cops--always and forever.”

だが彼は警官だったし、あなたのようなチンピラは警官には手を出さない、いつだって、永遠にだ」

Menendez lowered the handkerchief and looked at Ohls.

メネンデスはハンカチを下げてオールズを見た。

He looked at me.

彼は私を見た。

He looked at the man who had been sitting in the chair.

彼は椅子に座っていた男を見た。

He turned slowly and looked at the tough Mex by the door.

彼はゆっくりと振り返り、ドアのそばにいるタフなメキシコ人を見ました。

They all looked at him.

彼らは皆彼を見た。

There was nothing in their faces.

彼らの顔には何もなかった。

Then a knife shot into view from nowhere and Mendy lunged for Ohls.

shoot into view (飛び出す) [動] to come into sight suddenly and rapidly

lunged (突進した) [動] to move forward suddenly and quickly

するとどこからともなくナイフが飛び出し、メンディはオールズに突進した。

Ohls side-stepped and took him by the throat with one hand and chopped the knife out of his hand with ease, almost indifferently.

side-step (横に踏み出す) [動] step to the side

ease (簡単に) [名] lack of difficulty or effort

オールズは横に踏み出し、片手で彼の喉をつかみ、ほとんど無関心そうに、簡単にナイフを彼の手から叩き落とした。

Ohls spread his feet and straightened his back and bent his legs slightly and lifted Menendez clear off the floor with one hand holding his neck.

spread one's feet (足を広げる) [動] to move one's feet apart

straighten one's back (背筋を伸ばす) [動] to make one's back straight

bend one's legs (足を曲げる) [動] to move one's legs so that they are no longer straight

clear off (離れる) [動] to move away from something

hold (掴む) [動] to have something in one's hand or hands

オールズは足を広げ、背筋を伸ばし、足を少し曲げ、片手で首を掴んでメネンデスを床から持ち上げた。

He walked him across the floor and pinned him against the wall.

pin (押し付ける) [動] fasten or join with a pin

彼は彼を床を横切って歩かせ、壁に押し付けた。

He let him down, but didn't let go of his throat.

let down (下ろす) [動] to move something to a lower position

彼は彼を下ろしたが、喉を離さなかった。

“Touch me with one finger and I'll kill you,” Ohls said.

「指一本でも触れようものなら殺すぞ」オールズは言った。

“One finger.”

「指一本でも」

Then he dropped his hands.

それから彼は手を下ろした。

Mendy smiled at him scornfully, looked at his handkerchief, and refolded it to hide the blood.

メンディは彼を嘲笑し、ハンカチを見て、血を隠すように折り返した。

He held it to his nose again.

彼は再びそれを鼻に当てた。

He looked down at the gun he had used to hit me.

彼は私を殴った銃を見下ろした。

The man from the chair said loosely: “Not loaded, even if you could grab it.”

椅子の男はゆるく言った。「弾は入っていない。つかめたとしてもね。」

“A cross,” Mendy said to Ohls.

cross (十字架) [名] a cross-shaped object

「十字架だ」メンディはオールスに言った。

“I heard you the first time.”

「最初に聞いた時からわかっている。」

“You ordered three muscles,” Ohls said.

muscle (ムール貝) [名] a type of shellfish

「ムール貝を三つ注文したな」オールスは言った。

“What you got was three deputies from Nevada.

「手に入れたのはネバダから来た三人の保安官だ。

Somebody in Vegas don't like the way you forget to clear with them.

clear (手を切る) [動] to free oneself from something

ベガスの誰かが、あなたが彼らと手を切るのを忘れたやり方を気に入らなかったんだ。

The somebody wants to talk to you.

その誰かがあなたと話したいんだ。

You can go along with the deputies or you can go downtown with me and get hung on the back of the door by a pair of handcuffs.

go downtown (ダウンタウンに行く) [動] to go to the business center of a city

get hung (吊るされる) [動] to be suspended from something

pair of handcuffs (手錠) [名] a device used to lock the wrists of a person together

保安官と一緒に行くか、私と一緒にダウンタウンに行って、手錠でドアの後ろに吊るされるかだ。

There's a couple of boys down there would like to see you close up.”

down there (そこに) [副] in or to a lower place

そこにはあなたを間近で見たいと思っている少年が二人いる。」

“God help Nevada,” Mendy said quietly, looking around again at the tough Mex by the door.

「神よ、ネバダを救いたまえ」メンディは静かに言い、ドアのそばにいるタフなメキシコ人を再び見回した。

Then he crossed himself quickly and walked out of the front door.

cross oneself (十字を切る) [動] make the sign of the cross

それから彼は素早く十字を切り、玄関から出て行った。

The tough Mex followed him.

タフなメキシコ人が彼に続いた。

Then the other one, the dried out desert type, picked up the gun and the knife and went out too.

それからもう一人、干からびた砂漠タイプの男が銃とナイフを拾って出て行った。

He shut the door.

彼はドアを閉めた。

Ohls waited motionless.

オールズは動かずに待った。

There was a sound of doors banging shut, then a car went off into the night.

bang (バタン) [動] to make a loud noise

ドアがバタンと閉まる音がして、車が夜の闇に走り去った。

“You sure those mugs were deputies?”

mug (チンピラ) [名] a person who attacks and robs people

「あのチンピラたちが保安官代理だと確信しているのか?」

I asked Ohls.

私はオールズに尋ねた。

He turned as if surprised to see me there.

彼は私がそこにいることに驚いたように振り返った。

“They had stars,” he said shortly.

「彼らは星をつけた」と彼は短く言った。

“Nice work, Bernie. Very nice.

Very nice (とてもいいね) [形] very good or pleasant

「いい仕事だ、バーニー。とてもいいね。

Think he'll get to Vegas alive, you coldhearted son of a bitch?”

彼が生きてベガスに着くと思うか、この冷血な野郎?」

I went to the bathroom and ran cold water and held a soaked towel against my throbbing cheek.

run (流す) [動] cause to flow

soaked towel (濡れたタオル) [名] a towel that is wet

throbbing cheek (ズキズキする頬) [名] a cheek that is painful

私は浴室に行き、冷たい水を流し、ズキズキする頬に濡れたタオルを当てた。

I looked at myself in the glass.

私は鏡に映った自分を見た。

The cheek was puffed out of shape and bluish and there were jagged wounds on it from the force of the gun barrel hitting against the cheekbone.

jagged (ギザギザの) [形] having a rough or sharp edge or surface

頬は膨れ上がって青くなっており、銃身が頬骨に当たった衝撃でギザギザの傷ができていた。

There was a discoloration under my left eye too.

discoloration (変色) [名] a change in color

左目の下にも変色があった。

I wasn't going to be beautiful for a few days.

数日間は美しくはない。

Then Ohls' reflection showed behind me in the mirror.

reflection (姿) [名] the throwing back by a surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it

すると、鏡にオールズの姿が映った。

He was rolling his damn unlighted cigarette along his lips, like a cat teasing a half-dead mouse, trying to get it to run away just once more.

tease (弄ぶ) [動] make fun of or attempt to provoke a reaction from

mouse (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent which typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail

彼は、半分死んだネズミを弄ぶ猫のように、もう一度逃げ出そうと、唇に沿って火のついていないタバコを転がしていた。

“Next time don't try to outguess the cops,” he said gruffly.

outguess (裏をかく) [動] to guess correctly what someone else is going to do

「次は警察の裏をかくなんて考えるな」と彼はぶっきらぼうに言った。

“You think we let you steal that photostat just for laughs?

「ただの笑いのためにあの写真複写を盗ませたと思うのか?

We had a hunch Mendy would come gunning for you.

come gunning (狙いに来る) [動] to come with the intention of shooting someone

for you (君を) [代] the person being spoken to

メンディが君を狙いに来るだろうと予感していたんだ。

We put it up to Starr cold.

put it up to (伝える) [動] to present something to someone for consideration or decision

スターに冷静に伝えた。

We told him we couldn't stop gambling in the county, but we could make it tough enough to cut way into the take.

cut (減らす) [動] to reduce the amount or size of something

郡内での賭博を止めることはできないが、収益を大幅に減らすことはできると伝えた。

No mobster beats up a cop, not even a bad cop, and gets away with it in our territory.

どんなギャングも、悪徳警官でさえも、警官を殴って逃げることはできない。

Starr convinced us he had nothing to do with it, that the outfit was sore about it and Menendez was going to get told.

have nothing to do with (関係していない) [動] not be involved in or connected to

be sore about (不快に思う) [動] be angry or upset about

スターは、自分は何も関係していない、組織はそれを不快に思っており、メネンデスに伝えるつもりだと説得した。

So when Mendy called for a squad of out-of-town hard boys to come and give you the treatment, Starr sent him three guys he knew, in one of his own cars, at his own expense.

call for (呼ぶ) [動] to demand or ask for

squad (分隊) [名] a small group of soldiers

out-of-town (街の外) [形] not in the town

hard boy (ハードボーイ) [名] a tough guy

give (施す) [動] to cause someone to have or receive something

だからメンディが街の外のハードボーイの分隊を呼んであなたに治療を施すように言ったとき、スターは彼が知っている3人の男を自分の車の1台で自費で送った。

Starr is a police commissioner in Vegas.”

スターはベガスの警察委員だ」

I turned around and looked at Ohls.

私は振り返ってオールズを見た。

“The coyotes out in the desert will get fed tonight. Congratulations.

coyote (コヨーテ) [名] a small wolf native to North America

「砂漠のコヨーテは今夜餌にありつける。おめでとう。

Cop business is wonderful uplifting idealistic work, Bernie.

uplifting (高揚感のある) [形] inspiring happiness or hope

idealistic (理想的な) [形] of or relating to idealism

警察の仕事は素晴らしい高揚感のある理想的な仕事だ、バーニー。

The only thing wrong with cop business is the cops that are in it.”

only thing (唯一の欠点) [名] the only thing

警察の仕事の唯一の欠点は、その仕事に携わっている警察官だ。」

“Too bad for you, hero,” he said with a sudden cold savagery.

savagery (残酷) [名] the quality of being fierce or violent

「あなたには残念だったな、ヒーロー」と彼は突然冷たく残酷に言った。

“I could hardly help laughing when you walked into your own parlor to take your beating.

help (こらえる) [動] to make it easier or possible for someone to do something

beating (殴打) [名] the action of hitting someone or something repeatedly

「あなたが殴られるために自分の居間に歩いて入ってきた時、私は笑いをこらえるのが大変だった。

I got a rise out of that, kiddo.

get a rise out of (興奮する) [動] to get a reaction from someone

kiddo (キッド) [名] a child

私はそれで興奮したよ、キッド。

It was a dirty job and it had to be done dirty.

それは汚い仕事で、汚い方法でやらなければならなかった。

To make these characters talk you got to give them a sense of power.

talk (しゃべる) [動] speak

sense (感覚) [名] a faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the five senses

こういう連中にしゃべらせるには、彼らに権力があると思わせなければならない。

You ain't hurt bad, but we had to let them hurt you some.”

ひどい怪我はしていないが、彼らに少し怪我をさせなければならなかった」

“So sorry,” I said.

「すみません」と私は言った。

“So very sorry you had to suffer like that.”

suffer (遭う) [動] experience something bad or unpleasant

「そんな目に遭って本当にすみません」

He shoved his taut face at me.

彼は私に張り詰めた顔を突き出した。

“I hate gamblers,” he said in a rough voice.

rough (荒々しい) [形] having a coarse or uneven surface or texture

「私はギャンブラーが嫌いだ」と彼は荒々しい声で言った。

“I hate them the way I hate dope pushers.

「麻薬密売人と同じくらい嫌いだ。

They pander to a disease that is every bit as corrupting as dope.

pander (助長する) [動] gratify or indulge

disease (病気) [名] a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physi...

彼らは麻薬と同じくらい堕落した病気を助長している。

You think those palaces in Reno and Vegas are just for harmless fun?

palace (宮殿) [名] a large, impressive building, usually made of stone, which was historically built for a king or queen

リノやベガスの宮殿はただの無害な楽しみのためだと思うか?

Nuts, they're there for the little guy, the something-for-nothing sucker, the lad that stops off with his pay envelope in his pocket and loses the weekend grocery money.

Nuts (馬鹿げた話だ) [間] an expression of disgust or disapproval

little guy (小物) [名] a person of little importance

something-for-nothing sucker (無一文の吸血鬼) [名] a person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of

stop off (立ち寄る) [動] to make a brief visit or stop

grocery (食料品) [名] a store that sells food and other household items

馬鹿げた話だ、彼らは小物、無一文の吸血鬼、給料袋をポケットに入れて立ち寄り、週末の食料品を買うお金を失う若者のためにそこにいる。

The rich gambler loses forty grand and laughs it off and comes back for more.

forty grand (4万ドル) [名] a large amount of money

laugh off (笑って済ませる) [動] to treat something as unimportant or humorous

金持ちのギャンブラーは4万ドルを失っても笑って済ませ、もっと取り戻そうと戻ってくる。

But the rich gambler don't make the big racket, pal.

しかし、金持ちのギャンブラーは大騒ぎはしない。

The big steal is in dimes and quarters and half dollars and once in a while a buck or even a five-spot.

big steal (大盗難) [名] a large theft

quarter (25セント玉) [名] a coin worth twenty-five cents

half dollar (50セント玉) [名] a coin worth fifty cents

大盗難は10セント玉、25セント玉、50セント玉、そして時々1ドル玉や5ドル玉で起こる。

The big racket money comes in like water from the pipe in your bathroom, a steady stream that never stops flowing.

flow (流れる) [動] move or cause to move in a stream

大騒ぎのお金は、浴室のパイプに流れる水のように、決して止まることのない一定の流れで入ってくる。

Any time anybody wants to knock off a professional gambler, that's for me.

knock off (倒す) [動] to kill or defeat

that's for me (それは私にとって好都合だ) [句] that is something that I like or want

誰かがプロのギャンブラーを倒したいと思ったら、それは私にとって好都合だ。

I like it.

私はそれが好きだ。

And any time a state government takes money from gambling and calls it taxes, that government is helping to keep the mobs in business.

state government (州政府) [名] the government of a state

take money (お金を取る) [動] receive money

そして、州政府がギャンブルからお金を取り、それを税金と呼ぶときはいつでも、その政府は暴徒の商売を維持するのを助けている。

The barber or the beauty parlor girl puts two bucks on the nose.

beauty parlor (美容院) [名] a place where people can have their hair cut, styled, and treated

床屋や美容院の女の子は2ドルを鼻にかける。

That's for the Syndicate, that's what really makes the profits.

that (それは) [代] the thing or things mentioned before

syndicate (シンジケート) [名] a group of people or organizations that work together

profit (利益) [名] a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something

それはシンジケートのためであり、それが本当に利益を生み出している。

The people want an honest police force, do they?

人々は正直な警察を望んでいるのか?

What for?

何のために?

To protect the guys with courtesy cards?

courtesy card (礼状) [名] a card that is given to someone as a courtesy

礼状を持った連中を守るためか?

We got legal horse tracks in this state, we got them all year round.

horse track (競馬場) [名] a place where horse races are held

all year round (一年中) [副] throughout the year

この州には合法的な競馬場があり、一年中開催されている。

They operate honest and the state gets its cut, and for every dollar laid at the track there's fifty laid with the bookies.

cut (取り分) [名] a share of the profits

track (競馬場) [名] a course for racing

bookie (ノミ屋) [名] a person who takes bets on horse races or other sporting events

彼らは正直に運営し、州は取り分を受け取る。そして競馬場に賭けられる一ドルに対して、ノミ屋に賭けられるのは五十ドルだ。

There's eight or nine races on a card and in half of them, the little ones nobody notices, the fix can be in any time somebody says so.

race (レース) [名] a competition between vehicles

fix (八百長) [名] an illegal or dishonest act or event that is prearranged

be in (成立する) [動] to be in effect or operation

一枚のカードに八つか九つのレースがあって、その半分は誰も注目しない小さなレースで、誰かがそう言えばいつでも八百長が成立する。

There's only one way a jock can win a race, but there's twenty ways he can lose one, with a steward at every eighth pole watching, and not able to do a damn thing about it if the jock knows his stuff.

jock (騎手) [名] a professional rider of horses

eight (八本) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one

pole (ポール) [名] a long slender piece of wood or metal

騎手がレースに勝つ方法は一つしかないが、負ける方法は二十もある。八本のポールごとに監視員がいて、騎手が自分の仕事を知っていれば、それに対して何もできない。

That's legal gambling, pal, clean honest business, state approved.

approved (公認の) [形] officially accepted or recognized

それが合法的なギャンブル、きれいで正直なビジネス、州公認だ。

So it's right, is it?

is it (~ですか) [助] used in questions to ask for confirmation of something

だから正しいんだな?

Not by my book, it ain't.

by my book (私の本では) [名] in my opinion

私の本ではそうではない。

Because it's gambling and it breeds gamblers and when you add it up there's one kind of gambling--the wrong kind.”

breed (育てる) [動] to produce offspring

なぜならそれはギャンブルであり、ギャンブラーを育て、それを合計するとギャンブルの一種、間違った種類のギャンブルになるからだ。」

“Feel better?” I asked him, putting some white iodine on my wounds.

feel better (気分が良くなる) [動] to become more comfortable or happy

put (塗る) [動] to move something into a place or position

「気分は良くなったか?」私は傷口に白いヨウ素を塗りながら彼に尋ねた。

“I'm an old tired beat-up cop.

beat-up (ボロボロの) [形] in a state of severe disrepair or dilapidation

「私は年老いて疲れたボロボロの警官だ。

All I feel is sore.”

私が感じるのは痛みだけだ。」

I turned around and stared at him.

私は振り返って彼をじっと見つめた。

“You're a damn good cop, Bernie, but just the same you're all wet.

all wet (間違っている) [形] completely wrong

「あなたは本当に良い警官だ、バーニー、だが、それでもあなたは間違っている。

In one way cops are all the same.

ある意味、警官はみんな同じだ。

They all blame the wrong things.

blame (非難する) [動] to find fault with; to censure

彼らはみんな間違ったことを非難する。

If a guy loses his pay check at a crap table, stop gambling.

pay check (給料) [名] a check issued to an employee in payment of salary or wages

クラップステーブルで給料を失ったら、ギャンブルをやめろ。

If he gets drunk, stop liquor.

酔っ払ったら、酒をやめろ。

If he kills somebody in a car crash, stop making automobiles.

car crash (車の衝突事故) [名] a collision or other accident involving a motor vehicle

make (製造) [動] produce or create something

車の衝突事故で誰かを殺したら、自動車の製造をやめろ。

If he gets pinched with a girl in a hotel room, stop sexual intercourse.

get pinched (捕まる) [動] be caught or arrested

sexual intercourse (性交) [名] sexual contact between individuals involving penetration, especially the insertion of a man's erect penis into a woman's vagina

ホテルの部屋で女の子と捕まったら、性交をやめろ。

If he falls downstairs, stop building houses.”

fall downstairs (階段から落ちる) [動] move or cause to move from a higher to a lower level, especially rapidly and without control

階段から落ちたら、家を建てるのをやめろ」

“Aw shut up!”

「ああ、黙れ!」

“Sure, shut me up.

shut up (黙らせる) [動] to stop talking or making noise

「いいよ、黙らせて。

I'm just a private citizen.

私はただの一市民だ。

Get off it, Bernie.

get off (やめる) [動] stop doing something

やめろ、バーニー。

We don't have mobs and crime syndicates and goon squads because we have crooked politicians and their stooges in the City Hall and the legislatures.

crime syndicate (犯罪組織) [名] a group of criminals who work together

crooked (不正な) [形] dishonest or illegal

legislature (議会) [名] the legislative branch of a government

我々には暴徒や犯罪組織や暴力団がないのは、市役所や議会に不正な政治家やその手先がいるからだ。

Crime isn't a disease, it's a symptom.

symptom (症状) [名] a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient

犯罪は病気ではなく、症状だ。

Cops are like a doctor that gives you aspirin for a brain tumor, except that the cop would rather cure it with a blackjack.

aspirin (アスプリン) [名] a drug used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation

brain tumor (脳腫瘍) [名] a mass of cells that grows abnormally in the brain

blackjack (ブラックジャック) [名] a card game in which the object is to accumulate cards with a face value as close as possible to 21 but not exceeding 21

警官は脳腫瘍にアスプリンを処方する医者のようなものだが、警官はブラックジャックで治そうとする点が違う。

We're a big rough rich wild people and crime is the price we pay for it, and organized crime is the price we pay for organization.

wild (野蛮) [形] not civilized or cultivated

organized crime (組織犯罪) [名] crime committed by a structured group of three or more people existing for a period of time and acting in concert with the aim of committing one or more serious crimes, having a firm structure that do...

我々は大きくて荒々しく豊かで野蛮な人々であり、犯罪はその代償であり、組織犯罪は組織化の代償である。

We'll have it with us a long time.

我々は長い間それを抱えていくだろう。

Organized crime is just the dirty side of the sharp dollar.”

組織犯罪は、ただのドル紙幣の汚れた側面だ。」

“What's the clean side?”

「きれいな側面は?」

“I never saw it. Maybe Harlan Potter could tell you.

「私は見たことがない。たぶんハーラン・ポッターなら教えてくれるだろう。

Let's have a drink.”

一杯飲もう。」

“You looked pretty good walking in that door,” Ohls said.

「ドアから入ってくる時はかなり元気そうだったな」オールズは言った。

“You looked better when Mendy pulled the knife on you.”

「メンディがナイフを抜いた時の方が元気そうだったな。」

“Shake,” he said, and put his hand out.

shake (握手) [名] the action of grasping and shaking a person's hand in greeting or farewell or as a sign of agreement

「握手」彼はそう言って手を差し出した。

We had the drink and he left by the back door, which he had jimmied to get in, having dropped by the night before for scouting purposes.

back door (裏口) [名] a door at the back of a building

jimmy (こじ開ける) [動] to force open

get in (入る) [動] to go into

night before (前夜) [名] the night before the present day

scouting (偵察) [名] the activity of going out to find information about an enemy or a competitor

私たちは酒を飲み、彼は裏口から出て行った。彼は前夜に偵察目的で立ち寄った際に、裏口をこじ開けて入っていた。

Back doors are a soft touch if they open out and are old enough for the wood to have dried and shrunk.

open out (外開き) [動] to open in an outward direction

old enough (十分に古い) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

dry (乾燥する) [動] to make or become free from moisture or liquid

shrink (縮む) [動] to become or make smaller in size, amount, or value

裏口は、外開きで、木が乾燥して縮むほど古ければ、簡単に開けられる。

You knock the pins out of the hinges and the rest is easy.

knock (外す) [動] hit or strike with a sharp blow

pin (ピン) [名] a thin, pointed piece of metal with a sharp point at one end and a round head at the other

hinge (蝶番) [名] a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid swings

蝶番からピンを外せば、あとは簡単だ。

Ohls showed me a dent in the frame when he left to go back over the hill to where he had left his car on the next street.

dent (へこみ) [名] a depression in a surface

オルスは、丘を越えて隣の通りに車を停めてある場所に戻るために出発する際に、フレームのへこみを見せてくれた。

He could have opened the front door almost as easily but that would have broken the lock.

彼は玄関もほとんど同じくらい簡単に開けられただろうが、そうすると鍵が壊れてしまう。

It would have showed up too much.

show up (目立つ) [動] to be noticeable or prominent

あまりにも目立ってしまう。

I watched him climb through the trees with the beam of a torch in front of him and disappear over the rise.

torch (懐中電灯) [名] a small electric light that can be carried in the hand

私は彼が目の前に懐中電灯の光を照らしながら木々の間を登り、坂の向こうに消えていくのを見守った。

I locked the door and mixed another mild drink and went back to the living room and sat down.

mix (作る) [動] combine or put together

私はドアに鍵をかけ、もう一杯薄い酒を作り、居間に戻って腰を下ろした。

I looked at my watch.

私は時計を見た。

It was still early.

まだ早かった。

It only seemed a long time since I had come home.

家に帰ってから長い時間が経ったように思えただけだった。

I went to the phone and dialed the operator and gave her the Lorings' phone number.

私は電話に行き、交換手にダイヤルして、彼女にローリングスの電話番号を教えた。

The butler asked who was calling, then went to see if Mrs. Loring was in.

in (家にいる) [前] within the limits or bounds of

執事は誰が電話をかけているのか尋ね、それからローリング夫人が家にいるかどうか確認しに行った。

She was.

彼女は家にいた。

“I was the goat all right,” I said, “but they caught the tiger alive.

goat (生贄) [名] a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency

「私は確かに生贄だった」と私は言った。「しかし、彼らは虎を生け捕りにした。

I'm bruised up a little.”

bruise (傷つける) [動] injure without breaking the skin

私は少し傷ついた。」

“You must tell me about it sometime.”

「いつかそのことについて話してくれなくてはいけないよ。」

She sounded about as far away as if she had got to Paris already.

彼女はまるですでにパリに着いたかのように遠くにいるように聞こえた。

“I could tell you over a drink--if you had time.”

「もし時間があれば、飲みながら話せるんだが。」

“Tonight? Oh, I'm packing my things to move out.

pack (荷造りする) [動] put things into a suitcase or other container

「今夜? ああ、引っ越すために荷造りをしているんだ。

I'm afraid that would be impossible.”

be impossible (無理である) [動] not possible; unable to be done or achieved

残念ながらそれは無理だ。」

“Yes, I can see that.

「ああ、それは分かる。

Well, I just thought you might like to know.

まあ、君が知りたいと思うかもしれないと思っただけだ。

It was kind of you to warn me.

警告してくれて親切だった。

It had nothing at all to do with your old man.”

君の親父とは全く関係がなかった。」

“Are you sure?”

「確かですか?」

“Positive.”

「間違いない。」

“Oh. Just a minute.”

「ああ、ちょっと待って。」

She was gone for a time, then she came back and sounded warmer.

for a time (しばらく) [名] a period of time

彼女はしばらくいなくなったが、戻ってきて、声がより暖かくなった。

“Perhaps I could fit a drink in. Where?”

fit in (飲める) [動] be able to be included or accommodated

「もしかしたら一杯飲めるかもしれないよ。どこで?」

“Anywhere you say.

「どこでもいいよ。

I haven't a car tonight, but I can get a cab.”

今夜は車がないけど、タクシーを拾えるよ。」

“Nonsense, I'll pick you up, but it will be an hour or longer.

nonsense (ばかげたこと) [名] something that is foolish or unreasonable

pick up (迎えに行く) [動] to collect someone or something from a place

longer (以上) [形] more than the stated amount or time

「ばかげたことを言わないで、迎えに行くよ、でも一時間以上かかるよ。

What is the address there?”

そこの住所は?」

I told her and she hung up and I put the porch light on and then stood in the open door inhaling the night.

porch (玄関) [名] a covered platform at an entrance to a house

私は彼女に伝え、彼女は電話を切った。私は玄関の明かりをつけ、開いたドアのところに立ち、夜の空気を吸い込んだ。

It had got much cooler.

かなり涼しくなっていた。

I went back in and tried to phone Lonnie Morgan but couldn't reach him.

reach (連絡がつく) [動] get in touch with someone

私は中に戻り、ロニー・モーガンに電話をかけようとしたが、彼に連絡がつかなかった。

Then just for the hell of it I put a call in to the Terrapin Club at Las Vegas, Mr. Randy Starr.

just for the hell of it (ただの気まぐれで) [副] for no particular reason

put a call in (電話をかける) [動] make a telephone call

それから、ただの気まぐれで、私はラスベガスのテラピン・クラブに電話をかけた。ランディ・スター氏。

He probably wouldn't take it.

take (出る) [動] to answer the phone

彼はおそらく電話に出ないだろう。

But he did.

do (出る) [動] to act, behave, or proceed in a specified way

しかし、彼は電話に出た。

He had a quiet, competent, man-of-affairs voice.

man-of-affairs (実業家) [名] a person who is involved in business or politics

彼は静かで、有能で、実業家のような声をしていた。

“Nice to hear from you, Marlowe.

hear from (電話をくれる) [動] receive a communication from

「電話をくれて嬉しいよ、マーロウ。

Any friend of Terry's is a friend of mine.

テリーの友人は私の友人だ。

What can I do for you?”

何か用かい?」

“Mendy is on his way.”

on one's way (向かっている) [動] in the process of going somewhere

「メンディが向かっている」

“On his way where?”

「どこに向かっているんだ?」

“To Vegas, with the three goons you sent after him in a big black Caddy with a red spotlight and siren.

goon (チンピラ) [名] a hired thug

「ラスベガスだ。あなたが彼のあとを追わせた三人のチンピラと一緒だ。赤いスポットライトとサイレンのついた大きな黒いキャデラックに乗っている。

Yours, I presume?”

presume (推測する) [動] suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability

あなたの車だろう?」

He laughed.

彼は笑った。

“In Vegas, as some newspaper guy said, we use Cadillacs for trailers.

「ラスベガスでは、ある新聞記者が言ったように、キャデラックをトレーラー代わりに使うんだ。

What's this all about?”

What's this all about (一体これはどういうことだ) [名] the whole situation or matter

一体これはどういうことだ?」

“Mendy staked out here in my house with a couple of hard boys.

stake out (張り込む) [動] to place under surveillance

「メンディが私の家に二人の強面の男と張り込んだ。

His idea was to beat me up--putting it low--for a piece in the paper he seemed to think was my fault.”

put it low (控え目に言う) [動] to say something in a way that is not too strong or direct

彼の考えでは、私を殴り倒して、新聞に載った記事は私のせいだと考えていたようだ」

“Was it your fault?”

「あなたのせいだったの?」

“I don't own any newspapers, Mr. Starr.”

「私は新聞を所有していない、スターさん」

“I don't own any hard boys in Cadillacs, Mr. Marlowe.”

hard (強面の) [形] not easily broken, cut, or damaged

「私はキャデラックに乗った強面の男を所有していない、マーロウさん」

“They were deputies maybe.”

「彼らはおそらく代理人だった」

“I couldn't say. Anything else?”

「私は言えなかった。他に何か?」

“He pistol-whipped me.

pistol-whip (ピストルで殴る) [動] to hit someone with a pistol

「彼は私をピストルで殴った。

I kicked him in the stomach and used my knee on his nose.

私は彼の腹を蹴り、彼の鼻に膝を当てた。

He seemed dissatisfied.

dissatisfied (不満そう) [形] not satisfied

彼は不満そうだった。

All the same I hope he gets to Vegas alive.”

それでも彼が生きてラスベガスに着くことを願っている。」

“I'm sure he will, if he started this way.

this way (そうやって) [副] in this manner

「彼がそうやって出発したのなら、きっとそうするでしょう。

I'm afraid I'll have to cut this conversation short now.”

cut short (終わりにする) [動] to end something earlier than planned

申し訳ありませんが、この会話はここで終わりにしたいと思います。」

“Just a second, Starr.

Just a second (ちょっと待って) [名] a very short period of time

「ちょっと待って、スター。

Were you in on that caper at Otatoclán--or did Mendy work it alone?”

be in on (加わる) [動] to be involved in something

caper (強盗) [名] a crime, usually a robbery

work (やる) [動] to do something

alone (単独で) [副] without any other people

オタトクランでのあの強盗にあなたも加わっていたのか、それともメンディが単独でやったのですか?」

“Come again?”

come again (もう一度) [動] to repeat something that has been said

「もう一度?」

“Don't kid, Starr.

kid (ふざける) [動] to joke or jest

「ふざけるな、スター。

Mendy wasn't sore at me for why he said--not to the point of staking out in my house and giving me the treatment he gave Big Willie Magoon.

メンディは彼が言った理由で私に腹を立てていたわけではない、私の家で張り込みをして、ビッグ・ウィリー・マグーンにしたような仕打ちを私にするほどではない。

Not enough motive.

動機が十分ではない。

He warned me to keep my nose clean and not to dig into the Lennox case.

keep one's nose clean (余計なことをしない) [動] to avoid getting into trouble

dig into (掘り下げる) [動] to investigate or explore something thoroughly

彼は私に余計なことはせず、レノックス事件を掘り下げないように警告した。

But I did, because it just happened to work out that way.

just happen to (たまたま) [動] do something by chance

しかし、私はそうした、なぜなら、たまたまそのようにうまくいったからだ。

So he did what I've just told you.

だから彼は私が今あなたに話したことをした。

So there was a better reason.”

だからもっと良い理由があったんだ。」

“I see,” he said slowly and still mildly and quietly.

「なるほど」と彼はゆっくりと、それでも穏やかに静かに言った。

“You think there was something not quite kosher about how Terry got dead?

kosher (コーシャー) [形] conforming to Jewish law

「テリーの死に方について何か不審な点があると思うのか?

That he didn't shoot himself, for instance, but someone else did?”

例えば、彼が自分を撃ったのではなく、誰か他の誰かが撃ったとか?」

“I think the details would help.

「詳細は役に立つと思う。

He wrote a confession which was false.

false (偽り) [形] not true or correct

彼は偽りの自白を書いた。

He wrote a letter to me which got mailed.

mail (郵送する) [動] send (a letter or parcel) by post

彼は私に手紙を書いて、それは郵送された。

A waiter or hop in the hotel was going to sneak it out and mail it for him.

hop (ボーイ) [名] a bellboy

sneak (こっそり持ち出す) [動] move or go in a furtive or stealthy manner

ホテルのウェイターかボーイがそれをこっそり持ち出して、彼のために郵送するつもりだった。

He was holed up in the hotel and couldn't get out.

彼はホテルに閉じ込められていて、出ることができなかった。

There was a big bill in the letter and the letter was finished just as a knock came at his door.

手紙には大金が入っていて、手紙を書き終えたちょうどその時にドアをノックする音がした。

I'd like to know who came into the room.”

come into (入って来る) [動] enter

誰が部屋に入って来たのか知りたい」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“If it had been a bellhop or a waiter, Terry would have added a line to the letter and said so.

bellhop (ベルボーイ) [名] a person who works in a hotel, carrying luggage and doing other errands for guests

add (書き添える) [動] to say or write something more

line (手紙) [名] a piece of writing that is one of the parts of a letter, poem, etc.

「もしそれがベルボーイやウェイターだったら、テリーは手紙にそう書き添えただろう。

If it was a cop, the letter wouldn't have been mailed.

もしそれが警官だったら、手紙は投函されなかっただろう。

So who was it--and why did Terry write that confession?”

では誰だったのか? そしてなぜテリーはあの自白を書いたのか?」

“No idea, Marlowe. No idea at all.”

no idea (わからない) [名] I don't know

no idea at all (全くわからない) [名] I don't know at all

「わからない、マーロウ。全くわからない」

“Sorry I bothered you, Mr. Starr.”

「お邪魔してすみません、スターさん」

“No bother, glad to hear from you.

bother (邪魔) [名] something that causes difficulty or annoyance

「お邪魔なんて、電話をくれて嬉しいよ。

I'll ask Mendy if he has any ideas.”

メンディに何か考えがあるか聞いてみるよ」

“Yeah--if you ever see him again--alive.

「ああ、もし彼に会えたらの話だが、生きているうちに。

If you don't--find out anyway.

会えなかったら、とにかく調べてくれ」

Or somebody else will.”

さもなければ誰か他の奴が調べるだろう」

“You?”

「あなた?」

His voice hardened now, but it was still quiet.

彼の声は硬くなったが、まだ静かだった。

“No, Mr. Starr. Not me. Somebody that could blow you out of Vegas without taking a long breath.

Mr. Starr (スターさん) [名] a man's name

「いいえ、スターさん。私ではありません。あなたをラスベガスから吹き飛ばせる誰かです。

Believe me, Mr. Starr. Just believe me.

信じてください、スターさん。ただ信じてください。

This is strictly on the level.”

level (レベル) [名] a position on a scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality

これは厳密にレベル上です。」

“I'll see Mendy alive.

「メンディに会うよ。

Don't worry about that, Marlowe.”

心配するな、マーロウ。」

“I figured you knew all about that.

「あなたはそのことを全部知っているものと思っていました。

Goodnight, Mr. Starr.”

おやすみなさい、スターさん。」

[49]

When the car stopped out front and the door opened I went out and stood at the top of the steps to call down.

call (声をかける) [動] cry out to (someone) in order to attract their attention

車が正面に止まり、ドアが開くと、私は外に出て階段の一番上に立ち、声をかけた。

But the middle-aged colored driver was holding the door for her to get out.

colored (有色人種の) [形] belonging to a racial group having skin pigmentation other than white

しかし、中年の有色人種の運転手が彼女が降りられるようにドアを開けていた。

Then he followed her up the steps carrying a small overnight case.

overnight case (旅行かばん) [名] a small suitcase

それから彼は小さな旅行かばんを持って彼女の後について階段を上った。

So I just waited.

だから私はただ待った。

She reached the top and turned to the driver:

彼女は一番上に着くと運転手の方へ振り返った。

“Mr. Marlowe will drive me to my hotel, Amos.

「マーロウさんがホテルまで送ってくれるよ、エイモス。

Thank you for everything.

いろいろありがとう。

I'll call you in the morning.”

朝電話するよ」

“Yes, Mrs. Loring.

「はい、ローリング夫人。

May I ask Mr. Marlowe a question?”

マーロウさんに質問してもいいですか?」

“Certainly, Amos.”

「もちろん、エイモス」

He put the overnight case down inside the door and she went in past me and left us.

past (通り過ぎて) [前] beyond a point in time or space

彼は旅行かばんをドアの内側に置き、彼女は私を通り過ぎて中に入り、私たちを残していった。

“'I grow old... I grow old... I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.'

trouser (ズボン) [名] an outer garment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs

「私は年をとる...私は年をとる...私はズボンの裾をまくって履こう

What does that mean, Mr. Marlowe?”

マーロウさん、これはどういう意味ですか?」

“Not a bloody thing.

bloody (全く) [形] used as an intensifier

「全く何もない。

It just sounds good.”

sound (響き) [名] the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other medium

ただいい響きだ」

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“That is from the 'Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.'

Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (J・アルフレッド・プルフロックの恋歌) [名] a poem by T. S. Eliot

「それは『J・アルフレッド・プルフロックの恋歌』からだ。

Here's another one. 'In the room the women come and go/Talking of Michael Angelo.'

another (もう一つ) [形] an additional one

もう一つある。『部屋では女たちが行き来し、ミケランジェロの話をしている』

Does that suggest anything to you, sir?”

suggest (思い浮かぶ) [動] cause to think of or call to mind

何か思い浮かびますか?」

“Yeah--it suggests to me that the guy didn't know very much about women.”

「ああ、その男は女性についてあまり知らなかったんだな」

“My sentiments exactly, sir.

「全く同感です。

Nonetheless I admire T. S. Eliot very much.”

nonetheless (それでも) [副] in spite of that; nevertheless

それでも私はT・S・エリオットをとても尊敬しています」

“Did you say 'nonetheless'?”

「それでも、と言いましたか?」

“Why, yes I did. Mr. Marlowe.

「ええ、そう言いました。マーロウさん。

Is that incorrect?”

incorrect (間違っている) [形] not correct; wrong

間違っていますか?」

“No, but don't say it in front of a millionaire.

「いいえ、でも億万長者の前では言わないでください。

He might think you were giving him the hotfoot.”

hotfoot (からかう) [名] a prank in which a match is lit and placed between the sole and upper of a victim's shoe

彼はあなたが彼をからかっているのかと思うかもしれません。」

He smiled sadly.

彼は悲しそうに微笑んだ。

“I shouldn't dream of it.

「そんなことは夢にも思わない。

Have you had an accident, sir?”

have an accident (事故に遭う) [動] be involved in an accident

事故に遭われたのですか?」

“Nope. It was planned that way. Goodnight, Amos.”

「いいえ。そう計画されていた。おやすみ、エイモス」

“Goodnight, sir.”

「おやすみなさい、旦那様」

He went back down the steps and I went back into the house.

go back down (降りて行く) [動] move to a lower place

go back into (戻る) [動] return to a place

彼は階段を降りて行き、私は家に戻った。

Linda Loring was standing in the middle of the living room looking around her.

リンダ・ローリングは居間の真ん中に立ち、周りを見回していた。

“Amos is a graduate of Howard University,” she said.

Howard University (ハワード大学) [名] a private research university in Washington, D.C.

「エイモスはハワード大学の卒業生なのよ」と彼女は言った。

“You don't live in a very safe place--for such an unsafe man, do you?”

safe (安全な) [形] not likely to cause or lead to harm, injury, or loss

unsafe (危険な) [形] not safe; not to be relied on or trusted

「あなたは、あまり安全な場所に住んでいないよね、そんな危険な男にはね」

“There aren't any safe places.”

「安全な場所なんてどこにもないよ」

“Your poor face. Who did that to you?”

「あなたのかわいそうな顔。誰がこんなことをしたの?」

“Mendy Menendez.”

「メンディ・メネンデス」

“What did you do to him?”

「彼に何をしたの?」

“Nothing much. Kicked him a time or two.

nothing much (大したことはしていない) [名] not very much

「大したことはしていない。一回か二回蹴っただけだ。

He walked into a trap.

walk into (落ちる) [動] get into a bad situation by not being careful

彼は罠に落ちた。

He's on his way to Nevada in the company of three or four tough Nevada deputies.

three or four (三、四人) [名] an amount between three and four

彼は三、四人のタフなネバダの保安官と一緒にネバダに向かっている。

Forget him.”

彼のことは忘れろ」

She sat down on the davenport.

彼女は長椅子に腰を下ろした。

“What would you like to drink?” I asked.

「何を飲む?」と私は尋ねた。

I got a cigarette box and held it out to her.

cigarette box (煙草の箱) [名] a box that contains cigarettes

私は煙草の箱を取り出し、彼女に差し出した。

She said she didn't want to smoke.

彼女は煙草は吸わないと言った。

She said anything would do to drink.

would do (するだろう) [助] be sufficient or adequate

彼女は飲み物は何でもいいと言った。

“I thought of champagne,” I said.

「シャンパンはどうだろう」と私は言った。

“I haven't any ice bucket, but it's cold.

ice bucket (氷入れ) [名] a container for holding ice

「氷入れはないけど、冷えてる。

I've been saving it for years.

何年も取っておいたんだ。

Two bottles. Cordon Rouge.

Cordon Rouge (コルドン・ルージュ) [名] a brand of champagne

2本。コルドン・ルージュ。

I guess it's good.

いいと思う。

I'm no judge.”

私にはわからない」

“Saving it for what?” she asked.

「何のために取っておいたの?」と彼女は尋ねた。

“For you.”

「君のために」

She smiled, but she was still staring at my face.

彼女は微笑んだが、まだ私の顔を見つめていた。

“You're all cut.”

cut (傷つく) [動] to be injured by a sharp object

「あなたはすっかり傷ついている」

She reached her fingers up and touched my cheek lightly.

彼女は指を伸ばして私の頬に軽く触れた。

“Saving it for me?

「私のために取っておいてくれたの?

That's not very likely.

それはあまりありそうにない。

It's only a couple of months since we met.”

私たちが出会ってからまだ数ヶ月しか経っていないのに」

“Then I was saving it until we met. I'll go get it.”

go get (取りに行く) [動] go and fetch something

「それなら私たちが出会うまで取っておいたんだ。取りに行ってくる」

I picked up her overnight bag and started across the room with it.

overnight bag (旅行かばん) [名] a small suitcase

私は彼女の旅行かばんを拾い上げ、それを持って部屋を横切った。

“Just where are you going with that?” she asked sharply.

「それをどこに持っていくつもり?」と彼女は鋭く尋ねた。

“It's an overnight bag, isn't it?”

「旅行かばんだよね?」

“Put it down and come back here.”

come back (戻る) [動] to return to a place

「それを置いてここに戻って」

I did that.

私はそうした。

Her eyes were bright and at the same time they were sleepy.

sleepy (眠そう) [形] ready or inclined to sleep

彼女の目は輝いていたが、同時に眠そうだった。

“This is something new,” she said slowly.

「これは新しいよ」と彼女はゆっくりと言った。

“Something quite new.”

「かなり新しいよ」

“In what way?”

「どんな風に?」

“You've never laid a finger on me.

lay a finger on (触れる) [動] to touch or handle someone or something

「あなたは私に指一本触れたことがない。

No passes, no suggestive remarks, no pawing, no nothing.

pass (誘い) [名] a sexual advance

suggestive remark (下品な言葉) [名] a remark that is sexually suggestive

pawing (べたべた触ること) [名] the act of touching someone in a sexual way

誘いも、下品な言葉も、べたべた触ることも、何も。

I thought you were tough, sarcastic, mean, and cold.”

あなたはタフで、皮肉屋で、意地悪で、冷たい人だと思っていた。」

“I guess I am--at times.”

「そうかもしれないな、時々は。」

“Now I'm here and I suppose without preamble, after we have had a reasonable quantity of champagne you plan to grab me and throw me on the bed. Is that it?”

「今私はここにいて、前置きもなく、シャンパンを適量飲んだ後、あなたは私をつかんでベッドに放り投げるつもりなのでしょう。そうでしょう?」

“Frankly,” I said, “some such idea did stir at the back of my mind.”

stir (浮かぶ) [動] move or cause to move slightly

back of my mind (頭の片隅) [名] the part of your mind that you are not consciously thinking about

「率直に言って、そんな考えが頭の片隅に浮かんだ」と私は言った。

“I'm flattered, but suppose I don't want it that way? I like you.

be flattered (光栄である) [動] to be pleased or honored

that way (そのように) [副] in the manner indicated

「光栄ですが、私がそのようにしたくないとしたら? あなたが好きです。

I like you very much.

あなたはとても好きです。

But it doesn't follow that I want to go to bed with you.

しかし、だからといってあなたと寝たいとは思わない。

Aren't you rather jumping at conclusions--just because I happen to bring an overnight bag with me?”

jump at (急ぐ) [動] to accept something eagerly

conclusion (結論) [名] the end or finish of something

私がたまたま旅行かばんを持って来たからといって、結論を急ぎすぎではないでしょうか?」

“Could be I made an error,” I said.

make an error (間違える) [動] to do something incorrectly

「私が間違えたのかもしれない」と私は言った。

I went and got her overnight bag and put it back by the front door.

get (取りに行く) [動] obtain by going to a place

私は彼女の旅行かばんを取りに行き、玄関に戻した。

“I'll get the champagne.”

「シャンパンを取ってくる」

“I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

「君の感情を傷つけるつもりはなかった。

Perhaps you would rather save the champagne for some more auspicious occasion.”

おそらく君はシャンパンをもっと縁起の良い機会のために取っておきたいだろう」

“It's only two bottles,” I said.

「たった2本だ」と私は言った。

“A really auspicious occasion would call for a dozen.”

auspicious (縁起の良い) [形] conducive to success; favorable

call for (必要とする) [動] require as suitable or necessary

「本当に縁起の良い機会には1ダース必要だろう」

“Oh, I see,” she said, suddenly angry.

「ああ、なるほど」と彼女は突然怒った。

“I'm just to be a fill-in until someone more beautiful and attractive comes along.

fill-in (埋め合わせ) [名] a person or thing that temporarily takes the place of another

「私はもっと美しくて魅力的な人が現れるまでの埋め合わせに過ぎない。

Thank you so very much.

本当にありがとう。

Now you've hurt my feelings, but I suppose it's something to know that I'm safe here.

あなたは私の気持ちを傷つけたけど、私はここで安全だと知ることは何かだと思う。

If you think a bottle of champagne will make a loose woman out of me, I can assure you that you are very much mistaken.”

assure (断言する) [動] tell someone something positively or confidently

シャンパンのボトルで私がふしだらな女になると思うなら、それは大きな間違いだと断言できるよ」

“I admitted the mistake already.”

「私はすでに間違いを認めた」

“The fact that I told you I was going to divorce my husband and that I had Amos drop me by here with an overnight bag doesn't make me as easy as all that,” she said, still angry.

the fact that (という事実) [名] something that is known or proved to be true

drop (立ち寄る) [動] go or come to a place for a short visit

「私が夫と離婚するつもりだとあなたに言ったという事実と、私がアモスに一泊分の荷物を持ってここに立ち寄らせたという事実は、私をそれほど簡単にはしてくれない」と彼女は怒ったまま言った。

“Damn the overnight bag!” I growled.

growl (うなる) [動] to make a low guttural sound of anger

「一泊分の荷物なんてくそくらえ!」私はうなった。

“The hell with the overnight bag!

「一泊分の荷物なんてくそくらえ!

Mention it again and I'll throw the damn thing down the front steps.

front (表) [形] of or at the front

もう一度言ったら、そのくそったれなものを表の階段から投げ捨てるぞ。

I asked you to have a drink.

飲み物を頼んだ。

I'm going out to the kitchen to get the drink.

飲み物を取りに台所に行く。

That's all.

それだけだ。

I hadn't the least idea of getting you drunk.

get (酔わせる) [動] cause to become drunk

あなたを酔わせようなんて考えもしなかった。

You don't want to go to bed with me.

あなたは私と寝たくない。

I understand perfectly.

perfectly (よく) [副] to the highest degree or standard; completely or absolutely

よく分かった。

No reason why you should.

あなたがそうする理由はない。

But we can still have a glass or two of champagne, can't we?

でも、シャンパンを1杯か2杯飲むくらいはできるよね?

This doesn't have to be a wrangle about who is going to get seduced and when and where and on how much champagne.”

wrangle (言い争う) [動] to argue or quarrel

seduce (誘惑する) [動] to persuade or attract someone to do or have something

誰がいつどこでどれだけのシャンパンを飲んで誘惑されるかについて言い争う必要はない。」

“You don't have to lose your temper,” she said, flushing.

lose one's temper (怒る) [動] become angry

「そんなに怒らなくてもいいじゃない」と彼女は顔を赤らめて言った。

“That's just another gambit,” I snarled.

gambit (策略) [名] a remark or action intended to open a conversation or introduce a topic

「それはまた別の策略だ」と私は唸った。

“I know fifty of them and I hate them all.

「私はその手口を50も知っているし、どれも嫌いだ。

They're all phony and they all have a sort of leer at the edges.”

leer (いやらしい目つき) [名] a sly, lascivious, or malicious look

どれも偽物で、どれも端っこにいやらしい目つきがある。」

She got up and came over close to me and ran the tips of her fingers gently over the cuts and swollen places on my face.

place (部分) [名] a particular portion of space

彼女は立ち上がって私の近くに来て、私の顔の切り傷や腫れた部分を指先で優しくなぞった。

“I'm sorry. I'm a tired and disappointed woman.

「ごめんなさい。私は疲れた失望した女だ。

Please be kind to me.

be kind to (優しくする) [動] treat someone or something well

私に優しくしてください。

I'm no bargain to anyone.”

bargain (掘り出し物) [名] something that is bought or sold for a lower price than its usual or true value

私は誰にとっても掘り出し物ではない。」

“You're not tired and you're no more disappointed than most people are.

「あなたは疲れてはいないし、他の人より失望しているわけでもない。

By all the rules you ought to be the same sort of shallow spoiled promiscuous brat your sister was.

by all the rules (あらゆるルールから考えると) [句] according to all the rules

shallow (浅はか) [形] of little substance or significance

promiscuous (無節操な) [形] having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships

あらゆるルールから考えると、あなたは妹と同じように浅はかで甘やかされた無節操なガキであるはずだ。

By some miracle you're not.

miracle (奇跡) [名] an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

be not (そうではない) [動] to not be

奇跡的にそうではない。

You've got all the honesty and a large part of the guts in your family.

honesty (誠実さ) [名] the quality of being honest

あなたは家族の誠実さと根性の大部分を受け継いでいる。

You don't need anyone to be kind to you.”

be kind to (優しくされる) [動] be friendly, generous, or considerate to

あなたは誰かに優しくされる必要はない。」

I turned and walked out of the room down the hall to the kitchen and got one of the bottles of champagne out of the icebox and popped the cork and filled a couple of shallow goblets quickly and drank one down.

pop (抜く) [動] make a light explosive sound

cork (コルク) [名] a stopper for a bottle

goblet (ゴブレット) [名] a glass with a foot and a stem

私は振り返って部屋を出て廊下を下りて台所へ行き、冷蔵庫からシャンパンのボトルを1本取り出し、コルクを抜いて、浅いゴブレットを2つ素早く満たし、1つを飲み干した。

The sting of it brought tears to my eyes, but I emptied the glass.

bring (浮かぶ) [動] cause to come or be taken to a place

その刺激で目に涙が浮かんだものの、私はグラスを空にした。

I filled it again.

私は再びグラスを満たした。

Then I put the whole works on a tray and carted it into the living room.

cart (運ぶ) [動] move something in a cart

それから私は全てをトレイに載せて居間に運んだ。

She wasn't there.

彼女はそこにいなかった。

The overnight bag wasn't there.

旅行かばんもそこにはなかった。

I put the tray down and opened the front door.

私はトレイを置いて玄関のドアを開けた。

I hadn't heard any sound of its opening and she had no car.

opening (開く) [名] the action of moving a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

私はドアが開く音を聞かなかったし、彼女は車を持っていなかった。

I hadn't heard any sound at all.

私は全く音を聞かなかった。

Then she spoke from behind me.

それから彼女は私の後ろから話した。

“Idiot, did you think I was going to run away?”

idiot (馬鹿) [名] a person of low intelligence

「馬鹿ね、私が逃げると思ったの?」

I shut the door and turned.

私はドアを閉めて振り返った。

She had loosened her hair and she had tufted slippers on her bare feet and a silk robe the color of a sunset in a Japanese print.

loosen (ほどく) [動] make or become less tight or firm

bare feet (素足) [名] feet that are not covered by shoes or socks

tufted slippers (房飾りのついたスリッパ) [名] slippers with a tuft of feathers, fur, or other material attached to them

Japanese print (日本の版画) [名] a type of woodblock printing that originated in Japan

彼女は髪をほどき、素足に房飾りのついたスリッパを履き、日本の版画に出てくる夕焼け色の絹のローブを着ていた。

She came towards me slowly with a sort of unexpectedly shy smile.

come towards (歩いてくる) [動] move in the direction of

unexpectedly (意外にも) [副] in a way that is not expected

彼女は意外にも恥ずかしそうな笑みを浮かべてゆっくりと私の方へ歩いてきた。

I held a glass out to her.

私は彼女にグラスを差し出した。

She took it, took a couple of sips of the champagne, and handed it back.

take a couple of sips (二口飲む) [動] drink a small amount of liquid

彼女はそれを受け取ると、シャンパンを二口飲んで、私に返した。

“It's very nice,” she said.

「とてもおいしいよ」と彼女は言った。

Then very quietly and without a trace of acting or affectation she came into my arms and pressed her mouth against mine and opened her lips and her teeth.

trace (かけら) [名] a very small amount

affectation (気取り) [名] behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and pretentious

それからとても静かに、演技や気取りのかけらもなく、彼女は私の腕の中に入ってきて、彼女の口を私の口に押し付け、唇と歯を開いた。

The tip of her tongue touched mine.

彼女の舌先が私の舌先に触れた。

After a long time she pulled her head back but kept her arms around my neck.

after a long time (長い時間が経った後) [名] after a long time

長い時間が経った後、彼女は頭を後ろに引いたが、腕は私の首に回したままだった。

She was starry-eyed.

starry-eyed (うっとりした) [形] naively enthusiastic or idealistic

彼女はうっとりしていた。

“I meant to all the time,” she said.

「ずっとそうするつもりだった」と彼女は言った。

“I just had to be difficult.

be difficult (難しい) [動] hard to understand or explain

「ただ、難しいことをしなければならなかった。

I don't know why.

理由はわからない。

Just nerves perhaps.

たぶんただの神経質なだけ。

I'm not really a loose woman at all.

私は本当にふしだらな女ではない。

Is that a pity?”

pity (残念なこと) [名] a feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone or something

それは残念なこと?」

“If I had thought you were I'd have made a pass at you the first time I met you in the bar at Victor's.”

the first time (初めて) [名] the first occasion on which something happens or is done

make a pass at (言い寄る) [動] to make a sexual advance toward someone

「もしあなたがそうだったら、ビクターのバーでお会いした時にあなたに言い寄っていたでしょう」

She shook her head slowly and smiled.

彼女はゆっくりと首を横に振り、微笑んだ。

“I don't think so.

「そうは思わない。

That's why I am here.”

I am here (私はここにいる) [動] to be present in a place

だから私はここにいる」

“Perhaps not that night,” I said.

「その夜はそうでもなかったかもしれない」と私は言った。

“That night belonged to something else.”

else (別の) [形] other than the one mentioned

「その夜は何か別のものに属していた」

“Perhaps you don't ever make passes at women in bars.”

「バーで女性に言い寄ったりしないのかしら」

“Not often. The light's too dim.”

「あまりしない。明かりが暗すぎる」

“But a lot of women go to bars just to have passes made at them.”

have passes made at (言い寄られる) [動] to be approached by someone in a romantic or sexual way

「でも多くの女性は言い寄られるためにバーに行くのよ」

“A lot of women get up in the morning with the same idea.”

「多くの女性は朝起きて同じことを考える」

“But liquor is an aphrodisiac--up to a point.”

aphrodisiac (媚薬) [名] a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire

「でも酒は媚薬なのよ、ある程度までは」

“Doctors recommend it.”

recommend (勧める) [動] suggest as being suitable, especially as a result of knowledge or experience

「医者が勧めるのよ」

“Who said anything about doctors?

「誰が医者のことを言った?

I want my champagne.”

シャンパンが欲しい」

I kissed her some more.

私は彼女にもっとキスをした。

It was light, pleasant work.

pleasant (楽しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure; delightful

それは軽くて楽しい仕事だった。

“I want to kiss your poor cheek,” she said, and did.

「あなたのかわいそうな頬にキスしたい」と彼女は言って、そうした。

“It's burning hot,” she said.

「とても熱い」と彼女は言った。

“The rest of me is freezing.”

freeze (凍える) [動] be very cold

「私の残りの部分は凍えている」

“It is not. I want my champagne.”

「そうではない。シャンパンが欲しい」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“It'll get flat if we don't drink it.

get flat (炭酸が抜ける) [動] lose effervescence

「飲まなければ炭酸が抜けてしまう。

Besides I like the taste of it.”

それに私はシャンパンの味が好きなの」

“All right.”

「分かった」

“Do you love me very much?

「私をとても愛してる?

Or will you if I go to bed with you?”

あるいは私があなたと寝たら愛してくれる?」

“Possibly.”

「あり得る」

“You don't have to go to bed with me, you know.

「私と寝る必要はないのよ。

I don't absolutely insist on it.”

insist (そうしてほしい) [動] demand something forcefully, urgently, or emphatically

絶対にそうしてほしいってわけじゃないよ」

“Thank you.”

「ありがとう」

“I want my champagne.”

「シャンパンが欲しい」

“How much money have you got?”

「いくら持っているの?」

“Altogether? How would I know?

「全部で? そんなのわかるわけないよ。

About eight million dollars.”

eight million dollars (800万ドル) [名] a large amount of money

800万ドルくらい」

“I've decided to go to bed with you.”

「あなたと寝ることに決めたよ」

“Mercenary,” she said.

mercenary (お金目当て) [形] motivated by money

「お金目当てね」と彼女は言った。

“I paid for the champagne.”

「シャンパンは私が払ったよ」

“The hell with the champagne,” she said.

「シャンパンなんてどうでもいいよ」と彼女は言った。

[50]

An hour later she stretched out a bare arm and tickled my ear and said: “Would you consider marrying me?”

an hour later (一時間後) [名] sixty minutes after the present time

stretch out (伸ばす) [動] extend one's body or a part of it

bare (素肌の) [形] not covered or clothed

一時間後、彼女は素肌の腕を伸ばして私の耳をくすぐり、「私と結婚することを考えてくれる?」と言った。

“It wouldn't last six months.”

six months (半年) [名] a period of time equal to half a year

「半年も続かないだろう」

“Well, for God's sake,” she said, “suppose it didn't.

「まあ、神様のために」と彼女は言った、「そうならないとしても。

Wouldn't it be worth it?

価値がないかしら?

What do you expect from life--full coverage against all possible risks?”

coverage (補償) [名] the extent to which something is covered

risk (リスク) [名] a situation involving exposure to danger

あなたは人生に何を期待しているの? 起こりうるすべてのリスクに対する完全な補償?」

“I'm forty-two years old.

forty-two (42) [数] the number 42

「私は42歳だ。

I'm spoiled by independence.

independence (独立) [名] the state or quality of being independent

私は独立によって甘やかされている。

You're spoiled a little--not too much--by money.”

あなたはお金によって少し甘やかされている。あまりではないが。」

“I'm thirty-six. It's no disgrace to have money and no disgrace to marry it.

thirty-six (36歳) [名] the number 36

disgrace (恥ずかしいこと) [名] a loss of reputation or respect

「私は36歳だ。お金を持つことは恥ずかしいことではないし、お金と結婚することも恥ずかしいことではない。

Most of those who have it don't deserve it and don't know how to behave with it.

Most of (ほとんどの) [名] the majority of

those who (人) [名] people

it (お金) [名] money

don't deserve (値しない) [動] be unworthy of

how to behave (どう扱えばいいか) [名] the way to act

お金を持っている人のほとんどはそれに値しないし、お金をどう扱えばいいかわからない。

But it won't be long.

でも、そう長くはかからないだろう。

We'll have another war and at the end of that nobody will have any money--except the crooks and the chiselers.

have another war (もう一回戦争が起こる) [動] experience another war

at the end of that (その終わりに) [名] at the end of the war

have any money (お金を持っていない) [動] possess any money

chiseler (ペテン師) [名] a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud

もう一回戦争が起こって、その終わりには誰もお金を持っていないだろう--詐欺師やペテン師以外は。

We'll all be taxed to nothing, the rest of us.”

be taxed to nothing (何もかも税金で取られてしまう) [動] be taxed to the point where you have nothing left

the rest of us (残りの私たち) [名] the remaining people in a group

私たちは皆、何もかも税金で取られてしまうだろう、残りの私たちは。」

I stroked her hair and wound some of it around my finger.

wind (巻き付ける) [動] move in a twisting or spiral course

私は彼女の髪を撫で、その一部を指に巻き付けた。

“You may be right.”

「君は正しいかもしれない。」

“We could fly to Paris and have a wonderful time.”

「パリに飛んで素晴らしい時間を過ごせるよ。」

She raised herself on an elbow and looked down at me.

raise (起き上がる) [動] to move from a lower to a higher position

彼女は肘をついて起き上がり、私を見下ろした。

I could see the shine of her eyes but I couldn't read her expression.

shine (輝き) [名] the quality or state of being bright

彼女の目の輝きを見ることはできたが、彼女の表情は読み取れなかった。

“Do you have something against marriage?”

have something against (反対する理由がある) [動] to dislike or disapprove of something or someone

「結婚に反対する理由でもあるの?」

“For two people in a hundred it's wonderful.

「100人中2人にとっては素晴らしいことよ。

The rest just work at it.

work at (努力する) [動] to try hard to do something

残りの人はただ努力するだけ。

After twenty years all the guy has left is a work bench in the garage.

twenty years (20年) [名] a period of time

work bench (作業台) [名] a table at which one can work

20年後、男に残されたのはガレージの作業台だけだ。

American girls are terrific.

アメリカの女の子は素晴らしい。

American wives take in too damn much territory.

take in (占領する) [動] to include or comprise

too damn much (あまりにも多くの) [形] an excessive amount or degree

アメリカ人の妻は、あまりにも多くの領域を占領する。

Besides--”

それに」

“I want some champagne.”

「シャンパンが欲しい」

“Besides,” I said, “it would be just an incident to you.

「それに」と私は言った。「あなたにとっては単なる事件に過ぎない。

The first divorce is the only tough one.

最初の離婚だけが大変なのよ。

After that its merely a problem in economics.

merely (単なる) [副] only; no more than

economics (経済) [名] the branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth

その後は単なる経済問題よ。

No problem to you.

no problem (問題ない) [名] no difficulty or trouble

あなたには問題ないよ。

Ten years from now you might pass me on the street and wonder where the hell you had seen me before.

ten years from now (10年後) [名] a decade from the present time

pass (すれ違う) [動] go past or across

10年後には道で私とすれ違っても、いったいどこで私を見かけたのか思い出せないかもしれない。

If you noticed me at all.”

私に気づいたとしてもね」

“You self-sufficient, self-satisfied, self-confident, untouchable bastard.

self-sufficient (独りよがりの) [形] able to supply one's own needs

self-satisfied (自己満足の) [形] pleased with oneself or one's achievements

self-confident (自信過剰な) [形] having confidence in oneself

untouchable (近寄りがたい) [形] not to be touched

「あなたは独りよがりで、自己満足で、自信過剰で、近寄りがたい野郎だ。

I want some champagne.”

シャンパンが欲しいよ」

“This way you will remember me.”

「こうすれば私を思い出すでしょう」

“Conceited too. A mass of conceit.

conceited (うぬぼれ屋) [形] having an excessively high opinion of oneself

mass (塊) [名] a large amount of something

「うぬぼれ屋でもある。うぬぼれの塊だ。

Slightly bruised at the moment.

現時点では少し傷ついている。

You think I'll remember you?

私が君を覚えていると思うかい?

No matter how many men I marry or sleep with, you think I'll remember you?

no matter (どんなに) [副] regardless of

私が何人の男と結婚したり寝たりしても、私が君を覚えていると思うかい?

Why should I?”

なぜそうするべきなの?」

“Sorry. I overstated my case.

overstate (言い過ぎる) [動] to state or describe something as being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is

「すみません。言い過ぎました。

I'll get you some champagne.”

シャンパンを取ってきましょう」

“Aren't we sweet and reasonable?” she said sarcastically.

reasonable (理性的) [形] having sound judgment; fair and just

sarcastically (皮肉を込めて) [副] in a manner that is intended to mock or convey contempt

「私たちって優しくて理性的ね」と彼女は皮肉を言った。

“I'm a rich woman, darling, and I shall be infinitely richer.

infinitely (もっともっと) [副] to an unlimited degree or extent

「私はお金持ちよ、ダーリン、そしてもっともっとお金持ちになるよ。

I could buy you the world if it were worth buying.

買う価値があるなら世界を買ってあげられるよ。

What have you now?

今何を持っている?

An empty house to come home to, with not even a dog or cat, a small stuffy office to sit in and wait.

帰る家は空っぽで犬や猫さえいない、座って待つだけの小さな息苦しい事務所。

Even if I divorced you I'd never let you go back to that.”

私があなたと離婚したとしても、あなたをそんな生活に戻らせたりしないよ」

“How would you stop me?

「どうやって私を止めるつもり?

I'm no Terry Lennox.”

I'm (私は) [代] the speaker

no (ではない) [副] not at all; to no extent

私はテリー・レノックスではない」

“Please. Don't let's talk about him.

「お願い。彼の話はやめましょう。

Nor about that golden icicle, the Wade woman.

icicle (つらら) [名] a long piece of ice that is formed when water freezes as it flows slowly down from something

あの金色のつらら、ウェード夫人の話もやめましょう。

Nor about her poor drunken sunken husband.

sunken (落ちぶれた) [形] having sunk or been sunk

彼女の哀れな酔っ払いの夫の話もやめましょう。

Do you want to be the only man who turned me down?

私を断った唯一の男になりたいの?

What kind of pride is that?

どんなプライドよ?

I've paid you the greatest compliment I know how to pay.

compliment (賛辞) [名] a polite expression of praise or admiration

私はあなたに私が知っている限り最高の賛辞を送った。

I've asked you to marry me.”

ask (申し込む) [動] say or write something in order to obtain an answer or some information

私はあなたに結婚を申し込んだ。」

“You paid me a greater compliment.”

「あなたは私にもっと大きな賛辞を送った。」

She began to cry.

彼女は泣き始めた。

“You fool, you utter fool!”

「この馬鹿、この大馬鹿!」

Her cheeks were wet.

be wet (濡れている) [動] to be covered or saturated with water or another liquid

彼女の頬は濡れていた。

I could feel the tears on them.

私は彼女の頬に涙を感じることができた。

“Suppose it lasted six months or a year or two years.

a year (1年) [名] a period of time equal to 365 days

two years (2年) [名] a period of time equal to 730 days

「それが6ヶ月、1年、2年続くとしたら?

What would you have lost except the dust on your office desk and the dirt on your venetian blinds and the loneliness of a pretty empty kind of life?”

office desk (オフィスの机) [名] a desk used in an office

オフィスの机の上の埃とベネチアンブラインドの汚れと、かなり空虚な人生から来る孤独以外に何を失うというのか?」

“You still want some champagne?”

「まだシャンパンが欲しいか?」

“All right.”

「分かった」

I pulled her close and she cried against my shoulder.

私は彼女を引き寄せ、彼女は私の肩に顔を埋めて泣いた。

She wasn't in love with me and we both knew it.

彼女は私を愛していなかったし、私たちは二人ともそれを知っていた。

She wasn't crying over me.

彼女は私のために泣いていたわけではない。

It was just time for her to shed a few tears.

shed (流す) [動] cause to flow

彼女が涙を流す時が来ただけだった。

Then she pulled away and I got out of bed and she went into the bathroom to fix her face.

go into (行く) [動] enter or cause to enter a place

fix (整える) [動] repair or mend something

それから彼女は離れ、私はベッドから出て、彼女は顔を整えるためにバスルームに行った。

I got the champagne.

私はシャンパンを受け取った。

When she came back she was smiling.

彼女が戻ってきた時、彼女は微笑んでいた。

“I'm sorry I blubbered,” she said.

blubber (泣き言を言う) [動] to cry or sob noisily

「泣き言を言ってごめんなさい」と彼女は言った。

“In six months from now I won't even remember your name.

from now (今から) [副] starting from the present moment

「今から6ヶ月後にはあなたの名前すら覚えていないでしょう。

Bring it into the living room.

居間に持ってきて。

I want to see lights.”

明かりが見たいよ」

I did what she said.

私は彼女の言う通りにした。

She sat on the davenport as before.

彼女は前と同じように長椅子に座った。

I put the champagne in front of her.

私は彼女の前にシャンパンを置いた。

She looked at the glass but didn't touch it.

彼女はグラスを見たが、触れなかった。

“I'll introduce myself,” I said.

「自己紹介するよ」と私は言った。

“We'll have a drink together.”

「一緒に飲もう」

“Like tonight?”

like (みたいに) [前] similar to; having the same characteristics or qualities as

「今夜みたいに?」

“It won't ever be like tonight again.”

「今夜みたいなことは二度と起こらない」

She raised her glass of champagne, drank a little of it slowly, turned her body on the davenport and threw the rest in my face.

彼女はシャンパングラスを持ち上げ、ゆっくりと少し飲み、ソファの上で体を回転させ、残りを私の顔に投げつけた。

Then she began to cry again.

それから彼女はまた泣き始めた。

I got a handkerchief out and wiped my face off and wiped hers for her.

私はハンカチを取り出し、自分の顔を拭き、彼女の顔も拭いた。

“I don't know why I did that,” she said.

「なぜあんなことをしたのかわからない」と彼女は言った。

“But for God's sake don't say I'm a woman and a woman never knows why she does anything.”

「でも、お願いだから、私は女で、女は自分の行動の理由を知らないなんて言わないで」

I poured some more champagne into her glass and laughed at her.

私は彼女のグラスにシャンパンを注ぎ足して、彼女を笑った。

She drank it slowly and then turned the other way and fell across my knees.

other way (反対) [名] the opposite direction

彼女はそれをゆっくりと飲み、それから反対を向いて私の膝の上に倒れ込んだ。

“I'm tired,” she said.

「疲れた」と彼女は言った。

“You'll have to carry me this time.”

「今度は私を運んでもらうよ」

After a while she went to sleep.

しばらくすると彼女は眠りについた。

In the morning she was still asleep when I got up and made coffee.

in the morning (朝) [名] the period of a day from sunrise to noon

朝、私が起きてコーヒーを入れたとき、彼女はまだ眠っていた。

I showered and shaved and dressed.

私はシャワーを浴び、髭を剃り、服を着た。

She woke up then.

彼女はその時起きた。

We had breakfast together.

have breakfast (朝食をとる) [動] eat breakfast

私たちは一緒に朝食をとった。

I called a cab and carried her overnight case down the steps.

私はタクシーを呼び、彼女の旅行かばんを階段で運んだ。

We said goodbye.

私たちは別れを告げた。

I watched the cab out of sight.

私はタクシーが見えなくなるまで見ていた。

I went back up the steps and into the bedroom and pulled the bed to pieces and remade it.

remake (作り直す) [動] make again or differently

私は階段を上って寝室に戻り、ベッドを分解して作り直した。

There was a long dark hair on one of the pillows.

枕の1つに長い黒い髪の毛があった。

There was a lump of lead at the pit of my stomach.

私の胃の底には鉛の塊があった。

The French have a phrase for it.

フランス人はそれを表現する言葉を持っている。

The bastards have a phrase for everything and they are always right.

have a phrase (言葉を持っている) [動] to be able to express something in words

あのろくでなしどもはあらゆることを表現する言葉を持っていて、いつも正しい。

To say goodbye is to die a little.

別れを告げることは少し死ぬことである。

[51]

Sewell Endicott said he was working late and I could drop around in the evening about seven-thirty.

work late (遅くまで仕事をする) [動] work until a later time than usual

about seven-thirty (七時半頃) [名] around 7:30

スーエル・エンディコットは遅くまで仕事をしているから、夕方の七時半頃に立ち寄ってもいいと言った。

He had a corner office with a blue carpet, a red mahogany desk with carved corners, very old and obviously very valuable, the usual glass-front bookshelves of mustard-yellow legal books, the usual cartoons by Spy of famous English judges, and a large portrait of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes on the south wall, alone.

corner office (角部屋の事務所) [名] an office located at the corner of a building

blue carpet (青いカーペット) [名] a carpet that is blue

red mahogany desk (赤いマホガニーの机) [名] a desk made of red mahogany

carved corners (角に彫刻が施された) [形] having corners that have been carved

very old (非常に古い) [形] having existed for a long time

obviously very valuable (明らかに高価なもの) [形] clearly worth a lot of money

usual glass-front bookshelves (いつものガラス張りの本棚) [名] bookshelves with glass fronts that are common

mustard-yellow legal books (マスタードイエローの法律書) [名] law books that are mustard yellow

usual cartoons by Spy (スパイのいつもの漫画) [名] cartoons by Spy that are common

famous English judges (有名な英国の裁判官) [名] judges from England who are well-known

large portrait (大きな肖像画) [名] a portrait that is large

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes (オリバー・ウェンデル・ホームズ判事) [名] a judge named Oliver Wendell Holmes

south wall (南の壁) [名] the wall of a room that faces south

alone (飾られていた) [形] without anyone else

彼の角部屋の事務所には青いカーペットが敷かれ、角に彫刻が施された赤いマホガニーの机が置かれていた。机は非常に古く、明らかに高価なものだった。また、いつものマスタードイエローの法律書が並ぶガラス張りの本棚、有名な英国の裁判官を描いたスパイのいつもの漫画、そして南の壁にはオリバー・ウェンデル・ホームズ判事の大きな肖像画が飾られていた。

Endicott's chair was quilted in black leather.

quilt (キルティング) [動] to stitch together two pieces of fabric with a layer of padding in between

エンディコットの椅子は黒い革でキルティングされていた。

Near him was an open rolltop desk jammed with papers.

rolltop desk (ロールトップデスク) [名] a desk with a sliding cover

jam (詰まった) [動] to pack or squeeze tightly

彼の近くには、書類がぎっしり詰まった開いたロールトップデスクがあった。

It was an office no decorator had had a chance to pansy up.

decorator (インテリアデザイナー) [名] a person who decorates

have a chance (手を入れることができなかった) [動] be given the opportunity to do something

pansy (手を入れることができなかった) [動] to make something more attractive or stylish

そこは、インテリアデザイナーが手を入れることができなかったオフィスだった。

He was in his shirtsleeves and he looked tired, but he had that kind of face.

be in one's shirtsleeves (シャツ姿である) [動] not wearing a jacket

look tired (疲れた様子である) [動] appear to be tired

have that kind of face (いつもそんな感じの顔である) [動] have a face that always looks tired

彼はシャツ姿で疲れた様子だったが、彼の顔はいつもそんな感じだった。

He was smoking one of his tasteless cigarettes.

tasteless (味のない) [形] lacking in flavor

彼は味のないタバコを吸っていた。

Ashes from it had fallen on his loosened tie.

灰が緩めたネクタイに落ちていた。

His limp black hair was all over the place.

limp (しなやかな) [形] lacking firmness or stiffness

all over the place (乱れた) [形] in a state of confusion or disorder

彼のしなやかな黒髪は乱れていた。

He stared at me silently after I sat down.

私が座った後、彼は黙って私を見つめた。

Then he said: “You're a stubborn son of a bitch, if ever I met one.

それから彼は言った。「あなたは頑固な野郎だ。

Don't tell me you're still digging into that mess.”

dig into (調べる) [動] to investigate or research something thoroughly

mess (事件) [名] a situation or state of affairs that is confused or full of difficulties

まだあの事件を調べているなんて言うなよ。」

“Something worries me a little.

「少し心配なことがあるんだ。

Would it be all right now if I assumed you were representing Mr. Harlan Potter when you came to see me in the birdcage?”

come to see (会いに来る) [動] visit

birdcage (留置所) [名] a place where people are held in temporary custody

あなたが私に会いに留置所に来たのはハーラン・ポッター氏の代理だったと考えてもよろしいでしょうか?」

He nodded.

彼はうなずいた。

I touched the side of my face gently with my fingertips.

私は顔の横をそっと指先で触った。

It was all healed up and the swelling was gone, but one of the blows must have damaged a nerve.

heal up (治る) [動] become sound or healthy again

swelling (腫れ) [名] a temporary enlargement of a part of the body

傷はすっかり治り、腫れも引いていたが、殴られたうちのどれかが神経を傷つけたに違いない。

Part of the cheek was still numb.

頬の一部はまだしびれていた。

I couldn't let it alone.

let alone (放っておく) [動] to not do anything about something

couldn't (できませんでした) [助] can not; be unable to

私はそれを放っておくことができませんでした。

It would get all right in time.

get all right (治る) [動] become healthy or well again

いずれは治るだろう。

“And that when you went to Otatoclán you were temporarily deputized as a member of the D.A.'s staff?”

temporarily (一時的に) [副] for a limited period of time

deputize (代理を務める) [動] act as a deputy for

member (一員) [名] a person who belongs to a group or an organization

「そして、あなたがオタトクランに行ったとき、あなたは検察官のスタッフの一員として一時的に代理を務めたのですか?」

“Yes, but don't rub it in, Marlowe.

rub it in (強調する) [動] to keep talking about something that someone has done wrong or something that has gone wrong, in a way that is annoying

「そう、でもそれを強調しないでくれ、マーロウ。

It was a valuable connection.

valuable (貴重な) [形] of great worth or importance

それは貴重なコネクションだった。

Perhaps I gave it too much weight.”

weight (重視) [名] the importance, value, or significance of something

おそらく私はそれを重視しすぎたのだろう。」

“Still is, I hope.”

「今でもそうであることを願っている。」

He shook his head.

彼は首を横に振った。

“No. That's finished.

finished (終わりました) [動] come to an end

「いいえ、それは終わりました。

Mr. Potter does his legal business through San Francisco, New York, and Washington firms.”

ポッター氏はサンフランシスコ、ニューヨーク、ワシントンの会社を通して法的な仕事をしています。」

“I guess he hates my guts--if he thinks about it.”

「彼は私の内臓を憎んでいると思う--もし彼がそれについて考えるなら。」

Endicott smiled.

エンディコットは微笑んだ。

“Curiously enough, he put all the blame on his son-in-law, Dr. Loring.

curiously (奇妙なことに) [副] in a strange or unusual way

put (負わせる) [動] to place or cause to be in a specified place or position

blame (責任) [名] the state or fact of having done something wrong or having caused some damage

son-in-law (義理の息子) [名] the husband of one's daughter

「奇妙なことに、彼はすべての責任を義理の息子であるローリング博士に負わせました。

A man like Harlan Potter has to blame somebody.

ハーラン・ポッターのような男は誰かを非難しなければならない。

He couldn't possibly be wrong himself.

彼自身が間違っているはずがない。

He felt that if Loring hadn't been feeding the woman dangerous drugs, none of it would have happened.”

彼は、ローリングが女性に危険な薬を与えていなかったら、何も起こらなかっただろうと感じていました。」

“He's wrong. You saw Terry Lennox's body in Otatoclán, didn't you?”

「彼は間違っている。あなたはオタトクランにあるテリー・レノックスの遺体を見ましたよね?」

“I did indeed. In the back of a cabinet maker's shop.

cabinet maker (家具職人) [名] a person who makes cabinets

「確かに見ました。家具職人の店の奥で。

They have no proper mortuary there.

mortuary (遺体安置所) [名] a place where dead bodies are kept for hygienic storage or for examination until burial or cremation

そこには適切な遺体安置所がないんです。

He was making the coffin too.

彼は棺桶も作っていました。

The body was ice-cold.

ice-cold (氷のように冷たい) [形] very cold

遺体は氷のように冷たかった。

I saw the wound in the temple.

私はこめかみの傷を見た。

There's no question of identity, if you had any ideas along those lines.”

身元に疑問の余地はない、もし君がその線で何か考えていたとしても。」

“No, Mr. Endicott, I didn't, because in his case it could hardly be possible.

I didn't (私はそうは思いませんでした) [動] I did not

in his case (彼の場合) [名] in the case of him

it could hardly be possible (それはほとんど不可能だったからです) [動] it was not possible

「いいえ、エンディコットさん、私はそうは思いませんでした、なぜなら彼の場合、それはほとんど不可能だったからです。

He was disguised a little though, wasn't he?”

wasn't he (ですね) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

彼は少し変装していましたね?」

“Face and hands darkened, hair dyed black.

dye (染める) [動] change the color of something by soaking it in a liquid that contains a chemical

「顔と手を黒く塗り、髪を黒く染めていました。

But the scars were still obvious.

しかし、傷跡ははっきりと残っていました。

And the fingerprints, of course, were easily checked from things he had handled at home.”

fingerprint (指紋) [名] an impression of the lines on the tip of a finger

そして指紋は、もちろん、彼が家で触った物から簡単に確認できました」

“What kind of police force do they have down there?”

「あそこにはどんな警察がいるんだ?」

“Primitive. The jefe could just about read and write.

primitive (原始的) [形] relating to or characteristic of an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something

jefe (署長) [名] the head of a police force

just about (かろうじて) [副] almost but not quite

「原始的です。署長はかろうじて読み書きができる程度でした。

But he knew about fingerprints.

しかし、彼は指紋については知っていました。

It was hot weather, you know.

暑い日だったんだ。

Quite hot.”

かなり暑かった」

He frowned and took his cigarette out of his mouth and dropped it negligently into an enormous black basalt sort of receptacle.

basalt (玄武岩) [名] a dark fine-grained volcanic rock

彼は眉をひそめ、口からタバコを取り出し、それを巨大な黒い玄武岩のような容器に無造作に落とした。

“They had to get ice from the hotel,” he added.

「彼らはホテルから氷をとらなければならなかった」と彼は付け加えた。

“Plenty of ice.”

「たくさんの氷を」

He looked at me again.

彼は再び私を見た。

“No embalming there.

embalming (防腐処理) [名] the process of preserving a dead body

「そこでは防腐処理はしていない。

Things have to move fast.”

物事は素早く動かなければならない」

“You speak Spanish, Mr. Endicott?”

「スペイン語を話すのか、エンドicottさん?」

“Only a few words.

only (ほんの) [副] no more than

「ほんの数語だけ。

The hotel manager interpreted.”

interpret (通訳する) [動] explain the meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)

ホテルのマネージャーが通訳してくれた」

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“A well-dressed smoothie, that fellow.

well-dressed (身なりの良い) [形] wearing clothes that are fashionable and of good quality

smoothie (口が達者な男) [名] a person who is charming and persuasive

「あの男は、身なりの良い、口が達者な男だ。

Looked tough, but he was very polite and helpful.

tough (強面) [形] strong and hard to defeat

helpful (親切) [形] giving or ready to give help

見た目は強面だが、とても礼儀正しく親切だった。

It was all over in no time.”

no time (すぐに) [名] a very short period of time

すぐにすべてが終わった」

“I had a letter from Terry.

have a letter (手紙をもらう) [動] receive a letter

「テリーから手紙をもらった。

I guess Mr. Potter would know about it.

ポッター氏なら知っていると思う。

I told his daughter, Mrs. Loring.

娘のローリング夫人に伝えた。

I showed it to her.

私は彼女にそれを見せた。

There was a portrait of Madison in it.”

マディソンの肖像画があった」

“A what?”

「何?」

“Five-thousand-dollar bill.”

「五千ドル札」

He raised his eyebrows.

彼は眉を上げた。

“Really. Well, he could certainly afford it.

「本当に。まあ、彼は確かにそれを買う余裕があった。

His wife gave him a cool quarter of a million the second time they were married.

彼の妻は二度目の結婚の時に彼に25万ドルを渡した。

I've an idea he meant to go to Mexico to live anyhow--quite apart from what happened.

have an idea (思う) [動] to have a thought or opinion

mean to (つもりである) [動] to intend to do something

quite apart from (全く関係なく) [副] without being influenced by or connected with something

彼はとにかくメキシコに行って住むつもりだったんだと思う。起こったこととは全く関係なく。

I don't know what happened to the money.

お金がどうなったのかは知らない。

I wasn't in on that.”

私はその件には関与していなかった」

“Here's the letter, Mr. Endicott, if you care to read it.”

care to (お読みになりたい) [動] would like to

「エンディコットさん、もしお読みになりたいなら、これが手紙です」

I took it out and gave it to him.

私はそれを取り出して彼に渡した。

He read it carefully, the way lawyers read everything.

彼は弁護士が何でも読むように、それを注意深く読んだ。

He put it down on the desk and leaned back and stared at nothing.

彼はそれを机の上に置き、後ろにもたれかかり、虚空を見つめた。

“A little literary, isn't it?” he said quietly.

a little (ちょっと) [形] small in size, amount, or degree

「ちょっと文学的ですね」と彼は静かに言った。

“I wonder why he did it.”

「彼がなぜそうしたのか不思議だ」

“Killed himself, confessed, or wrote me the letter?”

「自殺したのか、自白したのか、私に手紙を書いたのか?」

“Confessed and killed himself, of course,” Endicott said sharply.

「もちろん、自白して自殺した」とエンディコットは鋭く言った。

“The letter is understandable.

「手紙は理解できる。

At least you got a reasonable recompense for what you did for him--and since.”

recompense (報酬) [名] a reward or punishment

少なくとも、あなたは彼のためにしたことに対して、そしてそれ以来、相応の報酬を得た」

“The mailbox bothers me,” I said.

「郵便受けが気になる」と私は言った。

“Where he says there was a mailbox on the street under his window and the hotel waiter was going to hold his letter up before he mailed it, so Terry could see that it was mailed.”

waiter (ボーイ) [名] a man who works in a restaurant, serving food and drinks to customers

「彼が言うには、彼の窓の下の道に郵便受けがあって、ホテルのボーイが手紙を投函する前に掲げて、テリーが見届けられるようにするつもりだった」

Something in Endicott's eyes went to sleep.

エンディコットの目の中の何かが眠りについた。

“Why?” he asked indifferently.

「なぜ?」彼は冷淡に尋ねた。

He picked another of his filtered cigarettes out of a square box.

彼は四角い箱からフィルター付きの煙草をもう一本取り出した。

I held my lighter across the desk for him.

私は机越しに彼のためにライターを差し出した。

“They wouldn't have one in a place like Otatoclán,” I said.

「オタトクランのような場所にはそんなものはないだろう」と私は言った。

“Go on.”

「続けろ」

“I didn't get it at first.

「最初は理解できなかった。

Then I looked the place up.

それから私はその場所を調べた。

It's a mere village.

village (村) [名] a small human settlement in a rural area

単なる村だ。

Population say ten or twelve thousand.

人口は1万から1万2千人だ。

One street partly paved.

pave (舗装する) [動] cover (a road or path) with a hard surface of stone or concrete

1本の通りが部分的に舗装されている。

The jefe has a Model A Ford as an official car.

Model A Ford (フォードA型) [名] a car produced by Ford from 1927 to 1931

official car (公用車) [名] a car used for official business

警察署長は公用車としてフォードA型を持っている。

The post office is in the corner of a store, the chanceria, the butcher shop.

chanceria (雑貨屋) [名] a store that sells a wide variety of goods

butcher shop (肉屋) [名] a store that sells meat

郵便局は店の角にある。雑貨屋、肉屋だ。

One hotel, a couple of cantinas, no good roads, a small airfield.

cantina (酒場) [名] a small bar or restaurant

airfield (飛行場) [名] an area of land with runways for takeoff and landing of aircraft

ホテルが1軒、酒場が2軒、良い道はなく、小さな飛行場がある。

There's hunting around there in the mountains--lots of it.

hunting (狩猟) [名] the sport or activity of hunting animals or birds

山の周辺では狩猟ができる。たくさんできる。

Hence the airfield.

hence (だから) [副] for this reason; therefore

だから飛行場がある。

Only decent way to get there.”

そこに行くには飛行機が唯一のまともな方法だ」

“Go on. I know about the hunting.”

「続けろ。狩猟については知っている」

“So there's a mailbox on the street.

「通りに郵便ポストがある。

Like there's a race course and a dog track and a golf course and a jai alai frontón and park with a colored fountain and a bandstand.”

race course (競馬場) [名] a place where horse races are held

dog track (ドッグレース場) [名] a place where dog races are held

golf course (ゴルフ場) [名] a place where golf is played

jai alai frontón (ハイアライの競技場) [名] a place where jai alai is played

park (公園) [名] a public place with grass and trees, usually in a town, where people go in order to relax and enjoy themselves

colored fountain (色とりどりの噴水) [名] a fountain that has lights that change color

bandstand (バンドスタンド) [名] a platform on which a band plays, especially outdoors

競馬場やドッグレース場、ゴルフ場、ハイアライの競技場、色とりどりの噴水やバンドスタンドのある公園がある」

“Then he made a mistake,” Endicott said coldly.

「それなら彼は間違えた」とエンディコットは冷たく言った。

“Perhaps it was something that looked like a mailbox to him--say a trash receptacle.”

trash receptacle (ゴミ箱) [名] a container for rubbish

「おそらく彼には郵便ポストのように見える何かだったのだろう--ゴミ箱とか」

I stood up.

私は立ち上がった。

I reached for the letter and refolded it and put it back in my pocket.

私は手紙に手を伸ばし、それを折り畳んでポケットに戻した。

“A trash receptacle,” I said.

「ゴミ箱」と私は言った。

“Sure, that's it.

「確かに、それだ。

Painted with the Mexican colors, green, white, red, and a sign on it stenciled in large clear print: KEEP OUR CITY CLEAN.

stencil (ステンシル) [名] a thin sheet of metal, plastic, or paper with a pattern or letters cut out of it, used to produce the same pattern on the surface below by applying ink or paint through the holes

print (印刷) [名] the result of a printing process

緑、白、赤のメキシコの色で塗られ、その上に大きくはっきりとした文字で「街をきれいに」と書かれた看板があった。

In Spanish, of course.

もちろんスペイン語で。

And lying around it seven mangy dogs.”

mangy (疥癬の) [形] having mange

そしてその周りに7匹の疥癬の犬が横たわっている」

“Don't get cute, Marlowe.”

get cute (生意気言う) [動] to act in a way that is intended to be clever or funny but that is actually annoying or irritating

「生意気言うな、マーロウ」

“Sorry if I let my brains show.

brain (頭の良さ) [名] the organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, and feeling

「頭の良さを出してしまったらごめんなさい。

Another small point I have already raised with Randy Starr.

raise (提起する) [動] bring up a topic or question for discussion

もう一つの小さな点は、私はすでにランディ・スターに提起した。

How come the letter got mailed at all?

get mailed (郵送される) [動] be sent by mail

どうして手紙は郵送されたのか?

According to the letter the method was prearranged.

method (方法) [名] a particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one

prearrange (事前に決める) [動] to arrange or settle in advance

手紙によると、方法は事前に決められていた。

So somebody told him about the mailbox.

だから誰かが彼に郵便受けのことを話した。

So somebody lied.

だから誰かが嘘をついた。

So somebody mailed the letter with five grand in it just the same.

just the same (とにかく) [副] in spite of that; nevertheless

だから誰かが5000ドルを入れた手紙を郵送した。

Intriguing, don't you agree?”

intriguing (興味深い) [形] arousing interest or curiosity

興味深いでしょう?」

He puffed smoke and watched it float away.

彼は煙を吐き出し、それが漂っていくのを眺めた。

“What's your conclusion--and why ring Starr in on it?”

「結論は? そしてなぜスターを呼び出した?」

“Starr and a heel named Menendez, now removed from our midst, were pals of Terry's in the British Army.

「スターとメネンデスという名の悪党、今は我々の間から消え去ったが、イギリス軍でテリーの仲間だった。

They are wrong gees in a way--I should say in almost every way--but they still have room for personal pride and so on.

room (余地) [名] space that can be occupied

彼らはある意味、間違った人間だ、ほとんどあらゆる点でそう言えるが、それでも彼らには個人的なプライドなどのための余地がある。

There was a cover-up here engineered for obvious reasons.

cover-up (隠蔽工作) [名] an attempt to hide something

engineer (行う) [動] to design, build, or create something using scientific principles

obvious (明らかな) [形] easily seen or understood; clear

明らかな理由で隠蔽工作が行われた。

There was another sort of cover-up in Otatoclán, for entirely different reasons.”

オタトクランでは全く別の理由で別の隠蔽工作があった。」

“What's your conclusion?” he asked me again and much more sharply.

「結論は?」と彼はもっと鋭く私に尋ねた。

“What's yours?”

「あなたのは?」

He didn't answer me.

彼は答えなかった。

So I thanked him for his time and left.

だから私は彼に時間を割いてくれたことに感謝して去った。

He was frowning as I opened the door, but I thought it was an honest frown of puzzlement.

puzzlement (困惑) [名] the state of being puzzled; perplexity

私がドアを開けた時、彼は眉をひそめていたが、私はそれが困惑の正直なしかめっ面だと思った。

Or maybe he was trying to remember how it looked outside the hotel and whether there was a mailbox there.

あるいは、彼はホテルの外がどのように見えたか、そこに郵便受けがあったかどうかを思い出そうとしていたのかもしれない。

It was another wheel to start turning--no more.

それは回り始めるもう一つの車輪だった--それ以上ではない。

It turned for a solid month before anything came up.

solid month (丸一ヶ月) [名] a period of time that is exactly one month

come up (起こる) [動] happen or occur

何かが起こるまで、それは丸一ヶ月回った。

Then on a certain Friday morning I found a stranger waiting for me in my office.

on a certain Friday morning (ある金曜日の朝) [名] on a specific day of the week

そして、ある金曜日の朝、私は見知らぬ人が私のオフィスで私を待っているのを見つけた。

He was a well-dressed Mexican or Suramericano of some sort.

Suramericano (南米人) [名] a person from South America

彼は身なりの良いメキシコ人か南米人だった。

He sat by the open window smoking a brown cigarette that smelled strong.

brown cigarette (茶色いタバコ) [名] a cigarette made of tobacco

彼は開いた窓のそばに座って、強い匂いのする茶色いタバコを吸っていた。

He was tall and very slender and very elegant, with a neat dark mustache and dark hair, rather longer than we wear it, and a fawn-colored suit of some loosely woven material.

woven (織られた) [形] made by weaving

material (素材) [名] the matter from which a thing is or can be made

彼は背が高く、とても細身で、とても優雅で、きちんとした黒い口ひげと黒い髪をしていて、私たちが着ているよりもかなり長く、ゆるく織られた素材の薄茶色のスーツを着ていた。

He wore those green sunglasses.

those (その) [限] that

彼は緑色のサングラスを掛けていた。

He stood up politely.

彼は丁寧に立ち上がった。

“Señor Marlowe?”

「セニョール・マーロウ?」

“What can I do for you?”

「何か御用でしょうか?」

He handed me a folded paper.

彼は私に折り畳んだ紙を渡した。

“Un aviso de parte del Señor Starr en Las Vegas, señor.

Un aviso (伝言) [名] a message

parte (~からの) [名] a piece of something

Señor Starr (スター氏) [名] Mr. Starr

「ラスベガスのスター氏からの伝言です。

Habla Usted Español?”

Habla Usted Español (スペイン語は話せますか) [名] Spanish language

スペイン語は話せますか?」

“Yeah, but not fast.

「ああ、でも速くはない。

English would be better.”

be better (良い) [動] be more desirable or preferable

英語の方が良い」

“English then,” he said.

「では英語で」と彼は言った。

“It is all the same to me.”

all the same (どちらでも同じ) [形] not different or better

「私にはどちらでも同じだ」

I took the paper and read it.

私はその紙を受け取って読んだ。

“This introduces Cisco Maioranos, a friend of mine.

Cisco Maioranos (シスコ・マヨラノス) [名] a person's name

「これは私の友人のシスコ・マヨラノスを紹介するものだ。

I think he can fix you up.

fix up (助ける) [動] to repair or improve something

彼なら君を助けてくれると思う。

S.”

彼は私の友人だ。」

“Let's go inside, Señor Maioranos,” I said.

Maioranos (マヨラノス) [名] a proper noun

「中に入りましょう、セニョール・マヨラノス」と私は言った。

I held the door open for him.

私は彼のためにドアを開けた。

He smelled of perfume as he went by.

彼は通り過ぎるときに香水の匂いがした。

His eyebrows were awfully damned dainty too.

dainty (優美な) [形] very small and delicate

彼の眉毛もひどく優美だった。

But he probably wasn't as dainty as he looked because there were knife scars on both sides of his face.

both sides (両側) [名] the two parts of something that are on opposite sides of it

しかし、彼の顔の両側にナイフの傷跡があったので、彼はおそらく見た目ほど優美ではなかった。

[52]

He sat down in the customer's chair and crossed his knees.

彼は客用の椅子に腰を下ろし、膝を組んだ。

“You wish certain information about Señor Lennox, I am told.”

Señor Lennox (レノックス氏) [名] a man with the last name Lennox

「あなたはレノックス氏についての情報を求めていると聞きました」

“The last scene only.”

「最後の場面だけ」

“I was there at the time, señor.

「私はその時そこにいました、旦那。

I had a position in the hotel.”

have a position (働く) [動] have a job

私はホテルで働いていました」

He shrugged.

彼は肩をすくめた。

“Unimportant and of course temporary.

unimportant (重要ではない) [形] not important

temporary (一時的) [形] lasting for only a short time

「重要ではないし、もちろん一時的なものだ。

I was the day clerk.”

clerk (フロント係) [名] a person who works in an office, especially one who deals with customers or the public

私は日勤のフロント係でした」

He spoke perfect English but with a Spanish rhythm.

rhythm (リズム) [名] a regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound

彼は完璧な英語を話したが、スペイン語のリズムだった。

Spanish--American Spanish that is--has a definite rise and fall which to an American ear seems to have nothing to do with the meaning.

rise and fall (抑揚) [名] the pattern of changes in the pitch of the voice when speaking

American (アメリカ人の) [名] a citizen of the United States

スペイン語、つまりアメリカのスペイン語には、アメリカ人の耳には意味とは関係がないように思われる明確な抑揚がある。

It's like the swell of the ocean.

それは海のうねりのようだ。

“You don't look the type,” I said.

「そんなタイプには見えませんね」と私は言った。

“One has difficulties.”

difficulty (困難) [名] a problem or situation that is difficult to deal with

「困難がある」

“Who mailed the letter to me?”

「誰が私に手紙を送ったんですか?」

He held out a box of cigarettes.

彼はタバコの箱を差し出した。

“Try one of these.”

「これを試してみて」

I shook my head.

私は首を横に振った。

“Too strong for me.

「私には強すぎる。

Colombian cigarettes I like.

Colombian (コロンビア産の) [形] of or relating to Colombia

コロンビア産のタバコが好きなんだ。

Cuban cigarettes are murder.”

Cuban (キューバ産の) [形] of or relating to Cuba or its people

murder (殺人級) [名] the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another

キューバ産のタバコは殺人級だ」

He smiled faintly, lit another pill himself, and blew smoke.

彼はかすかに微笑み、自分でももう一本タバコに火をつけ、煙を吐いた。

The guy was so goddam elegant he was beginning to annoy me.

彼はひどく優雅で、私をイライラさせ始めていた。

“I know about the letter, señor.

「手紙のことは知っています、セニョール。

The mozo was afraid to go up to the room of this Señor Lennox after the guarda was posted.

mozo (モゾ) [名] a young man

be afraid (恐れる) [動] be scared or frightened

guarda (警備員) [名] a person who guards or watches over something

be posted (配置される) [動] be put in a particular place or position

モゾは、警備員が配置された後、このセニョール・レノックスの部屋に上がるのを恐れていた。

The cop or dick, as you say.

as you say (どちらかだ) [句] used to express agreement with someone

警官か探偵か、どちらかだ。

So I myself took the letter to the correo.

correo (郵便局) [名] a public department or corporation responsible for postal services and in some countries telecommunications

だから私は自分で手紙を郵便局に持っていった。

After the shooting, you understand.”

銃撃の後、あなたは理解する。」

“You ought to have looked inside.

「中を見た方がいい。

It had a large piece of money in it.”

large (大) [形] of great or more than average size, extent, or capacity

大金が入っていたよ。」

“The letter was sealed,” he said coldly.

seal (封をする) [動] to close or fasten securely

「手紙は封がされていた」と彼は冷たく言った。

“El honor no se mueve de lado como los congrejos.

crab (カニ) [名] a type of crustacean that lives in the sea

「名誉はカニのように横に動かない。

That is, honor does not move sidewise like a crab, señor.”

sidewise (横に) [副] to or from one side

つまり、名誉はカニのように横に動かない、セニョール。」

“My apologies. Please continue.”

continue (続ける) [動] persist in an activity or process

「申し訳ない。続けてください。」

“Señor Lennox had a hundred-peso note in his left hand when I went into the room and shut the door in the face of the guarda.

Señor Lennox (セニョール・レノックス) [名] a man's name

hundred-peso note (百ペソ紙幣) [名] a banknote with a value of 100 pesos

「私が部屋に入って、警備員の前でドアを閉めた時、セニョール・レノックスは左手に百ペソ紙幣を持っていました。

In his right hand was a pistol.

右手にはピストルを持っていました。

On the table before him was the letter.

on the table (テーブルの上に) [前] under consideration or discussion

彼の前のテーブルには手紙がありました。

Also another paper which I did not read.

私が読まなかった別の紙もありました。

I refused the note.”

私は紙幣を拒否しました」

“Too much money,” I said, but he didn't react to the sarcasm.

「お金が多すぎる」と私は言ったが、彼は皮肉に反応しなかった。

“He insisted. So I took the note finally and gave it to the mozo later.

insist (主張する) [動] to demand something forcefully

「彼は主張しました。それで私はついに紙幣を受け取り、後でそれをモゾに渡しました。

I took the letter out under the napkin on the tray from the previous service of coffee.

私は前のコーヒーのサービスからトレイのナプキンの下から手紙を取り出した。

The dick looked hard at me.

刑事は私をじっと見つめた。

But he said nothing.

しかし彼は何も言わなかった。

I was halfway down the stairs when I heard the shot.

私が階段を半分降りたところだった時に銃声を聞いた。

Very quickly I hid the letter and ran back upstairs.

私は手紙を素早く隠して二階に駆け戻った。

The dick was trying to kick the door open.

刑事はドアを蹴り開けようとしていた。

I used my key.

私は鍵を使った。

Señor Lennox was dead.”

レノックスさんは死んでいました」

He moved his fingertips gently along the edge of the desk and sighed.

彼は机の端に沿って指先を優しく動かしてため息をついた。

“The rest no doubt you know.”

「残りはご存知の通りです」

“Was the hotel full?”

「ホテルは満室だったのか?」

“Not full, no. There were half a dozen guests.”

「満室ではありませんでした。半ダースの客がいました」

“Americans?”

「アメリカ人か?」

“Two Americanos del Norte. Hunters.”

Americanos (アメリカ人) [名] a citizen of the United States

del Norte (デル・ノルテ) [名] a state in northern Mexico

hunter (ハンター) [名] a person who hunts

「2人のアメリカ人です。ハンターです」

“Real Gringos or just transplanted Mexicans?”

Gringos (アメリカ人) [名] a foreigner in a Spanish-speaking country

transplanted (移住した) [形] moved from one place to another

Mexicans (メキシコ人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Mexico

「本物のアメリカ人か、移住したメキシコ人か?」

He drew a fingertip slowly along the fawn-colored cloth above his knee.

draw (動かす) [動] move or cause to move

fawn-colored (薄茶色の) [形] of a light brown color

彼は膝の上の薄茶色の布に沿ってゆっくりと指先を動かした。

“I think one of them could well have been of Spanish origin.

Spanish (スペイン系) [形] of or relating to Spain or its people or language

「そのうちの1人はスペイン系だったかもしれない。

He spoke border Spanish.

彼は国境のスペイン語を話した。

Very inelegant.”

inelegant (優雅ではない) [形] lacking refinement or good taste

とても優雅ではない」

“They go near Lennox's room at all?”

go near (近くに行く) [動] approach

「彼らはレノックスの部屋の近くに行ったか?」

He lifted his head sharply but the green cheaters didn't do a thing for me.

cheater (サングラス) [名] a pair of glasses with darkly tinted lenses

do a thing (何もしてくれなかった) [動] do something

彼は頭をぐっと持ち上げたが、緑のサングラスは私には何もしてくれなかった。

“Why should they, señor?”

「なぜそうするのでしょう、セニョール?」

I nodded.

私はうなずいた。

“Well, it was damn nice of you to come in here and tell me about it, Señor Maioranos.

「さて、ここに来て私にそれについて話してくれたのは、とても親切でした、セニョール・マヨラノス。

Tell Randy I'm ever so grateful, will you?”

ランディにとても感謝していると伝えてください」

“No hay de que, señor. It is nothing.”

No hay de que (どういたしまして) [句] you're welcome

It is nothing (大したことではありません) [句] it's not a big deal

「どういたしまして、セニョール。大したことではありません」

“And later on, if he has time, he could send me somebody who knows what he is talking about.”

talk about (話している) [動] speak about a particular subject

「そして後で、もし時間があれば、彼が話していることを知っている誰かを私に送ってもらえる」

“Señor?”

「セニョール?」

His voice was soft, but icy.

彼の声は柔らかかったが、冷たかった。

“You doubt my word?”

「私の言うことを疑うのか?」

“You guys are always talking about honor.

you guys (あなたたち) [名] a group of people that includes the speaker

「あなたたちはいつも名誉について話している。

Honor is the cloak of thieves--sometimes.

cloak (マント) [名] a loose outer garment

名誉は泥棒のマントだー時々は。

Don't get mad.

怒らないで。

Sit quiet and let me tell it another way.”

静かに座って、別の言い方をさせてくれ。」

He leaned back superciliously.

superciliously (横柄に) [副] in a manner that is arrogant or disdainful

彼は横柄に後ろにもたれた。

“I'm only guessing, mind.

「ただの推測だ、念のため。

I could be wrong.

間違っているかもしれない。

But I could be right too.

でも正しいかもしれない。

These two Americanos were there for a purpose.

この2人のアメリカ人は目的があってそこにいた。

They came in on a plane.

彼らは飛行機で来た。

They pretended to be hunters.

彼らはハンターのふりをしていた。

One of them was named Menendez, a gambler.

そのうちの1人はメネンデスという名のギャンブラーだった。

He registered under some other name or not.

or not (か) [接] used to introduce an alternative

彼は別の名前で登録したのか、しなかったのか。

I wouldn't know.

私にはわからない。

Lennox knew they were there.

レノックスは彼らがそこにいることを知っていた。

He knew why.

彼はその理由を知っていた。

He wrote me that letter because he had a guilty conscience.

彼は良心の呵責を感じていたので、私にその手紙を書いた。

He had played me for a sucker and he was too nice a guy for that to rest easy on him.

rest easy (落ち着く) [動] be calm or at ease

彼は私をカモにしたが、彼はそんなことができるような人ではなかったので、彼は落ち着かなかった。

He put the bill--five thousand dollars it was--in the letter because he had a lot of money and he knew I hadn't.

a lot of (たくさん) [名] a large amount

彼は手紙に5000ドルの紙幣を入れたが、それは彼にはお金がたくさんあり、私にはお金がないことを知っていたからだ。

He also put in a little off-beat hint which might or might not register.

put in (書いた) [動] to write something in a letter, email, etc.

off-beat (変わった) [形] not following the usual pattern

might not (伝わらない) [助] expressing possibility

彼はまた、少し変わったヒントを書いたが、それが伝わるかどうかはわからない。

He was the kind of guy who always wants to do the right thing but somehow winds up doing something else.

wind up (してしまう) [動] end up in a particular state or situation

彼はいつも正しいことをしたいと思っているが、なぜかいつも違うことをしてしまうタイプの人間だった。

You say you took the letter to the correo.

手紙を郵便局に持っていったと言っている。

Why didn't you mail it in the box in front of the hotel?”

なぜホテルの前の郵便ポストに投函しなかったのか?」

“The box, señor?”

「ポストですか、旦那様?」

“The mailbox. The cajón cartero, you call it, I think.”

「郵便ポストだ。カホン・カルテロと呼ぶと思うが。」

He smiled.

彼は微笑んだ。

“Otatoclán is not Mexico City, señor.

「オタトクランはこのメキシコシティではありません、旦那様。

It is a very primitive place.

とても原始的な場所です。

A street mailbox in Otatoclán?

オタトクランの街路郵便箱?

No one there would understand what it was for.

誰もそれが何のためにあるのか理解できないでしょう。

No one would collect letters from it.”

誰もそこから手紙を集めないでしょう」

I said: “Oh. Well, skip it.

skip (いいや) [動] not do something

私は言った。「ああ、それならいいや。

You did not take any coffee on any tray up to Señor Lennox's room, Señor Maioranos.

あなたはレノックス氏の部屋にコーヒーを運びませんでしたね、マヨラノス氏。

You did not go into the room past the dick.

あなたは刑事の前を通り過ぎて部屋には入りませんでした。

But the two Americanos did go in.

しかし、二人のアメリカ人は入りました。

The dick was fixed, of course.

fix (買収する) [動] to make arrangements for the outcome of a race, game, or other contest to be determined in advance

刑事は買収されていました、もちろん。

So were several other people.

were (そうでした) [動] be

他の何人かもそうでした。

One of the Americanos slugged Lennox from behind.

Americano (アメリカ人) [名] a citizen of the United States

アメリカ人の一人が後ろからレノックスを殴った。

Then he took the Mauser pistol and opened up one of the cartridges and took out the bullet and put the cartridge back in the breech.

Mauser pistol (モーゼルピストル) [名] a type of pistol

それから彼はモーゼルピストルを取って、薬莢の一つを開けて、弾丸を取り出し、薬莢を銃身に戻した。

Then he put this gun to Lennox's temple and pulled the trigger.

それから彼はこの銃をレノックスのこめかみに当てて引き金を引いた。

It made a nasty-looking wound, but it did not kill him.

ひどい傷を負ったが、彼を殺すことはなかった。

Then he was carried out on a stretcher covered up and well hidden.

stretcher (担架) [名] a device for carrying a sick or injured person

cover up (覆う) [動] to hide or conceal something

それから彼は覆われ、よく隠された担架で運び出された。

Then when the American lawyer arrived, Lennox was doped and packed in ice and kept in a dark corner of the carpintería where the man was making a coffin.

dope (薬を飲ませる) [動] administer a drug to

pack (包む) [動] put into a container

carpintería (大工場) [名] a workshop where woodwork is done

それからアメリカ人の弁護士が到着したとき、レノックスは薬を飲まされ、氷で包まれ、男が棺桶を作っていた大工場の暗い隅に保管されていた。

The American lawyer saw Lennox there, he was ice-cold, in a deep stupor, and there was a bloody blackened wound in his temple.

stupor (昏睡) [名] a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

アメリカ人の弁護士はそこでレノックスを見た、彼は氷のように冷たく、深い昏睡状態にあり、彼のこめかみには血まみれの黒ずんだ傷があった。

He looked plenty dead.

彼は十分に死んでいるように見えた。

The next day the coffin was buried with stones in it.

翌日、棺桶は石と一緒に埋められた。

The American lawyer went home with the fingerprints and some kind of document which was a piece of cheese.

piece of cheese (チーズの切れ端) [名] a small piece of cheese

アメリカ人の弁護士は指紋とチーズの切れ端のような書類を持って帰宅した。

How do you like that, Señor Maioranos?”

マヨラノスさん、どうですか?」

He shrugged.

彼は肩をすくめた。

“It would be possible, señor.

be possible (可能である) [動] be able to be done or achieved

「それは可能でしょう、旦那。

It would require money and influence.

お金と影響力が必要でしょう。

It would be possible, perhaps, if this Señor Menendez was closely related to important people in Otatoclán, the alcalde, the hotel proprietor and so on.”

Señor Menendez (メネンデスさん) [名] a Spanish title of respect for a man

closely related (密接に関係している) [形] having a strong connection

important people (重要人物) [名] a person who is important or influential

alcalde (アルカルデ) [名] the mayor of a Spanish or Spanish-American town

hotel proprietor (ホテル経営者) [名] the owner of a hotel

おそらく、このメネンデスさんがオタトクラン、アルカルデ、ホテル経営者などの重要人物と密接に関係していれば、可能でしょう。」

“Well, that's possible too.

「まあ、それも可能だ。

It's a good idea.

それはいい考えだ。

It would explain why they picked a remote little place like Otatoclán.”

彼らがオタトクランのような遠く離れた小さな場所を選んだ理由を説明するだろう。」

He smiled quickly.

彼はすぐに微笑んだ。

“Then Señor Lennox may still be alive, no?”

「それならレノックスさんはまだ生きているかもしれないね?」

“Sure. The suicide had to be some kind of fake to back up the confession.

back up (裏付ける) [動] to support or strengthen

「もちろん。自殺は告白を裏付けるための偽物だったに違いない。

It had to be good enough to fool a lawyer who had been a district attorney, but it would make a very sick monkey out of the current D.A. if it backfired.

backfire (裏目に出る) [動] have an unexpected and undesired effect

地方検事だった弁護士を騙すには十分なものでなければならなかったが、それが裏目に出れば、現職の地方検事を非常に病気の猿にしてしまうだろう。

This Menendez is not as tough as he thinks he is, but he was tough enough to pistol-whip me for not keeping my nose clean.

このメネンデスは自分が思っているほどタフではないが、私の鼻をきれいに保たなかったことで私をピストルで殴打するほどタフだった。

So he had to have reasons.

だから彼には理由があったに違いない。

If the fake got exposed, Menendez would be right in the middle of an international stink.

get exposed (発覚する) [動] to be revealed or made known

right in the middle of (真っ只中) [名] the exact middle of something

stink (悪臭) [名] a strong unpleasant smell

もし偽物が発覚したら、メネンデスは国際的な悪臭の真っ只中にいるだろう。

The Mexicans don't like crooked police work any more than we do.”

メキシコ人は我々と同じように不正な警察の仕事を好まない。」

“All that is possible, señor, as I very well know.

「それはすべて可能だ、セニョール、私がよく知っているように。

But you accused me of lying.

しかし、あなたは私が嘘をついていると非難した。

You said I did not go into the room where Señor Lennox was and get his letter.”

あなたは私がセニョール・レノックスのいる部屋に入って手紙を受け取らなかったと言った。」

“You were already in there, chum--writing the letter.”

be already in (すでにいる) [動] to be present in a place or situation

「君はすでにそこにいたんだ、相棒、手紙を書いて。」

He reached up and took the dark glasses off.

reach up (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch one's hand upward

彼は手を伸ばしてサングラスを外した。

Nobody can change the color of a man's eyes.

誰も人の目の色を変えることはできない。

“I suppose it's a bit too early for a gimlet,” he said.

「ギムレットには少し早すぎるかな」と彼は言った。

[53]

They had done a wonderful job on him in Mexico City, but why not?

do a wonderful job (素晴らしい仕事をする) [動] do something very well

メキシコシティで彼に素晴らしい仕事をしたのだが、なぜだろうか?

Their doctors, technicians, hospitals, painters, architects are as good as ours.

technician (技術者) [名] a person who has special knowledge of the practical application of a science

architect (建築家) [名] a person who designs buildings

as good as (同じくらい優れている) [形] to the same degree or extent

彼らの医者、技術者、病院、画家、建築家は私たちのものと同じくらい優れている。

Sometimes a little better.

時には少し優れている。

A Mexican cop invented the paraffin test for powder nitrates.

paraffin test (パラフィン試験) [名] a test to detect the presence of nitrates in a powder

powder nitrates (粉末硝酸塩) [名] a type of nitrate that is in powder form

メキシコの警官が粉末硝酸塩のパラフィン試験を発明した。

They couldn't make Terry's face perfect, but they had done plenty.

彼らはテリーの顔を完璧にすることはできなかったが、十分にやった。

They had even changed his nose, taken out some bone and made it look flatter, less Nordic.

Nordic (北欧的) [形] of or relating to Scandinavia or its people

彼らは彼の鼻さえ変え、骨を取り除き、より平らで北欧的ではないように見せた。

They couldn't eliminate every trace of a scar, so they had put a couple on the other side of his face too.

eliminate (取り除く) [動] completely remove or get rid of

put (つける) [動] place, set, or arrange in a specified position

彼らは傷跡の痕跡をすべて取り除くことはできなかったため、顔の反対側にもいくつか傷跡をつけた。

Knife scars are not uncommon in Latin countries.

ラテン系の国々ではナイフの傷跡は珍しくない。

“They even did a nerve graft up here,” he said, and touched what had been the bad side of his face.

graft (移植) [名] a piece of living tissue that is transplanted

「彼らはここで神経移植さえした」と彼は言い、顔の悪い側に触れた。

“How close did I come?”

「どれくらい近づいた?」

“Close enough. A few details wrong, but they are not important.

「十分近い。いくつかの詳細は間違っているが、重要ではない。

It was a quick deal and some of it was improvised and I didn't know myself just what was going to happen.

quick (即決) [形] done or happening in a short time

improvise (即興) [動] to make or do something on the spur of the moment

それは即決で、一部は即興で、私自身も何が起こるのか分からなかった。

I was told to do certain things and to leave a clear trail.

trail (痕跡) [名] a mark or a series of marks left behind by the passage of someone or something

私はあることをして、はっきりとした痕跡を残すように言われた。

Mendy didn't like my writing to you, but I held out for that.

writing (手紙) [名] a letter or note

メンディは私があなたに手紙を書くのを好まなかったが、私はそれを主張した。

He undersold you a little.

undersell (過小評価する) [動] sell something at a lower price than its real value

彼はあなたを少し過小評価していた。

He never noticed the bit about the mailbox.”

彼は郵便受けのことは全く気づかなかった。」

“You know who killed Sylvia?”

「シルビアを殺した犯人を知っている?」

He didn't answer me directly.

directly (直接) [副] without changing direction or stopping

彼は私に直接答えなかった。

“It's pretty tough to turn a woman in for murder--even if she never meant much to you.”

turn in (引き渡す) [動] give something to someone in authority

tough (難しい) [形] presenting a challenge; hard to do or accomplish

「女性を殺人犯として引き渡すのは、たとえ彼女があなたにとってあまり意味のない存在だったとしても、かなり難しいことだ。」

“It's a tough world.

「世の中は厳しい。

Was Harlan Potter in on all this?”

ハーラン・ポッターはこれらすべてに関与していたのか?」

He smiled again.

彼は再び微笑んだ。

“Would he be likely to let anyone know that? My guess is not.

「彼は誰かにそれを知らせそうか? 私の推測ではそうではない。

My guess is he thinks I am dead.

私の推測では彼は私が死んだと思っている。

Who would tell him otherwise--unless you did?”

誰が彼にそう伝えるだろうか?--あなたがそうしない限り?」

“What I'd tell him you could fold into a blade of grass.

blade (葉) [名] the flat, thin, green part of a plant that grows from the stem

「私が彼に伝えたことは草の葉に折り畳むことができる。

How's Mendy these days--or is he?”

メンディは最近どう?--それとも彼は?」

“He's doing all right. In Acapulco.

do all right (元気にやる) [動] to be in a satisfactory state or condition

「彼は元気にやっている。アカプルコで。

He slipped by because of Randy.

slip by (逃げおおせる) [動] pass unnoticed or with little attention

because of (おかげで) [前] for the reason that

彼はランディのおかげで逃げおおせた。

But the boys don't go for rough work on cops.

しかし、少年たちは警官に乱暴な真似はしない。

Mendy's not as bad as you think.

as bad as (ほど悪くない) [句] to the same extent or degree as

メンディはあなたが思っているほど悪くない。

He has a heart.”

彼には心がある。」

“So has a snake.”

snake (蛇) [名] a long, thin, legless reptile

「蛇にも心がある。」

“Well, what about that gimlet?”

「さて、ギムレットはどうする?」

I got up without answering him and went to the safe.

go (向かう) [動] move or travel toward a place

私は彼に答えずに立ち上がり、金庫に向かった。

I spun the knob and got out the envelope with the portrait of Madison on it and the five C notes that smelled of coffee.

私はダイヤルを回し、マディソンの肖像画とコーヒーの匂いのする5枚のC券の入った封筒を取り出した。

I dumped the lot out on the desk and then picked up the five C notes.

dump (放り出す) [動] to throw or drop something in a careless or hurried way

私はその束を机の上に放り出し、5枚のC券を拾い上げた。

“These I keep. I spent almost all of it on expenses and research.

「これは私が預かる。私はそのほとんどを経費と調査に費やした。

The portrait of Madison I enjoyed playing with.

マディソンの肖像画は、私は遊んで楽しんでいた。

It's all yours now.”

これで全部あなたのものだ」

I spread it on the edge of the desk in front of him.

私はそれを彼の前の机の端に広げた。

He looked at it but didn't touch it.

彼はそれを見たが、触れなかった。

“It's yours to keep,” he said.

「それはあなたのものだ」と彼は言った。

“I've got plenty.

「私はたくさん持っている。

You could have let things lie.”

あなたは物事を放っておくべきだった。」

“I know. After she killed her husband and got away with it she might have gone on to better things.

「わかっている。彼女は夫を殺して逃げ切った後、もっと良いことをしたかもしれない。

He was of no real importance, of course.

of no real importance (本当に重要ではない) [形] not important or significant

もちろん、彼は本当に重要ではなかった。

Just a human being with blood and a brain and emotions.

ただの血と脳と感情を持った人間だ。

He knew what happened too and he tried pretty hard to live with it.

live with (受け入れる) [動] accept or tolerate something

彼も何が起こったかを知っていて、それを受け入れようとかなり努力した。

He wrote books.

彼は本を書いた。

You may have heard of him.”

彼のことを聞いたことがあるかもしれない。」

“Look, I couldn't very well help what I did,” he said slowly.

「ほら、私は私がしたことをどうすることもできなかったんだ」と彼はゆっくりと言った。

“I didn't want anyone to get hurt.

get hurt (傷つく) [動] suffer physical or emotional pain

「誰も傷つけたくないんだ。

I wouldn't have had a dog's chance up here.

have a chance (チャンスがある) [動] have the possibility of doing something

私はここでは犬のチャンスもなかっただろう。

A man can't figure every angle that quick.

人はそんなに早くあらゆる角度を理解することはできない。

I was scared and I ran.

私は怖くて逃げた。

What should I have done?”

私は何をすべきだったのか?」

“I don't know.”

「わからない」

“She had a mad streak.

mad (狂った) [形] insane

「彼女は狂った筋があった。

She might have killed him anyway.”

彼女はとにかく彼を殺したかもしれない」

“Yeah, she might.”

「ああ、彼女はそうするかもしれない」

“Well, thaw out a little.

thaw (解凍) [動] to cause to become soft or liquid by warming

「まあ、少し解凍して。

Let's go have a drink somewhere where it's cool and quiet.”

涼しくて静かな場所で飲みに行こう」

“No time right now, Señor Maioranos.”

「今は時間がない、セニョール・マヨラノス」

“We were pretty good friends once,” he said unhappily.

pretty good (かなり良い) [形] fairly good

「私たちはかつてかなり良い友達だった」と彼は不幸そうに言った。

“Were we? I forget.

「そうだったか? 忘れた。

That was two other fellows, seems to me.

それは他の二人だったように思える。

You permanently in Mexico?”

メキシコに永住するのか?」

“Oh yes. I'm not here legally even. I never was.

legally (合法的に) [副] in a way that is allowed by the law

「ああ、そうだ。私は合法的にここにいるわけでもない。一度もなかった。

I told you I was born in Salt Lake City. I was born in Montreal.

Salt Lake City (ソルトレイクシティ) [名] the capital and largest city of Utah

Montreal (モントリオール) [名] the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec

ソルトレイクシティで生まれたと言ったが、モントリオールで生まれた。

I'll be a Mexican national pretty soon now.

national (国籍) [名] a person who owes loyalty to and is entitled to the protection of a state

pretty soon (もうすぐ) [副] in a short time; before long

もうすぐメキシコ国籍になる。

All it takes is a good lawyer.

all it takes (必要なのは) [名] the only thing that is required

必要なのは良い弁護士だけだ。

I've always liked Mexico.

私はいつもメキシコが好きだった。

It wouldn't be much risk going to Victor's for that gimlet.”

ギムレットを飲みにビクターズに行くのは大したリスクではないだろう。」

“Pick up your money, Señor Maioranos.

「お金を拾ってください、マヨラノスさん。

It has too much blood on it.”

血がつきすぎている。」

“You're a poor man.”

「あなたは貧乏人だ。」

“How would you know?”

「どうしてわかるんだ?」

He picked the bill up and stretched it between his thin fingers and slipped it casually into an inside pocket.

彼はその紙幣を拾い上げ、細い指で伸ばし、さりげなく内ポケットに滑り込ませた。

He bit his lip with the very white teeth you can have when you have a brown skin.

彼は褐色の肌の人によくある真っ白な歯で唇を噛んだ。

“I couldn't tell you any more than I did that morning you drove me to Tijuana.

「私があなたにティファナまで車で送ってもらったあの朝に話した以上のことを話すことはできない。

I gave you a chance to call the law and turn me in.”

turn in (突き出す) [動] hand over to the authorities

私はあなたに警察に電話して私を突き出す機会を与えた。」

“I'm not sore at you.

「私はあなたに腹を立てているわけではない。

You're just that kind of guy.

あなたはそういう人なのよ。

For a long time I couldn't figure you at all.

長い間、私はあなたを全く理解できなかった。

You had nice ways and nice qualities, but there was something wrong.

quality (資質) [名] a standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something

あなたは素敵な態度と素敵な資質を持っていたけれど、何かが間違っていた。

You had standards and you lived up to them, but they were personal.

live up to (従って生きる) [動] to behave in a way that is as good as or better than expected

あなたには基準があって、それに従って生きてきたけど、それは個人的なものだった。

They had no relation to any kind of ethics or scruples.

relation (関係) [名] the state of being connected or related

ethics (倫理) [名] the study of what is morally right or wrong

scruple (良心) [名] a feeling of doubt or hesitation that prevents you from doing something

どんな倫理や良心とも関係がなかった。

You were a nice guy because you had a nice nature.

あなたは素敵な性格だったので、素敵な人だった。

But you were just as happy with mugs or hoodlums as with honest men.

でも、あなたは正直な人と同じように、強盗やチンピラといても幸せだった。

Provided the hoodlums spoke fairly good English and had fairly acceptable table manners.

table manners (テーブルマナー) [名] the rules of etiquette that apply when eating at a table

チンピラがかなり良い英語を話し、かなり受け入れられるテーブルマナーを持っていれば。

You're a moral defeatist.

defeatist (敗北主義者) [名] someone who expects to fail

moral (道徳的な) [形] concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior

あなたは道徳的な敗北主義者だ。

I think maybe the war did it and again I think maybe you were born that way.”

戦争がそうさせたのかもしれないと思うし、また、あなたはそうやって生まれてきたのかもしれないと思う。」

“I don't get it,” he said.

「わからない」と彼は言った。

“I really don't. I'm trying to pay you back and you won't let me.

「本当にわからない。私はあなたに返済しようとしているのに、あなたは私にそれをさせない。

I couldn't have told you any more than I did.

couldn't have (できなかった) [助] be unable to do something

any more (これ以上) [副] to a greater extent or degree

I did (私がした) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

私はこれ以上あなたに話すことはできなかった。

You wouldn't have stood for it.”

stand for (許す) [動] to tolerate or allow

あなたはそれを許さなかったでしょう」

“That's as nice a thing as was ever said to me.”

thing (言葉) [名] a statement or remark

「それは私に言われた中で一番素敵な言葉だ」

“I'm glad you like something about me.

be glad (嬉しい) [動] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

「私の何かを気に入ってくれて嬉しいよ。

I got in a bad jam.

jam (渋滞) [名] a situation in which a lot of vehicles are moving very slowly or not at all because there is too much traffic

私はひどい渋滞に巻き込まれた。

I happened to know the sort of people who know how to deal with bad jams.

deal with (対処する) [動] take action in response to

私はたまたまひどい渋滞に対処する方法を知っている人々を知っていた。

They owed me for an incident that happened long ago in the war.

彼らはずっと昔の戦争で起こった事件で私に借りがあった。

Probably the only time in my life I ever did the right thing quick like a mouse.

おそらく私の人生で唯一、ネズミのように素早く正しいことをした時だった。

And when I needed them, they delivered.

deliver (届ける) [動] bring and give (something) to the proper destination; carry to and leave at the intended place

そして私が彼らを必要とした時、彼らは届けてくれた。

And for free.

しかも無料で。

You're not the only guy in the world that has no price tag, Marlowe.”

値札のついていない男は、この世に君だけじゃないんだ、マーロウ」

He leaned across the desk and snapped at one of my cigarettes.

彼は机を乗り越えて私のタバコを1本取った。

There was an uneven flush on his face under the deep tan.

uneven (むらのある) [形] not level or smooth

deep (濃い) [形] having a specified extent from top to bottom

彼の顔には、濃い日焼けの下にむらのある紅潮があった。

The scars showed up against it.

傷跡が目立った。

I watched him spring a fancy gas cartridge lighter loose from a pocket and light the cigarette.

spring (取り出す) [動] cause to move or jump suddenly

gas cartridge lighter (ガスカートリッジライター) [名] a lighter that uses a gas cartridge

彼がポケットから派手なガスカートリッジライターを取り出し、タバコに火をつけるのを見た。

I got a whiff of perfume from him.

get a whiff of (香りがする) [動] to smell something briefly

彼から香水の香りがした。

“You bought a lot of me, Terry.

「あなたは私をたくさん買ったよ、テリー。

For a smile and a nod and a wave of the hand and a few quiet drinks in a quiet bar here and there.

笑顔と会釈と手を振ることと、あちこちの静かなバーで静かに飲むことのために。

It was nice while it lasted.

続いている間はよかった。

So long, amigo.

さよなら、アミーゴ。

I won't say goodbye.

さよならは言わない。

I said it to you when it meant something.

何か意味がある時に言った。

I said it when it was sad and lonely and final.”

悲しくて孤独で最後だった時に言った。」

“I came back too late,” he said.

「私は遅く帰りすぎた」と彼は言った。

“These plastic jobs take time.”

take time (時間がかかる) [動] require a lot of time

「これらの整形手術には時間がかかる。」

“You wouldn't have come at all if I hadn't smoked you out.”

smoke out (燻し出す) [動] to force (someone) to leave a place by using smoke

「私があなたを燻し出さなければ、あなたは全く来なかっただろう。」

There was suddenly a glint of tears in his eyes.

突然彼の目に涙が光った。

He put his dark glasses back on quickly.

put back on (掛け直す) [動] put something back in the place where it was before

彼はすぐにサングラスを掛け直した。

“I wasn't sure about it,” he said.

be sure about (確信がある) [動] to be certain about something

「私はそれについて確信がなかった」と彼は言った。

“I hadn't made up my mind.

「私は決心していなかった。

They didn't want me to tell you anything.

彼らは私があなたに何も言うことを望まなかった。

I just hadn't made up my mind.”

私はただ決心していなかっただけだ。」

“Don't worry about it, Terry.

「心配するな、テリー。

There's always somebody around to do it for you.”

いつも誰かが君のためにそれをしてくれる。」

“I was in the Commandos, bud.

「私はコマンド部隊にいたんだ、相棒。

They don't take you if you're just a piece of fluff.

piece of fluff (軟弱者) [名] a person who is weak or cowardly

単なる軟弱者なら入隊させてもらえない。

I got badly hurt and it wasn't any fun with those Nazi doctors.

get badly hurt (ひどく怪我をする) [動] be injured or wounded

Nazi (ナチス) [名] a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party

私はひどく怪我をしたので、ナチスの医者たちと過ごすのは全く楽しくなかった。

It did something to me.”

do something to (何かをする) [動] to have an effect on someone or something

それが私に何かをしたんだ。」

“I know all that, Terry.

「それは全部知っている、テリー。

You're a very sweet guy in a lot of ways.

君はいろいろな意味でとても優しい人だ。

I'm not judging you.

私は君を裁いているわけではない。

I never did.

一度もなかった。

It's just that you're not here any more.

not here (ここにいない) [副] not present

ただ、君はもうここにいないだけだ。

You're long gone.

be long gone (ずっと前にいなくなる) [動] to have left a place a long time ago

君はずっと前にいなくなってしまった。

You've got nice clothes and perfume and you're as elegant as a fifty-dollar whore.”

fifty-dollar (50ドルの) [形] costing fifty dollars

君は素敵な服を着て香水をつけて、50ドルの売春婦のように優雅だ。」

“That's just an act,” he said almost desperately.

act (演技) [名] the art or practice of representing a character on stage or in a movie, television show, or radio program

desperately (必死に) [副] in a way that shows extreme need or anxiety

「それはただの演技だ」と彼はほとんど必死に言った。

“You get a kick out of it, don't you?”

get a kick out of (楽しむ) [動] to get a thrill or a feeling of pleasure from something

don't you (~だろう) [助] used in speech to ask a question that expects the listener to agree with the speaker

「君はそれで楽しんでるんだろ?」

His mouth dropped in a sour smile.

彼の口は酸っぱい笑顔で落ちた。

He shrugged an expressive energetic Latin shrug.

energetic (エネルギッシュな) [形] having or showing great energy or vitality

Latin (ラテン系の) [形] of or relating to the Latin language or people

彼は表現力豊かでエネルギッシュなラテン系の肩をすくめた。

“Of course. An act is all there is.

「もちろん。演技だけが全てだ。

There isn't anything else.

他には何もない。

In here--” he tapped his chest with the lighter--“there isn't anything.

ここに」彼はライターで胸を軽く叩いた。「何もないんだ。

I've had it, Marlowe. I had it long ago.

have it (経験する) [動] to have experienced something

私はそれを経験したんだ、マーロウ。ずっと前に経験したんだ。

Well--I gues that winds things up.”

wind up (終わる) [動] come to an end; finish

まあ、これで終わりかな」

He stood up.

彼は立ち上がった。

I stood up.

私は立ち上がった。

He put out a lean hand.

彼は細い手を差し出した。

I shook it.

私はそれを握った。

“So long, Señor Maioranos.

「さよなら、マヨラノスさん。

Nice to have known you--however briefly.”

Nice to have known you (お会いできてよかった) [句] a polite expression used when meeting someone for the first time

短い間でしたが、お会いできてよかったです」

“Goodbye.”

「さよなら」

He turned and walked across the floor and out.

彼は振り返り、床を横切って歩いて出て行った。

I watched the door close.

私はドアが閉まるのを見た。

I listened to his steps going away down the imitation marble corridor.

go away (遠ざかっていく) [動] to move or travel away from a place

imitation (偽) [名] a copy of something

私は彼の足音が偽大理石の廊下を遠ざかっていくのを聞いた。

After a while they got faint, then they got silent.

get faint (かすかになる) [動] become weak or indistinct

get silent (聞こえなくなる) [動] become quiet or still

しばらくすると足音はかすかになり、やがて聞こえなくなった。

I kept on listening anyway.

listening (聞く) [動] perceive sounds with the ear

私はとにかく聞き続けた。

What for?

何のために?

Did I want him to stop suddenly and turn and come back and talk me out of the way I felt?

私は彼が突然立ち止まって、振り返って戻ってきて、私の感じ方を変えてくれることを望んでいたのだろうか?

Well, he didn't.

まあ、彼はそうしなかった。

That was the last I saw of him.

それが彼を見た最後だった。

I never saw any of them again--except the cops.

any of them (彼らの誰にも) [名] any of the people or things in a group that has just been mentioned

私は彼らの誰にも二度と会うことはなかった--警官を除いて。

No way has yet been invented to say goodbye to them.

彼らに別れを告げる方法はまだ発明されていない。