[English-Japanese Annotation Book]

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

シャーロック・ホームズの帰還

by Arthur Conan Doyle

sections=13, paragraphs=2562, sentences=7468

words=112416, characters=597878, annotations=12766

Contents

1. THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE

2. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NORWOOD BUILDER

3. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DANCING MEN

4. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SOLITARY CYCLIST

5. THE ADVENTURE OF THE PRIORY SCHOOL

6. THE ADVENTURE OF BLACK PETER

7. THE ADVENTURE OF CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON

8. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SIX NAPOLEONS

9. THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE STUDENTS

10. THE ADVENTURE OF THE GOLDEN PINCE-NEZ

11. THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING THREE-QUARTER

12. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ABBEY GRANGE

13. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SECOND STAIN

License

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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.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE EMPTY HOUSE

adventure (冒険) [名] an exciting or very unusual experience

empty (空き) [形] containing nothing

house (家) [名] a place where people live

空き家の冒険

It was in the spring of the year 1894 that all London was interested, and the fashionable world dismayed, by the murder of the Honourable Ronald Adair under most unusual and inexplicable circumstances.

spring (春) [名] the season of the year between winter and summer

London (ロンドン) [名] the capital city of England

interested (興味を持つ) [形] having or showing curiosity or concern about something

fashionable (上流の) [形] of or relating to the current fashion or style

dismay (狼狽) [名] a feeling of fear or shock, especially at something unexpected

Honourable (卿) [形] a title given to certain high officials

Ronald Adair (ロナルド・アデア) [名] a character in the story

murder (殺害) [名] the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought

unusual (異常な) [形] not usual or common

inexplicable (不可解な) [形] unable to be explained or accounted for

ロンドン中が興味を持ち、上流社会が狼狽したのは、一八九四年の春、ロナルド・アデア卿が、きわめて異常で不可解な状況のもとで殺害されたときのことだった。

The public has already learned those particulars of the crime which came out in the police investigation, but a good deal was suppressed upon that occasion, since the case for the prosecution was so overwhelmingly strong that it was not necessary to bring forward all the facts.

public (世間) [名] the people as a whole

learn (知る) [動] get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

particular (詳細) [名] an individual fact or item

crime (犯罪) [名] an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law

police (警察) [名] the civil force of a state responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order

investigation (捜査) [名] an official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc.

come out (判明する) [動] become known

good deal (かなりの部分) [名] a large amount or extent

suppress (隠蔽する) [動] forcibly put an end to

occasion (その際) [名] a particular time

prosecution (検察側) [名] the institution and conducting of legal proceedings against a person

overwhelmingly (圧倒的に) [副] to a very great degree or extent

strong (強い) [形] having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks

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

bring forward (明らかにする) [動] to make known

fact (事実) [名] a thing that is known or proved to be true

警察の捜査で判明した犯罪の詳細はすでに世間に知られているが、その際には、検察側の証拠が圧倒的に強かったため、すべての事実を明らかにする必要がなかったことから、かなりの部分が隠蔽されていた。

Only now, at the end of nearly ten years, am I allowed to supply those missing links which make up the whole of that remarkable chain.

only now (ようやく今) [副] not until now

at the end of (経って) [前] after the completion of

nearly ten years (十年近く) [名] a period of time

am I allowed to (私は許された) [動] be given permission to do something

supply (補う) [動] provide or make available

those missing links (欠けた輪) [名] something that is missing or not present

make up (構成する) [動] form or constitute

the whole (全体) [名] all of something

that remarkable chain (この驚くべき鎖) [名] a series of events that are connected

ようやく今、十年近く経って、私はこの驚くべき鎖の全体を構成する欠けた輪を補うことを許された。

The crime was of interest in itself, but that interest was as nothing to me compared to the inconceivable sequel, which afforded me the greatest shock and surprise of any event in my adventurous life.

interest (興味) [名] a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

itself (それ自体) [代] used to emphasize the identity of the subject

nothing (何もない) [代] not anything; no single thing

inconceivable (想像を絶する) [形] too strange or unlikely to be believed

sequel (続編) [名] a published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one

afford (与える) [動] provide or supply

shock (衝撃) [名] a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience

surprise (驚き) [名] an unexpected event or experience

adventurous (冒険的な) [形] involving risk or danger

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

犯罪そのものも興味深かったが、その興味も、私の冒険人生の中で最も大きな衝撃と驚きを与えてくれた、想像を絶する続編に比べれば、私には何の意味もなかった。

Even now, after this long interval, I find myself thrilling as I think of it, and feeling once more that sudden flood of joy, amazement, and incredulity which utterly submerged my mind.

even now (今でも) [副] at this time; now

long interval (長い時間) [名] a long period of time

find oneself (~だと気づく) [動] to discover or realize something about oneself

thrilling (身震いする) [形] causing a feeling of excitement or pleasure

think of (考える) [動] to direct one's mind toward someone or something; to consider

once more (もう一度) [副] one more time; again

sudden (突然の) [形] happening or done quickly and without warning

flood (洪水) [名] a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry

joy (喜び) [名] a feeling of great happiness

amazement (驚き) [名] a feeling of great surprise

incredulity (信じられない気持ち) [名] the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something

utterly (完全に) [副] completely; totally

submerge (水没させる) [動] to cause to be under water

長い時間が経った今でも、そのことを考えると身震いするし、私の心を完全に水没させた喜び、驚き、信じられない気持ちの洪水をもう一度感じる。

Let me say to that public, which has shown some interest in those glimpses which I have occasionally given them of the thoughts and actions of a very remarkable man, that they are not to blame me if I have not shared my knowledge with them, for I should have considered it my first duty to do so, had I not been barred by a positive prohibition from his own lips, which was only withdrawn upon the third of last month.

let me say (申し上げたい) [動] allow me to say

show (示す) [動] to make visible or apparent

glimpse (垣間見ること) [名] a brief, incomplete view or understanding of something

thought (思考) [名] an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind

action (行動) [名] the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve a purpose

blame (責める) [動] to hold someone or something responsible for a fault or wrong

share (伝える) [動] to give a part of something to someone

knowledge (知っていること) [名] information, understanding, and skills that you gain through education or experience

consider (考える) [動] to think carefully about something

first (第一の) [形] coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st

duty (義務) [名] a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility

prohibit (禁止する) [動] to formally or legally forbid something

withdraw (解除する) [動] to take back or away

私が時折お伝えしてきた、ある非常に優れた人物の思考や行動を垣間見ることに関心を示してくださった読者の皆さんに申し上げたいのは、私が自分の知っていることをお伝えしなかったとしても、私を責めないでほしいということだ。もし彼自身の口から明確に禁止されていなければ、私はそうすることを第一の義務と考えていただろう。その禁止は先月三日にようやく解除されたのだ。

It can be imagined that my close intimacy with Sherlock Holmes had interested me deeply in crime, and that after his disappearance I never failed to read with care the various problems which came before the public.

close intimacy (親しい) [名] a close personal relationship

Sherlock Holmes (シャーロック・ホームズ) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

interest (興味を持つ) [動] attract or hold the attention of

deeply (深く) [副] to a great extent

disappearance (姿を消す) [名] the act of disappearing

fail (欠かすことがない) [動] be unsuccessful in doing or achieving something

read (読む) [動] look at and understand the meaning of written or printed matter by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed

care (注意深く) [名] serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage or risk

various (様々な) [形] different from one another; of different kinds

problem (問題) [名] a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

想像に難くないことだが、シャーロック・ホームズと親しくしていた私は、犯罪に深く興味を持つようになり、彼が姿を消した後も、世間に出回る様々な問題を注意深く読むのを欠かすことはなかった。

And I even attempted, more than once, for my own private satisfaction, to employ his methods in their solution, though with indifferent success.

more than once (何度も) [副] on more than one occasion

private satisfaction (私自身の満足) [名] the feeling of fulfillment or happiness that comes from achieving something

employ (用いる) [動] use

solution (解決) [名] the answer to a problem or question

indifferent success (成功しなかった) [名] a lack of success

そして、私自身の満足のために、彼の方法を解決に用いてみようと何度も試みたが、成功しなかった。

There was none, however, which appealed to me like this tragedy of Ronald Adair.

however (しかし) [副] nevertheless; on the other hand

appeal (惹きつける) [動] be attractive or interesting to

tragedy (事件) [名] an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe

しかし、このロナルド・アデア事件ほど私の心を惹きつけた事件はなかった。

As I read the evidence at the inquest, which led up to a verdict of willful murder against some person or persons unknown, I realized more clearly than I had ever done the loss which the community had sustained by the death of Sherlock Holmes.

evidence (証拠) [名] the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid

inquest (検死官) [名] a judicial inquiry into the cause of a death

lead up to (至る) [動] to result in

verdict (評決) [名] the finding of a jury on the issues of fact submitted to it for decision

willful (故意の) [形] done deliberately

community (社会) [名] a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common

sustain (被る) [動] to experience or be subjected to

loss (損失) [名] the fact or process of losing something or someone

検死官の証拠を読み、未知の人物による故意の殺人という評決に至ったとき、私はシャーロック・ホームズの死によって社会が被った損失をこれまで以上にはっきりと実感した。

There were points about this strange business which would, I was sure, have specially appealed to him, and the efforts of the police would have been supplemented, or more probably anticipated, by the trained observation and the alert mind of the first criminal agent in Europe.

point (点) [名] a particular place, especially one with an established purpose

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

business (事件) [名] a matter or situation that is being dealt with or considered

effort (努力) [名] a vigorous or determined attempt

supplement (補完する) [動] add to something in order to improve it

anticipate (先回りする) [動] regard as probable; expect or predict

train (訓練された) [動] teach a particular skill or type of behavior to

observation (観察眼) [名] the action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information

alert (機敏な) [形] quick to notice or respond to something

mind (頭脳) [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

この奇妙な事件には、彼が特に興味を持ちそうな点があり、警察の努力は、ヨーロッパ随一の犯罪捜査員の訓練された観察眼と機敏な頭脳によって補完され、あるいは先回りされていただろう。

All day, as I drove upon my round, I turned over the case in my mind and found no explanation which appeared to me to be adequate.

all day (一日中) [副] for the entire day

drive (巡回する) [動] travel by car

turn over (考えを巡らす) [動] think about something repeatedly

case (事件) [名] an occurrence of something

explanation (説明) [名] a statement that makes something clear

adequate (十分な) [形] satisfactory but not very good

一日中、私は巡回しながら、この事件について考えを巡らせたが、私にとって十分な説明は見つからなかった。

At the risk of telling a twice-told tale, I will recapitulate the facts as they were known to the public at the conclusion of the inquest.

at the risk of (危険を冒して) [前] with the possibility of

tell (話す) [動] communicate with words

twice-told (二度語った) [形] told twice

tale (話) [名] a story or account of a series of events

recapitulate (要約する) [動] summarize

conclusion (結論) [名] the end or finish of something

二度語った話をする危険を冒して、私は検死官の結論で公に知られていた事実を要約する。

The Honourable Ronald Adair was the second son of the Earl of Maynooth, at that time governor of one of the Australian colonies.

second son (次男) [名] the second son of a family

Earl of Maynooth (メイヌース伯爵) [名] a character in the story

at that time (当時) [副] at the time in question

one of (一つの) [限] a particular thing that is part of a group

Australian colonies (オーストラリアの植民地) [名] a colony of Australia

governor (総督) [名] the person appointed to govern a colony

ロナルド・アデア卿は、当時オーストラリアの植民地の一つの総督を務めていたメイヌース伯爵の次男だった。

Adair’s mother had returned from Australia to undergo the operation for cataract, and she, her son Ronald, and her daughter Hilda were living together at 427, Park Lane.

Adair (アデア) [名] a surname

mother (母親) [名] a woman who has given birth to a child

return (帰国する) [動] go or come back to a place

Australia (オーストラリア) [名] a country in the southern hemisphere

undergo (受ける) [動] experience or be subjected to

operation (手術) [名] a medical procedure

cataract (白内障) [名] a clouding of the lens in the eye

son (息子) [名] a male child

daughter (娘) [名] a female child

live (暮らす) [動] be alive

together (一緒に) [副] with or in the company of another person or other people

アデアの母親は白内障の手術を受けるためにオーストラリアから帰国し、彼女と息子のロナルド、娘のヒルダはパークレーン427番地で一緒に暮らしていた。

The youth moved in the best society—had, so far as was known, no enemies and no particular vices.

youth (青年) [名] the period of life between childhood and adulthood

move in (活躍する) [動] be active in

best (上流) [形] of the highest quality

society (社会) [名] the community of people living in a particular country or region and having shared customs, laws, and organizations

so far as (知る限り) [副] to the extent that

enemy (敵) [名] a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

vice (悪徳) [名] immoral or wicked behavior

青年は上流社会で活躍し、知る限り敵も悪徳もなかった。

He had been engaged to Miss Edith Woodley, of Carstairs, but the engagement had been broken off by mutual consent some months before, and there was no sign that it had left any very profound feeling behind it.

engage (婚約する) [動] to make a promise to marry

Miss Edith Woodley (ミス・エディス・ウッドリー) [名] a woman

Carstairs (カーステアズ) [名] a place

engagement (婚約) [名] a promise to marry

break off (解消する) [動] to end or stop

mutual consent (双方の合意) [名] an agreement between two or more people or groups

some months before (数ヶ月前) [名] a period of time

sign (形跡) [名] an indication of something

leave (残す) [動] to go away from

profound feeling (深い感情) [名] a strong emotion

彼はカーステアズのミス・エディス・ウッドリーと婚約していたが、数ヶ月前に双方の合意で婚約を解消しており、その背後に深い感情を残した形跡はなかった。

For the rest, the man’s life moved in a narrow and conventional circle, for his habits were quiet and his nature unemotional.

for the rest (その他) [副] apart from that; otherwise

life (生活) [名] the period of time during which a person is alive

move (動く) [動] change position

narrow (狭い) [形] of small width

conventional (因習的な) [形] based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed

circle (輪) [名] a round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center)

habit (習慣) [名] a settled or regular tendency or practice

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

nature (性質) [名] the basic or inherent features, character, or qualities of something

unemotional (冷静な) [形] not displaying or feeling emotion

その他、彼の生活は狭く因習的な輪の中で動いていたが、それは彼の習慣が静かで、彼の性質が冷静だったからである。

Yet it was upon this easy-going young aristocrat that death came, in most strange and unexpected form, between the hours of ten and eleven-twenty on the night of March 30, 1894.

easy-going (気楽な) [形] relaxed and tolerant

young (若い) [形] having lived or existed for only a short time

aristocrat (貴族) [名] a member of the highest social class

death (死) [名] the end of all biological functions that sustain a living organism

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

unexpected (予期せぬ) [形] not expected or regarded as likely to happen

form (形) [名] the visible shape or configuration of something

night (夜) [名] the period of darkness in each twenty-four hours

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

ten (10) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one

eleven (11) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one

twenty (20) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

しかし、この気楽な若い貴族に、1894年3月30日の夜10時から11時20分の間に、最も奇妙で予期せぬ形で死が訪れたのだった。

Ronald Adair was fond of cards—playing continually, but never for such stakes as would hurt him.

be fond of (が好きである) [動] like something or someone a lot

card (カード) [名] a piece of thick, stiff paper or thin cardboard

play (遊ぶ) [動] engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

continually (いつも) [副] very often or very frequently

stake (賭け) [名] something that you risk losing in a game or bet

hurt (傷つける) [動] feel pain in a part of your body

ロナルド・アデアはカードが好きで、いつも遊んでいたが、彼を傷つけるような賭けは決してしなかった。

He was a member of the Baldwin, the Cavendish, and the Bagatelle card clubs.

Baldwin (ボールドウィン) [名] a surname

Cavendish (キャベンディッシュ) [名] a surname

Bagatelle (バガテル) [名] a game played on a table with balls and a cue

card club (カードクラブ) [名] a club where people play card games

彼はボールドウィン、キャベンディッシュ、バガテルのカードクラブのメンバーだった。

It was shown that, after dinner on the day of his death, he had played a rubber of whist at the latter club.

dinner (夕食) [名] the last meal of the day

club (クラブ) [名] an association of people with a shared interest

rubber (ラバー) [名] a series of three or five games of whist

whist (ホイスト) [名] a card game for four players in two partnerships

彼の死の日の夕食後、彼は後者のクラブでホイストのラバーをプレイしたことが示された。

He had also played there in the afternoon.

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

afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

彼は午後もそこで遊んでいた。

The evidence of those who had played with him—Mr. Murray, Sir John Hardy, and Colonel Moran—showed that the game was whist, and that there was a fairly equal fall of the cards.

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

彼と遊んだ人々、マレー氏、ジョン・ハーディ卿、モラン大佐の証拠は、そのゲームがホイストであり、カードがほぼ均等に落ちたことを示した。

Adair might have lost five pounds, but not more.

might have (かもしれない) [助] a possibility in the past

lost (負けた) [動] be deprived of or cease to have or retain

five pounds (5ポンド) [名] a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or 453.59237 grams

not more (それ以上ではない) [副] not more than; no more than

アデアは5ポンド負けたかもしれないが、それ以上ではなかった。

His fortune was a considerable one, and such a loss could not in any way affect him.

fortune (財産) [名] a large amount of money or property

considerable (かなりの) [形] large in amount or extent

affect (影響する) [動] have an effect on; make a difference to

彼の財産はかなりのものであり、そのような損失は彼に何の影響も及ぼさなかった。

He had played nearly every day at one club or other, but he was a cautious player, and usually rose a winner.

nearly (ほぼ) [副] very close to; almost

every day (毎日) [副] on each day

one club or other (どこかのクラブ) [名] a group of people who meet regularly to play a sport or game

cautious (慎重な) [形] careful to avoid potential problems or dangers

player (プレイヤー) [名] a person who plays a sport or game

usually (たいてい) [副] on most occasions; more often than not

rise (勝ち越す) [動] go up; increase

彼はほぼ毎日どこかのクラブで遊んでいたが、慎重なプレイヤーで、たいていは勝ち越していた。

It came out in evidence that, in partnership with Colonel Moran, he had actually won as much as four hundred and twenty pounds in a sitting, some weeks before, from Godfrey Milner and Lord Balmoral.

partnership (組む) [名] the state of being a partner

Colonel Moran (モラン大佐) [名] a character in the story

actually (実際に) [副] in fact; really

win (勝つ) [動] be victorious or successful

as much as (~も) [副] to the extent or degree that

four hundred and twenty pounds (420ポンド) [名] a sum of money

sitting (一回) [名] a period of time during which people are seated

some weeks before (数週間前) [名] a period of time in the past

Godfrey Milner (ゴッドフリー・ミルナー) [名] a character in the story

Lord Balmoral (バルモラル卿) [名] a character in the story

証拠によると、彼はモラン大佐と組んで、数週間前にゴッドフリー・ミルナーとバルモラル卿から一回で420ポンドも勝っていた。

So much for his recent history as it came out at the inquest.

so much for (こんなところだ) [名] that is all there is to say about

recent (最近の) [形] having happened, begun, or been done not long ago or not long before; belonging to a past period of time comparatively close to the present

history (履歴) [名] the study of past events

come out (明らかになる) [動] become known or apparent

inquest (検死) [名] a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, such as a death

検死で明らかになった彼の最近の履歴はこんなところだ。

On the evening of the crime, he returned from the club exactly at ten.

on the evening of (の夜) [名] the evening of

exactly (ちょうど) [副] precisely; accurately

ten (10時) [名] the number 10

犯行の夜、彼はクラブからちょうど10時に帰宅した。

His mother and sister were out spending the evening with a relation.

sister (妹) [名] a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person

spend (過ごす) [動] pass or occupy (time) in a specified way

evening (夜) [名] the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night

relation (親戚) [名] a connection or association between people or things

母と妹は親戚と夜を過ごすために外出していた。

The servant deposed that she heard him enter the front room on the second floor, generally used as his sitting-room.

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

depose (証言する) [動] to testify to or give evidence of

hear (聞く) [動] to perceive or apprehend by the ear

enter (入る) [動] to go or come in

front room (前の部屋) [名] the room at the front of a house

second floor (二階) [名] the floor above the ground floor

generally (普段) [副] usually; on the whole

sitting-room (居間) [名] a room in a house for general everyday use

召使は、彼が普段居間として使っている二階の前の部屋に入るのを聞いたと証言した。

She had lit a fire there, and as it smoked she had opened the window.

light a fire (火を点ける) [動] start a fire

smoke (煙が出る) [動] emit smoke

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

彼女はそこに火を点け、煙が出たので窓を開けた。

No sound was heard from the room until eleven-twenty, the hour of the return of Lady Maynooth and her daughter.

no sound (音が聞こえない) [名] no noise

be heard (聞こえる) [動] be perceived or understood

room (部屋) [名] a part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling

eleven-twenty (11時20分) [名] the time 11:20

return (帰宅) [名] the act of going back to a place

Lady Maynooth (メイヌース夫人) [名] the wife of the Earl of Maynooth

メイヌース夫人と娘が帰宅する11時20分まで、部屋からは音が聞こえなかった。

Desiring to say good-night, she attempted to enter her son’s room.

desire (思う) [動] to want or wish for

say good-night (おやすみなさいを言う) [動] to say goodbye to someone at night

attempt (試みる) [動] to try to do something

おやすみなさいを言おうと思って、彼女は息子の部屋に入ろうとした。

The door was locked on the inside, and no answer could be got to their cries and knocking.

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

lock (鍵をかける) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

inside (内側) [名] the inner part of something

answer (返事) [名] a spoken or written reply or response

cry (叫び声) [名] a loud inarticulate shout or scream

knock (ノック) [名] a sharp blow or tap, especially on a door to attract attention

ドアは内側から鍵がかかっており、叫び声やノックにも返事がなかった。

Help was obtained, and the door forced.

obtain (得る) [動] get, acquire, or secure

force (こじ開ける) [動] open or move by force

助けを呼び、ドアをこじ開けた。

The unfortunate young man was found lying near the table.

unfortunate (不幸な) [形] having or marked by bad luck

young man (青年) [名] a young male human being

find (見つける) [動] discover or notice

lie (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

不幸な青年はテーブルの近くに横たわっているのが発見された。

His head had been horribly mutilated by an expanding revolver bullet, but no weapon of any sort was to be found in the room.

head (頭) [名] the upper part of the human body or the front or upper part of the body of an animal, typically separated from the rest of the body by a neck

horribly (ひどく) [副] in a shocking or horrifying way

mutilate (損傷する) [動] inflict a violent and disfiguring injury on

expanding (拡張式の) [形] able to become larger or greater

revolver (リボルバー) [名] a pistol with a revolving chamber

bullet (弾丸) [名] a projectile made of metal

weapon (武器) [名] a thing that is used to cause bodily harm or physical damage

彼の頭は拡張式リボルバーの弾丸によってひどく損傷されていたが、部屋にはどんな武器も見当たらなかった。

On the table lay two banknotes for ten pounds each and seventeen pounds ten in silver and gold, the money arranged in little piles of varying amount.

on the table (テーブルの上) [名] on the table

lay (置く) [動] put or set down

two (2枚) [数] one more than one

banknote (紙幣) [名] a piece of paper money

ten pounds (10ポンド) [名] ten pounds

seventeen pounds ten (17ポンド10シリング) [名] seventeen pounds ten

silver (銀) [名] a white precious metal

gold (金) [名] a yellow precious metal

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

arrange (分ける) [動] put in a certain order

little (小さな) [形] small in size

pile (山) [名] a heap of things laid or lying one on top of another

vary (異なる) [動] be different from one another

テーブルの上には、それぞれ10ポンドの紙幣が2枚と、銀と金で17ポンド10シリングが、金額の異なる小さな山に分けて置かれていた。

There were some figures also upon a sheet of paper, with the names of some club friends opposite to them, from which it was conjectured that before his death he was endeavouring to make out his losses or winnings at cards.

sheet of paper (紙切れ) [名] a piece of paper

figure (数字) [名] a number

opposite (反対側) [名] the other side of something

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

endeavour (努力する) [動] try hard to do or achieve something

make out (計算する) [動] calculate

紙切れには数字がいくつか書かれており、その反対側にはクラブの友人の名前がいくつか書かれていたことから、彼は死ぬ前にカードで負けたか勝ったかを計算しようとしていたのではないかと推測された。

A minute examination of the circumstances served only to make the case more complex.

minute (詳細な) [形] very small

examination (調査) [名] a detailed inspection or analysis

circumstance (状況) [名] a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

serve (なる) [動] to be of use or benefit to

complex (複雑な) [形] consisting of many different and connected parts

状況を詳細に調べても、事件はより複雑になるだけだった。

In the first place, no reason could be given why the young man should have fastened the door upon the inside.

in the first place (まず第一に) [副] first of all; before anything else

no reason (理由がない) [名] no explanation or justification

could be given (説明できなかった) [動] be able to be explained

why (なぜ) [副] for what reason or purpose

should have fastened (閉めた) [動] to close or secure (something) with a fastener

upon (内側から) [前] on the surface of

まず第一に、青年が内側からドアを閉めた理由が説明できなかった。

There was the possibility that the murderer had done this, and had afterwards escaped by the window.

murderer (犯人) [名] a person who has committed murder

possibility (可能性) [名] the state or fact of being possible

escape (逃げる) [動] get free from a place of confinement

犯人がそうして、その後窓から逃げたという可能性もあった。

The drop was at least twenty feet, however, and a bed of crocuses in full bloom lay beneath.

drop (落差) [名] the distance from a higher to a lower level

at least (少なくとも) [副] not less than; as much as

twenty feet (20フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

full bloom (満開) [名] the state of being in bloom

lay (広がる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal position

しかし、落差は少なくとも20フィートあり、下には満開のクロッカス畑が広がっていた。

Neither the flowers nor the earth showed any sign of having been disturbed, nor were there any marks upon the narrow strip of grass which separated the house from the road.

flower (花) [名] the seed-bearing part of a plant

earth (土) [名] the ground; the soil

show (見せる) [動] to cause or allow to be seen

disturb (乱す) [動] to interfere with the peace or quiet of

nor (〜もない) [接] and not; also not

mark (跡) [名] a visible impression or trace

separate (隔てる) [動] to keep apart

road (道路) [名] a way on land between two places that has been paved to allow travel by transport

花にも土にも乱れた形跡はなく、家と道路を隔てる狭い芝生にも跡はなかった。

Apparently, therefore, it was the young man himself who had fastened the door.

apparently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is easily seen or understood

fasten (閉める) [動] to close or do up securely

したがって、明らかにドアを閉めたのは青年自身だった。

But how did he come by his death?

come by (死ぬ) [動] die

しかし、彼はどのように死んだのか?

No one could have climbed up to the window without leaving traces.

no one (誰も) [代] not a single person

climb up (登る) [動] go up or down by using one's hands and feet

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

誰も痕跡を残さずに窓まで登ることはできなかった。

Suppose a man had fired through the window, he would indeed be a remarkable shot who could with a revolver inflict so deadly a wound.

suppose (仮に) [動] assume that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge

fire (発砲する) [動] shoot a gun

indeed (実に) [副] really; truly; certainly

remarkable (素晴らしい) [形] worthy of attention; striking

shot (射撃手) [名] a person who shoots

inflict (与える) [動] cause (something unpleasant or painful) to be suffered by someone or something

wound (傷) [名] physical injury caused by a cut, blow, or other impact

仮に誰かが窓から発砲したとしても、リボルバーであれほど致命傷を与えられるとは、実に素晴らしい射撃手だろう。

Again, Park Lane is a frequented thoroughfare;

Park Lane (パークレーン) [名] a street in the City of Westminster in central London

frequented (人通りの多い) [形] often visited

thoroughfare (大通り) [名] a road or street on which there is much traffic

それに、パークレーンは人通りの多い大通りだ。

there is a cab stand within a hundred yards of the house.

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

within (以内) [前] inside the limits of

hundred (百) [形] ten times ten

yard (ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

家から百ヤード以内にタクシー乗り場がある。

No one had heard a shot.

shot (銃声) [名] the discharge of a gun or other firearm

誰も銃声を聞いていない。

And yet there was the dead man and there the revolver bullet, which had mushroomed out, as soft-nosed bullets will, and so inflicted a wound which must have caused instantaneous death.

dead man (死体) [名] a corpse

revolver bullet (リボルバーの弾丸) [名] a bullet for a revolver

mushroom (キノコ状に広がる) [動] spread out in the shape of a mushroom

soft-nosed bullet (ソフトノーズの弾丸) [名] a bullet with a soft tip

cause (もたらす) [動] make (something) happen

instantaneous (即死) [形] happening or done without any delay; immediate

それでも死体があり、リボルバーの弾丸があり、それはソフトノーズの弾丸がそうであるように、キノコ状に広がっており、即死をもたらしたに違いない傷を負わせた。

Such were the circumstances of the Park Lane Mystery, which were further complicated by entire absence of motive, since, as I have said, young Adair was not known to have any enemy, and no attempt had been made to remove the money or valuables in the room.

Park Lane Mystery (パークレーン事件) [名] a murder that took place in Park Lane

absence (不在) [名] the state of being away from a place or person

motive (動機) [名] a reason for doing something

further (さらに) [副] to a greater extent or degree

complicated (複雑な) [形] consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; intricate

attempt (試み) [名] an act of trying to achieve something

remove (取り出す) [動] take away from a place

valuables (貴重品) [名] a small object of value

パークレーン事件の状況は以上の通りで、動機が全く不明なため、さらに複雑になっている。先に述べたように、若いアデアには敵がいるとは知られておらず、部屋の中の金品を取り出そうとした形跡もない。

All day I turned these facts over in my mind, endeavouring to hit upon some theory which could reconcile them all, and to find that line of least resistance which my poor friend had declared to be the starting-point of every investigation.

turn over (反芻する) [動] to think about something repeatedly

hit upon (思いつく) [動] to find or produce by chance

theory (理論) [名] a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something

reconcile (調和させる) [動] to make or become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

declare (宣言する) [動] to make a formal statement about something

starting-point (出発点) [名] the place or time at which something starts

私は一日中これらの事実を頭の中で反芻し、それらすべてを調和させることができる何らかの理論を思いつき、私の哀れな友人があらゆる調査の出発点であると宣言した最も抵抗の少ない道を見つけようと努力した。

I confess that I made little progress.

confess (白状する) [動] admit or state that one has committed a crime or done something wrong

make progress (進歩する) [動] move forward or advance

ほとんど進歩しなかったことを白状する。

In the evening I strolled across the Park, and found myself about six o’clock at the Oxford Street end of Park Lane.

in the evening (夕方) [副] in the early part of the night

stroll (散歩する) [動] walk in a leisurely way

across (横切る) [前] from one side to the other of

park (公園) [名] a large public garden in a town

find oneself (いる) [動] be in a particular place or situation

about (頃) [副] approximately

six o'clock (六時) [名] six hours after midnight

at the end of (の端に) [前] at the final point of

Oxford Street (オックスフォード街) [名] a street in London

夕方、私は公園を散歩し、六時頃にはパークレーンのオックスフォード街の端にいた。

A group of loafers upon the pavements, all staring up at a particular window, directed me to the house which I had come to see.

pavement (歩道) [名] a hard surface of ground, usually covering a road or path

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

stare (見上げる) [動] look fixedly or intently

direct (教える) [動] tell or show the way to

歩道にたむろする一群の怠け者たちが、皆一様に特定の窓を見上げていたので、私が見に来た家を教えてくれた。

A tall, thin man with coloured glasses, whom I strongly suspected of being a plain-clothes detective, was pointing out some theory of his own, while the others crowded round to listen to what he said.

tall (背が高い) [形] of more than average height

thin (痩せた) [形] having little flesh or fat on the body

coloured glasses (色眼鏡) [名] glasses with lenses that are not transparent

strongly suspect (強く疑う) [動] believe that something is true or likely

plain-clothes detective (私服の刑事) [名] a police detective who wears ordinary clothes instead of a uniform

point out (披露する) [動] to make someone aware of something

listen to (聴く) [動] give one's attention to a sound

crowd round (群がる) [動] gather around someone or something in a large group

背が高く痩せた色眼鏡の男は、私には私服の刑事だとしか思えなかったが、彼独自の理論を披露し、他の人々は彼の言うことを聴こうと群がっていた。

I got as near him as I could, but his observations seemed to me to be absurd, so I withdrew again in some disgust.

get near (近づく) [動] move closer to

as near as (できるだけ) [副] to the greatest extent or degree possible

absurd (馬鹿げた) [形] ridiculously incongruous or inappropriate

withdraw (退く) [動] move back or away from a place or position

私はできるだけ彼に近づいたが、彼の観察は私には馬鹿げたものに思えたので、私はまた嫌気がさして退いた。

As I did so I struck against an elderly, deformed man, who had been behind me, and I knocked down several books which he was carrying.

do so (そうする) [動] do the same thing

strike against (ぶつかる) [動] hit or come into contact with something forcefully

elderly (年配の) [形] old or aging

deformed (奇形の) [形] having a physical abnormality

knock down (落とす) [動] cause to fall to the ground

book (本) [名] a written or printed work consisting of pages bound together between two covers

そうした時、私は後ろにいた年配の奇形の男にぶつかり、彼が持っていた本を数冊落としてしまった。

I remember that as I picked them up, I observed the title of one of them, The Origin of Tree Worship, and it struck me that the fellow must be some poor bibliophile, who, either as a trade or as a hobby, was a collector of obscure volumes.

pick up (拾い上げる) [動] lift or raise something

observe (気づく) [動] notice or perceive

title (題名) [名] the name of a book, film, or other work

strike (思う) [動] come to one's mind

fellow (男) [名] a man or boy

poor (貧しい) [形] having little money or few possessions

bibliophile (愛書家) [名] a person who loves or collects books

trade (商売) [名] a business or occupation

hobby (趣味) [名] an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure

obscure (珍しい) [形] not discovered or known about; uncertain

volume (本) [名] a book

私がそれらを拾い上げた時、そのうちの一冊の題名が『樹木崇拝の起源』であることに気づき、この男は商売か趣味で珍しい本を集めている貧しい愛書家であるに違いないと思ったのを覚えている。

I endeavoured to apologize for the accident, but it was evident that these books which I had so unfortunately maltreated were very precious objects in the eyes of their owner.

apologize (謝罪する) [動] express regret for a mistake

accident (事故) [名] an unfortunate event that happens unexpectedly and usually results in harm or damage

unfortunately (不幸にも) [副] it is unlucky that

maltreat (乱暴に扱う) [動] treat with cruelty or violence

precious (貴重な) [形] of great value or worth

object (もの) [名] a material thing that can be seen and touched

私はその事故を謝罪しようとしたが、私が不幸にも乱暴に扱ったこれらの本は、持ち主の目には非常に貴重なものであることは明らかだった。

With a snarl of contempt he turned upon his heel, and I saw his curved back and white side-whiskers disappear among the throng.

contempt (軽蔑) [名] the act of despising

snarl (唸り声) [名] an angry growl

turn upon (踵を返す) [動] to change direction suddenly

heel (踵) [名] the end of a foot

curved (曲がった) [形] having a bent or rounded shape

back (背中) [名] the part of the human body between the neck and the bottom of the spine

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

side-whiskers (頬ひげ) [名] a strip of hair growing down the side of a man's face

disappear (消えていく) [動] cease to be visible

throng (群衆) [名] a large group of people

彼は軽蔑の唸り声を上げて踵を返し、私は彼の曲がった背中と白い頬ひげが群衆の中に消えていくのを見た。

My observations of No. 427, Park Lane did little to clear up the problem in which I was interested.

No. 427 (427番地) [名] the number of a house or building

clear up (解決する) [動] make clear or plain

パークレーン427番地の観察は、私の関心のある問題を解決するのにほとんど役立たなかった。

The house was separated from the street by a low wall and railing, the whole not more than five feet high.

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

low (低い) [形] of little height

wall (塀) [名] a continuous vertical brick or stone structure that encloses or divides an area of land

railing (手すり) [名] a fence or barrier made of rails

whole (全体) [名] all of something

not more than (~も満たない) [副] no more than; not as much as

その家は低い塀と手すりで通りから隔てられており、全体の高さは5フィートにも満たなかった。

It was perfectly easy, therefore, for anyone to get into the garden, but the window was entirely inaccessible, since there was no waterpipe or anything which could help the most active man to climb it.

perfectly (至極) [副] completely or absolutely

easy (簡単) [形] able to be achieved without great effort

anyone (誰でも) [代] any person

get into (入る) [動] go into

garden (庭) [名] a piece of land where plants (such as flowers or vegetables) are grown

entirely (全く) [副] completely or totally

inaccessible (近寄り難い) [形] unable to be reached

waterpipe (水道管) [名] a pipe that carries water

climb (登る) [動] go up

だから誰でも庭に入るのは至極簡単だったが、窓は全く近寄り難く、どんなに機敏な人間でも登るのに役立つような水道管も何もなかった。

More puzzled than ever, I retraced my steps to Kensington.

more than ever (これまで以上に) [副] to a greater extent than ever before

puzzled (困惑した) [形] confused or perplexed

retrace (たどる) [動] go back over the same route

Kensington (ケンジントン) [名] a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in the West London area of the capital city of London

これまで以上に困惑し、私はケンジントンへの道をたどった。

I had not been in my study five minutes when the maid entered to say that a person desired to see me.

not be in (いない) [動] not be present

five minutes (5分) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

maid (メイド) [名] a female domestic servant

say (告げる) [動] express (something) in words

person (誰か) [名] a human being regarded as an individual

desire (会いたがっていると) [動] strongly wish for or want

私が書斎に入って5分も経たないうちに、メイドが誰かが私に会いたがっていると告げに来た。

To my astonishment it was none other than my strange old book collector, his sharp, wizened face peering out from a frame of white hair, and his precious volumes, a dozen of them at least, wedged under his right arm.

to my astonishment (驚いたことに) [副] to my surprise

none other than (他ならぬ) [副] no other person than

old (古い) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

book collector (古書収集家) [名] a person who collects books

sharp (鋭い) [形] having a fine edge or point

wizened (しわくちゃの) [形] having a lot of wrinkles

face (顔) [名] the front of a person's head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

peer (覗く) [動] look or glance quickly or furtively

frame (額縁) [名] a rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something such as a door or window

white hair (白い髪の毛) [名] hair that has lost its pigment

wedge (挟まる) [動] be stuck or fixed firmly in a narrow space

驚いたことに、それは私の奇妙な古書収集家で、彼の鋭く、しわくちゃの顔が白い髪の毛の額縁から覗き、彼の貴重な本が少なくとも12冊、彼の右腕の下に挟まれていた。

“You’re surprised to see me, sir,” said he, in a strange, croaking voice.

be surprised to see (会って驚く) [動] be surprised to meet

croak (しゃがれる) [動] make a low, rough sound in the throat

「私に会って驚いているな」と彼は奇妙なしゃがれた声で言った。

I acknowledged that I was.

acknowledge (認める) [動] recognize the existence or truth of

be (~である) [動] exist or live

私は驚いていることを認めた。

“Well, I’ve a conscience, sir, and when I chanced to see you go into this house, as I came hobbling after you, I thought to myself, I’ll just step in and see that kind gentleman, and tell him that if I was a bit gruff in my manner there was not any harm meant, and that I am much obliged to him for picking up my books.”

conscience (良心) [名] a person's moral sense of right and wrong

chance (偶然) [名] a possibility of something happening

see (見かける) [動] perceive with the eyes

go into (入る) [動] move or travel into

hobbling (よろよろと歩く) [動] walk lamely or unsteadily

think (思う) [動] have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

step in (中に入る) [動] enter a place

see (会う) [動] meet with

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

tell (伝える) [動] communicate information, news, or a story to

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

gruff (無愛想な) [形] rough or stern in manner or speech

mean (悪気はない) [動] intend to convey or indicate

harm (害) [名] physical or mental damage or injury

obliged (感謝している) [形] grateful

pick up (拾う) [動] lift or take up something

「ええ、私には良心があります、あなたを偶然見かけ、あなたがこの家に入るのを見かけた時、私はあなたの後をよろよろと歩いて来ながら、私はこう思いました、私はちょっと中に入って、あの親切な紳士に会って、もし私の態度が少し無愛想だったとしても、悪気はなかったこと、そして私の本を拾ってくれたことにとても感謝していることを伝えよう」

“You make too much of a trifle,” said I.

make too much of (大げさに言う) [動] to give too much importance to something

trifle (些細なこと) [名] something of little value or importance

「あなたは些細なことを大げさに言っている」と私は言った。

“May I ask how you knew who I was?”

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

know (知る) [動] be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information

who (誰) [代] what or which person or people

「私が誰かを知ったのはどうしてか聞いてもいいですか?」

“Well, sir, if it isn’t too great a liberty, I am a neighbour of yours, for you’ll find my little bookshop at the corner of Church Street, and very happy to see you, I am sure.

liberty (失礼) [名] the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views

neighbour (ご近所さん) [名] a person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to

Church Street (チャーチ・ストリート) [名] a street in London

happy (嬉しい) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

「ええ、失礼ながら、私はあなたのご近所さんで、チャーチ・ストリートの角に私の小さな本屋があります、あなたに会えてとても嬉しいです、本当に。

Maybe you collect yourself, sir.

collect (収集する) [動] bring or gather together

yourself (あなた) [代] the person being addressed

あなたも収集家かもしれませんね。

Here’s British Birds, and Catullus, and The Holy War—a bargain, every one of them.

British Birds (イギリスの鳥) [名] a book about birds in Britain

Catullus (カトゥルス) [名] a book of poems by Catullus

The Holy War (聖戦) [名] a book about the Crusades

bargain (掘り出し物) [名] something that is bought or sold for a price that is lower than its true value

ここにイギリスの鳥、カトゥルス、聖戦があります、どれも掘り出し物です。

With five volumes you could just fill that gap on that second shelf.

five (五) [名] the number 5

fill (埋める) [動] make or become full

gap (隙間) [名] an unfilled space or interval

second (二段目) [形] coming after the first in position or time

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

五巻で二段目の棚のあの隙間を埋めることができます。

It looks untidy, does it not, sir?”

look (見える) [動] to seem or appear

untidy (見苦しい) [形] not neat or tidy

does it not (でしょう) [助] used in questions to express a tentative opinion or to ask for confirmation

sir (旦那様) [名] a respectful form of address for a man

見苦しいでしょう?」

I moved my head to look at the cabinet behind me.

look (見る) [動] direct one's gaze

cabinet (戸棚) [名] a cupboard with shelves or drawers

私は頭を動かして後ろの戸棚を見た。

When I turned again, Sherlock Holmes was standing smiling at me across my study table.

turn (振り返る) [動] change direction, position, or course

stand (立つ) [動] be in or assume a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

smile (微笑む) [動] form one's features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

私が再び振り返ると、シャーロック・ホームズが私の書斎のテーブルを挟んで私に向かって立って微笑んでいた。

I rose to my feet, stared at him for some seconds in utter amazement, and then it appears that I must have fainted for the first and the last time in my life.

rise to one's feet (立ち上がる) [動] stand up

some seconds (数秒間) [名] a short period of time

utter amazement (全く驚いて) [名] a feeling of great surprise or wonder

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

faint (失神する) [動] lose consciousness temporarily

私は立ち上がり、数秒間、全く驚いて彼を見つめ、それから私は人生で最初で最後の失神をしたに違いない。

Certainly a grey mist swirled before my eyes, and when it cleared I found my collar-ends undone and the tingling after-taste of brandy upon my lips.

certainly (確かに) [副] without doubt

grey (灰色の) [形] of a color intermediate between black and white

mist (霧) [名] a cloud of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

swirl (渦巻く) [動] move or cause to move in a twisting or spiraling pattern

clear (晴れる) [動] become free of clouds or mist

collar (襟) [名] a band of material around the neck of a garment

undone (ほどける) [動] come loose or unfastened

tingling (ピリピリする) [形] having or causing a slight prickling or stinging sensation

after-taste (後味) [名] a taste that remains in the mouth after eating or drinking something

brandy (ブランデー) [名] a strong alcoholic drink made from distilled wine

確かに灰色の霧が目の前で渦巻き、それが晴れた時、私は襟の端がほどけていて、唇にブランデーのピリピリした後味が残っているのに気づいた。

Holmes was bending over my chair, his flask in his hand.

bend over (かがむ) [動] to move your body so that your head and upper body are lower than your waist

chair (椅子) [名] a seat with a back and usually four legs

flask (フラスコ) [名] a container with a narrow neck and a round body, typically made of glass and used in a laboratory

ホームズは私の椅子の上にかがみ、フラスコを手にしていた。

“My dear Watson,” said the well-remembered voice, “I owe you a thousand apologies.

dear (親愛なる) [形] regarded with deep affection

Watson (ワトソン) [名] the narrator of the Sherlock Holmes stories

owe (負う) [動] have or feel a duty or obligation to do something

thousand (千) [名] the number 1000

apology (謝罪) [名] a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure

「ワトソン君」とよく覚えている声が言った。「君に謝らなければならないことが山ほどある。

I had no idea that you would be so affected.”

have no idea (知らない) [動] not know

be affected (影響を受ける) [動] be influenced or changed by something

君がそんなに影響を受けるとは知らなかった。」

I gripped him by the arms.

grip (掴む) [動] hold firmly

arm (腕) [名] an upper limb

私は彼の腕を掴んだ。

“Holmes!” I cried.

Holmes (ホームズ) [名] the main character of the story

cry (叫ぶ) [動] to speak or say something loudly

「ホームズ!」私は叫んだ。

“Is it really you?

really (本当に) [副] in reality; in fact; actually

「本当に君なのか?

Can it indeed be that you are alive?

indeed (本当に) [副] in fact; really; truly

alive (生きている) [形] living; not dead

本当に君は生きているのか?

Is it possible that you succeeded in climbing out of that awful abyss?”

succeed (成功する) [動] achieve a goal or objective

climb (這い上がる) [動] go up or down with effort, using one's hands and feet

abyss (深淵) [名] a deep or seemingly bottomless hole

君はあの恐ろしい深淵から這い上がることに成功したのか?」

“Wait a moment,” said he.

wait a moment (ちょっと待って) [動] stop doing something for a short time

「ちょっと待って」と彼は言った。

“Are you sure that you are really fit to discuss things?

be sure (確信している) [動] be certain or confident about something

fit (適した) [形] in good health

discuss (議論する) [動] talk about something with someone

「君は本当に物事を議論するのに適した状態か?

I have given you a serious shock by my unnecessarily dramatic reappearance.”

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

serious (深刻な) [形] requiring much thought or work

unnecessary (不必要) [形] not needed

dramatic (劇的) [形] sudden and striking

reappearance (再登場) [名] the action of reappearing

私は不必要に劇的な再登場で君に深刻なショックを与えてしまった。」

“I am all right, but indeed, Holmes, I can hardly believe my eyes.

all right (大丈夫) [形] satisfactory or acceptable

indeed (実際) [副] really; truly; in fact

hardly (ほとんど) [副] almost not at all; barely

believe (信じる) [動] accept that (something) is true, especially without proof

「私は大丈夫だが、実際、ホームズ、私は自分の目をほとんど信じられない。

Good heavens! to think that you—you of all men—should be standing in my study.”

Good heavens! (なんてことだ!) [間] an expression of surprise

なんてことだ! 君が、君が私の書斎に立っているなんて。」

Again I gripped him by the sleeve, and felt the thin, sinewy arm beneath it.

sleeve (袖) [名] the part of a garment that covers the arm

sinewy (筋張った) [形] having many muscles or tendons

私は再び彼の袖をつかみ、その下にある細く筋張った腕を感じた。

“Well, you’re not a spirit anyhow,” said I.

spirit (幽霊) [名] the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul

anyhow (とにかく) [副] in any case; at any rate

「とにかく、君は幽霊ではない」と私は言った。

“My dear chap, I’m overjoyed to see you.

chap (君) [名] a man or boy

overjoyed (とても嬉しい) [形] extremely happy

「君に会えてとても嬉しいよ。

Sit down, and tell me how you came alive out of that dreadful chasm.”

sit down (座る) [動] be in or assume a sitting position

come alive (生き返る) [動] become more interesting, exciting, or lively

dreadful (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause fear or worry

chasm (深淵) [名] a deep fissure in the earth's surface

座って、どうやってあの恐ろしい深淵から生きて出てきたのか教えてくれ。」

He sat opposite to me, and lit a cigarette in his old, nonchalant manner.

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

opposite (向かいに) [前] facing or across from someone or something

light (火をつける) [動] cause to burn or begin to burn

cigarette (タバコ) [名] a thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking

nonchalant (無頓着な) [形] casually indifferent

彼は私の向かいに座り、昔と変わらぬ無頓着な態度でタバコに火をつけた。

He was dressed in the seedy frockcoat of the book merchant, but the rest of that individual lay in a pile of white hair and old books upon the table.

be dressed in (着ている) [動] be wearing

seedy (古びた) [形] shabby or disreputable

frockcoat (フロックコート) [名] a man's double-breasted coat with a long skirt

book merchant (古本屋) [名] a person who sells books

rest (残りの部分) [名] the remaining part

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

old book (古い本) [名] a book that has been around for a long time

彼は古本屋の古びたフロックコートを着ていたが、その人物の残りの部分はテーブルの上の白い髪と古い本の山の中に横たわっていた。

Holmes looked even thinner and keener than of old, but there was a dead-white tinge in his aquiline face which told me that his life recently had not been a healthy one.

keen (鋭い) [形] having or showing a strong interest in something

aquiline (鷲鼻の) [形] curved like an eagle's beak

dead-white (死人のような白い) [形] very pale

tinge (色合い) [名] a slight trace of a color

healthy (健康的) [形] in a good physical or mental condition; well

ホームズは以前よりもさらに痩せて鋭い顔つきをしていたが、鷲鼻の顔には死人のような白い色合いがあり、最近の生活が健康的なものではないことを物語っていた。

“I am glad to stretch myself, Watson,” said he.

stretch (伸ばす) [動] extend one's body or limbs

「体を伸ばせて嬉しいよ、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“It is no joke when a tall man has to take a foot off his stature for several hours on end.

take a foot off (1フィート縮める) [動] reduce one's height by one foot

several hours (何時間も) [名] a period of time lasting more than one hour

on end (続けて) [副] without stopping

「背の高い男が何時間も続けて身長を1フィート縮めなければならないのは、冗談ではない。

Now, my dear fellow, in the matter of these explanations, we have, if I may ask for your cooperation, a hard and dangerous night’s work in front of us.

matter (事) [名] a subject of concern

cooperation (協力) [名] the action or process of working together to the same end

front (前) [名] the side or part of something that faces forward or toward the viewer

さて、親愛なる友よ、これらの説明に関して、もし君の協力をお願いできるなら、私たちの前には困難で危険な夜の仕事がある。

Perhaps it would be better if I gave you an account of the whole situation when that work is finished.”

give an account of (説明する) [動] to provide a description of

work (仕事) [名] an activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose of result

おそらく、その仕事が終わったら、全体の状況を説明する方がいいだろう。」

“I am full of curiosity.

be full of (いっぱいだ) [動] be filled with

curiosity (好奇心) [名] a strong desire to know or learn something

「私は好奇心でいっぱいだ。

I should much prefer to hear now.”

should (したい) [助] expressing a duty or obligation

prefer (したい) [動] like (something or someone) better than another

今聞きたい。」

“You’ll come with me to-night?”

come with (一緒に来る) [動] accompany

tonight (今夜) [名] the night of the present day

「今夜私と一緒に来てくれるか?」

“When you like and where you like.”

when (いつ) [副] at what time

where (どこ) [副] at or in what place

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

「いつでもどこでも好きな時に。」

“This is, indeed, like the old days.

old days (昔) [名] a time in the past

「これは確かに昔のようだ。

We shall have time for a mouthful of dinner before we need go.

have time (時間がある) [動] have the time to do something

mouthful (一口) [名] the amount of food or liquid that a mouth can hold

before (前に) [前] earlier than; prior to

need (必要である) [動] require (something) because it is essential or very important

出かける前に夕食を食べる時間があるだろう。

Well, then, about that chasm.

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

では、あの割れ目についてだ。

I had no serious difficulty in getting out of it, for the very simple reason that I never was in it.”

have no difficulty (困難がない) [動] be easy

get out of (抜け出す) [動] leave or escape from

very simple reason (非常に単純な理由) [名] a reason that is easy to understand

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

そこから抜け出すのに大した困難はなかった。なぜなら、私はそこにいなかったという非常に単純な理由からだ。」

“You never were in it?”

be in (いる) [動] be present in

「そこにいなかった?」

“No, Watson, I never was in it.

No (いいえ) [間] a negative response

「いいや、ワトソン、私はそこにいなかった。

My note to you was absolutely genuine.

note (手紙) [名] a short letter

absolutely (絶対に) [副] without any doubt

genuine (本物) [形] real; not fake

君への手紙は絶対に本物だった。

I had little doubt that I had come to the end of my career when I perceived the somewhat sinister figure of the late Professor Moriarty standing upon the narrow pathway which led to safety.

have little doubt (ほとんど疑わない) [動] be almost certain

come to the end (終わりに近づく) [動] reach the final stage

career (人生) [名] an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework

perceive (認める) [動] become aware or conscious of

somewhat (どこか) [副] to some extent; a little

sinister (邪悪な) [形] giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen

figure (姿) [名] a person's bodily shape

late (亡き) [形] no longer living; dead

Professor Moriarty (モリアーティ教授) [名] a fictional character in the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

pathway (道) [名] a way or track laid down for pedestrians

lead to (至る) [動] go or travel toward a place

安全に至る狭い道に立つ、亡きモリアーティ教授のどこか邪悪な姿を認めた時、私は自分の人生が終わりに近づいていることをほとんど疑わなかった。

I read an inexorable purpose in his grey eyes.

read (読み取る) [動] understand the meaning of written or printed words, symbols, etc.

inexorable (容赦のない) [形] too great or extreme to be resisted

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

私は彼の灰色の目に容赦のない目的を読み取った。

I exchanged some remarks with him, therefore, and obtained his courteous permission to write the short note which you afterwards received.

exchange (交わす) [動] give and receive something in return

remark (言葉) [名] a comment or statement

courteous (丁寧な) [形] polite and respectful

permission (許可) [名] the action of officially allowing someone to do, use, or have something

write (書く) [動] mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement

short (短い) [形] having little length or height

だから私は彼といくつか言葉を交わし、その後君が受け取った短い手紙を書くための丁寧な許可を得た。

I left it with my cigarette-box and my stick, and I walked along the pathway, Moriarty still at my heels.

leave (置く) [動] go away from

cigarette-box (タバコ入れ) [名] a box for holding cigarettes

stick (ステッキ) [名] a long thin piece of wood

walk (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

pathway (小道) [名] a path or track made by people walking

Moriarty (モリアーティ) [名] the archenemy of Sherlock Holmes

私はそれをタバコ入れとステッキと一緒に置き、モリアーティがまだ私のすぐ後ろにいて、小道を歩いた。

When I reached the end I stood at bay.

reach (着く) [動] arrive at a destination

end (端) [名] the final part of something

at bay (追い詰められる) [形] unable to escape; cornered

私が端に着いた時、私は追い詰められた。

He drew no weapon, but he rushed at me and threw his long arms around me.

draw (抜く) [動] pull out or remove

rush (突進する) [動] move with urgent haste

throw (回す) [動] move or cause to move in a specified way

彼は武器を抜かなかったが、私に突進してきて、長い腕を私の周りに回した。

He knew that his own game was up, and was only anxious to revenge himself upon me.

know (知っている) [動] be aware of

be up (終わっている) [動] be finished

anxious (したがっている) [形] wanting something very much

revenge (復讐) [名] the action of hurting someone for a wrong suffered at their hands

彼は自分のゲームが終わったことを知っていて、ただ私に復讐したいだけだった。

We tottered together upon the brink of the fall.

totter (よろめく) [動] walk or move unsteadily

brink (ふち) [名] the extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body of water

私たちは滝のふちに一緒によろめいた。

I have some knowledge, however, of baritsu, or the Japanese system of wrestling, which has more than once been very useful to me.

some knowledge (ある程度の知識) [名] a certain amount of knowledge

baritsu (バリツ) [名] a form of self-defense that combines elements of boxing, jujutsu, and cane fighting

Japanese (日本の) [形] of or relating to Japan or its people or language

system (システム) [名] a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method

wrestling (レスリング) [名] a sport involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds

very useful (非常に役に立った) [形] extremely helpful

しかし、私はバリツ、つまり日本のレスリングのシステムについてある程度の知識があり、それは私にとって何度も非常に役に立った。

I slipped through his grip, and he with a horrible scream kicked madly for a few seconds, and clawed the air with both his hands.

slip through (抜け出す) [動] to get away from or avoid something

grip (握り) [名] a firm hold or grasp

horrible (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause horror; shocking

scream (悲鳴) [名] a loud, high-pitched cry

kick (蹴る) [動] strike or propel forcibly with the foot

madly (狂ったように) [副] in a wild or uncontrolled manner

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

claw (引っ掻く) [動] scratch or tear at with claws or fingernails

私は彼の握りから抜け出し、彼は恐ろしい悲鳴を上げて数秒間狂ったように蹴り、両手で空気を引っ掻いた。

But for all his efforts he could not get his balance, and over he went.

for all (にもかかわらず) [前] despite

balance (バランス) [名] an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady

over (転倒) [副] to or on the other side

しかし、彼の努力にもかかわらず、彼はバランスをとることができず、彼は転倒した。

With my face over the brink, I saw him fall for a long way.

over (突き出して) [前] above or higher than

fall (落ちる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

long (長い) [形] having a great distance from one end to the other

崖っぷちに顔を突き出して、彼が長い距離を落ちていくのを見た。

Then he struck a rock, bounded off, and splashed into the water.”

strike (ぶつかる) [動] hit or come into contact with forcibly

rock (岩) [名] a large mass of stone, especially one projecting out of the ground or water

bound (跳ね返る) [動] move or cause to move with a series of leaps

splash (飛び込む) [動] cause (liquid) to strike or fall on something in a shower of drops

それから彼は岩にぶつかり、跳ね返り、水に飛び込んだ。」

I listened with amazement to this explanation, which Holmes delivered between the puffs of his cigarette.

listen (聞く) [動] perceive with the ear

deliver (話す) [動] speak or give

puff (ふかす) [動] to smoke a pipe, cigarette, or cigar

私はホームズがタバコをふかしながら話すこの説明を驚きながら聞いた。

“But the tracks!” I cried.

track (足跡) [名] a mark or series of marks left by a person, animal, or vehicle

「しかし、足跡は!」私は叫んだ。

“I saw, with my own eyes, that two went down the path and none returned.”

own (自分の) [形] belonging to (the person or thing mentioned)

eye (目) [名] an organ of vision

two (二人) [名] the number 2

go down (下りる) [動] move or travel from a higher to a lower place

path (道) [名] a way on land between two places that has been paved to make travel easier

none (誰も) [代] not one; not any

「私は自分の目で二人が道を下り、誰も戻らなかったのを見た。」

“It came about in this way.

come about (起こる) [動] happen; take place

「それはこんな風に起こった。

The instant that the Professor had disappeared, it struck me what a really extraordinarily lucky chance Fate had placed in my way.

the instant (瞬間) [名] a very short space of time

strike (襲う) [動] come upon or affect suddenly

extraordinarily (並外れた) [副] very much; to a very great degree

lucky (幸運な) [形] having, bringing, or resulting from good luck

fate (運命) [名] the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power

教授が姿を消した瞬間、運命が私の道に置いた本当に並外れた幸運な機会が私を襲った。

I knew that Moriarty was not the only man who had sworn my death.

swear (誓う) [動] make a solemn promise or statement of fact

モリアーティだけが私の死を誓った男ではないことを私は知っていた。

There were at least three others whose desire for vengeance upon me would only be increased by the death of their leader.

three (三人) [名] the number 3

desire (念) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen

vengeance (復讐) [名] punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong

leader (リーダー) [名] the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country

少なくともあと三人、私への復讐の念を抱く者がいて、彼らのリーダーの死によってその念は増すばかりだった。

They were all most dangerous men.

all (皆) [副] the whole amount of

dangerous (危険な) [形] able or likely to cause harm or injury

彼らは皆、最も危険な男たちだった。

One or other would certainly get me.

one or other (誰か) [名] one or the other of two or more people or things

get (捕まえる) [動] capture or seize

誰かが私を捕まえるだろう。

On the other hand, if all the world was convinced that I was dead they would take liberties, these men, they would soon lay themselves open, and sooner or later I could destroy them.

on the other hand (一方で) [副] from a different perspective

all the world (全世界) [名] the whole world

be convinced (確信する) [動] be firmly persuaded of something

take liberties (自由を奪う) [動] do something that is not normally allowed

soon (すぐに) [副] in a short time

lay oneself open (自分自身をさらけ出す) [動] expose oneself to criticism or attack

sooner or later (遅かれ早かれ) [副] eventually

destroy (破壊する) [動] cause to cease to exist

一方で、もし全世界が私が死んだと確信すれば、彼らは自由を奪い、彼らはすぐに自分自身をさらけ出し、遅かれ早かれ私は彼らを破壊することができるだろう。

Then it would be time for me to announce that I was still in the land of the living.

announce (発表する) [動] make a public and typically formal declaration about a fact, occurrence, or intention

land of the living (生きている) [名] the world of the living

その時こそ、私がまだ生きているということを発表する時だ。

So rapidly does the brain act that I believe I had thought this all out before Professor Moriarty had reached the bottom of the Reichenbach Fall.

rapidly (速く) [副] at a high speed

brain (脳) [名] the organ of the body that controls thought, memory, and emotion

believe (思う) [動] to think or suppose

all (すべて) [副] completely; totally

reach (たどり着く) [動] to arrive at a destination

bottom (底) [名] the lowest part of something

脳の働きはとても速いので、モリアーティ教授がライヘンバッハの滝の底にたどり着く前に、私はこのことをすべて考え抜いていたと思う。

“I stood up and examined the rocky wall behind me.

stand up (立ち上がる) [動] rise to a standing position

examine (調べる) [動] inspect closely and thoroughly

「私は立ち上がって、後ろの岩壁を調べた。

In your picturesque account of the matter, which I read with great interest some months later, you assert that the wall was sheer.

picturesque (絵のような) [形] visually attractive in a quaint or charming way

account (説明) [名] a statement of the facts of a situation

matter (事件) [名] a situation or event that is being dealt with or considered

great interest (興味深く) [名] a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

sheer (切り立った) [形] almost perpendicular or vertical

数ヶ月後に私が興味深く読んだ、この事件に関するあなたの絵のような説明では、壁は切り立っていたと断言している。

That was not literally true.

literally (文字通り) [副] in a literal manner or sense; exactly

true (真実) [形] being in accordance with fact or reality

それは文字通り真実ではなかった。

A few small footholds presented themselves, and there was some indication of a ledge.

a few (いくつかの) [限] a small number of

small (小さな) [形] little in size

foothold (足場) [名] a place where you can put your foot when climbing

present (ある) [動] be or exist

there (そこに) [副] in or at that place

some (いくらかの) [限] a small amount or number of

indication (兆候) [名] a sign or suggestion of something

いくつかの小さな足場があり、岩棚の兆候もあった。

The cliff is so high that to climb it all was an obvious impossibility, and it was equally impossible to make my way along the wet path without leaving some tracks.

cliff (崖) [名] a steep rock face

high (高い) [形] of great vertical extent

obvious (明らかな) [形] easily perceived or understood; clear

impossibility (不可能) [名] the quality of being impossible

wet (濡れた) [形] covered or saturated with water or another liquid

崖はとても高いので、登りきるのは明らかに不可能だったし、濡れた道を足跡を残さずに進むのも同様に不可能だった。

I might, it is true, have reversed my boots, as I have done on similar occasions, but the sight of three sets of tracks in one direction would certainly have suggested a deception.

might (かもしれない) [助] expressing possibility or probability

reverse (逆にする) [動] turn the other way around

boot (ブーツ) [名] a covering for the foot and lower leg

occasion (状況) [名] a particular time or event

sight (光景) [名] something that is seen

direction (方向) [名] the course along which something moves

deception (偽装) [名] the act of deceiving

確かに、似たような状況でやったように、ブーツを逆に履くこともできたかもしれないが、一方向に三組の足跡が残っているのを見れば、間違いなく偽装だと気づかれるだろう。

On the whole, then, it was best that I should risk the climb.

on the whole (総合的に考えると) [副] taking everything into consideration

risk (危険を冒す) [名] the possibility of suffering harm or loss

総合的に考えると、登る危険を冒すのが最善だった。

It was not a pleasant business, Watson.

pleasant (楽しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure; delightful

business (仕事) [名] a person's regular occupation, profession, or trade

楽しい仕事ではなかったよ、ワトソン。

The fall roared beneath me.

fall (滝) [名] a flow of water from a higher to a lower level

roar (轟音を立てる) [動] make a loud, deep, prolonged sound

滝が私の下で轟音を立てていた。

I am not a fanciful person, but I give you my word that I seemed to hear Moriarty’s voice screaming at me out of the abyss.

fanciful (空想的な) [形] imaginative or whimsical

give one's word (誓う) [動] make a solemn promise

seem (思える) [動] appear to be

私は空想的な人間ではないが、誓って言うが、深淵から私に向かって叫ぶモリアーティの声が聞こえたように思えた。

A mistake would have been fatal.

mistake (失敗) [名] an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

fatal (致命的) [形] causing death

失敗は致命的だっただろう。

More than once, as tufts of grass came out in my hand or my foot slipped in the wet notches of the rock, I thought that I was gone.

tuft (房) [名] a bunch of feathers, hair, grass, etc., growing or tied together at the base

grass (草) [名] a plant with narrow leaves growing from the base

come out (抜ける) [動] move or travel outward

hand (手) [名] the end of an arm

foot (足) [名] the end of the leg

slip (滑る) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

notch (くぼみ) [名] a V-shaped cut or indentation

何度も、草の房が私の手に抜けたり、私の足が岩の濡れたくぼみに滑ったりして、私はもう駄目だと思った。

But I struggled upward, and at last I reached a ledge several feet deep and covered with soft green moss, where I could lie unseen, in the most perfect comfort.

struggle (奮闘する) [動] make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction

upward (上に向かって) [副] in an upward direction

at last (ついに) [副] after a long time

ledge (棚) [名] a narrow shelf of rock or wood projecting from a wall

several (数) [形] more than two but not very many

foot (フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

deep (深さ) [名] the distance from the top to the bottom of something

cover (覆う) [動] be or provide a covering for

soft (柔らかい) [形] not hard or firm to the touch

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

moss (苔) [名] a small flowerless green plant that grows in damp places

unseen (人目につかずに) [形] not seen or noticed

comfort (快適さ) [名] a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint

しかし、私は上に向かって奮闘し、ついに私は数フィートの深さで柔らかい緑の苔で覆われた棚にたどり着き、そこで私は最も完璧な快適さの中で、人目につかずに横になることができた。

There I was stretched, when you, my dear Watson, and all your following were investigating in the most sympathetic and inefficient manner the circumstances of my death.

stretch (横たわる) [動] lie down at full length

following (従者) [名] a person who follows or supports another

sympathetic (同情的) [形] feeling or showing sympathy

inefficient (非効率的な) [形] not achieving maximum productivity or output

そこに私は横たわっていた、親愛なるワトソン、そして君のすべての従者が私の死の状況を最も同情的で非効率的な方法で調査していたときだ。

“At last, when you had all formed your inevitable and totally erroneous conclusions, you departed for the hotel, and I was left alone.

form (下す) [動] make or produce

inevitable (避けられない) [形] certain to happen; unavoidable

totally (全く) [副] completely

erroneous (間違った) [形] wrong; incorrect

depart (出発する) [動] leave

hotel (ホテル) [名] a place where people stay temporarily

alone (一人) [形] without other people

「ついに、君たちが皆、避けられない全く間違った結論を下したとき、君たちはホテルに向けて出発し、私は一人残された。

I had imagined that I had reached the end of my adventures, but a very unexpected occurrence showed me that there were surprises still in store for me.

unexpected (予想外) [形] not expected or anticipated

occurrence (出来事) [名] something that happens

store (待ち受ける) [動] keep or lay aside for future use

私は冒険の終わりに達したと思っていたが、非常に予想外の出来事が私にはまだ驚きが待ち受けていることを示した。

A huge rock, falling from above, boomed past me, struck the path, and bounded over into the chasm.

huge (巨大な) [形] very large

above (上) [副] in or to a higher place

boom (通り過ぎる) [動] move or travel quickly

bound (飛び込む) [動] move or travel quickly

上から落ちてきた巨大な岩が私の横を通り過ぎ、道にぶつかり、割れ目に飛び込んだ。

For an instant I thought that it was an accident, but a moment later, looking up, I saw a man’s head against the darkening sky, and another stone struck the very ledge upon which I was stretched, within a foot of my head.

for an instant (一瞬) [名] a very short space of time

a moment later (次の瞬間) [名] a very short space of time

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

darkening sky (暗くなる空) [名] the sky that is becoming dark

another stone (もう一つの石) [名] an additional stone

very ledge (まさにその岩棚) [名] the exact ledge

within a foot (一フィート以内) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimeters

一瞬、私はそれが事故だと思ったのだが、次の瞬間、見上げると、暗くなる空を背景に男の頭が見え、もう一つの石が私の頭から一フィート以内の私が横たわっているまさにその岩棚に当たった。

Of course, the meaning of this was obvious.

of course (もちろん) [副] certainly; without doubt

meaning (意味) [名] what is meant by something

もちろん、この意味は明らかだった。

Moriarty had not been alone.

be not (いない) [動] not be

モリアーティは一人ではいなかった。

A confederate—and even that one glance had told me how dangerous a man that confederate was—had kept guard while the Professor had attacked me.

confederate (共犯者) [名] a person who is involved with another in a crime

glance (一瞥) [名] a brief or hurried look

keep guard (見張りをする) [動] watch over in order to protect or control

attack (襲う) [動] take aggressive action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force, typically a concerted military effort

共犯者、そしてその一瞥でさえ、その共犯者がどれほど危険な男であるかを私に告げていたが、教授が私を襲っている間、見張りをしていた。

From a distance, unseen by me, he had been a witness of his friend’s death and of my escape.

from a distance (遠くから) [副] from a long way away

witness (目撃者) [名] a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place

escape (逃亡) [名] an act of breaking free from a place of confinement

遠くから、私には見えずに、彼は友人の死と私の逃亡を目撃していたのだ。

He had waited, and then making his way round to the top of the cliff, he had endeavoured to succeed where his comrade had failed.

wait (待つ) [動] stay in one place until someone or something arrives

make one's way (進む) [動] go or travel

top (頂上) [名] the highest point of something

彼は待ち、それから崖の頂上まで回り道をして、仲間が失敗したところで成功しようと努力したのだ。

“I did not take long to think about it, Watson.

take long (長い時間かける) [動] take a long time

think about (考える) [動] direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas

「私はそれについて考えるのに長い時間をかけなかった、ワトソン。

Again I saw that grim face look over the cliff, and I knew that it was the precursor of another stone.

again (再び) [副] once more; another time

grim (険しい) [形] stern or forbidding in appearance

look over (覗く) [動] examine or inspect

precursor (前兆) [名] a person or thing that announces or prepares the way for another

再び私はあの険しい顔が崖から覗くのを見たが、それがまた別の石の前兆であることを知っていた。

I scrambled down on to the path.

scramble down (降りていく) [動] climb or move quickly and awkwardly, using one's hands as well as one's feet

私は小道に降りていった。

I don’t think I could have done it in cold blood.

cold blood (冷静) [名] a state of mind in which one is not affected by emotion or excitement

冷静にそれをやれたとは思えない。

It was a hundred times more difficult than getting up.

time (倍) [名] a period of time

difficult (難しい) [形] hard to do or understand

それは登るよりも百倍も難しかった。

But I had no time to think of the danger, for another stone sang past me as I hung by my hands from the edge of the ledge.

have no time (時間がない) [動] be very busy

danger (危険) [名] exposure to or risk of injury, pain, harm, or loss

another (別の) [形] different from the one already mentioned

stone (石) [名] a hard solid nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material

sing (通り過ぎる) [動] move quickly and smoothly

past (横) [前] to or on the further side of

hang (ぶら下がる) [動] be suspended or held up without support from below

しかし、危険を考える時間はなかった。私が岩棚の端から両手でぶら下がっていると、別の石が私の横を通り過ぎていった。

Halfway down I slipped, but, by the blessing of God, I landed, torn and bleeding, upon the path.

halfway (途中) [副] at or to the middle point

blessing (加護) [名] a special favor or gift from God

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

tear (傷つく) [動] to be or become torn

bleed (血を流す) [動] to lose blood

途中で滑ってしまったが、神のご加護で、傷つき血を流しながらも小道に着地した。

I took to my heels, did ten miles over the mountains in the darkness, and a week later I found myself in Florence, with the certainty that no one in the world knew what had become of me.

take to one's heels (逃げ出す) [動] run away

ten miles (十マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

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

darkness (暗闇) [名] the absence of light

week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

Florence (フィレンツェ) [名] a city in Italy

world (世界) [名] the earth and all the people living on it

become of (~の行方) [動] happen to

私は逃げ出し、暗闇の中を山を越えて十マイル歩き、一週間後にはフィレンツェにいた。世界中の誰も私の行方を知らないという確信があった。

“I had only one confidant—my brother Mycroft.

only one (たった一人の) [形] the only one

confidant (腹心) [名] a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others

brother (兄) [名] a male sibling

「私にはたった一人の腹心がいた。兄のマイクロフトだ。

I owe you many apologies, my dear Watson, but it was all-important that it should be thought I was dead, and it is quite certain that you would not have written so convincing an account of my unhappy end had you not yourself thought that it was true.

ワトソン君、君には本当に申し訳ないと思っているが、私が死んだと思われることが何よりも重要だったんだ。君自身が真実だと思わなければ、私の不幸な最期についてあれほど説得力のある記事を書くことはできなかっただろう。

Several times during the last three years I have taken up my pen to write to you, but always I feared lest your affectionate regard for me should tempt you to some indiscretion which would betray my secret.

several times (何度か) [副] on more than one occasion

last three years (この三年間) [名] the period of time from three years ago until now

take up (取り上げる) [動] to start doing or studying something

pen (ペン) [名] a handheld device used for writing or drawing with ink

fear (恐れる) [動] to be afraid of

lest (~しないように) [接] for fear that

affectionate regard (愛情) [名] a feeling of love or strong or constant affection

tempt (誘惑する) [動] to attract or appeal to strongly

indiscretion (軽率な行動) [名] a lack of care or prudence

betray (漏らす) [動] to be disloyal to

secret (秘密) [名] something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

この三年間、何度か君に手紙を書こうと思ったが、君の私に対する愛情が、私の秘密を漏らすような軽率な行動に君を誘惑するのではないかといつも恐れていた。

For that reason I turned away from you this evening when you upset my books, for I was in danger at the time, and any show of surprise and emotion upon your part might have drawn attention to my identity and led to the most deplorable and irreparable results.

for that reason (そのため) [副] for that cause or purpose

turn away (顔を背ける) [動] turn in the opposite direction

this evening (今夜) [名] the evening of the present day

upset (ひっくり返す) [動] turn upside down

at the time (その時) [副] at that time

in danger (危険な状態) [形] exposed to or likely to cause harm, injury, or loss

any (どんな) [限] one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity

show (表に出す) [動] make visible or noticeable

emotion (感情) [名] a strong feeling deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others

upon (の) [前] on

part (部分) [名] something less than the whole

draw attention to (注意を向ける) [動] cause to notice or consider

identity (身元) [名] the fact of being who or what a person or thing is

lead to (招く) [動] result in

deplorable (悲惨な) [形] deserving strong condemnation

irreparable (取り返しのつかない) [形] impossible to repair, rectify, or amend

そのため、今夜君が私の本をひっくり返した時、私は君から顔を背けたんだ。その時私は危険な状態だったし、君が驚きや感情を表に出すことで私の身元に注意が向けられ、取り返しのつかない悲惨な結果を招く恐れがあった。

As to Mycroft, I had to confide in him in order to obtain the money which I needed.

as to (については) [前] with regard to; concerning

confide in (打ち明ける) [動] tell someone about a secret or private matter

マイクロフトについては、必要な資金を得るために彼に打ち明けざるを得なかった。

The course of events in London did not run so well as I had hoped, for the trial of the Moriarty gang left two of its most dangerous members, my own most vindictive enemies, at liberty.

course (経過) [名] the way in which something progresses or develops

event (出来事) [名] something that happens or takes place

hope (期待する) [動] want something to happen or be the case

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

gang (一味) [名] an organized group of criminals

leave (釈放する) [動] go away from a place

member (メンバー) [名] a person who belongs to a group or an organization

ロンドンでの出来事は、私が期待していたほど順調には進まなかった。モリアーティ一味の裁判では、最も危険なメンバーの二人、私にとって最も執念深い敵が釈放された。

I travelled for two years in Tibet, therefore, and amused myself by visiting Lhassa, and spending some days with the head lama.

travel (旅する) [動] go from one place to another

two years (二年間) [名] a period of time lasting two years

Tibet (チベット) [名] a region in East Asia covering much of the Tibetan Plateau spanning about 2,500,000 square kilometres

amuse (楽しむ) [動] cause to laugh or smile

visit (訪れる) [動] go to see a person or place

Lhassa (ラサ) [名] the capital of Tibet

some days (数日) [名] a period of time lasting a few days

head lama (ラマ教の長) [名] the leader of the Tibetan Buddhist religion

そのため、私は二年間チベットを旅し、ラサを訪れたり、ラマ教の長と数日を過ごしたりして楽しんだ。

You may have read of the remarkable explorations of a Norwegian named Sigerson, but I am sure that it never occurred to you that you were receiving news of your friend.

read of (読む) [動] read about

Norwegian (ノルウェー人) [名] a person from Norway

exploration (探検) [名] the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it

occur to (思いつく) [動] come into the mind of

君はシガーソンという名のノルウェー人の驚くべき探検について読んだことがあるかもしれないが、それが友人のニュースだとは思いもしなかっただろう。

I then passed through Persia, looked in at Mecca, and paid a short but interesting visit to the Khalifa at Khartoum the results of which I have communicated to the Foreign Office.

pass through (通る) [動] go through or across

Persia (ペルシア) [名] a historical region of southwestern Asia

look in (訪れる) [動] visit briefly

Mecca (メッカ) [名] a city in Saudi Arabia

pay a visit (訪問する) [動] go to see someone or something

Khalifa (カリフ) [名] a religious leader

Khartoum (ハルツーム) [名] the capital of Sudan

Foreign Office (外務省) [名] the British government department responsible for foreign affairs

それから私はペルシアを通ってメッカを訪れ、ハルツームのカリフを短時間だが興味深く訪問し、その結果を外務省に伝えた。

Returning to France, I spent some months in a research into the coal-tar derivatives, which I conducted in a laboratory at Montpellier, in the south of France.

France (フランス) [名] a republic in western Europe

spend (費やす) [動] pay out (money)

some months (数ヶ月) [名] a period of time

research (研究) [名] the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

coal-tar derivative (石炭タール誘導体) [名] a chemical substance derived from coal tar

conduct (行う) [動] organize and carry out

laboratory (研究所) [名] a facility or room that is set up for scientific research or experimentation

Montpellier (モンペリエ) [名] a city in southern France

south (南) [名] the direction that is on your right when you are facing the rising sun

フランスに戻り、私はフランス南部のモンペリエにある研究所で石炭タール誘導体の研究に数ヶ月を費やした。

Having concluded this to my satisfaction and learning that only one of my enemies was now left in London, I was about to return when my movements were hastened by the news of this very remarkable Park Lane Mystery, which not only appealed to me by its own merits, but which seemed to offer some most peculiar personal opportunities.

conclude (終える) [動] bring to an end

satisfaction (満足) [名] the feeling of fulfillment or happiness

movement (動き) [名] an act of moving

hasten (早める) [動] cause to happen sooner than anticipated

news (ニュース) [名] a report of recent events

merit (価値) [名] the quality of being good and deserving praise

offer (提供する) [動] present or make available for use or consideration

opportunity (機会) [名] a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something

満足のいく結果を得て、私の敵はあと一人だけロンドンに残っていることを知り、帰国しようとしていたところ、この非常に注目すべきパークレーン事件のニュースで私の動きが早まった。この事件は、それ自体の価値だけでなく、私にとって非常に特別な機会を提供してくれそうだった。

I came over at once to London, called in my own person at Baker Street, threw Mrs. Hudson into violent hysterics, and found that Mycroft had preserved my rooms and my papers exactly as they had always been.

come over (やって来る) [動] come to visit

at once (すぐに) [副] immediately

call in (電話をかける) [動] make a telephone call

Baker Street (ベイカー街) [名] a street in London

throw (陥らせる) [動] cause to be in a particular state

Mrs. Hudson (ハドソン夫人) [名] the landlady of 221B Baker Street

violent (激しい) [形] using or involving physical force intended to hurt or kill

hysterics (ヒステリー) [名] a state of uncontrollable laughter or crying

Mycroft (マイクロフト) [名] Sherlock Holmes's older brother

preserve (保存する) [動] keep in its original state

paper (書類) [名] a material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, printing, or wrapping

私はすぐにロンドンにやって来て、ベイカー街に電話をかけ、ハドソン夫人を激しいヒステリー状態に陥らせ、マイクロフトが私の部屋と書類をいつも通りに保存してくれていたことを知った。

So it was, my dear Watson, that at two o’clock to-day I found myself in my old armchair in my own old room, and only wishing that I could have seen my old friend Watson in the other chair which he has so often adorned.”

so it was (そういうわけで) [句] that is the way it happened

my dear Watson (ワトソン君) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

two o'clock (二時) [名] two hours after noon

today (今日) [名] the present day

find oneself (座っていた) [動] to be in a particular place or situation

old armchair (古い肘掛け椅子) [名] a chair with arms

old room (古い部屋) [名] a room that is not new

only wishing (思うだけだ) [動] to want something to happen

old friend (古くからの友人) [名] a friend that one has known for a long time

another chair (もう一つの椅子) [名] a different chair

often (よく) [副] many times; frequently

adorn (座っていた) [動] to be in a particular place or situation

そういうわけで、ワトソン君、今日の二時に私は自分の古い部屋の古い肘掛け椅子に座っていたわけだが、ただ、古くからの友人ワトソン君が、彼がよく座っていたもう一つの椅子に座っているのを見ることができたらよかったのにと思うだけだ。」

Such was the remarkable narrative to which I listened on that April evening—a narrative which would have been utterly incredible to me had it not been confirmed by the actual sight of the tall, spare figure and the keen, eager face, which I had never thought to see again.

such (そのような) [形] of the type or kind previously mentioned

narrative (物語) [名] a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious

April (4月) [名] the fourth month of the year

utterly (全く) [副] absolutely; completely

incredible (信じられない) [形] too extraordinary or improbable to be believed

spare (痩せた) [形] thin; lean

figure (体つき) [名] the bodily shape of a person

eager (熱心な) [形] strongly desirous; enthusiastic

それが、あの四月の夕べに私が聞いた驚くべき物語だった。背が高く、痩せた体つきと、鋭く、熱心な顔を実際に目にしなければ、私には全く信じられない物語だった。

In some manner he had learned of my own sad bereavement, and his sympathy was shown in his manner rather than in his words.

in some manner (何らかの方法で) [副] in some way

sad (悲しい) [形] unhappy or mournful

bereavement (死別) [名] the death of a loved one

sympathy (同情) [名] a feeling of pity or sorrow for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

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

彼は私の悲しい死別を何らかの方法で知っており、彼の同情は言葉よりも態度に表れていた。

“Work is the best antidote to sorrow, my dear Watson,” said he;

antidote (解毒剤) [名] a remedy for counteracting the effects of poison

sorrow (悲しみ) [名] a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others

「仕事は悲しみに対する最良の解毒剤だ、ワトソン君」と彼は言った。

“and I have a piece of work for us both to-night which, if we can bring it to a successful conclusion, will in itself justify a man’s life on this planet.”

have a piece of work (仕事をする) [動] have a task to do

to-night (今夜) [名] the night of the present day

bring to a successful conclusion (成功裏に終わらせる) [動] complete successfully

justify (正当化する) [動] show or prove to be right or reasonable

planet (惑星) [名] a large round object in space that moves around the sun

「そして、今夜は二人で仕事をするが、もしそれを成功裏に終わらせることができれば、それだけでこの惑星での人間の生活を正当化できるだろう。」

In vain I begged him to tell me more.

in vain (無駄に) [副] to no purpose; without success

beg (頼む) [動] ask for something earnestly

more (もっと) [副] to a greater extent or degree

もっと教えてくれるように頼んだが無駄だった。

“You will hear and see enough before morning,” he answered.

enough (十分に) [副] to the required degree or extent

morning (朝) [名] the period of a day from sunrise to noon

「朝までには十分に聞き、見ることになるだろう」と彼は答えた。

“We have three years of the past to discuss.

have (ある) [動] possess, own, or hold

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

past (過去) [名] the time that has already happened

「過去の3年間について話し合うことがある。

Let that suffice until half-past nine, when we start upon the notable adventure of the empty house.”

suffice (十分である) [動] be enough or adequate

half-past nine (九時半) [名] 30 minutes after 9 o'clock

start (始める) [動] begin doing something

notable (注目すべき) [形] worthy of attention or notice

九時半までそれで十分だろう、その時に空き家の注目すべき冒険を始める。」

It was indeed like old times when, at that hour, I found myself seated beside him in a hansom, my revolver in my pocket, and the thrill of adventure in my heart.

at that hour (その時刻に) [名] at that time

find oneself (気づく) [動] become aware of

beside (横に) [前] at the side of

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

heart (心) [名] the organ that pumps blood around the body

その時刻に、私がポケットにリボルバーを忍ばせ、心には冒険のスリルを抱いて、ハンサムの中で彼の横に座っているのに気づいた時、それは確かに昔のようだった。

Holmes was cold and stern and silent.

cold (冷静) [形] lacking affection or warmth

stern (厳しい) [形] strict or severe

silent (無口) [形] not making or accompanied by any sound

ホームズは冷静で厳しく、そして無口だった。

As the gleam of the street-lamps flashed upon his austere features, I saw that his brows were drawn down in thought and his thin lips compressed.

gleam (光) [名] a small amount of light

street-lamp (街灯) [名] a lamp that is fixed to a post and that lights a street

flash (当たる) [動] shine brightly and suddenly

austere (厳しい) [形] severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance

feature (顔) [名] a part of the face

brow (眉) [名] the part of the face between the eyes and the top of the head

draw down (下がる) [動] move something to a lower position

thought (考え込む) [名] the process of thinking

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

compress (引き締まる) [動] reduce the size or volume of something by applying pressure

街灯の光が彼の厳しい顔に当たると、彼の眉が考え込んで下がり、薄い唇が引き締まっているのが見えた。

I knew not what wild beast we were about to hunt down in the dark jungle of criminal London, but I was well assured, from the bearing of this master huntsman, that the adventure was a most grave one—while the sardonic smile which occasionally broke through his ascetic gloom boded little good for the object of our quest.

know not (知らない) [動] be unaware of

wild beast (野獣) [名] a wild animal

hunt down (追い詰める) [動] pursue and capture or kill

dark jungle (暗いジャングル) [名] a dense tropical forest

criminal London (犯罪都市ロンドン) [名] the capital city of England

well assured (よくわかった) [動] be certain about something

master huntsman (名猟師) [名] a skilled hunter

grave (重大な) [形] of great importance or significance

sardonic smile (皮肉な笑み) [名] a smile that is scornful or mocking

ascetic gloom (禁欲的な憂鬱) [名] a state of being gloomy or depressed

bode (前兆) [動] be a sign of something to come

quest (探求) [名] a search or pursuit

私たちが犯罪都市ロンドンの暗いジャングルでどんな野獣を追い詰めようとしているのか私は知らなかったが、この名猟師の態度から、この冒険が最も重大なものであることはよくわかった。一方で、時折彼の禁欲的な憂鬱を打ち破る皮肉な笑みは、私たちの探求の対象にとってあまり良い前兆ではなかった。

I had imagined that we were bound for Baker Street, but Holmes stopped the cab at the corner of Cavendish Square.

Cavendish Square (キャベンディッシュ・スクエア) [名] a square in London

私はベイカー街に向かうのだと思っていたが、ホームズはキャベンディッシュ・スクエアの角で馬車を止めた。

I observed that as he stepped out he gave a most searching glance to right and left, and at every subsequent street corner he took the utmost pains to assure that he was not followed.

step out (降りる) [動] leave a place

give a glance (見回す) [動] look briefly

right (右) [名] the direction opposite to left

left (左) [名] the direction opposite to right

take pains (注意を払う) [動] be very careful

follow (つける) [動] go after someone or something

彼が降りるとき、左右をじろじろと見回し、その後も街角を曲がるたびに、後をつけられていないか確認するのに細心の注意を払っていた。

Our route was certainly a singular one.

route (ルート) [名] a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination

singular (特異な) [形] very unusual or remarkable

私たちのルートは確かに特異なものだ。

Holmes’s knowledge of the byways of London was extraordinary, and on this occasion he passed rapidly and with an assured step through a network of mews and stables, the very existence of which I had never known.

byway (裏道) [名] a side road

extraordinary (並外れた) [形] very unusual or remarkable

pass (通り抜ける) [動] move or cause to move in a specified direction

rapidly (素早く) [副] very quickly

assured (確かな) [形] confident and certain

step (足取り) [名] the action of moving by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

network (ネットワーク) [名] a system of interconnected people or things

mews (厩舎) [名] a small street of houses that were once stables

stable (馬小屋) [名] a building in which horses are kept

existence (存在) [名] the state or fact of existing

ホームズのロンドンの裏道に関する知識は並外れたもので、このときも彼は、私には存在すら知らなかった厩舎や馬小屋のネットワークを、確かな足取りで素早く通り抜けた。

We emerged at last into a small road, lined with old, gloomy houses, which led us into Manchester Street, and so to Blandford Street.

emerge (出る) [動] come out into view

gloomy (陰気な) [形] dark or poorly lit

lead (続く) [動] be a route or means of access to

Manchester Street (マンチェスター街) [名] a street in London

Blandford Street (ブランフォード街) [名] a street in London

私たちはついに、古くて陰気な家が並ぶ小さな道に出た。そこからマンチェスター街に入り、ブランフォード街へと続く。

Here he turned swiftly down a narrow passage, passed through a wooden gate into a deserted yard, and then opened with a key the back door of a house.

turn down (曲がる) [動] change direction

passage (通路) [名] a way through

pass through (くぐる) [動] go through

wooden (木製の) [形] made of wood

gate (門) [名] a hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall, fence, or hedge

deserted (人けのない) [形] abandoned

yard (庭) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

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

ここで彼は素早く狭い通路を曲がり、木製の門をくぐって人けのない庭に入り、家の裏口を鍵で開けた。

We entered together, and he closed it behind us.

close (閉める) [動] move a door or window so as to leave no space or gap

私たちは一緒に入り、彼は私たちの後ろでそれを閉めた。

The place was pitch dark, but it was evident to me that it was an empty house.

pitch dark (真っ暗) [形] completely dark

evident (明らか) [形] easy to understand or see; obvious

empty house (空き家) [名] a house that is not occupied

そこは真っ暗だったが、空き家であることは明らかだった。

Our feet creaked and crackled over the bare planking, and my outstretched hand touched a wall from which the paper was hanging in ribbons.

creak (きしむ) [動] make a harsh, high-pitched sound

crackle (パチパチと音を立てる) [動] make a series of slight cracking sounds

bare (むき出しの) [形] not covered or protected

plank (厚板) [名] a long, flat, thin piece of wood

outstretched (差し出した) [形] extended to the full

touch (触れる) [動] come into or be in contact with

paper (紙) [名] a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or grasses

ribbon (リボン) [名] a long, narrow strip of fabric, used especially for tying something or for decoration

私たちの足はむき出しの厚板の上できしみ、パチパチと音を立て、私の差し出した手は紙がリボン状に垂れ下がっている壁に触れた。

Holmes’s cold, thin fingers closed round my wrist and led me forward down a long hall, until I dimly saw the murky fanlight over the door.

cold (冷たい) [形] having a low temperature

finger (指) [名] any of the four long thin parts at the end of the hand

close (握る) [動] move so as to cover an opening

wrist (手首) [名] the joint or part of the body between the hand and the arm

lead (進む) [動] go in a specified direction

hall (廊下) [名] a long, wide passage in a building

dimly (ぼんやりと) [副] not brightly or clearly

murky (曇った) [形] dark and gloomy

fanlight (扇形の明かり) [名] a semicircular window over a door or window

ホームズの冷たく細い指が私の手首を握り、長い廊下を進んで行くと、ぼんやりとドアの上の曇った扇形の明かりが見えた。

Here Holmes turned suddenly to the right and we found ourselves in a large, square, empty room, heavily shadowed in the corners, but faintly lit in the centre from the lights of the street beyond.

turn (曲がる) [動] change direction

large (大きい) [形] of great size or extent

square (四角い) [形] having four equal sides and four right angles

heavily (暗く) [副] to a great degree

shadow (影) [名] a dark area or shape produced by an object coming between the light and a surface

centre (真ん中) [名] the middle point of something

faintly (かすかに) [副] to a slight degree

light (明かり) [名] the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

ここでホームズは急に右に曲がり、私たちは大きくて四角い空の部屋にいることに気づいた。隅は暗く影になっていたが、真ん中は向こうの通りの明かりでかすかに照らされていた。

There was no lamp near, and the window was thick with dust, so that we could only just discern each other’s figures within.

lamp (ランプ) [名] a device for producing light

dust (ほこり) [名] fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter

近くにランプはなく、窓はほこりで厚く覆われていたので、私たちは互いの姿を判別できるだけだった。

My companion put his hand upon my shoulder and his lips close to my ear.

put (置く) [動] move something to a specified place

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

ear (耳) [名] the organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates

私の連れは私の肩に手を置き、唇を私の耳に近づけた。

“Do you know where we are?” he whispered.

do you know (わかるか) [動] be aware of

where (どこか) [副] in or to what place or position

whisper (ささやく) [動] speak softly

「ここがどこかわかるか?」と彼はささやいた。

“Surely that is Baker Street,” I answered, staring through the dim window.

surely (確かに) [副] without doubt; certainly

dim (薄暗い) [形] not bright or well lit

「確かにあれはベイカー街だ」と私は薄暗い窓から外を見つめながら答えた。

“Exactly. We are in Camden House, which stands opposite to our own old quarters.”

exactly (その通り) [副] in exact terms; precisely

Camden House (カムデン・ハウス) [名] a house in London

quarter (住居) [名] a place where people live

「その通り。我々はカムデン・ハウスにいる、我々の古い住居の向かいだ。」

“But why are we here?”

but (しかし) [接] on the contrary; rather

be here (ここにいる) [動] be present in this place

「しかし、なぜここにいる?」

“Because it commands so excellent a view of that picturesque pile.

command (見える) [動] to be able to see

excellent (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good

view (眺め) [名] the ability to see something or the area that can be seen

pile (建物) [名] a large building

「ここからあの絵のような建物の素晴らしい眺めが見えるからだ。

Might I trouble you, my dear Watson, to draw a little nearer to the window, taking every precaution not to show yourself, and then to look up at our old rooms—the starting-point of so many of your little fairy-tales?

trouble (お願いする) [動] ask for something

draw (近づく) [動] move or come closer

take precaution (注意する) [動] be careful in advance

fairy-tale (童話) [名] a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands

ワトソン君、君にお願いがあるんだが、窓にもう少し近づいて、自分の姿を見られないように注意しながら、我々の古い部屋を見上げてくれないか? 君のたくさんの小さな童話の出発点となった場所だ。

We will see if my three years of absence have entirely taken away my power to surprise you.”

take away (奪う) [動] remove or take something away from someone or something

power (力) [名] the ability or capacity to perform or act

surprise (驚かせる) [動] cause to feel or show surprise

私の3年間の不在が君を驚かせる力を完全に奪ってしまったかどうか、試してみよう。」

I crept forward and looked across at the familiar window.

creep forward (忍び足で進む) [動] move slowly and carefully

look across (見上げる) [動] look up at something

私は忍び足で進み、見慣れた窓を見上げた。

As my eyes fell upon it, I gave a gasp and a cry of amazement.

fall upon (目にする) [動] to see or notice something

give (上げる) [動] to produce or emit

gasp (息を呑む) [名] a convulsive catching of the breath

それを目にした私は、息を呑み、驚きの声を上げた。

The blind was down, and a strong light was burning in the room.

blind (ブラインド) [名] a window covering that consists of a series of horizontal or vertical slats

be down (下りている) [動] be in a lower position

burn (燃える) [動] be on fire

ブラインドが下りていて、部屋の中で強い光が燃えていた。

The shadow of a man who was seated in a chair within was thrown in hard, black outline upon the luminous screen of the window.

within (部屋の中) [副] inside

hard (硬く) [形] solid, firm, and rigid

black (黒い) [形] of the color that is produced by the complete absorption of light and that is the opposite of white

outline (輪郭) [名] the line or shape that forms the boundary of something

luminous (明るい) [形] emitting or reflecting light

screen (スクリーン) [名] a flat surface on which images or information is displayed

部屋の中の椅子に座っている男の影が、窓の明るいスクリーンに硬く黒い輪郭で映し出されていた。

There was no mistaking the poise of the head, the squareness of the shoulders, the sharpness of the features.

poise (位置) [名] a state of balance or equilibrium

feature (顔立ち) [名] a prominent or conspicuous aspect or quality

頭の位置、肩の四角さ、顔立ちの鋭さは間違いなく彼のものだった。

The face was turned half-round, and the effect was that of one of those black silhouettes which our grandparents loved to frame.

half-round (半分横) [形] halfway around

effect (効果) [名] a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause

one (1つ) [名] the lowest cardinal number; half of two

those (それらの) [限] used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

silhouette (シルエット) [名] the dark shape and outline of someone or something viewed against a lighter background, especially in dim light

love (好む) [動] be extremely fond of

顔は半分横を向いており、祖父母が額に入れたがる黒いシルエットのような効果があった。

It was a perfect reproduction of Holmes.

perfect (完全な) [形] without any flaws or defects

reproduction (再現) [名] the action or process of reproducing something

それはホームズの完全な再現だった。

So amazed was I that I threw out my hand to make sure that the man himself was standing beside me.

so (あまりに) [副] to such a great extent

amazed (驚いた) [形] filled with wonder or astonishment

throw out (伸ばす) [動] extend or stretch out

make sure (確かめる) [動] find out or check that something is true or accurate

私はあまりに驚いたので、その男が本当に私の横に立っているか確かめるために手を伸ばした。

He was quivering with silent laughter.

quiver (震える) [動] shake or tremble slightly

silent (声を出さずに) [形] making no sound or noise

laughter (笑い) [名] the action or sound of laughing

彼は声を出さずに笑って震えていた。

“Well?” said he.

well (どうだ) [副] to a high standard; very well

「どうだ?」と彼は言った。

“Good heavens!” I cried.

good heavens (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise

「なんてことだ!」私は叫んだ。

“It is marvellous.”

marvellous (素晴らしい) [形] causing great wonder; extraordinary

「素晴らしい。」

“I trust that age doth not wither nor custom stale my infinite variety,” said he, and I recognized in his voice the joy and pride which the artist takes in his own creation.

age (年齢) [名] the number of years that a person has lived

wither (枯らす) [動] cause to dry up and shrivel

custom (習慣) [名] a practice or behavior that is usual or expected

stale (陳腐にする) [動] make or become uninteresting or unoriginal

infinite (無限の) [形] having no limits or end

variety (多様性) [名] the quality or state of being different or varied

artist (芸術家) [名] a person who creates art

creation (作品) [名] the act of creating something

「年齢が私の無限の多様性を枯らすことも、習慣がそれを陳腐にすることもないと信じている」と彼は言い、私は彼の声に芸術家が自分の作品に抱く喜びと誇りを感じた。

“It really is rather like me, is it not?”

rather (むしろ) [副] to some extent; somewhat

like (似ている) [動] be similar to

is it not (ね?) [他] used to turn a statement into a yes-no question

「本当に私に似ているね?」

“I should be prepared to swear that it was you.”

be prepared to (する用意がある) [動] be ready to do something

「私はそれがあなただと誓う用意がある。」

“The credit of the execution is due to Monsieur Oscar Meunier, of Grenoble, who spent some days in doing the moulding.

credit (功績) [名] a source of honor or distinction

execution (作品) [名] the act of performing

due to (による) [前] caused by

Monsieur (氏) [名] a French title of respect for a man

Oscar Meunier (オスカー・ムニエ) [名] a French sculptor

Grenoble (グルノーブル) [名] a city in southeastern France

spend (かける) [動] pass or use (time) in a specified way

moulding (型取り) [名] the process of making a mould

「この作品の功績は、数日かけて型取りをしてくれたグルノーブルのオスカー・ムニエ氏によるものだ。

It is a bust in wax.

bust (胸像) [名] a sculpture of a person's head, neck, and upper shoulders

wax (蝋) [名] a solid, semisolid, or soft plastic substance of plant or animal origin that is insoluble in water

それは蝋の胸像だ。

The rest I arranged myself during my visit to Baker Street this afternoon.”

arrange (手配する) [動] make preparations for

myself (自分で) [代] I or me

visit (訪問) [名] the act of going or coming to see a person or place socially, as a guest or for sightseeing

this afternoon (今日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the current day

残りは、今日の午後ベーカー街を訪れた際に自分で手配した。」

“But why?”

「しかし、なぜ?」

“Because, my dear Watson, I had the strongest possible reason for wishing certain people to think that I was there when I was really elsewhere.”

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

strongest (最も強い) [形] of great physical power

possible (可能な) [形] that may be done or may happen

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

wish (望む) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

certain (ある) [形] particular but not further defined

people (人々) [名] human beings in general or considered collectively

when (時に) [接] at or during the time that

really (実際に) [副] in fact or in truth

elsewhere (別の場所) [副] in, at, or to some other place

「なぜなら、ワトソン君、私は、ある人々に、私が実際には別の場所にいるのに、そこにいると思わせたい、という非常に強い理由があったからだ。」

“And you thought the rooms were watched?”

watch (監視する) [動] look at or observe attentively

「そして、部屋が監視されていると思ったのか?」

“I knew that they were watched.”

「監視されていることは分かっていた。」

“By whom?”

by (によって) [前] used to indicate the agent or cause of an action

whom (誰) [代] what or which person or persons

「誰に?」

“By my old enemies, Watson.

「私の古い敵にだ、ワトソン。

By the charming society whose leader lies in the Reichenbach Fall.

Reichenbach Fall (ライヘンバッハの滝) [名] a series of waterfalls on the Reichenbach river in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland

リーダーがライヘンバッハの滝に横たわっている魅力的な協会によってだ。

You must remember that they knew, and only they knew, that I was still alive.

remember (覚えておく) [動] have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of something that has been forgotten

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

彼らは私がまだ生きていることを知っていたし、彼らだけが知っていたという事を覚えておかなければならない。

Sooner or later they believed that I should come back to my rooms.

come back (戻ってくる) [動] return to a place

彼らは遅かれ早かれ私が自分の部屋に戻ってくると信じていた。

They watched them continuously, and this morning they saw me arrive.”

continuously (ずっと) [副] without interruption or cessation

this morning (今朝) [名] the morning of today

arrive (到着する) [動] reach a destination

彼らはずっと見張っていて、今朝私が到着するのを見たのだ。」

“How do you know?”

how (どうして) [副] in what way or manner

「どうしてわかるんだ?」

“Because I recognized their sentinel when I glanced out of my window.

recognize (わかる) [動] know or identify by sight, hearing, or other sense

sentinel (見張り番) [名] a person or thing that watches or guards

「窓からちらっと見たとき、彼らの見張り番だとわかったからです。

He is a harmless enough fellow, Parker by name, a garroter by trade, and a remarkable performer upon the jew’s-harp.

harmless (無害な) [形] not causing or capable of causing harm

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

trade (職業) [名] a job or profession

garroter (絞殺魔) [名] a person who kills someone by strangling them with a piece of wire or cord

performer (演奏家) [名] a person who performs in front of an audience

彼は十分に無害な仲間で、名前はパーカー、職業は絞殺魔、そして口琴の素晴らしい演奏家だ。

I cared nothing for him.

care (気にする) [動] feel concern or interest; be concerned

私は彼のことなど気にしなかった。

But I cared a great deal for the much more formidable person who was behind him, the bosom friend of Moriarty, the man who dropped the rocks over the cliff, the most cunning and dangerous criminal in London.

deal (大いに) [名] a large amount

formidable (手強い) [形] inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable

behind (背後) [前] at or to the back of

bosom friend (親友) [名] a very close friend

cunning (狡猾) [形] having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion

criminal (犯罪者) [名] a person who has committed a crime

しかし、私は彼の背後にいたもっと手強い人物、モリアーティの親友、崖から岩を落とした男、ロンドンで最も狡猾で危険な犯罪者を大いに気にかけていた。

That is the man who is after me to-night Watson, and that is the man who is quite unaware that we are after him.”

that (それが) [代] the person or thing mentioned or indicated

be after (後を追っている) [動] be in pursuit of

be unaware (気づいていない) [動] not know or realize

それが今夜私の後を追っている男だ、ワトソン、そしてそれが我々が彼の後を追っていることに全く気づいていない男だ。」

My friend’s plans were gradually revealing themselves.

plan (計画) [名] a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something

gradually (徐々に) [副] in a gradual manner

reveal (明らかにする) [動] make (something) known or apparent

友人の計画が徐々に明らかになってきた。

From this convenient retreat, the watchers were being watched and the trackers tracked.

convenient (都合の良い) [形] suitable to one's needs or purpose

retreat (隠れ場所) [名] a place of refuge or seclusion

watcher (監視者) [名] a person who watches

tracker (追跡者) [名] a person who tracks

この都合の良い隠れ場所から、監視者は監視され、追跡者は追跡されていた。

That angular shadow up yonder was the bait, and we were the hunters.

angular (角張った) [形] having sharp corners or edges

bait (餌) [名] food used to attract prey

hunter (狩人) [名] a person who hunts animals

向こうの角張った影は餌であり、我々は狩人だった。

In silence we stood together in the darkness and watched the hurrying figures who passed and repassed in front of us.

我々は暗闇の中で黙って立って、目の前を行き来する急ぐ人影を眺めていた。

Holmes was silent and motionless;

silent (黙って) [形] making no sound

motionless (動かなかった) [形] not moving

ホームズは黙って動かなかった。

but I could tell that he was keenly alert, and that his eyes were fixed intently upon the stream of passers-by.

keenly (鋭く) [副] in a way that shows a strong feeling or interest

alert (警戒する) [形] quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances

fix (じっと見つめる) [動] direct steadily

passer-by (通り過ぎる人) [名] a person who walks past a place

しかし、彼が鋭く警戒し、通り過ぎる人々の流れをじっと見つめているのがわかった。

It was a bleak and boisterous night and the wind whistled shrilly down the long street.

bleak (荒涼とした) [形] lacking in warmth or brightness

boisterous (荒れ狂う) [形] rough and stormy

wind (風) [名] a natural movement of air

whistle (吹き抜ける) [動] make a whistling sound

shrilly (鋭く) [副] in a high-pitched tone

荒涼とした荒れ狂う夜で、長い通りを風が鋭く吹き抜けていた。

Many people were moving to and fro, most of them muffled in their coats and cravats.

many (多くの) [形] a large number of

move (行き来する) [動] change position or location

to and fro (行き来する) [副] back and forth

most (ほとんど) [形] the majority of

coat (コート) [名] a garment worn on the upper body for warmth

cravat (クラバット) [名] a scarf worn around the neck

多くの人々が行き来しており、そのほとんどがコートやクラバットに身を包んでいた。

Once or twice it seemed to me that I had seen the same figure before, and I especially noticed two men who appeared to be sheltering themselves from the wind in the doorway of a house some distance up the street.

once or twice (一度か二度) [副] on one or two occasions

figure (人物) [名] a person

especially (特に) [副] to a great extent; very much

notice (気が付く) [動] become aware of

appear (見える) [動] be visible

shelter (避ける) [動] provide protection for

doorway (戸口) [名] an entrance to a room through a door

一度か二度、私は以前に同じ人物を見たような気がしたし、特に通りを少し上った家の戸口で風を避けているように見える二人の男に気が付いた。

I tried to draw my companion’s attention to them;

draw (向ける) [動] direct or attract

attention (注意) [名] the action of directing one's mind to something

companion (連れ) [名] a person who accompanies another

私は連れの注意を彼らに向けようとした。

but he gave a little ejaculation of impatience, and continued to stare into the street.

ejaculation (叫び) [名] a sudden, short utterance

impatience (焦り) [名] the quality of being impatient

continue (続ける) [動] to keep doing something

しかし、彼は少し焦ったように叫び、通りを見つめ続けた。

More than once he fidgeted with his feet and tapped rapidly with his fingers upon the wall.

fidget (そわそわさせる) [動] move or cause to move restlessly

tap (叩く) [動] strike lightly

彼は何度も足をそわそわさせ、壁を指で素早く叩いた。

It was evident to me that he was becoming uneasy, and that his plans were not working out altogether as he had hoped.

uneasy (不安) [形] worried or nervous

work out (進む) [動] to be successful or have a good result

altogether (全く) [副] completely; totally

彼が不安になってきており、彼の計画が彼が望んだようには全く進んでいないことは私には明らかだった。

At last, as midnight approached and the street gradually cleared, he paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation.

midnight (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

approach (近づく) [動] come near or nearer in space or time

gradually (次第に) [副] slowly or by degrees

pace (行ったり来たりする) [動] walk at a steady and regular pace

uncontrollable (抑えきれない) [形] not able to be controlled

agitation (興奮) [名] a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

ついに真夜中が近づき、通りが次第に静かになると、彼は抑えきれない興奮で部屋を行ったり来たりし始めた。

I was about to make some remark to him, when I raised my eyes to the lighted window, and again experienced almost as great a surprise as before.

be about to (しようとする) [動] be on the point of doing something

make some remark (何か言う) [動] say something

raise one's eyes (目を上げる) [動] look up

lighted window (明かりのついた窓) [名] a window that has a light on inside

experience (経験する) [動] have something happen to you

私が彼に何か言おうとした時、私は明かりのついた窓に目を上げ、また前と同じくらい大きな驚きを経験した。

I clutched Holmes’s arm, and pointed upward.

clutch (つかむ) [動] grasp or hold something tightly

point (指さす) [動] direct someone's attention to something

私はホームズの腕をつかみ、上を指さした。

“The shadow has moved!”

「影が動いた!」

I cried.

私は叫んだ。

It was indeed no longer the profile, but the back, which was turned towards us.

no longer (もはや) [副] not anymore; not now

profile (横顔) [名] a side view of a person's head

それは確かにもはや横顔ではなく、背中が私たちの方を向いていた。

Three years had certainly not smoothed the asperities of his temper or his impatience with a less active intelligence than his own.

not (ない) [副] a word that describes the absence of something

smooth (和らげる) [動] make smooth or smoother

asperity (荒々しさ) [名] roughness or harshness

temper (気性) [名] a person's state of mind in terms of being angry or calm

less (遅い) [形] a smaller amount of something

active (頭の回転が) [形] doing or involving a lot of things

intelligence (良い) [名] the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills

3年間は確かに彼の気性の荒々しさや、自分より頭の回転が遅い人に対する苛立ちを和らげることはなかった。

“Of course it has moved,” said he.

「もちろん動いた」と彼は言った。

“Am I such a farcical bungler, Watson, that I should erect an obvious dummy, and expect that some of the sharpest men in Europe would be deceived by it?

farcical (馬鹿げた) [形] absurd or ridiculous

bungler (へまをする人間) [名] a person who is clumsy or incompetent

erect (立てる) [動] to construct or build

dummy (ダミー) [名] a model of a human being

expect (思う) [動] to think or believe that something will happen

deceive (騙す) [動] to cause someone to believe something that is not true

「ワトソン、私はそんな馬鹿げたへまをする人間かね、私があからさまなダミーを立てて、ヨーロッパで最も鋭い人間たちの一部がそれに騙されると思うかね?

We have been in this room two hours, and Mrs. Hudson has made some change in that figure eight times, or once in every quarter of an hour.

two hours (2時間) [名] a period of time equal to 120 minutes

make some change (変更を加える) [動] make something different

figure (人形) [名] a representation of a person or animal

eight times (8回) [名] the product of eight and one

once (1回) [名] one time

every quarter of an hour (15分ごとに) [名] a period of time equal to 15 minutes

私たちはこの部屋に2時間いたが、ハドソン夫人はその人形に8回、つまり15分ごとに1回、何かしらの変更を加えた。

She works it from the front, so that her shadow may never be seen.

work (動かす) [動] cause to operate or function

彼女は自分の影が見えないように、正面からそれを動かす。

Ah!” He drew in his breath with a shrill, excited intake.

draw in (吸い込む) [動] to take in by breathing

breath (息) [名] the air taken into or expelled from the lungs

shrill (甲高い) [形] high-pitched and piercing

excited (興奮した) [形] feeling or showing great emotion

ああ!」彼は甲高く興奮した息を吸い込んだ。

In the dim light I saw his head thrown forward, his whole attitude rigid with attention.

dim light (薄暗い明かり) [名] a light that is not bright

throw forward (前に突き出す) [動] move something to the front

whole attitude (態度全体) [名] the way someone thinks or feels about someone or something

rigid (硬直している) [形] not flexible or able to bend

薄暗い明かりの中で、私は彼の頭が前に突き出され、彼の態度全体が注意深く硬直しているのを見た。

Outside the street was absolutely deserted.

outside (外) [名] the external part of something

absolutely (全く) [副] completely; totally

deserted (人通りがない) [形] empty of people

外の通りは全く人通りがなかった。

Those two men might still be crouching in the doorway, but I could no longer see them.

those two men (あの二人の男) [名] the two men that I mentioned

still (まだ) [副] up to and including the present time

be crouching (うずくまっている) [動] be in a position where your knees are bent and your upper body is close to them

I could no longer see them (私はもう彼らを見ることができなかった) [動] I was not able to see them anymore

あの二人の男はまだ戸口にうずくまっているかもしれないが、私はもう彼らを見ることができなかった。

All was still and dark, save only that brilliant yellow screen in front of us with the black figure outlined upon its centre.

still (静か) [形] making little or no noise

dark (暗い) [形] with little or no light

save (~だけ) [前] except

brilliant (鮮やかな) [形] very bright or vivid

yellow (黄色い) [形] of the color intermediate between green and orange in the spectrum

outline (描かれている) [動] give a brief description of

center (中央) [名] the middle point of something

すべてが静かで暗く、私たちの前にある鮮やかな黄色いスクリーンとその中央に黒い人物が描かれているだけだった。

Again in the utter silence I heard that thin, sibilant note which spoke of intense suppressed excitement.

utter (完全な) [形] complete; total

silence (沈黙) [名] absence of sound or noise

sibilant (歯擦音の) [形] having or producing a hissing sound

note (音) [名] a musical sound of a definite pitch

speak (語る) [動] say or express (something) in words

intense (激しい) [形] of extreme force, degree, or strength

suppressed (抑圧された) [形] forcibly put an end to

excitement (興奮) [名] a feeling of great happiness or pleasure

再び完全な沈黙の中で、私は激しい抑圧された興奮を語るあの薄く、歯擦音の音を聞いた。

An instant later he pulled me back into the blackest corner of the room, and I felt his warning hand upon my lips.

instant (一瞬) [名] a very short space of time

pull (引き戻す) [動] move or cause to move toward oneself or the origin of the action

black (暗い) [形] of the darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light

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

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

一瞬後、彼は私を部屋の最も暗い隅に引き戻し、私は彼の警告する手が私の唇に触れたのを感じた。

The fingers which clutched me were quivering.

私をつかんだ指が震えていた。

Never had I known my friend more moved, and yet the dark street still stretched lonely and motionless before us.

never (これまでに) [副] not ever; on no occasion; at no time in the past or future; not at all

move (感動する) [動] affect (someone) deeply

stretch (広がる) [動] be made or be able to be made longer or wider without breaking

lonely (孤独な) [形] sad because one has no friends or company

私の友人がこれほど感動しているのを見たことがなかったが、それでも暗い通りは私たちの前で孤独で動かずに広がっていた。

But suddenly I was aware of that which his keener senses had already distinguished.

suddenly (突然) [副] quickly and without warning

aware (気づく) [形] having knowledge or being conscious of something

sense (感覚) [名] a faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the faculties of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch

distinguish (区別する) [動] recognize or treat as different

しかし、突然私は彼の鋭い感覚がすでに区別していたことに気づいた。

A low, stealthy sound came to my ears, not from the direction of Baker Street, but from the back of the very house in which we lay concealed.

stealthy (こそこそとした) [形] done in a secretive manner

come to one's ears (聞こえてくる) [動] be heard

back (裏) [名] the part of something that is opposite or farthest from the front

低く、こそこそとした音が私の耳に聞こえてきたが、それはベイカー街の方向からではなく、私たちが隠れている家の裏からだった。

A door opened and shut.

shut (閉まる) [動] move a door or window so as to block an entrance or exit

ドアが開いて閉まった。

An instant later steps crept down the passage—steps which were meant to be silent, but which reverberated harshly through the empty house.

step (足音) [名] the sound of a footstep

creep (忍び寄る) [動] move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being seen or heard

reverberate (響き渡る) [動] be repeated or echoed

一瞬後、足音が通路を忍び寄ってきたが、それは静かに歩こうとしている足音だったが、空の家に荒々しく響き渡った。

Holmes crouched back against the wall, and I did the same, my hand closing upon the handle of my revolver.

crouch (うずくまる) [動] bend one's knees and lower one's body

back (背を向ける) [名] the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips

do the same (同じようにする) [動] do something in the same way

handle (柄) [名] the part of an object that is held in the hand when using or carrying it

ホームズは壁に背を向けてうずくまり、私も同じように、リボルバーの柄を握りしめた。

Peering through the gloom, I saw the vague outline of a man, a shade blacker than the blackness of the open door.

peer (覗き込む) [動] look intently or with difficulty

gloom (暗闇) [名] partial or total darkness

vague (ぼんやりとした) [形] of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning

shade (少し) [名] a slight amount

open (開いた) [形] not closed or blocked

暗闇を覗き込むと、開いたドアの暗さよりも少し黒い、男のぼんやりとした輪郭が見えた。

He stood for an instant, and then he crept forward, crouching, menacing, into the room.

forward (前方へ) [副] toward the front or the future

menacing (威圧的な) [形] showing a threat of force or violence

彼は一瞬立ち止まり、それからうずくまりながら威圧的に部屋の中へ忍び寄った。

He was within three yards of us, this sinister figure, and I had braced myself to meet his spring, before I realized that he had no idea of our presence.

within three yards (三ヤード以内) [名] a distance of three yards

spring (跳躍) [名] the act of jumping

presence (存在) [名] the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present

彼は私たちから三ヤード以内にいたが、この不吉な人物は、私たちの存在に全く気づいていないことに気づくまで、私は彼の跳躍に備えて身構えていた。

He passed close beside us, stole over to the window, and very softly and noiselessly raised it for half a foot.

close (すぐそば) [形] near in space or time

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

steal (忍び寄る) [動] move or go stealthily

over (越えて) [前] above or across

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

softly (静かに) [副] in a quiet way

noiselessly (音もなく) [副] without making any noise

raise (上げる) [動] move something to a higher position

彼は私たちのすぐそばを通り過ぎ、窓に忍び寄り、とても静かに音もなくそれを半フィートほど上げた。

As he sank to the level of this opening, the light of the street, no longer dimmed by the dusty glass, fell full upon his face.

sink (身をかがめる) [動] move or cause to move slowly downwards

level (高さ) [名] the height of something

opening (開口部) [名] a gap or hole

no longer (もはや~ない) [副] not any more

dim (ぼやける) [動] make or become less bright

glass (ガラス) [名] a hard and brittle substance, typically transparent or translucent, made by fusing sand with soda and lime and cooling rapidly

fall (降り注ぐ) [動] move or cause to move downwards, typically rapidly and freely without control

彼がこの開口部の高さまで身をかがめると、もはや埃まみれのガラスでぼやけていない街灯の光が彼の顔に降り注いだ。

The man seemed to be beside himself with excitement.

beside oneself (我を忘れる) [形] extremely agitated or upset

その男は興奮のあまり我を忘れているようだった。

His two eyes shone like stars, and his features were working convulsively.

two eyes (両目) [名] the two organs of vision

shine (輝く) [動] emit or reflect light

star (星) [名] a large ball of gas that produces light and heat

work (痙攣する) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

彼の両目は星のように輝き、顔は痙攣していた。

He was an elderly man, with a thin, projecting nose, a high, bald forehead, and a huge grizzled moustache.

project (突き出る) [動] extend out from something

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

bald (禿げた) [形] lacking hair on the head

forehead (額) [名] the part of the face above the eyes

grizzled (灰色の) [形] gray or streaked with gray

moustache (口ひげ) [名] hair growing on a man's upper lip

彼は年配の男性で、細く突き出た鼻、高く禿げた額、そして巨大な灰色の口ひげを生やしていた。

An opera hat was pushed to the back of his head, and an evening dress shirt-front gleamed out through his open overcoat.

opera hat (オペラハット) [名] a man's tall collapsible top hat

push (押しやる) [動] move or cause to move into a specified position

back (後ろ) [名] the rear part of something

evening dress (夜会服) [名] a man's formal evening attire

shirt (シャツ) [名] a garment for the upper body

front (前身頃) [名] the part of something that faces forward

gleam (輝く) [動] shine brightly

out (から) [前] from

overcoat (オーバーコート) [名] a long warm coat worn over other clothes

オペラハットを後ろに押しやり、開いたオーバーコートから夜会服のシャツの前身頃が輝いていた。

His face was gaunt and swarthy, scored with deep, savage lines.

gaunt (痩せた) [形] extremely thin and bony

swarthy (浅黒い) [形] dark-complexioned

score (刻む) [動] make a deep cut in

deep (深い) [形] having a specified distance from the top to the bottom

savage (荒々しい) [形] fierce, violent, and uncontrolled

彼の顔は痩せて浅黒く、深く荒々しい皺が刻まれていた。

In his hand he carried what appeared to be a stick, but as he laid it down upon the floor it gave a metallic clang.

carry (持つ) [動] to hold or support and move

floor (床) [名] the lower surface of a room

metallic (金属の) [形] made of metal

clang (音) [名] a loud ringing sound

彼は手に棒状のものを持っていたが、それを床に置くと金属音がした。

Then from the pocket of his overcoat he drew a bulky object, and he busied himself in some task which ended with a loud, sharp click, as if a spring or bolt had fallen into its place.

draw (取り出す) [動] pull or move something out of a place

bulky (かさばった) [形] large and heavy

task (作業) [名] a piece of work to be done

end (終わる) [動] come to a finish

loud (大きな) [形] having a high volume

click (カチッという音) [名] a short, sharp sound

spring (バネ) [名] a device made of a metal that can be bent or compressed and that returns to its original shape when released

bolt (ボルト) [名] a metal pin with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other, used to fasten objects together

place (所定の位置) [名] a particular position, point, or area

それから彼はオーバーコートのポケットからかさばった物を取り出し、バネやボルトが所定の位置に落ちたかのような大きな鋭いカチッという音で終わる作業に忙殺された。

Still kneeling upon the floor he bent forward and threw all his weight and strength upon some lever, with the result that there came a long, whirling, grinding noise, ending once more in a powerful click.

kneel (跪く) [動] be in or assume a position in which you bend your legs and place your weight on your knees

bend (かがむ) [動] move into a curved or angled shape

weight (体重) [名] a measure of how heavy someone or something is

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

lever (レバー) [名] a simple machine consisting of a rigid object pivoted on a fixed point

result (結果) [名] something that happens or comes about as a consequence of something else

whirl (渦巻く) [動] move or cause to move rapidly in a circle

grind (軋む) [動] make a harsh, grating sound

noise (音) [名] a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that has no obvious source

powerful (強烈な) [形] having or capable of exerting great power or force

まだ床に跪いたまま、彼は前かがみになり、体重と力をすべてレバーにかけ、その結果、長く渦巻くような軋む音が鳴り、再び強烈なカチッという音で終わった。

He straightened himself then, and I saw that what he held in his hand was a sort of gun, with a curiously misshapen butt.

straighten (起こす) [動] make or become straight

gun (銃) [名] a weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a bullet or shell may be shot

curiously (奇妙に) [副] in a strange or unusual way

misshapen (歪んだ) [形] having an unusual or irregular shape

butt (銃床) [名] the thicker end of a gunstock, against which the shoulder is placed when firing

それから彼は体を起こし、彼が手に持っているのは奇妙に歪んだ銃床のついた銃のようなものだとわかった。

He opened it at the breech, put something in, and snapped the breech-lock.

breech (銃尾) [名] the back part of a gun barrel

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

snap (閉める) [動] shut or close with a sharp sound

breech-lock (銃尾の錠) [名] a mechanism for locking the breech of a gun

彼は銃尾を開けて何かを入れ、銃尾の錠を閉めた。

Then, crouching down, he rested the end of the barrel upon the ledge of the open window, and I saw his long moustache droop over the stock and his eye gleam as it peered along the sights.

crouch (身をかがめる) [動] bend one's body low

rest (置く) [動] place on a support

barrel (銃身) [名] the tube through which a projectile is fired

droop (垂れ下がる) [動] hang or sag

stock (銃床) [名] the part of a rifle or shotgun that is held against the shoulder when firing

sight (照準器) [名] a device used to assist in aiming a firearm or other ranged weapon

それから彼は身をかがめて、銃身の端を開いた窓の棚に置き、私は彼の長い口ひげが銃床に垂れ下がり、照準器を覗き込む彼の目が光るのを見た。

I heard a little sigh of satisfaction as he cuddled the butt into his shoulder;

sigh (ため息) [名] a long, deep, audible breath that expresses sadness, tiredness, relief, etc.

cuddle (抱きかかえる) [動] hold close in one's arms, as for affection, comfort, or warmth

彼が銃床を肩に抱きかかえたとき、私は満足げな小さなため息を聞いた。

and saw that amazing target, the black man on the yellow ground, standing clear at the end of his foresight.

amazing (驚くべき) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

target (標的) [名] a person, object, or place selected as the aim of an attack

ground (地面) [名] the solid surface of the earth

clear (はっきりと) [副] in a way that is easy to understand

end (先端) [名] the last part of something

foresight (照星) [名] the ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future

そして、黄色い地面に立つ黒人という驚くべき標的が彼の照星の先端にはっきりと見えた。

For an instant he was rigid and motionless.

rigid (硬直した) [形] not flexible or pliant

一瞬、彼は硬直して動かなかった。

Then his finger tightened on the trigger.

tighten (かかる) [動] to make or become tight or tighter

trigger (引き金) [名] a lever that releases a catch and so allows a mechanism to operate

それから彼の指が引き金にかかる。

There was a strange, loud whiz and a long, silvery tinkle of broken glass.

whiz (音) [名] a whistling or hissing sound

long (長く) [形] having or being of great physical length

silvery (銀色の) [形] having a color or luster like that of silver

tinkle (音) [名] a light, clear ringing sound

broken (割れる) [形] damaged or altered by breaking

奇妙な大きな音がして、ガラスが割れる長く銀色の音がした。

At that instant Holmes sprang like a tiger on to the marksman’s back, and hurled him flat upon his face.

at that instant (その瞬間) [副] at that very moment

spring (飛びかかる) [動] move or jump suddenly and rapidly

tiger (虎) [名] a large and powerful animal

marksman (射撃手) [名] a person skilled in shooting

hurl (押し倒す) [動] throw or fling forcefully

flat (うつ伏せ) [形] lying at full length

その瞬間、ホームズは虎のように射撃手の背中に飛びかかり、彼をうつ伏せに押し倒した。

He was up again in a moment, and with convulsive strength he seized Holmes by the throat, but I struck him on the head with the butt of my revolver, and he dropped again upon the floor.

up (起き上がる) [動] get out of bed

seize (つかむ) [動] take hold of suddenly and forcibly

throat (喉) [名] the front of the neck

strike (殴る) [動] hit forcibly and deliberately with one's hand or a weapon or other object

彼はすぐに起き上がり、痙攣的な力でホームズの喉をつかんだが、私はリボルバーの銃尻で彼の頭を殴り、彼は再び床に倒れた。

I fell upon him, and as I held him my comrade blew a shrill call upon a whistle.

fall upon (襲いかかる) [動] attack suddenly and violently

hold (押さえつける) [動] keep in a certain position

comrade (仲間) [名] a friend or associate

blow (吹く) [動] force air out of the mouth

whistle (笛) [名] a device in which air is forced through a small hole to make a high-pitched sound

私は彼に襲いかかり、彼を押さえつけている間に、仲間が笛を吹いて甲高い音を出した。

There was the clatter of running feet upon the pavement, and two policemen in uniform, with one plain-clothes detective, rushed through the front entrance and into the room.

clatter (音) [名] a loud rattling noise

policeman (警官) [名] a member of a police force

uniform (制服) [名] a distinctive outfit worn by members of an organization

detective (刑事) [名] a police officer who investigates crimes

front entrance (正面玄関) [名] the main door to a building

歩道を走る足音がして、制服を着た二人の警官と私服の刑事が正面玄関から部屋に駆け込んできた。

“That you, Lestrade?” said Holmes.

Lestrade (レストレード) [名] a Scotland Yard detective in the Sherlock Holmes stories

「レストレードか?」とホームズは言った。

“Yes, Mr. Holmes. I took the job myself.

yes (そうです) [副] used to give an affirmative response

Mr. Holmes (ホームズさん) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

take (引き受ける) [動] to accept or agree to do something

「そうです、ホームズさん。私が自分でこの仕事を引き受けたのです。

It’s good to see you back in London, sir.”

be good to (嬉しい) [動] be beneficial or advantageous to

ロンドンにお帰りになって嬉しいです、先生」

“I think you want a little unofficial help.

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

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

unofficial (非公式な) [形] not officially authorized or confirmed

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

「君は少し非公式な助けが欲しいのだと思う。

Three undetected murders in one year won’t do, Lestrade.

undetected (未解決の) [形] not detected

one year (一年) [名] the period of time that it takes the earth to make one complete revolution around the sun

一年に三件も未解決の殺人事件はまずいぞ、レストレード。

But you handled the Molesey Mystery with less than your usual—that’s to say, you handled it fairly well.”

handle (扱う) [動] deal with or manage

Molesey Mystery (モールジーの謎) [名] a mystery that took place in Molesey

usual (いつも) [形] happening or done frequently or habitually

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

しかし、君はモールジーの謎をいつもよりはましに扱った、つまり、かなりうまく扱った」

We had all risen to our feet, our prisoner breathing hard, with a stalwart constable on each side of him.

prisoner (囚人) [名] a person who is kept in prison

breathe hard (激しく息をする) [動] breathe heavily

stalwart (屈強な) [形] strong and brave

constable (巡査) [名] a police officer

私たちは皆立ち上がり、囚人は両側に屈強な巡査を従えて、激しく息をしていた。

Already a few loiterers had begun to collect in the street.

already (すでに) [副] before or by now or the time in question

loiter (見物人) [名] a person who stands around idly

begin (始める) [動] start to do something

すでに数人の見物人が通りに集まり始めていた。

Holmes stepped up to the window, closed it, and dropped the blinds.

step up (近づく) [動] move closer

drop (下ろす) [動] move something to a lower position

ホームズは窓に近づき、それを閉め、ブラインドを下ろした。

Lestrade had produced two candles, and the policemen had uncovered their lanterns.

produce (取り出す) [動] bring out into view

candle (蝋燭) [名] a stick of wax with a wick that is lit to produce light

uncover (覆いを取る) [動] remove the covering from

レストレードは二本の蝋燭を取り出し、警官たちはランタンの覆いを取った。

I was able at last to have a good look at our prisoner.

at last (ようやく) [副] finally

have a good look (よく見る) [動] look at something carefully

私はようやく囚人をよく見ることができた。

It was a tremendously virile and yet sinister face which was turned towards us.

tremendously (非常に) [副] to a very great degree

virile (精悍な) [形] having strength or force

我々に向けられたのは、非常に精悍でありながらも邪悪な顔だった。

With the brow of a philosopher above and the jaw of a sensualist below, the man must have started with great capacities for good or for evil.

brow (額) [名] the forehead

philosopher (哲学者) [名] a person who studies or writes about philosophy

jaw (顎) [名] the lower part of the face below the mouth

sensualist (官能主義者) [名] a person who is devoted to sensual pleasures

capacity (能力) [名] the ability to do something

good (善) [名] that which is morally right

evil (悪) [名] that which is morally wrong

上は哲学者の額、下は官能主義者の顎で、この男は善にも悪にも大きな能力を持っていたに違いない。

But one could not look upon his cruel blue eyes, with their drooping, cynical lids, or upon the fierce, aggressive nose and the threatening, deep-lined brow, without reading Nature’s plainest danger-signals.

cruel (残酷な) [形] causing pain or suffering

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

drooping (垂れ下がった) [形] hanging or bending downward

cynical (皮肉な) [形] believing that people are motivated by selfishness and that sincerity and goodness are not to be expected

lid (瞼) [名] a movable cover for an opening

fierce (激しい) [形] violent or intense in strength or degree

aggressive (攻撃的な) [形] ready or likely to attack or confront

threatening (脅迫的な) [形] expressing a threat

deep-lined (深い皺の) [形] having many deep wrinkles

Nature (自然) [名] the physical world and everything in it

plainest (最も明白な) [形] most easily understood

danger-signal (危険信号) [名] something that warns of danger

しかし、彼の残酷な青い目、垂れ下がった皮肉な瞼、激しく攻撃的な鼻、脅迫的で深い皺の額を見ると、自然の最も明白な危険信号を読み取らずにはいられなかった。

He took no heed of any of us, but his eyes were fixed upon Holmes’s face with an expression in which hatred and amazement were equally blended.

take heed (注意を払う) [動] be careful or cautious

hatred (憎しみ) [名] intense dislike or ill will

blend (混ざり合う) [動] mix or combine together

彼は我々の誰にも注意を払わず、憎しみと驚きが等しく混ざり合った表情でホームズの顔をじっと見つめていた。

“You fiend!” he kept on muttering.

fiend (悪魔) [名] a person who is extremely cruel or wicked

keep on (続ける) [動] continue doing something

muttering (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

「この悪魔め!」と彼はつぶやき続けた。

“You clever, clever fiend!”

clever (賢い) [形] having or showing an ability to learn and understand things quickly and easily

「この賢い、賢い悪魔め!」

“Ah, Colonel!” said Holmes, arranging his rumpled collar.

Colonel (大佐) [名] a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps

arrange (整える) [動] put into a neat, attractive, or required order

rumpled (皺になった) [形] having creases or wrinkles

「ああ、大佐!」とホームズは皺になった襟を整えながら言った。

“‘Journeys end in lovers’ meetings,’ as the old play says.

journey (旅) [名] a long and difficult process of personal change and growth

lover (恋人) [名] a person having a sexual or romantic relationship with another

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

「古い劇にあるように『旅は恋人同士の逢瀬で終わる』。

I don’t think I have had the pleasure of seeing you since you favoured me with those attentions as I lay on the ledge above the Reichenbach Fall.”

I don't think (思わない) [動] to not have an opinion or belief

have the pleasure of (喜びを味わう) [動] to be happy to do something

since (以来) [前] from the time of

favour (向けてくれた) [動] to prefer or like more than another

lie (横たわっていた) [動] to be in or move into a horizontal position

私がライヘンバッハの滝の上の岩棚に横たわっていた時に、あなたが私に注意を向けてくれた時以来、あなたに会う喜びを味わったとは思わない。」

The colonel still stared at my friend like a man in a trance.

trance (トランス状態) [名] a state of unconsciousness of surroundings

大佐は依然としてトランス状態の男のように私の友人を見つめていた。

“You cunning, cunning fiend!” was all that he could say.

「このずる賢い、ずる賢い悪魔め!」というのが彼に言える全てだった。

“I have not introduced you yet,” said Holmes.

introduce (紹介する) [動] make someone known to someone else by giving their name, or make something known to someone by giving information about it

yet (まだ) [副] up until the present time; so far

「まだ紹介していなかったね」とホームズは言った。

“This, gentlemen, is Colonel Sebastian Moran, once of Her Majesty’s Indian Army, and the best heavy-game shot that our Eastern Empire has ever produced.

This (こちら) [代] the person or thing that is close to you or that you are pointing to

gentlemen (皆さん) [名] a man who is well mannered, courteous, or honorable

Sebastian Moran (セバスチャン・モラン) [名] a character in the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

once (かつて) [副] at some earlier time

Her Majesty's Indian Army (女王陛下のインドの軍隊) [名] the military of British India

Eastern Empire (東洋帝国) [名] the eastern part of the Roman Empire

produce (生み出す) [動] make or create

「皆さん、こちらはセバスチャン・モラン大佐、かつては女王陛下のインドの軍隊に所属し、我が東洋帝国が生み出した最高の大型動物ハンターです。

I believe I am correct Colonel, in saying that your bag of tigers still remains unrivalled?”

bag (狩猟数) [名] the number of animals killed in a hunt

remain (未だに) [動] be in the same state or condition

unrivalled (比類のないもの) [形] having no equal or rival

大佐、あなたの虎の狩猟数は未だに比類のないものだと言っても間違いではないでしょうか?」

The fierce old man said nothing, but still glared at my companion.

fierce (荒々しい) [形] violent or aggressive; ferocious

old man (老人) [名] a man who is old

say nothing (何も言わない) [動] not say anything

still (相変わらず) [副] even now or even then

glare (睨みつける) [動] to stare angrily or fiercely

荒々しい老人は何も言わなかったが、相変わらず私の友人を睨みつけていた。

With his savage eyes and bristling moustache he was wonderfully like a tiger himself.

savage (野蛮な) [形] fierce, ferocious, or cruel; untamed

bristle (口ひげ) [名] a short, stiff hair

wonderfully (驚くほど) [副] in a wonderful way

彼の野蛮な目と口ひげは、彼自身が虎に驚くほど似ていた。

“I wonder that my very simple stratagem could deceive so old a shikari,” said Holmes.

wonder (驚きだ) [動] feel curious or surprised

simple (単純な) [形] not complicated or elaborate

stratagem (策略) [名] a plan or scheme intended to outwit or deceive an enemy or opponent

deceive (欺く) [動] cause to believe something that is not true

old (年老いた) [形] having lived for a long time

shikari (狩猟者) [名] a person who hunts

「私の単純な策略が、あんなに年老いた狩猟者を欺くことができるとは驚きだ」とホームズは言った。

“It must be very familiar to you.

must (違いない) [助] be obliged to; be compelled to

be familiar to (よく知っている) [動] know well

「あなたにはよくご存知のはずです。

Have you not tethered a young kid under a tree, lain above it with your rifle, and waited for the bait to bring up your tiger?

tether (つなぐ) [動] tie up or fasten

kid (子ヤギ) [名] a young goat

tree (木) [名] a woody perennial plant typically having a main stem or trunk and generally a distinct elevated crown

rifle (ライフル) [名] a gun, especially one with a long barrel, that is fired from the shoulder

bring up (食いつく) [動] mention or discuss

あなたは若い子ヤギを木の下につなぎ、その上にライフルを持って横たわり、虎が餌に食いつくのを待ったことはないのですか?

This empty house is my tree, and you are my tiger.

この空き家が私の木で、あなたは私の虎です。

You have possibly had other guns in reserve in case there should be several tigers, or in the unlikely supposition of your own aim failing you.

have in reserve (用意する) [動] have something available for future use

aim (狙い) [名] the intention to do something

fail (外す) [動] be unsuccessful in achieving something

虎が何頭かいたり、万一狙いを外した時のために、予備の銃を用意していたかもしれません。

These,” he pointed around, “are my other guns.

these (これら) [代] the ones mentioned

これらが私の予備の銃です」と彼は周囲を指さした。

The parallel is exact.”

parallel (同じ) [形] having the same direction, course, or tendency

exact (全く) [形] not deviating or varying from a standard or norm

全く同じです」

Colonel Moran sprang forward with a snarl of rage, but the constables dragged him back.

spring forward (飛び出す) [動] move forward suddenly

snarl (うなり声) [名] a growling sound

rage (怒り) [名] a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

モラン大佐は怒りのうなり声を上げて飛び出したが、巡査が彼を引きずり戻した。

The fury upon his face was terrible to look at.

fury (怒り) [名] a violent anger

look at (見る) [動] direct one's gaze at

彼の顔の怒りは見るに堪えないものだった。

“I confess that you had one small surprise for me,” said Holmes.

said (言った) [動] express (something) in words

「君が私に小さな驚きを一つ用意していたことは認めるよ」とホームズは言った。

“I did not anticipate that you would yourself make use of this empty house and this convenient front window.

anticipate (予想する) [動] expect or predict

make use of (利用する) [動] use or employ for a particular purpose

convenient (便利な) [形] involving little trouble or effort

「君がこの空き家とこの便利な正面の窓を自分で使うとは予想していなかった。

I had imagined you as operating from the street, where my friend, Lestrade and his merry men were awaiting you.

imagine (想像する) [動] form a mental image or concept of

merry (陽気な) [形] cheerful and lively

await (待つ) [動] wait for

私は君が通りから狙撃するだろうと想像していたんだ、そこでは私の友人、レストレードと彼の陽気な部下たちが君を待っていたんだ。

With that exception, all has gone as I expected.”

with that exception (それを除いては) [副] apart from that

go (進む) [動] move or travel

それを除いては、すべて私の予想通りに進んだ。」

Colonel Moran turned to the official detective.

turn to (の方を向く) [動] change direction so as to face

official detective (警察の探偵) [名] a detective who works for the police

モラン大佐は警察の探偵の方を向いた。

“You may or may not have just cause for arresting me,” said he, “but at least there can be no reason why I should submit to the gibes of this person.

just cause (正当な理由) [名] a legal term for a valid reason

arrest (逮捕) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

submit (従う) [動] yield to governance or authority

gibe (嘲笑) [名] an expression of scornful derision

「私を逮捕する正当な理由があるかもしれないし、ないかもしれない」と彼は言った、「しかし、少なくとも私がこの人物の嘲笑に従うべき理由はない。

If I am in the hands of the law, let things be done in a legal way.”

in the hands of (委ねられている) [名] under the control of

law (法) [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

let (行われるべきだ) [動] allow to happen

thing (物事) [名] an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to

legal (法的な) [形] of or relating to the law or lawyers

私が法の手に委ねられているのであれば、物事は法的な方法で行われるべきだ。」

“Well, that’s reasonable enough,” said Lestrade.

reasonable (理にかなっている) [形] having sound judgment; fair and just

「まあ、それは十分に理にかなっている」とレストレードは言った。

“Nothing further you have to say, Mr. Holmes, before we go?”

have to (しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; must

go (行く) [動] move or travel from one place to another

「ホームズさん、出発する前に何か言いたいことはありませんか?」

Holmes had picked up the powerful air-gun from the floor, and was examining its mechanism.

powerful (強力な) [形] having great power or strength

air-gun (空気銃) [名] a gun that fires a projectile by means of compressed air

ホームズは床から強力な空気銃を拾い上げ、その機構を調べていた。

“An admirable and unique weapon,” said he, “noiseless and of tremendous power: I knew Von Herder, the blind German mechanic, who constructed it to the order of the late Professor Moriarty.

admirable (素晴らしい) [形] deserving of admiration

unique (比類のない) [形] being the only one of its kind; unmatched

noiseless (音もない) [形] making no noise

tremendous (とてつもない) [形] extremely great in amount, scale, or intensity

Von Herder (フォン・ヘルダー) [名] a German mechanic

blind (盲目の) [形] unable to see; sightless

German (ドイツ人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Germany

mechanic (技師) [名] a person who repairs and maintains machinery

「素晴らしい、比類のない武器だ」と彼は言った。「音もなく、とてつもない威力だ。私は、故モリアーティ教授の注文でこれを作った盲目のドイツ人技師、フォン・ヘルダーを知っていた。

For years I have been aware of its existence though I have never before had the opportunity of handling it.

for years (何年も前から) [副] for a long time

be aware of (知っている) [動] know or have knowledge of

though (しかし) [接] despite the fact that

have the opportunity (機会がある) [名] a favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances

handling (扱う) [動] deal with or manage

何年も前からその存在は知っていたが、これまで扱う機会がなかった。

I commend it very specially to your attention, Lestrade and also the bullets which fit it.”

commend (推薦する) [動] praise formally or officially

レストレード、この銃とそれに合う弾丸を特に注意して調べるように。」

“You can trust us to look after that, Mr. Holmes,” said Lestrade, as the whole party moved towards the door.

look after (任せる) [動] take care of

「その点は我々に任せて安心してください、ホームズさん」とレストレード警部が言い、一同はドアに向かった。

“Anything further to say?”

anything (何か) [名] something

「何か他に言うことは?」

“Only to ask what charge you intend to prefer?”

charge (罪) [名] a formal accusation of a crime

intend (つもり) [動] have in mind as a purpose

prefer (起訴する) [動] bring a charge or accusation against

「どんな罪で起訴するつもりか聞きたいだけだ。」

“What charge, sir?

「どんな罪で?

Why, of course, the attempted murder of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.”

attempted murder (殺人未遂) [名] the crime of trying to kill someone but failing

ええ、もちろん、シャーロック・ホームズ氏殺人未遂で。」

“Not so, Lestrade.

「そうではない、レストレード。

I do not propose to appear in the matter at all.

appear (関与する) [動] be involved in

私はこの件には一切関与するつもりはない。

To you, and to you only, belongs the credit of the remarkable arrest which you have effected.

belong (属する) [動] be a member of

君だけが、君だけが、この素晴らしい逮捕の功績を認められるのだ。

Yes, Lestrade, I congratulate you!

yes (そうだ) [副] used to express agreement, acceptance, or approval

congratulate (祝福する) [動] express praise or admiration for an achievement or good fortune

そうだ、レストレード、君を祝福する!

With your usual happy mixture of cunning and audacity, you have got him.”

happy (幸運な) [形] having, showing, or causing a feeling of great pleasure or contentment

mixture (組み合わせ) [名] a combination of two or more things

audacity (大胆さ) [名] the willingness to do something that is new, dangerous, or shocking

君のいつもの幸運なずる賢さと大胆さの組み合わせで、彼を捕まえたのだ。」

“Got him! Got whom, Mr. Holmes?”

Mr. (さん) [名] a title used before a man's surname or full name

「捕まえた! 誰を捕まえたというんだ、ホームズさん?」

“The man that the whole force has been seeking in vain—Colonel Sebastian Moran, who shot the Honourable Ronald Adair with an expanding bullet from an air-gun through the open window of the second-floor front of No. 427, Park Lane, upon the thirtieth of last month.

force (警察) [名] the police

vain (無駄) [形] having no real value or importance

Colonel Sebastian Moran (セバスチャン・モラン大佐) [名] a character in the story

Honourable Ronald Adair (ロナルド・アデア卿) [名] a character in the story

second-floor (二階) [名] the floor of a building above the first floor

open window (開いた窓) [名] a window that is not closed

last month (先月) [名] the month before the present month

「警察が総力を挙げて探しても見つからなかった男、セバスチャン・モラン大佐だ。先月三十日、パークレーン四二七番地の二階正面の開いた窓から、空気銃で膨張弾を撃ち、ロナルド・アデア卿を殺した男だ。

That’s the charge, Lestrade.

charge (容疑) [名] an accusation of a crime

それが容疑だ、レストレード。

And now, Watson, if you can endure the draught from a broken window, I think that half an hour in my study over a cigar may afford you some profitable amusement.”

endure (耐える) [動] tolerate something unpleasant

draught (風) [名] a current of air

broken window (割れた窓) [名] a window that is not intact

half an hour (三十分) [名] thirty minutes

study (書斎) [名] a room in a house used for reading, writing, or studying

cigar (葉巻) [名] a roll of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves

afford (得る) [動] have enough money to pay for

profitable (有益な) [形] yielding a financial gain

amusement (楽しみ) [名] something that provides entertainment or enjoyment

さて、ワトソン、もし割れた窓から吹き込む風に耐えられるなら、私の書斎で葉巻をくゆらせながら三十分ほど過ごせば、何か有益な楽しみが得られると思うのだが。」

Our old chambers had been left unchanged through the supervision of Mycroft Holmes and the immediate care of Mrs. Hudson.

chamber (部屋) [名] a room in a house or other building

unchanged (変わっていない) [形] not changed

supervision (監督) [名] the action of supervising someone or something

Mycroft Holmes (マイクロフト・ホームズ) [名] Sherlock Holmes's older brother

immediate (直接の) [形] happening or done without delay

care (世話) [名] the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something

私たちの古い部屋は、マイクロフト・ホームズの監督とハドソン夫人の直接の世話によって、何も変わっていない。

As I entered I saw, it is true, an unwonted tidiness, but the old landmarks were all in their place.

as (~すると) [接] at the same time that; while

unwonted (いつもと違って) [形] unusual or uncommon

tidiness (整然としている) [名] the quality or state of being neat, clean, or orderly

landmark (目印) [名] an object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance

in (に) [前] within the limits or bounds of

確かに、中に入ると、いつもと違って整然としているのに気づいたが、古い目印はすべて元の場所にあった。

There were the chemical corner and the acid-stained, deal-topped table.

chemical (化学薬品) [名] a substance used in or produced by a chemical process

corner (置き場) [名] a place where two or more things meet at an angle

acid (酸) [名] a chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red

stain (染まる) [動] color or discolor with a dye or other substance

deal (松材) [名] wood of the pine tree

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

化学薬品の置き場や、酸で染まった松材のテーブルがあった。

There upon a shelf was the row of formidable scrap-books and books of reference which many of our fellow-citizens would have been so glad to burn.

row (列) [名] a series of people or things arranged in a straight line

scrap-book (スクラップブック) [名] a blank book in which pictures, newspaper clippings, and other items are pasted

reference (参考書) [名] a book that can be consulted for information

fellow-citizen (市民) [名] an inhabitant of a city or town

burn (燃やす) [動] be on fire; be consumed by fire

棚には、多くの市民が喜んで燃やしたであろう、恐ろしいスクラップブックや参考書が並んでいた。

The diagrams, the violin-case, and the pipe-rack—even the Persian slipper which contained the tobacco—all met my eyes as I glanced round me.

diagram (図表) [名] a drawing that shows the relation between the parts of something

violin-case (バイオリンケース) [名] a case for carrying a violin

pipe-rack (パイプ立て) [名] a rack for holding pipes

Persian slipper (ペルシャのスリッパ) [名] a slipper from Persia

tobacco (タバコ) [名] a plant grown for its leaves, which are dried and fermented before being smoked in cigarettes, pipes, or cigars

見回すと、図表、バイオリンケース、パイプ立て、タバコの入ったペルシャのスリッパまで、すべてが目に映った。

There were two occupants of the room—one, Mrs. Hudson, who beamed upon us both as we entered—the other, the strange dummy which had played so important a part in the evening’s adventures.

occupant (人物) [名] a person who lives or works in a building

beam (笑顔を向ける) [動] smile radiantly

other (もう一人) [形] the remaining one of two or more people or things

play (果たす) [動] have a role or function

important (重要な) [形] of great significance or value

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

部屋には二人の人物がいた。一人はハドソン夫人で、私たちが入ると二人に笑顔を向けた。もう一人は、今夜の冒険で重要な役割を果たした奇妙なダミーだった。

It was a wax-coloured model of my friend, so admirably done that it was a perfect facsimile.

wax-coloured (蝋色の) [形] having the colour of wax

model (模型) [名] a representation of something in three dimensions

admirably (見事に) [副] in a way that deserves admiration

facsimile (複製) [名] an exact copy

それは私の友人の蝋人形で、見事な出来栄えで、完璧な複製だった。

It stood on a small pedestal table with an old dressing-gown of Holmes’s so draped round it that the illusion from the street was absolutely perfect.

stand (置かれる) [動] be in a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

pedestal table (台) [名] a table with a central support or leg

dressing-gown (ドレッシングガウン) [名] a robe worn over night clothes or while lounging

illusion (本物) [名] a deceptive appearance or impression

それは小さな台の上に置かれ、ホームズの古いドレッシングガウンを着せられていたので、通りから見ると完璧に本物に見えた。

“I hope you observed all precautions, Mrs. Hudson?”

observe (守る) [動] to notice or perceive

precaution (予防策) [名] a measure taken in advance to prevent something from happening

「ハドソン夫人、すべての予防策を守ったでしょうね?」

said Holmes.

とホームズは言った。

“I went to it on my knees, sir, just as you told me.”

go to (近づく) [動] move towards

on one's knees (膝をついて) [副] in a kneeling position

just as (言われた通り) [副] in the way that

「言われた通り、膝をついて近づきました」

“Excellent. You carried the thing out very well.

carry out (行う) [動] to perform or execute

「素晴らしい。よくやった。

Did you observe where the bullet went?”

弾丸がどこに行ったか見たか?」

“Yes, sir. I’m afraid it has spoilt your beautiful bust, for it passed right through the head and flattened itself on the wall.

spoil (台無しにする) [動] damage or harm

flatten (めり込む) [動] make or become flat or flatter

「はい。あなたの美しい胸像を台無しにしてしまったようだ。頭を貫通して壁にめり込んでいる。

I picked it up from the carpet.

carpet (カーペット) [名] a floor covering made of thick woven fabric

私はそれをカーペットから拾い上げた。

Here it is!”

here (ここ) [副] in this place

it (それ) [代] the thing mentioned before

これがそれです!」

Holmes held it out to me.

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

to (私に) [前] toward or into the direction of

ホームズはそれを私に差し出した。

“A soft revolver bullet, as you perceive, Watson.

「ワトソン、君も分かるように、柔らかいリボルバーの弾丸だ。

There’s genius in that, for who would expect to find such a thing fired from an airgun?

genius (天才) [名] a person who is exceptionally intelligent or creative, either generally or in some particular respect

airgun (空気銃) [名] a gun that propels a projectile by means of compressed air

そこには天才的な発想がある、誰が空気銃からこんなものが発射されると思うだろうか?

All right, Mrs. Hudson. I am much obliged for your assistance.

all right (分かりました) [副] yes; okay

be obliged (感謝する) [動] be grateful or thankful

assistance (協力) [名] the action of helping someone by sharing work or providing information

分かりました、ハドソンさん。ご協力ありがとうございます。

And now, Watson, let me see you in your old seat once more, for there are several points which I should like to discuss with you.”

And now (そして今) [副] at the present time

let me see (見させてくれ) [動] allow me to see

there are (ある) [動] exist

そして今、ワトソン、君がもう一度いつもの席に座るところを見させてくれ、君と議論したいことがいくつかあるんだ。」

He had thrown off the seedy frockcoat, and now he was the Holmes of old in the mouse-coloured dressing-gown which he took from his effigy.

throw off (脱ぎ捨てる) [動] to remove something quickly and carelessly

now (今や) [副] at the present time

mouse-coloured (ねずみ色の) [形] of a greyish colour

dressing-gown (ガウン) [名] a loose robe worn over night clothes or other clothes when relaxing at home

effigy (肖像) [名] a representation of a person in the form of a sculpture or a drawing

彼はみすぼらしいフロックコートを脱ぎ捨て、今や彼は彼の肖像から取ったねずみ色のガウンを着た昔のホームズだった。

“The old shikari’s nerves have not lost their steadiness, nor his eyes their keenness,” said he, with a laugh, as he inspected the shattered forehead of his bust.

nerve (神経) [名] a bundle of fibers that transmits impulses between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body

lose (失う) [動] be deprived of or cease to have or retain

steadiness (落ち着き) [名] the quality or state of being steady

keenness (鋭さ) [名] the quality of being sharp or intense

laugh (笑う) [動] make the sounds and movements of laughter

inspect (調べる) [動] examine or inspect officially and in detail

「老いた狩人の神経は落ち着きを失わず、目は鋭さを失っていない」と彼は笑いながら、胸像の砕けた額を調べた。

“Plumb in the middle of the back of the head and smack through the brain.

plumb (真ん中) [名] the middle

smack (貫通する) [動] go through or across something

「後頭部の真ん中に当たって脳を貫通した。

He was the best shot in India, and I expect that there are few better in London.

India (インド) [名] a country in South Asia

few (ほとんどいない) [形] a small number of

better (上手な) [形] of a higher standard or quality

彼はインドで一番の射撃手で、ロンドンでも彼より上手な人はほとんどいないと思う。

Have you heard the name?”

その名前を聞いたことがあるか?」

“No, I have not.”

have (聞いたことがありません) [動] to experience or undergo

「いいえ、聞いたことがありません」

“Well, well, such is fame!

fame (名声) [名] the state of being known or talked about by many people

「まあ、まあ、名声とはそんなものだ!

But, then, if I remember right, you had not heard the name of Professor James Moriarty, who had one of the great brains of the century.

right (正しい) [形] correct or true

hear (聞いたことがない) [動] perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)

James Moriarty (ジェームズ・モリアーティ) [名] a fictional character in the Sherlock Holmes stories

century (世紀) [名] a period of 100 years

しかし、私の記憶が正しければ、君は世紀の偉大な頭脳の持ち主の一人であるジェームズ・モリアーティ教授の名前も聞いたことがなかったな。

Just give me down my index of biographies from the shelf.”

give (取って来てくれ) [動] transfer the possession of something to someone

index (索引) [名] a list of names, subjects, etc., with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book

biography (伝記) [名] an account of someone's life and character

棚から私の伝記索引を取って来てくれ」

He turned over the pages lazily, leaning back in his chair and blowing great clouds from his cigar.

turn over (めくる) [動] change from one side to the other

lazily (怠惰に) [副] in a lazy manner

lean back (寄りかかる) [動] be in or move into a leaning position

blow (吹き出す) [動] move or be moved by wind or air

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

彼は椅子に寄りかかり、葉巻から大きな煙を吹き出しながら、怠惰にページをめくった。

“My collection of M’s is a fine one,” said he.

collection (コレクション) [名] a gathering of objects

fine (素晴らしい) [形] of high quality

「私のMのコレクションは素晴らしいものだ」と彼は言った。

“Moriarty himself is enough to make any letter illustrious, and here is Morgan the poisoner, and Merridew of abominable memory, and Mathews, who knocked out my left canine in the waiting-room at Charing Cross, and, finally, here is our friend of to-night.”

himself (自身) [代] that male person or animal

enough (十分) [形] as much or as many as required

letter (文字) [名] a symbol representing one or more of the sounds used in speech

illustrious (有名) [形] well known and respected

Morgan (モーガン) [名] a male given name

poisoner (毒殺者) [名] a person who kills with poison

Merridew (メリデュー) [名] a male given name

abominable (忌まわしい) [形] causing moral revulsion

memory (記憶) [名] the retention of information over time

Mathews (マシューズ) [名] a male given name

knock out (殴り倒す) [動] hit someone so that they become unconscious

canine (犬歯) [名] a pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars

waiting-room (待合室) [名] a room in which people wait, especially in a public building

Charing Cross (チャリング・クロス) [名] a road junction in central London

finally (最後に) [副] after a long time, process, or series of events

「モリアーティ自身だけでもどんな文字も有名にするのに十分だが、ここには毒殺者のモーガン、忌まわしい記憶のメリデュー、チャリング・クロスの待合室で私の左犬歯を殴り倒したマシューズ、そして最後に今夜の我々の友人がいる」

He handed over the book, and I read:

hand over (渡す) [動] give or pass to another

彼はその本を渡し、私は読んだ。

Moran, Sebastian, Colonel. Unemployed. Formerly 1st Bangalore Pioneers.

Moran (モラン) [名] a surname

Sebastian (セバスチャン) [名] a male given name

Unemployed (無職) [形] not having a paid job

Formerly (元) [副] in the past

1st (第1) [形] first

Bangalore (バンガロール) [名] a city in India

Pioneers (開拓者) [名] a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area

モラン、セバスチャン、大佐。無職。元第1バンガロール開拓者。

Born London, 1840. Son of Sir Augustus Moran, C.B., once British Minister to Persia.

born (生まれる) [動] come into existence

1840 (1840年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

Sir Augustus Moran (オーガスタス・モラン卿) [名] a British diplomat

C.B. (C.B.) [名] a British order of knighthood

British (英国の) [形] of or relating to Great Britain or its people

Minister (大臣) [名] a person appointed by a state leader to head a ministry

1840年ロンドン生まれ。かつて英国のペルシア大臣を務めたC.B.オーガスタス・モラン卿の息子。

Educated Eton and Oxford.

educate (教育を受ける) [動] give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to

Eton (イートン校) [名] a public school for boys in England

Oxford (オックスフォード大学) [名] a university in England

イートン校とオックスフォード大学で教育を受けた。

Served in Jowaki Campaign, Afghan Campaign, Charasiab (despatches), Sherpur, and Cabul.

serve (従軍) [動] be a member of the armed forces

Jowaki Campaign (ジョワキ作戦) [名] a military campaign in the Jowaki region of Pakistan

Afghan Campaign (アフガニスタン作戦) [名] a military campaign in Afghanistan

Charasiab (チャラシアブ) [名] a village in Afghanistan

Sherpur (シェルプール) [名] a city in Afghanistan

Cabul (カブール) [名] the capital of Afghanistan

ジョワキ作戦、アフガニスタン作戦、チャラシアブ(派遣)、シェルプール、カブールで従軍。

Author of Heavy Game of the Western Himalayas (1881); Three Months in the Jungle (1884).

author (著者) [名] the writer of a book, article, or report

Heavy Game of the Western Himalayas (西ヒマラヤのヘビーゲーム) [名] a book by Arthur Conan Doyle

Three Months in the Jungle (ジャングルでの3ヶ月) [名] a book by Arthur Conan Doyle

西ヒマラヤのヘビーゲーム(1881年)の著者。ジャングルでの3ヶ月(1884年)。

Address: Conduit Street.

address (住所) [名] the location of a person's home or business

Conduit Street (コンジット通り) [名] a street in London

住所:コンジット通り。

Clubs: The Anglo-Indian, the Tankerville, the Bagatelle Card Club.

Anglo-Indian (アングロ・インディアン) [名] a person of mixed British and Indian descent

Tankerville (タンカービル) [名] a town in northeastern France

Bagatelle Card Club (バガテル・カード・クラブ) [名] a club for playing card games

クラブ:アングロ・インディアン、タンカービル、バガテル・カード・クラブ。

On the margin was written, in Holmes’s precise hand:

on the margin (余白に) [名] the space between the edge of a page and the main body of text

in Holmes's precise hand (ホームズの几帳面な筆跡で) [名] in Holmes's neat handwriting

余白には、ホームズの几帳面な筆跡でこう書かれていた。

The second most dangerous man in London.

man (男) [名] an adult male human being

ロンドンで2番目に危険な男。

“This is astonishing,” said I, as I handed back the volume.

astonishing (驚きだ) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

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

「これは驚きだ」と私は言い、本を返した。

“The man’s career is that of an honourable soldier.”

honourable (立派な) [形] worthy of honour or respect

soldier (軍人) [名] a person who serves in an army

「この男の経歴は立派な軍人のものだ」

“It is true,” Holmes answered.

answer (答える) [動] say something in reply

「それは本当だ」とホームズは答えた。

“Up to a certain point he did well.

up to (まで) [前] as far as

do well (立派だった) [動] perform well

「ある時点までは彼は立派だった。

He was always a man of iron nerve, and the story is still told in India how he crawled down a drain after a wounded man-eating tiger.

iron nerve (鉄の神経) [名] a person who is very brave

story (話) [名] a tale or account of a series of events, true or fictional

still (今でも) [副] even now or at this time

crawl (這う) [動] move slowly with the body close to the ground

drain (排水溝) [名] a channel or pipe carrying off surplus water or sewage

彼は常に鉄の神経の持ち主で、インドでは今でも彼が傷ついた人食い虎を追って排水溝を這っていったという話が語られている。

There are some trees, Watson, which grow to a certain height, and then suddenly develop some unsightly eccentricity.

some (ある) [限] an unspecified number or amount of

grow (成長する) [動] become larger or greater over a period of time

height (高さ) [名] the distance from the top to the bottom of something

develop (発達させる) [動] grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate

unsightly (見苦しい) [形] unpleasant to look at

eccentricity (奇形) [名] the quality of being unconventional or slightly strange

ワトソン、ある程度の高さまで成長した後、突然見苦しい奇形を発達させる木がある。

You will see it often in humans.

人間にもよく見られる。

I have a theory that the individual represents in his development the whole procession of his ancestors, and that such a sudden turn to good or evil stands for some strong influence which came into the line of his pedigree.

individual (個人) [名] a single human being as distinct from a group

represent (表現する) [動] stand for or be a symbol of

development (成長過程) [名] the process of developing or being developed

ancestor (先祖) [名] a person from whom one is descended

procession (行列) [名] a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion

turn (転換) [名] a change of direction, position, or course

stand for (表す) [動] represent or symbolize

influence (影響) [名] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself

pedigree (家系) [名] a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor

私は、個人はその成長過程で先祖の行列全体を表現しており、善悪への突然の転換は、その家系に何らかの強い影響があったことを表しているという説を持っている。

The person becomes, as it were, the epitome of the history of his own family.”

become (なる) [動] come to be

epitome (縮図) [名] a person or thing that is a perfect example of something

その人は、いわば自分の家族の歴史の縮図になる。」

“It is surely rather fanciful.”

rather (かなり) [副] to some extent; quite; fairly

fanciful (空想的) [形] existing only in the imagination; unreal

「それは確かにかなり空想的だ。」

“Well, I don’t insist upon it.

insist (主張する) [動] demand something forcefully, urgently, or emphatically

「まあ、私はそれを主張しない。

Whatever the cause, Colonel Moran began to go wrong.

whatever (何であれ) [代] no matter what

cause (原因) [名] a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition

go wrong (道を踏み外す) [動] make a mistake

原因が何であれ、モラン大佐は道を踏み外し始めた。

Without any open scandal, he still made India too hot to hold him.

without (なしに) [前] not having or not accompanied by

open (公然の) [形] not secret or hidden

scandal (スキャンダル) [名] an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage

still (それでも) [副] even so; nevertheless

make (する) [動] cause to be or become

too hot (居心地の悪い) [形] unpleasant or uncomfortable

hold (居続ける) [動] keep or maintain in a certain state or position

公然のスキャンダルはなかったが、彼はインドを居心地の悪い場所にした。

He retired, came to London, and again acquired an evil name.

retire (退役する) [動] withdraw from one's position or occupation

acquire (得る) [動] come into possession or ownership of

evil (悪い) [形] profoundly immoral and wicked

彼は退役してロンドンに来て、再び悪名を馳せた。

It was at this time that he was sought out by Professor Moriarty, to whom for a time he was chief of the staff.

at this time (この頃) [副] at the present time; now

seek out (求める) [動] to try to find or obtain

for a time (しばらくの間) [副] for a short period of time

chief of the staff (参謀長) [名] the highest-ranking military officer in a country's armed forces

モリアーティ教授に求められたのはこの頃で、彼はしばらくの間、モリアーティ教授の参謀長を務めていた。

Moriarty supplied him liberally with money, and used him only in one or two very high-class jobs, which no ordinary criminal could have undertaken.

supply (与える) [動] give or provide

liberally (惜しみなく) [副] in a generous manner

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

one or two (一つか二つ) [名] a small number

very (非常に) [副] to a high degree

high-class (高級な) [形] of high quality

job (仕事) [名] a task or work that is paid for

モリアーティは彼に惜しみなく金を与え、普通の犯罪者にはできない一つか二つの非常に高級な仕事にだけ彼を使った。

You may have some recollection of the death of Mrs. Stewart, of Lauder, in 1887.

recollection (記憶) [名] the ability to recall a memory

Mrs. Stewart (ステュアート夫人) [名] a woman who is married

Lauder (ローダー) [名] a town in Scotland

1887 (1887年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

1887年のローダーのステュアート夫人の死を覚えているかもしれない。

Not?

not (覚えていない) [副] a word used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition

覚えていない?

Well, I am sure Moran was at the bottom of it, but nothing could be proved.

at the bottom of (背後に) [前] the underlying cause of

be proved (証明される) [動] to be shown to be true or correct

モランがその事件の背後にいたと私は確信しているが、何も証明できなかった。

So cleverly was the colonel concealed that, even when the Moriarty gang was broken up, we could not incriminate him.

cleverly (巧妙に) [副] in a clever manner

conceal (隠す) [動] not allow to be seen; hide

even (時でさえ) [副] used to emphasize something unexpected

break up (壊滅する) [動] (of a relationship) end

incriminate (有罪にする) [動] accuse of a crime

大佐は非常に巧妙に身を隠していたので、モリアーティ一味が壊滅した時でさえ、彼を有罪にすることができなかった。

You remember at that date, when I called upon you in your rooms, how I put up the shutters for fear of air-guns?

at that date (あの日) [名] on that day

call upon (訪ねる) [動] visit

put up (閉める) [動] close

shutter (鎧戸) [名] a movable cover for a window

あの日、私が君の部屋を訪ねた時、空気銃を恐れて鎧戸を閉めたのを覚えているか?

No doubt you thought me fanciful.

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

君は私を空想家だと思ったに違いない。

I knew exactly what I was doing, for I knew of the existence of this remarkable gun, and I knew also that one of the best shots in the world would be behind it.

know exactly (正確に理解する) [動] have a clear and complete understanding of

know of (知っている) [動] be aware of the existence or truth of

know also (知っている) [動] be aware of the existence or truth of

one of the best (最も優れた射手の一人) [名] a person who shoots a gun or bow

be behind (扱う) [動] be the cause or source of

私は自分のしていることを正確に理解していた。なぜなら、私はこの驚くべき銃の存在を知っていたし、世界で最も優れた射手の一人がその銃を扱うことも知っていたからだ。

When we were in Switzerland he followed us with Moriarty, and it was undoubtedly he who gave me that evil five minutes on the Reichenbach ledge.

Switzerland (スイス) [名] a landlocked country in western Europe

undoubtedly (間違いなく) [副] without doubt; certainly

five minutes (五分間) [名] a period of time equal to five minutes

Reichenbach (ライヘンバッハ) [名] a town in Switzerland

私たちがスイスにいた時、彼はモリアーティと一緒に私たちを追いかけ、ライヘンバッハの岩棚で私にあの恐ろしい五分間を与えたのは間違いなく彼だった。

“You may think that I read the papers with some attention during my sojourn in France, on the look-out for any chance of laying him by the heels.

paper (新聞) [名] a daily or weekly publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

look-out (見張り) [名] a person on the watch for danger or trouble

chance (可能性) [名] the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause

lay (捕まえる) [動] cause to be in a specified position

「君は私がフランス滞在中に、彼を捕まえる可能性を探して、新聞を注意深く読んでいたと思うかもしれない。

So long as he was free in London, my life would really not have been worth living.

so long as (限り) [接] on condition that; provided that

free (自由に) [形] not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes

worth (価値) [名] the quality that renders something desirable, useful, or worthy of esteem

彼がロンドンで自由に過ごしている限り、私の人生は本当に生きる価値がなかっただろう。

Night and day the shadow would have been over me, and sooner or later his chance must have come.

night and day (昼も夜も) [名] all the time

over (覆う) [前] above and across

昼も夜も影が私を覆い、遅かれ早かれ彼にチャンスが訪れたに違いない。

What could I do?

what (何) [代] the thing that

could (できた) [助] be able to

do (する) [動] perform an action

私に何ができただろうか?

I could not shoot him at sight, or I should myself be in the dock.

shoot (射殺する) [動] kill or wound with a shot

sight (見つけ次第) [名] the ability or act of seeing

dock (被告席) [名] the place in a criminal court where the accused person sits or stands

彼を射殺することはできなかったし、そうすれば私自身が被告席に立たされることになる。

There was no use appealing to a magistrate.

magistrate (治安判事) [名] a civil officer with power to administer and enforce law

治安判事に訴えても無駄だった。

They cannot interfere on the strength of what would appear to them to be a wild suspicion.

interfere (干渉する) [動] to get involved in something that is not your concern

wild (荒唐無稽な) [形] not subject to restraint or control

suspicion (疑惑) [名] a feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true

彼らは、自分たちには荒唐無稽な疑惑にしか見えないものの力を借りて干渉することはできない。

So I could do nothing.

do nothing (何もできない) [動] be unable to do anything

だから私は何もできなかった。

But I watched the criminal news, knowing that sooner or later I should get him.

しかし、私は遅かれ早かれ彼を捕まえることができると確信して、犯罪ニュースを見た。

Then came the death of this Ronald Adair.

come (起こる) [動] take place; happen

そして、このロナルド・アデアの死が起こった。

My chance had come at last.

ついに私のチャンスが来た。

Knowing what I did, was it not certain that Colonel Moran had done it?

do (やる) [動] perform or execute

certain (確か) [形] having or showing no doubt

私が知っていることを知っていれば、モラン大佐がそれをやったことは確かではなかったか?

He had played cards with the lad, he had followed him home from the club, he had shot him through the open window.

play cards (トランプをする) [動] play a game with playing cards

lad (若者) [名] a young man

shoot (撃つ) [動] hit or wound with a missile

彼はその若者とトランプをやり、クラブから家まで彼の後をつけ、開いた窓から彼を撃った。

There was not a doubt of it.

there be (~がある) [動] to exist or be present

doubt (疑い) [名] a feeling of uncertainty about something

それに疑いはなかった。

The bullets alone are enough to put his head in a noose.

alone (だけでも) [副] without any other people or things

noose (絞首台) [名] a loop with a running knot that tightens as the rope or wire is pulled and that is used especially for hanging a person

弾丸だけでも彼の首を絞首台にかけるのに十分だ。

I came over at once.

come over (来る) [動] move or travel toward the speaker

私はすぐに来た。

I was seen by the sentinel, who would, I knew, direct the colonel’s attention to my presence.

be seen by (に見られる) [動] be perceived or noticed by

direct (報告する) [動] cause to move or point towards a specified goal or place

私は歩哨に見られ、彼が私の存在を大佐に報告するだろうとわかっていた。

He could not fail to connect my sudden return with his crime, and to be terribly alarmed.

fail to (~せずにはいられない) [動] be unable to do something

connect (結びつける) [動] associate or link

return (帰国) [名] the action of going back to a place

terribly (ひどく) [副] to a very great degree

alarmed (驚かずに) [動] make (someone) anxious or frightened

彼は私の突然の帰国を彼の犯罪と結びつけ、ひどく驚かずにはいられなかった。

I was sure that he would make an attempt to get me out of the way at once, and would bring round his murderous weapon for that purpose.

make an attempt (試みる) [動] try to do something

get out of the way (邪魔にならないようにする) [動] move aside

bring round (持ち出す) [動] produce or cause to appear

murderous (殺人) [形] capable of or intending to murder

weapon (兵器) [名] a means of causing harm to others

彼はすぐに私を邪魔にならないようにしようとし、そのために彼の殺人兵器を持ち出すだろうと確信していた。

I left him an excellent mark in the window, and, having warned the police that they might be needed—by the way, Watson, you spotted their presence in that doorway with unerring accuracy—I took up what seemed to me to be a judicious post for observation, never dreaming that he would choose the same spot for his attack.

mark (標的) [名] a target

warn (警告する) [動] inform someone in advance of something

by the way (ところで) [副] incidentally

spot (見つける) [動] notice or identify

unerring (正確な) [形] always right or accurate

take up (陣取る) [動] occupy or fill

spot (場所) [名] a particular place, area, or location

attack (攻撃) [名] an aggressive and violent act against a person or place

私は彼に窓に絶好の標的を残し、警察に必要になるかもしれないと警告した後で、ところでワトソン、君はあの戸口に彼らがいるのを正確に見つけ出したね、私は観察に適した場所に陣取ったのだが、彼が攻撃に同じ場所を選ぶとは夢にも思わなかった。

Now, my dear Watson, does anything remain for me to explain?”

remain (残っている) [動] be left after others have gone

explain (説明する) [動] make (something) clear or easy to understand

さて、ワトソン君、私が説明すべきことはまだ残っているかな?」

“Yes,” said I.

「ある」と私は言った。

“You have not made it clear what was Colonel Moran’s motive in murdering the Honourable Ronald Adair?”

make clear (明らかにする) [動] to make something easy to understand

「モラン大佐がロナルド・アデア卿を殺害した動機を明らかにしていない」

“Ah! my dear Watson, there we come into those realms of conjecture, where the most logical mind may be at fault.

come into (入る) [動] to enter

realm (領域) [名] a kingdom; a domain

conjecture (推測) [名] an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information

logical (論理的) [形] of or according to the rules of logic or formal argument

「ああ、ワトソン君、そこで我々は推測の領域に入るわけだが、そこでは最も論理的な頭脳でさえ間違える可能性がある。

Each may form his own hypothesis upon the present evidence, and yours is as likely to be correct as mine.”

each (誰もが) [代] every one of two or more people or things

hypothesis (仮説) [名] a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation

present (現在の) [形] existing or occurring now

likely (可能性がある) [形] probable; having a high probability of occurring or being true

correct (正しい) [形] free from error; in accordance with fact or truth

誰もが現在の証拠に基づいて自分自身の仮説を立てることができ、君の仮説も私の仮説と同じくらい正しい可能性がある」

“You have formed one, then?”

one (仮説) [名] a hypothesis

「では、君は仮説を立てたのか?」

“I think that it is not difficult to explain the facts.

「事実を説明するのは難しくないと私は思う。

It came out in evidence that Colonel Moran and young Adair had, between them, won a considerable amount of money.

young Adair (若いアデア) [名] a character in the story

between (二人で) [前] in the space separating two things

モラン大佐と若いアデアが、二人でかなりの金額を勝ち取ったという証拠が出てきた。

Now, Moran undoubtedly played foul—of that I have long been aware.

play foul (不正を働く) [動] act in a dishonest or unfair way

long (ずっと前から) [副] for a long time

さて、モランは間違いなく不正を働いていた。そのことは私はずっと前から知っていた。

I believe that on the day of the murder Adair had discovered that Moran was cheating.

on the day of (の日に) [名] on the date of

discover (発見する) [動] find out or notice

cheat (不正を働く) [動] act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage

殺人の日にアデアはモランが不正を働いていることを発見したのだと私は信じる。

Very likely he had spoken to him privately, and had threatened to expose him unless he voluntarily resigned his membership of the club, and promised not to play cards again.

very likely (おそらく) [副] almost certainly

speak to (話す) [動] talk to

privately (内緒で) [副] in a private manner

threaten (脅す) [動] state one's intention to punish or hurt someone

expose (暴露する) [動] make visible

voluntarily (自発的に) [副] out of your own free will

resign (辞任する) [動] leave a job, post, or position voluntarily

membership (会員) [名] the state of being a member

promise (約束する) [動] assure someone that one will or will not do something

おそらく彼はモランと内緒で話し、自発的にクラブの会員を辞任して二度とカードをしないと約束しない限り、彼の不正を暴露すると脅したのだろう。

It is unlikely that a youngster like Adair would at once make a hideous scandal by exposing a well-known man so much older than himself.

youngster (若者) [名] a young person

hideous (醜い) [形] very ugly or unpleasant

アデアのような若者が、自分よりずっと年上で有名な男の不正を暴露して、すぐに醜聞を起こすということは考えにくい。

Probably he acted as I suggest.

probably (おそらく) [副] almost certainly; very likely

act (行動する) [動] do something; take action

suggest (言う) [動] put forward for consideration

おそらく彼は私の言うように行動したのだろう。

The exclusion from his clubs would mean ruin to Moran, who lived by his ill-gotten card-gains.

exclusion (追放) [名] the act of excluding or the state of being excluded

mean (意味する) [動] have as a purpose or intention

ruin (破滅) [名] the state of decay, collapse, or destruction

ill-gotten (不正に得た) [形] obtained by illegal or unfair means

gain (利益) [名] an increase in wealth or resources

クラブから追放されることは、不正に得たカードの利益で生活していたモランにとって破滅を意味する。

He therefore murdered Adair, who at the time was endeavouring to work out how much money he should himself return, since he could not profit by his partner’s foul play.

murder (殺害する) [動] kill someone unlawfully and with premeditation

work out (計算する) [動] calculate

return (返す) [動] give back

partner (パートナー) [名] a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or company with shared risks and profits

foul play (不正行為) [名] unfair play; cheating

そのため彼はアデアを殺害した。アデアは当時、パートナーの不正行為で利益を得ることができなかったので、自分自身がどれだけのお金を返すべきかを計算しようとしていた。

He locked the door lest the ladies should surprise him and insist upon knowing what he was doing with these names and coins.

coin (硬貨) [名] a flat, usually round piece of metal with an official stamp, used as money

彼は、女性たちが彼を驚かせ、これらの名前や硬貨で何をしているのかを知りたがらないように、ドアに鍵をかけた。

Will it pass?”

通るだろうか?」

“I have no doubt that you have hit upon the truth.”

have no doubt (疑いはない) [動] be certain

hit upon (突き止める) [動] find or discover by chance

truth (真実) [名] the true or actual state of a matter

「君が真実を突き止めたことに疑いはない。」

“It will be verified or disproved at the trial.

verify (立証する) [動] to prove the truth of

disprove (否定する) [動] to prove to be false or wrong

「それは裁判で立証されるか否定されるだろう。

Meanwhile, come what may, Colonel Moran will trouble us no more.

meanwhile (その間に) [副] in the intervening period of time

come what may (何が起ころうとも) [熟] no matter what happens

trouble (悩ませる) [動] cause distress to

no more (もはや~ない) [副] not anymore

その間に、何が起ころうとも、モラン大佐は私たちを悩ませることはないだろう。

The famous air-gun of Von Herder will embellish the Scotland Yard Museum, and once again Mr. Sherlock Holmes is free to devote his life to examining those interesting little problems which the complex life of London so plentifully presents.”

Scotland Yard (スコットランドヤード) [名] the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police

フォン・ヘルダーの有名な空気銃はスコットランドヤード博物館を飾るだろうし、シャーロック・ホームズ氏は再び、ロンドンの複雑な生活が豊富に提示する興味深い小さな問題を調べることに人生を捧げることができる。」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE NORWOOD BUILDER

## (##) [名] a section of a document

NORWOOD (ノーウッド) [名] a district in the London Borough of Croydon

BUILDER (建築業者) [名] a person who constructs buildings

ノーウッドの建築業者

“From the point of view of the criminal expert,” said Mr. Sherlock Holmes, “London has become a singularly uninteresting city since the death of the late lamented Professor Moriarty.”

point of view (観点) [名] a particular attitude or way of considering a matter

expert (専門家) [名] a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area

singularly (非常に) [副] in a way that is very unusual or remarkable

uninteresting (興味のない) [形] not interesting

city (都市) [名] a large human settlement

「犯罪専門家の観点から見ると」とシャーロック・ホームズ氏は言った、「ロンドンは、亡きモリアーティ教授の死以来、非常に興味のない都市になった。」

“I can hardly think that you would find many decent citizens to agree with you,” I answered.

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

agree (同意する) [動] have the same opinion about something

「あなたに同意するまともな市民を多く見つけられるとは思えない」と私は答えた。

“Well, well, I must not be selfish,” said he, with a smile, as he pushed back his chair from the breakfast-table.

well (まあ) [間] used to express surprise, hesitation, or disgust

must (いけない) [助] be obliged to; have to

be selfish (利己的である) [動] concerned chiefly with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others

with a smile (微笑みながら) [副] smiling

push back (押し戻す) [動] move something back by exerting force

breakfast-table (朝食のテーブル) [名] a table where breakfast is eaten

「まあ、まあ、私は利己的であってはならない」と彼は朝食のテーブルから椅子を押し戻しながら微笑みながら言った。

“The community is certainly the gainer, and no one the loser, save the poor out-of-work specialist, whose occupation has gone.

gainer (得をする人) [名] a person who gains something

loser (損をする人) [名] a person who loses something

save (除いて) [前] except for

out-of-work (失業した) [形] unemployed

specialist (専門家) [名] a person who has special knowledge or skill in a particular field

occupation (職業) [名] a person's job or profession

「社会は確かに得をしており、職を失った貧しい専門家を除いて、誰も損をしていない。

With that man in the field, one’s morning paper presented infinite possibilities.

with (いると) [前] in the company of

field (現場) [名] the place where something happens

morning paper (朝刊) [名] a newspaper that is published in the morning

present (示される) [動] to give or show something to someone

その男が現場にいると、朝刊には無限の可能性が示された。

Often it was only the smallest trace, Watson, the faintest indication, and yet it was enough to tell me that the great malignant brain was there, as the gentlest tremors of the edges of the web remind one of the foul spider which lurks in the centre.

often (しばしば) [副] frequently; many times

only (わずか) [副] no more than; solely

trace (痕跡) [名] a mark, sign, or evidence of the existence or passing of something

faintest (かすかな) [形] very slight or indistinct

great (偉大な) [形] of major significance or importance

malignant (悪意ある) [形] deliberately harmful; spiteful

web (蜘蛛の巣) [名] a network of fine threads constructed by a spider to catch its prey

edge (端) [名] the outside limit of an object, area, or surface

gentlest (ごくわずかな) [形] very slight or indistinct

tremor (震え) [名] an involuntary quivering movement

remind (思い出させる) [動] cause someone to remember something

foul (汚い) [形] offensive to the senses

spider (蜘蛛) [名] an eight-legged predatory arachnid that spins webs to catch prey

lurk (潜む) [動] be or remain hidden or unobserved

ワトソン、それはしばしばごくわずかな痕跡、かすかな徴候にすぎなかったが、それでも、蜘蛛の巣の端のごくわずかな震えが中心に潜む汚い蜘蛛を思い出させるように、偉大な悪意ある頭脳がそこにいることを私に伝えるには十分だった。

Petty thefts, wanton assaults, purposeless outrage—to the man who held the clue all could be worked into one connected whole.

petty theft (軽窃盗) [名] the theft of something of low value

wanton assault (理不尽な暴行) [名] an assault that is unprovoked or unjustified

purposeless outrage (無意味な暴行) [名] an act of violence that is not motivated by any particular goal or purpose

clue (手がかり) [名] a piece of evidence or information that helps to solve a problem or mystery

work into (処理する) [動] to incorporate something into something else

one connected whole (一つにつながった全体) [名] a single entity that is made up of multiple parts that are connected to each other

軽窃盗、理不尽な暴行、無意味な暴行、手がかりを握っている人間にとっては、すべてが一つにつながった全体として処理できる。

To the scientific student of the higher criminal world, no capital in Europe offered the advantages which London then possessed.

scientific (科学的) [形] of or relating to science

student (学生) [名] a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

higher (上流) [形] of greater importance or rank

capital (首都) [名] the city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative centre of a country or region

Europe (ヨーロッパ) [名] a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere

advantage (利点) [名] a favourable circumstance or condition

then (当時) [副] at that time; at the time in question

possess (持つ) [動] have as belonging to one; own

上流犯罪界の科学的学生にとって、当時のロンドンが持っていた利点を提供できるヨーロッパの首都はなかった。

But now——” He shrugged his shoulders in humorous deprecation of the state of things which he had himself done so much to produce.

but now (しかし今では) [接] on the contrary

shrug (肩をすくめる) [動] raise and lower the shoulders

humorous (ユーモラスな) [形] causing laughter or amusement

deprecation (非難) [名] a statement that something is bad or wrong

state (状況) [名] the way something is

so much (とても) [副] to a very great extent

produce (作り出す) [動] make or manufacture from components or raw materials

しかし今では——」彼は、自分自身が作り出した状況をユーモラスに非難し、肩をすくめた。

At the time of which I speak, Holmes had been back for some months, and I at his request had sold my practice and returned to share the old quarters in Baker Street.

at the time of (時点で) [名] the point in time at which something happens

speak (話す) [動] say words out loud

for some months (数ヶ月前に) [名] a period of time

at the request of (要請で) [名] a formal statement of a wish or demand

sell (売却する) [動] give or hand over (something) in exchange for money

share (共有する) [動] have or use something at the same time as someone else

私が話している時点では、ホームズは数ヶ月前に帰国しており、私は彼の要請で開業権を売却し、ベーカー街の古い住居に戻っていた。

A young doctor, named Verner, had purchased my small Kensington practice, and given with astonishingly little demur the highest price that I ventured to ask—an incident which only explained itself some years later, when I found that Verner was a distant relation of Holmes, and that it was my friend who had really found the money.

Verner (ヴェルナー) [名] a young doctor

practice (開業権) [名] the business or work of a medical practitioner

venture (思い切って提示する) [動] to do or say something that may not be polite or that may not be accepted

highest price (最高額) [名] the most money that someone is willing to pay for something

astonishingly (驚くほど) [副] in a way that is very surprising

demur (異議を唱える) [動] to express an objection

incident (事件) [名] an event or occurrence

explain (説明がつく) [動] to make something clear or easy to understand

some years later (数年後) [名] a few years after the present time

distant relation (遠縁) [名] a person who is related to you but not closely

find (出す) [動] to discover or notice something

ヴェルナーという名の若い医者が私の小さなケンジントンの開業権を買い取り、私が思い切って提示した最高額を驚くほどほとんど異議を唱えずに支払ってくれた。この事件は数年後、ヴェルナーがホームズの遠縁であり、実際にお金を出したのは私の友人だったことが判明して初めて説明がついた。

Our months of partnership had not been so uneventful as he had stated, for I find, on looking over my notes, that this period includes the case of the papers of ex-President Murillo, and also the shocking affair of the Dutch steamship Friesland, which so nearly cost us both our lives.

month (月) [名] one of the twelve divisions of a year

uneventful (平穏無事) [形] without incident or excitement

note (メモ) [名] a brief record of facts, topics, or thoughts, written down as an aid to memory

period (時期) [名] a length or portion of time

include (含む) [動] comprise or contain as a part

president (大統領) [名] the head of a republican state

shocking (衝撃的) [形] causing shock or disgust

affair (事件) [名] a matter of public concern

nearly (危うく) [副] almost

cost (奪う) [動] require the payment of

私たちの共同生活は、彼が言うほど平穏無事なものではなかった。私のメモを見てみると、この時期にはムリロ前大統領の書類事件や、私たち二人の命を奪いかねなかったオランダの蒸気船フリースランドの衝撃的な事件が含まれている。

His cold and proud nature was always averse, however, from anything in the shape of public applause, and he bound me in the most stringent terms to say no further word of himself, his methods, or his successes—a prohibition which, as I have explained, has only now been removed.

proud (誇り高い) [形] having a high opinion of oneself

always (常に) [副] at all times; on all occasions

averse (嫌う) [形] having a strong feeling of dislike

applause (賞賛) [名] an expression of approval or praise

bind (縛り付ける) [動] tie or fasten together

stringent (厳しい) [形] very strict or severe

term (言葉) [名] a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept

further (これ以上) [形] more distant in space or time

word (言葉) [名] a unit of language

method (方法) [名] a particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something

success (成功) [名] the accomplishment of an aim or purpose

prohibition (禁止) [名] the action of forbidding something

remove (解除する) [動] take away or off

しかし、彼の冷静で誇り高い性格は、常に世間の賞賛を嫌い、彼は私に、彼自身のこと、彼の方法、彼の成功についてこれ以上何も言わないようにと、最も厳しい言葉で縛り付けた。この禁止は、私が説明したように、今になってようやく解除された。

Mr. Sherlock Holmes was leaning back in his chair after his whimsical protest, and was unfolding his morning paper in a leisurely fashion, when our attention was arrested by a tremendous ring at the bell, followed immediately by a hollow drumming sound, as if someone were beating on the outer door with his fist.

Mr. Sherlock Holmes (シャーロック・ホームズ氏) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

whimsical (気まぐれな) [形] playfully quaint or fanciful

protest (抗議) [名] a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something

unfold (広げる) [動] to open or spread out from a folded state

leisurely (ゆっくりと) [副] without hurry or haste

arrest (引き付ける) [動] to seize, capture specifically

tremendous (大きな) [形] very great in amount, scale, or intensity

ring (呼び出し音) [名] the sound of a bell

immediately (すぐに) [副] at once; instantly

hollow (くぐもった) [形] having a space or cavity inside

drum (ドラム) [名] a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder with a skin stretched over one or both ends

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

fist (拳) [名] a hand with the fingers closed tightly into the palm, typically in order to strike a blow

シャーロック・ホームズ氏は、気まぐれな抗議の後、椅子に寄りかかって朝刊をゆっくりと広げていたが、その時、私たちの注意は大きな呼び出し音に引き付けられ、すぐに誰かが拳で外のドアを叩いているような、くぐもったドラムの音が続いた。

As it opened there came a tumultuous rush into the hall, rapid feet clattered up the stair, and an instant later a wild-eyed and frantic young man, pale, disheveled, and palpitating, burst into the room.

tumultuous (どっと) [形] noisily and violently agitated or disturbed

hall (玄関) [名] an area just inside the front entrance of a house

rapid (素早い) [形] done or occurring with great speed or in a short space of time

clatter (駆け上がる) [動] make or cause to make a rattling sound

stair (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one level to another

wild-eyed (目が血走った) [形] having a wild or frantic look in one's eyes

frantic (狂ったように興奮した) [形] wildly excited or agitated

pale (青ざめた) [形] light in color or having little color

disheveled (髪を振り乱した) [形] untidy or disordered

palpitating (ドキドキさせながら) [動] beat or throb with unusual rapidity or force

burst (飛び込む) [動] move or cause to move suddenly and forcefully

ドアが開くと、玄関にどっと人が押し寄せ、足音が階段を駆け上がり、一瞬後、目が血走り、狂ったように興奮した若い男が、青ざめ、髪を振り乱し、心臓をドキドキさせながら部屋に飛び込んできた。

He looked from one to the other of us, and under our gaze of inquiry he became conscious that some apology was needed for this unceremonious entry.

look from one to the other (交互に見つめる) [動] look at one person and then another

under (下で) [前] below or beneath

gaze (視線) [名] a steady intent look

inquiry (問いかけ) [名] a request for information

become conscious (悟る) [動] become aware of

entry (入室) [名] the action of going or coming in

彼は私たちを交互に見つめ、私たちの問いかける視線の下で、この無礼な入室に対して何らかの謝罪が必要だと悟った。

“I’m sorry, Mr. Holmes,” he cried.

be sorry (申し訳ない) [動] feel regret or guilt

「申し訳ありません、ホームズさん」と彼は叫んだ。

“You mustn’t blame me. I am nearly mad.

mustn't (いけない) [助] must not

mad (狂っている) [形] insane; crazy

「私を責めないでください。私はほとんど狂っています。

Mr. Holmes, I am the unhappy John Hector McFarlane.”

John Hector McFarlane (ジョン・ヘクター・マクファーレン) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

ホームズさん、私は不幸なジョン・ヘクター・マクファーレンです。」

He made the announcement as if the name alone would explain both his visit and its manner, but I could see, by my companion’s unresponsive face, that it meant no more to him than to me.

make an announcement (名乗る) [動] make a public and formal statement about something

unresponsive (無反応な) [形] not reacting to something

no more (それ以上ない) [副] not more; no greater

to me (私にとって) [前] in my opinion

彼は名前だけで彼の訪問とその態度の両方を説明するかのように名乗ったが、私は私の仲間の無反応な顔から、それが私にとっても彼にとっても何の意味もないことが分かった。

“Have a cigarette, Mr. McFarlane,” said he, pushing his case across.

have a cigarette (タバコをどうぞ) [動] smoke a cigarette

push (差し出す) [動] move something into a different position by using force

「マクファーレンさん、タバコをどうぞ」と彼は言い、ケースを差し出した。

“I am sure that, with your symptoms, my friend Dr. Watson here would prescribe a sedative.

symptom (症状) [名] a physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient

Dr. Watson (ワトソン博士) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

prescribe (処方する) [動] recommend or direct the use of as a medicine or treatment

「あなたの症状では、私の友人のワトソン博士が鎮静剤を処方するでしょう。

The weather has been so very warm these last few days.

weather (天気) [名] the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place

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

warm (暖かい) [形] having or giving out heat to a moderate or slight degree

these last few days (この数日) [名] the last few days

この数日はとても暖かい天気だった。

Now, if you feel a little more composed, I should be glad if you would sit down in that chair, and tell us very slowly and quietly who you are, and what it is that you want.

a little more (もう少し) [副] a small amount or degree more

composed (落ち着いた) [形] calm and in control of oneself

slowly (ゆっくりと) [副] at a low speed

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

さて、もう少し落ち着いたなら、あの椅子に座って、ゆっくりと静かにあなたが誰で、何が欲しいのかを教えてくれると嬉しいんだが。

You mentioned your name, as if I should recognize it, but I assure you that, beyond the obvious facts that you are a bachelor, a solicitor, a Freemason, and an asthmatic, I know nothing whatever about you.”

mention (言う) [動] to speak about briefly

recognize (知っている) [動] be aware of the existence or truth of

assure (保証する) [動] to make (something) certain or definite

bachelor (独身) [名] a man who has never been married

solicitor (弁護士) [名] a lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents

Freemason (フリーメーソン) [名] a member of an international order established for mutual help and fellowship

asthmatic (喘息持ち) [名] a person who suffers from asthma

whatever (何も) [代] no matter what; anything or everything that

あなたは私が知っているかのように自分の名前を言ったが、あなたが独身で、弁護士で、フリーメーソンで、喘息持ちであるという明らかな事実以外に、私はあなたについて何も知らないことを保証する。」

Familiar as I was with my friend’s methods, it was not difficult for me to follow his deductions, and to observe the untidiness of attire, the sheaf of legal papers, the watch-charm, and the breathing which had prompted them.

familiar (精通している) [形] well known

deduction (推論) [名] the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle

untidiness (乱れ) [名] the state of being untidy

attire (服装) [名] clothes or style of dress

sheaf (束) [名] a bundle of papers

legal (法律の) [形] of or relating to law

prompt (促す) [動] cause to happen

私は友人の方法に精通していたので、彼の推論に従い、服装の乱れ、法律文書の束、時計のチャーム、そしてそれらを促した呼吸を観察することは難しくなかった。

Our client, however, stared in amazement.

client (依頼人) [名] a person who uses the services of a lawyer or other professional person or organization

しかし、依頼人は驚いて見つめていた。

“Yes, I am all that, Mr. Holmes; and, in addition, I am the most unfortunate man at this moment in London.

in addition (それに) [副] as well; also; too

「その通り、私はその通りです、ホームズさん。それに、私は今ロンドンで一番不幸な男です。

For heaven’s sake, don’t abandon me, Mr. Holmes!

for heaven's sake (お願いですから) [間] used to express annoyance, impatience, or surprise

abandon (見捨てる) [動] leave and never return to

お願いですから、私を見捨てないでください、ホームズさん!

If they come to arrest me before I have finished my story, make them give me time, so that I may tell you the whole truth.

come to (来る) [動] arrive at

finish (終える) [動] bring to an end; come or bring to a conclusion

give (くれる) [動] transfer to another as a gift

time (時間) [名] the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole

私が話を終える前に逮捕に来たら、私が真実をすべて話せるよう、時間をくれるよう頼んでほしい。

I could go to jail happy if I knew that you were working for me outside.”

work for (働く) [動] be employed by

あなたが外で私のために働いてくれるとわかれば、私は喜んで刑務所に行くことができます。」

“Arrest you!” said Holmes.

「あなたを逮捕する!」とホームズは言った。

“This is really most grati—most interesting.

most (最も) [形] to the greatest extent or degree

interesting (興味深い) [形] holding or catching the attention

「これは本当に最も喜ばしい、最も興味深いことだ。

On what charge do you expect to be arrested?”

on what charge (どんな容疑で) [名] the crime that someone is accused of

どんな容疑で逮捕されると思っているんだ?」

“Upon the charge of murdering Mr. Jonas Oldacre, of Lower Norwood.”

Jonas Oldacre (ジョナス・オールドエーカー) [名] a person's name

Lower Norwood (ロウアー・ノーウッド) [名] a place name

「ロウアー・ノーウッドのジョナス・オールドエーカー氏を殺害した容疑で。」

My companion’s expressive face showed a sympathy which was not, I am afraid, entirely unmixed with satisfaction.

expressive (表情豊かな) [形] able to express one's feelings or thoughts

私の友人の表情豊かな顔は、残念ながら、満足感と全く混じり合っていないわけではない同情を示していた。

“Dear me,” said he, “it was only this moment at breakfast that I was saying to my friend, Dr. Watson, that sensational cases had disappeared out of our papers.”

Dear me (おやおや) [間] an expression of surprise or disappointment

only this moment (ついさっき) [副] a very short time ago

breakfast (朝食) [名] the first meal of the day

sensational (センセーショナルな) [形] causing great public interest and excitement

「おやおや」と彼は言った、「ついさっき朝食の時に、友人のワトソン博士に、センセーショナルな事件が新聞から消えてしまったと言っていたんだ。」

Our visitor stretched forward a quivering hand and picked up the Daily Telegraph, which still lay upon Holmes’s knee.

stretch forward (前に伸ばす) [動] extend or stretch out

quivering (震える) [形] shaking or trembling

pick up (手に取る) [動] take hold of something with one's hands

Daily Telegraph (デイリー・テレグラフ) [名] a British broadsheet newspaper

訪問者は震える手を前に伸ばし、まだホームズの膝の上に置いてあったデイリー・テレグラフを手に取った。

“If you had looked at it, sir, you would have seen at a glance what the errand is on which I have come to you this morning.

errand (用件) [名] a short trip made in order to deliver or collect something or to do something

「もしそれをご覧になっていたら、私が今朝ここに来た用件が一目でお分かりになったでしょう。

I feel as if my name and my misfortune must be in every man’s mouth.”

misfortune (不幸) [名] bad luck

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

私の名前と不幸が誰もが口にする話題になっているような気がします。」

He turned it over to expose the central page.

expose (開く) [動] make visible; make accessible to the public

central (真ん中の) [形] being in the middle of something

彼はそれをめくって真ん中のページを開いた。

“Here it is, and with your permission I will read it to you.

here it is (ここにあります) [句] used to introduce something that is being presented

with your permission (ご許可をいただければ) [句] if you allow me to

「ここにあります、ご許可をいただければ、お読みします。

Listen to this, Mr. Holmes.

これを聞いてください、ホームズさん。

The headlines are: ‘Mysterious Affair at Lower Norwood.

headline (見出し) [名] the title of a newspaper story

見出しは「ロウアー・ノーウッドの怪事件。

Disappearance of a Well-known Builder.

well-known (有名な) [形] known by many people

builder (建築家) [名] a person who designs and supervises the construction of buildings

有名な建築家の失踪」

Suspicion of Murder and Arson.

arson (放火) [名] the crime of deliberately setting fire to property

殺人と放火の疑い」

A Clue to the Criminal.’

犯人の手がかり」

That is the clue which they are already following, Mr. Holmes, and I know that it leads infallibly to me.

infallibly (間違いなく) [副] in a way that is never wrong or inaccurate

それが彼らがすでに追っている手がかりなのです、ホームズさん、そして私はそれが間違いなく私につながることを知っています。

I have been followed from London Bridge Station, and I am sure that they are only waiting for the warrant to arrest me.

London Bridge Station (ロンドンブリッジ駅) [名] a railway station in London

warrant (令状) [名] a document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action

私はロンドンブリッジ駅から尾行されていて、彼らは私を逮捕するための令状を待っているだけだと確信しています。

It will break my mother’s heart—it will break her heart!”

break (打ち砕く) [動] cause to separate into pieces as a result of impact or force

母の心を打ち砕くでしょう、母の心を打ち砕くでしょう!」

He wrung his hands in an agony of apprehension, and swayed backward and forward in his chair.

wring (握り締める) [動] squeeze or twist

agony (苦悶) [名] extreme physical or mental suffering

apprehension (不安) [名] fear or worry about something that might happen

sway (揺れる) [動] move or cause to move slowly and smoothly from side to side or back and forth

backward (後ろ) [副] toward the back

forward (前) [副] toward the front

彼は不安のあまり手を握り締め、椅子の中で前後に揺れた。

I looked with interest upon this man, who was accused of being the perpetrator of a crime of violence.

look upon (眺める) [動] to regard or consider in a particular way

accuse (告発する) [動] to charge someone with a crime or wrongdoing

perpetrator (犯人) [名] a person who commits a crime

violence (暴力) [名] behavior involving physical force intended to hurt or kill someone

私はこの男を興味深く眺めた。彼は暴力犯罪の犯人であると告発されていた。

He was flaxen-haired and handsome, in a washed-out negative fashion, with frightened blue eyes, and a clean-shaven face, with a weak, sensitive mouth.

flaxen-haired (亜麻色の髪) [形] having hair of a pale yellow color

handsome (ハンサムな) [形] good-looking

washed-out (色あせた) [形] faded

negative (ネガ) [名] a photographic image in which the light and dark areas are reversed

frightened (怯えた) [形] afraid or anxious

clean-shaven (きれいに剃った) [形] having no beard or mustache

weak (弱々しい) [形] lacking the power to perform; lacking force or effectiveness

sensitive (敏感そうな) [形] quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences

彼は亜麻色の髪で、色あせたネガのようなハンサムな顔立ちをしており、怯えた青い目と、きれいに剃った顔に弱々しく敏感そうな口元をしていた。

His age may have been about twenty-seven, his dress and bearing that of a gentleman.

twenty-seven (27歳) [名] the number 27

dress (服装) [名] the way that someone dresses

bearing (態度) [名] the way that someone behaves

年齢は27歳くらいで、服装や態度は紳士然としていた。

From the pocket of his light summer overcoat protruded the bundle of indorsed papers which proclaimed his profession.

light (軽い) [形] of little weight

summer (夏) [名] the season of the year between spring and autumn

protrude (はみ出る) [動] stick out beyond a surface or boundary

bundle (束) [名] a number of things tied or wrapped together

indorsed (裏書きされた) [形] signed on the back

proclaim (示す) [動] announce officially or publicly

profession (職業) [名] a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification

彼の軽い夏用オーバーコートのポケットからは、彼の職業を示す裏書きされた書類の束がはみ出していた。

“We must use what time we have,” said Holmes.

「残された時間を有効に使わなければならない」とホームズは言った。

“Watson, would you have the kindness to take the paper and to read the paragraph in question?”

have the kindness to (~してくれるかな) [動] be so kind as to

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

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

「ワトソン、新聞を取って問題の段落を読んでくれるかな?」

Underneath the vigorous headlines which our client had quoted, I read the following suggestive narrative:

underneath (下に) [前] below or beneath

vigorous (力強い) [形] strong and forceful

quote (引用する) [動] repeat a passage or statement from someone else's writing or speech

suggestive (示唆に富む) [形] tending to suggest something

依頼人が引用した力強い見出しの下に、私は次のような示唆に富む記事を読んだ。

“Late last night, or early this morning, an incident occurred at Lower Norwood which points, it is feared, to a serious crime.

late last night (昨夜遅く) [名] the night before the present day

early this morning (今朝早く) [名] the morning of the present day

occur (発生する) [動] happen; take place

Lower Norwood (ローワー・ノーウッド) [名] a district in south London

point (つながる) [動] indicate or show the way to

fear (懸念される) [動] be afraid or worried that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

serious (重大な) [形] important or significant

「昨夜遅く、あるいは今朝早く、ローワー・ノーウッドで事件が発生し、恐らく重大な犯罪につながるのではないかと懸念されている。

Mr. Jonas Oldacre is a well-known resident of that suburb, where he has carried on his business as a builder for many years.

resident (住人) [名] a person who lives in a particular place

suburb (郊外) [名] an outlying district of a city

carry on (営む) [動] to continue doing something

ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏は、その郊外の有名な住人であり、長年建設業者として事業を営んできた。

Mr. Oldacre is a bachelor, fifty-two years of age, and lives in Deep Dene House, at the Sydenham end of the road of that name.

Mr. Oldacre (オールドエーカー氏) [名] a person's name

fifty-two years of age (五十二歳) [名] an age

Deep Dene House (ディープ・ディーヌ・ハウス) [名] a building's name

Sydenham (シドナム) [名] a place name

オールドエーカー氏は独身で、五十二歳、ディープ・ディーヌ・ハウスに住んでいる。

He has had the reputation of being a man of eccentric habits, secretive and retiring.

have the reputation of (~として知られている) [動] be known as

eccentric (風変わりな) [形] deviating from an established or usual pattern or style

secretive (秘密主義の) [形] inclined to secrecy

retiring (引っ込み思案な) [形] tending to avoid company or publicity

彼は風変わりな習慣の持ち主で、秘密主義で引っ込み思案な人物として知られていた。

For some years he has practically withdrawn from the business, in which he is said to have massed considerable wealth.

for some years (数年前から) [副] for a period of several years

practically (事実上) [副] in a practical manner

withdraw (手を引く) [動] take back or away

wealth (富) [名] a great quantity of money or valuable possessions

数年前から彼は事実上事業から手を引いており、かなりの富を蓄えたと言われている。

A small timber-yard still exists, however, at the back of the house, and last night, about twelve o’clock, an alarm was given that one of the stacks was on fire.

timber-yard (材木置き場) [名] a place where timber is stored

exist (残る) [動] be or continue to be

last night (昨夜) [名] the night before the present day

twelve o'clock (十二時) [名] the time that is twelve hours after midnight or midday

alarm (警報) [名] a signal that warns of danger

give (出る) [動] cause to be received

fire (火事) [名] the state of burning that produces heat and light

しかし、家の裏には小さな材木置き場がまだ残っており、昨夜十二時頃、材木の山の一つが燃えているという警報が出た。

The engines were soon upon the spot, but the dry wood burned with great fury, and it was impossible to arrest the conflagration until the stack had been entirely consumed.

engine (消防車) [名] a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion

spot (現場) [名] the exact place where something is located

dry (乾燥した) [形] free from moisture or liquid

wood (木材) [名] the hard fibrous substance that forms the main part of the trunk or branches of a tree

fury (激しく) [名] violent anger

arrest (食い止める) [動] stop or slow down the progress of

conflagration (火災) [名] a large and destructive fire

stack (材木の山) [名] a pile of objects

entirely (完全に) [副] completely

consume (燃え尽きる) [動] destroy or expend by fire

消防車はすぐに現場に駆けつけたが、乾燥した木材は激しく燃え上がり、材木の山が完全に燃え尽きるまで火災を食い止めることはできなかった。

Up to this point the incident bore the appearance of an ordinary accident, but fresh indications seem to point to serious crime.

this point (この時点) [名] the present time

bear (見える) [動] to have or show

appearance (外観) [名] the way that someone or something looks

ordinary (普通の) [形] normal or usual

fresh (新たな) [形] recently produced or harvested

point to (示す) [動] to indicate or show

この時点までは、この事件は普通の事故のように見えたが、新たな兆候が重大な犯罪を示唆しているようだ。

Surprise was expressed at the absence of the master of the establishment from the scene of the fire, and an inquiry followed, which showed that he had disappeared from the house.

express (表明される) [動] to show or make known

master (主人) [名] a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves

establishment (建物) [名] a business organization or public institution

scene (現場) [名] the place where an event or action occurs

fire (火災) [名] a large, uncontrolled fire that causes great damage

inquiry (調べ) [名] an official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc.

follow (続く) [動] to come after something in time

火災現場に主人がいないことに驚きの声が上がり、その後の調べで主人が家から姿を消していることがわかった。

An examination of his room revealed that the bed had not been slept in, that a safe which stood in it was open, that a number of important papers were scattered about the room, and finally, that there were signs of a murderous struggle, slight traces of blood being found within the room, and an oaken walking-stick, which also showed stains of blood upon the handle.

bed (ベッド) [名] a place to sleep

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

safe (金庫) [名] a secure place for storing valuables

sign (痕跡) [名] an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else

struggle (争い) [名] a violent confrontation or conflict

blood (血) [名] the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body

oak (オーク) [名] a tree of the genus Quercus, bearing acorns

walking-stick (ステッキ) [名] a stick used for support when walking

彼の部屋を調べてみると、ベッドで寝た形跡がなく、部屋にある金庫が開いており、たくさんの重要な書類が部屋中に散らばっていた。そして最後に、部屋の中にわずかな血痕と、柄に血痕が付着したオークのステッキがあり、殺人事件の痕跡があった。

It is known that Mr. Jonas Oldacre had received a late visitor in his bedroom upon that night, and the stick found has been identified as the property of this person, who is a young London solicitor named John Hector McFarlane, junior partner of Graham and McFarlane, of 426, Gresham Buildings, E.C.

that night (その夜) [名] the night of the event

bedroom (寝室) [名] a room for sleeping

late (遅い) [形] coming or happening after the usual or expected time

visitor (訪問者) [名] a person who visits a place

identify (確認する) [動] to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing

Graham and McFarlane (グレアム・アンド・マクファーレン) [名] a company name

Gresham Buildings (グレシャム・ビルディング) [名] a building name

E.C. (E.C.) [名] an abbreviation for East Central

ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏がその夜、寝室に遅い訪問者を迎えていたことが知られており、発見されたステッキはこの人物の所有物であることが確認されている。この人物はジョン・ヘクター・マクファーレンという名の若いロンドンの弁護士で、グレシャム・ビルディング426番地のグレアム・アンド・マクファーレンのジュニアパートナーである。

The police believe that they have evidence in their possession which supplies a very convincing motive for the crime, and altogether it cannot be doubted that sensational developments will follow.

possession (所持) [名] the state of having, owning, or controlling something

supply (提供する) [動] make available for use; provide

doubt (疑う) [動] be uncertain about

警察は、犯罪の動機を非常に説得力のあるものにする証拠を所持していると信じており、センセーショナルな展開が続くことは間違いない。

“LATER.—It is rumoured as we go to press that Mr. John Hector McFarlane has actually been arrested on the charge of the murder of Mr. Jonas Oldacre.

LATER (後報) [名] a later time

「後報ー本紙の印刷中に、ジョン・ヘクター・マクファーレン氏がジョナス・オールドエーカー氏殺害の容疑で逮捕されたという噂が流れた。

It is at least certain that a warrant has been issued.

certain (確かである) [形] known or proved to be true

少なくとも令状が発布されたことは確かである。

There have been further and sinister developments in the investigation at Norwood.

ノーウッドの捜査はさらに進展し、不吉な展開を見せている。

Besides the signs of a struggle in the room of the unfortunate builder it is now known that the French windows of his bedroom (which is on the ground floor) were found to be open, that there were marks as if some bulky object had been dragged across to the wood-pile, and, finally, it is asserted that charred remains have been found among the charcoal ashes of the fire.

besides (に加えて) [前] in addition to; as well as

ground floor (一階) [名] the floor of a building that is level with the ground

French window (フランス窓) [名] a pair of glazed doors that open like a window

bulky (大きな) [形] large and heavy or unwieldy

drag (引きずる) [動] pull or move with difficulty or effort

wood-pile (木の山) [名] a pile of wood

assert (判明した) [動] state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

charred (焦げた) [形] blackened or burned on the surface

remain (残骸) [名] the remaining parts of something that has been destroyed or badly damaged

fire (火) [名] the state or fact of burning

不幸な建築家の部屋での争いの痕跡に加えて、彼の寝室(一階にある)のフランス窓が開いていたこと、何か大きな物体が木の山に引きずられたような跡があったこと、そして最後に、火の炭灰の中に焦げた残骸が発見されたことが判明した。

The police theory is that a most sensational crime has been committed, that the victim was clubbed to death in his own bedroom, his papers rifled, and his dead body dragged across to the wood-stack, which was then ignited so as to hide all traces of the crime.

victim (被害者) [名] a person who has been harmed or killed by another

ignite (火をつける) [動] cause to start burning

警察の推理では、最もセンセーショナルな犯罪が犯され、被害者は自分の寝室で撲殺され、書類を荒らされ、死体は木の山に引きずられ、犯罪の痕跡をすべて隠すために火をつけられたというものである。

The conduct of the criminal investigation has been left in the experienced hands of Inspector Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, who is following up the clues with his accustomed energy and sagacity.”

conduct (指揮) [名] the way in which someone behaves

criminal investigation (犯罪捜査) [名] the investigation of a crime

experienced (経験を積んだ) [形] having knowledge or skill gained through practice

Inspector Lestrade (レストレード警部) [名] a character in the Sherlock Holmes stories

follow up (追う) [動] take further action on

accustomed (いつもの) [形] familiar through use or experience

energy (精力) [名] the ability to be active

sagacity (聡明さ) [名] the quality of being wise

犯罪捜査の指揮は、スコットランドヤードのレストレード警部に委ねられており、彼はいつもの精力と聡明さで手がかりを追っている。」

Sherlock Holmes listened with closed eyes and fingertips together to this remarkable account.

close (閉じる) [動] move or cause to move so as to cover an opening

fingertip (指先) [名] the tip of a finger

together (合わせる) [副] with or near each other in time, space, or position

シャーロック・ホームズは目を閉じ、指先を合わせながらこの驚くべき話を聞いていた。

“The case has certainly some points of interest,” said he, in his languid fashion.

fashion (態度) [名] a manner of doing something

「この事件には確かに興味深い点がいくつかある」と彼は気だるそうに言った。

“May I ask, in the first place, Mr. McFarlane, how it is that you are still at liberty, since there appears to be enough evidence to justify your arrest?”

in the first place (まず最初に) [副] first of all

McFarlane (マクファーレン) [名] a surname

at liberty (自由の身) [形] free to do as one pleases

「まず最初に、マクファーレンさん、あなたを逮捕するのに十分な証拠があるように思われるのに、どうしてまだ自由の身でいられるのか、お聞きしてもいいでしょうか?」

“I live at Torrington Lodge, Blackheath, with my parents, Mr. Holmes, but last night, having to do business very late with Mr. Jonas Oldacre, I stayed at an hotel in Norwood, and came to my business from there.

live (住む) [動] have one's home in a particular place

Torrington Lodge (トーリントン・ロッジ) [名] a place

Blackheath (ブラックヒース) [名] a place

parent (両親) [名] a father or mother

do business (仕事をする) [動] engage in commercial or financial activity

very late (遅くまで) [副] far into the night

stay (泊まる) [動] remain in a place for a period of time

「私は両親とブラックヒースのトーリントン・ロッジに住んでいますが、昨夜はジョナス・オールドエーカーさんと遅くまで仕事をしなければならなかったので、ノーウッドのホテルに泊まり、そこから仕事に来ました。

I knew nothing of this affair until I was in the train, when I read what you have just heard.

know nothing of (何も知らない) [動] have no knowledge of

train (電車) [名] a vehicle consisting of a series of connected cars that is pulled by a locomotive and runs on a track

私は電車に乗るまでこの事件のことを何も知らず、電車の中で今聞いたことを読んだのです。

I at once saw the horrible danger of my position, and I hurried to put the case into your hands.

see (悟る) [動] understand

position (立場) [名] a place where someone or something is located or has been put

hurry (急ぐ) [動] move or act quickly

put (託す) [動] place, set, or arrange in a specified position

私はすぐに自分の立場の恐ろしい危険を悟り、急いでこの事件をあなたに託すことにしたのです。

I have no doubt that I should have been arrested either at my city office or at my home.

should have been arrested (逮捕されていた) [動] be taken or kept in custody by authority of law or to be seized, captured specifically

city office (市役所) [名] the administrative center of a city

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

私が市役所か自宅で逮捕されていたことは間違いありません。

A man followed me from London Bridge Station, and I have no doubt—Great heaven!

have no doubt (間違いない) [動] be certain or sure about something

Great heaven (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

ロンドン・ブリッジ駅から男がついてきて、間違いなく・・・なんてことだ!

what is that?”

is (だ) [動] be

that (あれ) [代] the thing that

あれは何だ?」

It was a clang of the bell, followed instantly by heavy steps upon the stair.

bell (ベル) [名] a hollow metal object that rings when struck

instantly (すぐに) [副] immediately; at once

heavy (重い) [形] having great weight

それはベルの音で、すぐに階段を踏みしめる重い足音が続いた。

A moment later, our old friend Lestrade appeared in the doorway.

a moment later (一瞬後) [副] a short time later

old friend (旧友) [名] a friend of long standing

appear (現れる) [動] come into sight; become visible

一瞬後、我々の旧友レストレード警部が戸口に現れた。

Over his shoulder I caught a glimpse of one or two uniformed policemen outside.

over one's shoulder (肩越しに) [副] looking back

catch a glimpse of (ちらりと見る) [動] see something briefly

one or two (一人か二人) [名] a small number of people

uniformed (制服を着た) [形] wearing a uniform

彼の肩越しに、私は外にいる制服を着た一人か二人の警官をちらりと見た。

“Mr. John Hector McFarlane?” said Lestrade.

「ジョン・ヘクター・マクファーレンさん?」とレストレード警部は言った。

Our unfortunate client rose with a ghastly face.

rise (立ち上がる) [動] get up from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

ghastly (恐ろしい) [形] causing great horror or fear

我々の不幸な依頼人は恐ろしい顔で立ち上がった。

“I arrest you for the wilful murder of Mr. Jonas Oldacre, of Lower Norwood.”

wilful (故意の) [形] done on purpose; deliberate

「私はあなたを、ロウアー・ノーウッドのジョナス・オールドエーカー氏の故意の殺人容疑で逮捕する。」

McFarlane turned to us with a gesture of despair, and sank into his chair once more like one who is crushed.

despair (絶望) [名] the complete loss or absence of hope

gesture (身振り) [名] a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning

sink into (沈む) [動] go down below the surface of something

crush (打ちひしぐ) [動] defeat or subdue completely

マクファーレンは絶望の身振りで我々を振り返り、打ちひしがれた人のようにもう一度椅子に沈んだ。

“One moment, Lestrade,” said Holmes.

one moment (ちょっと待って) [名] a very short period of time

「ちょっと待って、レストレード」とホームズは言った。

“Half an hour more or less can make no difference to you, and the gentleman was about to give us an account of this very interesting affair, which might aid us in clearing it up.”

half an hour (30分) [名] a period of time equal to thirty minutes

make no difference (大した違いではない) [動] be of no importance or significance

about to (しようとしている) [動] on the point of doing something

「30分程度の違いはあなたにとって大した違いではないだろうし、この紳士はこの非常に興味深い事件について説明しようとしていたところだ。それは我々がこの事件を解決するのに役立つかもしれない。」

“I think there will be no difficulty in clearing it up,” said Lestrade, grimly.

there will be no difficulty (困難はないだろう) [名] there will be no problem

clearing up (解決する) [動] solve or find a solution to

grimly (無愛想に) [副] in a serious or angry way

「この事件を解決するのに困難はないだろうと思うが」とレストレードは無愛想に言った。

“None the less, with your permission, I should be much interested to hear his account.”

none the less (それでも) [副] nevertheless; in spite of that

be interested in (興味がある) [動] want to know or learn about something or someone

「それでも、あなたの許可を得て、私は彼の説明を聞くことに非常に興味がある。」

“Well, Mr. Holmes, it is difficult for me to refuse you anything, for you have been of use to the force once or twice in the past, and we owe you a good turn at Scotland Yard,” said Lestrade.

Well (ええと) [間] used to express hesitation or uncertainty

refuse (断る) [動] express unwillingness to accept or consider

for (というのも) [接] because

have been of use to (協力していただいたことがあります) [動] be helpful or useful to

the force (警察) [名] the police

in the past (過去に) [副] in a time before the present

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

owe (恩義があります) [動] be under a moral obligation to give someone

a good turn (協力) [名] a helpful act

at Scotland Yard (スコットランドヤードでは) [名] the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police

「ホームズさん、あなたに何かを断るのは難しいことです。過去に一度か二度、警察に協力していただいたことがありますし、スコットランドヤードではあなたに恩義があります」とレストレードは言った。

“At the same time I must remain with my prisoner, and I am bound to warn him that anything he may say will appear in evidence against him.”

at the same time (同時に) [副] at the same moment

remain (残る) [動] stay in the same place or condition

anything (すべて) [名] any thing or things

「同時に、私は囚人と一緒にいなければならないし、彼が言うことはすべて彼に不利な証拠として現れるだろうと警告しなければならない。」

“I wish nothing better,” said our client.

nothing better (それ以上) [名] no more than; no better than

「それ以上望むことはない」と依頼人は言った。

“All I ask is that you should hear and recognize the absolute truth.”

ask (求める) [動] request something

absolute (絶対的な) [形] not qualified or diminished in any way; total

「私が求めるのは、あなたが絶対的な真実を聞いて認識することだけだ。」

Lestrade looked at his watch.

watch (時計) [名] a small timepiece that is typically worn on a person's wrist

レストレードは時計を見た。

“I’ll give you half an hour,” said he.

give (あげる) [動] freely transfer the possession of something to (someone)

he (彼) [代] the man or boy previously mentioned

「30分あげよう」と彼は言った。

“I must explain first,” said McFarlane, “that I knew nothing of Mr. Jonas Oldacre.

first (まず) [副] before anything else

「まず説明しなければならないのは」とマクファーレンは言った。「私はジョナス・オールドエーカー氏のことを何も知らなかったということだ。

His name was familiar to me, for many years ago my parents were acquainted with him, but they drifted apart.

be familiar to (なじみがある) [動] be well known to

many years ago (何年も前に) [副] a long time ago

be acquainted with (知り合いである) [動] know someone personally

drift apart (疎遠になる) [動] become less friendly with someone

彼の名前は私にはなじみがあった。何年も前に私の両親は彼と知り合いだったが、疎遠になってしまった。

I was very much surprised therefore, when yesterday, about three o’clock in the afternoon, he walked into my office in the city.

yesterday (昨日) [名] the day before today

about three o'clock (3時頃) [名] a time of day

in the afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

walk into (やって来る) [動] enter a place by walking

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

だから昨日の午後3時頃、彼が私の事務所にやって来たときはとても驚いた。

But I was still more astonished when he told me the object of his visit.

object (目的) [名] the purpose or aim of something

しかし、彼が訪問の目的を告げた時、私はさらに驚いた。

He had in his hand several sheets of a notebook, covered with scribbled writing—here they are—and he laid them on my table.

have in one's hand (手に持つ) [動] to be holding something

notebook (ノート) [名] a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in

cover (埋め尽くす) [動] to be all over the surface of something

scribble (走り書き) [名] hasty and careless writing

writing (書き物) [名] the activity or occupation of writing

彼は手に走り書きで埋め尽くされたノートの数枚を持っていた。これがそれだ。彼はそれを私のテーブルの上に置いた。

“‘Here is my will,’ said he.

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

「これが私の遺言だ」と彼は言った。

‘I want you, Mr. McFarlane, to cast it into proper legal shape.

cast (直す) [動] throw or fling something with force

proper (適切な) [形] of the required type or standard

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

「マクファーレンさん、これを適切な法的形式に直してほしい。

I will sit here while you do so.’

while (〜する間) [接] during the time that; at the same time that

君がそうしている間、私はここに座っている」

“I set myself to copy it, and you can imagine my astonishment when I found that, with some reservations, he had left all his property to me.

set oneself to (取りかかる) [動] start doing something

copy (書き写す) [動] make an identical version of

astonishment (驚き) [名] a feeling of great surprise or wonder

reservation (留保) [名] a statement that limits or restricts the meaning of another statement

property (財産) [名] a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions

「私はそれを書き写そうとしたが、彼がいくつかの留保を除いて、彼のすべての財産を私に残していたことを知ったときの私の驚きを想像できるだろう。

He was a strange little ferret-like man, with white eyelashes, and when I looked up at him I found his keen grey eyes fixed upon me with an amused expression.

ferret (フェレット) [名] a small, domesticated carnivorous mammal

eyelash (まつげ) [名] one of the short hairs growing on the edges of the eyelids

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

fix (見つめる) [動] direct one's gaze steadily and intently on

amused (面白そうな) [形] finding something funny or entertaining

彼は白いまつげをした、奇妙な小さなフェレットのような男で、私が彼を見上げると、彼の鋭い灰色の目が面白そうな表情で私を見つめているのに気づいた。

I could hardly believe my own as I read the terms of the will;

遺言書の内容を読んだとき、私は自分の目を疑った。

but he explained that he was a bachelor with hardly any living relation, that he had known my parents in his youth, and that he had always heard of me as a very deserving young man, and was assured that his money would be in worthy hands.

living (生きている) [形] alive

youth (若い頃) [名] the period of life when one is young

deserving (立派な) [形] worthy of reward or punishment

young man (若者) [名] a male human being who is young

worthy (価値ある) [形] having worth or value

しかし、彼は独身でほとんど生きている親戚がいないこと、若い頃に私の両親と知り合ったこと、そして私のことをとても立派な若者だといつも聞いていたこと、そして彼のお金が価値ある人の手に渡ると確信していることを説明した。

Of course, I could only stammer out my thanks.

stammer (口ごもる) [動] speak or say something in a hesitant or faltering manner

out (口に出す) [動] say something aloud

もちろん、私は感謝の言葉を口ごもることしかできなかった。

The will was duly finished, signed, and witnessed by my clerk.

duly (正式に) [副] in accordance with what is required or appropriate

finish (完成する) [動] bring to an end; complete

sign (署名する) [動] write one's name on

witness (証人となる) [動] see or notice something

遺言書は正式に完成し、署名され、私の事務員が証人となった。

This is it on the blue paper, and these slips, as I have explained, are the rough draft.

slip (紙片) [名] a small piece of paper

rough (下書きの) [形] having an uneven or irregular surface

draft (下書き) [名] a preliminary version of a piece of writing

これが青い紙に書かれた遺言書で、これらの紙片は、説明したように、下書きだ。

Mr. Jonas Oldacre then informed me that there were a number of documents—building leases, title-deeds, mortgages, scrip, and so forth—which it was necessary that I should see and understand.

Mr. Jonas Oldacre (ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏) [名] a character in the story

inform (知らせる) [動] give (someone) facts or information

document (書類) [名] a piece of paper that provides information

building lease (建物の賃貸借契約書) [名] a contract for the rental of a building

title-deed (権利証書) [名] a legal document that proves ownership of a property

mortgage (抵当権) [名] a legal agreement by which a bank or other lender lends money at interest in exchange for taking title of the debtor's property

scrip (証書) [名] a certificate of ownership of a fraction of a share of stock

and so forth (など) [副] and other similar things

understand (理解する) [動] perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)

ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏は、建物の賃貸借契約書、権利証書、抵当権、証書など、私が見て理解する必要のある書類が多数あることを教えてくれた。

He said that his mind would not be easy until the whole thing was settled, and he begged me to come out to his house at Norwood that night, bringing the will with me, and to arrange matters.

mind (気持ち) [名] the state of a person's thoughts or feelings

easy (楽) [形] not difficult or demanding

settle (決着する) [動] reach an agreement about

come out (来る) [動] move or travel from one place to another

bring (持ってくる) [動] take or carry something with oneself

彼は、すべてが決着するまでは気が休まらないと言い、その夜、遺言書を持ってノーウッドの彼の家まで来てくれと頼んだ。

‘Remember, my boy, not one word to your parents about the affair until everything is settled.

boy (坊や) [名] a male child or young man

word (一言) [名] a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning

affair (件) [名] a matter of business or public concern

「覚えておくように、坊や、すべてが決着するまでは、この件について両親に一言も言うな。

We will keep it as a little surprise for them.’

keep (取っておく) [動] to not give up or let go of

彼らにちょっとしたサプライズとして取っておこう」

He was very insistent upon this point, and made me promise it faithfully.

彼はこの点を非常に強く主張し、私に忠実に約束させた。

“You can imagine, Mr. Holmes, that I was not in a humour to refuse him anything that he might ask.

refuse (拒否する) [動] indicate or show that one is not willing to do something

「想像できるでしょう、ホームズさん、私は彼が求めるものを何でも拒否するような気持ちにはなれませんでした。

He was my benefactor, and all my desire was to carry out his wishes in every particular.

benefactor (恩人) [名] a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause

carry out (実現する) [動] to complete or finish something

wish (望み) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen

彼は私の恩人であり、私の望みはすべて彼の望みをあらゆる点で実現することでした。

I sent a telegram home, therefore, to say that I had important business on hand, and that it was impossible for me to say how late I might be.

send a telegram (電報を送る) [動] send a message by telegraph

important business (重要な用事) [名] a matter of great significance or value

on hand (手近にある) [形] near or close by

そのため、私は家に電報を送り、重要な用事があり、どれくらい遅れるかわからないと伝えた。

Mr. Oldacre had told me that he would like me to have supper with him at nine, as he might not be home before that hour.

like (したい) [動] want or wish

have supper (夕食をとる) [動] eat the last meal of the day

nine (9時) [名] the number 9

オールドエーカー氏は、9時まで帰宅できないかもしれないので、9時に一緒に夕食をとりたいと言っていた。

I had some difficulty in finding his house, however, and it was nearly half-past before I reached it.

have some difficulty (少し苦労する) [動] have a hard time doing something

しかし、私は彼の家を見つけるのに少し苦労し、そこに着くまでにほぼ半分過ぎていた。

I found him——”

私は彼を見つけた——」

“One moment!” said Holmes.

「ちょっと待って!」とホームズは言った。

“Who opened the door?”

「誰がドアを開けたんだ?」

“A middle-aged woman, who was, I suppose, his housekeeper.”

middle-aged (中年の) [形] being between the ages of about 45 and 65

woman (女性) [名] an adult human female

housekeeper (家政婦) [名] a person employed in a house on domestic duties

「中年の女性で、彼の家政婦だったと思う。」

“And it was she, I presume, who mentioned your name?”

「そして、あなたの名前を言ったのは彼女だったと思うが?」

“Exactly,” said McFarlane.

「その通りだ」とマクファーレンは言った。

“Pray proceed.”

pray (どうぞ) [動] ask or beg for something earnestly

proceed (続けて) [動] continue

「どうぞ続けて。」

McFarlane wiped his damp brow, and then continued his narrative:

wipe (拭く) [動] clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth or towel

damp (汗ばんだ) [形] slightly wet

マクファーレンは汗ばんだ額を拭い、それから話を続けた。

“I was shown by this woman into a sitting-room, where a frugal supper was laid out.

show (通す) [動] guide or direct

frugal (質素な) [形] simple and plain and costing little

supper (夕食) [名] the last meal of the day

「私はこの女性に居間に通され、質素な夕食が用意されていた。

Afterwards, Mr. Jonas Oldacre led me into his bedroom, in which there stood a heavy safe.

afterwards (その後) [副] later; after that

lead (案内する) [動] show the way to someone

その後、ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏は私を彼の寝室に案内し、そこには重い金庫があった。

This he opened and took out a mass of documents, which we went over together.

take out (取り出す) [動] remove something from a place

mass (大量) [名] a large amount of something

go over (調べる) [動] examine or inspect

彼はそれを解錠して、大量の書類を取り出し、私たちは一緒にそれを調べた。

It was between eleven and twelve when we finished.

between (間) [前] in the interval separating two times, places, or events

eleven (十一時) [名] the number 11

twelve (十二時) [名] the number 12

finish (終わる) [動] bring or come to a conclusion

私たちが終わったのは十一時から十二時の間だった。

He remarked that we must not disturb the housekeeper.

remark (言う) [動] say something as a comment

disturb (起こす) [動] interrupt the sleep, rest, or peace of

彼は家政婦を起こしてはいけないと言った。

He showed me out through his own French window, which had been open all this time.”

show out (送り出す) [動] show someone the way out

all this time (ずっと) [副] for the entire time

彼は私を、ずっと開け放たれていた彼自身のフランス窓から送り出した。」

“Was the blind down?” asked Holmes.

down (下りている) [副] to or in a lower position

「ブラインドは下りていたか?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“I will not be sure, but I believe that it was only half down.

be not sure (確かではない) [動] not be certain

half (半分) [名] one of two equal parts that together form a whole

「確かではないが、半分だけ下りていたと思う。

Yes, I remember how he pulled it up in order to swing open the window.

pull up (引き上げる) [動] move something upwards

swing open (大きく開ける) [動] open something by swinging it

そうだ、彼が窓を大きく開けるためにそれを引き上げたのを覚えている。

I could not find my stick, and he said, ‘Never mind, my boy, I shall see a good deal of you now, I hope, and I will keep your stick until you come back to claim it.’

never mind (気にするな) [動] don't worry about it

hope (だろう) [動] wish for something

keep (預かっておこう) [動] continue to have

come back (取りに来る) [動] return

私は自分のステッキを見つけることができなかったが、彼は「気にするな、坊や、これから君とよく会うことになるだろうから、君が取りに来るまでステッキを預かっておこう」と言った。

I left him there, the safe open, and the papers made up in packets upon the table.

私は彼をそこに残し、金庫は開けっ放し、書類はテーブルの上に束ねて置いてあった。

It was so late that I could not get back to Blackheath, so I spent the night at the Anerley Arms, and I knew nothing more until I read of this horrible affair in the morning.”

so late (とても遅い) [形] very late

get back (戻る) [動] return to a place

spend the night (一夜を過ごす) [動] stay somewhere overnight

あまりに遅かったのでブラックヒースに戻れず、私はアナーリー・アームズで一夜を過ごし、朝この恐ろしい事件について読むまで何も知らなかった。」

“Anything more that you would like to ask, Mr. Holmes?” said Lestrade, whose eyebrows had gone up once or twice during this remarkable explanation.

eyebrow (眉) [名] the strip of hair growing on the ridge above a person's eye socket

go up (上がる) [動] move from a lower to a higher position

once (一度) [副] on one occasion or for one time only

twice (二度) [副] two times

「ホームズさん、他に何か聞きたいことは?」と、この驚くべき説明の間に眉を一度か二度上げていたレストレードが言った。

“Not until I have been to Blackheath.”

「ブラックヒースに行くまでは。」

“You mean to Norwood,” said Lestrade.

mean (言っている) [動] intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (something)

「ノーウッドのことだろう」とレストレード。

“Oh, yes, no doubt that is what I must have meant,” said Holmes, with his enigmatical smile.

no doubt (間違いなく) [副] certainly; surely

mean (言いたかった) [動] intend to convey

enigmatical (謎めいた) [形] mysterious; puzzling

「ああ、そう、間違いなくそう言いたかったんだ」とホームズは謎めいた笑みを浮かべて言った。

Lestrade had learned by more experiences than he would care to acknowledge that that brain could cut through that which was impenetrable to him.

learn (学ぶ) [動] gain knowledge or skills

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

cut through (切り抜ける) [動] make a way through

impenetrable (理解できない) [形] unable to be understood

レストレードは、認めたくはないほど多くの経験から、その頭脳が自分にとって理解できないことを切り抜けることができることを学んでいた。

I saw him look curiously at my companion.

curiously (いぶかしげに) [副] in a curious manner

彼が私の連れを見ていぶかしげな顔をするのが見えた。

“I think I should like to have a word with you presently, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said he.

have a word with (話す) [動] talk to someone

presently (すぐに) [副] in a short time; soon

「シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたと少しお話ししたいのですが」と彼は言った。

“Now, Mr. McFarlane, two of my constables are at the door, and there is a four-wheeler waiting.”

four-wheeler (四輪馬車) [名] a vehicle with four wheels

「さて、マクファーレンさん、私の巡査が二人玄関にいて、四輪馬車が待っています」

The wretched young man arose, and with a last beseeching glance at us walked from the room.

wretched (惨めな) [形] extremely unhappy or unfortunate

arise (立ち上がる) [動] get up from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

beseeching (懇願する) [形] expressing an urgent request

惨めな青年は立ち上がり、最後に私たちを懇願するような目で見て部屋から出て行った。

The officers conducted him to the cab, but Lestrade remained.

officer (巡査) [名] a person appointed to enforce the law

conduct (連れて行く) [動] to lead or guide

cab (馬車) [名] a vehicle for hire with a driver

巡査が彼を馬車に連れて行ったが、レストレードはまだ残っていた。

Holmes had picked up the pages which formed the rough draft of the will, and was looking at them with the keenest interest upon his face.

page (ページ) [名] one side of a sheet of paper

rough draft (草稿) [名] a preliminary version of a piece of writing

keenest interest (非常に興味深そうに) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

ホームズは遺言の草稿のページを拾い上げ、非常に興味深そうにそれを眺めていた。

“There are some points about that document, Lestrade, are there not?” said he, pushing them over.

there be (ある) [動] exist

point (要点) [名] the most important part of something

document (文書) [名] a piece of writing that provides information

「この文書にはいくつかの要点があるね、レストレード」と彼はそれを押しやりながら言った。

The official looked at them with a puzzled expression.

official (役人) [名] a person who has authority

役人は困惑した表情でそれを見た。

“I can read the first few lines and these in the middle of the second page, and one or two at the end.

line (行) [名] a row of words or other characters written or printed across a page

middle (真ん中) [名] the point or part that is equally distant from the sides, ends, or extremes of something

「最初の数行と二ページ目の真ん中あたり、そして最後の一、二行は読める。

Those are as clear as print,” said he, “but the writing in between is very bad, and there are three places where I cannot read it at all.”

as clear as print (印刷物のようにはっきりしている) [形] very clear

at all (全く) [副] in any way; to any extent

そこは印刷物のようにはっきりしている」と彼は言った、「しかし、その間の書き込みは非常に悪く、全く読めないところが三か所ある。」

“What do you make of that?” said Holmes.

make of (思う) [動] to form an opinion of

「どう思う?」とホームズは言った。

“Well, what do you make of it?”

「さて、どう思う?」

“That it was written in a train.

be written (書かれる) [動] be composed or created

「列車の中で書かれたことだ。

The good writing represents stations, the bad writing movement, and the very bad writing passing over points.

good (きれい) [形] to be desired or approved of

writing (書き込み) [名] the activity or skill of writing

represent (表す) [動] be a symbol of

station (駅) [名] a terminal for trains or buses

bad (悪い) [形] not good

movement (移動) [名] the action or process of moving

passing (通過) [名] the action of moving past something

書き込みがきれいなのは駅で、書き込みが悪いのは移動中、書き込みが非常に悪いのは分岐点を通過したときだ。

A scientific expert would pronounce at once that this was drawn up on a suburban line, since nowhere save in the immediate vicinity of a great city could there be so quick a succession of points.

pronounce (断言する) [動] declare or announce officially or formally

draw up (書く) [動] write or create

suburban (郊外の) [形] of or relating to a suburb

line (線) [名] a long, thin mark or a series of such marks

nowhere (どこにも) [副] not anywhere

immediate (すぐ) [形] near or close in space or time

vicinity (近く) [名] the area near or surrounding a place

quick (短い) [形] done or occurring with great speed

succession (連続) [名] a number of things following one after another

科学的な専門家なら、これは郊外線で書かれたとすぐに断言するだろう。大都市のすぐ近く以外では、分岐点がこれほど短い間隔で続く場所はどこにもないからだ。

Granting that his whole journey was occupied in drawing up the will, then the train was an express, only stopping once between Norwood and London Bridge.”

grant (認める) [動] to give or allow something

whole (全) [形] complete; entire

occupy (没頭する) [動] to take up all of someone's time or attention

express (急行) [名] a train that travels quickly and makes few stops

stop (停車する) [動] to come to a halt

彼が旅の間ずっと遺言書の作成に没頭していたとすれば、その列車はノルウッドとロンドンブリッジの間で一度しか停車しない急行だった。」

Lestrade began to laugh.

レストレードは大笑いした。

“You are too many for me when you begin to get on your theories, Mr. Holmes,” said he.

get on (始める) [動] start doing something

too many (手に負えない) [形] more than one can handle

for me (私には) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

「ホームズさん、あなたが推理を始めると、私には手に負えません」と彼は言った。

“How does this bear on the case?”

bear on (関係する) [動] be relevant to

「これが事件とどう関係するんだ?」

“Well, it corroborates the young man’s story to the extent that the will was drawn up by Jonas Oldacre in his journey yesterday.

corroborate (裏付ける) [動] confirm or give support to

extent (範囲) [名] the area covered by something

draw up (作成する) [動] to write or create something

「それが、遺言書が昨日の旅の途中でジョナス・オールドエーカーによって作成されたという点で、若者の話を裏付けている。

It is curious—is it not?—that a man should draw up so important a document in so haphazard a fashion.

curious (奇妙な) [形] eager to know or learn something

haphazard (無計画な) [形] lacking any obvious order or plan

fashion (方法) [名] a manner or way

人がそんなに重要な書類をそんなに無計画に作成するなんて、奇妙なことだよね?

It suggests that he did not think it was going to be of much practical importance.

suggest (示唆する) [動] to mention or introduce as a possibility

be going to (なる) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

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

practical (実際的な) [形] of or concerned with practice or action

importance (重要性) [名] the quality or state of being important

それは、彼がそれがあまり実際的に重要になるとは思っていないことを示唆している。

If a man drew up a will which he did not intend ever to be effective, he might do it so.”

intend (意図する) [動] to have as one's purpose or intention

effective (有効) [形] producing a desired or intended result

人が遺言書を作成しても、それが有効になることを意図していないのであれば、そうするかもしれない。」

“Well, he drew up his own death warrant at the same time,” said Lestrade.

death warrant (死刑執行令状) [名] a warrant authorizing the execution of a convicted criminal

「彼は同時に自分の死刑執行令状も作成したんだ」とレストレードは言った。

“Oh, you think so?”

oh (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

「ああ、そう思う?」

“Don’t you?”

don't (そう思わない) [動] do not

you (あなたは) [代] the person or people that are being spoken to

「そう思わない?」

“Well, it is quite possible, but the case is not clear to me yet.”

quite (かなり) [副] to a certain extent; fairly

clear (はっきりする) [形] easy to understand; intelligible

「まあ、それはかなりあり得ることだが、この事件はまだ私にははっきりしない。」

“Not clear? Well, if that isn’t clear, what could be clearer?

clear (はっきりしない) [形] easy to understand

「はっきりしない? まあ、それがはっきりしないなら、何がもっとはっきりするんだ?

Here is a young man who learns suddenly that, if a certain older man dies, he will succeed to a fortune.

older (年配の) [形] of an age that is older than average

die (死ぬ) [動] stop living

succeed (相続する) [動] take over a position or title from someone

ここに、ある年配の男性が死んだら、彼が財産を相続するということを突然知った若い男性がいる。

What does he do?

彼は何をする?

He says nothing to anyone, but he arranges that he shall go out on some pretext to see his client that night.

彼は誰にも何も言わないが、その夜、彼の依頼人に会うために何か口実をつけて出かける準備をする。

He waits until the only other person in the house is in bed, and then in the solitude of a man’s room he murders him, burns his body in the wood-pile, and departs to a neighbouring hotel.

only (唯一) [形] being the only one

solitude (孤独) [名] the state of being alone

body (体) [名] the physical structure, including the bones, flesh and organs, of a person or an animal

彼は家にいる他の唯一の人がベッドに入るまで待ち、それから男の部屋で孤独に彼を殺害し、薪の山で彼の体を燃やし、そして近隣のホテルに出発する。

The blood-stains in the room and also on the stick are very slight.

blood-stain (血痕) [名] a mark left by blood

部屋の血痕も棒の血痕も非常にわずかだ。

It is probable that he imagined his crime to be a bloodless one, and hoped that if the body were consumed it would hide all traces of the method of his death—traces which, for some reason, must have pointed to him.

bloodless (流血のない) [形] without blood

consume (焼く) [動] eat, drink, or ingest

hide (隠す) [動] put or keep out of sight; conceal

point (指し示す) [動] indicate the position or direction of

彼は自分の犯罪を流血のないものだと想像し、もし遺体が焼かれれば、彼の死因の痕跡をすべて隠してしまうことを望んでいたのだろう。

Is not all this obvious?”

これらすべては明らかではないだろうか?」

“It strikes me, my good Lestrade, as being just a trifle too obvious,” said Holmes.

strike (思われる) [動] seem or appear to be

「私の善良なレストレード、それは私には些細なことがあまりにも明白すぎるように思われる」とホームズは言った。

“You do not add imagination to your other great qualities, but if you could for one moment put yourself in the place of this young man, would you choose the very night after the will had been made to commit your crime?

add (加える) [動] join or combine

imagination (想像力) [名] the ability to form new images and ideas in the mind

quality (資質) [名] a feature or characteristic belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

put oneself in the place of (立場に立つ) [動] to imagine oneself in the situation of another person

choose (選ぶ) [動] pick out or select from a number of alternatives

very (まさに) [副] in actual fact; really

commit (犯す) [動] carry out or perpetrate

「君は他の優れた資質に想像力を加えていないが、もし君がこの青年の立場に立つことができたら、遺言が作られたまさにその夜に犯罪を犯すだろうか?

Would it not seem dangerous to you to make so very close a relation between the two incidents?

make (作る) [動] create or produce

relation (関係) [名] the state of being connected or related

二つの事件の間に非常に密接な関係を作ることは君にとって危険に思えないだろうか?

Again, would you choose an occasion when you are known to be in the house, when a servant has let you in?

be known (分かっている) [動] be familiar with

let in (入れる) [動] allow to enter

再び、君は使用人が君を入れた際に、君が家にいることが分かっている時を選ぶだろうか?

And, finally, would you take the great pains to conceal the body, and yet leave your own stick as a sign that you were the criminal?

take great pains (大変な苦労をする) [動] make a great effort

そして、最後に、君は死体を隠すために大変な苦労をするだろうか、そして、君が犯人であるというしるしとして自分のステッキを残すだろうか?

Confess, Lestrade, that all this is very unlikely.”

unlikely (ありそうもない) [形] not likely to happen or be true

レストレードは、これらすべてが非常にありそうもないことを認めなさい。」

“As to the stick, Mr. Holmes, you know as well as I do that a criminal is often flurried, and does such things, which a cool man would avoid.

flurry (混乱) [名] a sudden commotion or disturbance

cool (冷静な) [形] having or showing little or no emotion or excitement

avoid (避ける) [動] keep away from or stop oneself from doing

「ステッキについては、ホームズさん、犯人はしばしば混乱し、冷静な人間なら避けるようなことをするということを私と同じように知っているでしょう。

He was very likely afraid to go back to the room.

be afraid (恐れる) [動] be scared or frightened

go back (戻る) [動] return to a previous place or state

彼は恐らく部屋に戻るのを恐れたのでしょう。

Give me another theory that would fit the facts.”

事実に合う別の理論を教えてくれ。」

“I could very easily give you half a dozen,” said Holmes.

half a dozen (半ダース) [名] six

give (挙げる) [動] provide

easily (簡単に) [副] without difficulty or effort

「私は簡単に半ダースほど挙げることができる」とホームズは言った。

“Here for example, is a very possible and even probable one.

for example (例えば) [副] as an example

possible (可能) [形] that can be done or achieved

probable (ありそうな) [形] likely to happen or be true

「例えば、これは非常に可能で、ありそうなことだ。

I make you a free present of it.

make (差し上げる) [動] give as a present

free (無料の) [形] without cost or payment

それをあなたに無料で差し上げよう。

The older man is showing documents which are of evident value.

evident (明らかな) [形] clear or obvious to the eye or mind

年配の男性は明らかに価値のある書類を見せている。

A passing tramp sees them through the window, the blind of which is only half down.

passing (通りすがりの) [形] going past

tramp (浮浪者) [名] a person who travels from place to place on foot and has no permanent home

通りすがりの浮浪者が、ブラインドが半分しか下ろされていない窓から彼らを見た。

Exit the solicitor.

exit (退場) [動] leave a place

弁護士退場。

Enter the tramp!

enter (登場) [動] come or go into

浮浪者登場!

He seizes a stick, which he observes there, kills Oldacre, and departs after burning the body.”

kill (殺す) [動] cause the death of

彼はそこにあった棒をつかみ、オールドエーカーを殺し、死体を焼いてから立ち去った。」

“Why should the tramp burn the body?”

「なぜ浮浪者が死体を焼く必要があるんだ?」

“For the matter of that, why should McFarlane?”

for the matter of that (それなら) [副] in that case

「それなら、なぜマクファーレンが焼く必要があるんだ?」

“To hide some evidence.”

「証拠を隠すためだ。」

“Possibly the tramp wanted to hide that any murder at all had been committed.”

「浮浪者は殺人があったことを隠したかったのかもしれない。」

“And why did the tramp take nothing?”

「そして、なぜ浮浪者は何も取らなかったんだ?」

“Because they were papers that he could not negotiate.”

negotiate (交渉する) [動] try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others

「それは彼が交渉できない書類だったからだ。」

Lestrade shook his head, though it seemed to me that his manner was less absolutely assured than before.

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

assure (確信する) [動] make (someone) feel confident and free from doubt

before (以前) [副] at a time in the past

レストレードは首を横に振ったが、私には彼の態度が以前ほど絶対に確信が持てないように思えた。

“Well, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, you may look for your tramp, and while you are finding him we will hold on to our man.

look for (探す) [動] try to find

hold on to (拘束する) [動] keep or maintain

「さて、シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたは浮浪者を探すといい、あなたが彼を見つけるまで、我々は容疑者を拘束しておく。

The future will show which is right.

future (未来) [名] the time that is to come

どちらが正しいかは未来が示してくれるだろう。

Just notice this point, Mr. Holmes: that so far as we know, none of the papers were removed, and that the prisoner is the one man in the world who had no reason for removing them, since he was heir-at-law, and would come into them in any case.”

notice (注目する) [動] perceive or become aware of

prisoner (被告人) [名] a person held in custody, especially in a prison or jail

heir (相続人) [名] a person who inherits and continues the legacy of a predecessor

come into (受け取る) [動] receive or be given something

case (場合) [名] an instance of something occurring; an example

ホームズさん、この点に注目してください。我々が知る限り、書類はどれも持ち去られておらず、被告人は法定相続人であり、いずれにしても書類を受け取ることになるので、書類を持ち去る理由がない世界で唯一の人物なのです。」

My friend seemed struck by this remark.

seem (ようだった) [動] appear to be; give the impression of being

友人はこの言葉に打たれたようだった。

“I don’t mean to deny that the evidence is in some ways very strongly in favour of your theory,” said he.

deny (否定する) [動] refuse to admit the truth or existence of

favour (支持する) [動] approve of or be in agreement with

「証拠があなたの説を強く支持していることを否定するつもりはない」と彼は言った。

“I only wish to point out that there are other theories possible.

point out (指摘する) [動] to make someone notice something

other (他の) [形] not the same as the one already mentioned

theory (考え方) [名] a set of ideas or principles that explains something

「他の考え方もあり得ることを指摘したいだけだ。

As you say, the future will decide.

as you say (あなたの言うとおり) [副] in accordance with what you say

あなたの言うとおり、未来が決めることだ。

Good-morning!

good-morning (おはよう) [名] a greeting used in the morning

おはよう!

I dare say that in the course of the day I shall drop in at Norwood and see how you are getting on.”

in the course of (中に) [前] during

drop in (立ち寄る) [動] visit someone or somewhere briefly and informally

see how (様子を見る) [動] find out the state or condition of

おそらく今日中にノーウッドに立ち寄って、君の様子を見に行くだろう」

When the detective departed, my friend rose and made his preparations for the day’s work with the alert air of a man who has a congenial task before him.

detective (探偵) [名] a person who investigates crimes

preparation (準備) [名] the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration

day (日) [名] a period of time from sunrise to sunset

air (態度) [名] the particular mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and forms its atmosphere

congenial (好ましい) [形] pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or interests that are similar to one's own

探偵が去ると、友人は立ち上がり、目の前に好ましい仕事がある人の機敏な態度でその日の準備をした。

“My first movement Watson,” said he, as he bustled into his frockcoat, “must, as I said, be in the direction of Blackheath.”

must (べきだ) [助] be obliged to; should

「私の最初の行動は、ワトソン」と彼はフロックコートを着ながら言った、「言ったように、ブラックヒースに向かうべきだ」

“And why not Norwood?”

why not (なぜ~ではないのか) [副] for what reason not

「なぜノーウッドではないんだ?」

“Because we have in this case one singular incident coming close to the heels of another singular incident.

singular (異常な) [形] very good or impressive

another (もう一つ) [限] an additional one of the same type

「この事件では、一つの異常な事件がもう一つの異常な事件のすぐ後に起こっているからだ。

The police are making the mistake of concentrating their attention upon the second, because it happens to be the one which is actually criminal.

make a mistake (間違いを犯す) [動] do something wrong

concentrate (集中する) [動] focus all of one's attention on something

happen (たまたま) [動] take place by chance

警察は、二つ目の事件に注意を集中するという間違いを犯している。なぜなら、それが実際に犯罪である事件だからだ。

But it is evident to me that the logical way to approach the case is to begin by trying to throw some light upon the first incident—the curious will, so suddenly made, and to so unexpected an heir.

throw some light (光を当てる) [動] to make something easier to understand

しかし、私にはこの事件に取り組む論理的な方法は、最初の事件、つまり突然作られた奇妙な遺言と、予想外の相続人について何か光を当てようとすることから始めることだということは明らかだ。

It may do something to simplify what followed.

do something (役立つ) [動] be of some use or benefit

simplify (単純化する) [動] make simpler or easier to do or understand

その後の出来事を単純化するのに役立つかもしれない。

No, my dear fellow, I don’t think you can help me.

no (いや) [副] a negative answer

help (助ける) [動] make it easier for someone to do something

いや、君には私を助けることはできないと思う。

There is no prospect of danger, or I should not dream of stirring out without you.

prospect (可能性) [名] the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring

stir (出かける) [動] move or cause to move slightly

out (外) [副] away from home or a place of work

危険の可能性はないし、君なしで出かけるなんて夢にも思わない。

I trust that when I see you in the evening, I will be able to report that I have been able to do something for this unfortunate youngster, who has thrown himself upon my protection.”

report (報告する) [動] give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated

throw oneself upon (頼る) [動] rely on or trust in someone or something

夕方にお会いするときには、私の保護を頼ってきたこの不幸な若者のために何かできたと報告できると思います」

It was late when my friend returned, and I could see, by a glance at his haggard and anxious face, that the high hopes with which he had started had not been fulfilled.

late (遅く) [副] after the usual or expected time

haggard (やつれた) [形] looking exhausted and unwell

anxious (不安そうな) [形] experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease

high hope (大きな期待) [名] a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen

fulfill (満たす) [動] bring to completion or reality

友人が帰ってきたのは遅く、やつれて不安そうな顔を一目見ただけで、出発時の大きな期待が満たされなかったことがわかった。

For an hour he droned away upon his violin, endeavouring to soothe his own ruffled spirits.

for an hour (1時間ほど) [名] a period of time equal to 60 minutes

drone away (弾き続ける) [動] to play an instrument in a monotonous way

violin (バイオリン) [名] a stringed musical instrument with a hollow wooden body

soothe (落ち着かせる) [動] to make calmer or less anxious

ruffled (乱れた) [形] disturbed or agitated

彼は1時間ほどバイオリンを弾き続け、自分の乱れた精神を落ち着かせようとした。

At last he flung down the instrument, and plunged into a detailed account of his misadventures.

fling down (投げ捨てる) [動] throw or cast away or down with violence

instrument (楽器) [名] a tool or implement, especially one for delicate or scientific work

plunge into (乗り出す) [動] become involved in something without hesitation

misadventure (不幸な出来事) [名] a mishap or misfortune

ついに彼は楽器を投げ捨て、自分の不幸な出来事の詳細な説明に乗り出した。

“It’s all going wrong, Watson—all as wrong as it can go.

go wrong (うまくいかない) [動] fail to work or operate properly

as wrong as it can go (うまくいっていない) [動] fail to work or operate properly

「すべてがうまくいっていない、ワトソン、すべてがうまくいっていない。

I kept a bold face before Lestrade, but, upon my soul, I believe that for once the fellow is on the right track and we are on the wrong.

keep a bold face (平然としている) [動] to appear confident or unconcerned

before (前で) [前] in front of

upon my soul (正直なところ) [副] honestly

for once (今回は) [副] for this one time

on the right track (正しい道を進んでいる) [動] to be doing or thinking something correctly

on the wrong (間違っている) [動] to be doing or thinking something incorrectly

私はレストレードの前では平然としていたが、正直なところ、今回は彼が正しい道を進んでいて、私たちが間違っていると思う。

All my instincts are one way, and all the facts are the other, and I much fear that British juries have not yet attained that pitch of intelligence when they will give the preference to my theories over Lestrade’s facts.”

instinct (本能) [名] an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli

jury (陪審員) [名] a body of people (typically twelve in number) sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them in court

attain (達する) [動] succeed in achieving something

preference (優先) [名] a greater liking for one alternative over another or others

私の本能はすべて一方を向いており、事実はすべてもう一方を向いている。イギリスの陪審員は、レストレードの事実よりも私の理論を優先するほどの知性にはまだ達していないのではないかと心配している。」

“Did you go to Blackheath?”

「ブラックヒースに行ったのか?」

“Yes, Watson, I went there, and I found very quickly that the late lamented Oldacre was a pretty considerable blackguard.

very (すぐに) [副] to a high degree; extremely

lamented (オールドエーカー) [形] mourned or regretted

Oldacre (オールドエーカー) [名] a character in the story

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

considerable (悪党) [形] large in size or amount

blackguard (悪党) [名] a man who behaves in a dishonourable or contemptible way

「ああ、ワトソン、私はそこに行った、そして、私はすぐに、亡きオールドエーカーがかなりの悪党だったことを知った。

The father was away in search of his son.

father (父親) [名] a man who has a child

be away (出かける) [動] be absent from a place

search (探す) [動] try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly

父親は息子を探しに出かけていた。

The mother was at home—a little, fluffy, blue-eyed person, in a tremor of fear and indignation.

fluffy (ふわふわした) [形] having or covered with a lot of soft feathers, hair, or fibers

blue-eyed (青い目の) [形] having blue eyes

fear (恐怖) [名] an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat

indignation (憤慨) [名] anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

母親は家にいた。恐怖と憤慨に震える、小さな、ふわふわした、青い目の人だった。

Of course, she would not admit even the possibility of his guilt.

would not (認めようとしなかった) [助] be unwilling to

admit (認める) [動] to recognize the existence or truth of

even (すら) [副] to the extent of; including

guilt (罪) [名] the fact or state of having committed an offense

もちろん、彼女は彼の罪の可能性すら認めようとしなかった。

But she would not express either surprise or regret over the fate of Oldacre.

express (表明する) [動] show or state clearly

regret (後悔) [名] a feeling of sadness or being sorry for something you have done or not done

しかし、彼女はオールドエーカーの運命について驚きも後悔も表明しなかった。

On the contrary, she spoke of him with such bitterness that she was unconsciously considerably strengthening the case of the police for, of course, if her son had heard her speak of the man in this fashion, it would predispose him towards hatred and violence.

on the contrary (それどころか) [副] quite the opposite

bitterness (辛辣) [名] the quality of being bitter

unconsciously (無意識のうちに) [副] without being aware of it

considerably (かなり) [副] to a large extent

strengthen (強化する) [動] make or become stronger

predispose (走りやすくする) [動] make susceptible to

それどころか、彼女は彼のことをとても辛辣に語っていたので、無意識のうちに警察の事件をかなり強化していた。もちろん、息子が彼女がその男のことをこんな風に話しているのを聞いたら、憎しみと暴力に走りやすくなるだろう。

‘He was more like a malignant and cunning ape than a human being,’ said she, ‘and he always was, ever since he was a young man.’

malignant (悪意に満ちた) [形] having or showing a desire to cause harm

ape (猿) [名] a large primate that lacks a tail, has relatively long arms, and is native to Asia and Africa

human being (人間) [名] a man, woman, or child of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, power of articulate speech, and upright stance

young man (若い頃) [名] a man who is relatively young

「彼は人間というよりは悪意に満ちたずる賢い猿のようでした」と彼女は言った。「若い頃からずっとそうでした」

“‘You knew him at that time?’ said I.

「あの頃彼を知っていたのですか?」と私は言った。

“‘Yes, I knew him well, in fact, he was an old suitor of mine.

well (よく) [副] in a good manner or to a high standard

suitor (求婚者) [名] a man who is courting a woman

「ええ、よく知っていました。実際、彼は私の昔の求婚者でした。

Thank heaven that I had the sense to turn away from him and to marry a better, if poorer, man.

thank heaven (神に感謝する) [動] be grateful to God

have the sense (分別がある) [動] be wise or sensible

turn away (捨てる) [動] refuse to consider or accept

marry (結婚する) [動] take as one's spouse

better (もっとましな) [形] more desirable or satisfactory

poorer (貧乏な) [形] having little money or few possessions

彼を捨てて、貧乏でももっとましな男と結婚する分別があったことを神に感謝します。

I was engaged to him, Mr. Holmes, when I heard a shocking story of how he had turned a cat loose in an aviary, and I was so horrified at his brutal cruelty that I would have nothing more to do with him.’

be engaged to (婚約している) [動] be promised to be married to

shocking (衝撃的な) [形] causing great surprise or disgust

turn loose (放す) [動] release from captivity or confinement

cat (猫) [名] a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws

aviary (鳥小屋) [名] a large cage or building for keeping birds

be horrified (恐ろしく思う) [動] feel or show horror

brutal (残酷な) [形] savagely violent

cruelty (残酷さ) [名] callous indifference to or pleasure in causing pain and suffering

have nothing to do with (関わりを持たない) [動] be not connected with or involved in

ホームズさん、私は彼と婚約していたのですが、彼が鳥小屋に猫を放したという衝撃的な話を聞いて、彼の残酷さに恐ろしくなり、彼とは一切関わりを持たないことにしました」

She rummaged in a bureau, and presently she produced a photograph of a woman, shamefully defaced and mutilated with a knife.

rummage (探し回る) [動] search something thoroughly

bureau (机) [名] a chest of drawers with a flat top

presently (やがて) [副] soon; shortly

produce (出す) [動] bring out or make available

photograph (写真) [名] a picture produced by photography

shamefully (無残に) [副] in a way that causes a feeling of shame

deface (傷つける) [動] spoil the appearance of

彼女は机の中を探し回り、やがてナイフで無残に傷つけられた女性の写真を出した。

‘That is my own photograph,’ she said.

「これは私の写真です」と彼女は言った。

‘He sent it to me in that state, with his curse, upon my wedding morning.’

send (送る) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

state (状態) [名] the condition of something

curse (呪い) [名] a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something

wedding (結婚式) [名] a ceremony where two people get married

「彼は私の結婚式の朝に、この状態で呪いの言葉を添えて送ってきたのです」

“‘Well,’ said I, ‘at least he has forgiven you now, since he has left all his property to your son.’

forgive (許す) [動] stop feeling angry or resentful toward

「『まあ』と私は言いました『少なくとも彼はあなたを許したのです、彼の財産をすべてあなたの息子に残したのですから』

“‘Neither my son nor I want anything from Jonas Oldacre, dead or alive!’ she cried, with a proper spirit.

neither (どちらも) [接] not either

dead (死んでいても) [形] no longer alive

cry (叫んだ) [動] say something loudly

proper (正しい) [形] correct; right

「『息子も私も、死んでいても生きていても、ジョナス・オールドエーカーから何も欲しくない!』と彼女は正しい精神で叫んだ。

‘There is a God in heaven, Mr. Holmes, and that same God who has punished that wicked man will show, in His own good time, that my son’s hands are guiltless of his blood.’

heaven (天国) [名] the place where God lives and where good people go after they die

God (神) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being

punish (罰する) [動] inflict a penalty or sanction on (someone) as retribution for an offense

wicked (邪悪な) [形] morally bad

「天国には神がいます、ホームズさん、そしてあの邪悪な男を罰した同じ神が、私の息子の手が彼の血に罪がないことを、神の良い時に示してくれるでしょう」

“Well, I tried one or two leads, but could get at nothing which would help our hypothesis, and several points which would make against it.

one or two (1つか2つ) [名] a small number of

lead (手がかり) [名] a piece of information that helps you to find out something

「まあ、私は1つか2つの手がかりを試したが、私たちの仮説を助けるものは何も得られず、それに反するいくつかの点があった。

I gave it up at last and off I went to Norwood.

give up (諦める) [動] stop trying to do something

off (出かける) [副] away from a place

私はついにそれを諦めて、ノーウッドに行った。

“This place, Deep Dene House, is a big modern villa of staring brick, standing back in its own grounds, with a laurel-clumped lawn in front of it.

Deep Dene House (ディープ・ディーン) [名] a house

big (大きな) [形] of great size or extent

modern (近代的な) [形] of or relating to the present or recent times

villa (別荘) [名] a large and impressive country house

brick (レンガ) [名] a block of clay hardened by drying in the sun or burning in a kiln

stand back (建っている) [動] to move away from something

ground (敷地) [名] the surface of the earth

laurel (月桂樹) [名] an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree

clump (茂った) [名] a group of things growing or held together

lawn (芝生) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

「この場所、ディープ・ディーンは、レンガ造りの大きな近代的な別荘で、敷地内に建っており、正面には月桂樹の茂った芝生がある。

To the right and some distance back from the road was the timber-yard which had been the scene of the fire.

to the right (右側に) [副] on or to the right side

some distance (少し離れたところ) [名] a short distance

back (離れた) [副] at a distance

右側に、道から少し離れたところに、火災現場となった材木置き場があった。

Here’s a rough plan on a leaf of my notebook.

rough (大まかな) [形] not smooth or level

leaf (ページ) [名] a sheet of paper in a book or magazine

これが私のノートの1ページにある大まかな計画だ。

This window on the left is the one which opens into Oldacre’s room.

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

左側のこの窓は、オールドエーカーの部屋に開いている窓だ。

You can look into it from the road, you see.

look into (覗く) [動] examine or inspect closely

道から中を覗くことができる。

That is about the only bit of consolation I have had to-day.

consolation (慰め) [名] the act of consoling or the state of being consoled

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

それが今日私が得た唯一の慰めだ。

Lestrade was not there, but his head constable did the honours.

be not there (いない) [動] not be present

head constable (巡査部長) [名] a police officer in the United Kingdom

do the honours (対応する) [動] perform a duty or service

レストレードはいませんでしたが、巡査部長が対応してくれました。

They had just found a great treasure-trove.

just (ちょうど) [副] very recently; in the very recent past

treasure-trove (宝物) [名] a collection of valuable things

彼らはちょうど大きな宝物を発見したところだった。

They had spent the morning raking among the ashes of the burned wood-pile, and besides the charred organic remains they had secured several discoloured metal discs.

rake (掻き集める) [動] gather or collect with a rake

ash (灰) [名] the powdery residue left after a fire has burned

organic (有機物の) [形] relating to or derived from living matter

secure (確保する) [動] fasten or attach securely

discoloured (変色した) [形] having lost its original colour

metal (金属製の) [形] made of metal

disc (円盤) [名] a flat, thin, round object

彼らは朝から焼けた薪の山の灰を掻き集めていて、焦げた有機物の残骸の他に、変色した金属製の円盤をいくつか確保していた。

I examined them with care, and there was no doubt that they were trouser buttons.

私はそれらを注意深く調べたが、ズボンのボタンであることは間違いない。

I even distinguished that one of them was marked with the name of ‘Hyams,’ who was Oldacres tailor.

distinguish (わかる) [動] perceive or recognize as different

mark (刻印されている) [動] make a visible impression on

tailor (洋服屋) [名] a person who makes, repairs, or alters clothes

そのうちの1つには、オールドエーカーの洋服屋である「ハイアムズ」の名前が刻印されていることさえわかった。

I then worked the lawn very carefully for signs and traces, but this drought has made everything as hard as iron.

work (調べる) [動] examine or inspect carefully and thoroughly

drought (干ばつ) [名] a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water

iron (鉄) [名] a strong, hard magnetic silvery-gray metal, the chemical element of atomic number 26, much used as a material for construction and manufacturing, especially in the form of steel

それから私は芝生を注意深く調べて、何かしるしや痕跡がないか探したが、この干ばつですべてが鉄のように硬くなっている。

Nothing was to be seen save that some body or bundle had been dragged through a low privet hedge which is in a line with the wood-pile.

be to be seen (見られる) [動] be visible

some (何か) [限] an unspecified amount or number of

be dragged (引きずられる) [動] be pulled along with force

through (通って) [前] from one end or side to the other of

privet (イボタノキ) [名] an evergreen shrub

hedge (生垣) [名] a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs

薪の山と並んでいる低いイボタノキの生垣を何かの体や束が引きずられた跡以外は何も見られなかった。

All that, of course, fits in with the official theory.

all that (これらすべて) [代] everything that has been mentioned

fit in with (一致する) [動] be in harmony or agreement with

official (公式の) [形] formally authorized or approved

もちろん、これらはすべて公式の説と一致している。

I crawled about the lawn with an August sun on my back, but I got up at the end of an hour no wiser than before.

crawl (這い回る) [動] move slowly on hands and knees

August (8月) [名] the eighth month of the year

sun (太陽) [名] the star that is the sole source of light and heat for the Earth's solar system

no wiser (何もわからない) [形] not having or showing wisdom

before (前) [副] earlier; previously

私は8月の太陽を背に芝生を這い回ったが、1時間後には何もわからないまま立ち上がった。

“Well, after this fiasco I went into the bedroom and examined that also.

fiasco (失態) [名] a complete failure

「さて、この失態の後、私は寝室に入り、そこも調べた。

The blood-stains were very slight, mere smears and discolourations, but undoubtedly fresh.

very (ごく) [副] to a great degree

slight (わずか) [形] small in degree; inconsiderable

mere (ただの) [形] being nothing more than

smear (汚れ) [名] a mark left by something dirty

discolouration (変色) [名] a change in colour

血痕はごくわずかで、ただの汚れや変色にすぎなかったが、間違いなく新鮮なものだった。

The stick had been removed, but there also the marks were slight.

棒は取り除かれていたが、そこにもわずかな跡があった。

There is no doubt about the stick belonging to our client.

棒が依頼人の物であることは間違いない。

He admits it.

彼はそれを認めている。

Footmarks of both men could be made out on the carpet, but none of any third person, which again is a trick for the other side.

footmark (足跡) [名] a mark left by a foot

third (第三) [形] coming after the second and before the fourth in position

trick (策略) [名] a clever and skillful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit

二人の足跡はカーペットの上に残っていたが、第三者の足跡は全くなく、これもまた相手側の策略である。

They were piling up their score all the time and we were at a standstill.

pile up (重ねる) [動] to accumulate or be accumulated in a pile

all the time (常に) [副] on every occasion; at all times

standstill (足踏み) [名] a state of inactivity or stagnation

彼らは常に得点を重ねていたが、我々は足踏みをしていた。

“Only one little gleam of hope did I get—and yet it amounted to nothing.

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

get (得る) [動] receive or obtain

amount to (無に帰す) [動] be equivalent to

「私はただ一つの希望の光を得ただけだったが、それでも無に帰した。

I examined the contents of the safe, most of which had been taken out and left on the table.

content (中身) [名] what is inside something

私は金庫の中身を調べたが、そのほとんどが取り出されてテーブルの上に置かれていた。

The papers had been made up into sealed envelopes, one or two of which had been opened by the police.

make up (封印する) [動] to put into a container

sealed (封印された) [形] closed or fastened securely

envelope (封筒) [名] a flat paper container with a sealable flap used to enclose a letter or document

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

書類は封筒に封印されていたが、そのうちの1つか2つは警察によって開封されていた。

They were not, so far as I could judge, of any great value, nor did the bank-book show that Mr. Oldacre was in such very affluent circumstances.

so far as (私の判断する限り) [副] to the extent or degree that

value (価値) [名] the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something

bank-book (銀行通帳) [名] a small book in which a bank customer's deposits and withdrawals are recorded

show (示してはいなかった) [動] be or make visible

affluent (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money; wealthy

私の判断する限り、それらは大した価値のあるものではなく、また銀行通帳もオールドエーカー氏がそれほど裕福な状況にあることを示してはいなかった。

But it seemed to me that all the papers were not there.

be there (そこにある) [動] be present

しかし、私にはすべての書類がそこにあるとは思えなかった。

There were allusions to some deeds—possibly the more valuable—which I could not find.

allusion (言及) [名] an indirect or passing reference

deed (証書) [名] a legal document that transfers ownership of property

valuable (価値がある) [形] worth a great deal of money

いくつかの証書への言及があったが、おそらくもっと価値のあるものだったのだろうが、私は見つけることができなかった。

This, of course, if we could definitely prove it, would turn Lestrade’s argument against himself, for who would steal a thing if he knew that he would shortly inherit it?

definitely (はっきりと) [副] without doubt; certainly

prove (証明する) [動] to show or make clear that something is true or exists

turn (跳ね返ってくる) [動] to change direction, position, or course

argument (論拠) [名] a statement or series of statements for or against something

against (彼自身に) [前] in opposition to

inherit (相続する) [動] receive (money, property, or a title) as an heir at the death of the previous holder

steal (盗む) [動] take (something) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

これをもしはっきりと証明できれば、もちろん、レストレード氏の論拠は彼自身に跳ね返ってくることになる。なぜなら、まもなく相続するとわかっているものを盗む人がいるだろうか?

“Finally, having drawn every other cover and picked up no scent, I tried my luck with the housekeeper.

every other (あらゆる) [形] each alternate

cover (隠れ場所) [名] something that covers or conceals

pick up (得る) [動] to acquire or gain

scent (手がかり) [名] a distinctive, typically pleasant smell

try one's luck (運をかける) [動] to take a chance on something

「最後に、他のあらゆる隠れ場所を探して、何の手がかりも得られなかったので、私は家政婦に運をかけてみることにした。

Mrs. Lexington is her name—a little, dark, silent person, with suspicious and sidelong eyes.

Mrs. Lexington (レキシントン夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Lexington

dark (色黒の) [形] having a dark complexion

silent (無口な) [形] not speaking or making any noise

suspicious (疑い深い) [形] having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something

sidelong (横目の) [形] directed to one side

レキシントン夫人という名で、小柄で色黒の無口な女性で、疑い深く横目で人を見る。

She could tell us something if she would—I am convinced of it.

something (何か) [名] an unspecified or unknown thing

if (もし) [接] on the condition or supposition that; in the event that

would (そうする) [助] be willing to

convince (確信する) [動] cause (someone) to believe firmly in the truth of something

彼女は何か知っているはずだ。私はそう確信している。

But she was as close as wax.

close (口が堅い) [形] not giving away much information

as (as) [接] used to introduce a clause that expresses a comparison

しかし、彼女は口が堅かった。

Yes, she had let Mr. McFarlane in at half-past nine.

はい、彼女はマクファーレン氏を九時半に迎え入れた。

She wished her hand had withered before she had done so.

wither (枯れる) [動] become dry and shriveled

彼女はそうする前に自分の手が枯れ果てていたらよかったのにと思った。

She had gone to bed at half-past ten.

go to bed (寝る) [動] go to sleep

half-past ten (十時半) [名] 10:30

彼女は十時半に寝た。

Her room was at the other end of the house, and she could hear nothing of what had passed.

other end (反対側) [名] the opposite end

彼女の部屋は家の反対側にあり、彼女は起こったことを何も聞くことができなかった。

Mr. McFarlane had left his hat, and to the best of her belief his stick, in the hall.

Mr. McFarlane (マクファーレン氏) [名] a man's name

hat (帽子) [名] a covering for the head

to the best of one's belief (記憶では) [副] as far as one knows or believes

マクファーレン氏は帽子を置いていき、彼女の記憶ではステッキも玄関に置いていった。

She had been awakened by the alarm of fire.

彼女は火事の警報で目が覚めた。

Her poor, dear master had certainly been murdered.

poor (哀れな) [形] deserving of pity

彼女の哀れな、愛する主人は確かに殺された。

Had he any enemies?

彼に敵はいただろうか?

Well, every man had enemies, but Mr. Oldacre kept himself very much to himself, and only met people in the way of business.

every man (誰にでも) [名] all people

keep to oneself (孤独だ) [動] to avoid other people

meet (会う) [動] come into the presence of

誰にでも敵はいるが、オールドエーカー氏は非常に孤独で、仕事でしか人と会わなかった。

She had seen the buttons, and was sure that they belonged to the clothes which he had worn last night.

button (ボタン) [名] a small disc or knob sewn onto or through an item of clothing

clothes (服) [名] things that people wear

wear (着る) [動] have on one's person

彼女はボタンを見たことがあり、それが彼が昨夜着ていた服のものだと確信していた。

The wood-pile was very dry, for it had not rained for a month.

薪の山は非常に乾燥していた、というのも一ヶ月も雨が降っていなかったからだ。

It burned like tinder, and by the time she reached the spot, nothing could be seen but flames.

tinder (火口) [名] dry, flammable material used to start a fire

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

flame (炎) [名] a hot glowing body of burning gas that is generated by a fire

それは火口のように燃え、彼女がその場所に着くまでに炎以外何も見えなかった。

She and all the firemen smelled the burned flesh from inside it.

smell (匂いを嗅ぐ) [動] perceive or detect the odor of

flesh (肉) [名] the soft substance of the body of a person or an animal

彼女と消防団員全員がその中から焼けた肉の匂いを嗅いだ。

She knew nothing of the papers, nor of Mr. Oldacre’s private affairs.

private affair (私事) [名] a matter that is of concern to an individual

彼女は書類のこともオールドエーカー氏の私事も何も知らなかった。

“So, my dear Watson, there’s my report of a failure.

report (報告) [名] a statement of the results of an investigation or of any matter on which definite information is required

failure (失敗) [名] the neglect or omission of expected or required action

「さて、ワトソン君、これが私の失敗の報告だ。

And yet—and yet—” he clenched his thin hands in a paroxysm of conviction—“I know it’s all wrong.

and yet (それでも) [接] nevertheless; in spite of that

clench (握りしめる) [動] close or hold tightly

paroxysm (発作) [名] a sudden attack or outburst of a particular emotion or activity

conviction (確信) [名] a firmly held belief or opinion

wrong (間違っている) [形] not correct or true

それでも、それでも」彼は確信のあまり、細い手を握りしめた。「私はそれがすべて間違っていることを知っている。

I feel it in my bones.

bone (骨) [名] any of the hard parts inside the body of a person or animal that are covered with muscle, skin etc

骨身に感じる。

There is something that has not come out, and that housekeeper knows it.

まだ明らかになっていない何かがあり、家政婦はそれを知っている。

There was a sort of sulky defiance in her eyes, which only goes with guilty knowledge.

sort of (一種の) [副] to some extent; to a certain degree

sulky (不機嫌な) [形] bad-tempered and sulking

defiance (反抗的な色) [名] open resistance to an established authority or government

guilty (罪の意識がある) [形] having committed a crime or done something wrong

彼女の目には、罪の意識がある時にしか見られない、一種の不機嫌な反抗的な色があった。

However, there’s no good talking any more about it, Watson;

no good (無駄だ) [形] not worth doing

talk (話す) [動] speak or converse

any more (これ以上) [副] to any further extent or degree

しかし、それについてこれ以上話しても無駄だ、ワトソン。

but unless some lucky chance comes our way I fear that the Norwood Disappearance Case will not figure in that chronicle of our successes which I foresee that a patient public will sooner or later have to endure.”

come one's way (訪れる) [動] happen to one

fear (心配する) [動] be afraid of

figure (載る) [動] appear or be mentioned

chronicle (記録) [名] a factual written account of historical events in the order of their occurrence

foresee (予見する) [動] be aware of beforehand

patient (忍耐強い) [形] able to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

しかし、何か幸運な機会が訪れない限り、ノーウッド失踪事件は、忍耐強い一般の人々が遅かれ早かれ耐えなければならないであろう私たちの成功の記録には載らないのではないかと心配している。」

“Surely,” said I, “the man’s appearance would go far with any jury?”

go far (大きな影響を与える) [動] have a great effect

「確かに」と私は言った、「その男の外見はどんな陪審員にも大きな影響を与えるだろう?」

“That is a dangerous argument my dear Watson.

「それは危険な議論だ、ワトソン君。

You remember that terrible murderer, Bert Stevens, who wanted us to get him off in ’87?

terrible (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause terror; shocking

murderer (殺人者) [名] a person who kills another person

Bert Stevens (バート・スティーブンス) [名] a person's name

get off (逃がす) [動] escape or avoid punishment

87 (87年) [名] the year 1887

あの恐ろしい殺人者、バート・スティーブンスのことを覚えているか? 彼は87年に私たちに彼を逃がしてくれと頼んだ。

Was there ever a more mild-mannered, Sunday-school young man?”

mild-mannered (温厚な) [形] having a gentle or moderate manner

Sunday-school (日曜学校) [名] a school that teaches religion on Sundays

もっと温厚で日曜学校に通うような青年がいただろうか?」

“It is true.”

「それは本当だ。」

“Unless we succeed in establishing an alternative theory, this man is lost.

unless (~しない限り) [接] except if; if not

establish (立てる) [動] set up or lay the foundations of

「私たちが別の理論を立てることに成功しない限り、この男は失われる。

You can hardly find a flaw in the case which can now be presented against him, and all further investigation has served to strengthen it.

flaw (欠陥) [名] a defect or weakness in a person or thing

present (提示する) [動] give or send as a gift

further (さらなる) [形] more or additional

serve (役立つ) [動] be of use to

彼に対して提示できる事件に欠陥を見つけることはほとんどできないし、さらなる調査はすべてそれを強化するのに役立った。

By the way, there is one curious little point about those papers which may serve us as the starting-point for an inquiry.

there is (ある) [動] exist

ところで、この書類には、調査の出発点として役立つかもしれない、奇妙な点が一つある。

On looking over the bank-book I found that the low state of the balance was principally due to large checks which have been made out during the last year to Mr. Cornelius.

bank-book (通帳) [名] a book issued by a bank to a depositor, showing deposits and withdrawals

balance (残高) [名] the amount of money in a bank account

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

make out (振り出す) [動] write out or fill in

last year (去年) [名] the year before the present one

Mr. Cornelius (コーネリアス氏) [名] a man with the last name Cornelius

通帳を調べてみると、残高が低いのは主に去年コーネリアス氏に振り出した小切手が大きかったためだとわかった。

I confess that I should be interested to know who this Mr. Cornelius may be with whom a retired builder has such very large transactions.

be interested (知りたいと思う) [動] want to know or learn about something

be with (~と) [前] in the company of

retired (引退した) [形] having left one's job and ceased to work

very large (非常に大規模な) [形] of great size or extent

transaction (取引) [名] an instance of buying or selling something

正直に言って、引退した建築業者がこれほど大規模な取引をしているコーネリアス氏が誰なのか知りたいと思う。

Is it possible that he has had a hand in the affair?

have a hand in (関与する) [動] be involved in

彼が事件に関与している可能性はあるだろうか?

Cornelius might be a broker, but we have found no scrip to correspond with these large payments.

Cornelius (コーネリアス) [名] a male given name

broker (ブローカー) [名] a person who buys and sells goods or assets for others

correspond (相当する) [動] be in harmony or agreement

payment (支払い) [名] the action or process of paying someone or something

コーネリアスはブローカーかもしれないが、これほど大金の支払いに相当する証券は見つかっていない。

Failing any other indication, my researches must now take the direction of an inquiry at the bank for the gentleman who has cashed these checks.

indication (手がかり) [名] a sign or piece of information that indicates something

take the direction of (進む) [動] move or travel toward a place

bank (銀行) [名] a financial institution that provides a safe place to keep money and will lend money to people

cash (換金する) [動] exchange for money

他の手がかりがなければ、私の調査はこれらの小切手を換金した紳士について銀行に問い合わせる方向に進むしかない。

But I fear, my dear fellow, that our case will end ingloriously by Lestrade hanging our client, which will certainly be a triumph for Scotland Yard.”

ingloriously (不名誉に) [副] in a way that brings shame or disgrace

hang (絞首刑にする) [動] kill by hanging

triumph (勝利) [名] a great victory or achievement

しかし、親愛なる友よ、この事件はレストレードが依頼人を絞首刑にすることで不名誉な終わりを迎え、スコットランドヤードの勝利となるのではないかと心配している。」

I do not know how far Sherlock Holmes took any sleep that night, but when I came down to breakfast I found him pale and harassed, his bright eyes the brighter for the dark shadows round them.

take any sleep (眠る) [動] rest with the eyes closed

come down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

pale (青ざめる) [形] light in color

harass (疲れ果てる) [動] subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation

bright (明るい) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; shining

シャーロック・ホームズがその夜どれだけ眠れたかわからないが、私が朝食に降りてきたとき、彼は青ざめて疲れ果てており、明るい目は周りの暗い影のためにより明るく見えた。

The carpet round his chair was littered with cigarette-ends and with the early editions of the morning papers.

round (周り) [前] on or to all sides of

litter (散らかす) [動] make untidy or messy

cigarette-end (たばこの吸い殻) [名] the part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked

彼の椅子の周りのカーペットは、たばこの吸い殻と朝刊の早版で散らかっていた。

An open telegram lay upon the table.

open (開封された) [形] not closed or sealed

telegram (電報) [名] a message sent by telegraph

開封された電報がテーブルの上に置かれていた。

“What do you think of this, Watson?” he asked, tossing it across.

think of (思う) [動] have an opinion about

toss (投げる) [動] throw or roll with a quick, light movement

「ワトソン、これについてどう思う?」と彼はそれを投げながら尋ねた。

It was from Norwood, and ran as follows:

run (内容) [名] the main part of something

それはノーウッドからで、次のような内容だった。

Important fresh evidence to hand.

hand (手に入る) [動] give, pass, or deliver with the hand

重要な新しい証拠が手に入った。

McFarlane’s guilt definitely established.

establish (確定する) [動] to cause to be accepted or recognized

マクファーレンの有罪が決定的に確定した。

Advise you to abandon case.—LESTRADE.

advise (忠告する) [動] give advice to

abandon (放棄する) [動] give up completely

事件を放棄するよう忠告する。レストレード

“This sounds serious,” said I.

sound (思われる) [動] seem or appear to be

「これは深刻そうだ」と私は言った。

“It is Lestrade’s little cock-a-doodle of victory,” Holmes answered, with a bitter smile.

cock-a-doodle (雄叫び) [名] the sound a rooster makes

victory (勝利) [名] an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition

bitter (苦い) [形] having a sharp, pungent taste or smell

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

「レストレードの勝利の雄叫びだ」とホームズは苦笑しながら答えた。

“And yet it may be premature to abandon the case.

「しかし、事件を放棄するのは時期尚早かもしれない。

After all, important fresh evidence is a two-edged thing, and may possibly cut in a very different direction to that which Lestrade imagines.

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

two-edged (両刃の) [形] having two edges

cut (切れる) [動] penetrate or divide with a sharp-edged instrument

結局のところ、重要な新しい証拠は両刃の剣であり、レストレードの想像とは全く違う方向に切れるかもしれない。

Take your breakfast, Watson, and we will go out together and see what we can do.

take (済ませる) [動] eat or drink

go out (出かける) [動] leave one's house or place of work

ワトソン、朝食を済ませたら、一緒に出かけて何ができるか見てみよう。

I feel as if I shall need your company and your moral support today.”

as if (まるで) [接] in the same way that

company (同伴) [名] the fact or state of being with another person or other people

moral support (精神的支援) [名] encouragement and advice given to someone

今日は君の同伴と精神的支援が必要になりそうな気がする」

My friend had no breakfast himself, for it was one of his peculiarities that in his more intense moments he would permit himself no food, and I have known him presume upon his iron strength until he has fainted from pure inanition.

peculiarity (奇癖) [名] a strange or unusual habit or characteristic

permit (とらない) [動] allow to do something

food (食事) [名] any substance that can be eaten

iron (鉄のような) [形] made of iron

presume (過信する) [動] suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability

pure (純粋に) [形] unmixed with any other substance or material

inanition (栄養失調) [名] the condition of being weak or sick from lack of food

友人は朝食をとらなかったが、それは彼の奇癖の一つで、彼は緊張した時には食事をとらず、私は彼が自分の鉄のような強さを過信して、純粋に栄養失調で気絶するまで食べないことを知っていた。

“At present I cannot spare energy and nerve force for digestion,” he would say in answer to my medical remonstrances.

at present (今は) [副] at the present time; now

spare (割く) [動] give up or do without

energy (エネルギー) [名] the ability to cause change

nerve force (神経力) [名] the energy or force that is said to be transmitted along nerves

digestion (消化) [名] the process of breaking down food into components that the body can absorb

medical (医学的) [形] of or relating to medicine

remonstrances (忠告) [名] a protest or objection

「今は消化にエネルギーと神経力を割く余裕がない」と彼は私の医学的忠告に答えた。

I was not surprised, therefore, when this morning he left his untouched meal behind him, and started with me for Norwood.

leave behind (残す) [動] not take with one when one goes away

start for (向かう) [動] begin a journey to a place

だから、今朝彼が手つかずの食事を残して、私と一緒にノーウッドに向かったときも驚かなかった。

A crowd of morbid sightseers were still gathered round Deep Dene House, which was just such a suburban villa as I had pictured.

crowd (群衆) [名] a large number of people gathered together

morbid (好奇心の強い) [形] having an unhealthy interest in unpleasant subjects

sightseer (見物人) [名] a person who visits places of interest

gather (群がる) [動] come together as a group

ディープ・ディーンは私が想像していた通りの郊外の別荘で、好奇心の強い見物人がまだ群がっていた。

Within the gates Lestrade met us, his face flushed with victory, his manner grossly triumphant.

meet (出迎える) [動] come face to face with

flush (輝く) [動] turn red

grossly (ひどく) [副] very much

triumphant (勝ち誇った) [形] having won a battle or contest

門の中でレストレードが出迎えたが、彼の顔は勝利に輝き、態度はひどく勝ち誇っていた。

“Well, Mr. Holmes, have you proved us to be wrong yet?

「さて、ホームズさん、私たちが間違っていることを証明しましたか?

Have you found your tramp?” he cried.

浮浪者を見つけましたか?」と彼は叫んだ。

“I have formed no conclusion whatever,” my companion answered.

form (出す) [動] to come to have

「私は何の結論も出していない」と私の友人は答えた。

“But we formed ours yesterday, and now it proves to be correct, so you must acknowledge that we have been a little in front of you this time, Mr. Holmes.”

this time (今回) [名] the present occasion

「しかし、私たちは昨日結論を出しました、そして今それが正しいことが証明されました、それであなたは私たちが今回あなたの少し前にいたことを認めなければなりません、ホームズさん。」

“You certainly have the air of something unusual having occurred,” said Holmes.

have the air of (雰囲気がある) [動] to seem to have a particular quality

occur (起こる) [動] to take place; to happen

「確かに何か異常なことが起こったような雰囲気がある」とホームズは言った。

Lestrade laughed loudly.

レストレードは大声で笑った。

“You don’t like being beaten any more than the rest of us do,” said he.

like (嫌う) [動] be fond of; have a liking for

rest (誰よりも) [名] the remaining part of something

「あなたは私たちの誰よりも負けることを嫌う」と彼は言った。

“A man can’t expect always to have it his own way, can he, Dr. Watson?

expect (期待する) [動] regard something as likely to happen

have it one's own way (自分の思い通りにする) [動] do what one wants

can't (できない) [助] be unable to

「人はいつも自分の思い通りにできるとは期待できない、そうでしょう、ワトソン博士?

Step this way, if you please, gentlemen, and I think I can convince you once for all that it was John McFarlane who did this crime.”

step this way (こちらへ) [動] come this way

if you please (どうぞ) [間] please

once for all (きっぱりと) [副] finally and definitely

皆さん、どうぞこちらへ、この犯罪を犯したのはジョン・マクファーレンだと皆さんに納得してもらえると思います」

He led us through the passage and out into a dark hall beyond.

lead (連れて行く) [動] cause to go with oneself

out (向こう) [副] away from the inside of a place

hall (ホール) [名] a large room in a public building

彼は私たちを通路から向こうの暗いホールに連れて行った。

“This is where young McFarlane must have come out to get his hat after the crime was done,” said he.

This is where (ここは) [名] this place is where

must have (に違いない) [助] be certain or very likely

get (取りに来た) [動] come to have or hold

after (後に) [前] later or following (the event mentioned)

be done (行われた) [動] be finished or completed

「ここは若いマクファーレンが犯行後に帽子を取りに来た場所に違いない」と彼は言った。

“Now look at this.”

「さあ、これを見てください」

With dramatic suddenness he struck a match, and by its light exposed a stain of blood upon the whitewashed wall.

with dramatic suddenness (劇的な突然さで) [副] in a sudden and dramatic way

strike a match (マッチを擦る) [動] to light a match by rubbing it against a rough surface

by its light (その光で) [副] by the light of the match

expose (さらす) [動] to make visible

stain of blood (血痕) [名] a mark or spot caused by blood

whitewashed wall (白塗りの壁) [名] a wall that has been painted with a white substance

彼は劇的な突然さでマッチを擦り、その光で白塗りの壁に血痕をさらした。

As he held the match nearer, I saw that it was more than a stain.

hold (近づける) [動] move something closer to something else

match (マッチ) [名] a small stick of wood or strip of cardboard with a tip coated with a chemical that produces a flame when rubbed against a rough surface

stain (染み) [名] a spot or mark left on something by a dirty substance

彼がマッチを近づけると、私はそれが染み以上のものであることがわかった。

It was the well-marked print of a thumb.

well-marked (はっきりとした) [形] clearly visible or noticeable

print (跡) [名] a mark left by something that has touched a surface

thumb (親指) [名] the short thick first digit of the human hand

それははっきりとした親指の跡だった。

“Look at that with your magnifying glass, Mr. Holmes.”

magnifying glass (拡大鏡) [名] a lens that makes things appear bigger

「ホームズさん、それを拡大鏡で見てください」

“Yes, I am doing so.”

yes (はい) [副] a word used to express agreement or acceptance

so (そう) [副] in the manner or to the extent indicated

「はい、そうしています」

“You are aware that no two thumb-marks are alike?”

be aware (知っている) [動] have knowledge or information about

thumb-mark (親指の跡) [名] a mark made by a thumb

alike (同じ) [形] similar or having a likeness to each other

「あなたは二つの親指の跡が同じではないことを知っていますね?」

“I have heard something of the kind.”

something (そういうこと) [名] an unspecified thing

kind (種類) [名] a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

「そういうことを聞いたことがあります」

“Well, then, will you please compare that print with this wax impression of young McFarlane’s right thumb, taken by my orders this morning?”

compare (比べる) [動] examine the similarities and differences of

impression (型) [名] a mark left by something that has touched a surface

「では、その跡を、今朝私の命令で取った若いマクファーレンの右手の親指の蝋型と比べてみてください」

As he held the waxen print close to the blood-stain, it did not take a magnifying glass to see that the two were undoubtedly from the same thumb.

waxen (蝋型) [形] made of wax

print (型) [名] a copy of a document

take (使う) [動] use or employ

same (同じ) [形] being the same one or ones

彼が蝋型を血痕に近づけると、虫眼鏡を使わなくても、二つが間違いなく同じ親指のものであることがわかった。

It was evident to me that our unfortunate client was lost.

be evident to (明らかである) [動] be obvious to

lose (負ける) [動] be defeated in a game or other contest

私には、我々の不幸な依頼人が負けたことが明らかだった。

“That is final,” said Lestrade.

final (決まり) [名] the last in a series

「これで決まりだ」レストレード氏は言った。

“Yes, that is final,” I involuntarily echoed.

involuntarily (思わず) [副] without intending to; unintentionally

echo (繰り返す) [動] repeat or imitate

「そうですね、これで決まりです」私は思わず繰り返した。

“It is final,” said Holmes.

「これで決まりだ」ホームズは言った。

Something in his tone caught my ear, and I turned to look at him.

catch one's ear (耳に引っかかる) [動] attract one's attention

彼の口調の何かが私の耳に引っかかり、私は彼を振り返った。

An extraordinary change had come over his face.

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

come over (起こる) [動] happen to

彼の顔に異常な変化が起こっていた。

It was writhing with inward merriment.

writhe (身悶えする) [動] twist or squirm as in pain

inward (内なる) [形] directed or proceeding toward the inside

merriment (陽気さ) [名] the quality or state of being merry

それは内なる陽気さで身悶えしていた。

His two eyes were shining like stars.

two (両方の) [形] being one more than one

彼の両目は星のように輝いていた。

It seemed to me that he was making desperate efforts to restrain a convulsive attack of laughter.

make effort (努力する) [動] try hard to do or achieve something

restrain (抑える) [動] hold back from doing something

attack (発作) [名] a sudden violent occurrence of a disease

彼は発作的な笑いを抑えようと必死になっているように私には思えた。

“Dear me! Dear me!” he said at last.

「おやおや! おやおや!」と彼はついに言った。

“Well, now, who would have thought it?

would (だろう) [助] used to express a strong intention or determination

「さて、誰がそれを考えただろうか?

And how deceptive appearances may be, to be sure!

deceptive (欺く) [形] giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading

そして、見た目はどれほど欺くものか、確かに!

Such a nice young man to look at!

such (あんなに) [形] of the type or degree previously mentioned or indicated

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

見た目はあんなに素敵な青年なのに!

It is a lesson to us not to trust our own judgment, is it not, Lestrade?”

lesson (教訓) [名] a thing learned by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something

trust (信じる) [動] have confidence in the reliability, truth, or ability of

judgment (判断) [名] the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions

自分の判断を信じないようにという教訓だね、そうだろう、レストレード?」

“Yes, some of us are a little too much inclined to be cock-sure, Mr. Holmes,” said Lestrade.

some of (一部の) [限] a portion of

a little too much (少しばかり) [副] a small amount

inclined (傾向がある) [形] likely to do something

cock-sure (自信過剰) [形] too confident

Lestrade (レストレード氏) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

「そうですね、我々の中には自信過剰の傾向がある者もいます、ホームズさん」とレストレード氏は言った。

The man’s insolence was maddening, but we could not resent it.

insolence (横柄さ) [名] the quality of being rude and disrespectful

maddening (腹立たしい) [形] extremely annoying or irritating

resent (恨む) [動] feel bitter or angry about

男の横柄さは腹立たしいものだったが、我々はそれを恨むことはできなかった。

“What a providential thing that this young man should press his right thumb against the wall in taking his hat from the peg!

providential (幸運な) [形] of or relating to divine providence

press (押し付ける) [動] exert steady force on

right thumb (右手の親指) [名] the thumb on the right hand

「この青年が帽子掛けから帽子をとる際に右手の親指を壁に押し付けたのは何という幸運なことか!

Such a very natural action, too, if you come to think of it.”

come to think of it (考えてみれば) [動] to remember or realize something

natural (自然な) [形] existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind

action (動作) [名] something that a person or thing does

考えてみれば、とても自然な動作でもある。」

Holmes was outwardly calm, but his whole body gave a wriggle of suppressed excitement as he spoke.

outwardly (外見上) [副] on the outside; externally

calm (落ち着いた) [形] not agitated or excited

give (くねった) [動] move or cause to move in a specified way

wriggle (くねった) [動] twist and turn or squirm

suppressed (抑えた) [形] kept under control or repressed

ホームズは外見上は落ち着いていたが、話す際には抑えた興奮で全身がくねった。

“By the way, Lestrade, who made this remarkable discovery?”

discovery (発見) [名] the act of finding something

「ところで、レストレード、この素晴らしい発見をしたのは誰だ?」

“It was the housekeeper, Mrs. Lexington, who drew the night constable’s attention to it.”

draw (引き付ける) [動] attract or direct

night constable (夜勤の巡査) [名] a police officer who works at night

「家政婦のレキシントン夫人が夜勤の巡査の注意をそれに引き付けたんだ。」

“Where was the night constable?”

「夜勤の巡査はどこにいたんだ?」

“He remained on guard in the bedroom where the crime was committed, so as to see that nothing was touched.”

guard (警備) [名] a person who guards or watches over something

commit (行う) [動] do or perform

「彼は何も触れられないように、犯罪が行われた寝室で警備を続けていた。」

“But why didn’t the police see this mark yesterday?”

「しかし、なぜ警察は昨日この跡を見なかったんだ?」

“Well, we had no particular reason to make a careful examination of the hall.

make a careful examination of (注意深く調べる) [動] to look at or study something closely and thoroughly

「ええと、玄関を注意深く調べる特別な理由がなかったんだ。

Besides, it’s not in a very prominent place, as you see.”

prominent (目立つ) [形] important; famous; well-known

それに、ご覧の通り、あまり目立つ場所ではない。」

“No, no—of course not.

「いいえ、いいえ、もちろん違います。

I suppose there is no doubt that the mark was there yesterday?”

suppose (思う) [動] think or believe

there is no doubt (間違いない) [句] it is certain

昨日そこに跡があったことは間違いないんですよね?」

Lestrade looked at Holmes as if he thought he was going out of his mind.

go out of one's mind (正気を失う) [動] become insane

レストレードはホームズが正気を失ったかのように彼を見た。

I confess that I was myself surprised both at his hilarious manner and at his rather wild observation.

hilarious (陽気な) [形] extremely funny

wild (大胆な) [形] not subject to control or restraint

私自身、彼の陽気な態度とかなり大胆な観察に驚いたことを告白する。

“I don’t know whether you think that McFarlane came out of jail in the dead of the night in order to strengthen the evidence against himself,” said Lestrade.

I don't know (分かりません) [句] I am not sure

whether (かどうか) [接] if

think (考える) [動] have an opinion about something

come out of (出てくる) [動] move or travel from the inside of something to the outside

jail (刑務所) [名] a place for the confinement of persons held in lawful custody specifically for convicted criminals of serious crimes

in the dead of night (真夜中に) [句] in the middle of the night

in order to (ために) [句] with the intention of

himself (自分) [代] the male person or animal previously mentioned

「マクファーレンが真夜中に刑務所から出てきたのは、自分に対する証拠を強化するためだとお考えなのかどうかは分かりませんが」とレストレードは言った。

“I leave it to any expert in the world whether that is not the mark of his thumb.”

「これが彼の親指の跡ではないかどうかは、世界のどんな専門家にも任せる。」

“It is unquestionably the mark of his thumb.”

unquestionably (間違いなく) [副] without question; certainly

「これは間違いなく彼の親指の跡だ。」

“There, that’s enough,” said Lestrade.

there (そこまで) [副] to or at that place

that (それ) [代] the thing mentioned before

be enough (十分だ) [動] be sufficient for a particular purpose

「そこまでで十分だ」とレストレード言った。

“I am a practical man, Mr. Holmes, and when I have got my evidence I come to my conclusions.

「私は実務家でね、ホームズさん、証拠が揃えば結論を出す。

If you have anything to say, you will find me writing my report in the sitting-room.”

have anything to say (言いたいことがある) [動] have something to say

何か言いたいことがあれば、居間で報告書を書いているから。」

Holmes had recovered his equanimity, though I still seemed to detect gleams of amusement in his expression.

recover (取り戻す) [動] return to a normal state

equanimity (平静) [名] mental or emotional stability or composure

detect (認める) [動] discover or notice the existence or presence of

amusement (微笑み) [名] the state of being amused or entertained

ホームズは平静を取り戻していたが、私はまだ彼の表情に微笑みのきらめきを認めたように思えた。

“Dear me, this is a very sad development, Watson, is it not?” said he.

「これはとても悲しい展開だね、ワトソン、そう思わないかい?」と彼は言った。

“And yet there are singular points about it which hold out some hopes for our client.”

hold out (持つ) [動] offer or present

「それでも、依頼人にとって希望の持てる特異な点がある。」

“I am delighted to hear it,” said I, heartily.

be delighted to (嬉しい) [動] be very pleased about

heartily (心から) [副] in a sincere or hearty manner

「それは嬉しい」と私は心から言った。

“I was afraid it was all up with him.”

be afraid (心配する) [動] be worried or anxious

be up with (死んでしまう) [動] die

「彼は死んでしまったのかと心配していた。」

“I would hardly go so far as to say that, my dear Watson.

go so far as to (そこまで言う) [動] do something to the extent of

「そこまで言うつもりはない、ワトソン君。

The fact is that there is one really serious flaw in this evidence to which our friend attaches so much importance.”

attach (重要視する) [動] to fasten or join

事実は、我々の友人が非常に重要視しているこの証拠には、本当に重大な欠陥が一つあるということだ。」

“Indeed, Holmes! What is it?”

「本当に、ホームズ! それは何だ?」

“Only this: that I know that that mark was not there when I examined the hall yesterday.

「ただこれだけだ。昨日私がホールを調べた時、あの跡はなかったことを私は知っている。

And now, Watson, let us have a little stroll round in the sunshine.”

let (しよう) [動] allow or permit

have (する) [動] perform or carry out

stroll (散歩) [名] a leisurely walk

round (少し) [副] a little; somewhat

そして今、ワトソン、日差しの中を少し散歩しよう。」

With a confused brain, but with a heart into which some warmth of hope was returning, I accompanied my friend in a walk round the garden.

confused (混乱した) [形] unable to think clearly

brain (頭) [名] the organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, and feeling

warmth (暖かさ) [名] the quality or state of being warm

accompany (連れ添う) [動] go with someone as a companion or escort

round (回る) [前] around

混乱した頭で、しかし希望の暖かさが戻りつつある心で、私は友人と庭を散歩した。

Holmes took each face of the house in turn, and examined it with great interest.

take (見る) [動] to direct one's gaze at

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

turn (順番に) [名] an opportunity or chance to do something

ホームズは家の各面を順番に見て、非常に興味深く調べた。

He then led the way inside, and went over the whole building from basement to attic.

lead the way (先導する) [動] go in front of and show the way to others

basement (地下室) [名] a room or set of rooms in a house or other building that is below ground level

attic (屋根裏部屋) [名] a space inside and below the roof of a house

それから彼は中へ先導し、地下室から屋根裏部屋まで建物全体を調べた。

Most of the rooms were unfurnished, but none the less Holmes inspected them all minutely.

unfurnished (家具がない) [形] without furniture

minutely (綿密に) [副] in a way that shows great attention to detail

ほとんどの部屋には家具がなかったが、それでもホームズはすべてを綿密に調べた。

Finally, on the top corridor, which ran outside three untenanted bedrooms, he again was seized with a spasm of merriment.

top (一番上の) [形] highest in position or rank

corridor (廊下) [名] a long, narrow passage in a building

run (ある) [動] be present or available

untenanted (空き) [形] not occupied by a tenant

merriment (陽気) [名] gaiety or lightheartedness

最後に、3つの空き寝室の外側にある一番上の廊下で、彼は再び陽気な発作に襲われた。

“There are really some very unique features about this case, Watson,” said he.

「この事件には本当にいくつかの非常にユニークな特徴があるね、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“I think it is time now that we took our friend Lestrade into our confidence.

take into confidence (打ち明ける) [動] tell someone something secret or personal

「そろそろ友人のレストレードに打ち明けてもよい頃合いだと思う。

He has had his little smile at our expense, and perhaps we may do as much by him, if my reading of this problem proves to be correct.

have a smile (笑みを浮かべる) [動] smile

at one's expense (を犠牲にして) [前] at the cost of

as much (同じことをする) [副] to the same extent or degree

reading (読み) [名] the action or skill of reading written or printed matter

prove (正しいとわかる) [動] be found to be

彼は私たちを犠牲にして少し笑みを浮かべていたが、この問題に対する私の読みが正しければ、私たちも彼に同じことをするかもしれない。

Yes, yes, I think I see how we should approach it.”

ああ、ああ、どうアプローチすればいいかわかったと思う」

The Scotland Yard inspector was still writing in the parlour when Holmes interrupted him.

inspector (警部) [名] a police officer of high rank

parlour (居間) [名] a room in a house for general everyday use

interrupt (邪魔する) [動] to stop the continuous progress of

スコットランドヤードの警部は、ホームズが邪魔したとき、まだ居間で書き物をしていた。

“I understood that you were writing a report of this case,” said he.

「この事件の報告書を書いていらっしゃると伺いました」と彼は言った。

“So I am.”

so (そうです) [副] in the way mentioned

「そうです」

“Don’t you think it may be a little premature?

a little (少し) [副] to a small extent

premature (早すぎる) [形] happening or done before the usual or proper time

「少し早すぎると思いませんか?

I can’t help thinking that your evidence is not complete.”

can't help (~せずにはいられない) [動] be unable to refrain from doing something

thinking (考える) [動] have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

complete (十分な) [形] having all the necessary or appropriate parts

証拠が不十分だとしか思えないのですが」

Lestrade knew my friend too well to disregard his words.

too well (よく) [副] to a high degree; very much

disregard (無視する) [動] pay no attention to; ignore

レストレードは友人をよく知っていたので、彼の言葉を無視することはできなかった。

He laid down his pen and looked curiously at him.

lay down (置く) [動] put something down

彼はペンを置き、好奇心をもって彼を見た。

“What do you mean, Mr. Holmes?”

「どういう意味ですか、ホームズさん?」

“Only that there is an important witness whom you have not seen.”

「あなたが会っていない重要な証人がいるというだけです」

“Can you produce him?”

produce (連れてくる) [動] bring someone or something to a place

「彼を連れてくることができますか?」

“I think I can.”

can (できる) [助] be able to

「できると思います」

“Then do so.”

「ではそうしてください」

“I will do my best.

do one's best (最善を尽くす) [動] to do the best that one can

「最善を尽くします。

How many constables have you?”

how many (何人) [限] what number of

巡査は何人いますか?」

“There are three within call.”

within call (呼べばすぐに来られる) [形] within a distance that can be reached by calling

「呼べばすぐに来られる者が3人います」

“Excellent!” said Holmes.

「素晴らしい!」とホームズは言った。

“May I ask if they are all large, able-bodied men with powerful voices?”

able-bodied (屈強な) [形] physically strong and healthy

「彼らは皆、大柄で声の大きい屈強な男たちでしょうか?」

“I have no doubt they are, though I fail to see what their voices have to do with it.”

fail to see (分からない) [動] be unable to understand

have to do with (関係がある) [動] be connected with

「彼らがそうであることは疑いありませんが、声が何の関係があるのか分かりません」

“Perhaps I can help you to see that and one or two other things as well,” said Holmes.

as well (また) [副] in addition; also

「おそらく、私はあなたにそれを理解する手助けができるでしょうし、他にも1つか2つのことを理解する手助けができるでしょう」とホームズは言った。

“Kindly summon your men, and I will try.”

kindly (どうぞ) [副] please

summon (呼ぶ) [動] call for the presence of

try (試す) [動] make an attempt

「あなたの部下を呼んでください。そうすれば試してみます」

Five minutes later, three policemen had assembled in the hall.

five minutes later (5分後) [副] five minutes after the time of speaking

assemble (集まる) [動] come together as a group

5分後、3人の警官がホールに集まった。

“In the outhouse you will find a considerable quantity of straw,” said Holmes.

outhouse (離れ) [名] a small building separate from but near a main building

quantity (量) [名] the amount or number of something

straw (わら) [名] dried stalks of grain

「離れには相当量のわらがあるでしょう」とホームズは言った。

“I will ask you to carry in two bundles of it.

ask (頼む) [動] make a request for something

carry (運ぶ) [動] take or bring from one place to another

「そのうちの2束を運び込んでください。

I think it will be of the greatest assistance in producing the witness whom I require.

be of assistance (役立つ) [動] be helpful

私が必要とする証人を呼び出すのに大いに役立つと思う。

Thank you very much.

thank (感謝する) [動] express gratitude to

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

ありがとうございます。

I believe you have some matches in your pocket Watson.

ワトソン、君はポケットにマッチを持っていると思うが。

Now, Mr. Lestrade, I will ask you all to accompany me to the top landing.”

Mr. Lestrade (レストレードさん) [名] a Scotland Yard detective

accompany (同行する) [動] go somewhere with someone

top landing (最上階) [名] the highest floor of a building

では、レストレードさん、皆さんに私と一緒に最上階まで来てもらいたい。」

As I have said, there was a broad corridor there, which ran outside three empty bedrooms.

as I have said (私が言ったように) [副] in the manner that I have said

broad (広い) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

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

私が言ったように、そこには広い廊下があり、3つの空の寝室の外側に走っていた。

At one end of the corridor we were all marshalled by Sherlock Holmes, the constables grinning and Lestrade staring at my friend with amazement, expectation, and derision chasing each other across his features.

at one end (端に) [名] the extreme limit of something

marshal (整列させる) [動] arrange or organize in an orderly way

grin (ニヤニヤ笑う) [動] smile broadly

expectation (期待) [名] a strong belief that something will happen or be the case

derision (嘲り) [名] contemptuous ridicule or mockery

廊下の端に私たちは皆シャーロック・ホームズに整列させられ、巡査たちはニヤニヤ笑い、レストレードは驚き、期待、嘲りが顔に交互に浮かびながら私の友人を見つめていた。

Holmes stood before us with the air of a conjurer who is performing a trick.

conjurer (手品師) [名] a person who performs magic tricks

ホームズは手品を演じている手品師のような態度で私たちの前に立った。

“Would you kindly send one of your constables for two buckets of water?

two (二杯) [名] one more than one; the second in a set or sequence

bucket (バケツ) [名] a cylindrical container with a handle, used to hold and carry liquids

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...

「巡査の一人にお水を二杯汲んできてもらってもいいかな?

Put the straw on the floor here, free from the wall on either side.

free (離す) [動] not held or tied up

麦わらをここに置いて、両側の壁から離して。

Now I think that we are all ready.”

ready (準備が万端) [形] in a state of readiness

これで準備は万端だ。」

Lestrade’s face had begun to grow red and angry.

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

angry (怒っている) [形] feeling or showing anger

レストレード警部は顔を赤らめ、怒り始めていた。

“I don’t know whether you are playing a game with us, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said he.

play a game (弄ぶ) [動] toy with; play with

「シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたは私たちを弄んでいるのか、私にはわからない」と彼は言った。

“If you know anything, you can surely say it without all this tomfoolery.”

surely (はっきり) [副] without doubt or question

tomfoolery (馬鹿げたこと) [名] foolish or silly behavior

「何か知っているなら、こんな馬鹿げたことをせずに、はっきり言えばいい。」

“I assure you, my good Lestrade, that I have an excellent reason for everything that I do.

everything (すべて) [名] all that exists; all that is included in a group or category

「私の良きレストレード警部、私がすることはすべて、十分な理由があることを保証する。

You may possibly remember that you chaffed me a little, some hours ago, when the sun seemed on your side of the hedge, so you must not grudge me a little pomp and ceremony now.

chaff (からかう) [動] tease or make fun of in a playful way

some hours ago (数時間前) [名] a period of time in the past

on your side (あなたの側) [名] the part of something that is near or next to you

grudge (恨む) [動] be resentful or angry about

pomp (威張る) [名] a show of splendor or magnificence

ceremony (気取る) [名] a formal religious or public occasion, especially one celebrating a particular event or anniversary

数時間前、太陽があなたの側にあるように思えた時、あなたが私を少しからかったことを覚えているかもしれない。だから、今、私が少し威張ったり、気取ったりしても恨んではいけない。

Might I ask you, Watson, to open that window, and then to put a match to the edge of the straw?”

ワトソン、あの窓を開けて、それから藁の端にマッチを当ててくれるか?」

I did so, and driven by the draught a coil of grey smoke swirled down the corridor, while the dry straw crackled and flamed.

coil (渦) [名] a spiral or loop

smoke (煙) [名] a cloud of particles suspended in the air

flame (燃え上がる) [動] burn with a bright light

私はそうした。すると、風に吹かれて灰色の煙が渦を巻いて廊下を下り、乾いた藁がパチパチと音を立てて燃え上がった。

“Now we must see if we can find this witness for you, Lestrade.

see (調べる) [動] find out or check by investigation

「さて、レストレード警部、この証人を見つけられるかどうか調べなくてはならない。

Might I ask you all to join in the cry of ‘Fire!’?

join in (加わる) [動] take part in

cry (叫び) [名] a loud shout or scream

皆さんに「火事だ!」と叫んでもらえますか?

Now then; one, two, three——”

now then (では) [間] used to introduce a new topic or to get someone's attention

two (二) [数] one more than one; half of four

では、せーの、一、二、三」

“Fire!” we all yelled.

yell (叫ぶ) [動] to speak or shout loudly

「火事だ!」と私たちは叫んだ。

“Thank you. I will trouble you once again.”

trouble (ご迷惑) [名] difficulty or problems

「ありがとう。もう一度ご迷惑をおかけします」

“Fire!”

「火事だ!」

“Just once more, gentlemen, and all together.”

just once more (もう一度だけ) [副] one more time

all together (一緒に) [副] in a group

「もう一度だけ、皆さん、一緒に」

“Fire!”

「火事だ!」

The shout must have rung over Norwood.

shout (叫び) [名] a loud cry or yell

ring (響き渡る) [動] to make a clear resonant sound

その叫びはノーウッド中に響き渡ったに違いない。

It had hardly died away when an amazing thing happened.

die away (消え去る) [動] become fainter or weaker

それが消え去るか消え去らないうちに驚くべきことが起こった。

A door suddenly flew open out of what appeared to be solid wall at the end of the corridor, and a little, wizened man darted out of it, like a rabbit out of its burrow.

fly open (開く) [動] move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

solid wall (頑丈な壁) [名] a wall that is made of a solid material

dart (飛び出す) [動] move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

rabbit (ウサギ) [名] a small mammal with long ears and a short tail

burrow (穴) [名] a hole in the ground made by an animal

廊下の端にある頑丈な壁と思われるものから突然ドアが開き、小さな、しわくちゃの男が穴から出たウサギのように飛び出してきた。

“Capital!” said Holmes, calmly.

capital (素晴らしい) [形] very good; excellent

calmly (落ち着いて) [副] in a calm manner

「素晴らしい!」とホームズは落ち着いて言った。

“Watson, a bucket of water over the straw. That will do!

do (いい) [動] be satisfactory or acceptable

「ワトソン、わらの上に水をバケツ一杯。それでいい!

Lestrade, allow me to present you with your principal missing witness, Mr. Jonas Oldacre.”

allow (許す) [動] permit

present (紹介する) [動] introduce

principal (主な) [形] most important

missing (行方不明の) [形] not present or not able to be found

レストレード、あなたの主な行方不明の証人、ジョナス・オールドエーカー氏を紹介させてください。」

The detective stared at the newcomer with blank amazement.

newcomer (新参者) [名] a person who has recently arrived in a place or joined a group

刑事はぼんやりと驚いて新参者を見つめた。

The latter was blinking in the bright light of the corridor, and peering at us and at the smouldering fire.

latter (後者) [名] the second of two things mentioned

blink (まばたきする) [動] shut and open the eyes quickly

smoulder (くすぶる) [動] burn slowly with smoke but no flame

後者は廊下の明るい光の中でまばたきし、私たちとくすぶっている火をじっと見つめていた。

It was an odious face—crafty, vicious, malignant, with shifty, light-grey eyes and white lashes.

crafty (ずる賢い) [形] skillful in deception or evasion

vicious (悪意に満ちた) [形] deliberately cruel or violent

shifty (ずる賢い) [形] evasive or untrustworthy

light-grey (薄い灰色) [形] of a pale shade of grey

lash (睫毛) [名] either of the two rows of hairs that grow on the edges of the upper and lower eyelids

それは忌まわしい顔だったーずる賢く、悪意に満ち、悪意に満ち、ずる賢く、薄い灰色の目と白い睫毛をしていた。

“What’s this, then?” said Lestrade, at last.

「これは一体何だ?」とレストレードはついに言った。

“What have you been doing all this time, eh?”

all this time (今まで) [名] the entire time from a particular point in the past until the present

eh (?) [間] used to express inquiry or to ask for confirmation

「今まで何をしていたんだ?」

Oldacre gave an uneasy laugh, shrinking back from the furious red face of the angry detective.

uneasy (不安な) [形] not feeling comfortable or relaxed

laugh (笑い) [名] the action of laughing

shrink back (後ずさりする) [動] to move back or away from something

furious (激しい) [形] extremely angry

オールドエーカーは不安そうに笑い、怒った探偵の真っ赤な顔から後ずさりした。

“I have done no harm.”

do no harm (何も悪いことをしない) [動] not cause any damage or injury

「私は何も悪いことはしていない。」

“No harm? You have done your best to get an innocent man hanged.

no harm (何も悪いことをしていない) [名] no damage or injury

innocent (無実の) [形] not guilty of a crime or offense

「何も悪いことをしていない? あなたは無実の男を絞首刑にするために最善を尽くした。

If it wasn’t for this gentleman here, I am not sure that you would not have succeeded.”

if it wasn't for (もしいなかったら) [接] if it were not for

もしこの紳士がいなかったら、あなたが成功しなかったかどうかはわからない。」

The wretched creature began to whimper.

creature (生き物) [名] a living being

その惨めな生き物は泣き言を言い始めた。

“I am sure, sir, it was only my practical joke.”

practical joke (いたずら) [名] a trick played on someone in jest or for fun

「確かに、それはただのいたずらでした。」

“Oh! a joke, was it?

joke (いたずら) [名] something said or done in jest or mockery

「ああ! いたずらだったのか?

You won’t find the laugh on your side, I promise you.

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

君の側に笑いはない、約束する。

Take him down, and keep him in the sitting-room until I come.

take down (連れて行く) [動] to bring someone or something to a lower position

keep (いさせる) [動] to cause to remain in a specified state

彼を連れて行き、私が来るまで居間にいさせろ。

Mr. Holmes,” he continued, when they had gone, “I could not speak before the constables, but I don’t mind saying, in the presence of Dr. Watson, that this is the brightest thing that you have done yet, though it is a mystery to me how you did it.

brightest (最も素晴らしい) [形] of high or higher than average intelligence

mystery (謎) [名] something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain

ホームズさん」と彼は続けた、「巡査の前では言えなかったが、ワトソン博士の前で言うのは構わない、これはあなたがこれまでにやった中で最も素晴らしいことだ、しかし、どうやってそれをしたのかは私には謎だ。

You have saved an innocent man’s life, and you have prevented a very grave scandal, which would have ruined my reputation in the Force.”

save (救う) [動] prevent from being lost, wasted, or destroyed

prevent (防ぐ) [動] keep from happening or arising

ruin (台無しにする) [動] damage or destroy something utterly

reputation (評判) [名] the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something

あなたは無実の人の命を救い、警察での私の評判を台無しにするであろう非常に重大なスキャンダルを防いだ。」

Holmes smiled, and clapped Lestrade upon the shoulder.

clap (叩く) [動] to strike or slap with the open hand

ホームズは微笑み、レストレードの肩を叩いた。

“Instead of being ruined, my good sir, you will find that your reputation has been enormously enhanced.

instead of (どころか) [接] as an alternative to

be ruined (台無しになる) [動] be destroyed or spoiled

「台無しになるどころか、あなたの評判は非常に高まっていることがわかるでしょう。

Just make a few alterations in that report which you were writing, and they will understand how hard it is to throw dust in the eyes of Inspector Lestrade.”

make a few alterations (少し手を加える) [動] make a few changes

throw dust in the eyes of (欺く) [動] deceive or mislead

あなたが書いていた報告書に少し手を加えるだけで、彼らはレストレード警部の目を欺くことがいかに難しいかを理解するでしょう。」

“And you don’t want your name to appear?”

appear (載る) [動] be presented to the public

「そして、あなたは自分の氏名が載ることを望まないのですか?」

“Not at all. The work is its own reward.

not at all (全く) [副] not in the least; not in any way

「全く。仕事は報酬そのものです。

Perhaps I shall get the credit also at some distant day, when I permit my zealous historian to lay out his foolscap once more—eh, Watson?

get the credit (信用を得る) [動] be given the credit for something

distant day (遠い日) [名] a day in the future

zealous (熱心な) [形] having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

historian (歴史家) [名] a person who studies or writes about history

lay out (広める) [動] spread out

foolscap (愚かな考え) [名] a foolish idea or plan

おそらく、私の熱心な歴史家がもう一度彼の愚かな考えを広めることを許すとき、私はまた遠い日に信用を得るでしょう—ええ、ワトソン?

Well, now, let us see where this rat has been lurking.”

rat (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, a long sparsely haired tail, and a high breeding rate

さて、このネズミがどこに潜んでいるのか見てみましょう。」

A lath-and-plaster partition had been run across the passage six feet from the end, with a door cunningly concealed in it.

lath-and-plaster (木と漆喰) [名] a building material consisting of thin strips of wood nailed to a wall and covered with plaster

partition (隔壁) [名] a wall that divides or separates

run across (横切る) [動] to meet or find by chance

six feet (6フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches or 36 inches

cunningly (巧妙に) [副] in a clever or skillful way

通路の端から6フィートのところに、木と漆喰の隔壁が通路を横切って走っており、そこには巧妙に隠されたドアがあった。

It was lit within by slits under the eaves.

light (照らす) [動] provide with light

within (内部) [副] inside; indoors

slit (スリット) [名] a long, narrow cut or opening

軒下のスリットから内部が照らされていた。

A few articles of furniture and a supply of food and water were within, together with a number of books and papers.

article (品物) [名] a particular item or object

furniture (家具) [名] the movable, generally functional, articles that equip a room, house etc

supply (供給品) [名] the amount of something that is available

家具や食料、水の供給品がいくつかあり、本や書類もたくさんあった。

“There’s the advantage of being a builder,” said Holmes, as we came out.

「建築家であることの利点がある」とホームズは私たちが出てきたときに言った。

“He was able to fix up his own little hiding-place without any confederate—save, of course, that precious housekeeper of his, whom I should lose no time in adding to your bag, Lestrade.”

fix up (整える) [動] repair or improve

add (入れる) [動] join or combine two or more things together

bag (袋) [名] a container made of flexible material with an opening at the top

「彼は共犯者なしに自分だけの隠れ場所を整えることができた。もちろん、彼の大事な家政婦を除いてだが、彼女はすぐに君の袋に入れてやろう、レストレード。」

“I’ll take your advice.

take (従う) [動] follow the advice of

advice (忠告) [名] an opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, or procedure

「君の忠告に従おう。

But how did you know of this place, Mr. Holmes?”

place (場所) [名] a particular portion of space

しかし、ホームズさん、どうやってこの場所を知ったのですか?」

“I made up my mind that the fellow was in hiding in the house.

make up one's mind (決めつける) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

hide (隠れる) [動] be or go out of sight

「私はあの男が家の中に隠れていると決めつけた。

When I paced one corridor and found it six feet shorter than the corresponding one below, it was pretty clear where he was.

pace (歩き回る) [動] walk with slow or regular steps

shorter (短い) [形] having a small distance from one end to the other

corresponding (対応する) [形] similar or equivalent in character, form, or function

below (下) [副] in or to a lower place

pretty clear (かなり明らか) [形] very obvious

私が廊下を歩き回り、それが下の対応する廊下よりも6フィート短いことが分かったとき、彼がどこにいるかはかなり明らかになった。

I thought he had not the nerve to lie quiet before an alarm of fire.

lie quiet (静かに横たわる) [動] to be in a state of rest or inactivity

alarm of fire (火災警報) [名] a device that makes a loud noise to warn people of a fire

私は彼が火災警報の前で静かに横たわる神経はないだろうと思った。

We could, of course, have gone in and taken him, but it amused me to make him reveal himself.

go in (中に入る) [動] enter

take (捕まえる) [動] capture

reveal (さらけ出す) [動] make known

もちろん、私たちは中に入って彼を捕まえることができただろうが、彼に自分をさらけ出させるのは面白かった。

Besides, I owed you a little mystification, Lestrade, for your chaff in the morning.”

mystification (神秘) [名] the action of mystifying or the state of being mystified

chaff (もみ殻) [名] the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing

その上、私はあなたに少しの神秘を負っていた、レストレード、朝のあなたのもみ殻のために。」

“Well, sir, you certainly got equal with me on that.

get equal with (互角になる) [動] become equal to

「まあ、確かにその点では私と互角ですね。

But how in the world did you know that he was in the house at all?”

how in the world (いったいどうして) [副] used to express surprise or disbelief

しかし、いったいどうして彼が家の中にいることを知ったのですか?」

“The thumb-mark, Lestrade. You said it was final; and so it was, in a very different sense.

final (決定的) [形] last in a series

different (異なる) [形] not the same

sense (意味) [名] a way in which something can be understood

「親指の跡、レストレード。あなたはそれが決定的だと言った。そして、それは非常に異なる意味でそうだった。

I knew it had not been there the day before.

the day before (前日) [名] the day preceding the present day

私はそれが前日そこになかったことを知っていた。

I pay a good deal of attention to matters of detail, as you may have observed, and I had examined the hall, and was sure that the wall was clear.

pay attention to (注意を払う) [動] take notice of

detail (細かい事) [名] an individual fact or item

あなたも気づいているかもしれないが、私は細かいことにかなり注意を払うので、私はホールを調べて、壁がきれいであることを確認していた。

Therefore, it had been put on during the night.”

therefore (だから) [副] for that reason; consequently

put on (貼る) [動] attach or affix to a surface

during the night (夜の間に) [名] the period of darkness from sunset to sunrise

だから、それは夜の間に貼られたのだ。」

“But how?”

「しかし、どうやって?」

“Very simply. When those packets were sealed up, Jonas Oldacre got McFarlane to secure one of the seals by putting his thumb upon the soft wax.

very simply (とても簡単だ) [副] in a very simple manner

when (時) [接] at the time that

those (これらの) [限] the

packet (包み) [名] a small container made of paper or cardboard

be sealed up (封印される) [動] to be closed or fastened securely

get (~させる) [動] to cause to be or do something

secure (固定させる) [動] to make safe or certain

seal (封印) [名] a mark or design that is used to show that something is genuine or official

upon (上に) [前] on top of

「とても簡単だ。これらの包みが封印された時、ジョナス・オールドエーカーはマクファーレンに柔らかい蝋の上に親指を置いて封印の一つを固定させた。

It would be done so quickly and so naturally, that I daresay the young man himself has no recollection of it.

quickly (素早く) [副] at a fast speed

naturally (自然に) [副] in a natural manner

それはとても素早く自然に行われたので、若い男自身もそれを覚えていないだろう。

Very likely it just so happened, and Oldacre had himself no notion of the use he would put it to.

just so happen (偶然に起こる) [動] happen by chance

no notion (考えていない) [名] no idea

put it to (どう使うか) [動] use something for a particular purpose

おそらくそれは偶然に起こったことで、オールドエーカー自身もそれをどう使うか考えていなかったのだろう。

Brooding over the case in that den of his, it suddenly struck him what absolutely damning evidence he could make against McFarlane by using that thumb-mark.

brood (考え込む) [動] think deeply about something

den (隠れ家) [名] a small room in a house used for private study or relaxation

damning (有罪となる) [形] causing severe and damaging criticism

彼の隠れ家で事件について考え込んでいた時、彼は突然、その親指の跡を使ってマクファーレンに対して絶対に有罪となる証拠を作ることができることに気がついた。

It was the simplest thing in the world for him to take a wax impression from the seal, to moisten it in as much blood as he could get from a pin-prick, and to put the mark upon the wall during the night, either with his own hand or with that of his housekeeper.

impression (跡) [名] a mark or depression made by the pressure of one thing on another

moisten (湿らせる) [動] make or become slightly wet

pin-prick (針で刺す) [名] a small hole made by a pin

put (つける) [動] move or cause to move into a specified place or position

彼にとって、封印から蝋の跡を取り、それを針で刺して得られる血で湿らせ、夜の間に自分の手で、あるいは家政婦の手で壁に跡をつけるのは、この世で最も簡単なことだった。

If you examine among those documents which he took with him into his retreat, I will lay you a wager that you find the seal with the thumb-mark upon it.”

wager (賭け) [名] a bet

もし彼が隠れ家に持ち込んだ書類を調べれば、親指の跡が付いた封印が見つかるだろう。」

“Wonderful!” said Lestrade.

wonderful (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good; marvelous

「素晴らしい!」レストレードは言った。

“Wonderful! It’s all as clear as crystal, as you put it.

crystal (水晶) [名] a mineral composed of silicon dioxide

「素晴らしい! すべてが水晶のようにはっきりしている。

But what is the object of this deep deception, Mr. Holmes?”

しかし、この深い欺瞞の目的は何なのでしょうか、ホームズさん?」

It was amusing to me to see how the detective’s overbearing manner had changed suddenly to that of a child asking questions of its teacher.

amusing (面白い) [形] causing laughter or entertainment

overbearing (横柄な) [形] domineering; arrogant

child (子供) [名] a young human being below the age of puberty

teacher (教師) [名] a person who teaches, especially in a school

探偵の横柄な態度が、突然、教師に質問する子供の態度に変わっていくのを見るのは、私にとって面白かった。

“Well, I don’t think that is very hard to explain.

hard (難しい) [形] not easy; requiring much effort

「まあ、それを説明するのはそれほど難しくはないと思う。

A very deep, malicious, vindictive person is the gentleman who is now waiting us downstairs.

malicious (悪意に満ちた) [形] intending to do harm

vindictive (執念深い) [形] having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

非常に深く、悪意に満ち、執念深い人物が、今、階下で私たちを待っている紳士だ。

You know that he was once refused by McFarlane’s mother?

彼がかつてマクファーレンの母親に拒絶されたことを知っているか?

You don’t!

知らないのか!

I told you that you should go to Blackheath first and Norwood afterwards.

私は、まずブラックヒースに行って、その後ノーウッドに行くべきだと言った。

Well, this injury, as he would consider it, has rankled in his wicked, scheming brain, and all his life he has longed for vengeance, but never seen his chance.

injury (傷) [名] physical or mental harm or damage

long for (切望する) [動] want very much

さて、この傷は、彼が考えるに、彼の邪悪で陰謀を企む脳に深く刻み込まれ、彼は生涯にわたって復讐を切望していたが、その機会を得ることはなかった。

During the last year or two, things have gone against him—secret speculation, I think—and he finds himself in a bad way.

during the last year or two (この一、二年の間に) [名] in the last two years

go against (悪化する) [動] be unfavorable to

secret speculation (秘密の投機) [名] the act of investing money in a risky way in the hope of making a lot of money quickly

find oneself in a bad way (困った状況に陥る) [動] be in a difficult situation

この一、二年の間に、彼の状況は悪化した。秘密の投機が原因だと思うが、彼は困った状況に陥っている。

He determines to swindle his creditors, and for this purpose he pays large checks to a certain Mr. Cornelius, who is, I imagine, himself under another name.

determine (決意する) [動] decide firmly

swindle (騙す) [動] cheat or deceive

creditor (債権者) [名] a person or organization to whom money is owed

pay (支払う) [動] give money that is owed

彼は債権者を騙そうと決意し、そのために、あるコーネリアス氏に多額の小切手を支払うが、これは彼自身が別の名前で名乗っているのではないかと私は想像している。

I have not traced these checks yet, but I have no doubt that they were banked under that name at some provincial town where Oldacre from time to time led a double existence.

trace (追跡する) [動] follow the course or trail of

time to time (時折) [副] occasionally; now and then

lead (送る) [動] cause to go or come with oneself

double (二重) [形] having two parts, elements, or aspects

私はまだこれらの小切手を追跡していないが、オールドエーカーが時折二重生活を送っていた地方の町で、その名義で銀行に預けられていたことは間違いない。

He intended to change his name altogether, draw this money, and vanish, starting life again elsewhere.”

change (変える) [動] make or become different

draw (引き出す) [動] take out

vanish (姿を消す) [動] disappear suddenly and completely

彼は名前を完全に変え、このお金を引き出し、姿を消して、どこかで人生をやり直すつもりだった。」

“Well, that’s likely enough.”

「まあ、それは十分にあり得る。」

“It would strike him that in disappearing he might throw all pursuit off his track, and at the same time have an ample and crushing revenge upon his old sweetheart, if he could give the impression that he had been murdered by her only child.

pursuit (追跡) [名] the action of following or pursuing someone or something

track (軌道) [名] a pair of rails on which trains run

ample (十分な) [形] more than enough

crushing (徹底的な) [形] extremely thorough or devastating

sweetheart (恋人) [名] a person's beloved

only child (一人息子) [名] a child who has no siblings

「彼は、姿を消すことで、すべての追跡を自分の軌道から外し、同時に、彼女の一人息子に殺されたという印象を与えることができれば、昔の恋人に十分な復讐をすることができると考えただろう。

It was a masterpiece of villainy, and he carried it out like a master.

masterpiece (傑作) [名] a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship

villainy (悪事) [名] an evil or wicked act

それは悪事の傑作であり、彼はそれを名人芸のようにやり遂げた。

The idea of the will, which would give an obvious motive for the crime, the secret visit unknown to his own parents, the retention of the stick, the blood, and the animal remains and buttons in the wood-pile, all were admirable.

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

unknown (知られていない) [形] not known or familiar

retention (残留) [名] the continued possession, use, or control of something

animal (動物) [名] a living organism of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular eukaryotes that form a single phylogenetic group

遺言のアイデアは、犯罪の動機を明らかにし、両親に知られずに秘密裏に訪問し、棒、血、動物の残骸、ボタンを木の山に残しておくなど、すべてが見事だった。

It was a net from which it seemed to me, a few hours ago, that there was no possible escape.

a few hours ago (数時間前) [名] a short time in the past

escape (逃げ道) [名] the act of getting away from a place or situation

それは、数時間前には逃げ道がないように思えた網だった。

But he had not that supreme gift of the artist, the knowledge of when to stop.

supreme (最高の) [形] of the highest quality or degree

gift (才能) [名] a natural ability or talent

knowledge (能力) [名] familiarity with someone or something, which may include facts, information, descriptions, or skills acquired through experience or education

when to stop (いつ止めるべきか) [名] the time at which something should be stopped

しかし、彼には芸術家の最高の才能である、いつ止めるべきかを知る能力がなかった。

He wished to improve that which was already perfect—to draw the rope tighter yet round the neck of his unfortunate victim—and so he ruined all.

improve (改良する) [動] make or become better

perfect (完璧な) [形] having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be

rope (ロープ) [名] a length of strong thick cord made by twisting together strands of fiber

tighter (きつく) [形] more tightly

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

彼はすでに完璧なものを改良したいと思った。不幸な犠牲者の首にロープをもっときつく巻き付けたいと思った。そしてすべてを台無しにした。

Let us descend, Lestrade.

descend (降りる) [動] move or fall downward

降りよう、レストレード。

There are just one or two questions that I would ask him.”

just (ただ) [副] only; simply

question (質問) [名] a statement asking for information

彼に聞きたいことが1つか2つある。」

The malignant creature was seated in his own parlour, with a policeman upon each side of him.

be seated (座っていた) [動] be in a sitting position

その悪意に満ちた男は、両側に警察官を従えて、自分の居間に座っていた。

“It was a joke, my good sir—a practical joke, nothing more,” he whined incessantly.

incessantly (絶えず) [副] without interruption

「これは冗談です、旦那様、ただの悪ふざけです」と彼は絶えず泣き言を言っていた。

“I assure you, sir, that I simply concealed myself in order to see the effect of my disappearance, and I am sure that you would not be so unjust as to imagine that I would have allowed any harm to befall poor young Mr. McFarlane.”

assure (断言する) [動] tell someone something positively or confidently

simply (単に) [副] in a simple manner

effect (影響) [名] a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause

unjust (不公平な) [形] not just; unfair

befall (降りかかる) [動] happen to someone or something

「私は、自分の失踪の影響を見るために身を隠しただけだと断言します。私が若いマクファーレンさんに危害を加えるようなことを許すはずがないと思うほど、あなたは不公平ではないでしょう。」

“That’s for a jury to decide,” said Lestrade.

decide (決める) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

「それは陪審員が決めることだ」とレストレードは言った。

“Anyhow, we shall have you on a charge of conspiracy, if not for attempted murder.”

conspiracy (共謀) [名] a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful

「いずれにせよ、殺人未遂でなければ、共謀罪で起訴することになる。」

“And you’ll probably find that your creditors will impound the banking account of Mr. Cornelius,” said Holmes.

impound (差し押さえる) [動] take legal possession of

banking account (銀行口座) [名] an account at a bank

「そして、おそらくあなたの債権者がコーネリアス氏の銀行口座を差し押さえることになるでしょう」とホームズは言った。

The little man started, and turned his malignant eyes upon my friend.

start (びっくりする) [動] make a sudden movement

小柄な男はびっくりして、悪意に満ちた目を友人に向けた。

“I have to thank you for a good deal,” said he.

「いろいろと感謝しなくてはならない」と彼は言った。

“Perhaps I’ll pay my debt some day.”

pay (返す) [動] give money that you owe to someone

debt (借り) [名] something, typically money, that is owed or due

「いつか借りを返すかもしれない。」

Holmes smiled indulgently.

indulgently (寛大に) [副] in a way that is kind or forgiving

ホームズは寛大に微笑んだ。

“I fancy that, for some few years, you will find your time very fully occupied,” said he.

for some few years (数年間) [名] a period of time

fully occupied (とても忙しい) [形] having a lot of things to do

「数年間は、とても忙しいと思う」と彼は言った。

“By the way, what was it you put into the wood-pile besides your old trousers?

put into (入れる) [動] place something inside something else

「ところで、古いズボンの他に薪の山に何を入れたんだ?

A dead dog, or rabbits, or what?

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

死んだ犬か、ウサギか、それとも何だ?

You won’t tell?

won't (つもりはない) [助] will not

言わないつもりか?

Dear me, how very unkind of you!

how very (なんて) [副] to a very great degree

unkind (不親切) [形] not kind or considerate

なんてことだ、君はなんて不親切なんだ!

Well, well, I daresay that a couple of rabbits would account both for the blood and for the charred ashes.

daresay (敢えて言う) [動] to be so bold as to say

couple (カップル) [名] two people who are married, engaged, or otherwise closely associated romantically or sexually

account for (説明する) [動] to give a satisfactory reason or explanation for

まあ、まあ、ウサギのカップルが血と焦げた灰の両方を説明するだろうと私は敢えて言う。

If ever you write an account, Watson, you can make rabbits serve your turn.”

account (記録) [名] a record of money received and paid out, or of goods or services bought and sold

turn (事件) [名] an event or action that changes a situation

ワトソン、もし君がこの事件の記録を書くなら、ウサギを登場させればいい。」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE DANCING MEN

dancing (踊る) [動] move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

men (人形) [名] a small human figure

踊る人形

Holmes had been seated for some hours in silence with his long, thin back curved over a chemical vessel in which he was brewing a particularly malodorous product.

for some hours (数時間) [名] a period of time

in silence (黙って) [副] without making any sound

curved (曲がる) [動] have or form a curve

chemical vessel (化学容器) [名] a container used for holding chemicals

brew (醸造する) [動] make beer or other alcoholic drinks

particularly (特に) [副] to a higher degree than is usual or average

malodorous (悪臭を放つ) [形] having a bad smell

product (製品) [名] something that is made or produced

ホームズは長く細い背中を曲げて、特に悪臭を放つ製品を醸造している化学容器の上に座り、数時間黙っていた。

His head was sunk upon his breast, and he looked from my point of view like a strange, lank bird, with dull grey plumage and a black top-knot.

sink (沈む) [動] go down below the surface of a liquid

breast (胸) [名] the front of the human body between the neck and the abdomen

lank (ひょろ長い) [形] unhealthily thin

bird (鳥) [名] a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal with feathers and wings

dull (くすんだ) [形] lacking interest or excitement

plumage (羽毛) [名] a bird's feathers

top-knot (頭の結び目) [名] a tuft of hair or feathers on the top of the head

彼の頭は胸に沈み、私の見方では、くすんだ灰色の羽毛と黒い頭の結び目を持つ奇妙な、ひょろ長い鳥のように見えた。

“So, Watson,” said he, suddenly, “you do not propose to invest in South African securities?”

So (それで) [接] therefore

South African (南アフリカの) [形] of or relating to South Africa

security (証券) [名] a negotiable financial instrument

「それで、ワトソン」と彼は突然言った、「君は南アフリカの証券に投資するつもりはないのか?」

I gave a start of astonishment.

give a start (飛び上がる) [動] make a sudden movement

私は驚いて飛び上がった。

Accustomed as I was to Holmes’s curious faculties, this sudden intrusion into my most intimate thoughts was utterly inexplicable.

be accustomed to (慣れている) [動] be used to

faculty (能力) [名] an inherent mental or physical power

intrusion (侵入) [名] the act of entering a place or situation without being invited or wanted

intimate (内密な) [形] very private and personal

ホームズの奇妙な能力に慣れていた私にとって、私の最も内密な考えへのこの突然の侵入は全く説明のつかないことだった。

“How on earth do you know that?”

on earth (いったい) [副] used to emphasize a question

「いったいどうしてそれを知っている?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

He wheeled round upon his stool, with a steaming test-tube in his hand, and a gleam of amusement in his deep-set eyes.

wheel (回す) [動] turn or cause to turn on or as if on an axis

stool (スツール) [名] a seat without a back or arms

steaming (湯気の立つ) [形] producing or emitting steam

test-tube (試験管) [名] a thin glass tube closed at one end, used to hold small amounts of material for laboratory testing or experiments

deep-set (落ち窪んだ) [形] set deeply in the face

gleam (輝き) [名] a small bright light

彼は、湯気の立つ試験管を手に、深く落ち窪んだ目に面白そうな輝きを浮かべて、スツールをくるりと回した。

“Now, Watson, confess yourself utterly taken aback,” said he.

take aback (面食らう) [動] surprise or shock

「さあ、ワトソン、全く面食らったと白状しなさい」と彼は言った。

“I am.”

be (面食らった) [動] to exist or live

「面食らった。」

“I ought to make you sign a paper to that effect.”

ought to (べきだ) [助] should

make (させる) [動] cause to do something

to that effect (その旨の) [名] to that purpose or end

「その旨の書類に署名させるべきだ。」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“Because in five minutes you will say that it is all so absurdly simple.”

absurdly (馬鹿げたほど) [副] in a way that is ridiculous or unreasonable

simple (単純) [形] easy to understand or do

「なぜなら、五分後には、君は全てが馬鹿げたほど単純だと言うだろうからだ。」

“I am sure that I shall say nothing of the kind.”

say nothing of (何も言わない) [動] not to mention

the kind (そのような) [名] the type or category of something

「私はそのようなことは何も言わないと思う。」

“You see, my dear Watson,”—he propped his test-tube in the rack, and began to lecture with the air of a professor addressing his class—“it is not really difficult to construct a series of inferences, each dependent upon its predecessor and each simple in itself.

prop (立てかける) [動] support with or as if with a prop

rack (棚) [名] a framework, typically with rails, bars, or pegs, on which articles can be arranged or hung

lecture (話し始める) [動] deliver a lecture

professor (教授) [名] a teacher of the highest rank in a college or university

address (話しかける) [動] speak to

class (クラス) [名] a group of students who are studying the same subject

construct (構築する) [動] build or make

series (連鎖) [名] a number of things arranged or happening one after the other

inference (推論) [名] a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

predecessor (前提) [名] a person who held a job or office before the current holder

「ほら、ワトソン君」彼は試験管を棚に立てかけ、講義をする教授のような態度で話し始めた。「それぞれが前提に依存し、それ自体は単純な推論の連鎖を構築するのは、それほど難しいことではない。

If, after doing so, one simply knocks out all the central inferences and presents one’s audience with the starting-point and the conclusion, one may produce a startling, though possibly a meretricious, effect.

knock out (取り除く) [動] remove or eliminate

startling (驚くべき) [形] causing surprise or alarm

meretricious (見かけ倒しの) [形] attractive in a showy but insincere or superficial way

そうした後で、中心的な推論を全て取り除き、出発点と結論だけを聴衆に提示すれば、驚くべき、しかしおそらくは見かけ倒しの効果を生み出すことができる。

Now, it was not really difficult, by an inspection of the groove between your left forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did not propose to invest your small capital in the gold fields.”

left (左手の) [形] on or to the left side

forefinger (人差し指) [名] the finger next to the thumb

groove (溝) [名] a long narrow channel or depression

inspection (調べる) [名] an official examination or investigation

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

gold field (金鉱) [名] a place where gold is mined

さて、君の左手の人差し指と親指の間の溝を調べれば、君が自分の小さな資本を金鉱に投資するつもりはないことを確かめるのは、それほど難しいことではなかった。」

“I see no connection.”

connection (関係) [名] a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else

「関係がわからない。」

“Very likely not; but I can quickly show you a close connection.

quickly (すぐに) [副] in a short time

close connection (密接な関係) [名] a relationship in which people or things are closely connected

「おそらくそうだろう。しかし、私はすぐに密接な関係を示すことができる。

Here are the missing links of the very simple chain:

be (ある) [動] exist

missing link (失われた環) [名] a piece of evidence that would complete a series of events or facts

chain (連鎖) [名] a series of events or things that are connected

これが非常に単純な連鎖の失われた環だ。

1. You had chalk between your left finger and thumb when you returned from the club last night.

1 (1) [他] one

chalk (チョーク) [名] a soft white substance consisting mainly of calcium carbonate

1、君は昨夜クラブから帰ったとき、左手の指と親指の間にチョークを挟んでいた。

2. You put chalk there when you play billiards, to steady the cue.

put (挟む) [動] place something somewhere

billiards (ビリヤード) [名] a game played on a table with balls and cues

steady (安定させる) [動] make or become firm or stable

2、君はビリヤードをするときにキューを安定させるためにそこにチョークを挟む。

3. You never play billiards except with Thurston.

3 (3) [名] a number

except (以外) [前] not including; other than

Thurston (サーストン) [名] a surname

3、君はサーストンと以外とはビリヤードをしない。

4. You told me, four weeks ago, that Thurston had an option on some South African property which would expire in a month, and which he desired you to share with him.

four weeks ago (4週間前) [名] four weeks before the present time

property (土地) [名] a piece of land

expire (期限が切れる) [動] come to an end

4、君は4週間前に、サーストンが南アフリカの土地の権利を持ち、それは一ヶ月で期限が切れ、彼は君にそれを分けてほしいと望んでいると言った。

5. Your check book is locked in my drawer, and you have not asked for the key.

check book (小切手帳) [名] a book of checks

drawer (引き出し) [名] a sliding container under a table or in a cupboard

key (鍵) [名] a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, and that is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it

5、君の小切手帳は私の引き出しに鍵がかかっていて、君は鍵を要求していない。

6. You do not propose to invest your money in this manner.”

6 (6) [名] the sixth number in a series

propose (提案する) [動] put forward a plan or suggestion

invest (投資する) [動] put money into something with the hope of getting more money back

6、君はこのような方法で君のお金を投資するつもりはない。」

“How absurdly simple!” I cried.

「なんてばかばかしいほど単純なんだ!」私は叫んだ。

“Quite so!” said he, a little nettled.

quite so (全くその通りだ) [副] exactly

nettled (イライラする) [動] to be annoyed or irritated

「全くその通りだ!」彼は少しイライラして言った。

“Every problem becomes very childish when once it is explained to you.

every (どんな) [形] each and all of a group

childish (子供じみた) [形] of or characteristic of a child

「どんな問題も一度説明されればとても子供じみたものになる。

Here is an unexplained one.

unexplained (説明されていない) [形] not explained

ここに説明されていないものがある。

See what you can make of that, friend Watson.”

make of (できるか) [動] understand or interpret

友人ワトソン、君に何ができるか見せてみろ。」

He tossed a sheet of paper upon the table, and turned once more to his chemical analysis.

sheet (一枚) [名] a thin, flat piece of material

chemical (化学) [形] of or relating to chemistry

analysis (分析) [名] a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something

彼は一枚の紙をテーブルの上に放り投げ、再び化学分析に戻った。

I looked with amazement at the absurd hieroglyphics upon the paper.

look (眺める) [動] direct one's gaze in a specified direction

hieroglyphics (象形文字) [名] a writing system using pictures or symbols to represent words or sounds

私は紙の上のばかげた象形文字を驚いて眺めた。

“Why, Holmes, it is a child’s drawing,” I cried.

drawing (絵) [名] a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint

「おい、ホームズ、これは子供の絵だ」と私は叫んだ。

“Oh, that’s your idea!”

「ああ、それが君の考えか!」

“What else should it be?”

else (他に) [副] other than what has been mentioned or implied

should (べきだ) [助] used to express obligation, duty, or correctness

「他に何があるんだ?」

“That is what Mr. Hilton Cubitt, of Riding Thorpe Manor, Norfolk, is very anxious to know.

Hilton Cubitt (ヒルトン・キュービット) [名] a character in the story

Riding Thorpe Manor (ライディング・ソープ・マナー) [名] a manor house in Norfolk

Norfolk (ノーフォーク) [名] a county in England

「それがノーフォークのライディング・ソープ・マナーのヒルトン・キュービット氏がとても知りたがっていることだ。

This little conundrum came by the first post, and he was to follow by the next train.

conundrum (難問) [名] a difficult or confusing problem or question

come (届く) [動] arrive

post (郵便) [名] the mail

next (次の) [形] coming immediately after the one before

この小さな難問は最初の郵便で届き、彼は次の列車で来ることになっていた。

There’s a ring at the bell, Watson.

ring (鳴る) [動] to make or cause to make a clear resonant sound

ベルが鳴ったぞ、ワトソン。

I should not be very much surprised if this were he.”

be surprised (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

これが彼だとしてもあまり驚かない。」

A heavy step was heard upon the stairs, and an instant later there entered a tall, ruddy, clean-shaven gentleman, whose clear eyes and florid cheeks told of a life led far from the fogs of Baker Street.

instant (すぐに) [名] a very short period of time

ruddy (血色の良い) [形] having a healthy reddish color

clear (澄んだ) [形] free from clouds, mist, or haze

florid (赤らんだ) [形] reddish in color

cheek (頬) [名] the side of the face below the eye and between the ear and the nose

far (遠く) [副] at or to a great distance

fog (霧) [名] a cloud of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

階段を重い足音が聞こえ、すぐに背が高く、血色の良い、髭をきれいに剃った紳士が入ってきたが、その澄んだ目と赤らんだ頬はベーカー街の霧から遠く離れた生活を物語っていた。

He seemed to bring a whiff of his strong, fresh, bracing, east-coast air with him as he entered.

bring (運んでくる) [動] cause to come or go with oneself

whiff (一吹き) [名] a small puff or gust of air

bracing (爽快な) [形] invigorating

east-coast (東海岸) [名] the eastern coast of the United States

彼は入ってくると同時に、強くて新鮮で爽快な東海岸の空気を一吹き運んできてくれたようだった。

Having shaken hands with each of us, he was about to sit down, when his eye rested upon the paper with the curious markings, which I had just examined and left upon the table.

shake hands (握手する) [動] clasp someone's right hand in one's own at meeting or parting, in reconciliation, or as a sign of agreement

sit down (腰を下ろす) [動] take a seat

rest (留まる) [動] be supported by

marking (印) [名] a written symbol or a line or dot made on or in a surface

彼は私たち一人一人と握手した後、腰を下ろそうとしたが、そのとき彼の目は私が調べてテーブルの上に置いたばかりの奇妙な印のついた紙に留まった。

“Well, Mr. Holmes, what do you make of these?” he cried.

「さて、ホームズさん、これをどう思いますか?」と彼は叫んだ。

“They told me that you were fond of queer mysteries, and I don’t think you can find a queerer one than that.

fond of (好きである) [形] having a strong liking for

queer (奇妙な) [形] strange or odd

「あなたは奇妙な謎が好きだと聞きましたが、これ以上奇妙なものは見つからないと思います。

I sent the paper on ahead, so that you might have time to study it before I came.”

ahead (先に) [副] in front of; further forward

study (調べる) [動] read and understand something

私が来る前に調べる時間があるように、先に紙を送っておきました」

“It is certainly rather a curious production,” said Holmes.

production (作品) [名] something that is produced

「確かにかなり奇妙な作品ですね」とホームズは言った。

“At first sight it would appear to be some childish prank.

at first sight (一見すると) [副] when first seen or considered

childish (子供の) [形] of or like a child

prank (いたずら) [名] a practical joke

「一見すると子供のいたずらのように見えます。

It consists of a number of absurd little figures dancing across the paper upon which they are drawn.

consist of (~から成る) [動] be composed or made up of

a number of (たくさんの) [名] a large but indefinite number

dance (踊る) [動] move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

紙の上に描かれたたくさんのばかげた小さな人形が踊っているだけです。

Why should you attribute any importance to so grotesque an object?”

attribute (重要視する) [動] regard something as being caused by

grotesque (奇怪な) [形] repulsively ugly or distorted

なぜこんな奇怪なものを重要視するのですか?」

“I never should, Mr. Holmes.

「ホームズさん、私は決してそうはしません。

But my wife does.

wife (妻) [名] a married woman

しかし妻はそうします。

It is frightening her to death.

frighten (怖がる) [動] make someone afraid

to death (死ぬほど) [副] very much

妻は死ぬほど怖がっています。

She says nothing, but I can see terror in her eyes.

terror (恐怖) [名] extreme fear

妻は何も言いませんが、私は妻の目に恐怖を見ることができます。

That’s why I want to sift the matter to the bottom.”

that's why (だから) [接] for that reason

want to (したい) [動] wish or desire

sift (調べる) [動] examine or investigate thoroughly

だから私はこの問題を徹底的に調べたいのです。」

Holmes held up the paper so that the sunlight shone full upon it.

hold up (持ち上げる) [動] raise to a higher position

sunlight (日光) [名] the light of the sun

shine (当たる) [動] be bright with reflected light

ホームズはその紙を持ち上げ、日光が当たるようにした。

It was a page torn from a notebook.

tear (破り取る) [動] to pull or rip apart or to pieces

それはノートから破り取られたページだった。

The markings were done in pencil, and ran in this way:

marking (書き込み) [名] a written note or sign

be done in (で行われていた) [動] be finished or completed

pencil (鉛筆) [名] a writing implement with a graphite lead

run (書かれていた) [動] be written or expressed in a particular way

書き込みは鉛筆で行われ、次のように書かれていた。

Holmes examined it for some time, and then, folding it carefully up, he placed it in his pocketbook.

some time (しばらく) [名] a period of time

fold (折り畳む) [動] bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself so that one part of it covers another

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

place (挟む) [動] put in a particular position

ホームズはしばらくそれを調べてから、注意深く折り畳んで手帳に挟んだ。

“This promises to be a most interesting and unusual case,” said he.

promise (なりそうだ) [動] seem likely to be or do something

「これはとても興味深く、珍しい事件になりそうだ」と彼は言った。

“You gave me a few particulars in your letter, Mr. Hilton Cubitt, but I should be very much obliged if you would kindly go over it all again for the benefit of my friend, Dr. Watson.”

give (教える) [動] make a present of

letter (手紙) [名] a written message

go over (説明する) [動] explain or describe something in detail

benefit (ため) [名] something that is advantageous or good

「ヒルトン・キュービットさん、あなたは手紙でいくつかの詳細を教えてくれましたが、私の友人のワトソン博士のためにもう一度すべてを説明して頂けるととてもありがたいです」

“I’m not much of a story-teller,” said our visitor, nervously clasping and unclasping his great, strong hands.

not much of (あまり~ない) [副] not very

story-teller (話が上手い人) [名] a person who tells stories

nervously (神経質に) [副] in a nervous manner

clasp (握る) [動] hold tightly in one's hand

unclasp (開く) [動] open or release from a clasp

「私はあまり話が上手くありません」と訪問者は言い、大きくて強い手を神経質に握ったり開いたりした。

“You’ll just ask me anything that I don’t make clear.

「私がはっきりさせていないことは何でも聞いてください。

I’ll begin at the time of my marriage last year, but I want to say first of all that, though I’m not a rich man, my people have been at Riding Thorpe for a matter of five centuries, and there is no better known family in the County of Norfolk.

marriage (結婚) [名] the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (historically and in some jurisdictions specifically a union between a man and a woman)

first of all (まず最初に) [副] before anything else

rich (金持ち) [形] having a great deal of money or assets

people (家族) [名] a group of persons related by blood or marriage

Riding Thorpe (ライディング・ソープ) [名] a village in the English county of Norfolk

five centuries (5世紀) [名] a period of 500 years

去年の結婚の時から始めますが、まず最初に、私は金持ちではありませんが、私の家族は5世紀にわたってライディング・ソープに住んでおり、ノーフォーク郡でこれほど有名な家族はいないということを申し上げたいと思います。

Last year I came up to London for the Jubilee, and I stopped at a boarding-house in Russell Square, because Parker, the vicar of our parish, was staying in it.

come up to (来る) [動] move or travel toward

Jubilee (ジュビリー) [名] a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity

stop (泊まる) [動] stay somewhere temporarily

boarding-house (下宿) [名] a house where people pay to live and eat

Russell Square (ラッセル・スクエア) [名] a garden square in Bloomsbury, London

Parker (パーカー) [名] a surname of English origin

vicar (牧師) [名] a priest in charge of a parish

parish (教区) [名] an administrative division of a diocese

去年、私はジュビリーのためにロンドンに来ました。そして、私たちの教区の牧師であるパーカーがそこに滞在していたので、ラッセル・スクエアの下宿に泊まりました。

There was an American young lady there—Patrick was the name—Elsie Patrick.

American (アメリカ人) [名] a citizen of the United States

lady (女性) [名] a woman of good breeding, refinement, and gentle manners

Elsie Patrick (エルシー・パトリック) [名] a person's name

そこにはアメリカ人の若い女性がいました。パトリックという名前で、エルシー・パトリックです。

In some way we became friends, until before my month was up I was as much in love as a man could be.

in some way (どういうわけか) [副] by some means; somehow

as much as (できる限り) [副] to the greatest extent or degree possible

love (恋) [名] a strong feeling of affection

どういうわけか私たちは友達になり、一ヶ月が終わる前に私は男性ができる限りの恋に落ちていました。

We were quietly married at a registry office, and we returned to Norfolk a wedded couple.

quietly (ひっそりと) [副] in a quiet manner

registry office (登記所) [名] a government office where births, deaths, and marriages are recorded

wedded couple (夫婦) [名] a married couple

私たちは登記所でひっそりと結婚し、夫婦でノーフォークに戻りました。

You’ll think it very mad, Mr. Holmes, that a man of a good old family should marry a wife in this fashion, knowing nothing of her past or of her people, but if you saw her and knew her, it would help you to understand.

good old family (由緒ある家柄) [名] a family with a long and distinguished history

ホームズさん、由緒ある家柄の男が、妻の過去や家族のことを何も知らずにこんな風に結婚するなんて、とても狂ったことだと思うでしょうが、もし彼女に会って知っていたら、理解できると思います。

“She was very straight about it, was Elsie.

straight (率直) [形] honest and direct

Elsie (エルシー) [名] a female given name

「彼女は、エルシーは、そのことについてはとても率直でした。

I can’t say that she did not give me every chance of getting out of it if I wished to do so.

can't say (言えません) [動] be unable to say

every chance (あらゆる機会) [名] all the opportunities

私がそうしたいと思ったら、彼女が私にそれを抜け出すあらゆる機会を与えなかったとは言えません。

‘I have had some very disagreeable associations in my life,’ said she, ‘I wish to forget all about them.

disagreeable (不愉快な) [形] unpleasant

association (交際) [名] a connection or relationship between people or organizations

「私は人生でとても不愉快な交際をいくつかしてきました」と彼女は言った。「私はそれらをすべて忘れたいです。

I would rather never allude to the past, for it is very painful to me.

allude to (ほのめかす) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

painful (辛い) [形] causing pain or suffering

私は過去をほのめかすことは絶対にしたくない、なぜならそれは私にとってとても辛いことだ。

If you take me, Hilton, you will take a woman who has nothing that she need be personally ashamed of, but you will have to be content with my word for it, and to allow me to be silent as to all that passed up to the time when I became yours.

take (娶る) [動] marry

personally (個人的に) [副] in a personal manner

ashamed (恥ずかしい) [形] feeling shame or guilt

content (信じる) [動] be happy with

あなたが私を娶るなら、ヒルトン、あなたは個人的に恥ずかしく思う必要のあることは何も持たない女性を娶ることになるでしょう、しかしあなたは私の言うことを信じ、私があなたのものになるまでのすべてのことについて沈黙を守ることを許さなければならないでしょう。

If these conditions are too hard, then go back to Norfolk, and leave me to the lonely life in which you found me.’

condition (条件) [名] something that must happen or be done before another thing can happen or be done

hard (厳しい) [形] requiring a great deal of effort

もしこれらの条件が厳しすぎるなら、ノーフォークに戻って、私を見つけた孤独な生活に私を残してください。」

It was only the day before our wedding that she said those very words to me.

彼女が私にそう言ったのはその言葉は結婚式の前日のことだった。

I told her that I was content to take her on her own terms, and I have been as good as my word.

content (満足している) [形] in a state of peaceful happiness

take (受け入れる) [動] receive or accept something offered

as good as one's word (約束を守る) [熟] reliable; trustworthy

私は彼女に、彼女自身の条件で彼女を受け入れることに満足していると伝え、私は約束を守ってきた。

“Well we have been married now for a year, and very happy we have been.

be married (結婚している) [動] be in a state of marriage

for a year (一年) [名] a period of 365 or 366 days

very happy (とても幸せ) [形] extremely happy

「さて、私たちは結婚して一年になりますが、とても幸せに暮らしています。

But about a month ago, at the end of June, I saw for the first time signs of trouble.

about a month ago (約一ヶ月前) [名] a period of time

at the end of (末に) [名] the final part of something

for the first time (初めて) [副] never before

しかし、約一ヶ月前の六月末に、私は初めて問題の兆候を見た。

One day my wife received a letter from America.

one day (ある日) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

receive (受け取る) [動] be given, presented with, or paid something

ある日、妻がアメリカから手紙を受け取った。

I saw the American stamp.

American (アメリカの) [形] of or relating to the United States of America

stamp (切手) [名] a small adhesive piece of paper of specified value issued by a post office, to be affixed to a letter or parcel to indicate the amount of postage paid

私はアメリカの切手を見た。

She turned deadly white, read the letter, and threw it into the fire.

turn deadly white (真っ青になる) [動] become very pale

throw (投げる) [動] propel through the air with a rapid movement of the arm and hand

彼女は真っ青になって手紙を読み、それを火の中に投げ込んだ。

She made no allusion to it afterwards, and I made none, for a promise is a promise, but she has never known an easy hour from that moment.

make no allusion to (言及しない) [動] not mention something

promise (約束) [名] a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen

easy hour (安らぎの時) [名] a time of peace and relaxation

彼女はその後それについて何も言及しなかったし、私も何も言わなかった。約束は約束だからだ。しかし、彼女はその瞬間から安らぎの時を知らなかった。

There is always a look of fear upon her face—a look as if she were waiting and expecting.

look (表情) [名] the way that someone's face appears

彼女の顔にはいつも恐怖の表情があり、何かを待っているような表情だった。

She would do better to trust me.

do better (した方がいい) [動] perform more effectively

彼女は私を信頼した方がいい。

She would find that I was her best friend.

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

彼女は私が彼女の親友だとわかるだろう。

But until she speaks, I can say nothing.

until (まで) [接] up to the point in time or space when

しかし、彼女が話すまでは、私は何も言えない。

Mind you, she is a truthful woman, Mr. Holmes, and whatever trouble there may have been in her past life it has been no fault of hers.

mind (注意) [動] be careful or cautious about

truthful (正直な) [形] honest; sincere

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

彼女は正直な女性で、ホームズさん、彼女の過去の人生にどんなトラブルがあったとしても、それは彼女のせいではありません。

I am only a simple Norfolk squire, but there is not a man in England who ranks his family honour more highly than I do.

I am (私は) [代] the speaker

only (単なる) [副] merely; just

squire (従者) [名] a young man of good family who acted as an attendant to a knight

England (イギリス) [名] a country in Europe

family (家族) [名] a group of people who are related to each other

honour (名誉) [名] high respect; great esteem

私は単なるノーフォークの従者だが、イギリスには私よりも家族の名誉を重んじる者はいない。

She knows it well, and she knew it well before she married me.

彼女はそれをよく知っている、そして彼女は私と結婚する前からそれをよく知っていた。

She would never bring any stain upon it—of that I am sure.

bring (残す) [動] cause to come or be present

stain (汚点) [名] a mark left by a dirty substance

sure (確かだ) [形] having or showing confidence and certainty

彼女は決してそれに汚点を残すことはないだろう、それは確かだ。

“Well, now I come to the queer part of my story.

「さて、話の奇妙な部分に来た。

About a week ago—it was the Tuesday of last week—I found on one of the window-sills a number of absurd little dancing figures like these upon the paper.

about a week ago (一週間ほど前) [名] seven days before the present time

last week (先週) [名] the week before the present week

one of the (一つの) [名] a single thing or person belonging to a group

window-sill (窓枠) [名] the flat piece of wood or stone forming the bottom part of a window

一週間ほど前、先週の火曜日だったが、窓枠の一つに、紙に描かれたこのような馬鹿げた小さな踊る人形がいくつも描かれているのを見つけた。

They were scrawled with chalk.

scrawl (走り書きする) [動] write or draw in a hurried, careless way

それらはチョークで走り書きされていた。

I thought that it was the stable-boy who had drawn them, but the lad swore he knew nothing about it.

stable-boy (馬丁) [名] a boy who works in a stable

draw (描く) [動] produce a picture or diagram by making lines and marks

馬丁が描いたのだと思ったが、その少年は何も知らないと誓った。

Anyhow, they had come there during the night.

during (間に) [前] in or throughout the course of

いずれにせよ、それらは夜の間にそこに描かれたのだ。

I had them washed out, and I only mentioned the matter to my wife afterwards.

wash out (洗い流す) [動] clean by washing

mention (話す) [動] speak about briefly

私はそれらを洗い流させ、その後妻にその件を話しただけだった。

To my surprise, she took it very seriously, and begged me if any more came to let her see them.

to my surprise (驚いたことに) [副] surprisingly

take seriously (深刻に受け止める) [動] to consider something to be important

驚いたことに、彼女はそれを非常に深刻に受け止め、もしまた現れたら私に見せてくれるように頼んだ。

None did come for a week, and then yesterday morning I found this paper lying on the sundial in the garden.

sundial (日時計) [名] an instrument that tells the time of day by the position of the shadow cast by a pointer on a sunlit dial

一週間は何も現れなかったが、昨日の朝、庭の日時計の上にこの紙が置かれているのを見つけた。

I showed it to Elsie, and down she dropped in a dead faint.

drop (倒れる) [動] fall to the ground

私はそれをエルシーに見せると、彼女は倒れて気絶してしまった。

Since then she has looked like a woman in a dream, half dazed, and with terror always lurking in her eyes.

since then (それ以来) [副] from that time until now

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

dream (夢) [名] a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

dazed (ぼんやりとした) [形] confused and unable to think clearly

それ以来、彼女は夢の中にいる女性のように、半分ぼんやりとしていて、いつも恐怖が目に潜んでいるように見えた。

It was then that I wrote and sent the paper to you, Mr. Holmes.

その時、私はあなたに手紙を書いて送ったのです、ホームズさん。

It was not a thing that I could take to the police, for they would have laughed at me, but you will tell me what to do.

take to (持っていく) [動] bring or carry something to a place

laugh at (笑う) [動] find something funny

警察に持っていけるようなものではなかった、彼らは私を笑っただろうが、あなたならどうすればいいか教えてくれるだろう。

I am not a rich man, but if there is any danger threatening my little woman, I would spend my last copper to shield her.”

threaten (脅かす) [動] to say or do something that causes someone to be afraid or anxious

shield (守る) [動] to protect someone or something from harm or danger

私は金持ちではないが、もし私の小さな女を脅かす危険があるなら、私は彼女を守るために最後の銅貨を使うだろう。」

He was a fine creature, this man of the old English soil—simple, straight, and gentle, with his great, earnest blue eyes and broad, comely face.

English (英国の) [形] of or relating to England or its people or language

soil (土壌) [名] the upper layer of earth in which plants grow

straight (真っ直ぐな) [形] without a bend or curve

gentle (優しい) [形] not rough or violent; mild, moderate, or slight

great (大きい) [形] of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average

earnest (真面目な) [形] showing a sincere and intense desire or effort

comely (美しい) [形] pleasant to look at; attractive

彼は立派な人物だった、この古き英国の土壌の男は、素朴で、真っ直ぐで、優しく、大きくて真面目な青い目と、広く美しい顔をしていた。

His love for his wife and his trust in her shone in his features.

trust (信頼) [名] a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something

妻への愛と信頼が彼の顔に輝いていた。

Holmes had listened to his story with the utmost attention, and now he sat for some time in silent thought.

utmost (最大限の) [形] of the highest degree or intensity

ホームズは彼の話を最大限の注意を払って聞いていたが、今はしばらく黙って考え込んでいた。

“Don’t you think, Mr. Cubitt,” said he, at last, “that your best plan would be to make a direct appeal to your wife, and to ask her to share her secret with you?”

Mr. Cubitt (キュービットさん) [名] a man's name

plan (方法) [名] a method of doing something

make a direct appeal (直接訴える) [動] ask someone directly for something

share (打ち明ける) [動] tell someone about something

「キュービットさん、奥さんに直接訴えて、秘密を打ち明けてもらうのが一番いい方法だと思いませんか?」

Hilton Cubitt shook his massive head.

ヒルトン・キュービットは大きな頭を振った。

“A promise is a promise, Mr. Holmes.

「約束は約束です、ホームズさん。

If Elsie wished to tell me she would.

エルシーが私に話したいと思ったら、そうするでしょう。

If not, it is not for me to force her confidence.

if not (そうでなければ) [接] or else; otherwise

force (強要する) [動] make someone do something against their will

confidence (信頼) [名] a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities

そうでなければ、彼女の信頼を強要するのは私の役目ではありません。

But I am justified in taking my own line—and I will.”

be justified in (正当である) [動] be right or fair

take one's own line (自分の道を進む) [動] follow one's own course of action

will (そうする) [動] be going to; intend to

しかし、私は自分の道を進むのは正当なことです。そして、そうします。」

“Then I will help you with all my heart.

with all my heart (心から) [副] sincerely

「それなら、心からあなたを助けましょう。

In the first place, have you heard of any strangers being seen in your neighbourhood?”

in the first place (まず) [副] before anything else; first of all

hear of (聞いたことがある) [動] be aware of the existence or occurrence of

stranger (見知らぬ人) [名] a person whom one does not know

be seen (目撃される) [動] be noticed or observed

まず、近所で誰か見知らぬ人が目撃されたという話は聞いたことがありますか?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“I presume that it is a very quiet place.

「そこはとても静かな場所だと推測します。

Any fresh face would cause comment?”

fresh (見慣れない) [形] not previously known or used

comment (話題) [名] a remark expressing an opinion or reaction

見慣れない顔があれば話題になるでしょう?」

“In the immediate neighbourhood, yes.

neighbourhood (近所) [名] the area around one's home

「すぐ近所ではそうですね。

But we have several small watering-places not very far away.

not very far away (それほど遠くない) [副] not a great distance away

watering-place (温泉地) [名] a place where people go to drink or bathe in mineral water

しかし、それほど遠くないところに小さな温泉地がいくつかあります。

And the farmers take in lodgers.”

farmer (農家) [名] a person who grows crops or raises animals for a living

take in (受け入れる) [動] to allow to enter

lodger (宿泊客) [名] a person who lives in a rented room in someone else's house

農家は宿泊客を受け入れています。」

“These hieroglyphics have evidently a meaning.

hieroglyphic (象形文字) [名] a character used in a system of writing with pictures or symbols

「この象形文字には明らかに意味がある。

If it is a purely arbitrary one, it may be impossible for us to solve it.

purely (全く) [副] completely; totally

arbitrary (独断的) [形] based on or determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or the intrinsic nature of something

solve (解読する) [動] find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery)

もしそれが全く独断的なものなら、私たちが解読するのは不可能かもしれない。

If, on the other hand, it is systematic, I have no doubt that we shall get to the bottom of it.

systematic (体系的) [形] methodical in procedure or plan

get to the bottom of (たどり着く) [動] discover the truth about

一方で、もしそれが体系的なものなら、私たちがその底にたどり着くことに疑いはない。

But this particular sample is so short that I can do nothing, and the facts which you have brought me are so indefinite that we have no basis for an investigation.

particular (特定の) [形] of or relating to a single person, thing, or group

sample (サンプル) [名] a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like

indefinite (不明瞭な) [形] not definite; not certain or exact

しかし、この特定のサンプルは短すぎて何もできないし、あなたが私に持ってきた事実はあまりにも不明瞭で、調査の根拠がない。

I would suggest that you return to Norfolk, that you keep a keen lookout, and that you take an exact copy of any fresh dancing men which may appear.

keep (続ける) [動] continue to do something

lookout (見張り) [名] a person who keeps watch

exact (正確な) [形] not deviating from truth or fact

copy (コピー) [名] a thing made to be similar or identical to another

ノーフォークに戻り、注意深く見張り、現れるかもしれない新しい踊る人の正確なコピーを取ることを提案する。

It is a thousand pities that we have not a reproduction of those which were done in chalk upon the window-sill.

a thousand pities (とても残念なことだ) [名] a great misfortune

reproduction (複製) [名] a copy of an original work of art

窓枠にチョークで描かれたものの複製がないのは、とても残念なことだ。

Make a discreet inquiry also as to any strangers in the neighbourhood.

discreet (慎重な) [形] careful about what you say or do

近所にいる見知らぬ人についても慎重に調べるように。

When you have collected some fresh evidence, come to me again.

新しい証拠を集めたら、また来るように。

That is the best advice which I can give you, Mr. Hilton Cubitt.

advice (アドバイス) [名] guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action

それが私があなたにできる最善のアドバイスだ、ヒルトン・キュービットさん。

If there are any pressing fresh developments, I shall be always ready to run down and see you in your Norfolk home.”

pressing (差し迫った) [形] urgent

run down (駆けつける) [動] go quickly to a place

何か差し迫った新しい展開があれば、私はいつでもあなたのノーフォークの家まで駆けつけてあなたに会いに行く用意がある。」

The interview left Sherlock Holmes very thoughtful, and several times in the next few days I saw him take his slip of paper from his notebook and look long and earnestly at the curious figures inscribed upon it.

interview (面談) [名] a meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation

thoughtful (考え込む) [形] thinking or showing careful thought

next few days (その後数日間) [名] the days immediately following the present day

slip of paper (紙片) [名] a small piece of paper

earnestly (熱心に) [副] in a serious manner

figure (文字) [名] a numerical symbol

面談の後、シャーロック・ホームズは非常に考え込んでしまい、その後数日間、彼がノートから紙片を取り出し、そこに書かれた奇妙な文字を長い時間熱心に眺めているのを何度も目にした。

He made no allusion to the affair, however, until one afternoon a fortnight or so later.

make no allusion (触れることはなかった) [動] not mention something

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

later (後) [副] at a time in the future

しかし、彼は二週間ほど後の午後までその事件に触れることはなかった。

I was going out when he called me back.

call back (呼び戻す) [動] telephone someone again

私が出かけようとした時、彼が私を呼び戻した。

“You had better stay here, Watson.”

stay (残る) [動] remain in the same place

「ワトソン、君はここに残った方がいい。」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“Because I had a wire from Hilton Cubitt this morning.

wire (電報) [名] a telegram

「今朝ヒルトン・キュービットから電報を受け取ったからだ。

You remember Hilton Cubitt, of the dancing men?

dancing men (踊る人形) [名] a character in the story

踊る人形のヒルトン・キュービットを覚えているか?

He was to reach Liverpool Street at one-twenty.

Liverpool Street (リバプール街) [名] a street in London

one-twenty (1時20分) [名] 1:20

彼はリバプール街に1時20分に着く予定だった。

He may be here at any moment.

be here (ここに来る) [動] arrive at this place

at any moment (いつでも) [副] at any time; at any instant

彼はいつここに来てもいい。

I gather from his wire that there have been some new incidents of importance.”

gather (推測される) [動] conclude or understand from evidence or reasoning

彼の電報から、何か重要な新しい事件があったと推測される。」

We had not long to wait, for our Norfolk squire came straight from the station as fast as a hansom could bring him.

not long (長くはない) [副] a short period of time

squire (地主) [名] a country gentleman, especially the chief landowner in a district

straight (まっすぐ) [副] without changing direction

fast (速い) [形] moving or capable of moving at high speed

bring (運ぶ) [動] take or carry someone or something to a place

我々は長く待つ必要はなかった。我々のノーフォークの地主は駅からハンサムが彼を運べる限りの速さでまっすぐやってきた。

He was looking worried and depressed, with tired eyes and a lined forehead.

worried (心配そう) [形] anxious or concerned

depressed (落ち込んでいる) [形] in a state of general unhappiness or despondency

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

lined (しわが寄った) [形] marked with lines

彼は心配そうで落ち込んでおり、目は疲れ、額にはしわが寄っていた。

“It’s getting on my nerves, this business, Mr. Holmes,” said he, as he sank, like a wearied man, into an armchair.

get on one's nerves (神経に触れる) [動] to annoy or irritate someone

wearied (疲れた) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

armchair (肘掛け椅子) [名] a chair with arms to support the sitter's forearms

「この事件は私の神経に触れ始めている、ホームズさん」と彼は疲れた人のように肘掛け椅子に沈みながら言った。

“It’s bad enough to feel that you are surrounded by unseen, unknown folk, who have some kind of design upon you, but when, in addition to that, you know that it is just killing your wife by inches, then it becomes as much as flesh and blood can endure.

surround (囲む) [動] be around something on all sides

unseen (目に見えない) [形] not seen or not able to be seen

folk (人々) [名] people in general

have some kind of design upon (企みを持っている) [動] have a plan or intention to do something

in addition to (加えて) [副] as well as; besides

by inches (少しずつ) [副] very slowly or gradually

「自分に対して何か企みを持っている目に見えない、知らない人々に囲まれていると感じるだけでも十分に悪いことだが、それに加えて、それが自分の妻を少しずつ殺していることを知ったときには、肉体と血が耐えられる限界に達する。

She’s wearing away under it—just wearing away before my eyes.”

wear away (衰弱する) [動] become weak or thin

彼女はその下で衰弱している、私の目の前で衰弱している。」

“Has she said anything yet?”

yet (もう) [副] up to the present time; now

「彼女はもう何か言ったか?」

“No, Mr. Holmes, she has not.

has not (言っていない) [助] have not; have not done something

「いいえ、ホームズさん、彼女は何も言っていない。

And yet there have been times when the poor girl has wanted to speak, and yet could not quite bring herself to take the plunge.

there have been times (時があった) [名] a period of time in which events occur and in which things change

girl (娘) [名] a young female human being

could not (できなかった) [助] be unable to

quite (全く) [副] completely; absolutely

bring oneself to (決心する) [動] force oneself to do something

take the plunge (決心する) [動] decide to do something new or risky

それでも、そのかわいそうな娘が話したいと思った時があったが、それでも、決心することができなかった。

I have tried to help her, but I daresay I did it clumsily, and scared her from it.

try (試みる) [動] make an attempt or effort to do something

daresay (恐らく) [動] be fairly sure or certain

clumsily (不器用に) [副] in a way that is awkward or unskillful

scare (怖がらせる) [動] cause to become frightened

私は彼女を助けようとしたが、恐らく私はそれを不器用にやって、彼女を怖がらせてしまった。

She has spoken about my old family, and our reputation in the county, and our pride in our unsullied honour, and I always felt it was leading to the point, but somehow it turned off before we got there.”

county (郡) [名] a territorial division of a country

unsullied (汚れのない) [形] not stained or tarnished

lead to (つながる) [動] to cause to happen or exist

turn off (逸れる) [動] to change direction

彼女は私の古い家族や、郡での評判、そして私たちの汚れのない名誉に対する誇りについて話していたが、私はいつもそれが要点につながっていると感じていたが、そこにたどり着く前に何とか話が逸れてしまった。」

“But you have found out something for yourself?”

find out (見つける) [動] discover or notice

yourself (あなた自身) [代] the person that you are

「しかし、あなたは自分で何かを見つけたのですか?」

“A good deal, Mr. Holmes.

a good deal (かなり) [名] a large amount or extent

「かなりあります、ホームズさん。

I have several fresh dancing-men pictures for you to examine, and, what is more important,

dancing-men (踊る人間の) [名] a man who dances

picture (絵) [名] a representation of a person, animal, or thing in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc.

あなたに調べてもらうための新しい踊る人間の絵がいくつかあるし、もっと重要なのは、

I have seen the fellow.”

私はその男を見ました。」

“What, the man who draws them?”

「何、それを描いた男を?」

“Yes, I saw him at his work.

「そうです、彼が仕事をしているのを見ました。

But I will tell you everything in order.

in order (順を追って) [副] in the correct sequence

しかし、順を追ってすべてをお話ししましょう。

When I got back after my visit to you, the very first thing I saw next morning was a fresh crop of dancing men.

very first (一番最初の) [形] the earliest or most recent

next morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after the present day

fresh crop (新しい絵) [名] a new batch or group of something

君を訪ねた後に戻ったとき、翌朝最初に目にしたのは踊る人の新しい絵だった。

They had been drawn in chalk upon the black wooden door of the tool-house, which stands beside the lawn in full view of the front windows.

tool-house (道具小屋) [名] a small building where tools are stored

それは、正面の窓からよく見える芝生の横にある道具小屋の黒い木製の扉にチョークで描かれていた。

I took an exact copy, and here it is.”

take (写し取る) [動] make a copy of

copy (写し) [名] a duplicate of an original

here (これ) [代] this

be (それだ) [動] exist or be present

正確に写し取った、これがそれだ。」

He unfolded a paper and laid it upon the table.

彼は紙を広げてテーブルの上に置いた。

Here is a copy of the hieroglyphics:

これが象形文字の写しだ。

“Excellent!” said Holmes.

「素晴らしい!」とホームズは言った。

“Excellent! Pray continue.”

「素晴らしい! どうぞ続けて。」

“When I had taken the copy, I rubbed out the marks, but, two mornings later, a fresh inscription had appeared.

rub out (消す) [動] erase or remove

mark (印) [名] a visible trace or impression

inscription (文字) [名] something that is written or engraved

「写しを取った後、私は印を消したが、二日後の朝、新しい文字が現れた。

I have a copy of it here:”

ここに写しがある。」

Holmes rubbed his hands and chuckled with delight.

rub (こする) [動] move one's hand or an object over a surface with pressure

chuckle (くすくす笑う) [動] laugh quietly or with restraint

ホームズは手をこすり合わせ、喜んでくすくす笑った。

“Our material is rapidly accumulating,” said he.

material (材料) [名] the matter from which a thing is or can be made

accumulate (集まる) [動] gather together or acquire a large amount of something

「材料が急速に集まってきた」と彼は言った。

“Three days later a message was left scrawled upon paper, and placed under a pebble upon the sundial. Here it is.

three days later (三日後) [名] three days after the time of writing

message (メッセージ) [名] a communication from one person to another

place (置く) [動] put something in a particular position

pebble (石) [名] a small stone

here it is (これがそれだ) [名] this is the thing that I am talking about

「三日後、紙に走り書きされたメッセージが残され、日時計の上の石の下に置かれていた。これがそれだ。

The characters are, as you see, exactly the same as the last one.

character (文字) [名] a letter, digit, or other symbol that is used in writing or printing

exactly (全く) [副] in every way; to the fullest extent

ご覧の通り、文字は前回と全く同じだ。

After that I determined to lie in wait, so I got out my revolver and I sat up in my study, which overlooks the lawn and garden.

after that (その後) [副] after that time

lie in wait (待ち伏せする) [動] wait in hiding to attack or ambush

get out (取り出す) [動] take out

sit up (座る) [動] sit with your back straight

overlook (見下ろす) [動] look over or down on

その後、私は待ち伏せしようと決心し、リボルバーを取り出し、芝生と庭を見下ろす書斎に座った。

About two in the morning I was seated by the window, all being dark save for the moonlight outside, when I heard steps behind me, and there was my wife in her dressing-gown.

about two (二時頃) [名] approximately two

in the morning (午前) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

being dark (真っ暗) [動] be without light

moonlight (月明かり) [名] the light of the moon

午前二時頃、私は窓際に座っていたが、外は月明かり以外は真っ暗で、背後で足音が聞こえ、妻がドレッシングガウンを着て立っていた。

She implored me to come to bed.

implore (懇願する) [動] beg someone earnestly

彼女は私にベッドに来るように懇願した。

I told her frankly that I wished to see who it was who played such absurd tricks upon us.

frankly (率直に) [副] in a direct and honest way

trick (いたずら) [名] a mischievous act or prank

私は率直に、こんな馬鹿げたいたずらをするのは誰なのか知りたいんだと言った。

She answered that it was some senseless practical joke, and that I should not take any notice of it.

senseless (無意味な) [形] lacking meaning or purpose

take notice of (気づく) [動] become aware of

彼女は、それは無意味な悪ふざけであり、私はそれに気づかないようにすべきだと答えた。

“‘If it really annoys you, Hilton, we might go and travel, you and I, and so avoid this nuisance.’

annoy (困らせる) [動] to irritate or bother

Hilton (ヒルトン) [名] a surname

travel (旅行する) [動] to go from one place to another

nuisance (厄介事) [名] a person or thing that causes trouble or annoyance

「もし本当に困るなら、ヒルトン、あなたと私で旅行にでも行って、この厄介事を避けましょう」

“‘What, be driven out of our own house by a practical joker?’ said I.

drive out (追い出す) [動] force to leave

practical joker (悪ふざけする奴) [名] a person who plays practical jokes

「何、悪ふざけする奴に家から追い出されるのか?」と私は言った。

‘Why, we should have the whole county laughing at us.’

「なぜ、郡全体に笑われるんだ」

“‘Well, come to bed,’ said she, ‘and we can discuss it in the morning.’

come to bed (ベッドに来なさい) [動] go to bed

「まあ、ベッドに来なさい」と彼女は言った。「朝に話し合うことができるよ」

“Suddenly, as she spoke, I saw her white face grow whiter yet in the moonlight, and her hand tightened upon my shoulder.

as (間に) [接] during the time that

grow (なる) [動] become

whiter (さらに白く) [形] more white

tighten (強く握る) [動] make or become tight or tighter

「突然、彼女が話している間に、私は彼女の白い顔が月明かりの下でさらに白くなるのを見ました、そして彼女の手は私の肩を強く握りました。

Something was moving in the shadow of the tool-house.

道具小屋の影に何かが動いていた。

I saw a dark, creeping figure which crawled round the corner and squatted in front of the door.

creeping (忍び寄る) [形] moving slowly and carefully, so as not to be noticed

corner (角) [名] the place where two walls, lines, streets, etc. meet

私は暗く忍び寄る姿が角を曲がって這い、ドアの前にしゃがむのを見た。

Seizing my pistol, I was rushing out, when my wife threw her arms round me and held me with convulsive strength.

pistol (ピストル) [名] a small firearm that can be held in one hand

hold (抱きしめる) [動] keep a firm grip on

convulsive (痙攣した) [形] produced by or as if by a convulsion

ピストルをつかんで、私は急いでいたが、妻が腕を私の周りに投げつけ、痙攣した力で私を抱きしめた。

I tried to throw her off, but she clung to me most desperately.

throw off (振り払う) [動] get rid of

cling to (しがみつく) [動] hold on to something tightly

desperately (必死に) [副] in a very urgent way

私は彼女を振り払おうとしたが、彼女は必死に私にしがみついた。

At last I got clear, but by the time I had opened the door and reached the house the creature was gone.

get clear (逃げ出す) [動] escape

reach (入る) [動] arrive at

be gone (いなくなる) [動] no longer be present

ついに私は逃げ出したが、ドアを開けて家に入るまでにその生き物はいなくなっていた。

He had left a trace of his presence, however, for there on the door was the very same arrangement of dancing men which had already twice appeared, and which I have copied on that paper.

leave a trace (痕跡を残す) [動] leave a mark or sign of something

arrangement (配置) [名] the way in which something is organized or arranged

しかし、彼はそこにいた痕跡を残していた。ドアには、すでに二度現れた踊る人形の配置が全く同じで、私はそれを紙に書き写した。

There was no other sign of the fellow anywhere, though I ran all over the grounds.

anywhere (どこにも) [副] in or to any place

敷地内を走り回ったが、どこにもその男の姿はなかった。

And yet the amazing thing is that he must have been there all the time, for when I examined the door again in the morning, he had scrawled some more of his pictures under the line which I had already seen.”

all the time (ずっと) [副] continuously

それでも驚くべきことに、彼はずっとそこにいたに違いない。朝、ドアをもう一度調べてみると、私がすでに見た線の下に彼の絵がさらにいくつか走り書きされていたからだ。」

“Have you that fresh drawing?”

「その新しい絵は持っているか?」

“Yes, it is very short, but I made a copy of it, and here it is.”

make a copy (コピーを取る) [動] make a duplicate of

here it is (これがそれです) [句] this is the thing you are looking for

「はい、とても短いですが、コピーを取ってあります。これがそれです。」

Again he produced a paper.

彼は再び紙を取り出した。

The new dance was in this form:

new (新しい) [形] recently created or having been in existence for a short time

dance (踊り) [名] a series of rhythmic steps and movements usually performed to music

新しい踊りはこんな形だった。

“Tell me,” said Holmes—and I could see by his eyes that he was much excited—“was this a mere addition to the first or did it appear to be entirely separate?”

separate (別) [形] not connected or joined

「教えてくれ」とホームズは言った。彼の目から彼がとても興奮しているのがわかった。「これは最初のものに単に加えられたのか、それとも全く別のものに見えたのか?」

“It was on a different panel of the door.”

be on (ある) [動] be located on

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

「それはドアの別のパネルにありました。」

“Excellent! This is far the most important of all for our purpose.

far (はるかに) [副] to a great extent; by a great deal

「素晴らしい! これは我々の目的にとって最も重要なことだ。

It fills me with hopes.

fill (湧いてくる) [動] make full or complete

希望が湧いてくる。

Now, Mr. Hilton Cubitt, please continue your most interesting statement.”

では、ヒルトン・キュービットさん、あなたの興味深い話を続けてください。」

“I have nothing more to say, Mr. Holmes, except that I was angry with my wife that night for having held me back when I might have caught the skulking rascal.

have nothing more to say (言うことはありません) [動] have no more to say

hold back (引き止める) [動] prevent from doing something

catch (捕まえる) [動] capture or seize

skulking (卑劣な) [形] moving in a stealthy manner

rascal (悪党) [名] a mischievous person

「ホームズさん、もう言うことはありません。あの夜、あの卑劣な悪党を捕まえられたかもしれないのに、妻が私を引き止めたことに腹を立てた以外は。

She said that she feared that I might come to harm.

come to harm (危害を加えられる) [動] be hurt or killed

that (と) [接] used to introduce a reported statement

彼女は私が危害を加えられるのではないかと心配したと言っていました。

For an instant it had crossed my mind that perhaps what she really feared was that he might come to harm, for I could not doubt that she knew who this man was, and what he meant by these strange signals.

cross one's mind (頭をよぎる) [動] to come into one's mind

perhaps (おそらく) [副] possibly; maybe

could not doubt (疑いようがなかった) [動] be certain about

these (この) [限] the ones that are near or with the speaker

signal (合図) [名] a gesture, action, or sound that is used to give information or instructions

一瞬、彼女が本当に恐れていたのは、彼が危害を加えられるかもしれないということだったのではないかと頭をよぎった。なぜなら、彼女がこの男が誰で、この奇妙な合図が何を意味するのかを知っていたことは疑いようがなかったからだ。

But there is a tone in my wife’s voice, Mr. Holmes, and a look in her eyes which forbid doubt, and I am sure that it was indeed my own safety that was in her mind.

tone (トーン) [名] the quality of a sound

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

mind (頭の中) [名] the seat of consciousness, thought, volition, and feeling

safety (安全) [名] the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury

しかし、ホームズさん、妻の声のトーンや目の表情には疑いを抱かせるものがあり、彼女の頭の中にあったのは確かに私自身の安全だったと思います。

There’s the whole case, and now I want your advice as to what I ought to do.

whole case (事件の全容) [名] the entire case

ought to do (すべきこと) [動] should do

これが事件の全容です。これからどうすればいいか、アドバイスをお願いします。

My own inclination is to put half a dozen of my farm lads in the shrubbery, and when this fellow comes again to give him such a hiding that he will leave us in peace for the future.”

inclination (考え) [名] a tendency or disposition to do something

farm (農場) [名] an area of land and its buildings used for growing crops and rearing animals

shrubbery (植え込み) [名] a planting of shrubs

hiding (隠れ場所) [名] a place of concealment

peace (平和) [名] a state of tranquility or quiet

私としては、農場の若者を半ダースほど植え込みに配置して、この男がまた来たら、彼が将来私たちを平和にしてくれるように、彼を隠してやりたいと思っています。」

“I fear it is too deep a case for such simple remedies,” said Holmes.

deep (深刻) [形] very serious or intense

remedy (治療法) [名] a medicine or treatment that cures or alleviates a disease or symptom

「そんな単純な治療法では深刻すぎる事件のような気がします」とホームズは言った。

“How long can you stay in London?”

how long (どれくらい) [副] for what period of time

stay (滞在する) [動] remain in a place

「ロンドンにどれくらい滞在できますか?」

“I must go back to-day.

go back (帰る) [動] return to a place

「今日帰らなければならない。

I would not leave my wife alone all night for anything.

leave alone (一人にする) [動] not disturb or interfere with

all night (一晩中) [副] for the entire night

for anything (絶対に) [副] under any circumstances

妻を一晩中一人にするなんてことは絶対にしない。

She is very nervous, and begged me to come back.”

nervous (神経質な) [形] easily agitated or anxious

beg (懇願する) [動] ask someone earnestly or humbly for something

彼女はとても神経質で、帰ってきてと懇願したんだ。」

“I daresay you are right.

「恐らく君の言う通りだろう。

But if you could have stopped, I might possibly have been able to return with you in a day or two.

stop (止まる) [動] come to an end

しかし、もし君がここにいてくれたら、私は一日か二日で君と一緒に帰れたかもしれない。

Meanwhile you will leave me these papers, and I think that it is very likely that I shall be able to pay you a visit shortly and to throw some light upon your case.”

very likely (非常にありそう) [形] having a high probability of occurring

be able to (できる) [助] have the ability, power, or skill to do something

throw some light upon (光を当てる) [動] to make something easier to understand

その間にこの書類を預かってくれ、私はすぐに君を訪ねて、この事件に光を当てることができると思う。」

Sherlock Holmes preserved his calm professional manner until our visitor had left us, although it was easy for me, who knew him so well, to see that he was profoundly excited.

professional (職業的な) [形] of, relating to, or connected with a profession

although (にもかかわらず) [接] in spite of the fact that

profoundly (深く) [副] to a great depth

excited (興奮している) [形] in a state of excitement

シャーロック・ホームズは、訪問者が去るまで冷静な職業的な態度を保っていたが、彼をよく知る私には、彼が深く興奮しているのは容易に分かった。

The moment that Hilton Cubitt’s broad back had disappeared through the door my comrade rushed to the table, laid out all the slips of paper containing dancing men in front of him, and threw himself into an intricate and elaborate calculation.

broad back (広い背中) [名] a back that is wide

moment (瞬間) [名] a very brief period of time

lay out (並べる) [動] arrange in a certain way

contain (描かれている) [動] have or hold within

dancing man (踊る人) [名] a man who is dancing

throw oneself into (没頭する) [動] become deeply involved in

intricate (複雑な) [形] very complicated or detailed

elaborate (精巧な) [形] very complicated or detailed

calculation (計算) [名] the mathematical determination of the value of something

ヒルトン・キュービットの広い背中がドアから消えた瞬間、私の友人はテーブルに駆け寄り、踊る人間が描かれた紙片をすべて目の前に並べ、複雑で精巧な計算に没頭した。

For two hours I watched him as he covered sheet after sheet of paper with figures and letters, so completely absorbed in his task that he had evidently forgotten my presence.

for two hours (二時間) [名] a period of time equal to 120 minutes

cover (書き込む) [動] write or draw on the surface of

sheet (紙) [名] a thin material in the form of a wide, flat surface

completely (完全に) [副] totally; absolutely

absorb (没頭する) [動] take up the attention or interest of

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

彼が紙に次々と数字や文字を書き込むのを二時間見ていたが、彼は自分の作業に完全に没頭し、私の存在を忘れているようだった。

Sometimes he was making progress and whistled and sang at his work;

whistle (口笛を吹く) [動] to make a whistling sound

sing (歌う) [動] to make musical sounds with the voice

時々、彼は進歩して、仕事中に口笛を吹いたり歌ったりした。

sometimes he was puzzled, and would sit for long spells with a furrowed brow and a vacant eye.

sometimes (時々) [副] occasionally; at times

be puzzled (困惑する) [動] be confused or perplexed

spell (時間) [名] a period of time

furrowed brow (眉をひそめる) [名] a facial expression characterized by a furrowing of the brow

vacant eye (ぼんやりとした目) [名] a facial expression characterized by a lack of focus in the eyes

時々、彼は困惑し、長い時間、眉をひそめ、ぼんやりとした目で座っていた。

Finally he sprang from his chair with a cry of satisfaction, and walked up and down the room rubbing his hands together.

finally (ついに) [副] after a long time, or after a lot of problems

walk up and down (行ったり来たりする) [動] move from one place to another and back again

ついに彼は満足の叫び声を上げて椅子から飛び上がり、手をこすり合わせながら部屋を行ったり来たり歩き回った。

Then he wrote a long telegram upon a cable form.

then (それから) [副] after that; afterwards

cable (電報用紙) [名] a message sent by telegraph

それから彼は電報用紙に長い電報を書いた。

“If my answer to this is as I hope, you will have a very pretty case to add to your collection, Watson,” said he.

answer (答え) [名] a reply to a question

add (加わる) [動] join or combine with something else

「もし私の答えが期待通りなら、君のコレクションにとても素晴らしい事件が加わることになるよ、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“I expect that we shall be able to go down to Norfolk tomorrow, and to take our friend some very definite news as to the secret of his annoyance.”

go down to (行く) [動] move from a higher to a lower place

take (届ける) [動] carry or bring with oneself

annoyance (悩み) [名] the feeling of being annoyed

「明日はノーフォークに行けると思うし、友人に彼の悩みの秘密についてとても確かな情報を届けられると思う」

I confess that I was filled with curiosity, but I was aware that Holmes liked to make his disclosures at his own time and in his own way, so I waited until it should suit him to take me into his confidence.

be filled with (いっぱいである) [動] be full of

make disclosure (真相を明かす) [動] make known

in one's own way (自分の好きな方法で) [副] in the way that one prefers

私は好奇心でいっぱいだったことを白状するが、ホームズが自分の好きな時に自分の好きな方法で真相を明かすのが好きだということを知っていたので、彼が私を信頼して打ち明けてくれるまで待った。

But there was a delay in that answering telegram, and two days of impatience followed, during which Holmes pricked up his ears at every ring of the bell.

delay (遅れ) [名] a period of time by which something is late or postponed

answering (返信) [名] a reply

prick up one's ears (耳をそばだてる) [動] to listen attentively

しかし、返信の電報が遅れ、その後の二日間は焦れったく、その間ホームズはベルが鳴るたびに耳をそばだてた。

On the evening of the second there came a letter from Hilton Cubitt.

second (二日目) [名] the second day

二日目の夕方、ヒルトン・キュービットから手紙が来た。

All was quiet with him, save that a long inscription had appeared that morning upon the pedestal of the sundial.

inscription (碑文) [名] a text that is carved, scratched, or written on a surface

pedestal (台座) [名] a base or support on which a statue, obelisk, or column is mounted

彼の周囲はすべて静かだったが、その朝、日時計の台座に長い碑文が現れた。

He inclosed a copy of it, which is here reproduced:

inclose (同封する) [動] put something in an envelope with something else

reproduce (再現する) [動] make a copy of

彼はその写しを同封していたので、ここに再現する。

Holmes bent over this grotesque frieze for some minutes, and then suddenly sprang to his feet with an exclamation of surprise and dismay.

frieze (絵文字) [名] a horizontal band of sculpture or decoration

some minutes (数分間) [名] a period of time

spring to one's feet (立ち上がる) [動] to stand up quickly

exclamation (叫び声) [名] a sudden cry or remark

ホームズはこの奇怪な絵文字を数分間眺めた後、突然驚きと狼狽の叫び声を上げて立ち上がった。

His face was haggard with anxiety.

anxiety (心配) [名] a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

彼の顔は心配でやつれていた。

“We have let this affair go far enough,” said he.

let go (放置する) [動] release one's hold on

far (十分に) [副] to a great extent; a lot

「この事件を十分に放置してきた」と彼は言った。

“Is there a train to North Walsham to-night?”

North Walsham (ノース・ウォルシャム) [名] a market town in Norfolk, England

「今夜ノース・ウォルシャム行きの列車はあるか?」

I turned up the time-table.

turn up (調べる) [動] to find or discover by searching

time-table (時刻表) [名] a schedule of the times at which events are planned to take place

私は時刻表を調べた。

The last had just gone.

last (最終列車) [名] the last one

最終列車はちょうど出たばかりだった。

“Then we shall breakfast early and take the very first in the morning,” said Holmes.

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

take (乗る) [動] go by means of

「それなら早めに朝食をとり、朝一番の列車に乗ろう」とホームズは言った。

“Our presence is most urgently needed.

urgently (緊急に) [副] in a manner that is urgent; with urgency

「我々の存在が最も緊急に必要とされている。

Ah! here is our expected cablegram.

expected (待っていた) [形] regarded as likely to happen

cablegram (電報) [名] a telegram sent by a submarine telegraph cable

ああ! ここに我々が待っていた電報がある。

One moment, Mrs. Hudson, there may be an answer.

there may be (あるかもしれない) [動] it is possible that there is

ちょっと待って、ハドソンさん、返事があるかもしれない。

No, that is quite as I expected.

as (通り) [接] in the same way that

expect (予想する) [動] regard as likely to happen

いや、それは全く私の予想通りだ。

This message makes it even more essential that we should not lose an hour in letting Hilton Cubitt know how matters stand, for it is a singular and a dangerous web in which our simple Norfolk squire is entangled.”

essential (不可欠) [形] absolutely necessary; indispensable

lose (無駄にする) [動] fail to keep or maintain

let (知らせる) [動] allow to

stand (なる) [動] be in a specified state or condition

entangle (巻き込まれる) [動] catch or trap in or as if in a net or snare

このメッセージは、ヒルトン・キュービットに事態がどうなっているかを知らせるのに一刻も無駄にすべきではないことをさらに明らかにしている。なぜなら、それは我々の単純なノーフォークの従者が巻き込まれている特異な危険な網だからだ。」

So, indeed, it proved, and as I come to the dark conclusion of a story which had seemed to me to be only childish and bizarre, I experience once again the dismay and horror with which I was filled.

come to (至る) [動] reach a certain point

bizarre (奇妙な) [形] very strange or unusual

horror (恐怖) [名] an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust

実際、そうだったし、私には子供じみていて奇妙なだけに思えた物語の暗い結末に至ると、私は再び、私が満たされていた狼狽と恐怖を経験する。

Would that I had some brighter ending to communicate to my readers, but these are the chronicles of fact, and I must follow to their dark crisis the strange chain of events which for some days made Riding Thorpe Manor a household word through the length and breadth of England.

communicate (伝える) [動] share or exchange information

reader (読者) [名] someone who reads

brighter (明るい) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; shining

ending (結末) [名] the final part of something

crisis (危機) [名] a time of intense difficulty or danger

some days (数日間) [名] an unspecified number of days

household word (有名) [名] a name or phrase that is very well known

length and breadth (至る所) [名] the whole area of a place

読者に伝えるもっと明るい結末があればよかったのだが、これらは事実の記録であり、私は数日間ライディング・ソープ・マナーをイギリスの至る所で有名にした奇妙な一連の出来事をその暗い危機まで追わなければならない。

We had hardly alighted at North Walsham, and mentioned the name of our destination, when the station-master hurried towards us.

alight (降りる) [動] get off a train, bus, or other vehicle

mention (告げる) [動] refer to briefly

destination (目的地) [名] the place to which someone or something is going or being sent

station-master (駅長) [名] the person in charge of a railway station

我々がノース・ウォルシャムで降りて、目的地の名前を告げると、駅長が我々の方へ急いで来た。

“I suppose that you are the detectives from London?” said he.

「あなた方がロンドンから来た探偵の方々でしょうか?」と彼は言った。

A look of annoyance passed over Holmes’s face.

pass over (浮かぶ) [動] move or cause to move over or across something

ホームズの顔に苛立ちの表情が浮かんだ。

“What makes you think such a thing?”

「どうしてそう思うんだ?」

“Because Inspector Martin from Norwich has just passed through.

Norwich (ノリッジ) [名] a city in Norfolk, England

Inspector Martin (マーティン警部) [名] a police officer in charge of a number of police officers and usually having the rank of inspector

「ノリッジのマーティン警部がついさっき通ったからです。

But maybe you are the surgeons.

surgeon (外科医) [名] a doctor who performs surgery

でも、もしかしたらあなた方は外科医かもしれませんね。

She’s not dead—or wasn’t by last accounts.

彼女は死んでいない、少なくとも最後の報告ではそうだった。

You may be in time to save her yet—though it be for the gallows.”

be in time (間に合う) [動] be early enough

gallows (絞首台) [名] a structure, typically with two or more uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals

彼女を救うには間に合うかもしれない、絞首台のためではあるが。」

Holmes’s brow was dark with anxiety.

ホームズの額は不安で暗かった。

“We are going to Riding Thorpe Manor,” said he, “but we have heard nothing of what has passed there.”

Riding Thorpe Manor (ライディング・ソープ荘園) [名] a manor in the story

「私たちはライディング・ソープ荘園に向かっている」と彼は言った、「しかし、そこで何が起こったかについては何も聞いていない。」

“It’s a terrible business,” said the stationmaster.

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

「ひどい事件だ」と駅長は言った。

“They are shot, both Mr. Hilton Cubitt and his wife.

be shot (撃たれる) [動] be hit by a bullet or other projectile

both (両方) [限] the two people or things mentioned

「ヒルトン・キュービット氏とその妻の両方が撃たれた。

She shot him and then herself—so the servants say.

彼女は彼を撃ち、それから自分を撃った、と使用人は言う。

He’s dead and her life is despaired of.

be dead (死んでいる) [動] no longer alive

be despaired of (絶望的だ) [動] to be in a state of hopelessness

彼は死んで、彼女の命も絶望的だ。

Dear, dear, one of the oldest families in the county of Norfolk, and one of the most honoured.”

Dear (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

one of (一つ) [名] a member of a group of people or things

oldest (最も古い) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

most honoured (最も尊敬されている) [形] held in high esteem

ああ、ノーフォーク州で最も古い家系の一つで、最も尊敬されている家系の一つだ。」

Without a word Holmes hurried to a carriage, and during the long seven miles’ drive he never opened his mouth.

without a word (一言も言わずに) [副] in silence

carriage (馬車) [名] a wheeled vehicle for people, usually pulled by horses

during (道中) [前] throughout the course or duration of

seven miles (七マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

drive (道中) [名] a trip in a vehicle

ホームズは一言も言わずに馬車に急ぎ、長い七マイルの道中、彼は口を開かなかった。

Seldom have I seen him so utterly despondent.

seldom (稀に) [副] not often; rarely

despondent (落胆した) [形] in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

彼がこれほどまでに落胆しているのを見たのは稀だった。

He had been uneasy during all our journey from town, and I had observed that he had turned over the morning papers with anxious attention, but now this sudden realization of his worst fears left him in a blank melancholy.

all our journey (ずっと) [名] the entire time

uneasy (落ち着きがない) [形] anxious or nervous

anxious attention (心配そうに) [名] a state of being worried or concerned

sudden realization (突然現実のものとなる) [名] the act of becoming fully aware of something as if for the first time

blank melancholy (ぼんやりと憂鬱) [名] a state of being sad or depressed

彼は街からずっと落ち着きがなく、朝刊を心配そうにめくっているのを見たが、今や彼の最も恐れていたことが突然現実のものとなり、彼はぼんやりと憂鬱になっていた。

He leaned back in his seat, lost in gloomy speculation.

lean back (凭れる) [動] to be in or move into a resting position in which the body is supported by a back or a surface

seat (席) [名] a place where someone may sit

lose (耽る) [動] to fail to win or gain

speculation (思索) [名] the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence

彼は席に凭れ、暗い思索に耽った。

Yet there was much around to interest us, for we were passing through as singular a countryside as any in England, where a few scattered cottages represented the population of to-day, while on every hand enormous square-towered churches bristled up from the flat green landscape and told of the glory and prosperity of old East Anglia.

Yet (それでも) [副] nevertheless; even so; still

there was (あった) [動] exist

much (たくさん) [名] a great deal

around (周り) [副] in all directions

to interest (興味を惹く) [動] to attract or hold the attention of

we were passing through (通り抜けていた) [動] go through or across

as singular a countryside (有数の田園地帯) [名] a rural area

as any in England (イギリスでも) [副] in or to the extent or degree that

where (そこには) [副] in or at the place that

a few scattered cottages (点在する数軒の小屋) [名] a small house, especially in the country

represented (表していた) [動] stand for or correspond to

to-day (今日) [名] the present day

on every hand (平坦な緑の景観から) [副] in every direction

enormous (巨大な) [形] very large

square-towered (四角い塔のある) [形] having a square tower

churches (教会) [名] a building used for public Christian worship

bristled up (突き出て) [動] stand up stiffly

from (から) [前] used to indicate a starting point

the flat green landscape (平坦な緑の景観) [名] all the visible features of an area of land

and told of (物語っていた) [動] give an account of

the glory and prosperity (栄光と繁栄) [名] the state or quality of being prosperous

of old East Anglia (古代イースト・アングリア王国の) [名] an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in eastern England

それでも、私たちの周りには興味を惹くものがたくさんあった。私たちはイギリスでも有数の田園地帯を通り抜けていた。そこには、点在する数軒の小屋が今日の人口を表していたが、一方で、四角い塔のある巨大な教会が平坦な緑の景観から突き出て、古代イースト・アングリア王国の栄光と繁栄を物語っていた。

At last the violet rim of the German Ocean appeared over the green edge of the Norfolk coast, and the driver pointed with his whip to two old brick and timber gables which projected from a grove of trees.

violet (すみれ色の) [形] of a color intermediate between blue and red in the visible spectrum

rim (縁) [名] the outer edge of a circular object

German Ocean (ドイツ海) [名] the North Sea

edge (縁) [名] the outer edge of a flat object

Norfolk coast (ノーフォーク海岸) [名] the coast of Norfolk, England

driver (御者) [名] a person who drives a vehicle

whip (鞭) [名] a strip of leather or a similar material used for striking a person or an animal

timber (木材) [名] wood prepared for use in building and construction

gable (切妻) [名] the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof

やがて、ドイツ海のすみれ色の縁がノーフォーク海岸の緑の縁に現れ、御者は木立から突き出た2つの古いレンガと木材の切妻を鞭で指さした。

“That’s Riding Thorpe Manor,” said he.

Riding Thorpe Manor (ライディング・ソープ荘) [名] a manor house in the story

「あれがライディング・ソープ荘だ」と彼は言った。

As we drove up to the porticoed front door, I observed in front of it, beside the tennis lawn, the black tool-house and the pedestalled sundial with which we had such strange associations.

drive up to (近づく) [動] move or travel toward

porticoed (柱廊玄関) [形] having a portico

front door (玄関) [名] the main door to a building

in front of (前) [前] directly ahead of

tennis lawn (テニス芝生) [名] a lawn used for playing tennis

pedestalled (台座付き) [形] having a pedestal

association (連想) [名] a mental connection between ideas, feelings, or memories

車が玄関の柱廊玄関に近づいていくと、その前のテニス芝生の横に、私たちが奇妙な連想を抱く黒い道具小屋と台座付きの日時計があるのが見えた。

A dapper little man, with a quick, alert manner and a waxed moustache, had just descended from a high dog-cart.

dapper (小粋な) [形] neat and trim in dress

wax (ワックスを塗った) [動] cover or treat with wax

dog-cart (ドッグカート) [名] a light horse-drawn vehicle with two wheels and a seat for the driver

機敏で機転の利く態度とワックスを塗った口ひげを生やした、小柄で小粋な男が、ちょうど高いドッグカートから降りてきたところだった。

He introduced himself as Inspector Martin, of the Norfolk Constabulary, and he was considerably astonished when he heard the name of my companion.

introduce oneself (名乗る) [動] give one's name to someone

Norfolk Constabulary (ノーフォーク警察) [名] the police force of the county of Norfolk

astonished (驚いた) [形] greatly surprised or amazed

彼はノーフォーク警察のマーティン警部と名乗り、私の連れの名を聞いてかなり驚いた。

“Why, Mr. Holmes, the crime was only committed at three this morning.

「なぜって、ホームズさん、犯行は今朝の三時だったんです。

How could you hear of it in London and get to the spot as soon as I?”

hear of (聞く) [動] be told or informed of

get to (たどり着く) [動] reach a destination

as soon as (同じくらい早く) [副] at the earliest possible time

どうしてロンドンでそれを聞いて、私と同じくらい早く現場にたどり着けたんですか?」

“I anticipated it.

「私はそれを予期していた。

I came in the hope of preventing it.”

それを防ぐために来たんだ。」

“Then you must have important evidence, of which we are ignorant, for they were said to be a most united couple.”

ignorant (知らない) [形] lacking knowledge or awareness in general

「それなら、我々が知らない重要な証拠をお持ちなんですね、彼らは最も仲の良い夫婦と言われていましたから。」

“I have only the evidence of the dancing men,” said Holmes.

「私は踊る人形の証拠しか持っていません」とホームズは言った。

“I will explain the matter to you later.

「後で説明するよ。

Meanwhile, since it is too late to prevent this tragedy, I am very anxious that I should use the knowledge which I possess in order to insure that justice be done.

meanwhile (一方で) [副] at the same time; in the intervening period

too late (遅すぎる) [形] after the usual or expected time

tragedy (悲劇) [名] a drama with an unhappy and usually fatal ending

anxious (心配している) [形] experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness

insure (保証する) [動] make certain of; ensure

justice (正義) [名] the quality of being just; righteousness

一方で、この悲劇を防ぐには遅すぎるので、私は正義が行なわれることを保証するために私が持っている知識を使うべきだととても心配している。

Will you associate me in your investigation, or will you prefer that I should act independently?”

associate (加わる) [動] join or connect

independently (独立して) [副] without being influenced or controlled by others

私を捜査に加わらせてくれますか、それとも私が独立して行動することを望みますか?」

“I should be proud to feel that we were acting together, Mr. Holmes,” said the inspector, earnestly.

proud (誇りに思う) [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

「ホームズさん、私たちが一緒に行動していると感じることができて誇りに思います」と警部は真剣に言った。

“In that case I should be glad to hear the evidence and to examine the premises without an instant of unnecessary delay.”

in that case (その場合) [副] if that is the case

be glad to (喜んで〜する) [動] be happy to

premises (現場) [名] a house or other building with its land and outbuildings, especially as occupied by a business or considered in law

「その場合、私は証拠を聞き、不必要に遅れることなく現場を調べることができて嬉しい」

Inspector Martin had the good sense to allow my friend to do things in his own fashion, and contented himself with carefully noting the results.

have the good sense to (良識がある) [動] be wise enough to

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

do things in one's own fashion (自分のやり方で物事をする) [動] do things in one's own way

content oneself with (満足する) [動] be happy with

note (記録する) [動] write down

マーティン警部は私の友人が彼自身のやり方で物事をするのを許す良識があり、結果を注意深く記録することで満足していた。

The local surgeon, an old, white-haired man, had just come down from Mrs. Hilton Cubitt’s room, and he reported that her injuries were serious, but not necessarily fatal.

local (地元の) [形] of or relating to a particular area or neighborhood

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

necessarily (必ずしも) [副] as a necessary result; inevitably

地元の外科医、白髪の老人がヒルトン・キュービット夫人の部屋から降りてきたところで、彼女の怪我は深刻だが必ずしも致命的ではないと報告した。

The bullet had passed through the front of her brain, and it would probably be some time before she could regain consciousness.

regain (取り戻す) [動] get or have again

consciousness (意識) [名] the state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings

弾丸は彼女の脳の前部を貫通しており、彼女が意識を取り戻すまでにはおそらくしばらく時間がかかるだろう。

On the question of whether she had been shot or had shot herself, he would not venture to express any decided opinion.

on the question of (問題について) [名] about the issue of

herself (自分で) [代] the female person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition

venture (敢えて) [動] dare to do something

decided (決まった) [形] having made a decision

opinion (意見) [名] a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge

彼女が撃たれたのか、自分で撃ったのかという問題については、彼は敢えて断言しようとはしなかった。

Certainly the bullet had been discharged at very close quarters.

discharge (発射する) [動] fire a gun or other weapon

close quarters (至近距離) [名] a very short distance

確かに弾丸は至近距離で発射されていた。

There was only the one pistol found in the room, two barrels of which had been emptied.

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

部屋にはピストルが一丁しかなく、二つの銃身は空だった。

Mr. Hilton Cubitt had been shot through the heart.

Mr. Hilton Cubitt (ヒルトン・キュービット氏) [名] a character in the story

ヒルトン・キュービット氏は心臓を撃たれていた。

It was equally conceivable that he had shot her and then himself, or that she had been the criminal, for the revolver lay upon the floor midway between them.

midway (中間) [名] the middle point of a journey or of a period of time

彼が彼女を撃って、それから自分を撃ったのか、あるいは彼女が犯人だったのか、どちらも考えられたが、リボルバーは二人の中間の床に落ちていた。

“Has he been moved?” asked Holmes.

「彼は動かされたのか?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“We have moved nothing except the lady.

「私たちは女性以外は何も動かしていません。

We could not leave her lying wounded upon the floor.”

彼女を床に傷を負って横たわったままにしておくことはできませんでした。」

“How long have you been here, Doctor?”

be here (いる) [動] be present in a place

doctor (先生) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

「ここにどれくらいいるんですか、先生?」

“Since four o’clock.”

four o'clock (4時) [名] the time of day when the hour hand of a clock is pointing to four

「4時からです。」

“Anyone else?”

「他に誰か?」

“Yes, the constable here.”

「はい、ここにいる巡査です。」

“And you have touched nothing?”

「そして何も触っていない?」

“Nothing.”

「何も。」

“You have acted with great discretion.

discretion (慎重) [名] the quality of being discreet; prudence

「君は非常に慎重に行動した。

Who sent for you?”

send for (呼ぶ) [動] to ask someone to come to you

誰が君を呼んだ?」

“The housemaid, Saunders.”

housemaid (女中) [名] a female domestic servant

Saunders (サンダース) [名] a surname

「女中のサンダースです。」

“Was it she who gave the alarm?”

give the alarm (警報を鳴らす) [動] to raise an alarm

she (彼女) [代] a female person or animal that is being discussed

「彼女が警報を鳴らしたのか?」

“She and Mrs. King, the cook.”

cook (料理人) [名] a person whose job is to prepare and cook food

「彼女と料理人のキング夫人です。」

“Where are they now?”

「今はどこにいる?」

“In the kitchen, I believe.”

kitchen (台所) [名] a room or area where food is prepared and cooked

「台所にいると思います。」

“Then I think we had better hear their story at once.”

「それならすぐに話を聞くべきだ。」

The old hall, oak-panelled and high-windowed, had been turned into a court of investigation.

oak-panelled (オーク材のパネル張り) [形] made of oak

high-windowed (高い窓のある) [形] having high windows

turn into (~と化す) [動] change into something else

court (法廷) [名] a place where legal cases are heard and decided

オーク材のパネル張りで高い窓のある古いホールは、捜査の法廷と化していた。

Holmes sat in a great, old-fashioned chair, his inexorable eyes gleaming out of his haggard face.

old-fashioned (古風な) [形] of a style or type formerly in vogue

ホームズは大きくて古風な椅子に座り、やつれた顔から容赦のない目が光っていた。

I could read in them a set purpose to devote his life to this quest until the client whom he had failed to save should at last be avenged.

devote (捧げる) [動] give all of one's time or energy to

avenge (仇を討つ) [動] inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong

私はその目から、救うことのできなかった依頼人の仇を討つまで、この探求に人生を捧げるという決意を読み取ることができた。

The trim Inspector Martin, the old, grey-headed country doctor, myself, and a stolid village policeman made up the rest of that strange company.

trim (きちんとした) [形] neat and tidy

grey-headed (白髪の) [形] having grey hair

country doctor (田舎医者) [名] a doctor who works in a rural area

myself (私) [代] I

stolid (無表情な) [形] showing little or no emotion

village policeman (村の警察官) [名] a police officer who works in a village

make up (~で構成される) [動] be composed of

company (集団) [名] a group of people

きちんとした身なりのマーティン警部、白髪の老いた田舎医者、私、そして無表情な村の警察官が、この奇妙な集団の残りのメンバーだった。

The two women told their story clearly enough.

clearly (明確に) [副] in a clear manner

二人の女性は、自分たちの話を十分に明確に語った。

They had been aroused from their sleep by the sound of an explosion, which had been followed a minute later by a second one.

be aroused from (目を覚ます) [動] be awakened from

sleep (眠り) [名] the natural state of rest in which consciousness practically disappears

explosion (爆発) [名] a violent and destructive shattering or blowing apart of something, as is caused by a bomb

minute (分) [名] a unit of time equal to sixty seconds

second (二度目) [名] the second of two equal parts into which something is or can be divided

二人は爆発音で目を覚まし、その一分後に二度目の爆発音がした。

They slept in adjoining rooms, and Mrs. King had rushed in to Saunders.

adjoining (隣り合った) [形] next to or touching each other

二人は隣り合った部屋で寝ていたため、キング夫人はサンダースの部屋に駆け込んだ。

Together they had descended the stairs.

二人は一緒に階段を降りた。

The door of the study was open, and a candle was burning upon the table.

candle (ろうそく) [名] a solid, cylindrical mass of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light

書斎のドアは開いており、テーブルの上にろうそくが灯っていた。

Their master lay upon his face in the centre of the room.

主人は部屋の真ん中でうつ伏せに倒れていた。

He was quite dead.

quite (完全に) [副] to the fullest extent

彼は完全に死んでいた。

Near the window his wife was crouching, her head leaning against the wall.

near (近くで) [前] close to; not far from

lean (もたせかける) [動] to be in or move into a sloping position

窓の近くで妻がうずくまり、頭を壁にもたせかけていた。

She was horribly wounded, and the side of her face was red with blood.

wound (傷を負う) [動] inflict a wound on

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

彼女はひどく傷を負っており、顔の横は血で赤く染まっていた。

She breathed heavily, but was incapable of saying anything.

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

heavily (激しく) [副] to a great degree or extent

incapable (できない) [形] lacking the ability to do something

彼女は激しく息をしていたが、何も言うことができなかった。

The passage, as well as the room, was full of smoke and the smell of powder.

full of (いっぱい) [形] having a great deal or many

smell (匂い) [名] the property of a substance that is perceived by the olfactory system

powder (火薬) [名] a dry substance consisting of ground-up particles

通路は部屋と同様に煙と火薬の匂いでいっぱいだった。

The window was certainly shut and fastened upon the inside.

fasten (固定する) [動] attach or join securely

窓は確かに閉じられ、内側から固定されていた。

Both women were positive upon the point.

positive (はっきりしている) [形] confident and optimistic

両方の女性はその点についてはっきりしていた。

They had at once sent for the doctor and for the constable.

send for (呼びにやる) [動] send someone to fetch someone or something

彼らはすぐに医者と巡査を呼びにやった。

Then, with the aid of the groom and the stable-boy, they had conveyed their injured mistress to her room.

groom (馬丁) [名] a person who takes care of horses

convey (運ぶ) [動] take or carry from one place to another

injured (怪我をした) [形] physically harmed or damaged

mistress (女主人) [名] a woman in a position of authority or control

それから、馬丁と厩番の助けを借りて、怪我をした女主人を彼女の部屋に運んだ。

Both she and her husband had occupied the bed.

husband (夫) [名] a married man

occupy (いる) [動] be present in or at a place or event

彼女と夫は二人ともベッドにいた。

She was clad in her dress—he in his dressing-gown, over his night-clothes.

be clad in (着ている) [動] be dressed in

dress (ドレス) [名] a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

night-clothes (寝間着) [名] clothes worn in bed

彼女はドレスを着ていたが、彼は寝間着の上にドレッシングガウンを着ていた。

Nothing had been moved in the study.

書斎では何も動かされていなかった。

So far as they knew, there had never been any quarrel between husband and wife.

彼らの知る限り、夫婦の間に喧嘩は一度もなかった。

They had always looked upon them as a very united couple.

look upon (思う) [動] consider or regard in a specified way

彼らはいつも二人をとても仲の良い夫婦だと思っていた。

These were the main points of the servants’ evidence.

main point (要点) [名] the most important part of something

これらが使用人の証言の要点だった。

In answer to Inspector Martin, they were clear that every door was fastened upon the inside, and that no one could have escaped from the house.

in answer to (への返答で) [前] in response to

マーティン警部への返答で、彼らはすべてのドアが内側から閉じられており、誰も家から逃げ出せなかったことは明らかだと言った。

In answer to Holmes, they both remembered that they were conscious of the smell of powder from the moment that they ran out of their rooms upon the top floor.

remember (思い出す) [動] recall to the mind

run out of (飛び出す) [動] leave quickly

top floor (最上階) [名] the highest floor of a building

ホームズへの返答で、彼らは二人とも最上階の部屋から飛び出した瞬間から火薬の匂いに気づいていたことを思い出した。

“I commend that fact very carefully to your attention,” said Holmes to his professional colleague.

colleague (同僚) [名] a person with whom one works in a profession or business

「私はその事実に注意を払うよう強く勧める」とホームズは同僚に言った。

“And now I think that we are in a position to undertake a thorough examination of the room.”

undertake (着手する) [動] take on or assume

thorough (徹底的な) [形] complete with regard to every detail; exhaustive

「そして今、私たちは部屋の徹底的な調査に着手する段階にあると思う」

The study proved to be a small chamber, lined on three sides with books, and with a writing-table facing an ordinary window, which looked out upon the garden.

prove (判明する) [動] be found or shown to be

line (囲む) [動] be arranged along the edge of

writing-table (書き物机) [名] a table with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work

face (面する) [動] be opposite to

look out (面する) [動] be opposite to

書斎は三方を本で囲まれた小さな部屋で、庭に面した普通の窓に向かって書き物机があった。

Our first attention was given to the body of the unfortunate squire, whose huge frame lay stretched across the room.

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

huge (大きな) [形] very large in size or amount

frame (体) [名] the physical structure of a person or an animal

私たちが最初に注意を向けたのは、不幸な従者の遺体で、その大きな体は部屋を横切るように横たわっていた。

His disordered dress showed that he had been hastily aroused from sleep.

disordered (乱れた) [形] not arranged or organized in a neat, orderly, or systematic way

hastily (急いで) [副] quickly and carelessly

arouse (覚ます) [動] to cause to be awake

彼の乱れた服装は、彼が急いで眠りから覚めたことを示していた。

The bullet had been fired at him from the front, and had remained in his body, after penetrating the heart.

fire (撃つ) [動] shoot a projectile

heart (心臓) [名] a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood through the blood vessels by rhythmic contraction and dilation

弾丸は正面から撃たれ、心臓を貫通した後も体内に残っていた。

His death had certainly been instantaneous and painless.

painless (痛みがない) [形] not causing pain

彼の死は確かに即死で痛みはなかった。

There was no powder-marking either upon his dressing-gown or on his hands.

powder-marking (火薬の跡) [名] a mark left by gunpowder

彼の寝巻きにも手にも火薬の跡はなかった。

According to the country surgeon, the lady had stains upon her face, but none upon her hand.

according to (によると) [前] as stated or reported by

country (田舎) [名] a political state or nation or its territory

田舎の外科医によると、女性の顔には汚れがあったが、手には汚れがなかった。

“The absence of the latter means nothing, though its presence may mean everything,” said Holmes.

「後者の不在は何の意味もないが、その存在はすべてを意味するかもしれない」とホームズは言った。

“Unless the powder from a badly fitting cartridge happens to spurt backward, one may fire many shots without leaving a sign.

badly fitting (不良な) [形] not fitting well

cartridge (薬莢) [名] a cylindrical container holding a charge and a bullet or shot for a firearm

spurt (噴き出す) [動] come out in a sudden and forceful stream

「不良な薬莢の火薬がたまたま後ろに噴き出さない限り、痕跡を残さずに何発も発砲できる。

I would suggest that Mr. Cubitt’s body may now be removed.

カビット氏の遺体はそろそろ運び出してもよいだろう。

I suppose, Doctor, you have not recovered the bullet which wounded the lady?”

recover (回収する) [動] get back or regain possession of

医師、女性を負傷させた弾丸は回収していないのでしょうね?」

“A serious operation will be necessary before that can be done.

serious (大) [形] of great importance or significance

「それをするには大手術が必要だ。

But there are still four cartridges in the revolver.

four (四) [数] the number 4

しかし、リボルバーには四発の弾丸が残っている。

Two have been fired and two wounds inflicted, so that each bullet can be accounted for.”

have been fired (発射された) [動] to be dismissed from a job

can be accounted for (わかる) [動] be explained or understood

二発が発射され、二つの傷を負わせた。だから、すべての弾丸の行方がわかる。」

“So it would seem,” said Holmes.

「そう思われる」とホームズは言った。

“Perhaps you can account also for the bullet which has so obviously struck the edge of the window?”

「おそらく、窓の端に当たった弾丸の行方もわかるだろう?」

He had turned suddenly, and his long, thin finger was pointing to a hole which had been drilled right through the lower window-sash, about an inch above the bottom.

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

drill (開ける) [動] make a hole in something with a drill

right (真ん中) [副] directly; straight

lower (下) [形] below average height

sash (枠) [名] a frame that holds the glass in a window

inch (インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

彼は突然振り返り、長く細い指で、下枠の下から一インチほど上のところに開いた穴を指さした。

“By George!” cried the inspector.

by George (おやおや) [間] an expression of surprise

「おやおや!」と警部は叫んだ。

“How ever did you see that?”

how ever (どうして) [副] in whatever way or manner

「どうしてそれがわかったんだ?」

“Because I looked for it.”

「探したからだ」

“Wonderful!” said the country doctor.

「素晴らしい!」と田舎医者は言った。

“You are certainly right, sir.

「確かにその通りです。

Then a third shot has been fired, and therefore a third person must have been present.

shot (発射) [名] the firing of a gun

fire (発射する) [動] shoot

すると三発目が発射されたことになり、従って第三者がいたに違いない。

But who could that have been, and how could he have got away?”

have been (だったのか) [助] have existed or have happened in the past

have got away (逃げ出したのか) [動] have escaped

しかし、それは誰だったのか、そしてどうやって逃げ出したのか?」

“That is the problem which we are now about to solve,” said Sherlock Holmes.

solve (解決する) [動] find an answer or solution to

「それが我々が今解決しようとしている問題だ」とシャーロック・ホームズは言った。

“You remember, Inspector Martin, when the servants said that on leaving their room they were at once conscious of a smell of powder, I remarked that the point was an extremely important one?”

conscious (気づく) [形] aware of and responding to one's surroundings

extremely (非常に) [副] to a very great degree

「マーティン警部、召使たちが部屋を出るとすぐに火薬の匂いに気づいたと言ったのを覚えているか? 私はその点が非常に重要だと言った。」

“Yes, sir; but I confess I did not quite follow you.”

follow (分かる) [動] understand the meaning of

「はい、先生。しかし、私はあなたの言うことがよく分かりませんでした。」

“It suggested that at the time of the firing, the window as well as the door of the room had been open.

at the time of (時に) [名] at the moment of

firing (発砲) [名] the act of firing a gun

「それは発砲の時に部屋の窓とドアが開いていたことを示唆している。

Otherwise the fumes of powder could not have been blown so rapidly through the house.

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

fumes (煙) [名] a visible or invisible gas or vapor that is harmful or irritating

そうでなければ、火薬の煙が家中にそんなに急速に吹き付けることはできなかった。

A draught in the room was necessary for that.

そのためには部屋に風通しが必要だった。

Both door and window were only open for a very short time, however.”

しかし、ドアと窓はどちらも非常に短時間しか開いていなかった。」

“How do you prove that?”

「それをどうやって証明するんだ?」

“Because the candle was not guttered.”

gutter (溶ける) [動] melt and run down the side of a candle

「ろうそくが溶けていなかったからだ。」

“Capital!” cried the inspector.

「素晴らしい!」と警部は叫んだ。

“Capital!

「素晴らしい!

“Feeling sure that the window had been open at the time of the tragedy, I conceived that there might have been a third person in the affair, who stood outside this opening and fired through it.

feel sure (確信する) [動] be certain or convinced

conceive (考える) [動] form or devise in the mind

third person (第三者) [名] a person other than the speaker or the person addressed

stand (いる) [動] be in or maintain an upright position

「悲劇の時に窓が開いていたと確信して、私はこの事件に第三者がいて、この開口部の外にいて、そこから発砲したのではないかと考えた。

Any shot directed at this person might hit the sash.

shot (銃弾) [名] a small projectile made of metal

この人物に向けられた銃弾はすべてサッシに当たったかもしれない。

I looked, and there, sure enough, was the bullet mark!”

sure enough (確かに) [副] as expected

bullet mark (弾痕) [名] a mark left by a bullet

私が見ると、そこには確かに弾痕があった!」

“But how came the window to be shut and fastened?”

「しかし、どうして窓が閉まって、閉じられていたのか?」

“The woman’s first instinct would be to shut and fasten the window. But, halloa! What is this?”

「女性の最初の本能は窓を閉めて閉めることだろう。しかし、おや! これは何だ?」

It was a lady’s hand-bag which stood upon the study table—a trim little handbag of crocodile-skin and silver.

study table (書斎のテーブル) [名] a table in a study

hand-bag (ハンドバッグ) [名] a small bag with a handle

crocodile-skin (ワニ皮) [名] the skin of a crocodile

それは書斎のテーブルの上にあった女性のハンドバッグだった。ワニ皮と銀のきれいな小さなハンドバッグだった。

Holmes opened it and turned the contents out.

turn out (出す) [動] produce or make

ホームズはそれを開けて中身を出した。

There were twenty fifty-pound notes of the Bank of England, held together by an india-rubber band—nothing else.

Bank of England (イングランド銀行) [名] the central bank of the United Kingdom

twenty (二十) [形] the number 20

fifty-pound (五十ポンド) [形] the amount of 50 pounds

note (紙幣) [名] a piece of paper money

india-rubber band (輪ゴム) [名] a rubber band

イングランド銀行の五十ポンド紙幣が二十枚、輪ゴムで束ねられていた。それ以外には何もなかった。

“This must be preserved, for it will figure in the trial,” said Holmes, as he handed the bag with its contents to the inspector.

figure (証拠になる) [動] be or appear as an important part of something

hand (手渡す) [動] give or pass with the hand

「これは保管しておかなければならない。裁判で証拠になる」とホームズは言い、中身が入ったままのバッグを警部に手渡した。

“It is now necessary that we should try to throw some light upon this third bullet, which has clearly, from the splintering of the wood, been fired from inside the room.

splintering (裂け方) [名] the act of breaking or splitting into pieces

「さて、この三発目の弾丸について明らかにする必要がある。木の裂け方から見て、明らかに部屋の中から発射されたものだ。

I should like to see Mrs. King, the cook, again.

like to (したい) [動] want to

Mrs. (夫人) [名] a title used before the surname of a married woman

King (キング) [名] a surname

料理人のキング夫人にもう一度会いたい。

You said, Mrs. King, that you were awakened by a loud explosion.

Mrs. King (キング夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. King

awaken (目が覚める) [動] stop sleeping

キング夫人、あなたは大きな爆発音で目が覚めたと言いましたね。

When you said that, did you mean that it seemed to you to be louder than the second one?”

それを言った時、二発目よりも大きく聞こえたという意味ですか?」

“Well, sir, it wakened me from my sleep, so it is hard to judge.

waken (覚ます) [動] cause to stop sleeping

「ええ、それは私を眠りから覚ましたので、判断するのは難しいです。

But it did seem very loud.”

loud (大きい) [形] producing or capable of producing much noise

しかし、それはとても大きく聞こえました。」

“You don’t think that it might have been two shots fired almost at the same instant?”

almost (ほぼ) [副] very nearly

「ほぼ同時に二発撃たれたとは思わないか?」

“I am sure I couldn’t say, sir.”

「それは私には言えません。」

“I believe that it was undoubtedly so.

「私は間違いなくそうだったと思う。

I rather think, Inspector Martin, that we have now exhausted all that this room can teach us.

exhaust (得る) [動] use up completely

マーティン警部、私はこの部屋から得られる情報は全て得たと思う。

If you will kindly step round with me, we shall see what fresh evidence the garden has to offer.”

step round (回る) [動] go around

私と一緒に庭を回って、庭がどんな新しい証拠を提供してくれるか見てみましょう。」

A flower-bed extended up to the study window, and we all broke into an exclamation as we approached it.

flower-bed (花壇) [名] a piece of ground where flowers are grown

extend (続く) [動] stretch out so as to reach farther

break into (叫び声を上げる) [動] suddenly start doing something

花壇が書斎の窓まで続いており、近づいていくと私たちは皆叫び声を上げた。

The flowers were trampled down, and the soft soil was imprinted all over with footmarks.

trample down (踏みつぶす) [動] crush or destroy by treading on

imprint (くっきりと残る) [動] mark or impress (something) with a stamp, seal, or other device

花は踏みつぶされ、柔らかい土には足跡がくっきりと残っていた。

Large, masculine feet they were, with peculiarly long, sharp toes.

masculine (男性的な) [形] having qualities or appearance regarded as characteristic of men

peculiarly (特に) [副] in a strange or unusual way

大きくて男性的な足で、特に長く鋭い爪先だった。

Holmes hunted about among the grass and leaves like a retriever after a wounded bird.

hunt about (探し回る) [動] search thoroughly

leave (葉) [名] a flattened structure of a higher plant that is typically green and blade-like

like (ように) [前] similar to

retriever (レトリーバー) [名] a dog that retrieves game

ホームズは傷ついた鳥を追うレトリーバーのように草や葉の間を探し回った。

Then, with a cry of satisfaction, he bent forward and picked up a little brazen cylinder.

brazen (真鍮の) [形] made of brass

cylinder (円筒) [名] a solid geometric figure with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section

それから、満足の叫び声を上げながら、彼は前かがみになって小さな真鍮の円筒を拾い上げた。

“I thought so,” said he, “the revolver had an ejector, and here is the third cartridge.

ejector (エジェクター) [名] a device that ejects something

「そう思った」と彼は言った、「リボルバーにはエジェクターが付いていて、ここに三つ目の薬莢がある。

I really think, Inspector Martin, that our case is almost complete.”

マーティン警部、私は本当にこの事件はほぼ解決したと思う。」

The country inspector’s face had shown his intense amazement at the rapid and masterful progress of Holmes’s investigation.

country inspector (田舎の警部) [名] a police officer in charge of a police station in a rural area

masterful (巧みな) [形] having or showing great skill or knowledge

progress (進歩) [名] forward or onward movement toward a destination

田舎の警部の顔はホームズの捜査の迅速で巧みな進歩に彼の強い驚きを示していた。

At first he had shown some disposition to assert his own position, but now he was overcome with admiration, and ready to follow without question wherever Holmes led.

at first (最初) [副] in the beginning; initially

disposition (態度) [名] a person's inherent qualities of mind and character

overcome (打ち勝つ) [動] succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)

admiration (感嘆) [名] a feeling of respect and approval

without question (疑問を抱かずに) [副] without doubt

wherever (どこへ) [副] in or to whatever place

最初、彼は自分の立場を主張する態度を見せていたが、今では感嘆の念に打ち勝たれ、ホームズがどこへ導こうとも疑問を抱かずに従う覚悟だった。

“Whom do you suspect?” he asked.

whom (誰を) [代] what person or persons

suspect (疑う) [動] have an idea or impression of the existence, presence, or truth of (something) without certain proof

「誰を疑っているんだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

“I’ll go into that later.

go into (話す) [動] discuss or examine in detail

「それは後で話す。

There are several points in this problem which I have not been able to explain to you yet.

この問題には、まだ君に説明できていない点がいくつかある。

Now that I have got so far, I had best proceed on my own lines, and then clear the whole matter up once and for all.”

get so far (ここまで来る) [動] reach a certain point

proceed (進める) [動] follow a certain course

on one's own lines (自分のやり方で) [名] in one's own way

once and for all (きっぱりと) [副] finally and completely

ここまで来たら、自分のやり方で進めて、この件をきっぱりと解決した方がいい」

“Just as you wish, Mr. Holmes, so long as we get our man.”

「犯人が捕まれば、ホームズさん、あなたの好きなようにしてください」

“I have no desire to make mysteries, but it is impossible at the moment of action to enter into long and complex explanations.

have no desire to (したくない) [動] not want to do something

make (残す) [動] cause to remain

at the moment of (の瞬間に) [名] at the exact time of

enter into (する) [動] begin to be involved in

「謎を残したいわけではないが、行動の瞬間に長く複雑な説明をするのは不可能だ。

I have the threads of this affair all in my hand.

thread (糸) [名] a thin, continuous strand of a material such as cotton or nylon, used in sewing and weaving

hand (手中) [名] the end of the arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb

この事件の糸はすべて私の手中にある。

Even if this lady should never recover consciousness, we can still reconstruct the events of last night and insure that justice be done.

even if (たとえ~でも) [接] despite the fact that

reconstruct (再現する) [動] make a reconstruction of

insure (下す) [動] make certain that (something) will occur or be possible

この女性が意識を取り戻さなくても、昨夜の出来事を再現して、正義が下されるようにすることはできる。

First of all, I wish to know whether there is any inn in this neighbourhood known as ‘Elrige’s’?”

wish to know (知りたい) [動] want to know

inn (宿) [名] a place where travelers can stay temporarily

this neighbourhood (この近所) [名] the area around a particular place

known as (として知られる) [動] be familiar with; be acquainted with

まず第一に、この近所に「エルリッジ」という宿があるかどうか知りたい」

The servants were cross-questioned, but none of them had heard of such a place.

cross-question (尋問する) [動] to question closely or repeatedly

召使たちにも尋問したが、誰もそんな場所を聞いたことがないという。

The stable-boy threw a light upon the matter by remembering that a farmer of that name lived some miles off, in the direction of East Ruston.

throw a light upon (光を投げかける) [動] to make something easier to understand

some miles off (数マイル離れた) [副] a few miles away

East Ruston (イースト・ラストン) [名] a village in Norfolk, England

馬丁が、その名の農夫がイースト・ラストンの方向に数マイル離れたところに住んでいることを思い出して、この問題に光を投げかけた。

“Is it a lonely farm?”

「それは孤独な農場ですか?」

“Very lonely, sir.”

「とても孤独です、旦那様」

“Perhaps they have not heard yet of all that happened here during the night?”

not yet (まだ) [副] not up to the present time

all that (すべてのこと) [名] everything that

happen (起こる) [動] take place; occur

「おそらく彼らは、夜の間にここで起こったすべてのことをまだ聞いていないのでしょう?」

“Maybe not, sir.”

maybe (おそらく) [副] perhaps; possibly

not (そうでは) [副] in a negative way

「おそらくそうではないでしょう、旦那様」

Holmes thought for a little, and then a curious smile played over his face.

play over (浮かぶ) [動] move or cause to move lightly and quickly over a surface

ホームズは少し考え、それから奇妙な笑みが彼の顔に浮かんだ。

“Saddle a horse, my lad,” said he.

saddle (鞍を置く) [動] put a saddle on

horse (馬) [名] a large, four-legged mammal that has been domesticated by humans since prehistoric times

「馬に鞍を置け、若者」と彼は言った。

“I shall wish you to take a note to Elrige’s Farm.”

take a note (手紙を届ける) [動] deliver a letter

Elrige's Farm (エルリッジ農場) [名] a farm owned by Elrige

「エルリッジ農場まで手紙を届けてほしい」

He took from his pocket the various slips of the dancing men.

dancing men (踊る人間の) [名] a man who dances

彼はポケットから踊る人間の様々な紙片を取り出した。

With these in front of him, he worked for some time at the study-table.

with (置いて) [前] having or possessing

for some time (しばらく) [副] for a period of time

at (で) [前] in or to a place

彼はこれらを目の前に置いて、しばらく書斎の机で作業した。

Finally he handed a note to the boy, with directions to put it into the hands of the person to whom it was addressed, and especially to answer no questions of any sort which might be put to him.

hand (渡す) [動] give or pass something to someone

direction (指示) [名] an instruction or order

put (手渡す) [動] place something in a specified place

address (宛名) [名] the place where someone lives or an organization is located

最後に彼は少年に手紙を渡し、宛名の人に手渡すように指示し、特にどんな質問にも答えないようにと言った。

I saw the outside of the note, addressed in straggling, irregular characters, very unlike Holmes’s usual precise hand.

straggling (散らばった) [形] spread out untidily

irregular (不規則な) [形] not following a regular pattern

unlike (全く違って) [前] different from

precise (正確な) [形] exact or accurate

hand (筆跡) [名] the style of writing of a particular person

私は手紙の外側を見た。宛名はホームズのいつもの正確な筆跡とは全く違って、散らばった不規則な文字で書かれていた。

It was consigned to Mr. Abe Slaney, Elriges Farm, East Ruston, Norfolk.

Abe Slaney (アベ・スレイニー) [名] a man's name

Elriges Farm (エルリゲス農場) [名] a farm

宛名は、アベ・スレイニー様、エルリゲス農場、イースト・ラストン、ノーフォークだった。

“I think, Inspector,” Holmes remarked, “that you would do well to telegraph for an escort, as, if my calculations prove to be correct, you may have a particularly dangerous prisoner to convey to the county jail.

do well (した方がいい) [動] be wise or advisable

telegraph (電報を打つ) [動] send a message by telegraph

escort (護送) [名] a person or group of persons accompanying another for protection, guidance, or as a mark of honor

「警部」とホームズは言った、「護送を頼む電報を打った方がいいと思う。私の計算が正しければ、郡の刑務所まで護送するべき非常に危険な囚人がいるかもしれない。

The boy who takes this note could no doubt forward your telegram.

forward (送る) [動] send on to a further destination

この手紙を届ける少年が電報を送ってくれるだろう。

If there is an afternoon train to town, Watson, I think we should do well to take it, as I have a chemical analysis of some interest to finish, and this investigation draws rapidly to a close.”

town (ロンドン) [名] a large human settlement

chemical analysis (化学分析) [名] the determination of the chemical composition of a substance

ワトソン、午後ロンドン行きの列車があるなら、それに乗った方がいいと思う。興味深い化学分析を終わらせなければならないし、この捜査も急速に終わりに近づいている。」

When the youth had been dispatched with the note, Sherlock Holmes gave his instructions to the servants.

youth (少年) [名] a young person

dispatch (届ける) [動] send off to a destination or for a purpose

instruction (指示) [名] a direction or order

少年が手紙を届けにいった後、シャーロック・ホームズは召使に指示を与えた。

If any visitor were to call asking for Mrs. Hilton Cubitt, no information should be given as to her condition, but he was to be shown at once into the drawing-room.

call (訪ねる) [動] go to see someone or something

ask for (求める) [動] request to be given or allowed to have

Mrs. Hilton Cubitt (ヒルトン・キュービット夫人) [名] the wife of Hilton Cubitt

condition (容態) [名] the state of something

give (話す) [動] communicate or express

drawing-room (応接室) [名] a room in a house for entertaining guests

ヒルトン・キュービット夫人を訪ねて来た客がいたら、彼女の容態については何も話さず、すぐに応接室に案内すること。

He impressed these points upon them with the utmost earnestness.

impress (強調する) [動] to affect strongly or deeply

earnestness (真剣さ) [名] the quality of being serious and sincere

彼はこれらの点を非常に真剣に強調した。

Finally he led the way into the drawing-room, with the remark that the business was now out of our hands, and that we must while away the time as best we might until we could see what was in store for us.

lead the way (案内する) [動] go in front of someone to show them the way

out of (負えない) [前] not in or within

while away (つぶす) [動] pass time in a leisurely or idle manner

might (できるだけ) [助] have the power or ability to do something

store (起こる) [名] a place where goods are sold

最後に彼は、事件はもはや我々の手には負えないので、これから起こることを知るまでは、できるだけ時間をつぶさなければならないと言って、応接室に案内した。

The doctor had departed to his patients, and only the inspector and myself remained.

depart (出かける) [動] leave a place

patient (患者) [名] a person who is receiving medical care

医者は患者のところへ出かけ、警部と私だけが残った。

“I think that I can help you to pass an hour in an interesting and profitable manner,” said Holmes, drawing his chair up to the table, and spreading out in front of him the various papers upon which were recorded the antics of the dancing men.

pass an hour (一時間過ごす) [動] spend an hour

draw (引き寄せる) [動] move or cause to move towards oneself or towards the place that is regarded as near oneself

spread out (広げる) [動] stretch out so as to cover a wider area

record (記録する) [動] set down in writing or some other permanent form

antics (奇妙な動き) [名] foolish or playful behavior

「一時間ほど興味深く有益な時間を過ごすお手伝いができると思う」とホームズは言い、椅子をテーブルに引き寄せ、踊る人間の奇妙な動きを記録した様々な紙を目の前に広げた。

“As to you, friend Watson, I owe you every atonement for having allowed your natural curiosity to remain so long unsatisfied.

owe (しなければならない) [動] have an obligation to pay or repay in return for something received

atonement (償い) [名] the act of making amends for a wrong that one has done

remain (満足させずにいた) [動] be in a specified state

「君については、ワトソン君、君の生まれつきの好奇心を長い間満足させずにいた償いをしなければならない。

To you, Inspector, the whole incident may appeal as a remarkable professional study.

professional (専門的な) [形] of or relating to a profession

study (研究) [名] the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge especially by means of books

警部、あなたにはこの事件全体が、注目に値する専門的な研究として興味深いかもしれない。

I must tell you, first of all, the interesting circumstances connected with the previous consultations which Mr. Hilton Cubitt has had with me in Baker Street.”

connect (関連する) [動] be related or associated

previous (以前の) [形] existing or occurring before in time or order

consultation (相談) [名] the action of formally consulting or discussing

have (行う) [動] perform an action

まず、ヒルトン・キュービット氏がベーカー街で私と行った以前の相談に関連した興味深い状況をお話ししなければならない。」

He then shortly recapitulated the facts which have already been recorded.

shortly (簡単に) [副] in a short time

それから彼はすでに記録されている事実を簡単に要約した。

“I have here in front of me these singular productions, at which one might smile, had they not proved themselves to be the forerunners of so terrible a tragedy.

smile (笑う) [動] to have a pleased, kind, or amused expression

「私の目の前には、こんな恐ろしい悲劇の前兆でなければ、思わず笑ってしまうような奇妙な作品がある。

I am fairly familiar with all forms of secret writings, and am myself the author of a trifling monograph upon the subject, in which I analyze one hundred and sixty separate ciphers, but I confess that this is entirely new to me.

be familiar with (精通している) [動] know well

secret writing (暗号) [名] a method of writing that is intended to be understood only by a specific person or group of people

trifling (些細な) [形] of little value or importance

monograph (論文) [名] a detailed written study of a particular subject

analyze (分析する) [動] examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of

cipher (暗号) [名] a secret or disguised way of writing

私はあらゆる形の暗号にかなり精通しており、私自身もこのテーマに関する些細な論文を執筆し、その中で百六十の暗号を分析しているが、これは私にとって全く新しいものであることを告白する。

The object of those who invented the system has apparently been to conceal that these characters convey a message, and to give the idea that they are the mere random sketches of children.

invent (発明する) [動] create or design something that has not existed before

convey (伝える) [動] communicate or make known

mere (単なる) [形] that is the only thing mentioned and nothing more

random (無作為な) [形] made, done, or happening without method or conscious choice

sketch (スケッチ) [名] a rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to help in making a more finished picture

このシステムを発明した人々の目的は、明らかにこれらの文字がメッセージを伝えていることを隠し、子供たちの単なる無作為なスケッチであるという考えを与えることだった。

“Having once recognized, however, that the symbols stood for letters, and having applied the rules which guide us in all forms of secret writings, the solution was easy enough.

symbol (記号) [名] a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process

apply (適用する) [動] make use of

rule (規則) [名] a statement that tells you what you are allowed or not allowed to do

guide (導く) [動] show the way to

secret (秘密の) [形] not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others

「しかし、いったん記号が文字を表していることを認識し、あらゆる形の暗号で私たちを導く規則を適用すれば、解答は簡単だった。

The first message submitted to me was so short that it was impossible for me to do more than to say, with some confidence, that the symbol XXX stood for E.

submit (提出する) [動] present for consideration or discussion

impossible (不可能) [形] not possible; unable to be done

E (E) [名] the fifth letter of the English alphabet

私に提出された最初のメッセージは非常に短かったので、XXXという記号がEを表していると自信を持って言う以外に何もできなかった。

As you are aware, E is the most common letter in the English alphabet, and it predominates to so marked an extent that even in a short sentence one would expect to find it most often.

as you are aware (ご存じのように) [句] as you know

English (英語) [名] the language of England

alphabet (アルファベット) [名] a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order

predominate (優勢である) [動] be greater in number or amount

to so marked an extent (顕著に) [句] to a noticeable degree

even (さえ) [副] used to emphasize the surprising nature of a statement

sentence (文) [名] a set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command, and consisting of a main clause and sometimes one or ...

one (人) [名] a person

ご存じのように、Eは英語のアルファベットの中で最も一般的な文字であり、短い文でさえ最も頻繁に出てくると予想されるほど顕著に優勢である。

Out of fifteen symbols in the first message, four were the same, so it was reasonable to set this down as E.

out of (のうち) [前] from a group or collection

fifteen (15) [数] the number 15

reasonable (妥当な) [形] fair and just

set down (する) [動] put in writing

最初のメッセージの15個の記号のうち4個が同じだったので、これをEとするのは妥当だった。

It is true that in some cases the figure was bearing a flag, and in some cases not, but it was probable, from the way in which the flags were distributed, that they were used to break the sentence up into words.

in some cases (ある場合には) [副] sometimes

bear (持つ) [動] carry

flag (旗) [名] a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is used as a symbol or as a signaling device

distribute (配る) [動] give out to several people

break (分割する) [動] separate into pieces

word (単語) [名] a unit of language that can stand by itself

確かに、ある場合には人形が旗を持っていて、ある場合には持っていなかったが、旗の配られ方から、文を単語に分割するために使われていた可能性があった。

I accepted this as a hypothesis, and noted that E was represented by

accept (受け入れる) [動] to take or receive something offered

note (注目する) [動] to notice or observe

私はこれを仮説として受け入れ、Eが表されていることに注目した。

“But now came the real difficulty of the inquiry.

difficulty (難関) [名] a thing that is hard to do or understand

「しかし、ここで調査の本当の難関にぶつかった。

The order of the English letters after E is by no means well marked, and any preponderance which may be shown in an average of a printed sheet may be reversed in a single short sentence.

order (順番) [名] the arrangement or sequence of things

by no means (決して) [副] not at all; in no way

well marked (明確) [形] clearly defined or easy to see

preponderance (優勢性) [名] the greater part or number

be shown (示される) [動] be presented or displayed

average (平均) [名] the usual or ordinary amount, rate, or level

printed sheet (印刷された紙) [名] a piece of paper with writing or images on it

be reversed (逆転する) [動] be turned around or turned upside down

single (一) [形] only one

Eの後の英字の順番は決して明確ではなく、印刷された紙の平均に示される優勢性は、短い一文で逆転することがある。

Speaking roughly, T, A, O, I, N, S, H, R, D, and L are the numerical order in which letters occur, but T, A, O, and I are very nearly abreast of each other, and it would be an endless task to try each combination until a meaning was arrived at.

roughly (大まかに) [副] approximately

T (T) [名] the 20th letter of the English alphabet

A (A) [名] the 1st letter of the English alphabet

O (O) [名] the 15th letter of the English alphabet

I (I) [名] the 9th letter of the English alphabet

N (N) [名] the 14th letter of the English alphabet

S (S) [名] the 19th letter of the English alphabet

H (H) [名] the 8th letter of the English alphabet

R (R) [名] the 18th letter of the English alphabet

D (D) [名] the 4th letter of the English alphabet

L (L) [名] the 12th letter of the English alphabet

numerical (数値の) [形] of or relating to numbers

occur (出現する) [動] happen or take place

very nearly (ほぼ) [副] very close to

abreast (横並び) [形] side by side

each other (互いに) [代] one another

endless (果てしない) [形] having or seeming to have no end

combination (組み合わせ) [名] the act of combining things

大まかに言えば、T、A、O、I、N、S、H、R、D、Lが文字の出現順だが、T、A、O、Iはほぼ横並びで、意味が判明するまですべての組み合わせを試すのは果てしない作業になる。

I therefore waited for fresh material.

だから私は新しい材料を待った。

In my second interview with Mr. Hilton Cubitt he was able to give me two other short sentences and one message, which appeared—since there was no flag—to be a single word.

single (一語) [形] only one; not one of several

ヒルトン・キュービット氏との二度目の面談で、彼は私に他の二つの短い文と一つのメッセージを渡すことができた。それは旗がなかったので、一語であるように見えた。

Here are the symbols.

これがその記号だ。

Now, in the single word I have already got the two E’s coming second and fourth in a word of five letters.

four (四番目) [形] coming after the third in position

five (五文字) [形] one more than four

さて、一語の単語では、私はすでに五文字の単語の二番目と四番目に二つのEがあることを突き止めた。

It might be ‘sever,’ or ‘lever,’ or ‘never.’

sever (切断する) [動] cut off or separate violently

それは「sever」か「lever」か「never」かもしれない。

There can be no question that the latter as a reply to an appeal is far the most probable, and the circumstances pointed to its being a reply written by the lady.

there can be no question (疑う余地がない) [句] it is certain

reply (返事) [名] a response to a question or request

appeal (訴え) [名] a serious or urgent request for help or action

point to (示唆する) [動] indicate or suggest

後者が訴えに対する返事であることは疑う余地がなく、状況から見て、それは女性が書いた返事であることが示唆された。

Accepting it as correct, we are now able to say that the symbols stand respectively for N, V, and R.

accept (認める) [動] to recognize the existence or truth of

respectively (それぞれ) [副] separately or individually and in the order already mentioned

それを正しいと認めれば、記号はそれぞれN、V、Rを表すと言えるようになった。

“Even now I was in considerable difficulty, but a happy thought put me in possession of several other letters.

even now (それでも) [副] in spite of the fact that

difficulty (困難) [名] a problem or situation that is difficult to deal with

put (浮かぶ) [動] cause to be in a specified state

「それでもかなり困難だったが、幸運な考えが浮かんで、他のいくつかの文字を手に入れることになった。

It occurred to me that if these appeals came, as I expected, from someone who had been intimate with the lady in her early life, a combination which contained two E’s with three letters between might very well stand for the name ‘ELSIE.’

intimate (親しい) [形] having a close personal relationship

early life (若い頃) [名] the period of one's life when one is young

私の予想通り、この訴えが女性の若い頃に親しかった人物からのものだとしたら、2つのEの間に3文字が入った組み合わせは「ELSIE」という名前を表しているのではないかと思いついた。

On examination I found that such a combination formed the termination of the message which was three times repeated.

on examination (調べてみると) [副] after careful study

termination (終わり) [名] the end of something

repeat (繰り返す) [動] do or say again

調べてみると、そのような組み合わせがメッセージの終わりを形成しており、それが3回繰り返されていることがわかった。

It was certainly some appeal to ‘Elsie.’

それは確かに「エルシー」への訴えだった。

In this way I had got my L, S, and I.

in this way (このようにして) [副] in the manner described

get (手に入れた) [動] obtain by care, effort, or the like

このようにして、私はL、S、Iを手に入れた。

But what appeal could it be?

しかし、それはどのような訴えなのだろうか?

There were only four letters in the word which preceded ‘Elsie,’ and it ended in E.

precede (前にある) [動] come before in time

エルシー」の前にある単語は4文字しかなく、Eで終わっていた。

Surely the word must be ‘COME.’

確かにその言葉は「COME」に違いない。

I tried all other four letters ending in E, but could find none to fit the case.

私はEで終わる他の4文字をすべて試したが、このケースに合うものは見つからなかった。

So now I was in possession of C, O, and M, and I was in a position to attack the first message once more, dividing it into words and putting dots for each symbol which was still unknown.

be in possession of (手に入れた) [動] have or own something

attack (解読する) [動] try to understand or solve

divide (分ける) [動] separate into parts

dot (点) [名] a small round mark

これで私はC、O、Mを手に入れ、最初のメッセージをもう一度解読し、単語に分けて、まだ不明な記号には点を打つことができるようになった。

So treated, it worked out in this fashion:

work out (なる) [動] to develop or evolve

そうすると、次のようになった。

.M .ERE ..E SL.NE.

.M .ERE ..E SL.NE. (.M .ERE ..E SL.NE.) [名] .M .ERE ..E SL.NE.

.M .ERE ..E SL.NE.

“Now the first letter can only be A, which is a most useful discovery, since it occurs no fewer than three times in this short sentence, and the H is also apparent in the second word. Now it becomes:

useful (有益な) [形] being of use or service

occur (出てくる) [動] to happen or take place

no fewer than (3回も) [副] as many as

「最初の文字はAしかありえない。これはこの短い文に3回も出てくるので、とても有益な発見だ。また、2番目の単語にはHがはっきりと出ている。こうなる。

AM HERE A.E SLANE.

AM HERE (AM HERE) [名] a message indicating that the sender is present

A.E SLANE (A.E SLANE) [名] a person's name

AM HERE A.E SLANE.

Or, filling in the obvious vacancies in the name:

fill in (埋める) [動] to put something into a hole or space

vacancy (空白) [名] an empty space

あるいは、名前の明らかな空白を埋めると、

AM HERE ABE SLANEY.

ABE SLANEY (ABE SLANEY) [名] the sender of the message

AM HERE ABE SLANEY.

I had so many letters now that I could proceed with considerable confidence to the second message, which worked out in this fashion:

so many (かなり多くの) [形] a large number of

work out (結果になる) [動] to have a result or outcome

かなり多くの文字が手に入ったので、かなり自信を持って二つ目のメッセージに進むことができ、次のような結果になった。

A.

A.

ELRI.

ELRI (ELRI) [名] a fictional organization

ELRI.

ES.

ES (ES) [名] a Spanish newspaper

ES.

Here I could only make sense by putting T and G for the missing letters, and supposing that the name was that of some house or inn at which the writer was staying.”

make sense (意味を成す) [動] be intelligible, comprehensible, or meaningful

missing (欠けている) [形] not present or included

ここでは、欠けている文字にTとGを入れ、その名前が書き手が滞在していた家か宿の名前だと仮定することでしか意味を成さない。」

Inspector Martin and I had listened with the utmost interest to the full and clear account of how my friend had produced results which had led to so complete a command over our difficulties.

listen (耳を傾ける) [動] give one's attention to a sound

full (完全な) [形] complete in every detail

lead (至る) [動] be the route or means of access to

command (克服) [名] the ability to control or influence people or things

マーティン警部と私は、私の友人がどのようにして私たちの困難を完全に克服する結果を生み出したのか、その完全で明確な説明に最大の関心を持って耳を傾けていた。

“What did you do then, sir?”

sir (あなた) [名] a polite term of address for a man

「それで、どうしたんですか?」

asked the inspector.

と警部が尋ねた。

“I had every reason to suppose that this Abe Slaney was an American, since Abe is an American contraction, and since a letter from America had been the starting-point of all the trouble.

Abe Slaney (エイブ・スレニー) [名] a character in the story

Abe (エイブ) [名] a character in the story

America (アメリカ) [名] the United States

「このエイブ・スレニーがアメリカ人だと考える理由は十分にあった。エイブはアメリカの略語だし、アメリカからの手紙がすべてのトラブルの始まりだったからだ。

I had also every cause to think that there was some criminal secret in the matter.

have every cause to (十分な理由がある) [動] have a good reason to

criminal (犯罪的な) [形] relating to crime or its punishment

また、この事件には何か犯罪的な秘密があると考えるべき理由も十分にあった。

The lady’s allusions to her past, and her refusal to take her husband into her confidence, both pointed in that direction.

refusal (拒否) [名] an act of refusing

女性が自分の過去をほのめかしたこと、夫に打ち明けようとしなかったこと、どちらもその方向を示していた。

I therefore cabled to my friend, Wilson Hargreave, of the New York Police Bureau, who has more than once made use of my knowledge of London crime.

New York Police Bureau (ニューヨーク警察) [名] the police force of New York City

だから私は、ニューヨーク警察の友人ウィルソン・ハーグレイヴに電報を打った。彼はロンドンの犯罪に関する私の知識を何度も利用したことがある。

I asked him whether the name of Abe Slaney was known to him.

エイブ・スレニーという名前を知っているかどうか尋ねた。

Here is his reply: ‘The most dangerous crook in Chicago.’

here is (返事はこうだった) [動] this is

crook (悪党) [名] a person who is dishonest or a criminal

返事はこうだった。「シカゴで最も危険な悪党だ。」

On the very evening upon which I had his answer, Hilton Cubitt sent me the last message from Slaney.

返事を受け取ったその夜、ヒルトン・キュービットからスレニーからの最後のメッセージが届いた。

Working with known letters, it took this form:

work with (考える) [動] to use or manipulate something

known (既知の) [形] something that is known

既知の文字で考えると、こうなる。

ELSIE .RE.ARE TO MEET THY GO.

THY (あなた) [代] the person being addressed

エルシー、あなたと会う準備は出来ている。

The addition of a P and a D completed a message which showed me that the rascal was proceeding from persuasion to threats, and my knowledge of the crooks of Chicago prepared me to find that he might very rapidly put his words into action.

addition (加えると) [名] the mathematical operation of combining two numbers to make a third

P (P) [名] the 16th letter of the English alphabet

complete (完成する) [動] finish making or doing

proceed (移行する) [動] move forward or onward

persuasion (説得) [名] the act of persuading someone to do or believe something

threat (脅迫) [名] a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done

prepare (分かる) [動] make ready or suitable

PとDを加えるとメッセージが完成し、悪党が説得から脅迫に移行していることが分かった。シカゴの悪党に関する私の知識から、彼が言葉をすぐに行動に移すかもしれないと分かった。

I at once came to Norfolk with my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, but, unhappily, only in time to find that the worst had already occurred.”

unhappily (不幸にも) [副] unfortunately

the worst (最悪の事態) [名] the most serious or unpleasant thing that could happen

私は友人であり同僚でもあるワトソン博士と共にすぐにノーフォークに来たが、不幸にも最悪の事態がすでに起こっていることを知るだけになってしまった。」

“It is a privilege to be associated with you in the handling of a case,” said the inspector, warmly.

privilege (光栄) [名] a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people

handling (処理) [名] the action of dealing with something

warmly (熱く) [副] in a warm manner

「事件の処理であなたと協力できることは光栄です」と警部は熱く言った。

“You will excuse me, however, if I speak frankly to you.

excuse (許す) [動] to forgive someone for something

speak frankly (率直に言う) [動] to speak honestly and directly

「しかし、率直に申し上げます。

You are only answerable to yourself, but I have to answer to my superiors.

answerable (責任を負う) [形] responsible

superior (上司) [名] a person who has a higher rank or position than another person

あなたはあなた自身にしか責任を負いませんが、私は上司に答えなければなりません。

If this Abe Slaney, living at Elrige’s, is indeed the murderer, and if he has made his escape while I am seated here, I should certainly get into serious trouble.”

Elrige (エルリッジ) [名] a man's name

serious trouble (深刻なトラブル) [名] a difficult or dangerous situation

もしエルリッジのところに住んでいるこのエイブ・スレイニーが本当に殺人者で、私がここに座っている間に逃げ出したとしたら、私は確かに深刻なトラブルに巻き込まれるだろう。」

“You need not be uneasy.

need (必要) [名] a thing that is wanted or required

be uneasy (心配する) [動] feel anxious or worried

「心配する必要はありません。

He will not try to escape.”

try (しようとする) [動] make an effort to do something

彼は逃げようとはしません。」

“How do you know?”

「どうしてわかるんだ?」

“To fly would be a confession of guilt.”

fly (逃げる) [動] run away; escape

confession (認めること) [名] a statement admitting that you have done something wrong

「逃げることは罪を認めることです。」

“Then let us go arrest him.”

「それなら彼を逮捕しに行こう。」

“I expect him here every instant.”

every instant (すぐに) [名] at any moment

「彼はすぐにここに来るでしょう。」

“But why should he come?”

should (来るんだ) [助] used to express a duty or obligation

「しかし、なぜ彼が来るんだ?」

“Because I have written and asked him.”

「私が手紙を書いて彼に頼んだからだ。」

“But this is incredible, Mr. Holmes!

「しかし、これは信じられない、ホームズさん!

Why should he come because you have asked him?

あなたが頼んだからといって、なぜ彼が来るんだ?

Would not such a request rather rouse his suspicions and cause him to fly?”

such a (そのような) [限] of that kind

request (要求) [名] an act of asking for something

rouse (呼び起こす) [動] cause to be active or excited

そのような要求はむしろ彼の疑いを呼び起こし、彼を逃亡させるのではないだろうか?」

“I think I have known how to frame the letter,” said Sherlock Holmes.

know how to (書き方を知っている) [動] be able to do something

frame (書き方) [動] put into words

「私は手紙の書き方を知っているつもりだ」とシャーロック・ホームズは言った。

“In fact, if I am not very much mistaken, here is the gentleman himself coming up the drive.”

in fact (実際) [副] in reality; in truth

be mistaken (間違っている) [動] be wrong

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

「実際、私があまり間違っていなければ、ここにその紳士が車道を上がってくる」

A man was striding up the path which led to the door.

stride (大股で歩く) [動] walk with long steps

一人の男がドアへと続く小道を大股で歩いていた。

He was a tall, handsome, swarthy fellow, clad in a suit of grey flannel, with a Panama hat, a bristling black beard, and a great, aggressive hooked nose, and flourishing a cane as he walked.

clad (着る) [動] to cover with or as if with clothes

flannel (フランネル) [名] a soft woven fabric

Panama hat (パナマ帽) [名] a hat made of straw

bristling (蓄える) [動] to be thickly covered with

beard (髭) [名] the hair growing on a man's face

hooked (鉤鼻) [形] having a curved or sharply bent shape

flourish (振り回す) [動] to wave or swing something around

彼は背が高く、ハンサムで、浅黒い肌の男で、灰色のフランネルのスーツを着て、パナマ帽子をかぶり、黒い髭を蓄え、大きくて攻撃的な鉤鼻をしており、歩くときには杖を振り回していた。

He swaggered up a path as if the place belonged to him, and we heard his loud, confident peal at the bell.

swagger (闊歩する) [動] walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant way

belong (自分の家である) [動] be a member of or connected to

confident (自信に満ちた) [形] feeling or showing confidence; assured

peal (音) [名] a loud ringing of a bell

彼はまるで自分の家であるかのように小道を闊歩し、自信に満ちた大きなベルの音が聞こえてきた。

“I think, gentlemen,” said Holmes, quietly, “that we had best take up our position behind the door.

position (位置) [名] the place where someone or something is located

「皆さん」とホームズは静かに言った。「私たちはドアの後ろに陣取るのが一番いいと思う。

Every precaution is necessary when dealing with such a fellow.

deal with (相手にする) [動] take action with regard to

このような相手を相手にする場合は、あらゆる予防策を講じる必要があります。

You will need your handcuffs, Inspector.

手錠が必要になるぞ、警部。

You can leave the talking to me.”

talk (話) [名] the action of speaking or conversing

話は私に任せてください」

We waited in silence for a minute—one of those minutes which one can never forget.

私たちは黙って一分間待った。決して忘れることのできない一分間だった。

Then the door opened and the man stepped in.

step in (入ってくる) [動] come or go into a place

するとドアが開き、男が入ってきた。

In an instant Holmes clapped a pistol to his head, and Martin slipped the handcuffs over his wrists.

in an instant (一瞬のうちに) [副] immediately; without delay

clap (突きつける) [動] strike (one's hands) together with a loud sound

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

一瞬のうちにホームズは彼の頭にピストルを突きつけ、マーティンは彼の手首に手錠をかけた。

It was all done so swiftly and deftly that the fellow was helpless before he knew that he was attacked.

swiftly (素早く) [副] very fast

deftly (巧みに) [副] in a skillful manner

helpless (無力な) [形] lacking the power to help oneself

attacked (襲われる) [動] take aggressive action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force, typically a concerted military effort

すべてがあまりに素早く巧みに行われたので、男は襲われたと気づく前に無力になってしまった。

He glared from one to the other of us with a pair of blazing black eyes.

one to the other (交互に) [副] from one person or thing to another

blazing (燃えるような) [形] very bright or hot

彼は燃えるような黒い目で私たちを交互に睨みつけた。

Then he burst into a bitter laugh.

burst into (笑い出す) [動] suddenly start doing something

bitter (苦々しい) [形] causing a sharp, stinging pain in the mouth

それから彼は苦々しく笑い出した。

“Well, gentlemen, you have the drop on me this time.

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

have the drop on (勝つ) [動] to have an advantage over someone or something

「さて、皆さん、今回は私に勝ちましたね。

I seem to have knocked up against something hard.

knock up against (ぶつかる) [動] to hit or strike against something

hard (固い) [形] not soft or yielding; firm or solid

何か固いものにぶつかったようだ。

But I came here in answer to a letter from Mrs. Hilton Cubitt.

answer (答えて) [動] say or write something in reply

しかし、私はヒルトン・キュービット夫人からの手紙に答えてここに来た。

Don’t tell me that she is in this?

be in (関わっている) [動] be involved in

彼女がこの事件に関わっているなんて言わないでくれ。

Don’t tell me that she helped to set a trap for me?”

set a trap (罠にはめる) [動] to catch someone or something in a trap

彼女が私を罠にはめるのを助けたなんて言わないでくれ。」

“Mrs. Hilton Cubitt was seriously injured, and is at death’s door.”

seriously (重傷を負い) [副] to a severe or intense degree

death's door (死の床) [名] the brink of death

「ヒルトン・キュービット夫人は重傷を負い、死の床にある。」

The man gave a hoarse cry of grief, which rang through the house.

hoarse (しわがれた) [形] having a rough or harsh sound

grief (悲しみ) [名] a deep feeling of sadness caused especially by someone's death

男は悲しみのあまりしわがれた叫び声を上げ、それは家中に響き渡った。

“You’re crazy!” he cried, fiercely.

crazy (狂っている) [形] insane; mad

「君は狂っている!」彼は激しく叫んだ。

“It was he that was hurt, not she.

be that (~である) [動] be the one that

「怪我をしたのは彼で、彼女ではない。

Who would have hurt little Elsie?

誰が小さなエルシーを傷つけたのか?

I may have threatened her—God forgive me!—but I would not have touched a hair of her pretty head.

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

私は彼女を脅したかもしれないが、神よ、私を許したまえ! しかし、私は彼女のきれいな頭の髪の毛一本に触れることはなかっただろう。

Take it back—you!

take back (取り消す) [動] retract a statement

you (この野郎) [名] the person being spoken to

取り消せ、この野郎!

Say that she is not hurt!”

hurt (怪我) [名] physical injury or pain

彼女は怪我をしていないと言え!」

“She was found badly wounded, by the side of her dead husband.”

be found (発見される) [動] to be discovered or noticed

badly (ひどく) [副] in a bad manner

wound (傷つける) [動] to inflict a wound on

「彼女は死んだ夫の横でひどく傷つけられているのが発見された」

He sank with a deep groan on the settee and buried his face in his manacled hands.

groan (うめき声) [名] a low sound of pain or suffering

settee (長椅子) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

bury (覆う) [動] put or hide under the ground

manacle (手錠) [名] a metal band, chain, or shackle for fastening around the wrist or ankle

彼は深くうめき声を上げて長椅子に沈み、手錠をかけられた両手で顔を覆った。

For five minutes he was silent.

for five minutes (五分間) [名] a period of time lasting five minutes

be silent (黙っている) [動] not making or accompanied by any sound

彼は五分間黙っていた。

Then he raised his face once more, and spoke with the cold composure of despair.

composure (落ち着き) [名] the state or quality of being calm and in control of oneself

それから彼は再び顔を上げ、絶望の冷静さで話した。

“I have nothing to hide from you, gentlemen,” said he.

have nothing to hide (隠す事は何もない) [動] have no secrets

「皆さんに隠す事は何もありません」と彼は言った。

“If I shot the man he had his shot at me, and there’s no murder in that.

「私がその男を撃ったとしても、彼は私を撃ったし、それは殺人ではない。

But if you think I could have hurt that woman, then you don’t know either me or her.

しかし、私があの女性を傷つけることができたと思うなら、あなたは私も彼女も知らない。

I tell you, there was never a man in this world loved a woman more than I loved her.

this world (この世) [名] the earth and all its inhabitants

love (愛する) [動] feel deep affection for

言っておくが、この世で私ほど女性を愛した男はいない。

I had a right to her.

have a right to (権利がある) [動] be entitled to something

her (彼女) [代] the woman or girl who is being discussed

私には彼女に対する権利があった。

She was pledged to me years ago.

pledge (誓う) [動] solemnly promise or guarantee

year (年) [名] the time it takes the earth to make one revolution around the sun

彼女は何年も前に私に誓った。

Who was this Englishman that he should come between us?

Englishman (イギリス人) [名] a native or inhabitant of England

come between (割って入る) [動] cause a separation or estrangement between

私たちの間に割って入ってくるこのイギリス人は何者だ?

I tell you that I had the first right to her, and that I was only claiming my own.”

right (権利) [名] a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something

claim (主張する) [動] state or assert that something is the case

私には彼女に対する第一の権利があったし、私は自分の権利を主張しただけだ」

“She broke away from your influence when she found the man that you are,” said Holmes, sternly.

break away (逃れる) [動] escape from a situation

sternly (厳しく) [副] in a severe or strict manner

「彼女はあなたがどんな男かを知ったとき、あなたの影響から逃れたのだ」とホームズは厳しく言った。

“She fled from America to avoid you, and she married an honourable gentleman in England.

flee (逃げる) [動] run away from a place or situation of danger

「彼女はあなたを避けるためにアメリカから逃げ、イギリスで立派な紳士と結婚した。

You dogged her and followed her and made her life a misery to her, in order to induce her to abandon the husband whom she loved and respected in order to fly with you, whom she feared and hated.

dog (尾行する) [動] follow after like a dog

misery (悲惨) [名] a state of great suffering or unhappiness

respect (尊敬する) [動] have a high opinion of

hate (嫌う) [動] dislike intensely

あなたは彼女を尾行し、彼女の人生を悲惨なものにし、彼女が愛し尊敬する夫を捨てて、彼女が恐れ嫌っているあなたと逃げるように仕向けた。

You have ended by bringing about the death of a noble man and driving his wife to suicide.

bring about (引き起こす) [動] cause to happen

noble (高潔な) [形] having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals

suicide (自殺) [名] the act of intentionally taking one's own life

あなたは高潔な男性を死に至らしめ、その妻を自殺に追い込んだ。

That is your record in this business, Mr. Abe Slaney, and you will answer for it to the law.”

record (記録) [名] a permanent account of something

それがこの事件におけるあなたの記録だ、エイブ・スレイニーさん、そしてあなたは法の下でそれに答えることになる。」

“If Elsie dies, I care nothing what becomes of me,” said the American.

care (かまう) [動] be concerned or interested

「もしエルシーが死んだら、私はどうなってもかまわない」とアメリカ人は言った。

He opened one of his hands, and looked at a note crumpled up in his palm.

crumple (握りしめる) [動] crush or become crushed into a small mass

彼は片方の手を広げ、手のひらに握りしめたメモを見た。

“See here, mister! he cried, with a gleam of suspicion in his eyes, “you’re not trying to scare me over this, are you?

see here (おい) [間] used to attract someone's attention

mister (旦那) [名] a man

「おい、旦那! 彼は叫んだ、目に疑惑の光を浮かべて、「これで私を怖がらせようとしているんじゃないだろうな?

If the lady is hurt as bad as you say, who was it that wrote this note?”

bad (ひどく) [形] of poor quality or a low standard

もし女性があなたが言うほどひどく傷ついているなら、誰がこのメモを書いたんだ?」

He tossed it forward on to the table.

彼はそれをテーブルの上に放り投げた。

“I wrote it, to bring you here.”

bring (連れてくる) [動] cause to come to a place with oneself; convey

「私が書いた、あなたをここに連れてくるために」

“You wrote it? There was no one on earth outside the Joint who knew the secret of the dancing men.

joint (ギャング団) [名] a place where people meet to eat, drink, and socialize

「あなたが書いた? 踊る人形の秘密を知っている人間は、この世にギャング団以外にはいなかった。

How came you to write it?”

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

どうしてそれを書いたんだ?」

“What one man can invent another can discover,” said Holmes.

「一人の人間が考案できるものは、別の人間も発見できる」とホームズは言った。

“There is a cab coming to convey you to Norwich, Mr. Slaney.

「あなたをノリッジまで送る馬車が来ています、スレイニーさん。

But meanwhile, you have time to make some small reparation for the injury you have wrought.

make reparation (償う) [動] make amends for a wrong one has done

injury (罪) [名] an act that is harmful or damaging

wrought (犯した) [動] past tense and past participle of work

しかし、それまでは、あなたが犯した罪を少しでも償う時間がある。

Are you aware that Mrs. Hilton Cubitt has herself lain under grave suspicion of the murder of her husband, and that it was only my presence here, and the knowledge which I happened to possess, which has saved her from the accusation?

lie under (かけられている) [動] be subjected to

grave suspicion (重大な容疑) [名] a strong feeling that someone has done something illegal or wrong

accusation (告発) [名] a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong

ヒルトン・キュービット夫人自身が夫殺しの重大な容疑をかけられていることを知っているか? そして、私がここにいたことと、私がたまたま持っていた知識だけが彼女を告発から救ったのだ。

The least that you owe her is to make it clear to the whole world that she was in no way, directly or indirectly, responsible for his tragic end.”

least (少しでも) [形] smallest in amount or degree

make it clear (明らかにする) [動] make something easy to understand

whole world (全世界) [名] the entire world

in no way (決して~ない) [副] not at all; in no manner

directly (直接的) [形] without an intermediary

indirectly (間接的) [形] not directly

responsible (責任がある) [形] having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone

tragic (悲劇的な) [形] causing great suffering, pain, or unhappiness

彼女に負っている借りを少しでも返すには、彼女が直接的にも間接的にも彼の悲劇的な死に責任がないことを全世界に明らかにすることだ。」

“I ask nothing better,” said the American.

ask (望む) [動] express a wish for

better (より良い) [形] of a more excellent or effective type or quality

「それ以上望むことはない」とアメリカ人は言った。

“I guess the very best case I can make for myself is the absolute naked truth.”

the very best (最善の) [形] of the highest quality, excellence, or standing

make (語る) [動] say or express

naked (ありのままの) [形] without covering or adornment; bare

「私にとって最善の策は、絶対に真実を語ることだと思う。」

“It is my duty to warn you that it will be used against you,” cried the inspector, with the magnificent fair play of the British criminal law.

criminal law (刑法) [名] the body of law that deals with crimes and their punishments

「それがあなたに不利に使われることを警告するのが私の義務だ」と警部はイギリスの刑法の壮大なフェアプレーで叫んだ。

Slaney shrugged his shoulders.

スレイニーは肩をすくめた。

“I’ll chance that,” said he.

chance (冒す) [動] take a risk

「その危険は冒す」と彼は言った。

“First of all, I want you gentlemen to understand that I have known this lady since she was a child.

「まず第一に、私はこの女性を子供の頃から知っていることを皆さんに理解して欲しい。

There were seven of us in a gang in Chicago, and Elsie’s father was the boss of the Joint.

Chicago (シカゴ) [名] a city in Illinois

gang (ギャング) [名] a group of criminals

seven (7人) [名] the number 7

boss (ボス) [名] a person who is in charge of a worker or organization

joint (組) [名] a criminal organization

シカゴのギャングには私たち7人がいて、エルシーの父親がその組のボスだった。

He was a clever man, was old Patrick.

Patrick (パトリック) [名] a male given name

彼は賢い男だった、年老いたパトリックは。

It was he who invented that writing, which would pass as a child’s scrawl unless you just happened to have the key to it.

pass (通用する) [動] be accepted as something

scrawl (走り書き) [名] untidy or hurried writing

あの書き方を考案したのは彼で、たまたま鍵を握っていない限り、子供の走り書きとして通用する。

Well, Elsie learned some of our ways, but she couldn’t stand the business, and she had a bit of honest money of her own, so she gave us all the slip and got away to London.

stand (耐える) [動] tolerate or endure

give (すり抜ける) [動] cause to have or receive

get away (逃げる) [動] leave a place or situation

エルシーは私たちのやり方を少し学んだが、彼女はその商売に耐えられず、彼女は自分で稼いだ正直なお金が少しあったので、私たちをすり抜けてロンドンへ逃げてしまった。

She had been engaged to me, and she would have married me, I believe, if I had taken over another profession, but she would have nothing to do with anything on the cross.

take over (就く) [動] assume control or responsibility for

cross (不正) [名] a dishonest act

彼女は私と婚約していたし、私が別の職業に就いていれば結婚してくれたと思うが、彼女は不正なことには一切関わりたくないんだ。

It was only after her marriage to this Englishman that I was able to find out where she was.

only after (〜の後になって初めて) [副] not until

彼女がこのイギリス人と結婚した後になって初めて、私は彼女の居場所を知ることができた。

I wrote to her, but got no answer.

私は彼女に手紙を書いたが、返事は来なかった。

After that I came over, and, as letters were no use, I put my messages where she could read them.

be no use (役に立たない) [動] be useless

where (ところ) [名] the place that

read (読める) [動] be able to read

その後、私は渡英し、手紙は役に立たなかったので、彼女が読めるところにメッセージを置いた。

“Well, I have been here a month now.

have been (~している) [助] have been in a place or situation for a period of time

「さて、私はここに来て一ヶ月になる。

I lived in that farm, where I had a room down below, and could get in and out every night, and no one the wiser.

get in and out (出入りする) [動] go into and out of a place

every night (毎晩) [副] on every night

the wiser (知らなかった) [形] having greater knowledge or awareness

私はあの農場に住んでいて、下の方に部屋を持っていて、毎晩出入りすることができたが、誰も知らなかった。

I tried all I could to coax Elsie away.

all (あらゆる) [限] the whole quantity or extent of

coax (なだめる) [動] persuade someone to do something by talking to them in a gentle and friendly way

away (離れる) [副] from a place

私はエルシーをなだめようとあらゆる手を尽くした。

I knew that she read the messages, for once she wrote an answer under one of them.

for once (一度) [副] on this occasion only

彼女がメッセージを読んだことは知っていた、というのも一度彼女はそのうちの一つの下に返事を書いたからだ。

Then my temper got the better of me, and I began to threaten her.

temper (我慢) [名] a state of mind or a mood

get the better of (できなくなる) [動] defeat or overcome

すると私は我慢できなくなり、彼女を脅し始めた。

She sent me a letter then, imploring me to go away, and saying that it would break her heart if any scandal should come upon her husband.

go away (立ち去る) [動] leave a place

come upon (起こる) [動] find or encounter by chance

すると彼女は私に手紙を送り、立ち去るように懇願し、夫に何か不祥事が起こったら心が張り裂けてしまうと言ってきた。

She said that she would come down when her husband was asleep at three in the morning, and speak with me through the end window, if I would go away afterwards and leave her in peace.

asleep (寝ている) [形] in or into a state of sleep

morning (午前) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

彼女は、夫が寝ている午前三時に降りてきて、その後私が立ち去って彼女を安らかにしておけば、端の窓から私と話すと言っていた。

She came down and brought money with her, trying to bribe me to go.

bribe (賄賂) [名] a sum of money or other valuables given or promised to a person in a position of trust to influence that person's views or conduct

彼女は降りてきて、お金を持ってきて、私に立ち去るように賄賂を贈ろうとした。

This made me mad, and I caught her arm and tried to pull her through the window.

make mad (腹を立てる) [動] make someone angry

catch (つかむ) [動] to take hold of something

pull (引っ張る) [動] to move something toward oneself or in the direction one is facing

これに私は腹を立て、彼女の腕をつかんで窓から引っ張り出そうとした。

At that moment in rushed the husband with his revolver in his hand.

at that moment (その瞬間) [副] at that time

その瞬間、夫が手にリボルバーを持って飛び込んできた。

Elsie had sunk down upon the floor, and we were face to face.

sink down (倒れる) [動] fall or drop to the ground

face to face (向かい合う) [副] in each other's presence

エルシーは床に倒れ、私たちは向かい合っていた。

I was heeled also, and I held up my gun to scare him off and let me get away.

be heeled (銃を持つ) [動] to be armed with a gun

hold up (構える) [動] to raise something

scare off (脅す) [動] to frighten someone or something away

私も銃を持ち、彼を脅して逃げようと銃を構えた。

He fired and missed me.

miss (当たらない) [動] fail to hit or reach

彼は発砲したが私には当たらなかった。

I pulled off almost at the same instant, and down he dropped.

pull off (引き金を引く) [動] to succeed in doing something difficult

down (倒れる) [副] to or on the ground

私はほぼ同時に引き金を引き、彼は倒れた。

I made away across the garden, and as I went I heard the window shut behind me.

make away (逃げる) [動] run away

私は庭を横切って逃げ、逃げる途中で後ろの窓が閉まる音が聞こえた。

That’s God’s truth, gentlemen, every word of it, and I heard no more about it until that lad came riding up with a note which made me walk in here, like a jay, and give myself into your hands.”

God's truth (神に誓って真実) [名] the truth

ride up (やってくる) [動] come near

walk in (歩いて来る) [動] enter a place by walking

jay (カケス) [名] a noisy and aggressive bird

give oneself into (身を委ねる) [動] put oneself under the control of

これが神に誓って真実です、皆さん、一言一句真実です、そしてあの少年が手紙を持ってやってくるまで私はそれについて何も聞かず、その手紙のせいで私はここに歩いて来て、カケスのように、あなた方の手に身を委ねたのです。」

A cab had driven up whilst the American had been talking.

drive up (やってくる) [動] arrive in a vehicle

アメリカ人が話している間に一台の馬車がやってきた。

Two uniformed policemen sat inside.

制服を着た二人の警官が中に座っていた。

Inspector Martin rose and touched his prisoner on the shoulder.

マーティン警部は立ち上がり、囚人の肩に触れた。

“It is time for us to go.”

「我々が行く時間だ。」

“Can I see her first?”

「まず彼女に会ってもいいですか?」

“No, she is not conscious.

conscious (意識がある) [形] awake and aware of one's surroundings

「いいえ、彼女は意識がありません。

Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I only hope that if ever again I have an important case, I shall have the good fortune to have you by my side.”

ever again (再び) [副] once more; another time

have (抱える) [動] experience or undergo

good fortune (幸運) [名] success or luck

by my side (私の側に) [副] next to me

シャーロック・ホームズさん、私が再び重要な事件を抱えることがあったら、あなたを私の側に置く幸運に恵まれることを願うだけだ。」

We stood at the window and watched the cab drive away.

我々は窓際に立って、馬車が走り去るのを見送った。

As I turned back, my eye caught the pellet of paper which the prisoner had tossed upon the table.

turn back (振り返る) [動] turn around

catch (目に留まる) [動] attract and hold the attention of

pellet (玉) [名] a small, rounded, compressed mass of a substance

私が振り返ると、囚人がテーブルの上に投げ捨てた紙の玉が目に留まった。

It was the note with which Holmes had decoyed him.

decoy (誘い出す) [動] lure or entice into a trap or danger

それはホームズが彼を誘い出すために書いたメモだった。

“See if you can read it, Watson,” said he, with a smile.

see if (できるか試す) [動] try to do something

「ワトソン、読めるか試してみろ」と彼は微笑みながら言った。

It contained no word, but this little line of dancing men:

line (絵) [名] a long, thin mark made on a surface

そこには言葉は何も書かれておらず、踊る人の絵が小さく描かれているだけだった。

“If you use the code which I have explained,” said Holmes, “you will find that it simply means ‘Come here at once.’

code (暗号) [名] a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purpose of secrecy

「私が説明した暗号を使うと、これは単に『すぐに来い』という意味だとわかる」とホームズは言った。

I was convinced that it was an invitation which he would not refuse, since he could never imagine that it could come from anyone but the lady.

invitation (招待状) [名] a request for someone to go somewhere or to do something

come from (来る) [動] to have a particular origin or source

私は、彼が断ることのできない招待状だと確信していた。なぜなら、彼はそれが女性以外から来ているとは思えなかったからだ。

And so, my dear Watson, we have ended by turning the dancing men to good when they have so often been the agents of evil, and I think that I have fulfilled my promise of giving you something unusual for your notebook.

and so (こうして) [副] therefore; consequently

turn (変える) [動] cause to change direction, position, or course

so often (しばしば) [副] frequently; many times

agent (道具) [名] a person who acts on behalf of another person or group

こうして、ワトソン君、踊る人形は悪の道具だったが、最後には善い結果をもたらした。君のノートに珍しい事件を載せるという約束は果たせたと思う。

Three-forty is our train, and I fancy we should be back in Baker Street for dinner.”

three-forty (三時四十分) [名] the time 3:40

三時四十分の電車に乗れば、夕食にはベーカー街に戻れると思う」

Only one word of epilogue.

epilogue (エピローグ) [名] a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened

エピローグはたった一言だ。

The American, Abe Slaney, was condemned to death at the winter assizes at Norwich, but his penalty was changed to penal servitude in consideration of mitigating circumstances, and the certainty that Hilton Cubitt had fired the first shot.

winter assizes (冬季巡回裁判) [名] a court session held in winter

condemn to death (死刑を宣告する) [動] sentence someone to death

penalty (刑) [名] a punishment imposed for a crime

change to (変更される) [動] become different

penal servitude (懲役刑) [名] a punishment of forced labor

mitigating circumstance (情状酌量の余地) [名] a circumstance that makes a crime less serious

certainty (確実性) [名] the state of being certain

アメリカ人、エイブ・スレイニーは、ノリッジの冬季巡回裁判で死刑を宣告されたが、情状酌量の余地があることと、ヒルトン・キュービットが最初の一発を発射したことが確実であることから、刑は懲役刑に変更された。

Of Mrs. Hilton Cubitt I only know that I have heard she recovered entirely, and that she still remains a widow, devoting her whole life to the care of the poor and to the administration of her husband’s estate.

recover (回復する) [動] return to health

widow (未亡人) [名] a woman whose husband has died

ヒルトン・キュービット夫人については、彼女が完全に回復し、未亡人のままで、貧しい人々の世話と夫の財産の管理に全人生を捧げていると聞いただけだ。

THE ADVENTURE OF THE SOLITARY CYCLIST

cyclist (自転車乗り) [名] a person who rides a bicycle

孤独な自転車乗りの冒険

From the years 1894 to 1901 inclusive, Mr. Sherlock Holmes was a very busy man.

to (まで) [前] indicating an end point

inclusive (含む) [形] including the stated limits

busy (忙しい) [形] having a great deal to do

1894年から1901年まで、シャーロック・ホームズ氏は非常に忙しい人だった。

It is safe to say that there was no public case of any difficulty in which he was not consulted during those eight years, and there were hundreds of private cases, some of them of the most intricate and extraordinary character, in which he played a prominent part.

public case (公的な事件) [名] a case that is open to the public

consulted (相談を持ちかけられる) [動] seek information or advice from

eight years (八年間) [名] a period of eight years

private case (私的な事件) [名] a case that is not open to the public

hundreds (何百) [名] a large number

character (性格) [名] the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

prominent (重要な) [形] important or famous

この八年間に、彼に相談を持ちかけられなかった難しい事件は一つもなかったと言っても過言ではないし、何百という私的な事件があり、その中には彼が重要な役割を果たした、最も複雑で異常な性格の事件もあった。

Many startling successes and a few unavoidable failures were the outcome of this long period of continuous work.

unavoidable (避けられない) [形] not able to be avoided

outcome (結果) [名] the final result of a situation or process

continuous (継続的な) [形] without interruption or gaps

この長い期間の継続的な仕事の結果、多くの驚くべき成功といくつかの避けられない失敗があった。

As I have preserved very full notes of all these cases, and was myself personally engaged in many of them, it may be imagined that it is no easy task to know which I should select to lay before the public.

preserve (残す) [動] keep alive or in existence

engage (関与する) [動] occupy or attract

select (選ぶ) [動] choose from a number of possibilities

私はこれらの事件のすべてについて非常に詳細な記録を残しており、また私自身もその多くに個人的に関与していたので、どれを公表すべきかを選ぶのは容易なことではないと想像されるかもしれない。

I shall, however, preserve my former rule, and give the preference to those cases which derive their interest not so much from the brutality of the crime as from the ingenuity and dramatic quality of the solution.

former (以前の) [形] having previously filled a particular role or been a particular thing

give the preference (優先する) [動] like (one thing or person) better than another or others

derive (得る) [動] obtain something from a specified source

brutality (残虐性) [名] savage physical or mental violence

ingenuity (独創性) [名] the quality of being clever, original, and inventive

しかし、私は以前のルールを守り、犯罪の残虐性よりも解決の独創性と劇的な性質から興味を引く事件を優先することにする。

For this reason I will now lay before the reader the facts connected with Miss Violet Smith, the solitary cyclist of Charlington, and the curious sequel of our investigation, which culminated in unexpected tragedy.

for this reason (この理由で) [副] because of this

lay before (示す) [動] to present something to someone for consideration

Miss Violet Smith (バイオレット・スミス嬢) [名] a young woman

solitary (孤独な) [形] done or existing alone

Charlington (チャーリントン) [名] a place

culminate (最高潮に達する) [動] to reach a high point

そのために、私は今、読者の前に、チャーリントンの孤独な自転車乗り、バイオレット・スミス嬢に関連した事実と、予期せぬ悲劇で最高潮に達した私たちの調査の奇妙な続編を示すつもりである。

It is true that the circumstance did not admit of any striking illustration of those powers for which my friend was famous, but there were some points about the case which made it stand out in those long records of crime from which I gather the material for these little narratives.

striking (際立った) [形] very noticeable or impressive

illustration (実例) [名] a picture or drawing that explains or decorates a book, magazine, etc.

famous (有名) [形] known about by many people

stand out (際立つ) [動] to be very noticeable or impressive

gather (集める) [動] to come together in one place

確かに、この状況では私の友人が有名になった能力の際立った実例は認められなかったが、この事件には、私がこれらの短い物語の材料を集めた長い犯罪記録の中で際立った点がいくつかあった。

On referring to my notebook for the year 1895, I find that it was upon Saturday, the 23rd of April, that we first heard of Miss Violet Smith.

refer to (参照する) [動] look at or mention something

Saturday (土曜日) [名] the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

1895年の私の手帳を見ると、私たちがバイオレット・スミス嬢のことを初めて聞いたのは4月23日の土曜日だったことがわかる。

Her visit was, I remember, extremely unwelcome to Holmes, for he was immersed at the moment in a very abstruse and complicated problem concerning the peculiar persecution to which John Vincent Harden, the well-known tobacco millionaire, had been subjected.

unwelcome (歓迎されない) [形] not wanted or not welcome

at the moment (当時) [副] now; at this time

immersed (没頭する) [動] deeply engaged or involved

abstruse (難解な) [形] difficult to understand

persecution (迫害) [名] hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs

peculiar (奇妙な) [形] strange or odd; unusual

John Vincent Harden (ジョン・ヴィンセント・ハーデン) [名] a character in the story

subjected (受ける) [動] cause to experience or undergo

彼女の訪問は、ホームズにとって非常に歓迎されなかったことを覚えている。彼は当時、有名なタバコ王ジョン・ヴィンセント・ハーデンが受けた奇妙な迫害に関する非常に難解で複雑な問題に没頭していたからだ。

My friend, who loved above all things precision and concentration of thought, resented anything which distracted his attention from the matter in hand.

above all things (何よりも) [副] more than anything else

precision (正確さ) [名] the quality or state of being precise

concentration (集中力) [名] the ability to direct one's attention

resent (憤慨する) [動] feel bitter indignation at

distract (そらす) [動] to cause to turn away from the original focus of interest or attention

何よりも思考の正確さと集中力を愛する私の友人は、目の前の事柄から注意をそらすものにはすべて憤慨していた。

And yet, without a harshness which was foreign to his nature, it was impossible to refuse to listen to the story of the young and beautiful woman, tall, graceful, and queenly, who presented herself at Baker Street late in the evening, and implored his assistance and advice.

harshness (厳しさ) [名] the quality of being rough or violent; severity

foreign (ない) [形] of or from a country other than one's own

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

graceful (優雅な) [形] having or showing grace or elegance

queenly (女王のような) [形] befitting or characteristic of a queen

present (現れる) [動] appear in a place

それでも、彼の性質にはない厳しさがなければ、夕方遅くにベイカー街に現れ、彼の助けと助言を懇願した、背が高く、優雅で、女王のような若くて美しい女性の話を聞くことを拒否することは不可能だった。

It was vain to urge that his time was already fully occupied, for the young lady had come with the determination to tell her story, and it was evident that nothing short of force could get her out of the room until she had done so.

fully (いっぱい) [副] completely or entirely

occupied (占領されている) [形] being used or inhabited

urge (主張する) [動] try to persuade someone to do something

young lady (若い女性) [名] a young woman

determination (決意) [名] firmness of purpose; resoluteness

nothing short of (以外には) [副] only

force (力ずく) [名] strength or energy exerted or brought to bear

get (追い出す) [動] cause to move or be taken away from a place

彼の時間はすでにいっぱいだと主張しても無駄だった。若い女性は自分の話をしようと決意して来ていたし、そうするまでは力ずくで部屋から追い出さない限り、彼女を部屋から追い出せないことは明らかだった。

With a resigned air and a somewhat weary smile, Holmes begged the beautiful intruder to take a seat, and to inform us what it was that was troubling her.

resigned (諦めたような) [形] having accepted something unpleasant that one cannot change

weary (疲れたような) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

intruder (侵入者) [名] someone who goes into a place or situation where they are not wanted or not supposed to be

ホームズは諦めたような態度と、どこか疲れたような笑みを浮かべて、美しい侵入者に席に着き、何が彼女を悩ませているのかを教えてくれるように頼んだ。

“At least it cannot be your health,” said he, as his keen eyes darted over her, “so ardent a bicyclist must be full of energy.”

health (健康) [名] the condition of being sound in body and mind

dart (向ける) [動] move suddenly and quickly

ardent (熱心な) [形] very enthusiastic and passionate

bicyclist (自転車乗り) [名] a person who rides a bicycle

full of (いっぱいの) [形] having a lot of something

「少なくとも健康問題ではなさそうだ」と彼は鋭い目を彼女に向けながら言った。「熱心な自転車乗りは元気いっぱいに違いない」

She glanced down in surprise at her own feet, and I observed the slight roughening of the side of the sole caused by the friction of the edge of the pedal.

glance down (見下ろす) [動] look briefly

roughening (ざらざら) [名] the state of having a rough surface

sole (靴底) [名] the underside of a person's foot

friction (摩擦) [名] the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another

彼女は驚いて自分の足元を見下ろし、私はペダルの端との摩擦によって靴底の側面がわずかにざらざらになっているのに気づいた。

“Yes, I bicycle a good deal, Mr. Holmes, and that has something to do with my visit to you to-day.”

bicycle (自転車) [名] a vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing on pedals

a good deal (よく) [副] to a great extent or degree

have something to do with (関係がある) [動] be connected with or related to

「ええ、私は自転車によく乗ります、ホームズさん、そしてそれは今日の私の訪問と関係があります」

My friend took the lady’s ungloved hand, and examined it with as close an attention and as little sentiment as a scientist would show to a specimen.

scientist (科学者) [名] a person who is studying or has expert knowledge of one or more of the natural or physical sciences

specimen (標本) [名] a sample of something taken as evidence of its quality

友人は女性の手袋をしていない手を取って、科学者が標本に対して示すのと同じくらい注意深く、そしてほとんど感情を込めずにそれを調べた。

“You will excuse me, I am sure.

sure (きっと) [副] certainly; definitely

「きっと許してくれるでしょう。

It is my business,” said he, as he dropped it.

drop (落とす) [動] let or cause to fall by releasing hold of

それが私の仕事だ」と言って、彼はそれを落とした。

“I nearly fell into the error of supposing that you were typewriting.

fall into (陥る) [動] get into a bad situation

error (間違い) [名] something that is not correct

typewriting (タイプライターを打つ) [動] write using a typewriter

「私はあなたがタイプライターを打っていると思い込むという間違いを犯しそうになった。

Of course, it is obvious that it is music.

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

もちろん、それが音楽であることは明らかだ。

You observe the spatulate finger-ends, Watson, which is common to both professions?

spatulate (へら状の) [形] having a broad, rounded end

finger-end (指先) [名] the tip of a finger

ワトソン、両方の職業に共通する、へら状の指先に気づいたか?

There is a spirituality about the face, however”—she gently turned it towards the light—“which the typewriter does not generate.

spirituality (精神性) [名] the quality of being concerned with religion or religious purposes

typewriter (タイプライター) [名] a machine with keys that can be pressed to produce letters on paper

generate (作り出す) [動] cause to be produced

しかし、顔には精神性がある」彼女はそっとそれを光の方に向けた。「タイプライターはそれを作り出さない。

This lady is a musician.”

musician (音楽家) [名] a person who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented

この女性は音楽家だ。」

“Yes, Mr. Holmes, I teach music.”

teach (教える) [動] impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something

「そうです、ホームズさん、私は音楽を教えています。」

“In the country, I presume, from your complexion.”

complexion (顔色) [名] the color or tone of a person's skin

「あなたの顔色からすると、田舎でだろう。」

“Yes, sir, near Farnham, on the borders of Surrey.”

Farnham (ファーナム) [名] a town in Surrey, England

on the borders of (州境) [前] at the edge of

Surrey (サリー) [名] a county in southeast England

「はい、サリー州境のファーナム近郊です。」

“A beautiful neighbourhood, and full of the most interesting associations.

「美しい近隣で、最も興味深い連想に満ちている。

You remember, Watson, that it was near there that we took Archie Stamford, the forger.

Archie Stamford (アーチー・スタンフォード) [名] a character in the Sherlock Holmes stories

forger (偽造者) [名] a person who makes or uses forged documents

ワトソン、覚えているだろう、我々が偽造者アーチー・スタンフォードを捕まえたのはそこの近くだった。

Now, Miss Violet, what has happened to you, near Farnham, on the borders of Surrey?”

Miss Violet (バイオレットさん) [名] a young woman

さて、バイオレットさん、サリー州境のファーナム近郊であなたに何が起こったのですか?」

The young lady, with great clearness and composure, made the following curious statement:

great clearness (非常に明瞭に) [名] the quality of being clear

composure (落ち着いて) [名] the state of being calm and in control of oneself

make (行う) [動] produce or create

statement (声明) [名] a declaration or remark

若い女性は、非常に明瞭に落ち着いて、次のような奇妙な声明を行った。

“My father is dead, Mr. Holmes.

「私の父は亡くなりました、ホームズさん。

He was James Smith, who conducted the orchestra at the old Imperial Theatre.

James Smith (ジェームズ・スミス) [名] a man's name

conduct (指揮する) [動] direct or manage

orchestra (オーケストラ) [名] a group of instrumentalists, especially one combining string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections and playing classical music

Imperial Theatre (帝国劇場) [名] a theatre in London

彼はジェームズ・スミスで、旧帝国劇場でオーケストラを指揮していた。

My mother and I were left without a relation in the world except one uncle, Ralph Smith, who went to Africa twenty-five years ago, and we have never had a word from him since.

uncle (叔父) [名] the brother of one's father or mother

Ralph Smith (ラルフ・スミス) [名] a man's name

Africa (アフリカ) [名] the world's second largest and second most populous continent after Asia

twenty-five years ago (25年前) [名] 25 years before the present time

母と私は、25年前にアフリカに行ったラルフ・スミスという叔父を除いて、世界に親戚がいないまま残され、それ以来彼からの連絡は一切なかった。

When father died, we were left very poor, but one day we were told that there was an advertisement in The Times, inquiring for our whereabouts.

be told (聞く) [動] be informed of

advertisement (広告) [名] a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy

inquire (尋ねる) [動] ask about

父が亡くなった時、私たちはとても貧しいまま残されたが、ある日、タイムズ紙に私たちの居場所を尋ねる広告が出ていると聞いた。

You can imagine how excited we were, for we thought that someone had left us a fortune.

excited (興奮する) [形] very enthusiastic and eager

誰かが私たちに財産を残してくれたと思ったので、私たちがどれほど興奮していたか想像できるだろう。

We went at once to the lawyer whose name was given in the paper.

lawyer (弁護士) [名] a person who is a member of the legal profession

私たちはすぐに新聞に名前が載っていた弁護士のところに行った。

There we met two gentlemen, Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Woodley, who were home on a visit from South Africa.

South Africa (南アフリカ) [名] the southernmost country on the African continent

そこで私たちは、南アフリカから帰国中の2人の紳士、カーラザースさんとウッドリーさんに会った。

They said that my uncle was a friend of theirs, that he had died some months before in great poverty in Johannesburg, and that he had asked them with his last breath to hunt up his relations, and see that they were in no want.

great poverty (非常に貧しい) [名] the state of being extremely poor

Johannesburg (ヨハネスブルグ) [名] the largest city in South Africa

last breath (最後の息) [名] the final act of breathing before death

hunt up (探し出す) [動] to find or obtain by searching

want (困る) [動] to feel a need or a wish for

彼らは、私の叔父が彼らの友人であり、数ヶ月前にヨハネスブルグで非常に貧しい中で亡くなったこと、そして彼が最後の息で彼らに彼の親戚を探し出し、彼らが困っていないか確認するように頼んだと言った。

It seemed strange to us that Uncle Ralph, who took no notice of us when he was alive, should be so careful to look after us when he was dead, but Mr. Carruthers explained that the reason was that my uncle had just heard of the death of his brother, and so felt responsible for our fate.”

Uncle Ralph (ラルフおじさん) [名] the uncle of the speaker

take no notice of (気にも留めない) [動] not pay attention to

when he was alive (生きている間は) [副] during the time that someone is alive

Mr. Carruthers (カーラザースさん) [名] the name of a person

the reason was that (その理由は) [名] the cause or explanation of something

feel responsible for (責任を感じる) [動] have a duty to deal with something or someone

生きている間は私たちのことを気にも留めなかったラルフおじさんが、死んでから私たちの面倒を見てくれるなんて不思議に思えたが、カーラザースさんは、その理由は私のおじが兄の死を聞いたばかりで、私たちの運命に責任を感じたからだと説明してくれた。」

“Excuse me,” said Holmes.

excuse (失礼) [名] a polite expression of apology

「失礼」とホームズは言った。

“When was this interview?”

be (だった) [助] used with a past participle to form the passive voice

「この面会はいつだった?」

“Last December—four months ago.”

last (去年の) [形] the one before the present

December (12月) [名] the twelfth month of the year

four months ago (4ヶ月前) [名] four months before the present

「去年の12月、4ヶ月前です。」

“Pray proceed.”

「どうぞ続けて。」

“Mr. Woodley seemed to me to be a most odious person.

Mr. Woodley (ウッドリー氏) [名] a man's name

「ウッドリー氏は私には最も憎しみを抱かせる人に思えました。

He was for ever making eyes at me—a coarse, puffy-faced, red-moustached young man, with his hair plastered down on each side of his forehead.

for ever (いつも) [副] always; at all times

make eyes at (色目を使う) [動] look at someone in a way that shows that you are sexually attracted to them

coarse (粗野な) [形] rough or harsh in texture

puffy (むくんだ) [形] swollen or bloated

plaster (貼り付ける) [動] cover or decorate with plaster

彼はいつも私に色目を使っていました、粗野で、顔がむくみ、赤い口ひげを生やした若い男で、髪の毛を額の両側に貼り付けていました。

I thought that he was perfectly hateful—and I was sure that Cyril would not wish me to know such a person.”

hateful (憎らしい) [形] deserving of hatred

Cyril (シリル) [名] a male given name

私は彼がとても憎らしいと思いました、そして、私はシリルが私がそのような人と知り合うことを望まないと確信していました。」

“Oh, Cyril is his name!” said Holmes, smiling.

「ああ、シリルというのが彼の名前か!」とホームズは微笑みながら言った。

The young lady blushed and laughed.

blush (顔を赤らめる) [動] become red in the face

若い女性は顔を赤らめて笑った。

“Yes, Mr. Holmes, Cyril Morton, an electrical engineer, and we hope to be married at the end of the summer.

Cyril Morton (シリル・モートン) [名] a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

electrical engineer (電気技師) [名] a person who designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacture of electrical equipment

「そうです、ホームズさん、シリル・モートン、電気技師です、そして、私たちは夏の終わりに結婚したいと思っています。

Dear me, how did I get talking about him?

get talking (話すようになる) [動] start talking

まあ、どうして彼の話になったのでしょう?

What I wished to say was that Mr. Woodley was perfectly odious, but that Mr. Carruthers, who was a much older man, was more agreeable.

wish to say (言いたかった) [動] want to say

Woodley (ウッドリー) [名] a surname

perfectly (全く) [副] completely

odious (憎らしい) [形] deserving strong dislike or hatred

Carruthers (カーラザース) [名] a surname

much older (ずっと年上) [形] a lot older

agreeable (感じのいい) [形] pleasant or pleasing

私が言いたかったのは、ウッドリー氏は全く憎らしい人だったが、ずっと年上のカーラザース氏はもっと感じのいい人だったということだ。

He was a dark, sallow, clean-shaven, silent person, but he had polite manners and a pleasant smile.

sallow (土気色の) [形] having a sickly yellow or pale brown complexion

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

pleasant (愛想のいい) [形] giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

彼は浅黒く、土気色で、髭をきれいに剃り、無口な人だったが、礼儀正しい態度と愛想のいい笑顔をしていた。

He inquired how we were left, and on finding that we were very poor, he suggested that I should come and teach music to his only daughter, aged ten.

彼は私たちがどうしているか尋ね、私たちがとても貧しいことを知ると、私が彼の唯一の娘、十歳の娘に音楽を教えに来たらどうかと提案した。

I said that I did not like to leave my mother, on which he suggested that I should go home to her every week-end, and he offered me a hundred a year, which was certainly splendid pay.

every week-end (毎週末) [名] the end of the week

offer (提示する) [動] present for consideration or discussion

splendid (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or impressive

私は母を置いて行きたくないと言うと、彼は私が毎週末母のところに帰ればいいと提案し、年間百ポンドの給料を提示してくれたが、それは確かに素晴らしい給料だった。

So it ended by my accepting, and I went down to Chiltern Grange, about six miles from Farnham.

go down (行く) [動] move from a higher to a lower place

Chiltern Grange (チルターン・グランジ) [名] a fictional country house in Surrey

six miles (六マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

結局私はそれを受け入れ、ファーナムから約六マイル離れたチルターン・グランジに行った。

Mr. Carruthers was a widower, but he had engaged a lady housekeeper, a very respectable, elderly person, called Mrs. Dixon, to look after his establishment.

Mr. Carruthers (カールーザーズ氏) [名] a man

widower (男やもめ) [名] a man whose wife has died

engage (雇う) [動] employ or hire

respectable (立派な) [形] worthy of respect

establishment (住居) [名] a place of residence

カールーザーズ氏は男やもめだったが、家政婦を雇っており、ディクソン夫人と呼ばれる非常に立派な年配の人が彼の住居の世話をしていた。

The child was a dear, and everything promised well.

promise (思われる) [動] give good grounds for expecting

子供は可愛くて、全てが順調に進むと思われた。

Mr. Carruthers was very kind and very musical, and we had most pleasant evenings together.

kind (親切) [形] of a good or benevolent nature or disposition

musical (音楽好き) [形] of or relating to music

カールーザーズ氏はとても親切で音楽好きで、私たちは一緒にとても楽しい夜を過ごした。

Every week-end I went home to my mother in town.

go home (帰る) [動] return to one's home

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

毎週末、私は町の母の家に帰った。

“The first flaw in my happiness was the arrival of the red-moustached Mr. Woodley.

happiness (幸せ) [名] the state of being happy

arrival (到着) [名] the act of arriving

「私の幸せの最初の傷は、赤い口ひげのウッドリー氏の到着だった。

He came for a visit of a week, and oh!

come for a visit (訪問に来る) [動] come to see someone or something

a week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

彼は一週間の訪問に来たのだが、ああ!

it seemed three months to me.

私には三ヶ月にも思えた。

He was a dreadful person—a bully to everyone else, but to me something infinitely worse.

bully (横柄) [名] a person who hurts, threatens, or intimidates smaller or weaker people

infinitely (さらに) [副] to an unlimited degree or extent

worse (ひどい) [形] of poorer quality or a lower standard

彼は恐ろしい人物だった。誰に対しても横柄だったが、私に対してはさらにひどかった。

He made odious love to me, boasted of his wealth, said that if I married him I could have the finest diamonds in London, and finally, when I would have nothing to do with him, he seized me in his arms one day after dinner—he was hideously strong—and swore that he would not let me go until I had kissed him.

make love (愛情を抱く) [動] to have sex

boast (自慢する) [動] to speak too proudly about oneself or one's achievements

diamond (ダイヤモンド) [名] a hard, brilliant precious stone

seize (抱きしめる) [動] to take hold of suddenly and forcibly

hideously (恐ろしく) [副] in a very ugly or unpleasant way

let go (離す) [動] to release one's hold on something

kiss (キスする) [動] to touch or press with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, reverence, or greeting

彼は私に嫌らしい愛情を抱き、自分の富を自慢し、もし私と結婚すればロンドンで一番のダイヤモンドを手に入れることができると言って、ついに私が彼と関わりを持たないようになると、ある日夕食後に彼は私を腕に抱きしめて、彼は恐ろしく強かったのだが、私が彼にキスするまで私を離さないと誓った。

Mr. Carruthers came in and tore him from me, on which he turned upon his own host, knocking him down and cutting his face open.

Mr. Carruthers (カザレスさん) [名] a man's name

come in (入ってくる) [動] enter

tear (引き離す) [動] pull apart or to pieces with force

on which (すると) [接] after which; and then

turn upon (襲いかかる) [動] attack suddenly or unexpectedly

knock down (殴り倒す) [動] hit or strike to the ground

cut open (切り裂く) [動] cut or tear apart

カザレスさんが入ってきて彼を私から引き離すと、彼は自分の主人に襲いかかり、彼を殴り倒して顔を切り裂いた。

That was the end of his visit, as you can imagine.

ご想像の通り、それで彼の訪問は終わりとなった。

Mr. Carruthers apologized to me next day, and assured me that I should never be exposed to such an insult again.

next day (翌日) [名] the day after today

be exposed to (さらされる) [動] be subjected to

insult (侮辱) [名] a disrespectful or scornfully abusive remark or action

カザレスさんは翌日私に謝罪し、二度とそのような侮辱にさらされることはないと約束してくれた。

I have not seen Mr. Woodley since.

have not seen (会っていない) [動] have not met or encountered

Mr. Woodley (ウッドリーさん) [名] a man with the last name Woodley

それ以来ウッドリーさんには会っていない。

“And now, Mr. Holmes, I come at last to the special thing which has caused me to ask your advice to-day.

come (たどり着く) [動] reach a place

special (特別な) [形] better or otherwise different from what is usual or common

thing (事柄) [名] a fact or situation that is known or proved

「そして、ホームズさん、私はついに今日あなたの助言を求めることになった特別な事柄にたどり着きました。

You must know that every Saturday forenoon I ride on my bicycle to Farnham Station, in order to get the 12:22 to town.

every Saturday (毎週土曜日) [名] the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

forenoon (午前中) [名] the time of day from sunrise to noon

ride (乗る) [動] travel on a bicycle

Farnham Station (ファーナム駅) [名] a railway station in Farnham, Surrey, England

12:22 (12時22分) [名] twelve minutes past twelve

あなたは私が毎週土曜日の午前中に、12時22分の街行きに乗るために自転車でファーナム駅まで行くことを知っているはずだ。

The road from Chiltern Grange is a lonely one, and at one spot it is particularly so, for it lies for over a mile between Charlington Heath upon one side and the woods which lie round Charlington Hall upon the other.

one spot (一か所) [名] a particular place

over (以上) [前] more than

mile (マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609 kilometers

one side (一方の側) [名] one of the two parts of something that are on opposite sides of a dividing line

Charlington Heath (チャーリントン・ヒース) [名] a fictional location in the story

other (もう一方の) [形] being the remaining one of two or more

Charlington Hall (チャーリントン・ホール) [名] a fictional location in the story

チルターン・グランジからの道は寂しい道で、特に一か所はそうである、というのも、それは一方の側のチャーリントン・ヒースともう一方の側のチャーリントン・ホールの周りにある森との間に一マイル以上も横たわっているからだ。

You could not find a more lonely tract of road anywhere, and it is quite rare to meet so much as a cart, or a peasant, until you reach the high road near Crooksbury Hill.

tract (道) [名] a large area of land

cart (荷車) [名] a small vehicle with two wheels that is pulled by a horse or other animal

peasant (農民) [名] a poor person of low social status who works on a farm

Crooksbury Hill (クルックスベリー・ヒル) [名] a hill in England

これ以上寂しい道はどこにも見つからないだろうし、クルックスベリー・ヒル近くの幹線道路にたどり着くまで、荷車や農民に出会うことはめったにない。

Two weeks ago I was passing this place, when I chanced to look back over my shoulder, and about two hundred yards behind me I saw a man, also on a bicycle.

two weeks ago (二週間前) [名] a period of time

this place (この場所) [名] the place where the speaker is

look back (振り返る) [動] turn one's head and body to look in the direction from which one has come

about two hundred yards (約二百ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

二週間前、私がこの場所を通り過ぎていた時、たまたま肩越しに後ろを振り返ると、私の後ろ約二百ヤードのところにも自転車に乗った男がいた。

He seemed to be a middle-aged man, with a short, dark beard.

dark (黒い) [形] having little or no light

彼は短い黒い髭を生やした中年の男のようだった。

I looked back before I reached Farnham, but the man was gone, so I thought no more about it.

ファーナムに着く前に振り返ったが、男はいなくなっていたので、それ以上は考えなかった。

But you can imagine how surprised I was, Mr. Holmes, when, on my return on the Monday, I saw the same man on the same stretch of road.

surprised (驚く) [形] feeling or showing surprise

Monday (月曜日) [名] the second day of the week

しかし、ホームズさん、月曜日に帰宅した時に同じ道で同じ男を見かけた時の私の驚きがどれほどだったか想像できるでしょう。

My astonishment was increased when the incident occurred again, exactly as before, on the following Saturday and Monday.

increase (増す) [動] become or make greater or more intense

following (次の) [形] coming after something in time; next

私の驚きは、その次の土曜日と月曜日に、全く前と同じようにその出来事が再び起こった時にさらに増した。

He always kept his distance and did not molest me in any way, but still it certainly was very odd.

keep one's distance (距離を置く) [動] stay away from someone or something

molest (迷惑をかける) [動] to annoy, disturb, or pester

in any way (決して) [副] at all; in the least

odd (奇妙な) [形] strange; unusual

彼はいつも距離を置いていて、私に迷惑をかけることはなかったが、それでも確かにとても奇妙だった。

I mentioned it to Mr. Carruthers, who seemed interested in what I said, and told me that he had ordered a horse and trap, so that in future I should not pass over these lonely roads without some companion.

order (注文する) [動] to give an instruction to do something

trap (馬車) [名] a vehicle with two wheels that is pulled by a horse

future (今後) [名] the time that will come after the present

私はそれをカザレスさんに話すと、彼は私の話に興味を持ったようで、馬車を注文したから、今後は誰か連れがいる時以外はこんな寂しい道を通らないようにと言った。

“The horse and trap were to have come this week, but for some reason they were not delivered, and again I had to cycle to the station.

some reason (何らかの理由) [名] an unspecified cause

deliver (配達する) [動] take or carry (something) to the intended recipient

cycle (自転車で行く) [動] ride a bicycle

「馬車は今週来るはずだったが、何かの理由で配達されず、私はまた駅まで自転車で行かなければならなかった。

That was this morning.

それが今朝のことだった。

You can think that I looked out when I came to Charlington Heath, and there, sure enough, was the man, exactly as he had been the two weeks before.

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

私がチャーリントン・ヒースに着いた時、外を見たことは想像できるだろうが、そこには確かに、二週間前と全く同じように、あの男がいた。

He always kept so far from me that I could not clearly see his face, but it was certainly someone whom I did not know.

keep (離れる) [動] stay away from

so far (遠く) [副] at a great distance

whom (人) [関] the person that

彼はいつも私から遠く離れていたので、顔をはっきりと見ることはできなかったが、確かに知らない人だった。

He was dressed in a dark suit with a cloth cap.

dark suit (黒いスーツ) [名] a suit of a dark color

cloth cap (布の帽子) [名] a cap made of cloth

彼は黒いスーツを着て、布の帽子をかぶっていた。

The only thing about his face that I could clearly see was his dark beard.

彼の顔で唯一はっきりと見えたのは、黒い髭だけだった。

To-day I was not alarmed, but I was filled with curiosity, and I determined to find out who he was and what he wanted.

be alarmed (驚く) [動] feel or show fear or worry

今日、私は驚かなかったが、好奇心でいっぱいになり、彼が誰で何を求めているのかを突き止めようと決心した。

I slowed down my machine, but he slowed down his.

slow down (速度を落とす) [動] move or cause to move more slowly

machine (自転車) [名] a device that uses energy to perform a task

私は自転車の速度を落としたが、彼も速度を落とした。

Then I stopped altogether, but he stopped also.

stop (停止する) [動] cease moving

それから私は完全に停止したが、彼も停止した。

Then I laid a trap for him.

lay a trap (罠を仕掛ける) [動] set a trap

for (に) [前] for the benefit of

それから私は彼に罠を仕掛けた。

There is a sharp turning of the road, and I pedalled very quickly round this, and then I stopped and waited.

sharp (急な) [形] having a sudden change in direction

turning (曲がり角) [名] a change of direction

pedal (ペダルをこぐ) [動] operate a pedal

道が急に曲がるところがあり、私はそこをとても速くペダルをこいで回り、それから止まって待った。

I expected him to shoot round and pass me before he could stop.

shoot round (曲がり角を曲がる) [動] turn a corner

pass (追い越す) [動] move ahead of

私は彼が曲がり角を曲がって、止まる前に私を追い越すだろうと予想した。

But he never appeared.

しかし彼は現れなかった。

Then I went back and looked round the corner.

look round (曲がる) [動] turn to face a different direction

それから私は戻って角を曲がった。

I could see a mile of road, but he was not on it.

be on (いる) [動] be present at or in

道は1マイル先まで見渡せたが、彼はそこにはいなかった。

To make it the more extraordinary, there was no side road at this point down which he could have gone.”

side road (脇道) [名] a minor road off a main road

もっと奇妙なことに、この地点には彼が行けるような脇道はなかった。」

Holmes chuckled and rubbed his hands.

ホームズはくすくす笑って手をこすった。

“This case certainly presents some features of its own,” said he.

「この事件は確かに独自の特徴がある」と彼は言った。

“How much time elapsed between your turning the corner and your discovery that the road was clear?”

turn the corner (角を曲がる) [動] change direction

「角を曲がってから道が空いているのを発見するまでどれくらいの時間がかかったか?」

“Two or three minutes.”

two or three minutes (2、3分) [名] a period of time lasting for 120 to 180 seconds

「2、3分」

“Then he could not have retreated down the road, and you say that there are no side roads?”

retreat (後退する) [動] move back or withdraw

「それなら彼は道を後退することはできなかったし、脇道もないと言っているのか?」

“None.”

「ない」

“Then he certainly took a footpath on one side or the other.”

take (歩く) [動] go by way of

footpath (歩道) [名] a path for pedestrians

one side or the other (どちらかの側) [名] either side

「それなら彼は確かにどちらかの側の歩道を歩いた」

“It could not have been on the side of the heath, or I should have seen him.”

could not have been (あり得なかった) [動] be impossible

heath (ヒース) [名] an area of open uncultivated land, especially in Britain, with characteristic vegetation of heather, gorse, and coarse grasses

should have seen (見たはずだ) [動] be expected to see

「それはヒースの側ではあり得なかった、さもなければ私は彼を見たはずだ」

“So, by the process of exclusion, we arrive at the fact that he made his way toward Charlington Hall, which, as I understand, is situated in its own grounds on one side of the road. Anything else?”

process (プロセス) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end

arrive at (たどり着く) [動] reach a destination

「それで、除外のプロセスによって、彼がチャーリントンホールに向かって歩いたという事実にたどり着く。私の理解では、それは道の片側にある独自の敷地内にある。他に何か?」

“Nothing, Mr. Holmes, save that I was so perplexed that I felt I should not be happy until I had seen you and had your advice.”

perplexed (当惑した) [形] puzzled or confused

「何も、ホームズさん、私がとても当惑して、あなたに会ってあなたの助言を得るまでは幸せになれないと感じたこと以外は」

Holmes sat in silence for some little time.

some little time (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

ホームズはしばらく黙って座っていた。

“Where is the gentleman to whom you are engaged?” he asked at last.

「婚約者の紳士はどこに?」と彼はついに尋ねた。

“He is in the Midland Electrical Company, at Coventry.”

Midland Electrical Company (ミッドランド電気会社) [名] a company that makes electrical devices

Coventry (コベントリー) [名] a city in the West Midlands of England

「彼はコベントリーのミッドランド電気会社にいます」

“He would not pay you a surprise visit?”

surprise (驚かせるような) [形] causing surprise

「彼はあなたを驚かせるような訪問はしないだろうか?」

“Oh, Mr. Holmes! As if I should not know him!”

「ああ、ホームズさん! 私が彼を知らないはずがないのに!」

“Have you had any other admirers?”

admirer (愛慕者) [名] a person who admires someone or something

「あなたには他に愛慕者がいたか?」

“Several before I knew Cyril.”

before (知らないうちに) [接] during the period of time prior to

「シリルを知らないうちに何人かいた。」

“And since?”

「そしてそれ以来は?」

“There was this dreadful man, Woodley, if you can call him an admirer.”

call (呼ぶ) [動] give a name to

「ウッドリーという恐ろしい男がいた。彼を愛慕者と呼べるなら。」

“No one else?”

「他に誰も?」

Our fair client seemed a little confused.

fair (美しい) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

私たちの美しい依頼人は少し混乱しているようだった。

“Who was he?” asked Holmes.

「彼は誰だった?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“Oh, it may be a mere fancy of mine;

fancy (空想) [名] a mental image or representation of something that is not real or has not yet happened

「ああ、それは私の単なる空想かもしれない。

but it had seemed to me sometimes that my employer, Mr. Carruthers, takes a great deal of interest in me.

employer (雇い主) [名] a person that employs people

take interest in (興味を持つ) [動] to be interested in something or someone

しかし、私の雇い主であるカーラザース氏が私に非常に興味を持っているように思われることがある。

We are thrown rather together.

私たちはむしろ一緒に放り込まれている。

I play his accompaniments in the evening.

play (弾く) [動] perform music on a musical instrument

accompaniment (伴奏) [名] music that is played to support the main performer

私は夕方彼の伴奏を弾く。

He has never said anything.

彼は何も言ったことがない。

He is a perfect gentleman.

彼は完璧な紳士だ。

But a girl always knows.”

しかし、女の子はいつも知っている。」

“Ha!” Holmes looked grave.

grave (深刻そう) [形] giving cause for alarm; serious

「はっ!」ホームズは深刻そうに見えた。

“What does he do for a living?”

do for a living (生計を立てるためにする) [動] do as one's job or career

「彼は生計を立てるために何をしているのか?」

“He is a rich man.”

「彼は金持ちだ。」

“No carriages or horses?”

「馬車や馬は?」

“Well, at least he is fairly well-to-do.

well-to-do (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money; rich

「まあ、少なくとも彼はかなり裕福だ。

But he goes into the city two or three times a week.

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

しかし、彼は週に2、3回街に行く。

He is deeply interested in South African gold shares.”

share (株) [名] a part of a company that can be bought, sold, or owned

彼は南アフリカの金鉱株に深く興味を持っている。」

“You will let me know any fresh development, Miss Smith.

let know (知らせる) [動] inform

「何か新しい展開があったら知らせてください、スミスさん。

I am very busy just now, but I will find time to make some inquiries into your case.

just now (今) [副] at this moment; right now

find time (時間を見つける) [動] manage to do something despite a busy schedule

make some inquiries (調べる) [動] ask questions about something

私は今とても忙しいが、あなたの事件について調べる時間を見つけよう。

In the meantime, take no step without letting me know.

in the meantime (それまでは) [副] in the intervening period of time

take no step (行動を起こさない) [動] do nothing

それまでは、私に知らせることなく行動を起こさないでください。

Good-bye, and I trust that we shall have nothing but good news from you.”

good-bye (さようなら) [間] a phrase used to express a farewell

trust (期待する) [動] believe in the reliability, truth, or ability of

nothing but (だけ) [副] only; exclusively

good news (良い知らせ) [名] a report of a situation or event that is positive or favorable

さようなら、あなたからの良い知らせだけを期待しています。」

“It is part of the settled order of Nature that such a girl should have followers,” said Holmes, he pulled at his meditative pipe, “but for choice not on bicycles in lonely country roads.

part (一部) [名] a piece or portion of something

settled (定まった) [形] not likely to change

order (秩序) [名] the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method

follower (追随者) [名] a person who follows or supports a leader, teacher, or philosophy

meditative (瞑想的な) [形] involving or absorbed in meditation

pipe (パイプ) [名] a tube of metal, plastic, or other material used to convey liquids, gases, or other substances

choice (選ぶ) [名] the act of choosing or selecting

「そのような少女に追随者がいるのは自然の定まった秩序の一部だ」とホームズは言い、瞑想的なパイプを引っ張った、「しかし、孤独な田舎道で自転車に乗って選ぶことはできない。

Some secretive lover, beyond all doubt.

beyond all doubt (疑いなく) [副] without any doubt; certainly

疑いなく、秘密の恋人だ。

But there are curious and suggestive details about the case, Watson.”

しかし、この事件には奇妙で示唆に富む詳細がある、ワトソン。」

“That he should appear only at that point?”

「彼がその地点にだけ現れたということ?」

“Exactly. Our first effort must be to find who are the tenants of Charlington Hall.

tenant (借家人) [名] a person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord

「その通り。我々の最初の努力は、チャーリントンホールの借家人が誰かを見つけることだ。

Then, again, how about the connection between Carruthers and Woodley, since they appear to be men of such a different type?

type (タイプ) [名] a category of people or things having similar characteristics

それから、また、カーラザースとウッドリーの関係はどうだろう、彼らは非常に異なるタイプの男性のように見えるが?

How came they both to be so keen upon looking up Ralph Smith’s relations?

keen (熱心) [形] having or showing great interest or enthusiasm

look up (探す) [動] try to find or obtain

どうして彼らは二人ともラルフ・スミスの親戚を探すことに熱心になったのか?

One more point. What sort of a ménage is it which pays double the market price for a governess but does not keep a horse, although six miles from the station?

one more (もう一つ) [形] an additional

double (二倍) [形] twice as many or as much

market price (相場) [名] the price at which a security is currently trading

governess (家庭教師) [名] a woman employed to teach children in a private household

keep (飼う) [動] have or maintain for use or service

もう一つ。駅から六マイルも離れているのに、家庭教師に相場の二倍の給料を払いながら馬を飼っていないとは、いったいどんな家だろう?

Odd, Watson—very odd!”

奇妙だ、ワトソン、とても奇妙だ!」

“You will go down?”

「下りるのか?」

“No, my dear fellow, you will go down.

「いや、君が下りるんだ。

This may be some trifling intrigue, and I cannot break my other important research for the sake of it.

intrigue (陰謀) [名] a secret plan or plot

break (中断する) [動] cause to cease or end

これは些細な陰謀かもしれないし、そのために他の重要な研究を中断するわけにはいかない。

On Monday you will arrive early at Farnham; you will conceal yourself near Charlington Heath; you will observe these facts for yourself, and act as your own judgment advises.

on Monday (月曜日に) [副] on the second day of the week

yourself (自分) [名] the person that is speaking or writing

near (近く) [前] at or within a short distance of

月曜日に君はファーナムに早く着き、チャーリントン・ヒースの近くに身を隠し、これらの事実を自分で観察し、自分の判断に従って行動する。

Then, having inquired as to the occupants of the Hall, you will come back to me and report.

occupant (住人) [名] a person who lives in a place

それから、館の住人について尋ねてから、私のところに戻って報告する。

And now, Watson, not another word of the matter until we have a few solid stepping-stones on which we may hope to get across to our solution.”

not another word (これ以上話さない) [名] no more talking

solid (はっきりした) [形] firm or strong in shape or structure

stepping-stone (道筋) [名] a means of progress or advancement

get across (至る) [動] reach the other side of

ワトソン、解決に至る道筋がはっきりするまでは、この件についてはこれ以上話さないようにしよう。」

We had ascertained from the lady that she went down upon the Monday by the train which leaves Waterloo at 9:50, so I started early and caught the 9:13.

ascertain (確認する) [動] find out or make certain of

Waterloo (ウォータールー) [名] a railway station in London

9:50 (9時50分) [名] a time

start (出発する) [動] begin a journey

catch (乗る) [動] get on or into

9:13 (9時13分) [名] a time

私たちは、彼女が月曜日にウォータールーを9時50分に出発する列車で降りたことを確認していたので、私は早めに出発して9時13分に乗った。

At Farnham Station I had no difficulty in being directed to Charlington Heath.

ファーナム駅で、私はチャーリントン・ヒースへの道を尋ねるのに苦労しなかった。

It was impossible to mistake the scene of the young lady’s adventure, for the road runs between the open heath on one side and an old yew hedge upon the other, surrounding a park which is studded with magnificent trees.

mistake (間違える) [動] to be wrong about something

yew (イチイ) [名] an evergreen tree with dark green leaves and red berries

stud (点在する) [動] decorate with studs

magnificent (壮大な) [形] very impressive or very good

若い女性の冒険の現場を間違えるはずはなかった。道は、一方は開けたヒース、もう一方は古いイチイの生垣に挟まれて走り、壮大な木々が点在する公園を囲んでいる。

There was a main gateway of lichen-studded stone, each side pillar surmounted by mouldering heraldic emblems, but besides this central carriage drive I observed several points where there were gaps in the hedge and paths leading through them.

main gateway (正門) [名] the main entrance to a place

lichen-studded (地衣類が散りばめられた) [形] covered with lichens

each side pillar (両側の柱) [名] a pillar on each side

surmounted (刻まれている) [動] be above or on top of

mouldering (朽ちかけた) [形] decaying or crumbling

heraldic emblem (紋章) [名] a design or symbol that is used as a special mark of a person, family, organization, or country

central carriage drive (中央の馬車道) [名] a road in the middle of a place that is used by carriages

several points (いくつかの場所) [名] a number of places

地衣類が散りばめられた石造りの正門があり、両側の柱には紋章が刻まれているが、この中央の馬車道のほかにも、生垣に隙間があり、そこを通る小道がいくつかあるのを見た。

The house was invisible from the road, but the surroundings all spoke of gloom and decay.

invisible (見えない) [形] unable to be seen

surroundings (周囲) [名] the area around something

decay (荒廃) [名] the state of decomposition or ruin

家は道からは見えなかったが、周囲はすべて陰鬱で荒廃していた。

The heath was covered with golden patches of flowering gorse, gleaming magnificently in the light of the bright spring sunshine.

golden (黄金色の) [形] made of or colored like gold

patch (斑点) [名] a small area of ground

flowering (花の咲いた) [形] having flowers

gorse (ハリエニシダ) [名] a spiny yellow-flowered shrub

magnificently (見事な) [副] in a way that is very impressive or very good

sunshine (日差し) [名] direct sunlight unbroken by cloud, especially over a comparatively large area

ヒースは、明るい春の日差しの中で見事な輝きを放つ、花の咲いたハリエニシダの黄金色の斑点で覆われていた。

Behind one of these clumps I took up my position, so as to command both the gateway of the Hall and a long stretch of the road upon either side.

these (これらの) [限] the ones that are here

clump (塊) [名] a small group of things

command (見渡せる) [動] have a good view of

gateway (門) [名] a point of access to a place

stretch (道) [名] a continuous area of land

either (両方) [限] one or the other of two people or things

私はこれらの塊の1つの後ろに陣取り、ホールの門と両側の長い道の両方を見渡せるようにした。

It had been deserted when I left it, but now I saw a cyclist riding down it from the opposite direction to that in which I had come.

desert (人影がない) [形] uninhabited

ride (走ってくる) [動] travel or be carried on a bicycle

私がそこを離れたときには人影がなかったが、今は私が来た方向とは反対の方向から自転車に乗った人が走ってくるのが見えた。

He was clad in a dark suit, and I saw that he had a black beard.

suit (スーツ) [名] a set of clothes consisting of a jacket and trousers or skirt

彼は黒いスーツを着ていて、黒い髭を生やしているのが見えた。

On reaching the end of the Charlington grounds, he sprang from his machine and led it through a gap in the hedge, disappearing from my view.

spring (飛び降りる) [動] jump or leap

チャーリントンの敷地の端に着くと、彼は自転車から飛び降り、生け垣の隙間から自転車を導き、私の視界から消えた。

A quarter of an hour passed, and then a second cyclist appeared.

a quarter of an hour (15分) [名] a period of time lasting 15 minutes

pass (経つ) [動] go by

15分ほど経つと、2人目の自転車乗りが現れた。

This time it was the young lady coming from the station.

this time (今度は) [副] on this occasion

come from (やってくる) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

今度は駅からやってくる若い女性だった。

I saw her look about her as she came to the Charlington hedge.

look about (見回す) [動] look around

come to (近づく) [動] approach

彼女がチャーリントンの生け垣に近づいたとき、彼女が周りを見回しているのを見た。

An instant later the man emerged from his hiding-place, sprang upon his cycle, and followed her.

an instant later (すぐに) [副] a very short time later

hiding-place (隠れ場所) [名] a place where someone or something can be hidden

cycle (自転車) [名] a vehicle with two wheels that is moved by the rider's feet

すぐに男は隠れ場所から現れ、自転車に飛び乗って彼女を追いかけた。

In all the broad landscape those were the only moving figures, the graceful girl sitting very straight upon her machine, and the man behind her bending low over his handle-bar with a curiously furtive suggestion in every movement.

landscape (景色) [名] all the visible features of an area of land

moving (動いている) [形] in motion

machine (マシン) [名] an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task

low (低く) [副] not high or tall

handle-bar (ハンドルバー) [名] the steering bar of a bicycle or motorcycle

furtive (こそこそとした) [形] done quickly and secretly, as if to avoid being noticed

suggestion (感じ) [名] a statement or question that implies or hints at something

広い景色の中で動いているのは彼らだけだった。優雅な少女はマシンの上にまっすぐ座り、後ろの男はハンドルバーの上に低くかがみ、あらゆる動きに奇妙にこそこそとした感じがあった。

She looked back at him and slowed her pace.

slow down (ペースを落とす) [動] move or act less quickly

彼女は彼を振り返り、ペースを落とした。

He slowed also.

slow (速度を落とす) [動] move or cause to move at a low speed

彼もまた速度を落とした。

She stopped.

彼女は止まった。

He at once stopped, too, keeping two hundred yards behind her.

keep (いる) [動] remain in a specified state

two hundred yards (二百ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

彼もまたすぐに止まり、彼女から二百ヤード後ろにいた。

Her next movement was as unexpected as it was spirited.

spirited (元気) [形] full of energy and life

彼女の次の動きは、元気なだけに予想外だった。

She suddenly whisked her wheels round and dashed straight at him.

whisk (回す) [動] move or cause to move quickly and lightly with a brushing or sweeping motion

wheel (車輪) [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

dash (突進する) [動] move or travel quickly

straight (向かって) [副] directly; without changing direction

彼女は突然車輪を回して彼に向かって突進した。

He was as quick as she, however, and darted off in desperate flight.

as quick as (同じくらい素早い) [形] having the same speed as

dart off (逃げ出す) [動] move suddenly and rapidly

desperate (必死の) [形] having lost all hope

しかし、彼は彼女と同じくらい素早くて、必死に逃げ出した。

Presently she came back up the road again, her head haughtily in the air, not deigning to take any further notice of her silent attendant.

haughtily (傲慢に) [副] in a proud and arrogant manner

air (空中) [名] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth

deign (気づかぬふりをする) [動] do something that you think is below your dignity

attendant (従者) [名] a person who accompanies another person

やがて彼女は再び道を戻ってきたが、頭を高く掲げ、無言の従者にはそれ以上気づかぬふりをしていた。

He had turned also, and still kept his distance until the curve of the road hid them from my sight.

distance (距離) [名] the space between two points

curve (曲がり角) [名] a bend in a road

sight (視界) [名] the ability to see

彼もまた向きを変え、道の曲がり角で彼らが私の視界から消えるまで距離を保っていた。

I remained in my hiding-place, and it was well that I did so, for presently the man reappeared, cycling slowly back.

well (よかった) [副] in a good or satisfactory manner

reappear (再び現れる) [動] appear again

私は隠れ場所に残っていたが、そうしておいてよかった。やがて男が再び現れ、ゆっくりと自転車で戻ってきた。

He turned in at the Hall gates, and dismounted from his machine.

turn in (くぐる) [動] go to bed

dismount (降りる) [動] get off or down from something, especially a horse or bicycle

彼はホールの門をくぐり、自転車から降りた。

For some minutes I could see him standing among the trees.

for some minutes (数分間) [名] for a short period of time

数分間、彼が木々の間に立っているのが見えた。

His hands were raised, and he seemed to be settling his necktie.

settle (直す) [動] put something in order

彼は手を上げ、ネクタイを直しているようだった。

Then he mounted his cycle, and rode away from me down the drive towards the Hall.

mount (乗る) [動] get on or into

towards (に向かって) [前] in the direction of

それから彼は自転車に乗り、私から離れてホールに向かって車道を下っていった。

I ran across the heath and peered through the trees.

run across (横切って走る) [動] run from one side to the other of

私はヒースを横切って走り、木々の間から覗き込んだ。

Far away I could catch glimpses of the old grey building with its bristling Tudor chimneys, but the drive ran through a dense shrubbery, and I saw no more of my man.

far away (遠く) [副] at a great distance

building (建物) [名] a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory

Tudor (チューダー朝) [形] of or relating to the Tudor dynasty

chimney (煙突) [名] a vertical pipe or shaft that allows smoke and gases to escape

drive (車道) [名] a private road for vehicles

run through (走り抜ける) [動] go through or over quickly

dense (密集した) [形] closely compacted in substance

shrubbery (低木林) [名] a collection of shrubs

no more (もう~ない) [副] not anymore; no longer

遠くには、チューダー朝の煙突が林立する古い灰色の建物がちらりと見えたが、車道は密集した低木林の中を走り、私はもうあの男を見ることはなかった。

However, it seemed to me that I had done a fairly good morning’s work, and I walked back in high spirits to Farnham.

back (帰る) [副] to the place or person that is being talked about

high spirits (上機嫌) [名] a cheerful or buoyant mood

しかし、私は午前中の仕事はうまくいったように思えたので、上機嫌でファーナムまで歩いて帰った。

The local house agent could tell me nothing about Charlington Hall, and referred me to a well-known firm in Pall Mall.

house agent (不動産屋) [名] a person who acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers of real estate

refer (紹介する) [動] direct or send someone or something to a particular destination or place

firm (会社) [名] a business or other organization

地元の不動産屋はチャーリントン・ホールについては何も教えてくれず、私をポール・モールの有名な会社に紹介してくれた。

There I halted on my way home, and met with courtesy from the representative.

on one's way (途中) [名] in the process of going somewhere

halt (立ち止まる) [動] stop or cause to stop

courtesy (丁寧な対応) [名] polite behavior that shows respect for other people

私は帰宅途中にそこで立ち止まり、担当者から丁寧な対応を受けた。

No, I could not have Charlington Hall for the summer.

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

いいえ、夏にチャーリントン・ホールを借りることはできません。

I was just too late.

be just too late (遅すぎる) [動] arrive or happen after the usual or expected time

私は遅すぎた。

It had been let about a month ago.

about a month ago (約1ヶ月前) [名] a month before the present time

let (貸し出す) [動] allow to be used by someone else for a period of time

約1ヶ月前に貸し出されていた。

Mr. Williamson was the name of the tenant.

Mr. Williamson (ウィリアムソン氏) [名] the name of the tenant

借主の名前はウィリアムソン氏だった。

He was a respectable, elderly gentleman.

elderly (老) [形] rather old

彼は立派な老紳士だった。

The polite agent was afraid he could say no more, as the affairs of his clients were not matters which he could discuss.

afraid (恐れる) [動] be worried or frightened about

say no more (これ以上話せない) [動] be unable to say anything more

discuss (話す) [動] talk about

礼儀正しい代理人は、顧客の事情は話せないため、これ以上は話せないと恐れていた。

Mr. Sherlock Holmes listened with attention to the long report which I was able to present to him that evening, but it did not elicit that word of curt praise which I had hoped for and should have valued.

that evening (その夜) [名] the evening of the day that is being talked about

elicit (引き出す) [動] evoke or draw out

curt (簡潔な) [形] rudely brief

praise (賞賛) [名] an expression of approval or admiration

value (評価する) [動] regard highly

シャーロック・ホームズ氏は、私がその夜彼に提出することができた長い報告書に注意深く耳を傾けたが、私が望み、評価すべきだった簡潔な賞賛の言葉を引き出すことはなかった。

On the contrary, his austere face was even more severe than usual as he commented upon the things that I had done and the things that I had not.

severe (厳しい) [形] very great or intense

comment (論評する) [動] make a remark about

それどころか、彼の厳しい顔はいつもよりもさらに厳しく、私がしたこととしていないことを論評した。

“Your hiding-place, my dear Watson, was very faulty.

faulty (欠陥がある) [形] having a defect or weakness

「ワトソン君、君の隠れ場所は非常に欠陥があった。

You should have been behind the hedge, then you would have had a close view of this interesting person.

be behind (後ろにいる) [動] be in a position behind something

close view (よく見える) [名] a view that is near or close

生垣の後ろにいれば、この興味深い人物がよく見えただろう。

As it is, you were some hundreds of yards away and can tell me even less than Miss Smith.

as it is (実際) [副] in the actual state of affairs

some hundreds of (数百) [名] a few hundred

away (離れた) [形] not present; not here

even less (より少ない) [副] to a smaller extent

Miss Smith (スミス嬢) [名] a young or unmarried woman

実際、君は数百ヤードも離れていたので、スミス嬢よりも私に伝えられることは少ない。

She thinks she does not know the man;

彼女はその男を知らないと思っている。

I am convinced she does.

be convinced (確信している) [動] to be certain about something

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

私は彼女が知っていると確信している。

Why, otherwise, should he be so desperately anxious that she should not get so near him as to see his features?

anxious (心配する) [形] feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome

そうでなければ、なぜ彼は彼女が彼の顔を見られないように必死に近寄らないようにするのか?

You describe him as bending over the handle-bar.

describe (説明する) [動] give an account of something

bend over (覆いかぶさる) [動] lean or curve forward and downward

君は彼がハンドルバーに覆いかぶさっていたと説明した。

Concealment again, you see.

concealment (隠蔽) [名] the action of hiding something or the state of being hidden

隠蔽だ、わかるだろう。

You really have done remarkably badly.

have done (してしまった) [動] to have finished doing something

remarkably (ひどく) [副] to a notable extent

君は本当にひどいことをしてしまった。

He returns to the house, and you want to find out who he is.

彼は家に戻り、君は彼が誰かを突き止めたい。

You come to a London house agent!”

ロンドンの不動産屋に来たんだ!」

“What should I have done?” I cried, with some heat.

should have done (すべきだった) [動] should have done something

「私は何をすべきだったんだ?」私は少し熱くなって叫んだ。

“Gone to the nearest public-house.

go to (行く) [動] move or travel toward

public house (パブ) [名] a place where people can buy and consume alcohol and food

「一番近いパブに行った。

That is the centre of country gossip.

gossip (噂) [名] casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

そこは田舎の噂の中心だ。

They would have told you every name, from the master to the scullery-maid.

scullery-maid (下働きの女中) [名] a maid who works in the scullery

主人から下働きの女中まで、あらゆる名前を教えてくれただろう。

Williamson?

Williamson (ウィリアムソン) [名] a surname

ウィリアムソン?

It conveys nothing to my mind.

convey (思い浮かばない) [動] make known; communicate

mind (私) [名] the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons

私には何も思い浮かばない。

If he is an elderly man he is not this active cyclist who sprints away from that young lady’s athletic pursuit.

athletic (運動能力) [形] physically active and strong

もし彼が年配の男性なら、あの若い女性の運動能力をもってしても追いつけないほど活発な自転車乗りではないだろう。

What have we gained by your expedition?

gain (得る) [動] obtain or secure

expedition (遠征) [名] a journey of exploration

君の遠征で何が得られた?

The knowledge that the girl’s story is true.

あの娘の話が真実だという知識だ。

I never doubted it.

私はそれを疑ったことがない。

That there is a connection between the cyclist and the Hall.

自転車乗りとホールの間に関係があるということだ。

I never doubted that either.

either (~も) [接] used to indicate that a statement applies to two things or situations

私もそれを疑ったことがない。

That the Hall is tenanted by Williamson.

be tenanted by (貸し出されている) [動] be rented by

ホールがウィリアムソンに貸し出されているということだ。

Who’s the better for that?

誰が得をする?

Well, well, my dear sir, don’t look so depressed.

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

まあまあ、親愛なる旦那、そんなに落ち込まないで。

We can do little more until next Saturday, and in the meantime I may make one or two inquiries myself.”

next Saturday (来週の土曜日) [名] the Saturday after the one coming up

meantime (それまで) [名] the intervening period of time

inquiry (調べる) [名] an act of asking for information

来週の土曜日までできることはほとんどないし、それまでに私自身も一つか二つ調べてみよう。」

Next morning, we had a note from Miss Smith, recounting shortly and accurately the very incidents which I had seen, but the pith of the letter lay in the postscript:

recount (記す) [動] tell someone about something

accurately (正確に) [副] in a way that is exact or without any mistakes

pith (要点) [名] the most important part of something

lay (ある) [動] be in a particular state or condition

postscript (追伸) [名] an additional message added at the end of a letter after it has been signed

翌朝、スミス嬢から私が見た事件を簡潔に正確に記した手紙が届いたが、手紙の要点は追伸にあった。

“I am sure that you will respect my confidence, Mr. Holmes, when I tell you that my place here has become difficult, owing to the fact that my employer has proposed marriage to me.

respect (尊重する) [動] have due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of

propose (申し込む) [動] suggest or present for consideration or discussion

「ホームズさん、私の雇い主が私に結婚を申し込んだという事実のために、私の立場が難しくなったとあなたに話す時、あなたは私の信頼を尊重してくれると確信しています。

I am convinced that his feelings are most deep and most honourable.

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

彼の感情は最も深く、最も立派なものだと確信しています。

At the same time, my promise is of course given.

同時に、私の約束はもちろん守られる。

He took my refusal very seriously, but also very gently.

take (受け止める) [動] to accept or receive something

refusal (拒絶) [名] the act of refusing or the state of being refused

seriously (真剣に) [副] in a serious manner

gently (優しく) [副] in a gentle manner

彼は私の拒絶を非常に真剣に受け止めたが、また非常に優しく受け止めた。

You can understand, however, that the situation is a little strained.”

situation (状況) [名] the combination of circumstances at a particular time and place

strained (緊迫した) [形] tense or anxious

しかし、状況が少し緊迫していることは理解できるでしょう。」

“Our young friend seems to be getting into deep waters,” said Holmes, thoughtfully, as he finished the letter.

get into (はまり込む) [動] become involved in

deep water (深み) [名] a place or situation that is dangerous or difficult

thoughtfully (思慮深く) [副] showing careful consideration for the feelings of others

「我々の若い友人は深みにはまり込んでいるようだ」と手紙を読み終えたホームズは思慮深く言った。

“The case certainly presents more features of interest and more possibility of development than I had originally thought.

present (秘める) [動] give or confer

「この事件は確かに私が当初考えていたよりも興味深い特徴と発展の可能性を秘めている。

I should be none the worse for a quiet, peaceful day in the country, and I am inclined to run down this afternoon and test one or two theories which I have formed.”

none the worse (悪くない) [形] not any worse

peaceful (平和な) [形] free from disturbance; tranquil

run down (走り回る) [動] go quickly

test (試す) [動] try out

田舎で静かで平和な一日を過ごしても悪くないし、午後には走り回って、私が立てた1つか2つの理論を試してみたいと思っている。」

Holmes’s quiet day in the country had a singular termination, for he arrived at Baker Street late in the evening, with a cut lip and a discoloured lump upon his forehead, besides a general air of dissipation which would have made his own person the fitting object of a Scotland Yard investigation.

quiet day (静かな一日) [名] a day with little or no activity

singular termination (奇妙な終わり) [名] an unusual or strange ending

late in the evening (夕方遅く) [名] the time of day from about 6 p.m. to bedtime

cut lip (切れた唇) [名] a lip that has been cut

discoloured lump (色のついたこぶ) [名] a lump that is not the same color as the surrounding skin

ホームズの田舎での静かな一日は奇妙な終わりを迎えた。彼は夕方遅くにベーカー街に到着したが、唇を切って額に色のついたこぶができていただけでなく、スコットランドヤードの捜査にふさわしい人物になってしまったような放蕩な雰囲気を漂わせていた。

He was immensely tickled by his own adventures and laughed heartily as he recounted them.

be tickled by (くすぐられる) [動] be amused or entertained by

laugh heartily (心から笑う) [動] laugh in a loud and unrestrained way

彼は自分の冒険にとてもくすぐられ、それを語りながら心から笑った。

“I get so little active exercise that it is always a treat,” said he.

get (する) [動] receive, obtain, or acquire

active (活発な) [形] characterized by energetic action or movement

exercise (運動) [名] physical activity that is done in order to become or remain fit and healthy

treat (楽しみ) [名] something that is done or enjoyed as a special or unusual event

「私はあまり運動をしないので、いつも楽しみだ」と彼は言った。

“You are aware that I have some proficiency in the good old British sport of boxing.

be aware (ご存じだろう) [動] know or have knowledge of

have some proficiency (精通している) [動] be very skilled at something

good old (古き良き) [形] used to express nostalgia for something

sport (ボクシング) [名] an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment

「私が古き良きイギリスのボクシングに精通していることはご存じだろう。

Occasionally, it is of service;

occasionally (時々) [副] now and then; at times; sometimes

be of service (役に立つ) [動] be useful or helpful

時々、それは役に立つ。

to-day, for example, I should have come to very ignominious grief without it.”

come to (直面する) [動] experience or encounter

ignominious (不名誉な) [形] deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

例えば今日、それがなければ私は非常に不名誉な悲しみに直面していただろう。」

I begged him to tell me what had occurred.

私は彼に何が起こったのか教えてくれるように頼んだ。

“I found that country pub which I had already recommended to your notice, and there I made my discreet inquiries.

country pub (田舎のパブ) [名] a pub in the country

recommend (勧める) [動] advise someone to do something

notice (注目) [名] attention

「私はすでに君に注目するよう勧めていたあの田舎のパブを見つけ、そこで慎重に聞き込みをした。

I was in the bar, and a garrulous landlord was giving me all that I wanted.

bar (バー) [名] a place where alcoholic drinks and sometimes food are served

garrulous (おしゃべりな) [形] excessively talkative

landlord (主人) [名] the owner of a house, apartment, or other property that is rented or leased to another person

私はバーにいて、おしゃべりな主人が私の欲しい情報をすべて教えてくれた。

Williamson is a white-bearded man, and he lives alone with a small staff of servants at the Hall.

white-bearded (白ひげの) [形] having a white beard

ウィリアムソンは白ひげの男で、ホールで少数の使用人と一緒に一人で住んでいる。

There is some rumour that he is or has been a clergyman, but one or two incidents of his short residence at the Hall struck me as peculiarly unecclesiastical.

rumour (噂) [名] a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth

clergyman (聖職者) [名] a member of the clergy

residence (住居) [名] the place where one lives

strike (印象に残る) [動] to affect suddenly and powerfully

unecclesiastical (非宗教的) [形] not relating to the church or religion

彼は聖職者であるか、聖職者であったという噂があるが、彼がホールに短期間住んでいた時の一つか二つの出来事は、私には特に非宗教的なものとして印象に残った。

I have already made some inquiries at a clerical agency, and they tell me that there was a man of that name in orders, whose career has been a singularly dark one.

make inquiry (問い合わせをする) [動] ask for information

clerical agency (聖職者派遣所) [名] an agency that provides temporary clerical workers

私はすでに聖職者派遣所に問い合わせをしており、その名前の聖職者がいたが、その経歴は非常に暗いものだったとのことだ。

The landlord further informed me that there are usually week-end visitors—‘a warm lot, sir’—at the Hall, and especially one gentleman with a red moustache, Mr. Woodley by name, who was always there.

inform (教える) [動] to give (someone) information about something

week-end (週末) [名] the period of time from Friday evening through Sunday evening

lot (たくさん) [名] a large number or amount

主人はさらに、ホールにはたいてい週末の訪問者がいることを教えてくれた。特に赤い口ひげを生やしたウッドリーという名の紳士はいつもそこにいた。

We had got as far as this, when who should walk in but the gentleman himself, who had been drinking his beer in the tap-room and had heard the whole conversation.

get as far as (ここまで話した) [動] reach a certain point

tap-room (酒場) [名] a room in a pub where beer is served from barrels

私たちがここまで話したところで、その紳士が歩いてきた。彼は酒場でビールを飲んでいて、会話のすべてを聞いていたのだった。

Who was I?

私は誰だったか?

What did I want?

私は何が欲しかったのか?

What did I mean by asking questions?

質問することによって私は何を意味したのか?

He had a fine flow of language, and his adjectives were very vigorous.

flow (流れ) [名] the action or fact of moving or passing freely and easily

language (言葉) [名] the system of communication used by a particular community or country

adjective (形容詞) [名] a word that describes a noun or pronoun

彼は言葉の流れが素晴らしく、形容詞がとても力強かった。

He ended a string of abuse by a vicious backhander, which I failed to entirely avoid.

end (終わらせる) [動] bring to an end; finish

string (連鎖) [名] a series of things arranged or happening one after another

abuse (虐待) [名] the improper usage or treatment of something

backhander (裏手) [名] a bribe

彼は悪質な裏手で虐待の連鎖を終わらせたが、私はそれを完全に避けることができなかった。

The next few minutes were delicious.

delicious (おいしい) [形] very pleasant to taste

次の数分はおいしかった。

It was a straight left against a slogging ruffian.

straight left (ストレートレフト) [名] a punch in boxing that is thrown with the left hand and that travels straight toward the opponent

slogging ruffian (スロッグする悪党) [名] a person who is violent and aggressive

それはスロッグする悪党に対するストレートレフトだった。

I emerged as you see me.

私が現れたのはあなたが私を見ている通りだ。

Mr. Woodley went home in a cart.

ウッドリーさんはカートに乗って帰宅した。

So ended my country trip, and it must be confessed that, however enjoyable, my day on the Surrey border has not been much more profitable than your own.”

trip (旅行) [名] a journey, especially for pleasure

enjoyable (楽しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure; delightful

day (一日) [名] a period of twenty-four hours as a unit of time, reckoned from one midnight to the next, corresponding to a rotation of the earth on its axis

こうして私の田舎旅行は終わり、サリー州境での私の一日は、どんなに楽しくても、あなた自身の一日よりもあまり有益ではなかったことを告白しなければならない。」

The Thursday brought us another letter from our client.

Thursday (木曜日) [名] the day of the week before Friday and following Wednesday

bring (届く) [動] cause to come or arrive

木曜日に依頼人からもう一通の手紙が届いた。

You will not be surprised, Mr. Holmes (said she), to hear that I am leaving Mr. Carruthers’s employment.

employment (仕事) [名] the state of being employed

ホームズさん、私がカーラザースさんのお仕事を辞めることを聞いて驚かないでしょう。

Even the high pay cannot reconcile me to the discomforts of my situation.

high pay (高給) [名] a large amount of money paid to someone for work

reconcile (和らげる) [動] make or become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

discomfort (不快感) [名] a feeling of slight pain or physical unease

高給でさえ、私の状況の不快感を和らげることはできない。

On Saturday I come up to town, and I do not intend to return.

on Saturday (土曜日に) [副] on the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

intend (つもりはない) [動] have as one's purpose or intention

土曜日に私は町に行き、戻るつもりはない。

Mr. Carruthers has got a trap, and so the dangers of the lonely road, if there ever were any dangers, are now over.

get (かかる) [動] receive or be given

trap (罠) [名] a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit

カーラザースさんは罠にかかってしまったので、もし危険があったとしても、孤独な道の危険は終わった。

As to the special cause of my leaving, it is not merely the strained situation with Mr. Carruthers, but it is the reappearance of that odious man, Mr. Woodley.

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

merely (単に) [副] only; simply

odious (憎しみに満ちた) [形] extremely unpleasant; hateful

私が辞める特別な理由は、カーラザースさんとの緊張した状況だけではなく、あの憎しみに満ちた男、ウッドリーさんの再登場である。

He was always hideous, but he looks more awful than ever now, for he appears to have had an accident and he is much disfigured.

awful (ひどい) [形] very bad or unpleasant

disfigured (醜くなっている) [動] spoil the appearance of

彼はいつも醜かったが、今は事故に遭ったようで、とても醜くなっている。

I saw him out of the window, but I am glad to say I did not meet him.

glad (嬉しい) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

私は窓から彼を見たが、彼に会わなかったことを嬉しく思う。

He had a long talk with Mr. Carruthers, who seemed much excited afterwards.

have a long talk (長い話をする) [動] talk for a long time

彼はカーラザースさんと長い話をしたが、その後カーラザースさんはとても興奮していたようだった。

Woodley must be staying in the neighbourhood, for he did not sleep here, and yet I caught a glimpse of him again this morning, slinking about in the shrubbery.

ウッドリーは近所に滞在しているに違いない、なぜなら彼はここでは寝なかったし、今朝も彼が低木林の中をうろついているのをちらっと見たからだ。

I would sooner have a savage wild animal loose about the place.

sooner (むしろ) [副] earlier or more quickly

savage (野生の) [形] wild and untamed

wild (野生の) [形] living in a natural state; not domesticated

loose (うろつく) [動] not held or tied together or to something else

place (辺り) [名] a particular area or location

むしろ、野生の動物がこの辺りをうろついていた方がましだ。

I loathe and fear him more than I can say.

loathe (嫌う) [動] feel intense dislike or disgust for

more than (言葉にできないほど) [副] to a greater extent than

私は言葉にできないほど彼を嫌い、恐れている。

How can Mr. Carruthers endure such a creature for a moment?

カーラザースさんはどうしてあんな生き物を一瞬でも我慢できるのか?

However, all my troubles will be over on Saturday.

be over (終わる) [動] finish; come to an end

しかし、私の悩みはすべて土曜日に終わる。

“So I trust, Watson, so I trust,” said Holmes, gravely.

gravely (厳かに) [副] in a serious manner

「そう信じている、ワトソン、そう信じている」とホームズは厳かに言った。

“There is some deep intrigue going on round that little woman, and it is our duty to see that no one molests her upon that last journey.

go on (進行する) [動] continue

molest (ちょっかいを出す) [動] pester or harass (someone) in a sexual manner

「あの小さな女性の周りで何か深い陰謀が進行している、そしてあの最後の旅で誰も彼女にちょっかいを出さないようにするのが我々の義務だ。

I think, Watson, that we must spare time to run down together on Saturday morning and make sure that this curious and inclusive investigation has no untoward ending.”

inclusive (包括的な) [形] including everything or everyone

untoward (不都合な) [形] unexpected and unpleasant

ワトソン、土曜日の朝に一緒に駆けつけ、この奇妙で包括的な調査が不都合な結末を迎えないようにする時間を割かなければならないと思う。」

I confess that I had not up to now taken a very serious view of the case, which had seemed to me rather grotesque and bizarre than dangerous.

up to now (これまで) [副] until now

take a view (考える) [動] have an opinion about something

私は、これまでこの事件をあまり深刻に考えておらず、危険というよりはむしろ異様で奇妙なものに思えたことを告白する。

That a man should lie in wait for and follow a very handsome woman is no unheard-of thing, and if he has so little audacity that he not only dared not address her, but even fled from her approach, he was not a very formidable assailant.

handsome (美しい) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

assailant (襲撃者) [名] a person who attacks someone physically or verbally

男が待ち伏せしてとても美しい女性の後をつけるのは珍しいことではないし、彼が彼女に声をかけようとしないだけでなく、彼女が近づいてきたら逃げ出すほど大胆でなければ、彼はそれほど手強い襲撃者ではなかった。

The ruffian Woodley was a very different person, but, except on one occasion, he had not molested our client, and now he visited the house of Carruthers without intruding upon her presence.

ruffian (悪党) [名] a violent person

without (せずに) [前] not having or not doing something

intrude (邪魔する) [動] come or go into a place or situation without being invited or wanted

悪党ウッドリーは全く違う人物だったが、一度を除いて彼は依頼人にちょっかいを出さず、今では彼女の存在を邪魔することなくカーラザーズの家を訪れていた。

The man on the bicycle was doubtless a member of those week-end parties at the Hall of which the publican had spoken, but who he was, or what he wanted, was as obscure as ever.

doubtless (間違いなく) [副] without doubt; certainly

party (パーティー) [名] a social gathering of people

publican (酒場の主人) [名] a person who owns or manages a pub

自転車に乗った男は、間違いなく酒場の主人が話していたホールでの週末のパーティーのメンバーだったが、彼が誰なのか、何を求めているのかは相変わらず不明だった。

It was the severity of Holmes’s manner and the fact that he slipped a revolver into his pocket before leaving our rooms which impressed me with the feeling that tragedy might prove to lurk behind this curious train of events.

severity (厳しさ) [名] the quality or state of being severe

impress (印象を与える) [動] affect strongly

train (一連) [名] a series of connected events

ホームズの態度の厳しさと、部屋を出る前にリボルバーをポケットに滑り込ませたという事実が、この奇妙な一連の出来事の背後に悲劇が潜んでいるかもしれないという印象を私に与えた。

A rainy night had been followed by a glorious morning, and the heath-covered countryside, with the glowing clumps of flowering gorse, seemed all the more beautiful to eyes which were weary of the duns and drabs and slate greys of London.

rainy (雨の) [形] having a lot of rain

glorious (晴れ渡った) [形] having or worthy of glory

countryside (田園地帯) [名] the land and scenery of a rural area

glowing (輝く) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; bright

clump (群生) [名] a small group of trees or plants growing closely together

seem (見える) [動] give the impression of being

all the more (一層) [副] to an even greater extent

dun (くすんだ色) [形] of a dull greyish-brown colour

drab (灰色) [形] lacking brightness or interest

slate (スレート) [名] a fine-grained grey, green, or blue metamorphic rock easily split into thin, smooth-surfaced layers

雨の夜の翌朝は晴れ渡り、ヒースで覆われた田園地帯は、花咲くハリエニシダの群生が輝き、ロンドンのくすんだ色や灰色に飽きた目には、一層美しく見えた。

Holmes and I walked along the broad, sandy road inhaling the fresh morning air and rejoicing in the music of the birds and the fresh breath of the spring.

sandy (砂利道) [形] covered with sand

inhale (吸い込む) [動] breathe in

rejoice (楽しむ) [動] feel or show great joy or delight

music (さえずり) [名] vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion

ホームズと私は広い砂利道を歩き、新鮮な朝の空気を吸い込み、鳥のさえずりと春の息吹を楽しんだ。

From a rise of the road on the shoulder of Crooksbury Hill, we could see the grim Hall bristling out from amidst the ancient oaks, which, old as they were, were still younger than the building which they surrounded.

rise (登り口) [名] an increase in amount, value, or degree

ancient (古代の) [形] belonging to the very distant past

bristle (そびえ立つ) [動] stand up stiffly

クルックスベリー・ヒルの肩にある道の登り口から、古代のオークの間にそびえ立つ厳しいホールが見えた。オークは古いとはいえ、周囲の建物よりは若かった。

Holmes pointed down the long tract of road which wound, a reddish yellow band, between the brown of the heath and the budding green of the woods.

point down (指さす) [動] direct someone's attention to something by extending one's finger

long tract (長い道) [名] a long stretch of land

wind (曲がりくねる) [動] move or cause to move in a twisting or spiral course

reddish yellow (赤みがかった黄色) [形] of a color intermediate between red and yellow

band (帯) [名] a strip of material used as a decoration or to hold something in place

brown (茶色) [名] a color intermediate between red and yellow in the visible spectrum

budding (新緑) [名] the process of a plant producing buds

ホームズは、ヒースの茶色と森の新緑の間に、赤みがかった黄色い帯のように曲がりくねった長い道を指さした。

Far away, a black dot, we could see a vehicle moving in our direction.

vehicle (車) [名] a means in or by which someone travels or something is carried or conveyed

遠くには、黒い点が見え、私たちの方向に車が動いているのが見えた。

Holmes gave an exclamation of impatience.

ホームズは焦りの声を上げた。

“I have given a margin of half an hour,” said he.

margin (余裕) [名] the amount by which one thing is greater or better than another

「私は30分の余裕を与えた」と彼は言った。

“If that is her trap, she must be making for the earlier train.

be making for (乗るつもりである) [動] be going towards

earlier (もっと早い) [形] happening or done before the usual or expected time

「もしあれが彼女の馬車なら、彼女はもっと早い電車に乗るつもりに違いない。

I fear, Watson, that she will be past Charlington before we can possibly meet her.”

be past (通り過ぎる) [動] have gone beyond

ワトソン、彼女がチャーリントンを通り過ぎてからでないと会えないかもしれない」

From the instant that we passed the rise, we could no longer see the vehicle, but we hastened onward at such a pace that my sedentary life began to tell upon me, and I was compelled to fall behind.

from the instant that (~した瞬間から) [接] from the moment that

pass (越える) [動] go past or across

rise (坂) [名] an upward slope

could no longer (~できなくなった) [助] be not able to any more

hasten (急ぐ) [動] be quick or hurry

onward (進む) [副] forward

pace (ペース) [名] the rate at which someone or something moves, operates, or works

sedentary (座りっぱなしの) [形] characterized by much sitting

begin (始まる) [動] start to happen or exist

tell upon (たたる) [動] have a harmful or damaging effect on

fall behind (遅れる) [動] fail to keep up with a schedule or with other people

坂を越えた瞬間から、馬車は見えなくなったが、私たちは急いで進んだので、私の座りっぱなしの生活がたたり始め、私は遅れざるを得なかった。

Holmes, however, was always in training, for he had inexhaustible stores of nervous energy upon which to draw.

training (訓練) [名] the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior

inexhaustible (無尽蔵の) [形] too much or too many to be used up

nervous energy (神経エネルギー) [名] the energy that is produced by the nerves

しかし、ホームズは常に訓練を積んでおり、無尽蔵の神経エネルギーを蓄えていた。

His springy step never slowed until suddenly, when he was a hundred yards in front of me, he halted, and I saw him throw up his hand with a gesture of grief and despair.

springy (弾むような) [形] having the quality of springing back

throw up (投げ上げる) [動] raise or lift suddenly

彼の弾むような足取りは、私の前方百ヤードまで来るまで決して遅くなることはなかったが、そこで彼は立ち止まり、悲しみと絶望の身振りで手を投げ上げたのを私は見た。

At the same instant an empty dog-cart, the horse cantering, the reins trailing, appeared round the curve of the road and rattled swiftly towards us.

at the same instant (同時に) [副] at the same time

dog-cart (犬車) [名] a light one-horse carriage

canter (駆け足) [名] a gait of a horse

rein (手綱) [名] a long, narrow strap of leather or other material used to control a horse

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

curve (カーブ) [名] a smooth, rounded bend

rattle (ガタガタと音を立てる) [動] make a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds

同時に、空の犬車が、馬が駆け足で、手綱を引きずり、道のカーブを曲がって現れ、私たちに向かって素早くガタガタと音を立てて走ってきた。

“Too late, Watson, too late!” cried Holmes, as I ran panting to his side.

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

「遅すぎる、ワトソン、遅すぎる!」私が彼の側に息を切らして走ると、ホームズは叫んだ。

“Fool that I was not to allow for that earlier train!

allow for (許す) [動] to take into consideration

「あの早い電車を許さないなんて、私はなんて愚かなんだ!

It’s abduction, Watson—abduction!

abduction (誘拐) [名] the action of taking someone away by force

誘拐だ、ワトソン、誘拐だ!

Murder! Heaven knows what!

heaven (天) [名] the abode of God and the angels and the souls of the righteous after death

殺人だ! 天のみぞ知る!

Block the road!

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

道を塞げ!

Stop the horse!

stop (止める) [動] cause to cease moving or operating

馬を止めろ!

That’s right.

be right (正しい) [動] be correct or true

そうだ。

Now, jump in, and let us see if I can repair the consequences of my own blunder.”

jump in (乗り込む) [動] get into a vehicle

let us see (見てみましょう) [動] let's see

repair (修復する) [動] restore to good condition

consequence (結末) [名] the result or outcome of something

blunder (失態) [名] a stupid or careless mistake

さあ、乗り込んで、私が自分の失態の結末を修復できるか見てみましょう。」

We had sprung into the dog-cart, and Holmes, after turning the horse, gave it a sharp cut with the whip, and we flew back along the road.

spring into (飛び乗る) [動] jump into

fly back (戻っていった) [動] return quickly

私たちは馬車に飛び乗り、ホームズは馬の向きを変えた後、鞭で鋭く叩き、私たちは道を戻っていった。

As we turned the curve, the whole stretch of road between the Hall and the heath was opened up.

stretch (道全体) [名] a continuous area or expanse

open up (開ける) [動] make or become more open or less restricted

カーブを曲がると、ホールとヒースの間の道全体が開けた。

I grasped Holmes’s arm.

grasp (掴む) [動] grip firmly

私はホームズの腕を掴んだ。

“That’s the man!”

「あの男だ!」

I gasped.

私は息を呑んだ。

A solitary cyclist was coming towards us.

一人の自転車乗りが私たちに向かってやってきた。

His head was down and his shoulders rounded, as he put every ounce of energy that he possessed on to the pedals.

pedal (ペダル) [名] a lever that is operated by the foot

彼は頭を下げ、肩を丸め、持っているエネルギーのすべてをペダルに注ぎ込んでいた。

He was flying like a racer.

fly (飛ぶ) [動] move through the air with wings or a winged structure

racer (レーサー) [名] a person who races

彼はレーサーのように飛んでいた。

Suddenly he raised his bearded face, saw us close to him, and pulled up, springing from his machine.

bearded (髭面の) [形] having a beard

pull up (止まる) [動] come to a stop

突然、彼は髭面を上げ、私たちが近くにいるのを見て、自転車から飛び降りた。

That coal-black beard was in singular contrast to the pallor of his face, and his eyes were as bright as if he had a fever.

coal-black (真っ黒な) [形] very black

contrast (対照) [名] a state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association

pallor (青白さ) [名] an unhealthy lack of color in the skin

その真っ黒な髭は彼の顔の青白さと奇妙な対照をなし、彼の目は熱があるかのように輝いていた。

He stared at us and at the dog-cart.

彼は私たちと犬車をじっと見つめた。

Then a look of amazement came over his face.

come over (浮かぶ) [動] to pass from one place, person, or condition to another

それから彼の顔に驚きの表情が浮かんだ。

“Halloa! Stop there!” he shouted, holding his bicycle to block our road.

halloa (おい) [間] used to call attention to someone or something

stop (止まれ) [動] come to a halt

shout (叫ぶ) [動] speak or say something loudly

「おい! 止まれ!」彼は叫び、自転車を持ち上げて私たちの道を塞いだ。

“Where did you get that dog-cart?

「どこでその犬車を手に入れた?

Pull up, man!” he yelled, drawing a pistol from his side pocket.

止まれ!」彼は叫び、横ポケットからピストルを取り出した。

“Pull up, I say, or, by George, I’ll put a bullet into your horse.”

put a bullet into (弾丸を撃ち込む) [動] shoot and kill

「止まれ、と言っているんだ、さもないと、おい、馬に弾丸を撃ち込むぞ」

Holmes threw the reins into my lap and sprang down from the cart.

lap (膝) [名] the flat area between the waist and the knees of a seated person

ホームズは手綱を私の膝に投げつけ、馬車から飛び降りた。

“You’re the man we want to see.

want to (会いたい) [動] wish or desire to do something

「君こそ我々が会いたい男だ。

Where is Miss Violet Smith?” he said, in his quick, clear way.

バイオレット・スミスさんはどこだ?」と彼は素早く、はっきりと言った。

“That’s what I’m asking you.

that (それを) [代] the thing or things mentioned before

「それを聞いているんだ。

You’re in her dog-cart.

be in (乗っている) [動] be inside or contained in

君は彼女の馬車に乗っている。

You ought to know where she is.”

彼女がどこにいるか知っているはずだ。」

“We met the dog-cart on the road.

「道で馬車に出会ったんだ。

There was no one in it.

in (乗って) [前] on or within the limits or surface of

誰も乗っていなかった。

We drove back to help the young lady.”

drive back (引き返す) [動] return to a place

若い女性を助けるために引き返したんだ。」

“Good Lord! Good Lord! What shall I do?” cried the stranger, in an ecstasy of despair.

Good Lord (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise, disgust, or dismay

「なんてことだ! なんてことだ! どうしたらいいんだ?」見知らぬ男は絶望のあまり叫んだ。

“They’ve got her, that hell-hound Woodley and the blackguard parson.

get (連れ去った) [動] take into one's possession, power, or control

hell-hound (地獄の番犬) [名] a dog of hell

parson (牧師) [名] a minister in charge of a Christian parish

「あの地獄の番犬ウッドリーと悪党牧師が彼女を連れ去ったんだ。

Come, man, come, if you really are her friend.

来てくれ、本当に彼女の友人なら来てくれ。

Stand by me and we’ll save her, if I have to leave my carcass in Charlington Wood.”

stand by (助ける) [動] be loyal to

save (救い出す) [動] make or keep safe or rescue from harm

carcass (死体) [名] the dead body of an animal

Charlington Wood (チャーリントンの森) [名] a fictional location

私を助けてくれれば、たとえ私の死体をチャーリントンの森に残すことになっても、彼女を救い出せる。」

He ran distractedly, his pistol in his hand, towards a gap in the hedge.

distractedly (狂ったように) [副] in a distracted manner

彼はピストルを手に、生け垣の隙間に向かって狂ったように走った。

Holmes followed him, and I, leaving the horse grazing beside the road, followed Holmes.

graze (草を食む) [動] feed on growing grass and vegetation

ホームズは彼を追い、私は道端で草を食む馬を残してホームズを追った。

“This is where they came through,” said he, pointing to the marks of several feet upon the muddy path.

come through (通って来た) [動] pass through

muddy (泥の) [形] covered with mud

「ここを通って来たんだ」と彼は泥道に残る複数の足跡を指さした。

“Halloa! Stop a minute!

stop (待て) [動] cease moving or operating

「おい! ちょっと待て!

Who’s this in the bush?”

bush (藪) [名] a woody plant with many stems

藪の中にいるのは誰だ?」

It was a young fellow about seventeen, dressed like an ostler, with leather cords and gaiters.

about seventeen (十七歳くらい) [形] approximately seventeen

young fellow (若者) [名] a young man

dressed like (のような服装をした) [動] wear clothes of a particular type

ostler (馬丁) [名] a person who takes care of horses at an inn

leather (革) [名] a material made from the skin of an animal

cord (紐) [名] a thin rope

gaiter (ゲートル) [名] a covering for the lower leg

革の紐とゲートルをつけた馬丁のような服装をした十七歳くらいの若者だった。

He lay upon his back, his knees drawn up, a terrible cut upon his head.

knee (膝) [名] the joint between the thigh and the lower leg

draw up (抱える) [動] to bring together or cause to come together

cut (傷) [名] a break in the continuity of a surface

彼は仰向けに倒れ、膝を抱え、頭にひどい傷を負っていた。

He was insensible, but alive.

be insensible (意識を失う) [動] be unconscious

彼は意識を失っていたが、生きていた。

A glance at his wound told me that it had not penetrated the bone.

tell (わかる) [動] communicate or express by words

penetrate (達する) [動] go into or through something

彼の傷を一目見ただけで、骨まで達していないことがわかった。

“That’s Peter, the groom,” cried the stranger.

Peter (ピーター) [名] a male given name

「それは馬丁のピーターだ」と見知らぬ男は叫んだ。

“He drove her. The beasts have pulled him off and clubbed him.

drive (乗せて行く) [動] operate and control the course of a vehicle, such as a car or train

beast (悪党) [名] a cruelly wicked person

pull off (引きずり下ろす) [動] remove or extract by pulling

club (殴る) [動] hit with a heavy stick

「彼が彼女を乗せて行った。あの悪党どもが彼を引きずり下ろして殴ったんだ。

Let him lie; we can’t do him any good, but we may save her from the worst fate that can befall a woman.”

let (そのままにしておこう) [動] allow to remain in a specified state

do good (できることは何もない) [動] be beneficial or helpful

彼はそのままにしておこう。彼にできることは何もないが、彼女を女性に降りかかる最悪の運命から救うことができるかもしれない。」

We ran frantically down the path, which wound among the trees.

frantically (必死に) [副] in a frantic manner

私たちは木々の間を曲がりくねった小道を必死に走った。

We had reached the shrubbery which surrounded the house when Holmes pulled up.

私たちが家を取り囲む植え込みにたどり着いたとき、ホームズは立ち止まった。

“They didn’t go to the house.

「彼らは家には行かなかった。

Here are their marks on the left—here, beside the laurel bushes.

ここに左側に彼らの跡がある。ここ、月桂樹の茂みの横だ。

Ah! I said so.”

ああ! 言った通りだ。」

As he spoke, a woman’s shrill scream—a scream which vibrated with a frenzy of horror—burst from the thick, green clump of bushes in front of us.

frenzy (狂乱) [名] a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior

burst (聞こえる) [動] break or cause to break suddenly and violently

thick (厚い) [形] having a large distance between opposite sides

彼が話している間に、女性の甲高い悲鳴が、恐怖の狂乱で震える悲鳴が、私たちの前にある厚い緑の茂みから聞こえた。

It ended suddenly on its highest note with a choke and a gurgle.

highest (最高の) [形] of the greatest value or importance

choke (むせび泣く) [動] have difficulty breathing

gurgle (ゴボゴボと音を立てる) [動] make a bubbling sound

それは突然、最高音でむせび泣き、ゴボゴボと音を立てて終わった。

“This way! This way! They are in the bowling-alley,” cried the stranger, darting through the bushes.

this way (こっちだ) [副] in this direction

dart (突き進む) [動] to move suddenly and quickly

「こっちだ! こっちだ! 彼らはボーリング場にいる」と叫び、見知らぬ人は茂みの中を突き進んだ。

“Ah, the cowardly dogs!

cowardly (卑怯な) [形] lacking courage; timid

「ああ、卑怯な犬め!

Follow me, gentlemen!

皆さん、私についてきてください!

Too late! too late! by the living Jingo!”

by the living Jingo (生きている神に誓って) [間] an expression of surprise or anger

遅すぎる! 遅すぎる! 生きている神に誓って!」

We had broken suddenly into a lovely glade of greensward surrounded by ancient trees.

break into (飛び込む) [動] enter forcibly

lovely (美しい) [形] very beautiful

glade (空き地) [名] an open space in a forest

greensward (緑地) [名] an area of grass

私たちは突然、古木に囲まれた美しい緑の空き地に飛び込んだ。

On the farther side of it, under the shadow of a mighty oak, there stood a singular group of three people.

on the farther side of (向こう側に) [前] on the other side of

under the shadow of (木陰に) [前] in the shade of

mighty (大きな) [形] having or showing great power or strength

group (集団) [名] a number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together

その向こう側には、大きなオークの木陰に、三人の奇妙な集団が立っていた。

One was a woman, our client, drooping and faint, a handkerchief round her mouth.

droop (ぐったりとする) [動] to hang or bend downward

handkerchief (ハンカチ) [名] a small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or mouth or as a decoration

round (巻く) [動] to move in a circular motion

一人は女性で、私たちの依頼人であり、ぐったりとして気絶しそうになっており、口の周りにハンカチを巻いていた。

Opposite her stood a brutal, heavy-faced, red-moustached young man, his gaitered legs parted wide, one arm akimbo, the other waving a riding crop, his whole attitude suggestive of triumphant bravado.

heavy-faced (重々しい顔つきの) [形] having a face that is heavy

red-moustached (赤い口ひげを生やした) [形] having a red moustache

gaitered (ゲートルを巻いた) [形] wearing gaiters

leg (足) [名] one of the two lower limbs of a person or animal that are used for standing or walking

part (開く) [動] move or cause to move to one side

wide (大きく) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

akimbo (腰に当てる) [形] with the hands on the hips and the elbows turned outward

other (片方の) [形] being the one (or ones) remaining of two or more

wave (振り回す) [動] move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal

riding crop (乗馬用の鞭) [名] a short whip with a long handle used in horse riding

attitude (態度) [名] a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior

suggestive (示唆する) [形] making someone think of something

bravado (虚勢) [名] a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate

彼女の向かいに、残忍で、重々しい顔つきの、赤い口ひげを生やした若い男が立っており、ゲートルを巻いた足を大きく開き、片腕を腰に当て、もう片方の手で乗馬用の鞭を振り回し、その態度全体が勝ち誇った虚勢を示唆していた。

Between them an elderly, grey-bearded man, wearing a short surplice over a light tweed suit, had evidently just completed the wedding service, for he pocketed his prayer-book as we appeared, and slapped the sinister bridegroom upon the back in jovial congratulation.

between (間に) [前] in the space or interval that separates two things

grey-bearded (白ひげの) [形] having a grey beard

surplice (サープリス) [名] a loose white linen vestment with wide sleeves worn over a cassock by some Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy

light (薄い) [形] having little weight

tweed (ツイード) [名] a rough, heavy woolen cloth

evidently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is obvious or easily seen or understood

complete (終える) [動] bring to an end; finish

service (式) [名] a ceremony or ritual

pocket (ポケットに入れる) [動] put into one's pocket

prayer-book (祈祷書) [名] a book containing prayers and other religious texts

slap (叩く) [動] hit with the open hand

jovial (陽気な) [形] cheerful and friendly

congratulation (祝福) [名] an expression of praise or admiration

二人の間には、薄いツイードのスーツの上に短いサープリスを着た、年配の白ひげの男性が立っており、私たちが現れたときに祈祷書をポケットに入れ、不吉な花婿の背中を陽気に祝福して叩いたことから、明らかに結婚式を終えたばかりだった。

“They’re married!”

「結婚したんだ!」

I gasped.

私は息を呑んだ。

“Come on!” cried our guide, “come on!”

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

「早く!」と案内人が叫んだ。「早く!」

He rushed across the glade, Holmes and I at his heels.

彼は空き地を駆け抜け、ホームズと私は彼の踵を踏んだ。

As we approached, the lady staggered against the trunk of the tree for support.

stagger (よろめく) [動] walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

trunk (幹) [名] the main stem of a tree

私たちが近づくと、女性は支えを求めて木の幹によろめいた。

Williamson, the ex-clergyman, bowed to us with mock politeness, and the bully, Woodley, advanced with a shout of brutal and exultant laughter.

ex-clergyman (元聖職者) [名] a former member of the clergy

bow (お辞儀をする) [動] bend the upper part of the body as a sign of respect

mock (偽りの) [形] not real or genuine

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

bully (いじめっ子) [名] a person who hurts, frightens, or tyrannizes over others

advance (前進する) [動] move forward

exultant (歓喜の) [形] extremely happy

元聖職者のウィリアムソンは、偽りの礼儀正しさで私たちにお辞儀をし、いじめっ子のウッドリーは残忍で歓喜の笑い声を上げて前進した。

“You can take your beard off, Bob,” said he.

take off (外す) [動] remove

Bob (ボブ) [名] a man's name

「髭を外してもいいよ、ボブ」と彼は言った。

“I know you, right enough.

right (確かに) [副] certainly; definitely

「確かにあなたを知っている。

Well, you and your pals have just come in time for me to be able to introduce you to Mrs. Woodley.”

come in time (いいところに来る) [動] arrive at the right time

Mrs. Woodley (ウッドリー夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Woodley

ちょうどいいところに来たね、君と君の仲間たちをウッドリー夫人に紹介できるよ」

Our guide’s answer was a singular one.

guide (案内人) [名] a person who shows the way

案内人の答えは奇妙なものだった。

He snatched off the dark beard which had disguised him and threw it on the ground, disclosing a long, sallow, clean-shaven face below it.

snatch off (はぎ取る) [動] to take or grab suddenly or forcibly

dark beard (黒い髭) [名] a beard that is dark in color

disguise (変装) [名] a way of changing your appearance or behavior in order to hide your identity

throw (投げ捨てる) [動] to propel through the air with a rapid movement of the arm and hand

disclose (現す) [動] to make known; reveal

sallow (青白い) [形] of a sickly yellow or pale brown color

彼は変装用の黒い髭をはぎ取って地面に投げ捨て、その下から長く、青白い、きれいに剃られた顔を現した。

Then he raised his revolver and covered the young ruffian, who was advancing upon him with his dangerous riding-crop swinging in his hand.

raise (構える) [動] lift or move to a higher position

cover (狙う) [動] aim a weapon at

riding-crop (乗馬鞭) [名] a short whip used in horse riding

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

それから彼はリボルバーを構え、危険な乗馬鞭を手に振り回しながら彼に向かって進んでくる若い悪党を狙った。

“Yes,” said our ally, “I am Bob Carruthers, and I’ll see this woman righted, if I have to swing for it.

ally (味方) [名] a person or country that is on the same side as another

Bob Carruthers (ボブ・カーザース) [名] a character in the story

swing (絞首刑になる) [動] to be hanged

「そうです」と我々の味方は言った、「私はボブ・カーザースです、そして私はこの女性が正しいことを証明します、たとえ私がそのために絞首刑にならなければならないとしても。

I told you what I’d do if you molested her, and, by the Lord! I’ll be as good as my word.”

by the Lord (神に誓って) [間] an expression of surprise, anger, or disgust

彼女に危害を加えたらどうなるか言ったはずだ、そして、神に誓って! 私は約束を守る。」

“You’re too late. She’s my wife.”

「遅すぎた。彼女は私の妻だ。」

“No, she’s your widow.”

「いいえ、彼女はあなたの未亡人です。」

His revolver cracked, and I saw the blood spurt from the front of Woodley’s waistcoat.

crack (鳴る) [動] make a sharp sound

waistcoat (チョッキ) [名] a man's garment for the upper part of the body, typically sleeveless and worn over a shirt

彼のリボルバーが鳴り、ウッドリーのチョッキの前面から血が噴き出すのを見た。

He spun round with a scream and fell upon his back, his hideous red face turning suddenly to a dreadful mottled pallor.

spin round (ぐるりと回る) [動] turn around quickly

fall upon (倒れる) [動] fall on

turn (変わる) [動] change in nature, condition, or form

mottled (まだらの) [形] marked with spots or blotches of different colors

彼は悲鳴を上げてぐるりと回り、仰向けに倒れ、醜い赤い顔が突然恐ろしいまだら模様の青白さに変わった。

The old man, still clad in his surplice, burst into such a string of foul oaths as I have never heard, and pulled out a revolver of his own, but, before he could raise it, he was looking down the barrel of Holmes’s weapon.

clad (着たまま) [動] to be dressed in a particular way

burst into (連発する) [動] to suddenly start doing something

oath (言葉) [名] a solemn promise, often invoking a deity or other witness

pull out (取り出す) [動] to remove something from a place

look down (見下ろす) [動] to direct one's gaze downward

まだ法衣を着たままの老人は、私が聞いたこともないような汚い言葉を連発し、自分のリボルバーを取り出したが、それを構える前にホームズの武器の銃身を見下ろしていた。

“Enough of this,” said my friend, coldly.

coldly (冷たく) [副] in a cold manner

「もう十分だ」と友人は冷たく言った。

“Drop that pistol!

drop (捨てる) [動] let or make fall

「そのピストルを捨てろ!

Watson, pick it up!

ワトソン、拾え!

Hold it to his head.

hold (突きつける) [動] to keep or maintain in a certain state, position, or relation

彼の頭に突きつけろ。

Thank you.

ありがとう。

You, Carruthers, give me that revolver.

君、カザラス、そのリボルバーを私に渡せ。

We’ll have no more violence.

もう暴力は起こさない。

Come, hand it over!”

さあ、渡せ!」

“Who are you, then?”

「では、あなたは誰だ?」

“My name is Sherlock Holmes.”

「私の名前はシャーロック・ホームズだ。」

“Good Lord!”

「なんてことだ!」

“You have heard of me, I see.

「私のことを聞いたことがあるようだな。

I will represent the official police until their arrival.

represent (代理を務める) [動] act on behalf of

彼らが到着するまで、私は警察の代理を務める。

Here, you!” he shouted to a frightened groom, who had appeared at the edge of the glade.

here (おい) [間] used to attract attention

frightened (おびえた) [形] feeling or showing fear

おい、そこの!」彼は、空き地の端に現れたおびえた馬丁に叫んだ。

“Come here. Take this note as hard as you can ride to Farnham.”

come here (こっちへ来い) [動] move or travel toward the speaker

hard (できるだけ早く) [副] with a great deal of force or strength

ride (馬を走らせろ) [動] travel on horseback

「こっちへ来い。この手紙を持って、できるだけ早くファーナムまで馬を走らせろ。」

He scribbled a few words upon a leaf from his notebook.

scribble (走り書きする) [動] write or draw carelessly or hurriedly

a few words (数語) [名] a small number of words

leaf (紙) [名] a sheet of paper

彼は手帳から一枚の紙を破り、数語を走り書きした。

“Give it to the superintendent at the police-station.

superintendent (警視) [名] a police officer of high rank

「これを警察署の警視に渡せ。

Until he comes, I must detain you all under my personal custody.”

detain (拘束する) [動] keep from proceeding; delay

personal (個人的な) [形] of or concerning a particular person

custody (監視) [名] the protective care or guardianship of someone or something

彼が来るまで、私はあなたたち全員を私の個人的な監視下に置かなければならない。」

The strong, masterful personality of Holmes dominated the tragic scene, and all were equally puppets in his hands.

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

dominate (支配する) [動] have a commanding influence on

puppet (操り人形) [名] a doll with a hollow head that fits over and is moved by the hand

ホームズの強く、横柄な人柄が悲劇的な場面を支配し、全員が彼の手の中で等しく操り人形だった。

Williamson and Carruthers found themselves carrying the wounded Woodley into the house, and I gave my arm to the frightened girl.

wounded (負傷した) [形] physically injured

give (差し出す) [動] to freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone)

ウィリアムソンとカーザースは負傷したウッドリーを家の中に運び、私は怯えた娘に腕を差し出した。

The injured man was laid on his bed, and at Holmes’s request I examined him.

lay (寝かす) [動] put or place in a horizontal position

負傷した男はベッドに寝かされ、ホームズの要請で私が彼を診察した。

I carried my report to where he sat in the old tapestry-hung dining-room with his two prisoners before him.

sit (座っている) [動] be in or assume a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's upper body is more or less upright

tapestry (タペストリー) [名] a piece of thick textile fabric with a woven design

dining-room (食堂) [名] a room where meals are eaten

私は彼が古いタペストリーを掛けた食堂で二人の囚人を前に座っているところへ報告書を持って行った。

“He will live,” said I.

live (生きる) [動] be alive; have life

「彼は生きるでしょう」と私は言った。

“What!” cried Carruthers, springing out of his chair.

「何だって!」カーザースは椅子から飛び上がった。

“I’ll go upstairs and finish him first.

go upstairs (二階に上がる) [動] go to a higher floor

「私は二階に上がって、まず彼を始末する。

Do you tell me that that angel, is to be tied to Roaring Jack Woodley for life?”

angel (天使) [名] a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally represented in human form with wings and a long robe

be tied to (結ばれる) [動] be connected to

あの天使が、咆哮するジャック・ウッドリーと一生結ばれると言うのか?」

“You need not concern yourself about that,” said Holmes.

concern (心配する) [動] relate to; be about

「そのことについては心配する必要はない」とホームズは言った。

“There are two very good reasons why she should, under no circumstances, be his wife.

「彼女がどんな状況でも彼の妻になるべきではない理由が二つある。

In the first place, we are very safe in questioning Mr. Williamson’s right to solemnize a marriage.”

question (疑問を抱く) [動] have doubts about

solemnize (執り行う) [動] perform with dignity and gravity

まず第一に、ウィリアムソン氏の結婚を執り行う権利に疑問を抱いても全く問題ない。」

“I have been ordained,” cried the old rascal.

ordain (叙任する) [動] officially admit someone to a position as a priest or minister

「私は叙任されている」と老いた悪党は叫んだ。

“And also unfrocked.”

unfrock (聖職を剥奪する) [動] to deprive of the privileges of a priest or minister

「そしてまた聖職を剥奪されている。」

“Once a clergyman, always a clergyman.”

「一度聖職者は永遠に聖職者だ。」

“I think not. How about the license?”

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

「そうは思わない。免許証は?」

“We had a license for the marriage.

license (許可証) [名] a document giving official permission to do something

「結婚の許可証は持っていた。

I have it here in my pocket.”

ここにポケットに入れている。」

“Then you got it by trick.

「それなら、あなたはそれを策略で手に入れた。

But, in any case a forced marriage is no marriage, but it is a very serious felony, as you will discover before you have finished.

in any case (いずれにせよ) [副] whatever the circumstances

forced marriage (強制結婚) [名] a marriage in which one or both of the parties is married without his or her consent or against his or her will

no marriage (結婚ではない) [名] the state of being married

very serious (非常に深刻な) [形] of great importance or significance

felony (重罪) [名] a crime of high seriousness, such as murder, rape, or kidnapping

しかし、いずれにせよ、強制結婚は結婚ではなく、非常に深刻な重罪であり、あなたが終わる前に発見するだろう。

You’ll have time to think the point out during the next ten years or so, unless I am mistaken.

out (じっくり) [副] to the fullest extent

next (今後) [形] immediately following the time of writing or speaking

ten years (10年) [名] a period of ten years

so (ほど) [副] to some extent; in some degree

mistaken (間違い) [形] wrong in one's opinion or judgment

私の間違いでなければ、あなたは今後10年ほどの間にその点をじっくり考える時間があるだろう。

As to you, Carruthers, you would have done better to keep your pistol in your pocket.”

keep (入れておく) [動] have or retain possession of

あなたは、カザラス、ピストルをポケットに入れておいた方がよかった。」

“I begin to think so, Mr. Holmes, but when I thought of all the precaution I had taken to shield this girl—for I loved her, Mr. Holmes, and it is the only time that ever I knew what love was—it fairly drove me mad to think that she was in the power of the greatest brute and bully in South Africa—a man whose name is a holy terror from Kimberley to Johannesburg.

begin to think (思い始める) [動] start to think

drive mad (狂わせる) [動] make someone go crazy

brute (残忍な) [形] savagely violent

Kimberley (キンバリー) [名] a city in South Africa

「そう思い始めています、ホームズさん、しかし、私がこの娘を守るためにとったあらゆる予防策を思うと、私は彼女を愛していました、ホームズさん、そしてそれが私が愛とは何かを知った唯一の時でした、彼女が南アフリカで最も残忍で横暴な男の力に支配されていると思うと、私は狂いそうになりました、その男の名前はキンバリーからヨハネスブルグまで恐怖の代名詞です。

Why, Mr. Holmes, you’ll hardly believe it, but ever since that girl has been in my employment I never once let her go past this house, where I knew the rascals were lurking, without following her on my bicycle, just to see that she came to no harm.

ever since (以来) [副] from the time that

go past (通る) [動] move in front of or beyond

ホームズさん、信じられないかもしれませんが、あの娘を雇ってからというもの、私は一度も彼女をこの家の前を通らせたことがありません、悪党が潜んでいると知っていたので、彼女に危害が及ばないように自転車で後をつけて行きました。

I kept my distance from her, and I wore a beard, so that she should not recognize me, for she is a good and high-spirited girl, and she wouldn’t have stayed in my employment long if she had thought that I was following her about the country roads.”

wear a beard (髭を生やす) [動] have a beard

recognize (ばれる) [動] know or identify someone or something from having seen or encountered them before

high-spirited (元気な) [形] having a lively and cheerful personality

country road (田舎道) [名] a road in a rural area

私は彼女と距離を置き、髭を生やして彼女にばれないようにしました、彼女は善良で元気な娘で、私が田舎道で彼女の後をつけていると思ったら、私のところに長く勤めようとはしなかったでしょう。」

“Why didn’t you tell her of her danger?”

「なぜ彼女に危険を告げなかったのですか?」

“Because then, again, she would have left me, and I couldn’t bear to face that.

then (そうしたら) [副] at that time

again (また) [副] once more; anew

bear (耐える) [動] to accept or tolerate

face (直面する) [動] to be confronted with

「そうしたら、彼女は私を去ったでしょうし、それに耐えられなかったからです。

Even if she couldn’t love me, it was a great deal to me just to see her dainty form about the house, and to hear the sound of her voice.”

couldn't (できなかった) [助] was not able to

a great deal (大きなこと) [名] a lot

彼女が私を愛せなくても、家の中で彼女の優雅な姿を見たり、彼女の声を聞くだけでも私には大きなことでした。」

“Well,” said I, “you call that love, Mr. Carruthers, but I should call it selfishness.”

selfishness (利己主義) [名] the quality of being selfish

「そうですね」と私は言った、「あなたはそれを愛と呼びますが、私はそれを利己主義と呼びます。」

“Maybe the two things go together.

go together (相伴う) [動] be associated with each other

「おそらくその二つは相伴うのでしょう。

Anyhow, I couldn’t let her go.

いずれにせよ、私は彼女を手放すことができませんでした。

Besides, with this crowd about, it was well that she should have someone near to look after her.

その上、この群衆の中で、彼女の面倒を見てくれる人が近くにいるのは良いことだった。

Then, when the cable came, I knew they were bound to make a move.”

bound (違いない) [形] certain or very likely to happen

make a move (行動を起こす) [動] take action

そして、電報が来たとき、私は彼らが行動を起こすに違いないと知った。」

“What cable?”

what (どんな) [形] of what type or quality

「どんな電報?」

Carruthers took a telegram from his pocket.

カーラザースはポケットから電報を取り出した。

“That’s it,” said he.

「これだ」と彼は言った。

It was short and concise:

concise (簡潔な) [形] giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words

それは短く簡潔だった。

The old man is dead.

老人は死んだ。

“Hum!” said Holmes.

「ふむ」とホームズは言った。

“I think I see how things worked, and I can understand how this message would, as you say, bring them to a head.

work (分かる) [動] to be effective or successful

bring to a head (追い詰める) [動] to cause to reach a crisis or a decisive point

「事の成り行きは分かったと思うし、このメッセージが、君の言うように、彼らをどう追い詰めたかも理解できる。

But while you wait, you might tell me what you can.”

しかし、待っている間に、君にできることを教えてくれるかもしれない。」

The old reprobate with the surplice burst into a volley of bad language.

reprobate (悪党) [名] a person who is unprincipled and depraved

volley (一斉に) [名] a number of things coming or happening at the same time

bad language (悪態) [名] words that are considered vulgar or obscene

法衣を着た老いぼれは悪態をつき始めた。

“By heaven!” said he, “if you squeal on us, Bob Carruthers, I’ll serve you as you served Jack Woodley.

By heaven (おい) [間] an expression of surprise or anger

serve (殺す) [動] kill

Jack Woodley (ジャック・ウッドリー) [名] a character in the story

「おい、ボブ・カーザース、もし私たちのことをしゃべったら、ジャック・ウッドリーにしたようにあなたを殺すぞ。

You can bleat about the girl to your heart’s content, for that’s your own affair, but if you round on your pals to this plain-clothes copper, it will be the worst day’s work that ever you did.”

bleat (しゃべる) [動] make a sound like a sheep

heart's content (好きなだけ) [名] as much as one wants

round on (悪口を言う) [動] criticize or attack

plain-clothes (私服) [形] not wearing a uniform

copper (警官) [名] a police officer

worst (最悪の) [形] of the poorest quality or the most unpleasant

day's work (一日) [名] the work done in a day

あの娘のことなら好きなだけしゃべってくれて構わない、それはあなた自身の問題だからな、だがもしこの私服警官に仲間の悪口を言ったら、あなたが今までやった中で最悪の一日になるぞ。」

“Your reverence need not be excited,” said Holmes, lighting a cigarette.

be excited (興奮する) [動] be very enthusiastic and eager

「ご尊師は興奮する必要はありません」とホームズはタバコに火をつけた。

“The case is clear enough against you, and all I ask is a few details for my private curiosity.

case (証拠) [名] the evidence or arguments presented by a party in a court of law

clear (十分な) [形] free from doubt or confusion

ask (聞きたい) [動] say or write something in order to obtain an answer or some information

private (個人的な) [形] belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only

「あなたに不利な証拠は十分揃っています、私が聞きたいのは私の個人的な好奇心を満たすための詳細だけです。

However, if there’s any difficulty in your telling me, I’ll do the talking, and then you will see how far you have a chance of holding back your secrets.

do the talking (話す) [動] speak

hold back (隠し通す) [動] restrain oneself from doing something

しかし、もしあなたが私に話すのに何か困難があるなら、私が話しましょう、そうすればあなたは自分の秘密を隠し通す機会がどれほどあるかわかるでしょう。

In the first place, three of you came from South Africa on this game—you Williamson, you Carruthers, and Woodley.”

まず、あなた方三人は南アフリカからこのゲームのためにやってきた、あなたウィリアムソン、あなたカーザース、そしてウッドリー。」

“Lie number one,” said the old man;

lie (嘘) [名] a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood

number (番号) [名] a numeral or group of numerals representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations and for showing order

「嘘その一」と老人は言った。

“I never saw either of them until two months ago, and I have never been in Africa in my life, so you can put that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. Busybody Holmes!”

two months ago (二ヶ月前) [名] two months before the present time

smoke (吸う) [動] draw into the lungs and expel the smoke of (a cigarette, cigar, or pipe)

Mr. Busybody Holmes (おせっかいホームズさん) [名] a person who is always interfering in other people's business

「私は二ヶ月前まで彼らのどちらにも会ったことがないし、人生で一度もアフリカに行ったことがない、だからそれをパイプに詰めて吸うといい、おせっかいホームズさん!」

“What he says is true,” said Carruthers.

「彼の言うことは本当だ」とカーザースは言った。

“Well, well, two of you came over.

「そうか、そうか、あなた方のうち二人がやってきた。

His reverence is our own homemade article.

reverence (尊敬) [名] a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe

homemade (手作り) [形] made in the home rather than in a factory or store

article (記事) [名] a piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication

彼の尊敬は私たち自身の手作りの記事です。

You had known Ralph Smith in South Africa.

あなたは南アフリカでラルフ・スミスを知っていた。

You had reason to believe he would not live long.

have reason to (理由がある) [動] have a good reason to do something

live long (長生きする) [動] live for a long time

あなたは彼が長生きしないと思う理由があった。

You found out that his niece would inherit his fortune.

niece (姪) [名] the daughter of one's brother or sister

あなたは彼の姪が彼の財産を相続することを知った。

How’s that—eh?”

どんな具合だ?」

Carruthers nodded

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

カーザースはうなずいた。

and Williamson swore.

swear (悪態をつく) [動] use offensive language

ウィリアムソンは悪態をついた。

“She was next of kin, no doubt, and you were aware that the old fellow would make no will.”

next of kin (近親者) [名] the person or persons most closely related to someone

old fellow (老人) [名] an old man

make no will (遺言を残さない) [動] not make a will

「彼女は間違いなく近親者だったし、あなたはあの老人が遺言を残さないことを知っていた。」

“Couldn’t read or write,” said Carruthers.

read (読み書き) [動] to be able to understand a written language

write (読み書き) [動] to be able to produce a written language

「読み書きができなかった」とカーザースは言った。

“So you came over, the two of you, and hunted up the girl.

「それであなたたちは二人で渡ってきて、その娘を探し出した。

The idea was that one of you was to marry her, and the other have a share of the plunder.

share (分け前) [名] a portion of something owned, held, or produced in common

plunder (略奪品) [名] the violent and dishonest acquisition of property

あなたたちの一人が彼女と結婚し、もう一人が略奪品の分け前をもらうという考えだった。

For some reason, Woodley was chosen as the husband.

for some reason (何かの理由で) [副] for an unknown or unspecified reason

何かの理由で、ウッドリーが夫に選ばれた。

Why was that?”

なぜそうだったんだ?」

“We played cards for her on the voyage. He won.”

play cards (カードで勝負する) [動] play a game of cards

voyage (航海) [名] a journey by sea

「航海中に彼女をかけてカードで勝負したんだ。彼が勝ったんだ。」

“I see. You got the young lady into your service, and there Woodley was to do the courting.

get (迎える) [動] receive

service (奉公) [名] the work performed by one that serves

there (そこで) [副] in that place

courting (求愛) [名] the act of wooing; courtship

「なるほど。あなたは若い女性をあなたの奉公に迎え、そこでウッドリーが求愛することになった。

She recognized the drunken brute that he was, and would have nothing to do with him.

drunken (酔っ払いの) [形] drunk

brute (野蛮人) [名] a savagely violent person or animal

have nothing to do with (関わりを持とうとしない) [動] be unrelated to

彼女は彼が酔っ払いの野蛮人だと気づき、彼とは関わりを持とうとしなかった。

Meanwhile, your arrangement was rather upset by the fact that you had yourself fallen in love with the lady.

arrangement (計画) [名] a plan or preparation for a future event

upset (混乱する) [動] disturb the normal condition or functioning of

fall in love (恋をする) [動] develop a strong feeling of attachment and love

そのうちに、あなた自身がその女性に恋をしてしまったことで、あなたの計画はむしろ混乱してしまった。

You could no longer bear the idea of this ruffian owning her?”

own (所有する) [動] to have or possess

あなたは、この悪党が彼女を所有するという考えに耐えられなくなったのか?」

“No, by George, I couldn’t!”

couldn't (耐えられなかった) [動] be unable to do something

「いや、ジョージ、耐えられなかった!」

“There was a quarrel between you.

quarrel (喧嘩) [名] an angry argument or disagreement

「あなたたちの間に喧嘩があった。

He left you in a rage, and began to make his own plans independently of you.”

彼は怒ってあなたから離れ、あなたとは別に彼自身の計画を立て始めた。」

“It strikes me, Williamson, there isn’t very much that we can tell this gentleman,” cried Carruthers, with a bitter laugh.

「ウィリアムソン、この紳士に話せることはあまりないと思う」と、苦笑しながら叫んだ。

“Yes, we quarreled, and he knocked me down.

quarrel (喧嘩する) [動] have an angry argument

「そう、喧嘩して、彼は私を殴り倒した。

I am level with him on that, anyhow.

be level with (互角だ) [動] be equal to

とにかく、その点では彼と互角だ。

Then I lost sight of him.

lose sight of (見失う) [動] fail to see or notice

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

それから彼を見失った。

That was when he picked up with this outcast padre here.

pick up (出会う) [動] meet or come across

outcast (追放された) [形] rejected by society

padre (神父) [名] a priest in the Roman Catholic Church

その時、彼はここにいるこの追放された神父と出会った。

I found that they had set up housekeeping together at this place on the line that she had to pass for the station.

set up (始める) [動] to start or establish something

housekeeping (家事) [名] the management of a house and home affairs

彼らが彼女が駅に行くために通らなければならない路線上のこの場所で一緒に家事をしていることがわかった。

I kept my eye on her after that, for I knew there was some devilry in the wind.

keep an eye on (目を光らせる) [動] watch closely

devilry (悪魔のようなこと) [名] wicked or cruel behavior

その後、私は彼女に目を光らせていた。何か悪魔のようなことが起こっていることはわかっていたからだ。

I saw them from time to time, for I was anxious to know what they were after.

from time to time (時々) [副] occasionally

anxious (知りたくて) [形] wanting to know or learn something

after (しようとしている) [前] in the pursuit of

私は彼らが何をしようとしているのか知りたくて、時々彼らに会った。

Two days ago Woodley came up to my house with this cable, which showed that Ralph Smith was dead.

two days ago (二日前) [名] two days before the present time

come up to (訪ねてくる) [動] approach someone

二日前、ウッドリーがこの電報を持って私の家を訪ねてきた。ラルフ・スミスが死んだことを示していた。

He asked me if I would stand by the bargain.

bargain (約束) [名] an agreement between two or more people or groups

彼は私に約束を守るかどうか尋ねた。

I said I would not.

would not (守らない) [助] be unwilling to do something

私は守らないと言った。

He asked me if I would marry the girl myself and give him a share.

彼は私に、私がその娘と結婚して彼に分け前を与えるかどうか尋ねた。

I said I would willingly do so, but that she would not have me.

willingly (喜んで) [副] of one's own free will; voluntarily

would not have (受け入れないだろう) [動] would not accept

私は喜んでそうするが、彼女は私を受け入れないだろうと言った。

He said, ‘Let us get her married first and after a week or two she may see things a bit different.’

get married (結婚する) [動] take a husband or wife

彼は言った、「まず彼女を結婚させよう、一週間か二週間後には彼女は物事を少し違って見るかもしれない。」

I said I would have nothing to do with violence.

私は暴力とは一切関係ないと言った。

So he went off cursing, like the foul-mouthed blackguard that he was, and swearing that he would have her yet.

go off (去っていく) [動] leave

curse (呪いの言葉を吐く) [動] utter a curse

foul-mouthed (口汚い) [形] using offensive language

have (手に入れる) [動] possess

それで彼は、口汚い悪党らしく呪いの言葉を吐きながら、彼女を手に入れるぞと誓って去っていった。

She was leaving me this week-end, and I had got a trap to take her to the station, but I was so uneasy in my mind that I followed her on my bicycle.

this week-end (今週末) [名] the weekend of the week that is currently happening

彼女は今週末に私から去り、私は彼女を駅まで連れて行くために馬車を用意したが、私はとても不安だったので、自転車で彼女の後を追った。

She had got a start, however, and before I could catch her, the mischief was done.

get a start (逃げ出す) [動] begin to move or travel

mischief (いたずら) [名] playful misbehavior or troublemaking

しかし、彼女は先に逃げ出し、私が彼女を捕まえる前に、いたずらは行われていた。

The first thing I knew about it was when I saw you two gentlemen driving back in her dog-cart.”

drive (戻って来る) [動] cause to move or be moved by using a vehicle

back (戻って来る) [副] to or toward the place or time from which one came

私が最初に知ったのは、お二人が彼女の犬車で戻って来るのを見たときでした」

Holmes rose and tossed the end of his cigarette into the grate.

cigarette (煙草) [名] a small roll of finely cut tobacco leaves wrapped in thin paper for smoking

grate (火格子) [名] a metal frame with bars, used to hold a fire in a fireplace

ホームズは立ち上がり、煙草の吸い殻を火格子に投げ込んだ。

“I have been very obtuse, Watson,” said he.

obtuse (鈍い) [形] lacking in intelligence or sensitivity

「私はとても鈍かった、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“When in your report you said that you had seen the cyclist as you thought arrange his necktie in the shrubbery, that alone should have told me all.

shrubbery (低木) [名] a group of shrubs

necktie (ネクタイ) [名] a band of fabric worn around the neck and tucked inside the collar of a shirt

「君の報告で、君が自転車乗りが低木の中でネクタイを直しているのを見たと言った時、それだけで私は全てを理解できたはずだった。

However, we may congratulate ourselves upon a curious and, in some respects, a unique case.

しかし、我々は奇妙な、そしてある意味、ユニークな事件に遭遇したことを自ら祝福してもいいだろう。

I perceive three of the county constabulary in the drive, and I am glad to see that the little ostler is able to keep pace with them, so it is likely that neither he nor the interesting bridegroom will be permanently damaged by their morning’s adventures.

perceive (見える) [動] be aware of directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing

county (地方) [名] the largest administrative division of a country

constabulary (警察官) [名] a police force

drive (道) [名] a road

keep pace with (歩調を合わせる) [動] move or progress at the same rate as

bridegroom (花婿) [名] a man who is about to be married or has just been married

permanently (永久に) [副] for all time; forever

damage (傷つく) [動] cause harm to

私には、道に三人の地方警察官がいるのが見えるし、小さな馬丁が彼らと歩調を合わせることができているのを見るのは嬉しいことだ。だから、彼も興味深い花婿も、今朝の冒険によって永久に傷つくことはないだろう。

I think, Watson, that in your medical capacity, you might wait upon Miss Smith and tell her that if she is sufficiently recovered, we shall be happy to escort her to her mother’s home.

medical capacity (医師として) [名] the ability to perform a task or function

wait upon (付き添う) [動] to attend to the needs of

sufficiently (十分に) [副] to a satisfactory degree

escort (送り届ける) [動] to accompany someone or something to a destination

ワトソン、君は医師として、スミス嬢に付き添って、彼女が十分に回復したら、喜んで彼女を母親の家に送り届けると伝えたらどうだろう。

If she is not quite convalescent you will find that a hint that we were about to telegraph to a young electrician in the Midlands would probably complete the cure.

convalescent (回復期の) [形] recovering from an illness or injury

hint (ヒント) [名] a small piece of information that helps you to understand or find out something

Midlands (ミッドランド地方) [名] a region of England

electrician (電気技師) [名] a person who installs and maintains electrical systems

cure (治療) [名] a medical treatment that successfully ends a medical condition

もし彼女がまだ回復していないなら、ミッドランド地方の若い電気技師に電報を打とうとしているというヒントが、おそらく治療を完了させるだろう。

As to you, Mr. Carruthers, I think that you have done what you could to make amends for your share in an evil plot.

make amends (償う) [動] compensate for a wrong or injury

evil plot (邪悪な計画) [名] a plan to do something that is morally wrong

あなたについては、カーラザースさん、あなたは邪悪な計画に加担したことを償うためにできることをしたと思う。

There is my card, sir, and if my evidence can be of help in your trial, it shall be at your disposal.”

card (名刺) [名] a small piece of stiff paper with a person's name and address printed on it

disposal (自由) [名] the action or process of getting rid of something

これが私の名刺です、もし私の証言があなたの裁判の助けになるなら、いつでもご自由にどうぞ」

In the whirl of our incessant activity, it has often been difficult for me, as the reader has probably observed, to round off my narratives, and to give those final details which the curious might expect.

whirl (渦) [名] a rapid circular movement

incessant (絶え間ない) [形] continuing without interruption

activity (活動) [名] the condition in which things are happening or being done

round off (締めくくる) [動] bring to a satisfactory conclusion

final (最終的な) [形] coming at the end of a series

私たちの絶え間ない活動の渦の中で、読者がおそらく気づいているように、私の物語を締めくくり、好奇心旺盛な人たちが期待するような最終的な詳細を伝えることは、私にとってしばしば困難なことだった。

Each case has been the prelude to another, and the crisis once over, the actors have passed for ever out of our busy lives.

prelude (前奏曲) [名] an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important

actor (登場人物) [名] a person whose profession is acting on the stage, in movies, or on television

それぞれの事件は別の事件の前奏曲であり、危機が去れば、登場人物たちは私たちの忙しい生活から永遠に去っていった。

I find, however, a short note at the end of my manuscript dealing with this case, in which I have put it upon record that Miss Violet Smith did indeed inherit a large fortune, and that she is now the wife of Cyril Morton, the senior partner of Morton & Kennedy, the famous Westminster electricians.

manuscript (原稿) [名] a book or other text written by hand rather than typed or printed

deal with (扱う) [動] take care of; manage

indeed (実際に) [副] really; truly

senior (年長の) [形] of or relating to older people

Morton & Kennedy (モートン&ケネディ) [名] a company

Westminster (ウェストミンスター) [名] a city in London

しかし、この事件を扱った原稿の最後に短いメモがあり、そこにはヴァイオレット・スミス嬢が実際に大金を相続し、現在はウェストミンスターの有名な電気技師、モートン&ケネディのシニアパートナーであるシリル・モートンの妻になっていると記録されている。

Williamson and Woodley were both tried for abduction and assault, the former getting seven years the latter ten.

both (共に) [副] together; as well

try (裁判にかける) [動] examine or hear (a case or person) in a court of law

assault (暴行) [名] a physical or verbal attack

seven years (七年) [名] a period of seven years

ウィリアムソンとウッドリーは共に誘拐と暴行の罪で裁判にかけられ、前者は七年、後者は十年の刑を宣告された。

Of the fate of Carruthers, I have no record, but I am sure that his assault was not viewed very gravely by the court, since Woodley had the reputation of being a most dangerous ruffian, and I think that a few months were sufficient to satisfy the demands of justice.

カーラザーズの運命については記録がないが、ウッドリーは最も危険な悪党として知られていたので、彼の暴行は法廷であまり深刻に受け止められなかったと確信しているし、正義の要求を満たすには数ヶ月で十分だったと思う。

THE ADVENTURE OF THE PRIORY SCHOOL

school (学校) [名] an institution for educating children

プライオリ学校の冒険

We have had some dramatic entrances and exits upon our small stage at Baker Street, but I cannot recollect anything more sudden and startling than the first appearance of Thorneycroft Huxtable, M.A., Ph.D., etc.

entrance (登場) [名] the action of going or coming in

stage (舞台) [名] a raised floor on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform

Thorneycroft Huxtable (ソーニークロフト・ハクスタブル) [名] a character in the story

M.A. (M.A.) [名] Master of Arts

Ph.D. (Ph.D.) [名] Doctor of Philosophy

ベーカー街の小さな舞台では、劇的な出入りが何度かあったが、ソーニークロフト・ハクスタブル、M.A.、Ph.D.などの初登場ほど突然で驚くべきことは思い出せない。

His card, which seemed too small to carry the weight of his academic distinctions, preceded him by a few seconds, and then he entered himself—so large, so pompous, and so dignified that he was the very embodiment of self-possession and solidity.

carry (支える) [動] support and move

weight (重み) [名] the force of gravity on a body

academic (学歴) [形] of or relating to education

distinction (重み) [名] a difference or contrast between similar things or people

pompous (尊大な) [形] affectedly grand, solemn, or self-important

dignified (威厳のある) [形] having or showing a serious and impressive manner

embodiment (権化) [名] a tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling

self-possession (落ち着き) [名] the quality of being calm and confident

solidity (堅固さ) [名] the quality or state of being firm or strong

彼の名刺は、彼の学歴の重みを支えるには小さすぎるように思えたが、彼より数秒先に届き、それから彼自身が入ってきた。とても大きく、尊大で、威厳があり、まさに落ち着きと堅固さの権化だった。

And yet his first action, when the door had closed behind him, was to stagger against the table, whence he slipped down upon the floor, and there was that majestic figure prostrate and insensible upon our bearskin hearth-rug.

majestic (威厳のある) [形] having or showing impressive beauty or dignity

prostrate (倒れる) [動] lying face downwards

insensible (無感覚) [形] unconscious

bearskin (熊の毛皮) [名] the skin of a bear

hearth-rug (暖炉敷き) [名] a rug laid in front of a fireplace

それなのに、ドアが閉まった後の彼の最初の行動は、テーブルによろめき、そこから床に滑り落ち、あの威厳のある姿が私たちの熊の毛皮の暖炉敷きの上に倒れ、無感覚になっていた。

We had sprung to our feet, and for a few moments we stared in silent amazement at this ponderous piece of wreckage, which told of some sudden and fatal storm far out on the ocean of life.

spring to one's feet (飛び起きる) [動] stand up suddenly

for a few moments (しばらくの間) [名] a short period of time

stare in silent amazement (黙って驚いて見つめる) [動] look fixedly or intently with eyes wide open

ponderous (重々しい) [形] very heavy or slow

wreckage (残骸) [名] the remains of something that has been destroyed

tell of (物語る) [動] give an account of

storm (嵐) [名] a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, snow, or hail

私たちは飛び起きて、しばらくの間、この重々しい残骸を黙って驚いて見つめていた。それは、人生の海のはるか沖で突然の致命的な嵐が起こったことを物語っていた。

Then Holmes hurried with a cushion for his head, and I with brandy for his lips.

cushion (クッション) [名] a soft pillow or pad used for comfort or decoration

それからホームズは彼の頭にクッションを、私は彼の唇にブランデーを急いで運んだ。

The heavy, white face was seamed with lines of trouble, the hanging pouches under the closed eyes were leaden in colour, the loose mouth drooped dolorously at the corners, the rolling chins were unshaven.

heavy (重々しい) [形] of great weight

seam (刻まれる) [動] mark with a line or scar

hang (垂れ下がる) [動] be suspended or supported from above

pouch (袋) [名] a small bag of leather or plastic used for carrying small articles

color (色) [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

dolorous (悲しげな) [形] causing or marked by pain or sorrow

roll (二重) [動] move or cause to move in a circular direction

chin (あご) [名] the lower part of a person's face below the mouth

unshaven (剃っていない) [形] not having shaved

重々しい白い顔には悩みのしわが刻まれ、閉じた目の下の垂れ下がった袋は鉛色で、緩んだ口の端は悲しげに垂れ下がり、二重あごは剃っていなかった。

Collar and shirt bore the grime of a long journey, and the hair bristled unkempt from the well-shaped head.

bear (付いている) [動] to carry or have on one's person

grime (汚れ) [名] dirt or filth

long journey (長旅) [名] a long trip

bristle (ぼさぼさになっている) [動] to stand up stiffly

unkempt (整っていない) [形] not neat or tidy

well-shaped (整った) [形] having a good shape

襟とシャツには長旅の汚れが付いており、整った頭からは髪の毛がぼさぼさになっていた。

It was a sorely stricken man who lay before us.

sorely (ひどく) [副] to a great extent

stricken (打ちひしがれた) [形] deeply affected by a misfortune

私たちの前には、ひどく打ちひしがれた男が横たわっていた。

“What is it, Watson?”

what (どうした) [代] used to ask for information

「どうしたんだ、ワトソン?」

asked Holmes.

とホームズが尋ねた。

“Absolute exhaustion—possibly mere hunger and fatigue,” said I, with my finger on the thready pulse, where the stream of life trickled thin and small.

absolute (完全な) [形] complete and total

exhaustion (消耗) [名] the state of being extremely tired

possibly (おそらく) [副] perhaps; maybe

hunger (空腹) [名] a state of having a desire to eat food

fatigue (疲労) [名] extreme tiredness

stream (流れ) [名] a flow of water in a channel

small (小さい) [形] not big; little

「完全な消耗だ、おそらく単なる空腹と疲労だろう」と私は、生命の流れが細く小さく流れる糸のような脈に指を当てて言った。

“Return ticket from Mackleton, in the north of England,” said Holmes, drawing it from the watch-pocket.

return ticket (往復切符) [名] a ticket that allows you to travel to a place and back again

watch-pocket (時計ポケット) [名] a small pocket in a garment for carrying a watch

「イギリス北部のマックルトンからの往復切符だ」とホームズは時計ポケットからそれを取り出しながら言った。

“It is not twelve o’clock yet.

「まだ12時ではない。

He has certainly been an early starter.”

early starter (早起き) [名] someone who wakes up early in the morning

彼は確かに早起きだったな」

The puckered eyelids had begun to quiver, and now a pair of vacant grey eyes looked up at us.

pucker (しわくちゃにする) [動] to contract into wrinkles

eyelid (まぶた) [名] the upper or lower fold of skin that covers the front of the eyeball

vacant (ぼんやりとした) [形] showing no intelligence or interest

しわくちゃのまぶたが震え始め、今やぼんやりとした灰色の目が私たちを見上げていた。

An instant later the man had scrambled on to his feet, his face crimson with shame.

scramble (立ち上がる) [動] move or climb quickly and awkwardly

feet (足) [名] the end of the leg on which a person or animal stands

crimson (真っ赤) [形] of a deep red color

shame (恥ずかしさ) [名] a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior

一瞬後、男は恥ずかしさで顔を真っ赤にして立ち上がった。

“Forgive this weakness, Mr. Holmes, I have been a little overwrought.

weakness (弱さ) [名] the quality or state of being weak

overwrought (興奮しすぎた) [形] too nervous or anxious

「この弱さを許してください、ホームズさん、私は少し興奮しすぎました。

Thank you, if I might have a glass of milk and a biscuit, I have no doubt that I should be better.

thank you (ありがとう) [間] an expression of gratitude

glass (グラス) [名] a container made of glass

milk (牛乳) [名] a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals

biscuit (ビスケット) [名] a small, flat, dry cake that is usually sweet

better (良くなる) [形] more desirable, satisfactory, or effective

ありがとう、もし牛乳とビスケットをいただければ、間違いなく良くなるでしょう。

I came personally, Mr. Holmes, in order to insure that you would return with me.

ホームズさん、私が個人的に来たのは、あなたが私と一緒に帰ることを確実にするためです。

I feared that no telegram would convince you of the absolute urgency of the case.”

urgency (緊急性) [名] the quality of being urgent; requiring immediate action or attention

どんな電報でもこの事件の絶対的な緊急性をあなたに納得させられないのではないかと心配していました。」

“When you are quite restored——”

quite (すっかり) [副] completely or entirely

restore (回復する) [動] return to a former or original state

「あなたがすっかり回復したら——」

“I am quite well again.

well (元気) [形] in good health

「私はもうすっかり元気です。

I cannot imagine how I came to be so weak.

cannot imagine (想像もつかない) [動] be unable to form a mental image of something

come to be (~になる) [動] start to be

どうしてこんなに弱くなったのか想像もつきません。

I wish you, Mr. Holmes, to come to Mackleton with me by the next train.”

ホームズさん、次の列車で私と一緒にマックletonに来てほしいのです。」

My friend shook his head.

友人は首を横に振った。

“My colleague, Dr. Watson, could tell you that we are very busy at present.

「私の同僚のワトソン博士は、私たちが現在とても忙しいことをあなたに伝えることができます。

I am retained in this case of the Ferrers Documents, and the Abergavenny murder is coming up for trial.

Ferrers Documents (フェラーズ文書) [名] a set of documents related to the Ferrers family

Abergavenny murder (アバーガベニー殺人事件) [名] a murder that took place in Abergavenny

come up (起こる) [動] happen or occur

私はこのフェラーズ文書の事件に引き続き関わっており、アバーガベニー殺人事件が裁判にかけられます。

Only a very important issue could call me from London at present.”

issue (問題) [名] a point or matter in question or in dispute

call (呼び寄せる) [動] to communicate with (someone) by telephone

現在、非常に重要な問題だけが私をロンドンから呼び寄せることができます。」

“Important!” Our visitor threw up his hands.

throw up (上げる) [動] raise

「重要ですって!」訪問者は両手を上げた。

“Have you heard nothing of the abduction of the only son of the Duke of Holdernesse?”

Duke of Holdernesse (ホールダーネス公爵) [名] a peer of the United Kingdom

only son (一人息子) [名] the only son of a person

「ホールダーネス公爵の一人息子の誘拐について何も聞いていないのですか?」

“What! the late Cabinet Minister?”

Cabinet Minister (大臣) [名] a member of the executive branch of government

「何ですって! 亡くなった大臣ですか?」

“Exactly. We had tried to keep it out of the papers, but there was some rumour in the Globe last night.

keep out of (載らないようにする) [動] prevent from entering or becoming involved

「その通りです。私たちは新聞に載らないように努力したのですが、昨夜のグローブ紙に噂が載っていました。

I thought it might have reached your ears.”

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

あなたの耳にも届いているかと思いました。」

Holmes shot out his long, thin arm and picked out Volume “H” in his encyclopædia of reference.

shoot out (伸ばす) [動] extend or stretch out

pick out (取り出す) [動] choose or select from a number of alternatives

ホームズは長く細い腕を伸ばし、彼の百科事典の「H」巻を取り出した。

“‘Holdernesse, 6th Duke, K.G., P.C.’—half the alphabet! ‘Baron Beverley, Earl of Carston’—dear me, what a list!

Holdernesse (ホルダーネス) [名] a place in England

6th (第六代) [形] the ordinal number of six

Duke (公爵) [名] a member of the highest rank of the British peerage

K.G. (ガーター勲爵士) [名] Knight of the Garter

P.C. (枢密顧問官) [名] Privy Councilor

Baron (男爵) [名] a member of the lowest rank of the British peerage

Earl (伯爵) [名] a member of the third rank of the British peerage

list (リスト) [名] a series of names, items, or categories

「『ホルダーネス、第六代公爵、ガーター勲爵士、枢密顧問官』アルファベットの半分もある!『ビバリー男爵、カーストン伯爵』なんてことだ、すごいリストだ!

‘Lord Lieutenant of Hallamshire since 1900. Married Edith, daughter of Sir Charles Appledore, 1888. Heir and only child, Lord Saltire. Owns about two hundred and fifty thousand acres.

Lord Lieutenant (州知事) [名] the representative of the British monarch in a county

Hallamshire (ハラムシャー) [名] a fictional county in England

since (から) [前] from a particular time in the past until the present

1900 (1900年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

Married (結婚) [動] join in marriage

Edith (エディス) [名] a female given name

Sir Charles Appledore (チャールズ・アップルドア卿) [名] a male given name

1888 (1888年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

Lord Saltire (ソルタイア卿) [名] a male given name

Owns (所有) [動] have as property; possess

two hundred and fifty thousand (25万) [数] a number

acres (エーカー) [名] a unit of area equal to 43,560 square feet

『1900年からハラムシャーの州知事。1888年、チャールズ・アップルドア卿の娘エディスと結婚。相続人で一人息子はソルタイア卿。約25万エーカーを所有。

Minerals in Lancashire and Wales. Address: Carlton House Terrace; Holdernesse Hall, Hallamshire; Carston Castle, Bangor, Wales. Lord of the Admiralty, 1872; Chief Secretary of State for——’

Lancashire (ランカシャー) [名] a county in northwest England

Wales (ウェールズ) [名] a country in southwest Great Britain

mineral (鉱山) [名] a solid, naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness

Carlton House Terrace (カールトン・ハウス・テラス) [名] a street in London

Holdernesse Hall (ホルダーネス・ホール) [名] a building in Hallamshire

Carston Castle (カーストン城) [名] a castle in Bangor, Wales

Bangor (バンガー) [名] a city in Wales

Lord of the Admiralty (海軍大臣) [名] the head of the British Royal Navy

1872 (1872年) [名] a year

Chief Secretary of State (内務大臣) [名] the head of the British Home Office

ランカシャーとウェールズに鉱山。住所:カールトン・ハウス・テラス、ハラムシャー、ホルダーネス・ホール、ウェールズ、バンガー、カーストン城。1872年、海軍大臣、内務大臣——』

Well, well, this man is certainly one of the greatest subjects of the Crown!”

well (なるほど) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

Crown (王冠) [名] a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority

なるほど、この男は確かに王冠の最も偉大な臣下の一人だ!」

“The greatest and perhaps the wealthiest.

wealthy (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money, resources, or assets

「最も偉大で、おそらく最も裕福な。

I am aware, Mr. Holmes, that you take a very high line in professional matters, and that you are prepared to work for the work’s sake.

take a high line (厳しい態度で臨む) [動] be very strict about something

work (働く) [動] be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose of result

sake (ため) [名] the purpose or benefit of something

ホームズさん、あなたは職業上の問題に非常に厳しい態度で臨み、仕事のために働く覚悟があるということを私は知っています。

I may tell you, however, that his Grace has already intimated that a check for five thousand pounds will be handed over to the person who can tell him where his son is, and another thousand to him who can name the man or men who have taken him.”

Grace (公爵) [名] a title given to a duke, duchess, or archbishop

intimate (告知する) [動] make known

pound (ポンド) [名] the basic monetary unit of the United Kingdom

しかし、公爵はすでに、息子の居場所を教えてくれる人には五千ポンドの小切手を、息子を連れ去った犯人の名前を教えてくれる人にはさらに千ポンドを渡すと告知していることを申し上げておく。」

“It is a princely offer,” said Holmes.

princely (王侯らしい) [形] befitting a prince

offer (申し出) [名] a proposal or bid

「それは王侯らしい申し出だ」とホームズは言った。

“Watson, I think that we shall accompany Dr. Huxtable back to the north of England.

back (戻る) [副] to the place from which one came

England (イングランド) [名] a division of the United Kingdom

「ワトソン、私たちはハクスタブル博士に同行してイングランド北部に戻ろうと思う。

And now, Dr. Huxtable, when you have consumed that milk, you will kindly tell me what has happened, when it happened, how it happened, and, finally, what Dr. Thorneycroft Huxtable, of the Priory School, near Mackleton, has to do with the matter, and why he comes three days after an event—the state of your chin gives the date—to ask for my humble services.”

Dr. Huxtable (ハクスタブル博士) [名] a doctor

consume (飲む) [動] eat or drink

kindly (親切に) [副] in a kind manner

Dr. Thorneycroft Huxtable (ソーニークロフト・ハクスタブル博士) [名] a doctor

Priory School (プライオリー・スクール) [名] a school

Mackleton (マックleton) [名] a place

three days (三日後) [名] three days

give (示す) [動] indicate

date (日付) [名] a day of the month

humble (ささやかな) [形] modest or meek in spirit or manner

service (奉仕) [名] the action of helping or doing work for someone

さて、ハクスタブル博士、そのミルクを飲み終わったら、何が起こったのか、いつ起こったのか、どのように起こったのか、そして最後に、マックleton近くのプライオリー・スクールのソーニークロフト・ハクスタブル博士がこの事件にどう関係しているのか、そしてなぜ彼が事件から三日後に来たのか、あなたのあごの状態が日付を示している、私のささやかな奉仕を求めるために来たのかを親切に教えてくれるだろう。」

Our visitor had consumed his milk and biscuits.

私たちの訪問者はミルクとビスケットを飲み終えた。

The light had come back to his eyes and the colour to his cheeks, as he set himself with great vigour and lucidity to explain the situation.

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

set oneself (自分を設定する) [動] to prepare oneself for a task

vigour (精力的に) [名] physical or mental strength or energy

lucidity (明快に) [名] the quality of being clear and easy to understand

彼は状況を説明するために非常に精力的に、明快に自分自身を設定したので、光が彼の目に戻り、彼の頬に色が戻っていた。

“I must inform you, gentlemen, that the Priory is a preparatory school, of which I am the founder and principal.

preparatory school (予備校) [名] a private secondary school that prepares students for college

founder (創設者) [名] a person who establishes an institution or settlement

principal (校長) [名] the head of a school or college

「皆さんに知らせなければならないのは、プライオリーは予備校であり、私はその創設者であり校長であるということです。

Huxtable’s Sidelights on Horace may possibly recall my name to your memories.

Huxtable's Sidelights on Horace (ハクスタブルのホラティウスのサイドライト) [名] a book by Huxtable

recall (呼び起こす) [動] bring back to the mind

ハクスタブルのホラティウスのサイドライトは、おそらく私の名をあなたの記憶に呼び起こすかもしれない。

The Priory is, without exception, the best and most select preparatory school in England.

The Priory (プライオリー) [名] a private school in England

without exception (例外なく) [副] in all cases; always

select (選ばれた) [形] chosen as the best or most suitable

プライオリーは、例外なく、イギリスで最も優れた、最も選ばれた予備校です。

Lord Leverstoke, the Earl of Blackwater, Sir Cathcart Soames—they all have intrusted their sons to me.

Lord Leverstoke (レバーストーク卿) [名] a British peer

the Earl of Blackwater (ブラックウォーター伯爵) [名] a British peer

Sir Cathcart Soames (キャスカート・ソームズ卿) [名] a British peer

intrust (預ける) [動] give someone or something to someone for safekeeping or use

レバーストーク卿、ブラックウォーター伯爵、キャスカート・ソームズ卿、彼らは皆、息子を私に預けてくれた。

But I felt that my school had reached its zenith when, weeks ago, the Duke of Holdernesse sent Mr. James Wilder, his secretary, with intimation that young Lord Saltire, ten years old, his only son and heir, was about to be committed to my charge.

zenith (絶頂期) [名] the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

send (派遣する) [動] to cause to go or be taken to a destination; to dispatch

James Wilder (ジェームズ・ワイルダー) [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 tasks

Lord Saltire (サルティア卿) [名] a character in the story

ten years old (10歳) [形] being ten years of age

be committed to (置かれる) [動] to be placed in a position or situation

charge (管理下) [名] the action or process of taking care of or controlling someone or something

しかし、数週間前、ホルダーネス公爵が秘書のジェームズ・ワイルダー氏を派遣し、10歳の若いサルティア卿、彼の一人息子であり相続人が私の管理下に置かれようとしていることを告げたとき、私の学校は絶頂期を迎えたと感じた。

Little did I think that this would be the prelude to the most crushing misfortune of my life.

little (少しも) [副] not at all

これが私の人生で最も悲惨な不幸の前奏曲になるとは、少しも思っていなかった。

“On May 1st the boy arrived, that being the beginning of the summer term.

on (に) [前] at or in a place or position

May 1st (5月1日) [名] the first day of the fifth month of the year

summer term (夏学期) [名] the period of time during which a school holds classes during the summer

「5月1日に少年が到着し、夏学期が始まった。

He was a charming youth, and he soon fell into our ways.

charming (魅力的な) [形] very pleasant or attractive

fall into (なじむ) [動] become accustomed to

way (やり方) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

彼は魅力的な少年で、すぐに私たちのやり方になじんだ。

I may tell you—I trust that I am not indiscreet, but half-confidences are absurd in such a case—that he was not entirely happy at home.

indiscreet (軽率) [形] lacking prudence or good judgment

half-confidence (半信半疑) [名] a state of uncertainty about something

absurd (ばかげている) [形] extremely unreasonable, incongruous, or inappropriate

彼は家では完全に幸せではなかったと、私はあなたに言うことができる。私は軽率ではないと信じているが、このような場合に半信半疑はばかげている。

It is an open secret that the Duke’s married life had not been a peaceful one, and the matter had ended in a separation by mutual consent, the Duchess taking up her residence in the south of France.

open secret (公然の秘密) [名] something that is supposed to be secret but is in fact widely known

married life (結婚生活) [名] the state of being married

separation (別居) [名] the state of being apart or away from each other

Duchess (公爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a duke

take up (構える) [動] to occupy or fill

公爵の結婚生活が平和なものではなかったことは公然の秘密であり、この問題は双方の合意による別居で終わり、公爵夫人はフランス南部に住居を構えた。

This had occurred very shortly before, and the boy’s sympathies are known to have been strongly with his mother.

very shortly before (ごく最近) [副] a short time ago

strongly (強く) [副] to a great extent or degree

これはごく最近起こったことで、少年の同情は強く母親にあったことが知られている。

He moped after her departure from Holdernesse Hall, and it was for this reason that the Duke desired to send him to my establishment.

moped (ふさぎ込む) [動] be in a state of low spirits

departure (出発) [名] the act of leaving

desired (望む) [動] want or wish for

彼は彼女がホルダーネスホールを去った後、ふさぎ込んでいたため、公爵は彼を私の学校に送りたいと思った。

In a fortnight the boy was quite at home with us and was apparently absolutely happy.

quite at home (とても打ち解ける) [形] very comfortable in a place or situation

二週間で少年は私たちととても打ち解け、明らかにとても幸せそうだった。

“He was last seen on the night of May 13th—that is, the night of last Monday.

last (最後に) [副] on the last occasion

May 13th (5月13日) [名] the 13th day of the 5th month of the year

last Monday (先週の月曜日) [名] the Monday of the week before the present one

「彼が最後に目撃されたのは5月13日の夜、つまり先週の月曜日の夜だった。

His room was on the second floor and was approached through another larger room, in which two boys were sleeping.

larger (より大きい) [形] of greater size or extent than average or usual

彼の部屋は二階にあり、二人の少年が寝ている別の大きな部屋を通って近づいた。

These boys saw and heard nothing, so that it is certain that young Saltire did not pass out that way.

少年たちは何も見たり聞いたりしなかったので、若いサルティアがその道を通らなかったことは確かだ。

His window was open, and there is a stout ivy plant leading to the ground.

lead (つながる) [動] to go or take someone or something in a particular direction

彼の窓は開いていて、地面につながる頑丈なツタの植物がある。

We could trace no footmarks below, but it is sure that this is the only possible exit.

trace (見つける) [動] find or discover by searching

exit (出口) [名] a way out of a place

下には足跡は見つからなかったが、これが唯一の出口であることは確かだ。

“His absence was discovered at seven o’clock on Tuesday morning.

「彼の不在は火曜日の朝七時に発見された。

His bed had been slept in.

彼のベッドは寝た形跡があった。

He had dressed himself fully, before going off, in his usual school suit of black Eton jacket and dark grey trousers.

dress (着る) [動] put clothes on

fully (完全に) [副] completely

suit (制服) [名] a set of clothes

Eton jacket (イートンジャケット) [名] a short black jacket

trousers (ズボン) [名] a garment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs

彼は出かける前に、いつもの学校の制服である黒いイートンジャケットと濃い灰色のズボンを着ていた。

There were no signs that anyone had entered the room, and it is quite certain that anything in the nature of cries or a struggle would have been heard, since Caunter, the elder boy in the inner room, is a very light sleeper.

elder (年長の) [形] older

inner (内側の) [形] situated inside; internal

light (浅い) [形] of little weight; not heavy

sleeper (眠り) [名] a person who sleeps

誰かが部屋に入った形跡はなく、内側の部屋にいる年長の少年、カウンターは非常に眠りが浅いので、叫び声や争いのようなものが聞こえたのは確かだ。

“When Lord Saltire’s disappearance was discovered, I at once called a roll of the whole establishment—boys, masters, and servants.

call a roll (集める) [動] to call out the names of people on a list to check that they are present

master (教師) [名] a male teacher

「ソルタイア卿の失踪が発覚したとき、私はすぐに全校生徒、教師、使用人を集めた。

It was then that we ascertained that Lord Saltire had not been alone in his flight.

ascertain (わかる) [動] find out or establish with certainty

flight (逃亡) [名] the act of running away from something

その時、ソルタイア卿が逃亡したのは一人ではなかったことがわかった。

Heidegger, the German master, was missing.

Heidegger (ハイデガー) [名] a German philosopher

German (ドイツ語) [名] the official language of Germany

be missing (行方不明である) [動] be absent or lost

ドイツ語教師のハイデガーが行方不明だった。

His room was on the second floor, at the farther end of the building, facing the same way as Lord Saltire’s.

farther end (端) [名] the most remote part of something

face (向く) [動] be opposite or in front of

彼の部屋は二階の建物の端にあり、ソルタイア卿の部屋と同じ方向を向いていた。

His bed had also been slept in, but he had apparently gone away partly dressed, since his shirt and socks were lying on the floor.

sock (靴下) [名] a garment worn on the foot

彼のベッドも寝た形跡があったが、シャツと靴下が床に落ちていたので、彼は服を着たまま出て行ったらしい。

He had undoubtedly let himself down by the ivy, for we could see the marks of his feet where he had landed on the lawn.

let oneself down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

ivy (ツタ) [名] a woody climbing plant

彼は間違いなくツタにつかまって降りてきたのだった。芝生に着地した足跡が見えたからだ。

His bicycle was kept in a small shed beside this lawn, and it also was gone.

shed (小屋) [名] a small building for storing things

gone (なくなっていた) [動] no longer present; absent

彼の自転車はこの芝生の横にある小さな小屋に保管されていたが、それもなくなっていた。

“He had been with me for two years, and came with the best references, but he was a silent, morose man, not very popular either with masters or boys.

be with (一緒にいる) [動] to be in the company of

come with (持ってくる) [動] to be included with

reference (推薦状) [名] a letter of recommendation

morose (不機嫌な) [形] sullen and ill-tempered

popular (人気がある) [形] liked or admired by many people

「彼は二年間私と一緒にいて、最高の推薦状を持ってきましたが、彼は寡黙で不機嫌な男で、教師にも生徒にもあまり人気がありませんでした。

No trace could be found of the fugitives, and now, on Thursday morning, we are as ignorant as we were on Tuesday.

fugitive (逃亡者) [名] a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution

Tuesday (火曜日) [名] the day of the week before Wednesday and following Monday

逃亡者の痕跡は見つからず、木曜日の朝になっても火曜日と同じように何もわからない。

Inquiry was, of course, made at once at Holdernesse Hall.

もちろん、ホルダーネスホールにすぐに問い合わせが行われた。

It is only a few miles away, and we imagined that, in some sudden attack of homesickness, he had gone back to his father, but nothing had been heard of him.

only a few miles (ほんの数マイル) [名] a small distance

homesickness (ホームシック) [名] a feeling of longing for one's home

hear of (聞こえる) [動] be informed of; learn of

そこはほんの数マイルしか離れていないので、私たちは彼が突然ホームシックになって父親のところに戻ったのではないかと想像したが、彼のことは何も聞こえてこなかった。

The Duke is greatly agitated, and, as to me, you have seen yourselves the state of nervous prostration to which the suspense and the responsibility have reduced me.

greatly (非常に) [副] to a great extent

agitated (動揺している) [形] in a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

yourself (あなた方) [代] you

nervous (神経の) [形] of or relating to the nerves or nervous system

prostration (衰弱) [名] a state of extreme physical weakness

suspense (不安) [名] a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

responsibility (責任) [名] the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone

公爵は非常に動揺しており、私に関して言えば、あなた方は不安と責任が私を陥れた神経衰弱の状態をご覧になった。

Mr. Holmes, if ever you put forward your full powers, I implore you to do so now, for never in your life could you have a case which is more worthy of them.”

put forward (尽くす) [動] to present for consideration or discussion

full power (全力) [名] all of one's strength or resources

implore (お願いいたします) [動] to beg someone earnestly to do something

ホームズさん、もしあなたが全力を尽くすことがあるなら、今こそそうするようお願いいたします。あなたの人生で、これ以上に全力を尽くすに値する事件はあり得ません。」

Sherlock Holmes had listened with the utmost intentness to the statement of the unhappy schoolmaster.

intentness (熱心) [名] the state of being intent

unhappy (不幸な) [形] not happy; sad

schoolmaster (学校長) [名] the head teacher of a school

シャーロック・ホームズは、この不幸な学校長の話を非常に熱心に聞いていた。

His drawn brows and the deep furrow between them showed that he needed no exhortation to concentrate all his attention upon a problem which, apart from the tremendous interests involved must appeal so directly to his love of the complex and the unusual.

furrow (溝) [名] a long, narrow channel or depression

exhortation (勧告) [名] an urgent appeal or warning

attention (神経) [名] the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important

apart from (とは別に) [前] not including; other than

directly (直接) [副] without changing direction or stopping

彼の引き寄せられた眉とその間の深い溝は、彼が問題に全神経を集中させるのに勧告を必要としないことを明らかにしていた。それは、関係する途方もない利害とは別に、複雑で珍しいものに対する彼の愛に直接訴えかけるに違いない。

He now drew out his notebook and jotted down one or two memoranda.

draw out (取り出す) [動] to take out

jot down (書き留める) [動] to write down quickly

彼はノートを取り出し、一つか二つのメモを書き留めた。

“You have been very remiss in not coming to me sooner,” said he, severely.

sooner (もっと早く) [副] earlier

severely (厳しく) [副] extremely

「もっと早く私のところに来なかったとは、非常に怠慢ですな」と彼は厳しく言った。

“You start me on my investigation with a very serious handicap.

handicap (ハンディキャップ) [名] a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult

「あなたは私の捜査を非常に深刻なハンディキャップから始めさせる。

It is inconceivable, for example, that this ivy and this lawn would have yielded nothing to an expert observer.”

inconceivable (考えられない) [形] too unlikely to be considered a possibility

yield (もたらす) [動] produce or provide

observer (観察者) [名] a person who observes something

例えば、このツタと芝生が専門家の観察者に何ももたらさなかったとは考えられない。」

“I am not to blame, Mr. Holmes.

to blame (悪くない) [形] deserving of blame or censure

「私は悪くないんですよ、ホームズさん。

His Grace was extremely desirous to avoid all public scandal.

His Grace (公爵) [名] a title used to address or refer to a duke or duchess

desirous (望む) [形] having or showing a wish or desire

public (公の) [形] of or concerning the people as a whole

公爵はあらゆる公の醜聞を避けることを強く望んでいた。

He was afraid of his family unhappiness being dragged before the world.

be afraid of (恐れる) [動] be scared of

unhappiness (不幸) [名] the state of being unhappy

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

彼は家族の不幸が世間にさらされることを恐れていた。

He has a deep horror of anything of the kind.”

have a horror of (恐れる) [動] to be very afraid of

anything (そのようなこと) [名] something; anything at all

彼はそのようなことを深く恐れている。」

“But there has been some official investigation?”

「しかし、公式の調査はあったのでしょう?」

“Yes, sir, and it has proved most disappointing.

disappointing (残念な) [形] causing disappointment

「はい、ありましたが、非常に残念な結果に終わりました。

An apparent clue was at once obtained, since a boy and a young man were reported to have been seen leaving a neighbouring station by an early train.

early train (早朝の列車) [名] a train that leaves a station early in the morning

neighbouring station (近隣の駅) [名] a station that is close to another station

少年と若い男が早朝の列車で近隣の駅を出発するのを見たという報告があったため、すぐに明らかな手がかりが得られた。

Only last night we had news that the couple had been hunted down in Liverpool, and they prove to have no connection whatever with the matter in hand.

only last night (つい昨夜) [副] the night before the present day

couple (二人) [名] two people considered together

hunt down (捕まえる) [動] to pursue and capture

Liverpool (リバプール) [名] a city in England

つい昨夜、その二人がリバプールで捕まったという知らせがあったが、彼らは今回の事件とは全く関係がないことが判明した。

Then it was that in my despair and disappointment, after a sleepless night, I came straight to you by the early train.”

disappointment (失望) [名] the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations

sleepless (眠れぬ) [形] not able to sleep

straight (真っ直ぐ) [副] without a bend, curve, or deviation

それで、私は絶望と失望の中で、眠れぬ夜を過ごした後、早朝の列車で真っ直ぐあなたのところへ来たのです。」

“I suppose the local investigation was relaxed while this false clue was being followed up?”

relax (緩和される) [動] make or become less strict or severe

false (偽りの) [形] not true or correct

「この偽りの手がかりを追っている間に、現地の捜査は緩和されたのでしょうね?」

“It was entirely dropped.”

drop (中断する) [動] stop doing something

「完全に中断されました。」

“So that three days have been wasted.

three days (三日) [名] a period of three days

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

「それで三日が無駄になったわけだ。

The affair has been most deplorably handled.”

deplorably (嘆かわしい) [副] in a way that is deserving strong condemnation

この事件は最も嘆かわしい扱いを受けている。」

“I feel it and admit it.”

「そう感じていますし、認めます。」

“And yet the problem should be capable of ultimate solution.

be capable of (できる) [動] have the ability or quality necessary to do or achieve something

ultimate (最終的な) [形] last or final in a series

「それでも問題は最終的に解決できるはずだ。

I shall be very happy to look into it.

look into (調べる) [動] investigate or examine

喜んで調べてみよう。

Have you been able to trace any connection between the missing boy and this German master?”

German (ドイツ人の) [形] of or relating to Germany, its people, or its language

行方不明の少年とこのドイツ人の教師との間に何か関係を見つけることができたか?」

“None at all.”

none (全く) [副] not at all; in no way

「全くありません。」

“Was he in the master’s class?”

「彼はその教師のクラスだったのか?」

“No, he never exchanged a word with him, so far as I know.”

「いいえ、私の知る限り、彼は彼と言葉を交わしたことは一度もありません。」

“That is certainly very singular.

「それは確かにとても奇妙だ。

Had the boy a bicycle?”

その少年は自転車を持っていたか?」

“No.”

「いいえ。」

“Was any other bicycle missing?”

missing (行方不明) [形] not in its expected place

「他の自転車は行方不明だったか?」

“No.”

「いいえ。」

“Is that certain?”

「それは確かか?」

“Quite.”

「確かだ。」

“Well, now, you do not mean to seriously suggest that this German rode off upon a bicycle in the dead of the night, bearing the boy in his arms?”

ride off (逃げる) [動] leave quickly

dead of night (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

「さて、このドイツ人が真夜中に自転車に乗って、少年を抱えて逃げたと本気で言っているわけではないだろう?」

“Certainly not.”

certainly (もちろん) [副] without doubt; definitely

「もちろん違う。」

“Then what is the theory in your mind?”

「では、君の考えではどうなっているんだ?」

“The bicycle may have been a blind.

may (かもしれない) [助] expressing possibility

have been (だったかもしれない) [助] expressing possibility

「自転車は目くらましかもしれない。

It may have been hidden somewhere, and the pair gone off on foot.”

somewhere (どこか) [副] in or to some place

pair (二人) [名] two people or things of the same sort considered together

go off (逃げる) [動] leave or depart

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

どこかに隠して、二人は徒歩で逃げたのかもしれない。」

“Quite so, but it seems rather an absurd blind, does it not?

blind (目くらまし) [名] something that hides the truth or prevents understanding

「確かに、しかし、それはかなり馬鹿げた目くらましに思えるね?

Were there other bicycles in this shed?”

この小屋に他の自転車はあったか?」

“Several.”

「数台。」

“Would he not have hidden a couple, had he desired to give the idea that they had gone off upon them?”

give the idea (考えを与える) [動] to make someone think of something

them (彼ら) [代] the people or things previously mentioned

「もし、彼らが自転車で逃げたという考えを与えたかったのなら、二台隠したのではないだろうか?」

“I suppose he would.”

「そうするだろうと思う。」

“Of course he would.

「もちろんそうするだろう。

The blind theory won’t do.

盲目の理論ではだめだ。

But the incident is an admirable starting-point for an investigation.

starting-point (開始点) [名] the place where something begins

しかし、この事件は調査の開始点としては素晴らしい。

After all, a bicycle is not an easy thing to conceal or to destroy.

結局のところ、自転車は隠したり破壊したりするのが簡単なものではない。

One other question. Did anyone call to see the boy on the day before he disappeared?”

disappear (失踪する) [動] to cease to be seen or to exist

もう一つ質問がある。少年が失踪する前日に誰か少年に会いに来ただろうか?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“Did he get any letters?”

「手紙は届いたか?」

“Yes, one letter.”

「はい、一通」

“From whom?”

「誰から?」

“From his father.”

「彼の父親からです」

“Do you open the boys’ letters?”

「生徒たちの手紙を開封するのか?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“How do you know it was from the father?”

「それが父親からだとどうしてわかる?」

“The coat of arms was on the envelope, and it was addressed in the Duke’s peculiar stiff hand.

coat of arms (紋章) [名] a design or symbol that represents a family, organization, or country

peculiar (独特の) [形] strange or unusual

stiff (堅苦しい) [形] not relaxed or friendly

「封筒に紋章がついていて、公爵独特の堅苦しい筆跡で宛名が書かれていたのです。

Besides, the Duke remembers having written.”

それに、公爵は手紙を書いたことを覚えています」

“When had he a letter before that?”

「その前に手紙を受け取ったのはいつだ?」

“Not for several days.”

several days (数日間) [名] a period of time lasting more than two days but not as long as a week

「数日間受け取っていません」

“Had he ever one from France?”

「フランスから受け取ったことは?」

“No, never.

「いいえ、一度もありません。

“You see the point of my questions, of course.

see the point (要点が分かる) [動] understand the purpose or main idea of something

「もちろん、私の質問の要点は分かっているだろう。

Either the boy was carried off by force or he went of his own free will.

either (どちらか) [接] used to introduce the first of two or more alternatives

carry off (連れ去る) [動] take away by force

free will (自由意志) [名] the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate

少年は力ずくで連れ去られたか、自らの自由意志で行ったかのどちらかだ。

In the latter case, you would expect that some prompting from outside would be needed to make so young a lad do such a thing.

expect (考える) [動] to think that something will happen

prompting (誘因) [名] something that encourages or urges someone to do something

outside (外部) [名] the space that is not inside

後者の場合、あんなに幼い少年がそのようなことをするには、外部からの何らかの誘因が必要だったと考えられる。

If he has had no visitors, that prompting must have come in letters;

もし彼を訪ねてきた人がいなかったのなら、その誘因は手紙で来たに違いない。

hence I try to find out who were his correspondents.”

hence (だから) [副] for this reason; therefore

correspondent (通信相手) [名] a person who writes letters to another person

だから私は彼の通信相手が誰だったのかを見つけ出そうとしているのだ。」

“I fear I cannot help you much.

「あまりお役に立てそうにありません。

His only correspondent, so far as I know, was his own father.”

so far as I know (私の知る限り) [副] to the extent of my knowledge

his own father (彼自身の父親) [名] the father of the person being talked about

私の知る限り、彼の唯一の通信相手は彼自身の父親でした。」

“Who wrote to him on the very day of his disappearance.

write to (手紙を書く) [動] write a letter to

very day (まさにその日) [名] the exact day

「彼が失踪したまさにその日に彼に手紙を書いたのは誰か。

Were the relations between father and son very friendly?”

friendly (友好的) [形] kind and pleasant

父と息子の関係はとても友好的だったか?」

“His Grace is never very friendly with anyone.

His Grace (公爵様) [名] a title used to refer to a duke

「公爵様は誰ともあまり友好的ではありません。

He is completely immersed in large public questions, and is rather inaccessible to all ordinary emotions.

be immersed in (没頭している) [動] be deeply involved in

question (問題) [名] a matter requiring resolution or discussion

彼は大きな公の問題に完全に没頭しており、むしろすべての普通の感情に近づきがたい。

But he was always kind to the boy in his own way.”

しかし、彼はいつも彼自身のやり方で少年に親切でした。」

“But the sympathies of the latter were with the mother?”

「しかし、後者の同情は母親にあったのか?」

“Yes.”

「はい。」

“Did he say so?”

「彼はそう言ったか?」

“No.”

「いいえ。」

“The Duke, then?”

「では、公爵か?」

“Good Heavens, no!”

「いいえ、違います。」

“Then how could you know?”

「では、どうしてわかったんだ?」

“I have had some confidential talks with Mr. James Wilder, his Grace’s secretary.

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

confidential (内緒) [形] intended to be kept secret

「私は公爵の秘書であるジェームズ・ワイルダー氏と内緒話をしたんだ。

It was he who gave me the information about Lord Saltire’s feelings.”

彼がソルタイア卿の気持ちを教えてくれたんだ。」

“I see. By the way, that last letter of the Duke’s—was it found in the boy’s room after he was gone?”

「なるほど。ところで、公爵の最後の手紙は、少年が行方不明になった後、彼の部屋で見つかったのですか?」

“No, he had taken it with him.

with (~と) [前] accompanied by

「いいえ、彼はそれを持ち出しました。

I think, Mr. Holmes, it is time that we were leaving for Euston.”

ホームズさん、ユーストンに向けて出発する時間です。」

“I will order a four-wheeler.

「四輪馬車を呼びましょう。

In a quarter of an hour, we shall be at your service.

at your service (お迎えに参ります) [句] ready to help you

15分以内に、お迎えに参ります。

If you are telegraphing home, Mr. Huxtable, it would be well to allow the people in your neighbourhood to imagine that the inquiry is still going on in Liverpool, or wherever else that red herring led your pack.

Mr. Huxtable (ハックステーブルさん) [名] a man's name

red herring (赤いニシン) [名] something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important issue

pack (あなたたち) [名] a group of people or animals

ハックステーブルさん、もし家に電報を打つなら、近所の人には捜査がまだリバプールか、あるいはあの赤いニシンがあなたたちを導いた場所で続いていると思わせておくのがいいでしょう。

In the meantime I will do a little quiet work at your own doors, and perhaps the scent is not so cold but that two old hounds like Watson and myself may get a sniff of it.”

in the meantime (その間に) [副] during the intervening period of time

do a little quiet work (少し静かな仕事をする) [動] do a little work that is not noisy

at your own doors (あなたの家のすぐ近くで) [副] near your house

not so cold (それほど冷たくない) [形] not very cold

two old hounds (2匹の老犬) [名] two old dogs

get a sniff of (嗅ぐ) [動] smell something

その間に私はあなたの家のすぐ近くで少し静かな仕事をします、そしておそらく匂いはそれほど冷たくないので、ワトソンと私のような2匹の老犬はそれを嗅ぐことができるでしょう。」

That evening found us in the cold, bracing atmosphere of the Peak country, in which Dr. Huxtable’s famous school is situated.

atmosphere (空気) [名] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth

Peak country (ピーク地方) [名] a region in central England

Dr. Huxtable (ハックステーブル博士) [名] a character in the story

その夜、私たちはハックステーブル博士の有名な学校があるピーク地方の寒く、爽快な空気の中にいるのに気づいた。

It was already dark when we reached it.

私たちがそこに着いた時には、すでに暗くなっていた。

A card was lying on the hall table, and the butler whispered something to his master, who turned to us with agitation in every heavy feature.

butler (執事) [名] the chief male servant of a house

feature (顔つき) [名] a distinctive attribute or aspect of something

玄関のテーブルにカードが置いてあり、執事が主人に何かをささやくと、主人は重々しい顔つきで私たちの方を向いた。

“The Duke is here,” said he.

「公爵がここにいます」と彼は言った。

“The Duke and Mr. Wilder are in the study.

Wilder (ワイルダー) [名] a surname

「公爵とワイルダーさんは書斎にいます。

Come, gentlemen, and I will introduce you.”

introduce (紹介しましょう) [動] cause to be acquainted with each other

皆さん、来てください。紹介しましょう」

I was, of course, familiar with the pictures of the famous statesman, but the man himself was very different from his representation.

familiar with (よく知っている) [形] having knowledge of

statesman (政治家) [名] a person who is involved in the government of a country

different (違っている) [形] not the same as each other

私はもちろん、有名な政治家の写真をよく知っていたが、本人は写真とは大きく違っていた。

He was a tall and stately person, scrupulously dressed, with a drawn, thin face, and a nose which was grotesquely curved and long.

stately (堂々とした) [形] dignified and impressive in appearance or manner

scrupulously (几帳面に) [副] in a very careful and thorough way

dressed (服装) [動] put on clothes

drawn (引き締まった) [形] looking strained or tired

grotesquely (グロテスクなほど) [副] in a repulsively ugly or distorted way

彼は背が高く、堂々とした人物で、几帳面な服装をしており、引き締まった細い顔と、グロテスクなほど曲がって長い鼻をしていた。

His complexion was of a dead pallor, which was more startling by contrast with a long, dwindling beard of vivid red, which flowed down over his white waistcoat with his watch-chain gleaming through its fringe.

dead (死人のような) [形] no longer having or seeming to have life

contrast (対比) [名] the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association

dwindle (伸びる) [動] become smaller or fewer

vivid (鮮やかな) [形] producing a strong impression on the senses

flow (垂れ下がる) [動] move or cause to move easily and freely

fringe (縁) [名] an ornamental border of short twisted threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists

彼の顔色は死人のように青白く、長く伸びた鮮やかな赤ひげとの対比でさらに際立っており、そのひげは白いチョッキの上に垂れ下がり、その縁から時計の鎖が輝いていた。

Such was the stately presence who looked stonily at us from the centre of Dr. Huxtable’s hearthrug.

stonily (石のように) [副] in a cold and unfeeling manner

hearthrug (暖炉敷き) [名] a rug placed in front of a fireplace

ハックステーブル博士の暖炉敷きの真ん中から、私たちを石のように見つめていた威厳のある存在は、そんな感じだった。

Beside him stood a very young man, whom I understood to be Wilder, the private secretary.

private secretary (秘書) [名] a person employed by an individual to assist with correspondence, scheduling, and other administrative tasks

彼の横には、私には秘書のワイルダーと思われる非常に若い男が立っていた。

He was small, nervous, alert with intelligent light-blue eyes and mobile features.

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

intelligent (知的) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

light-blue (水色) [形] of a pale shade of blue

彼は小柄で神経質で、知的な水色の目と機敏な顔立ちをしていた。

It was he who at once, in an incisive and positive tone, opened the conversation.

incisive (鋭い) [形] expressing opinions or criticisms in a direct and forceful way

positive (断定的) [形] confident and definite

tone (口調) [名] the general character of a place or period

open (始める) [動] start or establish

彼はすぐに、鋭く断定的な口調で会話を始めたのだった。

“I called this morning, Dr. Huxtable, too late to prevent you from starting for London.

call (電話する) [動] communicate with (someone) by telephone

「ハックステーブル博士、今朝電話したのですが、ロンドンへ出発するのを阻止するには遅すぎました。

I learned that your object was to invite Mr. Sherlock Holmes to undertake the conduct of this case.

invite (招く) [動] ask someone to come to an event or place

undertake (引き受ける) [動] take on a task or job

あなたの目的は、シャーロック・ホームズ氏にこの事件の捜査を依頼することだと知りました。

His Grace is surprised, Dr. Huxtable, that you should have taken such a step without consulting him.”

take a step (行動をとる) [動] do something

without consulting (相談せずに) [動] without asking for advice or information

ハックステーブル博士、公爵様はあなたが彼に相談せずにそのような行動をとったことに驚いています。」

“When I learned that the police had failed——”

「警察が失敗したと知ったときに」

“His Grace is by no means convinced that the police have failed.”

「公爵様は警察が失敗したとは決して確信していません。」

“But surely, Mr. Wilder——”

surely (しかし) [副] certainly; without doubt

「しかし、ワイルダーさん」

“You are well aware, Dr. Huxtable, that his Grace is particularly anxious to avoid all public scandal.

be well aware (よくご存じでしょう) [動] know something well

Grace (公爵様) [名] a title used to address or refer to a duke or duchess

anxious (熱心である) [形] wanting to do or have something very much

「ハックステーブル博士、公爵様があらゆる公のスキャンダルを避けることに特に熱心であることをあなたはよくご存じでしょう。

He prefers to take as few people as possible into his confidence.”

as few as possible (できるだけ少ない) [形] the least possible number

take into one's confidence (信頼に引き込む) [動] tell someone something secret or private

彼はできるだけ少ない人間を信頼に引き込むことを好むのです。」

“The matter can be easily remedied,” said the brow-beaten doctor;

be remedied (解決できる) [動] be put right; be corrected

brow-beaten (いじめられっ子の) [形] intimidated or bullied

「その件は簡単に解決できます」と、いじめられっ子の医者は言った。

“Mr. Sherlock Holmes can return to London by the morning train.”

「シャーロック・ホームズさんは朝の列車でロンドンに戻ることができます。」

“Hardly that, Doctor, hardly that,” said Holmes, in his blandest voice.

Doctor (博士) [名] a person who has earned a doctorate

his (彼の) [代] belonging to or connected with a male person or animal previously mentioned

blandest (最も穏やかな) [形] lacking strong features or characteristics

「そうはいかないでしょう、博士、そうはいかないでしょう」とホームズは最も穏やかな声で言った。

“This northern air is invigorating and pleasant, so I propose to spend a few days upon your moors, and to occupy my mind as best I may.

northern (北の) [形] of or relating to the north

invigorating (爽快な) [形] giving strength or energy

pleasant (気持ちのいい) [形] giving a feeling of happy satisfaction

moor (沼地) [名] an area of open land, often high but poorly drained, with patches of heath and peat bogs

occupy (占領する) [動] take up all or a lot of (space, time, or someone's attention)

「この北の空気は爽快で気持ちがいいので、私はあなたの沼地で数日を過ごし、できる限り自分の心を占領することを提案します。

Whether I have the shelter of your roof or of the village inn is, of course, for you to decide.”

shelter (宿) [名] a place of refuge or safety

roof (屋根) [名] the structure forming the upper covering of a building or vehicle

village (村) [名] a small human settlement in a rural area

私があなたの屋根の下で過ごすか、村の宿で過ごすかは、もちろんあなたが決めることです。」

I could see that the unfortunate doctor was in the last stage of indecision, from which he was rescued by the deep, sonorous voice of the red-bearded Duke, which boomed out like a dinner-gong.

indecision (優柔不断) [名] the inability to make a decision

last stage (最終段階) [名] the final part of something

rescue (救う) [動] save from danger or harm

sonorous (響き渡る) [形] producing a full, deep, or rich sound

red-bearded (赤ひげの) [形] having a red beard

dinner-gong (夕食の銅鑼) [名] a gong used to announce dinner

不幸な医師が優柔不断の最終段階にあることが私にはわかった。そこから彼は、夕食の銅鑼のように鳴り響く赤ひげ公爵の深く響き渡る声によって救われた。

“I agree with Mr. Wilder, Dr. Huxtable, that you would have done wisely to consult me.

Mr. Wilder (ワイルダー氏) [名] a man whose surname is Wilder

consult (相談する) [動] seek information or advice from

wisely (賢明に) [副] in a wise manner

「私もワイルダー氏に同意します、ハックステーブル博士、私に相談するのは賢明な判断だったでしょう。

But since Mr. Holmes has already been taken into your confidence, it would indeed be absurd that we should not avail ourselves of his services.

take into one's confidence (信頼を得る) [動] to tell someone something secret or private

avail oneself of (利用する) [動] to make use of

しかし、ホームズ氏はすでにあなたの信頼を得ているので、彼のサービスを利用できないとしたら、それは確かにばかげたことです。

Far from going to the inn, Mr. Holmes, I should be pleased if you would come and stay with me at Holdernesse Hall.”

far from (どころか) [副] not at all; on the contrary

宿に行くどころか、ホームズさん、ホルダーネスホールに来て私と一緒に泊まってくれたら嬉しいのですが。」

“I thank your Grace.

「公爵に感謝します。

For the purposes of my investigation, I think that it would be wiser for me to remain at the scene of the mystery.”

for the purpose of (のために) [前] with the intention of

be wiser (賢明だ) [動] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

私の調査の目的のためには、謎の現場に残った方が賢明だと思います。」

“Just as you like, Mr. Holmes.

like (お好きなように) [動] be fond of; be pleased with

「ホームズさん、お好きなように。

Any information which Mr. Wilder or I can give you is, of course, at your disposal.”

information (情報) [名] knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance

which (どんな) [限] one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity; a

I (私) [代] the speaker or writer

at your disposal (自由に使って下さい) [句] available for someone to use as they wish

ワイルダー氏や私が提供できる情報は、もちろん、自由に使って下さい。」

“It will probably be necessary for me to see you at the Hall,” said Holmes.

be necessary (必要である) [動] be required or essential

「おそらく、私がホールであなたに会う必要があるでしょう」とホームズは言った。

“I would only ask you now, sir, whether you have formed any explanation in your own mind as to the mysterious disappearance of your son?”

「今、あなたに尋ねたいのは、息子さんの謎の失踪について、あなた自身の心の中で何か説明がついているのかということです。」

“No, sir, I have not.”

have not (ついていません) [助] not have; not possess

「いいえ、説明はついていません。」

“Excuse me if I allude to that which is painful to you, but I have no alternative.

alternative (方法) [名] a choice or possibility

「あなたにとって辛いことをほのめかすようですが、申し訳ありません。しかし、私には他に方法がありません。

Do you think that the Duchess had anything to do with the matter?”

have anything to do with (関係している) [動] be involved in or connected with

公爵夫人がこの件に関係していると思いますか?」

The great minister showed perceptible hesitation.

perceptible (明らかな) [形] capable of being perceived

hesitation (ためらい) [名] the action of pausing before saying or doing something

大臣は明らかにためらった。

“I do not think so,” he said, at last.

「そうは思わない」と彼はついに言った。

“The other most obvious explanation is that the child has been kidnapped for the purpose of levying ransom.

kidnap (誘拐する) [動] take or carry away by force

ransom (身代金) [名] a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner

「もう一つの最も明白な説明は、子供が身代金を要求する目的で誘拐されたということです。

You have not had any demand of the sort?”

have not (受けていない) [助] not have

demand (要求) [名] an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right

sort (ようなもの) [名] a category of things or people having similar characteristics

そのような要求は受けていませんか?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ」

“One more question, your Grace.

your Grace (公爵) [名] a title used to address a duke or duchess

「もう一つ質問があります、公爵。

I understand that you wrote to your son upon the day when this incident occurred.”

この事件が起こった日に息子さんに手紙を書いたと聞きました」

“No, I wrote upon the day before.”

upon (前日に) [前] on the occasion of

「いいえ、前日に書きました」

“Exactly. But he received it on that day?”

「その通りです。しかし、彼はその日に受け取ったのでしょうか?」

“Yes.”

「はい」

“Was there anything in your letter which might have unbalanced him or induced him to take such a step?”

unbalance (心を乱す) [動] make unstable

induce (とらせる) [動] persuade or influence to do something

step (行動) [名] an action or measure

「あなたの手紙に彼の心を乱したり、そのような行動をとらせるような何かがあったのでしょうか?」

“No, sir, certainly not.”

「いいえ、確かにありません」

“Did you post that letter yourself?”

post (投函する) [動] send a letter or parcel by mail

yourself (自分で) [代] you, used as the object of a verb or preposition to emphasize that you are doing something

「あなたはその手紙を自分で投函しましたか?」

The nobleman’s reply was interrupted by his secretary, who broke in with some heat.

nobleman (貴族) [名] a person of noble rank or birth

interrupt (中断する) [動] to stop or hinder by breaking in upon

break in (割って入る) [動] to enter a place by force

heat (熱) [名] the quality or state of being hot

貴族の返事は、彼の秘書が熱を込めて割って入ったために中断された。

“His Grace is not in the habit of posting letters himself,” said he.

be in the habit of (習慣がある) [動] to be used to doing something

himself (自分で) [代] used to emphasize that a man does something himself

「公爵様は自分で手紙を投函する習慣はありません」と彼は言った。

“This letter was laid with others upon the study table, and I myself put them in the post-bag.”

post-bag (郵便袋) [名] a bag in which mail is carried

「この手紙は他の手紙と一緒に書斎のテーブルに置いてあり、私が自分で郵便袋に入れました」

“You are sure this one was among them?”

among (中に) [前] in the middle of; surrounded by

「この手紙がその中に確かにあったのですね?」

“Yes, I observed it.”

「はい、私はそれを見ました」

“How many letters did your Grace write that day?”

「公爵様はその日何通の手紙をお書きになりましたか?」

“Twenty or thirty.

thirty (30) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-nine and one

「20通か30通です。

I have a large correspondence.

large (たくさんの) [形] of great or more than average size, extent, or capacity

correspondence (手紙のやり取り) [名] the letters that pass between two or more correspondents

「私はたくさんの手紙のやり取りをしています」

But surely this is somewhat irrelevant?”

somewhat (いくぶん) [副] to some extent; slightly

irrelevant (無関係な) [形] not connected with or relevant to something

しかし、これは確かに無関係なことですね?」

“Not entirely,” said Holmes.

「全く無関係ではありません」とホームズは言った。

“For my own part,” the Duke continued, “I have advised the police to turn their attention to the south of France.

for my own part (私としては) [副] as far as I am concerned

「私としては」と公爵は続けた。「警察にフランス南部に注意を向けるように忠告した。

I have already said that I do not believe that the Duchess would encourage so monstrous an action, but the lad had the most wrong-headed opinions, and it is possible that he may have fled to her, aided and abetted by this German.

encourage (奨励する) [動] give support, courage, or hope to

monstrous (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause great fear or horror; shocking

wrong-headed (間違った) [形] obstinately pursuing a wrong or mistaken course

すでに言ったように、公爵夫人がそのような恐ろしい行動を奨励するとは思えないが、少年は最も間違った考えを持っており、このドイツ人の助けを借りて彼女のもとへ逃げた可能性がある。

I think, Dr. Huxtable, that we will now return to the Hall.”

ハックステーブル博士、私たちはホールに戻りましょう。」

I could see that there were other questions which Holmes would have wished to put, but the nobleman’s abrupt manner showed that the interview was at an end.

put (聞く) [動] ask a question

abrupt (唐突な) [形] sudden and unexpected

show (わかる) [動] be clear or obvious

ホームズが聞きたいと思っている質問が他にもあることが私にはわかったが、貴族の唐突な態度から面会は終わりであることがわかった。

It was evident that to his intensely aristocratic nature this discussion of his intimate family affairs with a stranger was most abhorrent, and that he feared lest every fresh question would throw a fiercer light into the discreetly shadowed corners of his ducal history.

aristocratic (貴族的な) [形] of or relating to the aristocracy

discussion (話し合い) [名] a conversation or debate about a particular topic

abhorrent (忌まわしい) [形] causing disgust or hatred

throw (当たる) [動] cause to move or be moved in a specified way

彼の非常に貴族的な性質にとって、見知らぬ人と彼の親密な家族問題について話し合うことは最も忌まわしいことであり、新しい質問のたびに彼の公爵の歴史の慎重に影を落とした隅に激しい光が当たらないか恐れていたことは明らかだった。

When the nobleman and his secretary had left, my friend flung himself at once with characteristic eagerness into the investigation.

fling oneself (乗り出す) [動] to throw oneself into something with great energy or enthusiasm

characteristic (いつもの) [形] a feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

eagerness (熱心さ) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to do or have something

貴族とその秘書が去ると、友人はすぐにいつもの熱心さで調査に乗り出した。

The boy’s chamber was carefully examined, and yielded nothing save the absolute conviction that it was only through the window that he could have escaped.

少年の部屋は注意深く調べられたが、窓からしか逃げることができなかったという絶対的な確信以外には何も得られなかった。

The German master’s room and effects gave no further clue.

effect (所持品) [名] a personal possession

ドイツ人の教師の部屋や所持品からは、これ以上の手がかりは得られなかった。

In his case a trailer of ivy had given way under his weight, and we saw by the light of a lantern the mark on the lawn where his heels had come down.

trailer (つる) [名] a trailing plant

give way (折れる) [動] break or collapse

lantern (ランタン) [名] a portable lamp with a transparent case

heel (かかと) [名] the end of a person's foot below the ankle

come down (落ちる) [動] move or fall from a higher to a lower position

彼の場合は、ツタのつるが彼の体重で折れ、ランタンの明かりで彼のかかとが落ちた芝生の跡が見えた。

That one dint in the short, green grass was the only material witness left of this inexplicable nocturnal flight.

dint (くぼみ) [名] a small hollow

material (物証) [名] a thing or substance from which something is or can be made

nocturnal (夜の) [形] done, occurring, or active at night

flight (逃走) [名] an act of running away from something

短い緑の芝生に残されたそのくぼみだけが、この不可解な夜の逃走の唯一の物証だった。

Sherlock Holmes left the house alone, and only returned after eleven.

シャーロック・ホームズは一人家を出て、十一時過ぎに帰ってきた。

He had obtained a large ordnance map of the neighbourhood, and this he brought into my room, where he laid it out on the bed, and, having balanced the lamp in the middle of it, he began to smoke over it, and occasionally to point out objects of interest with the reeking amber of his pipe.

balance (置く) [動] put or keep (something) in a steady position

smoke (煙草を吸う) [動] inhale and exhale the smoke of a burning or smoldering substance, especially tobacco

point out (指さす) [動] indicate with one's finger

彼は近隣の大きな地図を入手し、それを私の部屋に持ってきてベッドの上に広げ、その真ん中にランプを置いて、その上で煙草を吸い始め、時折、パイプの琥珀色の煙で興味のある場所を指さした。

“This case grows upon me, Watson,” said he.

grow upon (成長させる) [動] to become more and more interesting or appealing to

「この事件は私を成長させる、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“There are decidedly some points of interest in connection with it.

in connection with (に関して) [前] in relation to; with regard to

「この事件には明らかに興味深い点がいくつかある。

In this early stage, I want you to realize those geographical features which may have a good deal to do with our investigation.

early stage (早い段階) [名] the beginning of a process

realize (理解する) [動] become fully aware of

geographical feature (地理的特徴) [名] a natural or artificial feature of the landscape

have a good deal to do with (大いに関係する) [動] be closely connected with

この早い段階で、私は君に、我々の調査に大いに関係するかもしれない地理的特徴を理解して欲しい。

HOLMES’ MAP OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE SCHOOL.

map (地図) [名] a representation of the earth's surface

neighbourhood (周辺) [名] the area around a place

学校周辺のホームズの地図

“Look at this map.

「この地図を見てみろ。

This dark square is the Priory School.

square (四角) [名] a plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles

Priory School (プライオリ学校) [名] a school in England

この黒い四角がプライオリ学校だ。

I’ll put a pin in it.

put a pin in it (ピンを刺しておく) [動] to temporarily stop or postpone something

ピンを刺しておこう。

Now, this line is the main road.

main road (主要道路) [名] a road that is important or that carries a lot of traffic

さて、この線が主要道路だ。

You see that it runs east and west past the school, and you see also that there is no side road for a mile either way.

east (東) [名] the direction toward the rising sun

west (西) [名] the direction toward the setting sun

学校を通り過ぎて東西に走っているのがわかるね、またどちらの方向にも一マイルの間脇道がないことがわかるだろう。

If these two folk passed away by road, it was this road.”

pass away (逃げる) [動] die

もしこの二人が道路を通って逃げたのなら、この道だ。」

“Exactly.”

「その通り。」

“By a singular and happy chance, we are able to some extent to check what passed along this road during the night in question.

to some extent (ある程度) [副] to a limited degree; to a certain extent

check (調べる) [動] examine or inspect

「奇跡的な幸運によって、問題の夜にこの道を通った車両をある程度調べることができる。

At this point, where my pipe is now resting, a county constable was on duty from twelve to six.

at this point (この地点では) [副] at this stage or moment

rest (置いてある) [動] be in a state of relaxation

on duty (勤務している) [形] working

six (六時) [名] the number 6

私のパイプが置いてあるこの地点では、郡警察官が十二時から六時まで勤務していた。

It is, as you perceive, the first cross-road on the east side.

cross-road (交差点) [名] a road that crosses another road

ご覧の通り、東側の最初の交差点だ。

This man declares that he was not absent from his post for an instant, and he is positive that neither boy nor man could have gone that way unseen.

declare (断言する) [動] state or announce something in a formal or emphatic way

absent (離れる) [形] not present

post (持ち場) [名] a job or position

この男は、一瞬たりとも持ち場を離れなかったと断言しており、少年も大人もいつのまにか通り抜けることはできなかったと確信している。

I have spoken with this policeman to-night and he appears to me to be a perfectly reliable person.

speak with (話す) [動] talk to

appear (思える) [動] seem

reliable (信頼できる) [形] able to be trusted

私は今夜この警官と話したが、彼は私には全く信頼できる人物に思えた。

That blocks this end.

これでこの端は塞がった。

We have now to deal with the other.

deal with (~に対処する) [動] take action in order to resolve a problem or situation

次はもう一端だ。

There is an inn here, the Red Bull, the landlady of which was ill.

inn (宿屋) [名] a small hotel

Red Bull (赤い雄牛) [名] a brand of energy drink

landlady (女将) [名] a woman who owns or manages a pub or inn

ここに宿屋があって、赤い雄牛というのだが、そこの女将が病気だった。

She had sent to Mackleton for a doctor, but he did not arrive until morning, being absent at another case.

彼女はマックletonに医者を呼びに行ったが、彼は別の事件で不在だったため、朝まで到着しなかった。

The people at the inn were alert all night, awaiting his coming, and one or other of them seems to have continually had an eye upon the road.

coming (到着) [名] the act of arriving

continually (ずっと) [副] without interruption

have an eye upon (見張る) [動] to watch or guard

宿屋の人々は彼の到着を待って一晩中警戒していたが、そのうちの誰かがずっと道を見張っていたらしい。

They declare that no one passed.

誰も通らなかったと断言している。

If their evidence is good, then we are fortunate enough to be able to block the west, and also to be able to say that the fugitives did not use the road at all.”

block (封鎖する) [動] to stop the passage of

彼らの証拠が正しければ、西側を封鎖することができ、逃亡者たちがその道を全く利用しなかったと言うことができるのは幸運なことだ」

“But the bicycle?” I objected.

object (反対する) [動] express opposition to or disapproval of

「しかし自転車は?」と私は反対した。

“Quite so. We will come to the bicycle presently.

quite so (その通り) [副] exactly; precisely

come to (触れる) [動] reach or arrive at a place

presently (後で) [副] soon; in a short time

「その通り。自転車については後で触れる。

To continue our reasoning: if these people did not go by the road, they must have traversed the country to the north of the house or to the south of the house.

reasoning (推理) [名] the process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgment

country (田園地帯) [名] a large area of land that is not in a town or city

north (北) [名] the direction that is to your left when you are facing the rising sun

推理を続けると、もしこの人々が道を通らなかったのなら、家の北か南の田園地帯を横断したに違いない。

That is certain.

be certain (確かだ) [動] be sure or confident about something

それは確かだ。

Let us weigh the one against the other.

weigh (比較する) [動] to determine the weight of

one (一方) [名] the number 1

両者を比較してみよう。

On the south of the house is, as you perceive, a large district of arable land, cut up into small fields, with stone walls between them.

on the south (南側に) [名] the direction to the right of a person facing east

as you perceive (ご存じの通り) [副] in the way that you think or understand something

arable land (耕地) [名] land that is suitable for growing crops

cut up (分割される) [動] divide into pieces

small field (小さな畑) [名] a piece of land where crops are grown

stone wall (石垣) [名] a wall made of stones

家の南側には、ご存じの通り、耕地の広い地区があり、小さな畑に分割され、その間に石垣がある。

There, I admit that a bicycle is impossible.

そこは、自転車は不可能だと認める。

We can dismiss the idea.

dismiss (捨てる) [動] refuse to consider

その考えは捨ててもいい。

We turn to the country on the north.

turn to (目を向ける) [動] direct one's attention to

北の田舎に目を向けよう。

Here there lies a grove of trees, marked as the ‘Ragged Shaw,’ and on the farther side stretches a great rolling moor, Lower Gill Moor, extending for ten miles and sloping gradually upward.

grove (木立) [名] a small wood or group of trees

mark (記す) [動] indicate or show

farther (向こう側) [形] more distant in space

rolling (起伏のある) [形] having a surface that undulates gently

slope (上り坂) [名] a surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than the other

ここに「ラグド・ショー」と記された木立があり、その向こう側には、10マイルにわたって広がり、徐々に上り坂になっている大きな起伏のある沼地、ロウアー・ギル・ムーアが広がっている。

Here, at one side of this wilderness, is Holdernesse Hall, ten miles by road, but only six across the moor.

wilderness (荒野) [名] an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region

only six (わずか6) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609 kilometers

この荒野の片側にホルダーネスホールがあり、道路では10マイルだが、沼地を横切ればわずか6マイルだ。

It is a peculiarly desolate plain.

desolate (荒涼とした) [形] uninhabited and in a state of ruin

plain (平原) [名] a large area of flat land with only a few trees on it

そこは独特の荒涼とした平原だ。

A few moor farmers have small holdings, where they rear sheep and cattle.

small holding (小さな農場) [名] a small farm

rear (飼育する) [動] bring up a child

sheep (羊) [名] an animal that is often kept for its wool or its meat

cattle (牛) [名] cows, bulls, or oxen

沼地の農民の何人かは小さな農場を持っており、そこで羊や牛を飼育している。

Except these, the plover and the curlew are the only inhabitants until you come to the Chesterfield high road.

plover (チドリ) [名] a type of bird

curlew (ダイシャクシギ) [名] a type of bird

inhabitant (住民) [名] a person who lives in a particular place

Chesterfield (チェスターフィールド) [名] a market town in Derbyshire, England

high road (街道) [名] a main road

これらを除いて、チェスターフィールド街道に着くまで、住民はチドリとダイシャクシギだけだ。

There is a church there, you see, a few cottages, and an inn.

church (教会) [名] a building used for public Christian worship

cottage (小屋) [名] a small house, especially in the country

そこには教会、数軒の小屋、宿屋がある。

Beyond that the hills become precipitous.

beyond (その先) [前] farther on than; past

hill (丘) [名] a small elevation of the earth's surface

precipitous (険しい) [形] extremely steep

その先は丘が険しくなる。

Surely it is here to the north that our quest must lie.”

確かに、私たちの探求はここ北にあるに違いない。」

“But the bicycle?”

「しかし自転車は?」

I persisted.

persist (固執する) [動] continue firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

私は固執した。

“Well, well!” said Holmes, impatiently.

impatiently (焦れたように) [副] in a way that shows you are annoyed because you have to wait or because something is not happening quickly enough

「そうか、そうか!」とホームズは焦れたように言った。

“A good cyclist does not need a high road.

「優れた自転車乗りは幹線道路を必要としない。

The moor is intersected with paths, and the moon was at the full.

intersect (交差する) [動] cross or cut across each other

moon (月) [名] the natural satellite of the earth

full (満月) [形] having the greatest size, extent, or intensity

沼地には小道が交差しており、月は満月だった。

Halloa! what is this?”

おい! これは何だ?」

There was an agitated knock at the door, and an instant afterwards Dr. Huxtable was in the room.

ドアを興奮したようにノックする音がして、すぐにハクスタブル博士が部屋に入ってきた。

In his hand he held a blue cricket-cap with a white chevron on the peak.

in one's hand (手に) [名] the end of the arm below the wrist

hold (持つ) [動] keep in one's hand

cricket-cap (クリケット帽) [名] a cap worn by cricketers

peak (つば) [名] the projecting part of a cap in front of the head

彼は手に、つばに白い山形の模様のある青いクリケット帽を持っていた。

“At last we have a clue!” he cried.

「ついに手がかりが見つかった!」と彼は叫んだ。

“Thank heaven! at last we are on the dear boy’s track! It is his cap.”

thank heaven (天に感謝) [間] an expression of relief

cap (帽子) [名] a soft, flat hat with a brim in front

「天に感謝! ついにあの子の足跡をたどることができた! これは彼の帽子だ。」

“Where was it found?”

be found (見つかる) [動] be discovered or noticed

「どこで見つかったんだ?」

“In the van of the gipsies who camped on the moor.

camp (キャンプする) [動] live temporarily in a camp

van (馬車) [名] a vehicle used for transporting goods or people

「沼地にキャンプしていたジプシーの馬車の中だ。

They left on Tuesday.

彼らは火曜日に出発した。

To-day the police traced them down and examined their caravan.

trace down (探し出す) [動] find by searching

今日、警察は彼らを探し出し、彼らの馬車を調べた。

This was found.”

これが見つかったんだ。」

“How do they account for it?”

「彼らはそれをどう説明するんだ?」

“They shuffled and lied—said that they found it on the moor on Tuesday morning.

shuffle (言い逃れする) [動] avoid or evade

lie (嘘をつく) [動] make an untrue statement with deliberate intent to deceive; utter an untruth

「彼らは言い逃れして嘘をついた。火曜日の朝に沼地で見つけたって言ったんだ。

They know where he is, the rascals!

あの悪党どもは彼がどこにいるか知っているんだ!

Thank goodness, they are all safe under lock and key.

thank goodness (ありがたいことに) [間] an expression of relief

safe (安全だ) [形] free from danger or risk

under lock and key (鍵がかかって) [副] locked up; in a safe place

ありがたいことに、それらはすべて鍵がかかって安全だ。

Either the fear of the law or the Duke’s purse will certainly get out of them all that they know.”

purse (財布) [名] a small pouch of leather or plastic used for carrying money, typically by a woman

get out of (引き出す) [動] cause to leave or be removed from

法律の恐怖か公爵の財布のどちらかが、彼らが知っていることすべてを彼らから引き出すだろう。」

“So far, so good,” said Holmes, when the doctor had at last left the room.

so far (ここまで) [副] to the extent or degree attained or described

so good (順調だ) [形] satisfactory; well

「ここまでは順調だ」と、医者がようやく部屋を去ったときにホームズは言った。

“It at least bears out the theory that it is on the side of the Lower Gill Moor that we must hope for results.

bear out (裏付ける) [動] support or confirm

「少なくとも、結果を期待しなければならないのは、ロウアー・ギル・ムーアの側にあるという理論を裏付けている。

The police have really done nothing locally, save the arrest of these gipsies.

locally (地元で) [副] in or relating to a particular area or place

gipsies (ジプシー) [名] a member of a nomadic people with dark skin and hair who speak Romany and who are believed to have originated in India

警察は、これらのジプシーの逮捕を除いて、地元では何もしていない。

Look here, Watson! There is a watercourse across the moor.

watercourse (水路) [名] a stream or river

ほら、ワトソン! 沼地を横切る水路がある。

You see it marked here in the map.

地図に印がついているのが見えるだろう。

In some parts it widens into a morass.

in some parts (一部では) [副] in some places

widen (広がる) [動] become larger or wider

morass (沼地) [名] a wet area of land that is difficult to walk through

一部では沼地に広がっている。

This is particularly so in the region between Holdernesse Hall and the school.

region (地域) [名] an area of land having its own distinctive features

特にホルダーネスホールと学校の間の地域がそうだ。

It is vain to look elsewhere for tracks in this dry weather, but at that point there is certainly a chance of some record being left.

dry weather (乾燥した天候) [名] weather that is not wet

at that point (その地点では) [副] at that place

chance (可能性がある) [名] the possibility of something happening

record (痕跡) [名] a mark left by a person walking

この乾燥した天候では他の場所で足跡を探すのは無駄だが、その地点では確かに何か痕跡が残っている可能性がある。

I will call you early to-morrow morning, and you and I will try if we can throw some little light upon the mystery.”

throw light on (光を当てる) [動] help to explain or clarify

明日の朝早く電話するから、君と私でこの謎に少しでも光を当てられるか試してみよう。」

The day was just breaking when I woke to find the long, thin form of Holmes by my bedside.

day (夜明け) [名] the time of the day when the sun rises

break (明けようとしている) [動] begin

wake (目を覚ます) [動] stop sleeping

form (姿) [名] the shape of a person's body

bedside (枕元) [名] the area beside a bed

私が目を覚ましたのは夜が明けようとしている時で、枕元にホームズの長く細い姿があった。

He was fully dressed, and had apparently already been out.

be out (外出する) [動] be away from home

彼は完全に服を着ており、明らかにすでに外出していた。

“I have done the lawn and the bicycle shed,” said he.

bicycle shed (自転車置き場) [名] a place where bicycles can be left

「芝生と自転車置き場は調べた」と彼は言った。

“I have also had a rumble through the Ragged Shaw.

have a rumble (ざっと調べる) [動] to have a quick look around

Ragged Shaw (ラグド・ショー) [名] a place in England

「ラグド・ショーもざっと調べた。

Now, Watson, there is cocoa ready in the next room.

there is (用意されている) [動] be available

cocoa (ココア) [名] a powder made from roasted and ground cacao seeds

next room (隣の部屋) [名] the room next to the one you are in

さて、ワトソン、隣の部屋にココアが用意されている。

I must beg you to hurry, for we have a great day before us.”

great day (忙しい日) [名] a day that is full of activities

急いでくれ、今日は忙しい日になる」

His eyes shone, and his cheek was flushed with the exhilaration of the master workman who sees his work lie ready before him.

flush (赤らめる) [動] to become red in the face

exhilaration (興奮) [名] a feeling of great happiness or excitement

workman (職人) [名] a person who does skilled work with their hands

彼の目は輝き、頬は目の前に仕事が用意されているのを見た名工の興奮で赤らんでいた。

A very different Holmes, this active, alert man, from the introspective and pallid dreamer of Baker Street.

introspective (内省的) [形] examining or inspecting one's own mental and emotional state

pallid (青白い) [形] lacking in color

dreamer (夢想家) [名] a person who has a dream or who is dreaming

この活動的で機敏な男は、ベーカー街の内省的で青白い夢想家とは全く違うホームズだった。

I felt, as I looked upon that supple figure, alive with nervous energy, that it was indeed a strenuous day that awaited us.

supple (しなやかな) [形] able to bend or move easily and gracefully

nervous energy (神経質なエネルギー) [名] a feeling of tension or anxiety that makes you want to move around or do something

strenuous (激しい) [形] requiring a lot of effort or energy

神経質なエネルギーに満ちたそのしなやかな姿を見ていると、私たちを待っているのは確かに激しい一日だと思った。

And yet it opened in the blackest disappointment.

open (始まる) [動] start

それでも、それは最も暗い失望の中で始まった。

With high hopes we struck across the peaty, russet moor, intersected with a thousand sheep paths, until we came to the broad, light-green belt which marked the morass between us and Holdernesse.

strike across (横切る) [動] go across or through

peaty (泥炭質の) [形] of, relating to, or composed of peat

russet (赤褐色の) [形] reddish brown

light-green (薄緑色の) [形] of a pale green color

belt (帯) [名] a strip of leather or cloth that is worn around the waist

私たちは大きな期待を抱いて、何千もの羊の小道が交差する泥炭質の赤褐色の沼地を横切り、私たちとホルダーネスの間にある沼地を示す広い薄緑色の帯にたどり着いた。

Certainly, if the lad had gone homeward, he must have passed this, and he could not pass it without leaving his traces.

homeward (家に向かった) [副] toward home

確かに、もし少年が家に向かったなら、ここを通ったに違いないし、痕跡を残さずにここを通ることはできない。

But no sign of him or the German could be seen.

no sign (姿) [名] no indication or evidence

しかし、彼やドイツ人の姿は見えなかった。

With a darkening face my friend strode along the margin, eagerly observant of every muddy stain upon the mossy surface.

darkening face (曇った顔) [名] a face that is becoming dark

margin (縁) [名] the edge or border of something

eagerly (熱心に) [副] in a very enthusiastic way

observant (観察する) [形] paying close attention to something

muddy (泥だらけの) [形] covered in mud

mossy (苔むした) [形] covered with moss

surface (表面) [名] the top or outside layer of something

友人は顔を曇らせながら、苔むした表面の泥汚れを一つ一つ熱心に観察しながら、沼地の縁を歩いていった。

Sheep-marks there were in profusion, and at one place, some miles down, cows had left their tracks.

sheep-mark (羊の足跡) [名] a mark made by a sheep

profusion (豊富) [名] a large or excessive amount of something

one place (ある場所) [名] a particular location

some miles (数マイル) [名] a distance of a few miles

cow (牛) [名] a large domesticated ungulate

羊の足跡は豊富にあり、数マイル下ったある場所には牛の足跡が残っていた。

Nothing more.

それだけだ。

“Check number one,” said Holmes, looking gloomily over the rolling expanse of the moor.

check (チェック) [名] a mark (✓) indicating that something has been noted or completed

number one (第一) [名] the first in a series

look (見渡す) [動] use one's eyes to see

gloomily (陰気に) [副] in a dark or shadowy manner

rolling (広がる) [形] moving or able to move on wheels

expanse (沼地) [名] a wide and open area

「第一のチェックだ」とホームズは、広がる沼地を陰気に見渡しながら言った。

“There is another morass down yonder, and a narrow neck between.

yonder (あそこ) [副] over there

「あそこにもう一つ沼地がある、そしてその間に狭い首がある。

Halloa! halloa! halloa! what have we here?”

おい! おい! おい! これは何だ?」

We had come on a small black ribbon of pathway.

come on (出る) [動] appear or become visible

私たちは小さな黒いリボンのような小道に出た。

In the middle of it, clearly marked on the sodden soil, was the track of a bicycle.

in the middle of (真ん中に) [前] in the center of

その真ん中に、湿った土の上に、はっきりと自転車の跡があった。

“Hurrah!” I cried.

hurrah (万歳) [名] a shout of joy or gladness

「万歳!」私は叫んだ。

“We have it.”

have (わかる) [動] understand

「わかったぞ」

But Holmes was shaking his head, and his face was puzzled and expectant rather than joyous.

shake one's head (首を振る) [動] move one's head from side to side

expectant (期待に満ちた) [形] expecting something to happen

しかしホームズは首を振り、その顔は喜びというよりは困惑と期待に満ちていた。

“A bicycle, certainly, but not the bicycle,” said he.

「確かに自転車だが、あの自転車ではない」と彼は言った。

“I am familiar with forty-two different impressions left by tires.

forty-two (四十二) [数] 42

tire (タイヤ) [名] a ring of rubber that fits around a wheel

「私はタイヤが残す四十二種類の跡をよく知っている。

This, as you perceive, is a Dunlop, with a patch upon the outer cover.

Dunlop (ダンロップ) [名] a British tire and rubber company

patch (パッチ) [名] a piece of material used to mend or strengthen a torn or weak point

outer (外側の) [形] on or from the outside

cover (カバー) [名] something that lies on or over something else

これは、お気づきの通り、外側のカバーにパッチを当てたダンロップだ。

Heidegger’s tires were Palmer’s, leaving longitudinal stripes.

Palmer (パーマー) [名] a manufacturer of tires

longitudinal (縦の) [形] running lengthwise

stripe (縞) [名] a long, narrow band of a different color or texture from the surface on either side of it

ハイデッガーのタイヤは縦縞を残すパーマー製だった。

Aveling, the mathematical master, was sure upon the point.

Aveling (エイブリング) [名] a person's name

mathematical (数学の) [形] of or relating to mathematics

数学の教師であるエイブリングはその点を確信していた。

Therefore, it is not Heidegger’s track.”

だから、これはハイデッガーの跡ではない。」

“The boy’s, then?”

「では、少年の?」

“Possibly, if we could prove a bicycle to have been in his possession.

「彼が自転車を所有していたと証明できれば、そうかもしれない。

But this we have utterly failed to do.

しかし、それは全くできなかった。

This track, as you perceive, was made by a rider who was going from the direction of the school.”

この跡は、お気づきの通り、学校の方向から来た乗り手によってつけられた。」

“Or towards it?”

「あるいは、学校に向かって?」

“No, no, my dear Watson.

「いや、いや、ワトソン君。

The more deeply sunk impression is, of course, the hind wheel, upon which the weight rests.

hind (後ろの) [形] at the back

weight (重量) [名] the force exerted on a body by gravity

より深く沈んだ跡は、もちろん、重量がかかっている後輪だ。

You perceive several places where it has passed across and obliterated the more shallow mark of the front one.

pass across (横切る) [動] move across or through

obliterate (消す) [動] destroy utterly; wipe out

前輪のより浅い跡を横切って消してしまった場所がいくつかあることに気づくだろう。

It was undoubtedly heading away from the school.

head (向かう) [動] move in a specified direction

間違いなく学校から離れる方向に向かっていた。

It may or may not be connected with our inquiry, but we will follow it backwards before we go any farther.”

may or may not (かもしれないし、ないかもしれない) [動] it is possible that something is true or not true

be connected with (関係がある) [動] be related to

backwards (後ろ向きに) [副] in the opposite direction of normal

go any farther (先に進む) [動] move forward

我々の調査と関係があるかもしれないし、ないかもしれないが、これ以上先に進む前に、この跡をたどってみよう。」

We did so, and at the end of a few hundred yards lost the tracks as we emerged from the boggy portion of the moor.

at the end of (の終わりに) [前] at the conclusion of

a few hundred yards (数百ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet

lose (見失う) [動] fail to find or keep

boggy (湿地帯) [形] having the character of a bog

portion (部分) [名] a part of a whole

我々はそうし、数百ヤード進んだところで、沼地の湿地帯から出たため、跡を見失った。

Following the path backwards, we picked out another spot, where a spring trickled across it.

pick out (見つける) [動] choose or select

spring (泉) [名] a place where water comes up from the ground

trickle (流れ落ちる) [動] flow slowly in a thin stream

道を逆にたどって、我々は別の場所を見つけた。そこは泉が道を横切って流れ落ちていた。

Here, once again, was the mark of the bicycle, though nearly obliterated by the hoofs of cows.

once again (再び) [副] another time; once more

ここに再び自転車の跡があったが、牛のひづめによってほとんど消されていた。

After that there was no sign, but the path ran right on into Ragged Shaw, the wood which backed on to the school.

run on (続いていた) [動] continue or extend

wood (森) [名] a large area of land covered with trees

その後は跡がなかったが、道は学校の裏にある森、ラグド・ショーへと続いていた。

From this wood the cycle must have emerged.

emerge (出てくる) [動] come out into view or existence

この森から自転車が出てきたに違いない。

Holmes sat down on a boulder and rested his chin in his hands.

boulder (岩) [名] a large rock

rest (支える) [動] support or be supported

chin (顎) [名] the lower part of the face below the mouth

ホームズは岩に腰を下ろし、両手で顎を支えた。

I had smoked two cigarettes before he moved.

彼が動くまでに私は二本のタバコを吸った。

“Well, well,” said he, at last.

「なるほど、なるほど」と彼はようやく言った。

“It is, of course, possible that a cunning man might change the tires of his bicycle in order to leave unfamiliar tracks.

「もちろん、狡猾な男が珍しい跡を残すために自転車のタイヤを交換する可能性はある。

A criminal who was capable of such a thought is a man whom I should be proud to do business with.

capable (できる) [形] having the ability to do something

そのような考えができる犯罪者は、私が仕事相手に誇りを持つべき男だ。

We will leave this question undecided and hark back to our morass again, for we have left a good deal unexplored.”

undecided (未解決) [形] not having made a decision

hark back (戻る) [動] return to a previous topic or situation

unexplored (調べていない) [形] not explored

この問題は未解決のままにして、また沼地に戻ろう。まだかなりの部分を調べていないからね」

We continued our systematic survey of the edge of the sodden portion of the moor, and soon our perseverance was gloriously rewarded.

systematic (系統的な) [形] done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical

survey (調査) [名] an examination of the condition or state of something or someone

sodden (湿った) [形] very wet

perseverance (忍耐) [名] continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition

reward (報われる) [動] give a prize or other mark of recognition to

私たちは沼地の湿った部分の端を系統的に調査し続け、すぐに忍耐が報われた。

Right across the lower part of the bog lay a miry path.

right across (横切るように) [副] from one side to the other

lower part (下部) [名] the part of something that is below the middle

bog (沼地) [名] a wet area of land that is covered with plants

miry (泥だらけの) [形] covered in mud

沼地の下部を横切るように泥道があった。

Holmes gave a cry of delight as he approached it.

give a cry (叫びをあげる) [動] to cry out

delight (喜び) [名] a feeling of great pleasure or satisfaction

ホームズはそれに近づきながら喜びの叫びをあげた。

An impression like a fine bundle of telegraph wires ran down the centre of it.

telegraph wire (電信線) [名] a wire used to transmit telegraph signals

run down (走る) [動] move at a speed faster than walking

電信線の束のような跡がその真ん中を走っていた。

It was the Palmer tires.

それはパーマータイヤだった。

“Here is Herr Heidegger, sure enough!” cried Holmes, exultantly.

here is (ここにいる) [動] be present

Herr (氏) [名] a German title of respect for a man

exultantly (歓喜の声をあげて) [副] in a triumphant manner

「確かにハイデッガー氏だ!」ホームズは歓喜の声をあげた。

“My reasoning seems to have been pretty sound, Watson.”

sound (正しい) [形] free from error; correct

「私の推理はほぼ正しかったようだね、ワトソン」

“I congratulate you.”

「おめでとう」

“But we have a long way still to go.

long way (長い道のり) [名] a long distance

「しかし、まだ道は遠い。

Kindly walk clear of the path.

clear (空ける) [動] move something or someone away from

道を空けてください。

Now let us follow the trail.

trail (足跡) [名] a series of marks left by a person walking or by a vehicle passing

では、足跡をたどろう。

I fear that it will not lead very far.”

あまり遠くまでは続かないだろうが」

We found, however, as we advanced that this portion of the moor is intersected with soft patches, and, though we frequently lost sight of the track, we always succeeded in picking it up once more.

patch (部分) [名] a small area of land

frequently (よく) [副] often; many times

pick up (見つける) [動] take hold of and lift up

しかし、進むにつれて、沼地のこの部分は柔らかい部分と交差していることがわかり、足跡を見失うことがよくあったが、いつももう一度見つけることに成功した。

“Do you observe,” said Holmes, “that the rider is now undoubtedly forcing the pace?

rider (乗り手) [名] a person who rides a horse or bicycle

force (上げる) [動] cause to move or act by applying force

「気づいたか」とホームズは言った、「乗り手は間違いなくペースを上げている。

There can be no doubt of it.

there can be no doubt of it (疑いようがない) [句] it is certain

疑いようがない。

Look at this impression, where you get both tires clear.

この跡を見てみろ、両方のタイヤがはっきりと見える。

The one is as deep as the other.

as deep as (同じくらい深い) [形] having the same depth

一方は他方と同じくらい深い。

That can only mean that the rider is throwing his weight on to the handle-bar, as a man does when he is sprinting.

sprint (全力疾走する) [動] to run at top speed for a short distance

それは乗り手が全力疾走する時に人がするようにハンドルバーに体重をかけていることを意味するだけだ。

By Jove! he has had a fall.”

by Jove (おい) [間] an expression of surprise or excitement

have a fall (転倒する) [動] fall down

おい! 彼は転倒したぞ。」

There was a broad, irregular smudge covering some yards of the track.

smudge (汚れ) [名] a dirty mark

道の何ヤードかを覆う広く不規則な汚れがあった。

Then there were a few footmarks, and the tire reappeared once more.

それから足跡がいくつかあり、タイヤが再び現れた。

“A side-slip,” I suggested.

side-slip (横滑り) [名] a skid in which the vehicle slides sideways

「横滑り」と私は示唆した。

Holmes held up a crumpled branch of flowering gorse.

crumpled (しわくちゃの) [形] having creases or wrinkles

branch (枝) [名] a woody stem growing from the trunk or main stem of a tree or shrub

ホームズは花の咲いたハリエニシダのしわくちゃの枝を持ち上げた。

To my horror I perceived that the yellow blossoms were all dabbled with crimson.

to my horror (恐ろしいことに) [副] to my great shock or dismay

blossom (花) [名] a flower or a mass of flowers

dabble (染まる) [動] to do something in a casual or superficial way

crimson (真紅) [名] a deep red color

恐ろしいことに、黄色い花がすべて真紅に染まっているのに気づいた。

On the path, too, and among the heather were dark stains of clotted blood.

on the path (小道にも) [名] a track or way on which people walk

among (間に) [前] in the middle of

heather (ヒース) [名] a low-growing evergreen shrub

小道にも、ヒースの間にも、血の塊の黒い染みがあった。

“Bad!” said Holmes.

「ひどい!」とホームズは言った。

“Bad! Stand clear, Watson! Not an unnecessary footstep!

stand clear (離れろ) [動] move away from

unnecessary (無駄な) [形] not needed or wanted

footstep (足音) [名] the sound of a foot striking the ground

「ひどい! 離れろ、ワトソン! 無駄な足音を立てるな!

What do I read here?

read (書いてある) [動] be written in a particular way

ここに何が書いてある?

He fell wounded—he stood up—he remounted—he proceeded.

remount (再び馬に乗る) [動] mount again

彼は負傷して倒れたが、立ち上がり、再び馬に乗り、進んだ。

But there is no other track.

しかし、他の足跡はない。

Cattle on this side path.

side path (脇道) [名] a path that is not the main path

この脇道には牛がいる。

He was surely not gored by a bull?

bull (雄牛) [名] an adult male mammal of the species Bos taurus

彼は確かに雄牛に突かれたわけではないだろう?

Impossible! But I see no traces of anyone else.

ありえない! しかし、他の人の痕跡は見当たらない。

We must push on, Watson. Surely, with stains as well as the track to guide us, he cannot escape us now.”

push on (急ぐ) [動] continue moving forward

escape (逃れる) [動] get free from a situation or place

我々は急がなければならない、ワトソン。確かに、我々を導く足跡と同様に血痕があれば、彼は今や我々から逃れることはできない。」

Our search was not a very long one.

search (捜索) [名] an act of searching

我々の捜索はそれほど長くはなかった。

The tracks of the tire began to curve fantastically upon the wet and shining path.

curve (曲がる) [動] move or cause to move in a smooth, rounded course

fantastically (奇妙に) [副] in a strange or unusual way

shining (光る) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; bright

タイヤの跡は濡れて光る道の上で奇妙に曲がり始めた。

Suddenly, as I looked ahead, the gleam of metal caught my eye from amid the thick gorse-bushes.

look ahead (前方を見る) [動] look in the direction in which one is moving or facing

catch one's eye (目に映る) [動] attract one's attention

gorse-bush (ハリエニシダの茂み) [名] a bush of gorse

metal (金属) [名] any of a class of elementary substances that are usually shiny, hard, and good conductors of heat and electricity

突然、前方を見ると、厚いハリエニシダの茂みの中から金属の輝きが目に映った。

Out of them we dragged a bicycle, Palmer-tired, one pedal bent, and the whole front of it horribly smeared and slobbered with blood.

Palmer-tired (パーマータイヤ) [形] having Palmer tires

bend (曲がる) [動] be in or take a curved shape

horribly (恐ろしく) [副] in a horrible manner

smear (血まみれになる) [動] cover or mark with something sticky or greasy

slobber (血まみれになる) [動] let saliva or some other liquid dribble from the mouth

我々はその中から自転車を引きずり出した、パーマータイヤで、片方のペダルが曲がっており、前面全体が恐ろしく血まみれになっていた。

On the other side of the bushes a shoe was projecting.

on the other side of (の向こう側に) [前] on the opposite side of

shoe (靴) [名] an outer covering for the foot

茂みの向こう側に靴が突き出ていた。

We ran round, and there lay the unfortunate rider.

run round (走り回る) [動] run in circles

我々は走り回り、そこに不幸な乗り手が横たわっていた。

He was a tall man, full-bearded, with spectacles, one glass of which had been knocked out.

full-bearded (髭を生やした) [形] having a beard that covers all of the lower part of the face

spectacle (眼鏡) [名] a device consisting of two lenses and a frame held by a bridge over the nose and temples that is used to correct vision

knock out (割れる) [動] break or cause to break

彼は背の高い男で、髭を生やし、片方のレンズが割れた眼鏡をかけていた。

The cause of his death was a frightful blow upon the head, which had crushed in part of his skull.

frightful (恐ろしい) [形] causing fear or alarm

blow (一撃) [名] a powerful or violent stroke with a hand or weapon

crush (押しつぶす) [動] press or squeeze with a lot of force

彼の死因は頭部への恐ろしい一撃で、頭蓋骨の一部が押しつぶされていた。

That he could have gone on after receiving such an injury said much for the vitality and courage of the man.

vitality (生命力) [名] the state of being strong and active; energy

courage (勇気) [名] the ability to do something that frightens one

そのような怪我を負った後も彼が歩き続けることができたのは、その男の生命力と勇気を物語っている。

He wore shoes, but no socks, and his open coat disclosed a nightshirt beneath it.

disclose (見える) [動] make known or public

nightshirt (寝間着) [名] a long shirt worn in bed

彼は靴を履いていたが靴下は履いておらず、開いたコートの下には寝間着が見えた。

It was undoubtedly the German master.

それは間違いなくドイツ人の主人だった。

Holmes turned the body over reverently, and examined it with great attention.

reverently (敬虔に) [副] with deep respect

ホームズは敬虔に遺体をひっくり返し、細心の注意を払って調べた。

He then sat in deep thought for a time, and I could see by his ruffled brow that this grim discovery had not, in his opinion, advanced us much in our inquiry.

deep thought (深く考え込む) [名] a state of mental concentration

ruffled brow (眉間にしわが寄る) [名] a furrowed brow

grim (恐ろしい) [形] causing or marked by great suffering

advance (進歩させる) [動] help or cause to progress or improve

それから彼はしばらく深く考え込んで座っていたが、私は彼の眉間にしわが寄っているのを見て、この恐ろしい発見は、彼の意見では、私たちの調査をあまり進歩させなかったことがわかった。

“It is a little difficult to know what to do, Watson,” said he, at last.

what to do (どうしたらいいか) [名] the appropriate course of action

「どうしたらいいかわからないな、ワトソン」と彼はついに言った。

“My own inclinations are to push this inquiry on, for we have already lost so much time that we cannot afford to waste another hour.

inclination (気持ち) [名] a feeling of wanting to do something

push (進める) [動] move something forward

「私としてはこの調査を進めたいと思っている。もうこれ以上時間を無駄にするわけにはいかない。

On the other hand, we are bound to inform the police of the discovery, and to see that this poor fellow’s body is looked after.”

一方で、我々はこの発見を警察に知らせ、この哀れな男の遺体が世話されるのを見届ける義務がある。」

“I could take a note back.”

take back (届ける) [動] to return something to the place where it came from

「私はメモを届けることができます。」

“But I need your company and assistance. Wait a bit!

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

「しかし、私はあなたの同伴と援助が必要だ。ちょっと待って!

There is a fellow cutting peat up yonder.

There is (いる) [動] be present

cut (切る) [動] divide with a sharp-edged tool

peat (泥炭) [名] a brown mass of compressed, partially decomposed vegetation that is found in bogs and that may be cut and dried for use as fuel

up yonder (向こうに) [副] in that place over there

向こうに泥炭を切っている男がいる。

Bring him over here, and he will guide the police.”

over here (ここに) [副] to this place

guide (案内する) [動] show the way to someone

彼をここに連れて来れば、彼が警察を案内してくれるだろう。」

I brought the peasant across, and Holmes dispatched the frightened man with a note to Dr. Huxtable.

私は農民を連れて行き、ホームズはハックステーブル博士へのメモを渡して、おびえた男を送り出した。

“Now, Watson,” said he, “we have picked up two clues this morning.

「さて、ワトソン」と彼は言った、「今朝は二つの手がかりを得た。

One is the bicycle with the Palmer tire, and we see what that has led to.

一つはパーマータイヤの自転車で、それがどこにつながったか分かった。

The other is the bicycle with the patched Dunlop.

the other (もう一つ) [名] the remaining item of two

patched (パッチを当てた) [形] having a patch or patches

もう一つはダンロップタイヤにパッチを当てた自転車だ。

Before we start to investigate that, let us try to realize what we do know, so as to make the most of it, and to separate the essential from the accidental.”

investigate (調べる) [動] examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

realize (確認する) [動] be fully aware of

make the most of (最大限に活用する) [動] use or exploit to the utmost

separate (分離する) [動] make or keep separate

それを調べ始める前に、私たちが知っていることを確認して、それを最大限に活用し、本質的なものと偶然のものを分離しよう。」

“First of all, I wish to impress upon you that the boy certainly left of his own free-will.

impress upon (強調する) [動] to make someone realize the importance of something

「まず第一に、少年は確かに自分の自由意志で去ったということを強調したい。

He got down from his window and he went off, either alone or with someone.

get down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

someone (誰か) [名] some person

彼は窓から降りて、一人であるいは誰かと一緒に出かけた。

That is sure.”

それは確かだ。」

I assented.

assent (同意する) [動] express approval or agreement

私は同意した。

“Well, now, let us turn to this unfortunate German master.

turn to (話を戻す) [動] to change the subject of a conversation

「さて、では、この不幸なドイツ人の教師に話を戻そう。

The boy was fully dressed when he fled.

少年は逃げた時、完全に服を着ていた。

Therefore, he foresaw what he would do.

だから、彼は自分が何をするか予見していた。

But the German went without his socks.

go without (〜なしで行く) [動] not have or not be able to have something

しかし、ドイツ人は靴下を履かずに出かけた。

He certainly acted on very short notice.”

short notice (短い時間) [名] a small amount of time

彼は確かに非常に短い時間で行動した。」

“Undoubtedly.”

「間違いなく。」

“Why did he go? Because, from his bedroom window, he saw the flight of the boy, because he wished to overtake him and bring him back.

overtake (追いかける) [動] catch up with and pass

bring back (連れ戻す) [動] cause to return

「なぜ彼は行ったんだ? なぜなら、彼は寝室の窓から少年の逃走を見たからであり、彼を追いかけて連れ戻したかったからだ。

He seized his bicycle, pursued the lad, and in pursuing him met his death.”

pursue (追いかける) [動] follow in order to catch or overtake

彼は自転車をつかみ、少年を追いかけ、そして彼を追いかけて死んだ。」

“So it would seem.”

「そう思われる。」

“Now I come to the critical part of my argument.

critical (重要な) [形] of major significance or importance

「さて、私の議論の重要な部分に来た。

The natural action of a man in pursuing a little boy would be to run after him.

boy (男の子) [名] a male child

run after (追いかける) [動] follow or chase after

小さな男の子を追いかける男性の自然な行動は、彼を追いかけることだろう。

He would know that he could overtake him.

彼は彼を追い越せることを知っているだろう。

But the German does not do so.

しかし、ドイツ人はそうしない。

He turns to his bicycle.

彼は自転車に向き直る。

I am told that he was an excellent cyclist.

be told (聞いている) [動] be informed of something

excellent (優秀な) [形] extremely good; outstanding

彼は優秀なサイクリストだったと聞いている。

He would not do this, if he did not see that the boy had some swift means of escape.”

means (手段) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

少年が素早く逃げる手段を持っていると見なければ、彼はこんなことはしないだろう。」

“The other bicycle.”

「もう一台の自転車だ。」

“Let us continue our reconstruction.

reconstruction (再現) [名] the action of reconstructing something

「再現を続けよう。

He meets his death five miles from the school—not by a bullet, mark you, which even a lad might conceivably discharge, but by a savage blow dealt by a vigorous arm.

meet one's death (死に遭遇する) [動] die

five miles (五マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 5280 feet

mark (注目) [動] notice or perceive

conceivably (恐らく) [副] possibly

彼は学校から五マイル離れたところで死に遭遇する。少年でも発射できる弾丸ではなく、力強い腕による野蛮な一撃によってだ。

The lad, then, had a companion in his flight.

少年には逃亡の仲間がいたわけだ。

And the flight was a swift one, since it took five miles before an expert cyclist could overtake them.

swift (素早い) [形] moving or capable of moving with great speed

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

expert (熟練した) [形] having or showing special skill or knowledge

そして逃亡は素早いものだった。熟練した自転車乗りが追い抜くまでに五マイルもかかったのだ。

Yet we survey the ground round the scene of the tragedy.

survey (調査する) [動] examine and record the area and features of (an area of land)

round (周辺) [前] in every direction from

それでも我々は悲劇の現場の周辺を調査する。

What do we find?

何が見つかるだろうか?

A few cattle-tracks, nothing more.

牛の足跡が少しあるだけで、それ以外は何もない。

I took a wide sweep round, and there is no path within fifty yards.

take a wide sweep (広く見回す) [動] look around a large area

there is no (ない) [動] not exist

fifty yards (五十ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

私は広く見回したが、五十ヤード以内に道はない。

Another cyclist could have had nothing to do with the actual murder, nor were there any human foot-marks.”

another (もう一人の) [形] one more; an additional

actual (実際の) [形] existing in fact or reality

human (人間の) [形] of or relating to humankind

foot-mark (足跡) [名] an impression left by a person walking

もう一人の自転車乗りは実際の殺人とは関係がないはずだし、人間の足跡もなかった。」

“Holmes,” I cried, “this is impossible.”

「ホームズ」私は叫んだ、「これはありえない。」

“Admirable!” he said.

「素晴らしい!」彼は言った。

“A most illuminating remark.

illuminating (示唆に富んだ) [形] providing useful information or insight

「とても示唆に富んだ発言だ。

It is impossible as I state it, and therefore I must in some respect have stated it wrong.

state (述べる) [動] express clearly in words

respect (点) [名] a particular aspect or point

wrong (間違って) [副] in an unsuitable or undesirable manner

私が述べたようには不可能なので、私は何かの点で間違って述べたに違いない。

Yet you saw for yourself.

see for oneself (自分で見る) [動] to see something for oneself

でも、君は自分で見た。

Can you suggest any fallacy?”

fallacy (誤り) [名] a mistaken belief

何か誤りを示唆できるか?」

“He could not have fractured his skull in a fall?”

fracture (骨折) [名] a break or crack in a bone

skull (頭蓋骨) [名] the bony structure that encloses the brain

fall (転倒) [名] the act of falling or dropping

「彼は転んで頭蓋骨を骨折したということはあり得ませんか?」

“In a morass, Watson?”

「沼地で、ワトソン?」

“I am at my wits’ end.”

at one's wit's end (途方に暮れている) [熟] at a loss as to what to do; utterly puzzled

「私は途方に暮れている。」

“Tut, tut, we have solved some worse problems.

tut (ちぇっ) [間] an expression of disapproval

solve (解く) [動] find an answer to or a way of dealing with a problem or difficulty

「ちぇっ、ちぇっ、もっと難しい問題を解いてきたじゃないか。

At least we have plenty of material, if we can only use it.

plenty of (豊富な) [形] more than enough

少なくとも、使えるならば、材料は豊富にある。

Come, then, and, having exhausted the Palmer, let us see what the Dunlop with the patched cover has to offer us.”

さあ、それでは、パーマーを使い切ったので、つぎは、つぎはぎだらけのダンロップが何を提供してくれるか見てみましょう。」

We picked up the track and followed it onward for some distance, but soon the moor rose into a long, heather-tufted curve, and we left the watercourse behind us.

rise (上がる) [動] go up

tuft (茂み) [名] a bunch of something growing closely together

私たちは道を見つけ、しばらくそれをたどったが、すぐに沼地はヒースの茂った長いカーブに変わり、水路を後にした。

No further help from tracks could be hoped for.

no further (これ以上) [形] not any more

足跡からこれ以上の情報は得られそうになかった。

At the spot where we saw the last of the Dunlop tire it might equally have led to Holdernesse Hall, the stately towers of which rose some miles to our left, or to a low, grey village which lay in front of us and marked the position of the Chesterfield high road.

lead (行く) [動] go or travel in a specified direction

tower (塔) [名] a tall narrow building, either freestanding or forming part of a building such as a church or castle

rise (そびえる) [動] go up or increase

mark (示す) [動] indicate the position of

ダンロップタイヤの最後を見た場所では、左手数マイル先に堂々とした塔がそびえるホルダーネスホールにも、目の前に広がるチェスターフィールド街道の位置を示す低い灰色の村にも行ける。

As we approached the forbidding and squalid inn, with the sign of a game-cock above the door, Holmes gave a sudden groan, and clutched me by the shoulder to save himself from falling.

forbidding (近寄りがたい) [形] grim or uninviting

squalid (みすぼらしい) [形] extremely dirty and unpleasant

save (防ぐ) [動] prevent from happening

私たちが、ドアの上に闘鶏の看板を掲げた、近寄りがたいみすぼらしい宿に近づいたとき、ホームズは突然うめき声を上げ、倒れないように私の肩をつかんだ。

He had had one of those violent strains of the ankle which leave a man helpless.

one of those (ひどい) [名] a particularly bad example of something

strain (捻挫) [名] an injury caused by overstretching or overexertion of a muscle or ligament

ankle (足首) [名] the joint connecting the foot with the leg

helpless (身動きが取れない) [形] unable to defend oneself or to act without help

彼は足首をひどく捻挫し、身動きが取れなくなっていた。

With difficulty he limped up to the door, where a squat, dark, elderly man was smoking a black clay pipe.

with difficulty (苦労して) [副] not easily

limp (足を引きずる) [動] walk with difficulty

squat (ずんぐりした) [形] short and thick

clay (粘土) [名] a fine-grained soil that is plastic when wet

彼は苦労してドアまで足を引きずり、そこでは、ずんぐりした、浅黒い、年配の男性が黒い粘土パイプを吸っていた。

“How are you, Mr. Reuben Hayes?” said Holmes.

how are you (こんにちは) [句] a greeting

Reuben Hayes (ルーベン・ヘイズ) [名] a man's name

「こんにちは、ルーベン・ヘイズさん」とホームズは言った。

“Who are you, and how do you get my name so pat?” the countryman answered, with a suspicious flash of a pair of cunning eyes.

get (知る) [動] come to know or be aware of

pat (すらすらと) [副] in a smooth, fluent, or easy manner

countryman (田舎者) [名] a person who lives in the country

flash (光らせる) [動] shine or cause to shine in a sudden brief burst of light

「あなたは誰だ、どうして私の名前を知っているのか?」と、田舎者は疑わしげに目を光らせながら答えた。

“Well, it’s printed on the board above your head.

print (書いてある) [動] to produce a book, newspaper, etc. by a machine that puts ink onto paper

board (看板) [名] a thin, flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material used for a particular purpose

「それは、あなたの頭の上の看板に書いてある。

It’s easy to see a man who is master of his own house.

自分の家の主人である男性を見分けるのは簡単だ。

I suppose you haven’t such a thing as a carriage in your stables?”

stable (厩舎) [名] a building for housing horses

あなたの厩舎には馬車なんてないと思うが?」

“No, I have not.”

「いいえ、ありません」

“I can hardly put my foot to the ground.”

can hardly (やっとだ) [副] only just; with difficulty

「足を地面に着けるのがやっとだ」

“Don’t put it to the ground.”

「地面に着けなくていい」

“But I can’t walk.”

「でも歩けない」

“Well, then hop.”

hop (跳ねる) [動] move by jumping on one foot

「じゃあ、跳ねろ」

Mr. Reuben Hayes’s manner was far from gracious, but Holmes took it with admirable good-humour.

Mr. Reuben Hayes (ルーベン・ヘイズ氏) [名] a man

far from (程遠い) [副] not at all

gracious (優雅な) [形] marked by kindness and courtesy

good-humour (上機嫌) [名] a cheerful or amiable mood

ルーベン・ヘイズ氏の態度は優雅とは程遠かったが、ホームズはそれを立派な上機嫌で受け止めた。

“Look here, my man,” said he.

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

my man (そこの男) [名] a man who is being addressed

「おい、そこの男」と彼は言った。

“This is really rather an awkward fix for me.

awkward (厄介な) [形] causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with

fix (問題) [名] a difficult or awkward situation

「これは私にとって本当に厄介な問題だ。

I don’t mind how I get on.”

mind (気にする) [動] be worried or annoyed about

get on (進む) [動] make progress

どんな風に進むか気にしない」

“Neither do I,” said the morose landlord.

neither (私も) [接] not either; also not

「私も気にしない」と不機嫌な宿屋の主人は言った。

“The matter is very important.

「この件は非常に重要だ。

I would offer you a sovereign for the use of a bicycle.”

offer (差し上げる) [動] present for acceptance or rejection

sovereign (ソブリン金貨) [名] a former British gold coin with a nominal value of one pound sterling

自転車を貸してもらえるならソブリン金貨を差し上げよう」

The landlord pricked up his ears.

prick up (そばだてる) [動] to listen attentively

宿屋の主人は耳をそばだてた。

“Where do you want to go?”

「どこに行きたいんだ?」

“To Holdernesse Hall.”

Holdernesse Hall (ホルダーネス館) [名] a fictional country house in the story

「ホルダーネス館だ」

“Pals of the Dook, I suppose?” said the landlord, surveying our mud-stained garments with ironical eyes.

pal (友人) [名] a friend

survey (眺める) [動] look carefully and thoroughly at

mud-stained (泥だらけの) [形] covered with mud

garment (服) [名] an item of clothing

「公爵の友人かな?」と宿屋の主人は皮肉な目で泥だらけの服を眺めながら言った。

Holmes laughed good-naturedly.

good-naturedly (愛想よく) [副] in a friendly and pleasant way

ホームズは愛想よく笑った。

“He’ll be glad to see us, anyhow.”

「いずれにせよ、彼は私たちに会えて喜ぶだろう」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“Because we bring him news of his lost son.”

bring (もたらす) [動] cause to come or happen

「なぜなら、私たちは彼の失われた息子の知らせをもたらすからだ」

The landlord gave a very visible start.

visible (明らかな) [形] able to be seen

start (ぎょっとする) [動] to make a sudden involuntary movement

宿屋の主人は明らかにぎょっとした。

“What, you’re on his track?”

on one's track (行方を追っている) [名] following someone's trail

「何、彼の行方を追っているのか?」

“He has been heard of in Liverpool.

「彼はリバプールで目撃されている。

They expect to get him every hour.”

彼らはいつでも彼を捕まえることができると思っている」

Again a swift change passed over the heavy, unshaven face.

pass over (変化する) [動] change from one state or condition to another

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

再び、その重々しい髭面の表情が素早く変化した。

His manner was suddenly genial.

genial (愛想のよい) [形] friendly and cheerful

彼の態度は突然愛想よくなった。

“I’ve less reason to wish the Dook well than most men,” said he, “for I was head coachman once, and cruel bad he treated me.

well (幸せ) [名] the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous

less (少ない) [形] not as much or as many as

coachman (御者) [名] a person who drives a horse-drawn carriage

「私は他の人よりも公爵の幸せを願う理由が少ない」と彼は言った。「私はかつて御者の頭だったが、彼は私をひどく扱った。

It was him that sacked me without a character on the word of a lying corn-chandler.

sack (解雇する) [動] dismiss from a job

character (人物) [名] a person in a novel, play, or film

corn-chandler (穀物商人) [名] a person who deals in corn

嘘つきの穀物商人の言うがままに、私を解雇したのは彼だ。

But I’m glad to hear that the young lord was heard of in Liverpool, and I’ll help you to take the news to the Hall.”

しかし、若い主人がリバプールで見つかったと聞いて嬉しいし、その知らせをホールに届けるのを手伝おう。」

“Thank you,” said Holmes.

「ありがとう」とホームズは言った。

“We’ll have some food first.

「まず食事をしよう。

Then you can bring round the bicycle.”

bring round (回す) [動] to cause to change from one opinion, attitude, or course of action to another

それから自転車を回してきてくれ。」

“I haven’t got a bicycle.”

「自転車は持っていません。」

Holmes held up a sovereign.

hold up (掲げる) [動] raise something to a higher position

ホームズはソブリン金貨を掲げた。

“I tell you, man, that I haven’t got one.

haven't got (持っていない) [動] do not have

「言っているでしょう、自転車は持っていないんです。

I’ll let you have two horses as far as the Hall.”

let (貸す) [動] allow to have or use

as far as (まで) [前] to the extent or degree that

ホールまで二頭の馬を貸しましょう。」

“Well, well,” said Holmes, “we’ll talk about it when we’ve had something to eat.”

Well, well (なるほど、なるほど) [間] an expression of surprise or mild interest

talk about (話す) [動] discuss or speak about

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

「なるほど、なるほど」とホームズは言った、「何か食べたらそのことについて話そう。」

When we were left alone in the stone-flagged kitchen, it was astonishing how rapidly that sprained ankle recovered.

be left alone (二人きりになる) [動] be the only person remaining

stone-flagged (石畳の) [形] paved with stone

石畳の台所に二人きりになると、驚くほど足首の捻挫が回復した。

It was nearly nightfall, and we had eaten nothing since early morning, so that we spent some time over our meal.

nightfall (日暮れ) [名] the time in the evening when it becomes dark

early morning (早朝) [名] the early part of the morning

meal (食事) [名] an occasion when food is eaten

日が暮れようとしていたし、早朝から何も食べていなかったため、食事には時間をかけた。

Holmes was lost in thought, and once or twice he walked over to the window and stared earnestly out.

be lost in thought (考え込む) [動] be so deeply absorbed in thought as to be unaware of one's surroundings

walk over (歩いていく) [動] walk to a place

ホームズは考え込んでいて、一度か二度窓まで歩いていき、熱心に外を見つめた。

It opened on to a squalid courtyard.

open on to (面する) [動] to look out on or face

窓は汚い中庭に面していた。

In the far corner was a smithy, where a grimy lad was at work.

far corner (遠くの角) [名] the corner that is the farthest away

smithy (鍛冶屋) [名] a person who makes and repairs metal objects

grimy (薄汚れた) [形] covered with dirt or soot

遠くの角には鍛冶屋があり、そこでは薄汚れた少年が働いていた。

On the other side were the stables.

on the other side (反対側に) [副] on the opposite side

反対側には馬小屋があった。

Holmes had sat down again after one of these excursions, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with a loud exclamation.

excursion (散歩) [名] a short journey for pleasure

ホームズはそうした散歩の後に再び腰を下ろしたが、突然大きな叫び声を上げて椅子から飛び上がった。

“By heaven, Watson, I believe that I’ve got it!” he cried.

get (わかる) [動] to understand

「ワトソン、わかったぞ!」と彼は叫んだ。

“Yes, yes, it must be so.

「そう、そう、そうに違いない。

Watson, do you remember seeing any cow-tracks to-day?”

remember (覚える) [動] be able to recall

cow-track (牛の足跡) [名] a mark left on the ground by a cow's foot

ワトソン、今日牛の足跡を見た覚えはあるか?」

“Yes, several.”

「はい、いくつか。」

“Where?”

「どこで?」

“Well, everywhere. They were at the morass, and again on the path, and again near where poor Heidegger met his death.”

everywhere (至る所) [副] in all places or in all parts

meet (死ぬ) [動] die

「ええ、至る所で。沼地にもあり、小道にも、そしてまた、哀れなハイデッガーが死んだ場所の近くにもありました。」

“Exactly. Well, now, Watson, how many cows did you see on the moor?”

「その通り。ところで、ワトソン、沼地で何頭の牛を見たかね?」

“I don’t remember seeing any.”

「見た覚えがありません。」

“Strange, Watson, that we should see tracks all along our line, but never a cow on the whole moor.

line (道) [名] a long and narrow mark or band

「奇妙なことに、ワトソン、道沿いにずっと足跡があるのに、沼地全体に牛が一頭もいない。

Very strange, Watson, eh?”

eh (そうだろう) [間] used to express a question, to ask for confirmation, or to invite agreement

とても奇妙なことだよ、ワトソン、そうだろう?」

“Yes, it is strange.”

「そうですね、奇妙ですね。」

“Now, Watson, make an effort, throw your mind back.

make an effort (努力する) [動] try hard to do or achieve something

throw one's mind back (記憶をたどる) [動] try to remember something

「さあ、ワトソン、努力して、記憶をたどってごらん。

Can you see those tracks upon the path?”

道の上のあの足跡が見えるか?」

“Yes, I can.”

「はい、見えます。」

“Can you recall that the tracks were sometimes like that, Watson,”—he arranged a number of breadcrumbs in this fashion—: : : : :—“and sometimes like this”—: . : . : . : .—“and occasionally like this”—.・.・.・.

like that (こんな風) [副] in that manner

like this (こう) [副] in this manner

「足跡が時々こんな風だったことを思い出せるか、ワトソン」彼はパンくずをこんな風に並べた。「: : : : :」「そして時々はこうだ」「: . : . : . : .」「さらに時々はこうだ」「.・.・.・.

“Can you remember that?”

「思い出せるか?」

“No, I cannot.”

cannot (思い出せません) [助] be unable to

「いいえ、思い出せません。」

“But I can. I could swear to it.

「しかし、私は思い出せる。誓ってもいい。

However, we will go back at our leisure and verify it.

leisure (ゆっくり) [名] time free from the demands of work or duty

verify (確かめる) [動] make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified

しかし、私たちはゆっくりと戻ってそれを確かめるつもりだ。

What a blind beetle I have been, not to draw my conclusion.”

beetle (カブトムシ) [名] an insect with hard wing cases that cover the wings and usually the body

draw (出す) [動] to pull or move something toward oneself

結論を出さないなんて、私はなんて盲目のカブトムシだったんだ。」

“And what is your conclusion?”

「そして、あなたの結論は?」

“Only that it is a remarkable cow which walks, canters, and gallops.

gallop (疾走) [名] the fastest gait of a horse

「歩き、駆け足し、疾走する驚くべき牛だということだけだ。

By George! Watson, it was no brain of a country publican that thought out such a blind as that.

blind (盲点) [名] something that is not easily noticed or that is not obvious

ワトソン、こんな盲点を思いついたのは田舎の酒場の主人の頭脳ではなかった。

The coast seems to be clear, save for that lad in the smithy.

coast (海岸) [名] the land bordering the sea

clear (きれいな) [形] free from obstruction or obstacles

鍛冶屋のあの若者を除いて、海岸はきれいなようだ。

Let us slip out and see what we can see.”

slip out (抜け出す) [動] leave quietly or secretly

抜け出して、何が見えるか見てみよう。」

There were two rough-haired, unkempt horses in the tumble-down stable.

rough-haired (毛の荒れた) [形] having rough hair

tumble-down (倒れそうな) [形] dilapidated or in a state of severe disrepair

倒れそうな馬小屋には、毛の荒れた、手入れのされていない馬が二頭いた。

Holmes raised the hind leg of one of them and laughed aloud.

hind leg (後ろ足) [名] the leg of an animal that is located at the back of the body

ホームズはそのうちの一頭の後ろ足を持ち上げて、大声で笑った。

“Old shoes, but newly shod—old shoes, but new nails.

shoe (蹄鉄) [名] a protective covering for the foot

newly (新しく) [副] recently; lately

nail (釘) [名] a small metal object with a pointed end and a flat head, used to join things together or to fix them in position

「古い蹄鉄だが、新しく打ち付けられたものだ。古い蹄鉄だが、新しい釘だ。

This case deserves to be a classic.

deserve (値する) [動] be worthy of

classic (古典) [名] a work of art of recognized and established value

この事件は古典に値する。

Let us go across to the smithy.”

go across (行く) [動] move or travel from one place to another

鍛冶屋に行こう。」

The lad continued his work without regarding us.

少年は私たちを気にせずに仕事を続けた。

I saw Holmes’s eye darting to right and left among the litter of iron and wood which was scattered about the floor.

litter (くず) [名] rubbish left lying in an open or public place

私はホームズの目が床に散らばった鉄と木のくずの間を右に左に動くのを見た。

Suddenly, however, we heard a step behind us, and there was the landlord, his heavy eyebrows drawn over his savage eyes, his swarthy features convulsed with passion.

heavy (太い) [形] having a large mass or weight

eyebrow (眉毛) [名] the strip of short hairs above each eye

convulse (引きつる) [動] (of a muscle or part of the body) contract or relax spasmodically and uncontrollably

passion (情熱) [名] strong and barely controllable emotion

しかし、突然、私たちは後ろで足音を聞き、そこには宿の主人がいて、彼の太い眉毛は彼の野蛮な目の上に引かれ、彼の浅黒い顔は情熱で引きつっていた。

He held a short, metal-headed stick in his hand, and he advanced in so menacing a fashion that I was right glad to feel the revolver in my pocket.

彼は手に短い金属製の頭のついた棒を持ち、とても威圧的な態度で近づいてきたので、私はポケットの中のリボルバーを感じて本当に嬉しかった。

“You infernal spies!” the man cried.

infernal (地獄の) [形] of or relating to hell

spy (スパイ) [名] a person who secretly collects and reports information on the activities, movements, and plans of an enemy or competitor

「この地獄のスパイめ!」男は叫んだ。

“What are you doing there?”

「そこで何をしている?」

“Why, Mr. Reuben Hayes,” said Holmes, coolly, “one might think that you were afraid of our finding something out.”

「なぜ、ルーベン・ヘイズさん」とホームズは冷静に言った、「私たちが何かを見つけ出すのを恐れていると思う人もいるかもしれない。」

The man mastered himself with a violent effort, and his grim mouth loosened into a false laugh, which was more menacing than his frown.

master (抑える) [動] gain complete control over

loosen (緩める) [動] make or become less tight or firm

false (作り物の) [形] not true or genuine

frown (しかめっ面) [名] a facial expression characterized by a furrowing of the brow

menacing (威圧的) [形] threatening; intimidating

男は激しい努力で自分を抑え、険しい口元を緩めて作り笑いを浮かべたが、それはしかめっ面よりも威圧的だった。

“You’re welcome to all you can find out in my smithy,” said he.

welcome (歓迎する) [動] greet cordially

「私の鍛冶屋で見つけられるものは何でも歓迎する」と彼は言った。

“But look here, mister, I don’t care for folk poking about my place without my leave, so the sooner you pay your score and get out of this the better I shall be pleased.”

care for (気にする) [動] be concerned about

poke about (突っつく) [動] to move or search about in a casual or aimless way

leave (許可) [名] permission to be absent from duty or work

the sooner (早く) [副] as soon as possible

score (スコア) [名] the number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or by a team

the better (より) [副] to a greater degree or extent

shall be pleased (喜ぶでしょう) [動] be glad or happy about something

「しかし、ここを見てください、旦那、私は私の許可なしに私の場所を突っつく人々を気にしません、それであなたが早くあなたのスコアを支払ってここから出れば出るほど私は喜ぶでしょう。」

“All right, Mr. Hayes, no harm meant,” said Holmes.

no harm meant (悪気はない) [動] have no intention to cause harm

「大丈夫、ヘイズさん、悪気はない」とホームズは言った。

“We have been having a look at your horses, but I think I’ll walk, after all.

have a look (見る) [動] to look at something

「私たちはあなたの馬を見ていたが、結局歩くと思う。

It’s not far, I believe.”

far (遠い) [形] a long way away; distant

遠くないと思う。」

“Not more than two miles to the Hall gates.

not more than (2マイルもない) [副] no more than

two miles (2マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

「ホールの門まで2マイルもない。

That’s the road to the left.”

左の道だ。」

He watched us with sullen eyes until we had left his premises.

sullen (不機嫌な) [形] bad-tempered and sulky

彼は私たちが彼の敷地を去るまで不機嫌な目で私たちを見ていた。

We did not go very far along the road, for Holmes stopped the instant that the curve hid us from the landlord’s view.

go far (遠くに行く) [動] travel a long distance

view (視界) [名] the range of vision that can be seen at any particular moment

私たちは道をあまり遠くには行かなかった。曲がり角で宿屋の主人の視界から隠れた瞬間にホームズが立ち止まったからだ。

“We were warm, as the children say, at that inn,” said he.

「子供たちが言うように、私たちはあの宿で暖かかった」と彼は言った。

“I seem to grow colder every step that I take away from it.

colder (寒くなる) [形] of or at a lower temperature

step (一歩) [名] the distance covered by a single step

「私はそこから離れる一歩ごとに寒くなるようだ。

No, no, I can’t possibly leave it.”

いや、いや、私は絶対にそこを離れることはできない。」

“I am convinced,” said I, “that this Reuben Hayes knows all about it.

「私は確信している」と私は言った。「このルーベン・ヘイズは全てを知っている。

A more self-evident villain I never saw.”

self-evident (自明な) [形] not needing to be demonstrated or explained; obvious

villain (悪党) [名] a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime

これほど自明な悪党を見たことがない。」

“Oh! he impressed you in that way, did he?

impress (印象付ける) [動] affect someone deeply

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

「ああ! 彼はそんな風にあなたに印象付けたんだね?

There are the horses, there is the smithy.

馬がいるし、鍛冶屋もある。

Yes, it is an interesting place, this Fighting Cock.

ああ、このファイティング・コックは興味深い場所だ。

I think we shall have another look at it in an unobtrusive way.”

have a look (見に行く) [動] go and see something

unobtrusive (目立たない) [形] not attracting attention

目立たないようにもう一度見に行こう。」

A long, sloping hillside, dotted with grey limestone boulders, stretched behind us.

hillside (丘) [名] the side of a hill

dot (点在する) [動] be scattered or dispersed over

灰色の石灰岩の岩が点在する長く傾斜した丘が私たちの後ろに広がっていた。

We had turned off the road, and were making our way up the hill, when, looking in the direction of Holdernesse Hall, I saw a cyclist coming swiftly along.

turn off (曲がる) [動] change direction

私たちは道を曲がって丘を登っていたが、ホルダーネスホールの方向を見ると、自転車に乗った人が素早くやってくるのが見えた。

“Get down, Watson!” cried Holmes, with a heavy hand upon my shoulder.

「伏せろ、ワトソン!」とホームズは叫び、私の肩に重い手を置いた。

We had hardly sunk from view when the man flew past us on the road.

sink (身を隠す) [動] go below the surface of the water

fly (走り抜ける) [動] move very fast

私たちが身を隠した途端、男が道を走り抜けていった。

Amid a rolling cloud of dust, I caught a glimpse of a pale, agitated face—a face with horror in every lineament, the mouth open, the eyes staring wildly in front.

amid (中に) [前] in the middle of

agitated (興奮した) [形] feeling or showing nervous excitement or anxiety

lineament (線) [名] a distinctive feature or characteristic

渦巻く土埃の中、私は青ざめた、興奮した顔をちらりと見た。あらゆる線に恐怖が浮かび、口を開け、目を大きく見開いた顔だった。

It was like some strange caricature of the dapper James Wilder whom we had seen the night before.

the night before (前夜) [名] the night preceding the present day

caricature (風刺画) [名] a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect

前夜に見た小粋なジェームズ・ワイルダーの奇妙な風刺画のようだった。

“The Duke’s secretary!” cried Holmes.

「公爵の秘書だ!」とホームズは叫んだ。

“Come, Watson, let us see what he does.”

what (何を) [代] that which; the thing that

「来い、ワトソン、彼が何をするか見よう。」

We scrambled from rock to rock, until in a few moments we had made our way to a point from which we could see the front door of the inn.

scramble (よじ登る) [動] climb or move quickly and awkwardly

a few moments (やがて) [名] a short period of time

make one's way (たどり着く) [動] go or travel to a place

私たちは岩から岩へとよじ登り、やがて宿の正面玄関が見える場所までたどり着いた。

Wilder’s bicycle was leaning against the wall beside it.

lean (立てかける) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

ワイルダーの自転車がその横の壁に立てかけてあった。

No one was moving about the house, nor could we catch a glimpse of any faces at the windows.

move about (歩く) [動] walk around

家の周りを歩く人もいなければ、窓から顔を覗かせる人もいなかった。

Slowly the twilight crept down as the sun sank behind the high towers of Holdernesse Hall.

twilight (夕暮れ) [名] the time of day immediately following sunset

太陽がホルダーネスホールの高い塔の背後に沈むにつれて、ゆっくりと夕暮れが忍び寄ってきた。

Then, in the gloom, we saw the two side-lamps of a trap light up in the stable-yard of the inn, and shortly afterwards heard the rattle of hoofs, as it wheeled out into the road and tore off at a furious pace in the direction of Chesterfield.

side-lamp (サイドランプ) [名] a lamp on the side of a vehicle

light up (点灯する) [動] become bright or brighter

stable-yard (馬小屋の庭) [名] a yard where horses are kept

rattle (音) [名] a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds

hoof (ひづめ) [名] the horny part of the foot of an animal

wheel (出る) [動] move on wheels

tear off (走り去る) [動] move or travel very quickly

すると、暗闇の中で、宿の馬小屋の庭に二つのサイドランプが点灯しているのが見え、その直後にひづめの音が聞こえ、馬車が道に出て、チェスターフィールドの方向に猛スピードで走り去った。

“What do you make of that, Watson?”

「どう思う、ワトソン?」

Holmes whispered.

ホームズはささやいた。

“It looks like a flight.”

「逃走のようだな」

“A single man in a dog-cart, so far as I could see.

single (一人乗りの) [形] not involving more than one person

I could see (私が見たところ) [動] perceive with the eyes

「私の見たところ、一人乗りの馬車だ。

Well, it certainly was not Mr. James Wilder, for there he is at the door.”

いずれにせよ、ジェームズ・ワイルダー氏ではなかったことは確かだ。彼は玄関にいる。」

A red square of light had sprung out of the darkness.

暗闇の中に赤い四角い光が現れた。

In the middle of it was the black figure of the secretary, his head advanced, peering out into the night.

その真ん中に秘書の黒い姿があり、頭を突き出して夜の闇を覗き込んでいる。

It was evident that he was expecting someone.

be evident (明らかである) [動] be obvious or easily perceived or understood

彼が誰かを待っているのは明らかだった。

Then at last there were steps in the road, a second figure was visible for an instant against the light, the door shut, and all was black once more.

やがて道に足音がして、もう一人の人影が光を背に一瞬見え、ドアが閉まり、再びすべてが暗くなった。

Five minutes later a lamp was lit in a room upon the first floor.

light (灯る) [動] produce light

五分後、一階の部屋にランプが灯った。

“It seems to be a curious class of custom that is done by the Fighting Cock,” said Holmes.

Fighting Cock (ファイティング・コック) [名] a pub in London

「ファイティング・コックでは奇妙な習慣があるようだ」とホームズは言った。

“The bar is on the other side.”

other side (反対側) [名] the opposite side

「バーは反対側だ」

“Quite so. These are what one may call the private guests.

what one may call (いわば) [名] a phrase used to introduce a new word or phrase that is not yet familiar to the listener

guest (客) [名] a person who is invited to visit someone's home or to attend a social event

「その通り。これらはいわば私的な客だ。

Now, what in the world is Mr. James Wilder doing in that den at this hour of night, and who is the companion who comes to meet him there?

in the world (いったい) [副] used to express surprise or annoyance

this hour of night (夜のこの時間) [名] the time of night when it is dark

come to meet (会いに来る) [動] come to a place where someone is in order to meet them

さて、ジェームズ・ワイルダー氏は夜のこの時間にあんな隠れ家でいったい何をしているのか、そしてそこで彼に会いに来る仲間は誰なのか?

Come, Watson, we must really take a risk and try to investigate this a little more closely.”

take a risk (危険を冒す) [動] expose oneself to danger

closely (綿密に) [副] in a way that is very accurate or exact

さあ、ワトソン、我々は本当に危険を冒して、これをもう少し綿密に調べてみなければならない。」

Together we stole down to the road and crept across to the door of the inn.

我々は一緒に道に忍び寄り、宿屋の戸口まで忍び寄った。

The bicycle still leaned against the wall.

自転車は相変わらず壁に立てかけてあった。

Holmes struck a match and held it to the back wheel, and I heard him chuckle as the light fell upon a patched Dunlop tire.

back wheel (後輪) [名] the wheel at the back of a vehicle

fall upon (当たる) [動] to come or happen to

Dunlop tire (ダンロップタイヤ) [名] a tire manufactured by Dunlop

ホームズはマッチを擦って後輪に近づけ、光が継ぎはぎだらけのダンロップタイヤに当たると、彼がくすくす笑うのが聞こえた。

Up above us was the lighted window.

up above (上に) [副] in a higher place

我々の上には明かりのついた窓があった。

“I must have a peep through that, Watson.

have a peep (覗く) [動] look quickly or furtively

through (から) [前] going in one side and out of the other side of (an opening, channel, or location)

「ワトソン、私はそこから覗かなければならない。

If you bend your back and support yourself upon the wall, I think that I can manage.”

bend (曲げる) [動] move or cause to move into a curved or sharply angled form

support (寄りかかる) [動] give assistance to, especially financially

manage (なんとかする) [動] succeed in doing something, especially with difficulty

君が背中を曲げて壁に寄りかかってくれれば、私はなんとかできると思う。」

An instant later, his feet were on my shoulders, but he was hardly up before he was down again.

hardly (ほとんど~ないうちに) [副] almost not

up (上) [副] to or in a higher place or position

down (下) [副] to or in a lower place or position

一瞬後、彼の足は私の肩の上にあったが、彼はほとんど上まで登らないうちにまた降りてきた。

“Come, my friend,” said he, “our day’s work has been quite long enough.

「さあ、友よ」と彼は言った、「今日の仕事は十分に長かった。

I think that we have gathered all that we can.

私たちは集められるだけのものは集めたと思う。

It’s a long walk to the school, and the sooner we get started the better.”

walk (道のり) [名] the action of walking

get started (出発する) [動] begin doing something

the better (より良い) [形] to a higher standard or more advanced degree

学校まで長い道のりだから、早く出発した方がいい。」

He hardly opened his lips during that weary trudge across the moor, nor would he enter the school when he reached it, but went on to Mackleton Station, whence he could send some telegrams.

trudge (歩く) [動] walk slowly and with heavy steps, as through mud or snow

whence (~できる) [副] from which place or source

彼は沼地を横切るその退屈な歩行の間ほとんど口を開かなかったし、学校に着いても中に入らず、電報を送れるマックleton駅まで行った。

Late at night I heard him consoling Dr. Huxtable, prostrated by the tragedy of his master’s death, and later still he entered my room as alert and vigorous as he had been when he started in the morning.

late at night (夜遅く) [副] far on in the night

console (慰める) [動] comfort (someone) at a time of great distress or sadness

prostrate (打ちひしがれた) [形] lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward

vigorous (元気な) [形] strong, healthy, and full of energy

夜遅く、彼が主人の死の悲劇に打ちひしがれたハックステーブル博士を慰めているのが聞こえ、さらに後になって、彼は朝出発した時と同じように機敏で元気な様子で私の部屋に入ってきた。

“All goes well, my friend,” said he.

go well (順調に進む) [動] proceed smoothly

「すべて順調に進んでいるよ、友よ」と彼は言った。

“I promise that before to-morrow evening we shall have reached the solution of the mystery.”

before (までには) [前] earlier than

tomorrow (明日) [名] the day after today

「明日の夕方までには謎が解けることを約束する。」

At eleven o’clock next morning my friend and I were walking up the famous yew avenue of Holdernesse Hall.

eleven o'clock (十一時) [名] the time eleven hours after midnight

walk up (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

avenue (並木) [名] a broad road with trees on both sides

翌朝十一時、友人と私はホルダーネスホールの有名なイチイ並木を歩いていた。

We were ushered through the magnificent Elizabethan doorway and into his Grace’s study.

usher (案内する) [動] show or guide someone to a place

magnificent (壮麗な) [形] extremely impressive or very good

Elizabethan (エリザベス朝の) [形] of or relating to the reign of Elizabeth I of England

私たちは壮麗なエリザベス朝の玄関から公爵の書斎に案内された。

There we found Mr. James Wilder, demure and courtly, but with some trace of that wild terror of the night before still lurking in his furtive eyes and in his twitching features.

demure (落ち着いた) [形] reserved, modest, and shy

courtly (上品な) [形] polite and dignified

wild (恐ろしい) [形] unrestrained, violent, or extreme

furtive (こそこそした) [形] attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble

twitch (ピクピク動く) [動] make a short, sudden, jerking movement

そこにはジェームズ・ワイルダー氏がいた。落ち着いた上品な態度ではあったが、その目には前夜の恐怖の痕跡が残り、顔の筋肉がピクピクと動いていた。

“You have come to see his Grace?

「公爵に会いに来たのですか?

I am sorry, but the fact is that the Duke is far from well.

well (体調) [名] the state of a person's health

申し訳ありませんが、公爵は体調がすぐれず、

He has been very much upset by the tragic news.

be upset (動揺する) [動] be unhappy or disappointed

悲劇的な知らせにひどく動揺しています。

We received a telegram from Dr. Huxtable yesterday afternoon, which told us of your discovery.”

yesterday afternoon (昨日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the day before today

昨日の午後、ハックステーブル博士から電報を受け取り、あなたの発見を知らせてくれました。」

“I must see the Duke, Mr. Wilder.”

「公爵に会わなければならないのです、ワイルダーさん。」

“But he is in his room.”

「しかし、彼は自分の部屋にいます。」

“Then I must go to his room.”

「それなら彼の部屋に行かなければならない。」

“I believe he is in his bed.”

「彼はベッドにいると思います。」

“I will see him there.”

「そこで彼に会おう。」

Holmes’s cold and inexorable manner showed the secretary that it was useless to argue with him.

argue (議論する) [動] exchange diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way

ホームズの冷たく容赦のない態度で、秘書は彼と議論しても無駄だとわかった。

“Very good, Mr. Holmes,

「とても良いです、ホームズさん、

I will tell him that you are here.”

あなたがここにいると彼に伝えます。」

After an hour’s delay, the great nobleman appeared.

一時間の遅れの後、偉大な貴族が現れた。

His face was more cadaverous than ever, his shoulders had rounded, and he seemed to me to be an altogether older man than he had been the morning before.

cadaverous (死人のような) [形] resembling a corpse

round (丸まる) [動] become round

彼の顔はこれまで以上に死人のようであり、肩は丸まり、私には彼が前日の朝よりもずっと年老いたように見えた。

He greeted us with a stately courtesy and seated himself at his desk, his red beard streaming down on the table.

greet (迎える) [動] to meet or receive someone in a friendly way

seat (座る) [動] to sit down

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

stream (垂らす) [動] to flow or move continuously and smoothly

彼は堂々とした礼儀作法で私たちを迎え、机に座り、赤い髭をテーブルに垂らした。

“Well, Mr. Holmes?” said he.

「さて、ホームズさん?」と彼は言った。

But my friend’s eyes were fixed upon the secretary, who stood by his master’s chair.

しかし、友人の目は主人の椅子のそばに立っている秘書に向けられていた。

“I think, your Grace, that I could speak more freely in Mr. Wilder’s absence.”

freely (自由に) [副] without restriction or limitation

「公爵、ワイルダー氏がいない方がもっと自由に話せると思う」

The man turned a shade paler and cast a malignant glance at Holmes.

turn a shade paler (青ざめる) [動] become paler

cast a glance (一瞥する) [動] look at briefly

男は少し青ざめ、ホームズを悪意に満ちた目で見た。

“If your Grace wishes——”

「公爵が望むなら」

“Yes, yes, you had better go.

had better (した方が良い) [助] would be wiser to

「そう、そう、行ってくれた方が良い。

Now, Mr. Holmes, what have you to say?”

さて、ホームズさん、何か言いたいことは?」

My friend waited until the door had closed behind the retreating secretary.

友人は秘書が退室してドアが閉まるまで待った。

“The fact is, your Grace,” said he, “that my colleague, Dr. Watson, and myself had an assurance from Dr. Huxtable that a reward had been offered in this case.

assurance (確約) [名] a promise or guarantee

reward (報酬) [名] something given in return for a service or achievement

「事実は、公爵、私の同僚のワトソン博士と私はハックステーブル博士からこの事件に報酬が出されているという確約を得ていたのです。

I should like to have this confirmed from your own lips.”

have something confirmed (確認したい) [動] to have something checked or verified

your own lips (あなた自身の口) [名] your own mouth

これをあなた自身の口から確認したいのです。」

“Certainly, Mr. Holmes.”

「もちろん、ホームズさん。」

“It amounted, if I am correctly informed, to five thousand pounds to anyone who will tell you where your son is?”

amount (達する) [動] be equal to or equivalent to

correctly (正しく) [副] in a correct manner

five thousand pounds (五千ポンド) [名] a unit of currency in the United Kingdom

「私の情報が正しければ、あなたの息子の居場所を教えてくれる人には五千ポンドの報酬が出されているということですね?」

“Exactly.”

「その通りです。」

“And another thousand to the man who will name the person or persons who keep him in custody?”

name (名前を教える) [動] give a name to

custody (監禁) [名] the state of being kept in a prison or other place of confinement

「そして、彼を監禁している人物の名前を教えてくれる人にはさらに千ポンド?」

“Exactly.”

「その通りです。」

“Under the latter heading is included, no doubt, not only those who may have taken him away, but also those who conspire to keep him in his present position?”

heading (見出し) [名] a title or caption

take away (連れ去る) [動] remove or carry away

「後者の見出しには、彼を連れ去ったかもしれない人物だけでなく、彼を現在の状況に留めておくために共謀した人物も含まれているに違いありませんね?」

“Yes, yes,” cried the Duke, impatiently.

「そうです、そうです」と公爵は焦って叫んだ。

“If you do your work well, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, you will have no reason to complain of niggardly treatment.”

do one's work well (仕事をうまくやる) [動] perform one's job well

have no reason to (理由がない) [動] not have a reason to

complain (文句を言う) [動] express dissatisfaction or annoyance

「シャーロック・ホームズさん、もしあなたが仕事をうまくやれば、けちな扱いに文句を言う理由はないでしょう。」

My friend rubbed his thin hands together with an appearance of avidity which was a surprise to me, who knew his frugal tastes.

avidity (貪欲) [名] a strong desire for or interest in something

frugal (質素) [形] sparing or economical with regard to money or food

友人は貪欲な様子で細い手をこすり合わせたが、彼の質素な趣味を知っている私には驚きだった。

“I fancy that I see your Grace’s check-book upon the table,” said he.

fancy (見える) [動] imagine or suppose

check-book (小切手帳) [名] a book of checks

「公爵の小切手帳がテーブルの上にあるように見えます」と彼は言った。

“I should be glad if you would make me out a check for six thousand pounds.

six thousand pounds (6000ポンド) [名] a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or 7000 grains

「6000ポンドの小切手を切っていただけると嬉しいのですが。

It would be as well, perhaps, for you to cross it.

as well (同様に) [副] in addition; also; too

cross (線引きする) [動] draw a line across

おそらく、線引きした方がいいでしょう。

The Capital and Counties Bank, Oxford Street branch are my agents.”

Capital and Counties Bank (首都と郡銀行) [名] a bank

branch (支店) [名] a local office of a large company

agent (代理店) [名] a person or company that acts for or manages someone else's business

オックスフォード街支店の首都と郡銀行が私の代理店です。」

His Grace sat very stern and upright in his chair

upright (直立して) [形] erect or vertical in position or posture

公爵は椅子にとても厳しく直立して座っていた。

and looked stonily at my friend.

そして私の友人を石のように見つめた。

“Is this a joke, Mr. Holmes?

「これは冗談ですか、ホームズさん?

It is hardly a subject for pleasantry.”

subject (対象) [名] the topic of a conversation or discussion

pleasantry (冗談) [名] a humorous or playful remark

冗談の対象にはなりにくいです。」

“Not at all, your Grace.

「全く違います、公爵。

I was never more earnest in my life.”

earnest (真剣) [形] showing a deep sincerity or seriousness

私は人生でこれほど真剣になったことはありません。」

“What do you mean, then?”

「では、どういう意味ですか?」

“I mean that I have earned the reward.

earn (受け取る資格がある) [動] gain or deserve something by one's own efforts

「報酬を受け取る資格があるということです。

I know where your son is, and I know some, at least, of those who are holding him.”

hold (監禁する) [動] keep in a specified state, position, or place

私はあなたの息子がどこにいるか知っています。そして、少なくとも彼を監禁している者の一部を知っています。」

The Duke’s beard had turned more aggressively red than ever against his ghastly white face.

turn (染まる) [動] change in color

aggressively (真っ赤に) [副] in a way that is forceful or assertive

公爵の髭は、青白い顔に映えて、これまでになく真っ赤に染まっていた。

“Where is he?” he gasped.

gasp (息を切らす) [動] catch one's breath with an open mouth

「彼はどこにいる?」彼は息を切らした。

“He is, or was last night, at the Fighting Cock Inn, about two miles from your park gate.”

about two miles (約2マイル) [名] a distance of about 3.2 kilometers

Fighting Cock Inn (ファイティング・コック・イン) [名] a pub in the story

「彼は、あなたの公園の門から約2マイルのところにあるファイティング・コック・インにいます、あるいは昨夜はそこにいました。」

The Duke fell back in his chair.

fall back (倒れ込む) [動] to move or be moved back or down

公爵は椅子に倒れ込んだ。

“And whom do you accuse?”

「そして、誰を告発するのか?」

Sherlock Holmes’s answer was an astounding one.

astounding (驚くべき) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

シャーロック・ホームズの答えは驚くべきものだった。

He stepped swiftly forward and touched the Duke upon the shoulder.

step forward (進み出る) [動] move forward

彼は素早く前に進み出て、公爵の肩に触れた。

“I accuse you,” said he.

「私はあなたを告発する」と彼は言った。

“And now, your Grace, I’ll trouble you for that check.”

「そして今、公爵、私はあなたに小切手をお願いする」

Never shall I forget the Duke’s appearance as he sprang up and clawed with his hands, like one who is sinking into an abyss.

shall (だろう) [助] expressing a strong intention or determination

spring up (飛び起きる) [動] jump or leap up suddenly

公爵が飛び起きて、奈落の底に沈む人のように手で引っ掻いたときの様子を私は決して忘れないだろう。

Then, with an extraordinary effort of aristocratic self-command, he sat down and sank his face in his hands.

self-command (自制心) [名] the ability to control oneself

それから、貴族的な自制心の並外れた努力で、彼は座り、顔を両手で覆った。

It was some minutes before he spoke.

彼が話すまで数分がかかった。

“How much do you know?” he asked at last, without raising his head.

how much (どれだけ) [副] to what extent or degree

「どれだけ知っているんだ?」と彼は頭を上げずに尋ねた。

“I saw you together last night.”

「昨夜、あなたたちが一緒にいるところを見ました」

“Does anyone else beside your friend know?”

anyone else (誰か) [名] any other person

「あなたの友人以外に誰か知っているのか?」

“I have spoken to no one.”

「誰にも話していません」

The Duke took a pen in his quivering fingers and opened his check-book.

公爵は震える指でペンを取り、小切手帳を開いた。

“I shall be as good as my word, Mr. Holmes.

「私は約束を守ります、ホームズさん。

I am about to write your check, however unwelcome the information which you have gained may be to me.

あなたが得た情報が私にとってどれほど歓迎されないものであろうとも、私は小切手を書こうとしている。

When the offer was first made, I little thought the turn which events might take.

最初に申し出があった時、私は事態がどうなるかほとんど考えていなかった。

But you and your friend are men of discretion, Mr. Holmes?”

しかし、あなたとあなたの友人は分別のある方々ですね、ホームズさん?」

“I hardly understand your Grace.”

「公爵、よくわかりません」

“I must put it plainly, Mr. Holmes.

put it plainly (はっきりと申し上げる) [動] to say something in a clear and direct way

「はっきりと申し上げねばなりません、ホームズさん。

If only you two know of this incident, there is no reason why it should go any farther.

go (広まる) [動] become known or spread

この事件を知っているのがあなた方二人だけなら、これ以上広まる理由はない。

I think twelve thousand pounds is the sum that I owe you, is it not?”

twelve thousand pounds (1万2千ポンド) [名] a sum of money

is it not (そうか) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

私があなたに借りている額は1万2千ポンドだったと思うが、そうか?」

But Holmes smiled and shook his head.

しかしホームズは微笑んで首を横に振った。

“I fear, your Grace, that matters can hardly be arranged so easily.

arrange (解決する) [動] organize or order

「恐れながら、公爵、事態はそう簡単には解決できないでしょう。

There is the death of this schoolmaster to be accounted for.”

schoolmaster (校長) [名] the head of a school

account for (責任をとる) [動] to be the cause of

この校長の死の責任をとらねばなりません。」

“But James knew nothing of that.

「しかしジェームズはそのことを何も知らなかった。

You cannot hold him responsible for that.

hold responsible (責任を負わせる) [動] to make someone responsible for something

彼にその責任を負わせることはできない。

It was the work of this brutal ruffian whom he had the misfortune to employ.”

work (仕業) [名] something that is done or made

employ (雇う) [動] give work to and pay wages to

それは彼が不幸にも雇ったこの残忍な悪党の仕業だ。」

“I must take the view, your Grace, that when a man embarks upon a crime, he is morally guilty of any other crime which may spring from it.”

take the view (見解をとる) [動] have an opinion about something

embark upon (乗り出す) [動] begin a journey or voyage

morally (道徳的に) [副] in a way that is concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior

guilty (有罪) [形] having committed a specified or implied offense

spring from (生じる) [動] come into existence; arise

「公爵、私は、人が犯罪に乗り出した時、彼は道徳的にそれから生じる他のどんな犯罪にも有罪であるという見解をとらなければならない。」

“Morally, Mr. Holmes. No doubt you are right.

「道徳的には、ホームズさん。間違いなくあなたは正しい。

But surely not in the eyes of the law.

しかし、法律の目から見れば確かにそうではない。

A man cannot be condemned for a murder at which he was not present, and which he loathes and abhors as much as you do.

condemn (有罪判決を受ける) [動] express complete disapproval of; censure strongly

abhor (忌み嫌う) [動] detest utterly

人は、自分がいなかった殺人事件で、あなたと同じくらい嫌悪し忌み嫌っている殺人事件で有罪判決を受けることはできない。

The instant that he heard of it he made a complete confession to me, so filled was he with horror and remorse.

the instant (その瞬間) [名] the exact moment

make a confession (告白する) [動] admit or acknowledge something

remorse (後悔) [名] a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done

彼はそれを聞いた瞬間、恐怖と後悔に満ちていたので、私に完全な告白をした。

He lost not an hour in breaking entirely with the murderer.

彼は殺人者と完全に手を切るのに一時間もかからなかった。

Oh, Mr. Holmes, you must save him—you must save him!

ああ、ホームズさん、彼を救わなければならない、彼を救わなければならない!

I tell you that you must save him!”

彼を救わなければならないと言っている!」

The Duke had dropped the last attempt at self-command, and was pacing the room with a convulsed face and with his clenched hands raving in the air.

drop (放棄する) [動] stop doing or having something

convulse (歪める) [動] cause to contract or spasm

rave (振り回す) [動] talk wildly or incoherently

公爵は自己制御の最後の試みを放棄し、顔を歪め、握りしめた手を空中で振り回しながら部屋を行ったり来たりしていた。

At last he mastered himself and sat down once more at his desk.

ついに彼は落ち着きを取り戻し、もう一度机の前に座った。

“I appreciate your conduct in coming here before you spoke to anyone else,” said he.

appreciate (感謝する) [動] be grateful for

conduct (行為) [名] the manner in which a person behaves

「他の誰かに話す前にここに来てくれたことを感謝する」と彼は言った。

“At least, we may take counsel how far we can minimize this hideous scandal.”

take counsel (相談する) [動] to seek advice from someone

how far (どこまで) [副] to what extent or degree

minimize (最小限に抑える) [動] reduce to the smallest possible amount

hideous (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause horror; shocking

「少なくとも、この恐ろしいスキャンダルを最小限に抑えるために、どこまでできるか相談することはできる。」

“Exactly,” said Holmes.

「その通りです」とホームズは言った。

“I think, your Grace, that this can only be done by absolute frankness between us.

can only be done by (しかできない) [動] be possible only by

frankness (率直) [名] the quality of being honest and direct in speech or writing

「公爵、これは私たちの間で絶対に率直に話すことでしかできないと思います。

I am disposed to help your Grace to the best of my ability, but, in order to do so, I must understand to the last detail how the matter stands.

be disposed to (~するつもりである) [動] be inclined or willing to do something

to the best of (~の限り) [前] as far as possible

ability (能力) [名] the power or capacity to perform or achieve

to the last detail (細部まで) [副] in every possible way

私は公爵を私の能力の限り助けるつもりですが、そうするためには、事態がどうなっているのか、細部まで理解しなければなりません。

I realize that your words applied to Mr. James Wilder, and that he is not the murderer.”

apply (当てはまる) [動] be relevant or appropriate

あなたの言葉がジェームズ・ワイルダー氏に当てはまり、彼が殺人者ではないことを理解しました。」

“No, the murderer has escaped.”

「いいえ、殺人者は逃げました。」

Sherlock Holmes smiled demurely.

demurely (控えめに) [副] in a shy or modest manner

シャーロック・ホームズは控えめに微笑んだ。

“Your Grace can hardly have heard of any small reputation which I possess, or you would not imagine that it is so easy to escape me.

have heard of (聞いたことがある) [動] be aware of the existence of

any small reputation (名声) [名] the state of being well known and highly regarded

which I possess (私が持っている) [他] that I have

or (そうでなければ) [接] otherwise

would not imagine (想像しないだろう) [動] would not think or believe

it is so easy (そんなに簡単だ) [動] it is very easy

to escape (逃れる) [動] to get free from

「公爵は私の名声をほとんど聞いたことがないのでしょう、そうでなければ、私から逃れるのがそんなに簡単だとは想像しないでしょう。

Mr. Reuben Hayes was arrested at Chesterfield, on my information, at eleven o’clock last night.

ルーベン・ヘイズ氏は、私の情報によると、昨夜11時にチェスターフィールドで逮捕されました。

I had a telegram from the head of the local police before I left the school this morning.”

have a telegram (電報を受け取る) [動] receive a telegram

local police (地元警察) [名] the police force of a particular locality

今朝学校を出る前に、地元警察署長から電報を受け取りました。」

The Duke leaned back in his chair and stared with amazement at my friend.

公爵は椅子にもたれかかり、驚いて私の友人を見つめた。

“You seem to have powers that are hardly human,” said he.

human (人間) [名] a human being; a person

「あなたは人間離れした力を持っているようだ」と彼は言った。

“So Reuben Hayes is taken?

be taken (捕まる) [動] be caught or captured

「それでルーベン・ヘイズは捕まったのか?

I am right glad to hear it, if it will not react upon the fate of James.”

be glad to hear (聞いて嬉しい) [動] be happy to hear

react (影響を与える) [動] act in response to something

それがジェームズの運命に影響を与えないなら、それを聞いて本当に嬉しい。」

“Your secretary?”

「あなたの秘書?」

“No, sir, my son.”

「いいえ、私の息子です。」

It was Holmes’s turn to look astonished.

turn (番) [名] a chance to do something

look (顔をする) [動] have a certain appearance

今度はホームズが驚いた顔をした。

“I confess that this is entirely new to me, your Grace.

「これは私にとって全く新しいことです、公爵。

I must beg you to be more explicit.”

explicit (はっきりとした) [形] stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt

もっとはっきりと説明して頂かなくてはなりません。」

“I will conceal nothing from you.

「あなたには何も隠しません。

I agree with you that complete frankness, however painful it may be to me, is the best policy in this desperate situation to which James’s folly and jealousy have reduced us.

folly (愚行) [名] a foolish act, idea, or practice

jealousy (嫉妬) [名] a feeling of resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages

reduce (陥れる) [動] make or become smaller or less in amount, degree, or size

私にとってどんなに辛いことであれ、ジェームズの愚行と嫉妬によって私たちが陥ったこの絶望的な状況では、完全な率直さが最善の方策であることに同意します。

When I was a very young man, Mr. Holmes, I loved with such a love as comes only once in a lifetime.

when I was a very young man (私がとても若かった頃) [名] when I was young

love (恋をする) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for a person

only once in a lifetime (一生に一度しか) [副] only once in one's life

私がとても若かった頃、ホームズさん、私は一生に一度しか訪れないような恋をしました。

I offered the lady marriage, but she refused it on the grounds that such a match might mar my career.

ground (理由) [名] a cause or reason for something

match (結婚) [名] a marriage

mar (傷つける) [動] damage or spoil

私はその女性に結婚を申し出ましたが、彼女はそのような結婚は私の経歴を傷つけるかもしれないという理由でそれを拒否しました。

Had she lived, I would certainly never have married anyone else.

もし彼女が生きていたら、私は絶対に他の誰とも結婚しなかったでしょう。

She died, and left this one child, whom for her sake I have cherished and cared for.

cherish (大事にする) [動] to hold or treat as dear or valuable

care for (育てる) [動] look after and provide for the needs of

彼女は亡くなり、この一人の子供を残しました。私は彼女のためにこの子を大事に育ててきました。

I could not acknowledge the paternity to the world, but I gave him the best of educations, and since he came to manhood I have kept him near my person.

paternity (父親であること) [名] the state of being a father

education (教育) [名] the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction

come to (なる) [動] reach a certain state or condition

manhood (成人) [名] the state of being a man

keep (置く) [動] cause to remain in a certain state, position, or place

私は世間に父親であることを認めることはできませんでしたが、彼に最高の教育を与え、彼が成人してからは私のそばに置いてきました。

He surmised my secret, and has presumed ever since upon the claim which he has upon me, and upon his power of provoking a scandal which would be abhorrent to me.

surmise (推測する) [動] to make a guess or form an opinion about something without having all the facts

ever since (それ以来ずっと) [副] continuously or repeatedly from a particular past time

claim (要求) [名] an assertion of the truth of something

provoke (起こす) [動] to cause or produce

彼は私の秘密を推測し、それ以来ずっと私に対する要求と、私にとって忌まわしいスキャンダルを起こす力につけ込んできました。

His presence had something to do with the unhappy issue of my marriage.

彼の存在は私の結婚の不幸な問題と関係がありました。

Above all, he hated my young legitimate heir from the first with a persistent hatred.

above all (何よりも) [副] most importantly

legitimate (正当な) [形] in accordance with the law or with rules or standards

persistent (執拗な) [形] continuing firmly or obstinately

何よりも、彼は最初から私の若い正当な相続人を執拗に憎んでいました。

You may well ask me why, under these circumstances, I still kept James under my roof.

under these circumstances (このような状況で) [副] in this situation

keep (置いておく) [動] continue to have or do something

このような状況で、なぜ私がジェームズを屋根の下に置いておくのか、と聞かれるかもしれません。

I answer that it was because I could see his mother’s face in his, and that for her dear sake there was no end to my long-suffering.

long-suffering (忍耐) [名] the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

それは、彼の顔に母親の顔を見ることができたからであり、彼女のために私の忍耐には終わりがなかったからだ。

All her pretty ways too—there was not one of them which he could not suggest and bring back to my memory.

pretty (愛らしい) [形] attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful

suggest (思い出させる) [動] cause to be recalled

bring back (思い出させる) [動] cause to be recalled

彼女の愛らしい仕草もすべて、彼が思い出させてくれるものばかりだった。

I could not send him away.

send away (追い出す) [動] cause to go away; dismiss

私は彼を追い出すことができなかった。

But I feared so much lest he should do Arthur—that is, Lord Saltire—a mischief, that I dispatched him for safety to Dr. Huxtable’s school.

mischief (危害) [名] a harmful or mischievous act

しかし、彼がアーサー、つまりソルタイア卿に危害を加えることを恐れたので、安全のためにハックステーブル博士の学校に送った。

“James came into contact with this fellow Hayes, because the man was a tenant of mine, and James acted as agent.

come into contact with (知り合う) [動] meet or get to know

act as (~として働く) [動] to perform the function of

「ジェームズはヘイズという男と知り合った。彼は私の借家人で、ジェームズが代理人をしていた。

The fellow was a rascal from the beginning, but, in some extraordinary way, James became intimate with him.

from the beginning (最初から) [副] from the very start

in some extraordinary way (どういうわけか) [副] in a very unusual way

become intimate with (親しくなる) [動] become familiar with

彼は最初から悪党だったが、どういうわけかジェームズは彼と親しくなった。

He had always a taste for low company.

have a taste for (好む) [動] to like something

low (下品な) [形] of low quality or status

company (仲間) [名] a person or group of people with whom one spends time or associates

彼はいつも下品な仲間と付き合うのが好きだった。

When James determined to kidnap Lord Saltire, it was of this man’s service that he availed himself.

avail oneself of (力を借りる) [動] make use of

ジェームズがソルタイア卿を誘拐しようと決意したとき、彼はこの男の力を借りた。

You remember that I wrote to Arthur upon that last day.

last day (最後の日) [名] the day before the present day

私があの最後の日にアーサーに手紙を書いたことを覚えているだろう。

Well, James opened the letter and inserted a note asking Arthur to meet him in a little wood called the Ragged Shaw, which is near to the school.

insert (挟み込む) [動] put something into something else

ジェームズはその手紙を開封し、アーサーに学校の近くにあるラグド・ショーという小さな森で会うように頼むメモを挟み込んだ。

He used the Duchess’s name, and in that way got the boy to come.

get (来させる) [動] cause to come or go

彼は公爵夫人の名前を使い、そのようにして少年を来させた。

That evening James bicycled over—I am telling you what he has himself confessed to me—and he told Arthur, whom he met in the wood, that his mother longed to see him, that she was awaiting him on the moor, and that if he would come back into the wood at midnight he would find a man with a horse, who would take him to her.

James (ジェームズ) [名] a male given name

over (出かける) [副] to a place

long (会いたがっていること) [動] have a strong wish or desire for

その夜、ジェームズは自転車で出かけ、森でアーサーと会い、母親が彼に会いたがっていること、沼地で彼を待っていること、真夜中に森に戻れば馬に乗った男がいて、彼を母親のところに連れて行ってくれるだろうと告げた。

Poor Arthur fell into the trap.

fall into (はまる) [動] become involved in

哀れなアーサーは罠にはまった。

He came to the appointment, and found this fellow Hayes with a led pony.

appointment (約束) [名] an arrangement to meet someone or go somewhere at a particular time

pony (ポニー) [名] a small horse

彼は約束通りに来て、このヘイズという男がポニーを連れているのを見つけた。

Arthur mounted, and they set off together.

Arthur (アーサー) [名] a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries

mount (馬に乗る) [動] get up on or climb up on

set off (出発する) [動] start a journey

アーサーは馬に乗り、二人は一緒に出発した。

It appears—though this James only heard yesterday—that they were pursued, that Hayes struck the pursuer with his stick, and that the man died of his injuries.

appear (らしい) [動] seem to be

ジェームズが昨日聞いただけだが、彼らは追跡され、ヘイズが追跡者を棒で殴り、その男は怪我で死んだらしい。

Hayes brought Arthur to his public-house, the Fighting Cock, where he was confined in an upper room, under the care of Mrs. Hayes, who is a kindly woman, but entirely under the control of her brutal husband.

Hayes (ヘイズ) [名] a surname

public-house (パブ) [名] a place where people can buy and consume alcohol and food

confine (閉じ込める) [動] keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits

upper room (二階の部屋) [名] a room on the second floor of a building

Mrs. Hayes (ヘイズ夫人) [名] a woman with the surname Hayes

kindly (親切な) [形] having or showing a friendly, generous, or warmhearted nature

under the control of (支配下にある) [句] dominated or ruled by

ヘイズはアーサーを自分のパブ「ファイティング・コック」に連れて行き、そこで彼は二階の部屋に閉じ込められ、親切な女性だが残忍な夫の支配下にあるヘイズ夫人の世話を受けた。

“Well, Mr. Holmes, that was the state of affairs when I first saw you two days ago.

state of affairs (状況) [名] the current situation

「さて、ホームズさん、それが二日前に私が初めてあなたに会ったときの状況でした。

I had no more idea of the truth than you.

私もあなたと同じように真実を知らなかった。

You will ask me what was James’s motive in doing such a deed.

deed (行為) [名] something that is done

ジェームズがそのようなことをした動機は何だったのか、とあなたは私に尋ねるだろう。

I answer that there was a great deal which was unreasoning and fanatical in the hatred which he bore my heir.

a great deal (たくさん) [名] a large amount

unreasoning (理不尽な) [形] not showing good judgment or reason

fanatical (狂信的な) [形] filled with excessive and single-minded zeal

bear (抱く) [動] feel or show

彼が私の相続人に抱いていた憎しみには、理不尽で狂信的なものがたくさんあったと答える。

In his view he should himself have been heir of all my estates, and he deeply resented those social laws which made it impossible.

in one's view (考えでは) [名] in one's opinion

estate (財産) [名] all the money and property owned by a person

social law (社会法) [名] a law that deals with social issues

彼の考えでは、彼自身が私のすべての財産の相続人であるべきであり、それを不可能にした社会法に深く憤慨していた。

At the same time, he had a definite motive also.

definite (明確な) [形] clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful

同時に、彼には明確な動機もあった。

He was eager that I should break the entail, and he was of opinion that it lay in my power to do so.

be eager (熱望する) [動] strongly wanting to do or have something

break (破棄する) [動] cause to come apart by force

entail (相続) [名] the legal right to inherit the property of someone who has died

lie in (ある) [動] be present or found in

彼は私が相続を破棄することを熱望しており、そうすることは私の権限にあると考えていた。

He intended to make a bargain with me—to restore Arthur if I would break the entail, and so make it possible for the estate to be left to him by will.

make a bargain (取引をする) [動] reach an agreement

break the entail (相続を破棄する) [動] break the entail

彼は私と取引をするつもりだった。私が相続を破棄して、遺言で財産を彼に残せるようにすれば、アーサーを返すという取引だ。

He knew well that I should never willingly invoke the aid of the police against him.

know well (よく知っている) [動] be very familiar with

invoke (求める) [動] call on for help or support

aid (助け) [名] help, typically of a practical nature

彼は私が彼に対して警察の助けを喜んで求めることは決してないとよく知っていた。

I say that he would have proposed such a bargain to me, but he did not actually do so, for events moved too quickly for him, and he had not time to put his plans into practice.

propose (持ちかける) [動] put forward for consideration or discussion

put into practice (実行する) [動] carry out or accomplish

彼は私にそのような取引を持ちかけただろうと思うが、実際にはそうしなかった。なぜなら、彼にとって事態があまりにも急速に進み、計画を実行する時間がなかったからだ。

“What brought all his wicked scheme to wreck was your discovery of this man Heidegger’s dead body.

bring to wreck (破綻させる) [動] cause to fail or collapse

scheme (計画) [名] a systematic plan of future action

dead body (死体) [名] a corpse

「彼の邪悪な計画がすべて破綻したのは、あなたがこのハイデガーの死体を発見したからだ。

James was seized with horror at the news.

ジェームズはその知らせに恐怖に襲われた。

It came to us yesterday, as we sat together in this study.

come to (思いつく) [動] to occur to

sit together (一緒に座る) [動] to sit in the same place as someone else

昨日、この書斎に一緒に座っていた時に思いついたんだ。

Dr. Huxtable had sent a telegram.

ハックステーブル博士が電報を送ったのだ。

James was so overwhelmed with grief and agitation that my suspicions, which had never been entirely absent, rose instantly to a certainty, and I taxed him with the deed.

be overwhelmed with (圧倒される) [動] be affected by something to a very great degree

tax (問いただす) [動] to ask someone a question in a forceful way

ジェームズは悲しみと動揺に圧倒されていたので、私の疑念は、決して完全に消えたことはなかったが、すぐに確信に変わり、私は彼にその行為を問いただした。

He made a complete voluntary confession.

voluntary (自発的な) [形] done, given, or acting of one's own free will

彼は完全に自発的に自白した。

Then he implored me to keep his secret for three days longer, so as to give his wretched accomplice a chance of saving his guilty life.

keep (守る) [動] continue to have, do, or be

accomplice (共犯者) [名] a person who helps another commit a crime

それから彼は、彼の惨めな共犯者に彼の罪深い命を救う機会を与えるために、彼の秘密をあと3日間守るように私に懇願した。

I yielded—as I have always yielded—to his prayers, and instantly James hurried off to the Fighting Cock to warn Hayes and give him the means of flight.

yield (屈する) [動] give way to pressure, force, or persuasion

prayer (懇願) [名] a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship

私はいつもそうしてきたように彼の懇願に屈し、ジェームズはすぐにファイティング・コックに急いで行き、ヘイズに警告して逃亡の手段を与えた。

I could not go there by daylight without provoking comment, but as soon as night fell I hurried off to see my dear Arthur.

daylight (日中) [名] the time of day when the sun is shining

provoke (人目につく) [動] cause or give rise to

as soon as (すぐに) [接] at the moment that

日中は人目につかずにそこへ行くことはできなかったが、夜になるとすぐに愛するアーサーに会いに急いだ。

I found him safe and well, but horrified beyond expression by the dreadful deed he had witnessed.

horrified (恐怖を感じている) [形] filled with horror

beyond expression (言葉では言い表せない) [副] too extreme to be described in words

witness (目撃する) [動] see or notice

彼は安全で元気だったが、目撃した恐ろしい行為に言葉では言い表せないほど恐怖を感じていた。

In deference to my promise, and much against my will, I consented to leave him there for three days, under the charge of Mrs. Hayes, since it was evident that it was impossible to inform the police where he was without telling them also who was the murderer, and I could not see how that murderer could be punished without ruin to my unfortunate James.

in deference to (に従って) [前] in compliance with

much against my will (自分の意志に反して) [副] unwillingly

consent to (に同意する) [動] give permission for something to happen

under the charge of (の管理下で) [前] under the care or supervision of

since (なぜなら) [接] for the reason that

it was evident that (は明らかだった) [動] be obvious or easily perceived or understood

telling (告げる) [動] communicate information, news, or facts to someone

I could not see (私にはわからなかった) [動] fail to understand

that murderer (その殺人者) [名] the person who killed someone

could be punished (罰する) [動] inflict a penalty or sanction on (someone) as retribution for an offense

my unfortunate James (私の不幸なジェームズ) [名] the name of a person

私は約束を守り、自分の意志に反して、彼をヘイズ夫人の管理下で3日間そこに残すことに同意した。なぜなら、彼がどこにいるかを警察に知らせることは、殺人者が誰であるかを告げずには不可能であることは明らかだったし、私の不幸なジェームズを破滅させずにその殺人者を罰する方法が私にはわからなかったからだ。

You asked for frankness, Mr. Holmes, and I have taken you at your word, for I have now told you everything without an attempt at circumlocution or concealment.

ask for (頼む) [動] request something

take at one's word (信じる) [動] believe someone

circumlocution (遠回し) [名] the use of many words where fewer would do

ホームズさん、あなたは率直に話してくれと頼んだので、私はあなたの言葉を信じ、遠回しに言ったり隠したりせずにすべてを話しました。

Do you in turn be as frank with me.”

in turn (今度は) [副] in the reverse order

frank (率直な) [形] open and honest in speech or writing

あなたも私に率直に話してください」

“I will,” said Holmes.

will (そうします) [助] expressing intention, determination, or willingness

「そうします」とホームズは言った。

“In the first place, your Grace, I am bound to tell you that you have placed yourself in a most serious position in the eyes of the law.

be bound to (せざるを得ない) [動] be obliged to

most serious (最も深刻な) [形] of the greatest importance or significance

in the eyes of (の観点から見て) [前] from the perspective of

「まず、公爵、私はあなたに、あなたが法の観点から見て最も深刻な立場に身を置いていることを告げねばなりません。

You have condoned a felony, and you have aided the escape of a murderer, for I cannot doubt that any money which was taken by James Wilder to aid his accomplice in his flight came from your Grace’s purse.”

condone (許す) [動] to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless

aid (助ける) [動] to give help to

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

あなたは重罪を許し、殺人者の逃亡を助けたのです。ジェームズ・ワイルダーが共犯者の逃亡を助けるために受け取った金は、あなたの財布から出てきたことは疑いようがありません」

The Duke bowed his assent.

bow (頭を下げる) [動] bend the head or body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame

assent (同意) [名] the expression of approval or agreement

公爵は同意して頭を下げた。

“This is, indeed, a most serious matter.

「これは確かに最も深刻な問題です。

Even more culpable in my opinion, your Grace, is your attitude towards your younger son.

even more (さらに) [副] to a greater extent

culpable (非難されるべき) [形] deserving blame or punishment

私の考えでは、公爵、さらに非難されるべきは、あなたの次男に対する態度です。

You leave him in this den for three days.”

three days (三日間) [名] a period of three consecutive days

あなたは彼をこの巣穴に三日間も放置したのです」

“Under solemn promises——”

solemn (厳粛な) [形] formal and dignified

「厳粛な約束のもとで」

“What are promises to such people as these?

「このような人々にとって約束とは何でしょう?

You have no guarantee that he will not be spirited away again.

guarantee (保証) [名] a promise that something will be done or will happen

spirit away (連れ去る) [動] to take someone or something away quickly and secretly

彼が再び連れ去られないという保証はありません。

To humour your guilty elder son, you have exposed your innocent younger son to imminent and unnecessary danger.

humour (甘やかす) [動] to comply with the wishes of

younger (次男) [形] younger

imminent (差し迫った) [形] about to happen

罪を犯した長男を甘やかすために、無実の次男を差し迫った不必要な危険にさらしたのです。

It was a most unjustifiable action.”

unjustifiable (正当化できない) [形] not able to be excused or justified

それは最も正当化できない行動でした。」

The proud lord of Holdernesse was not accustomed to be so rated in his own ducal hall.

lord (公爵) [名] a person having great power or authority

be rated (評価される) [動] be judged or assessed

ducal (公爵の) [形] of or relating to a duke or dukedom

hall (邸宅) [名] a large house

ホルダーネスの誇り高き公爵は、自分の公爵邸でそのように評価されることに慣れていなかった。

The blood flushed into his high forehead, but his conscience held him dumb.

flush (流れ込む) [動] flow or cause to flow with a sudden and rapid gush

hold (黙らせる) [動] keep from doing or happening

血が彼の高い額に流れ込んだが、彼の良心は彼を黙らせた。

“I will help you, but on one condition only.

「私はあなたを助けますが、ただ一つの条件があります。

It is that you ring for the footman and let me give such orders as I like.”

ring for (呼び出す) [動] summon by ringing a bell

footman (召使) [名] a male servant who waits at table

give (命令する) [動] issue a command

それは、あなたが召使を呼び出し、私が好きなように命令できるようにすることです。」

Without a word, the Duke pressed the electric bell.

press (押す) [動] push against or upon with steady force

electric bell (電気ベル) [名] a bell that is rung by an electric current

公爵は一言も言わずに電気ベルを押した。

A servant entered.

召使が入った。

“You will be glad to hear,” said Holmes, “that your young master is found.

「お聞きになって嬉しいでしょうが」とホームズは言った、「あなたの若い主人は見つかりました。

It is the Duke’s desire that the carriage shall go at once to the Fighting Cock Inn to bring Lord Saltire home.

公爵の希望は、馬車がすぐにファイティング・コック・インに行き、ソルタイア卿を家に連れ帰ることです。

“Now,” said Holmes, when the rejoicing lackey had disappeared, “having secured the future, we can afford to be more lenient with the past.

rejoicing (喜びにあふれた) [形] feeling or showing great happiness

lackey (召使) [名] a servant, especially a footman or a page

having secured (確保したので) [動] get or obtain

lenient (寛大な) [形] tolerant or forgiving

「さて」とホームズは、喜びにあふれた召使が姿を消すと言った、「未来を確保したので、過去に対してもっと寛大になる余裕がある。

I am not in an official position, and there is no reason, so long as the ends of justice are served, why I should disclose all that I know.

official position (公職) [名] a position in a government or public organization

私は公職に就いているわけではないし、正義の目的が果たされる限り、私が知っていることすべてを明らかにする理由はない。

As to Hayes, I say nothing.

ヘイズについては何も言わない。

The gallows awaits him, and I would do nothing to save him from it.

絞首台が彼を待っているし、私は彼をそこから救うために何もしない。

What he will divulge I cannot tell, but I have no doubt that your Grace could make him understand that it is to his interest to be silent.

divulge (漏らす) [動] make known (something that was previously secret or unknown)

Grace (公爵閣下) [名] a title used as a form of address for a duke, duchess, or archbishop

interest (利益) [名] money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt

彼が何を漏らすかはわからないが、公爵閣下が彼に黙っていることが彼の利益になることを理解させることができるのは間違いない。

From the police point of view he will have kidnapped the boy for the purpose of ransom.

警察の見方では、彼は身代金目的で少年を誘拐したことになる。

If they do not themselves find it out, I see no reason why I should prompt them to take a broader point of view.

take (持つ) [動] adopt or have

彼らが自分でそれを発見しないのであれば、私が彼らにもっと広い視野を持つように促す理由はない。

I would warn your Grace, however, that the continued presence of Mr. James Wilder in your household can only lead to misfortune.”

しかし、ジェームズ・ワイルダー氏があなたの家にいることは不幸にしかつながらないと、公爵閣下に警告しておきたい。」

“I understand that, Mr. Holmes, and it is already settled that he shall leave me forever, and go to seek his fortune in Australia.”

settle (決まる) [動] decide or agree on something

forever (永遠に) [副] for all time; eternally

seek (探す) [動] try to find

fortune (運) [名] chance or luck as an external, arbitrary force affecting human affairs

「それはわかっている、ホームズさん、彼が私から永遠に離れ、オーストラリアで運を探すことはすでに決まっている。」

“In that case, your Grace, since you have yourself stated that any unhappiness in your married life was caused by his presence, I would suggest that you make such amends as you can to the Duchess, and that you try to resume those relations which have been so unhappily interrupted.”

be caused by (によって引き起こされる) [動] be the cause of

make amends (償いをする) [動] compensate or make up for a wrong or deficiency

as you can (できる限り) [副] to the utmost of your ability

resume (再開する) [動] begin again or continue after a pause or interruption

「その場合、公爵閣下、あなたは結婚生活の不幸は彼の存在によって引き起こされたとご自身で述べているので、公爵夫人にできる限りの償いをして、不幸にも中断された関係を再開することをお勧めします。」

“That also I have arranged, Mr. Holmes.

「それも手配しました、ホームズさん。

I wrote to the Duchess this morning.”

今朝、公爵夫人に手紙を書きました。」

“In that case,” said Holmes, rising, “I think that my friend and I can congratulate ourselves upon several most happy results from our little visit to the North.

「その場合」とホームズは立ち上がりながら言った、「友人と私は北への短い訪問から得られたいくつかの最も幸せな結果を祝福できると思う。

There is one other small point upon which I desire some light.

desire (明らかにしたい) [動] want or wish for

もう一つ、少しだけ明らかにしたい点がある。

This fellow Hayes had shod his horses with shoes which counterfeited the tracks of cows.

このヘイズという男は、牛の足跡に似せた蹄鉄を馬に履かせていた。

Was it from Mr. Wilder that he learned so extraordinary a device?”

device (工夫) [名] a thing made for a particular purpose

彼はワイルダー氏からそのような素晴らしい工夫を学んだのか?」

The Duke stood in thought for a moment, with a look of intense surprise on his face.

stand in thought (考え込む) [動] to be lost in thought

moment (しばらく) [名] a very short period of time

公爵は、顔に強い驚きの表情を浮かべて、しばらく考え込んでいた。

Then he opened a door and showed us into a large room furnished as a museum.

show (案内する) [動] guide or direct someone or something

museum (博物館) [名] a place where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited

それから彼はドアを開け、博物館のようにしつらえた大きな部屋に案内した。

He led the way to a glass case in a corner, and pointed to the inscription.

glass case (ガラスケース) [名] a case made of glass

point to (指さす) [動] direct someone's attention to something by extending one's finger

彼は先に立って角にあるガラスケースに行き、碑文を指さした。

“These shoes,” it ran, “were dug up in the moat of Holdernesse Hall.

dig up (掘り出す) [動] to remove from the ground by digging

moat (堀) [名] a deep, wide trench, either dry or filled with water, that is dug in order to defend a place against an attack

「この靴はホルダーネスホールの堀から掘り出された。

They are for the use of horses, but they are shaped below with a cloven foot of iron, so as to throw pursuers off the track.

use (使用) [名] the act of using something

shape (形) [名] the external form, contours, or outline of someone or something

throw (惑わす) [動] cause to be in a specified state

pursuer (追跡者) [名] someone who is trying to catch or find someone or something

馬に履かせるものだが、底に鉄製のひづめがついており、追跡者を惑わすためのものだ。

They are supposed to have belonged to some of the marauding Barons of Holdernesse in the Middle Ages.”

belong to (属する) [動] be a member of

Middle Ages (中世) [名] the period of European history extending from about 500 to 1400–1500 ce

Barons of Holdernesse (ホルダーネスの男爵) [名] a member of the lowest order of the British peerage

marauding (略奪する) [動] roam in search of plunder

中世のホルダーネスの略奪男爵の持ち物だったと考えられている。」

Holmes opened the case, and moistening his finger he passed it along the shoe.

ホームズはケースを開け、指を湿らせて靴に沿って動かした。

A thin film of recent mud was left upon his skin.

film (膜) [名] a thin layer or coating

mud (泥) [名] wet, soft earth

skin (肌) [名] the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal

彼の肌にはつい最近の泥の薄い膜が残っていた。

“Thank you,” said he, as he replaced the glass.

replace (元に戻す) [動] put back in place

「ありがとう」と言って、彼はグラスを元に戻した。

“It is the second most interesting object that I have seen in the North.”

North (北部) [名] the direction in which the North Pole lies

「これは私が北部で見た中で二番目に興味深い物体だ。」

“And the first?”

「では一番目は?」

Holmes folded up his check and placed it carefully in his notebook.

fold up (折りたたむ) [動] bend (something) over on itself so that one part lies on top of another

ホームズは小切手を折りたたんで、注意深く手帳に挟んだ。

“I am a poor man,” said he, as he patted it affectionately, and thrust it into the depths of his inner pocket.

poor (貧乏な) [形] having little or no money

pat (撫でる) [動] to stroke or tap gently with the hand

affectionately (愛情を込めて) [副] in a loving or caring manner

thrust (押し込む) [動] to push or drive with force

「私は貧乏人だからね」と言って、彼はそれを愛情を込めて撫で、内ポケットの奥深くに押し込んだ。

THE ADVENTURE OF BLACK PETER

黒いピーターの冒険

I have never known my friend to be in better form, both mental and physical, than in the year ’95.

have never known (知らなかった) [動] be not aware of

be in better form (良い状態だった) [動] be in a better state

mental (精神的) [形] of or relating to the mind

physical (肉体的) [形] of or relating to the body

私の友人が、精神的にも肉体的にも、95年よりも良い状態だったことはなかった。

His increasing fame had brought with it an immense practice, and I should be guilty of an indiscretion if I were even to hint at the identity of some of the illustrious clients who crossed our humble threshold in Baker Street.

immense (膨大な) [形] extremely large or great

practice (仕事) [名] the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories about such application or use

guilty (罪を犯す) [形] having done something wrong

indiscretion (軽率) [名] lack of care for the consequences of one's actions

hint (ほのめかす) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

cross (訪れる) [動] go or move across or to the other side of

humble (質素な) [形] having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance

threshold (住居) [名] the entrance to a house or room

彼の名声が高まるにつれて、仕事も増え、ベーカー街の私たちの質素な住居を訪れた著名な依頼人の身元をほのめかすだけでも、私は軽率な罪を犯すことになるだろう。

Holmes, however, like all great artists, lived for his art’s sake, and, save in the case of the Duke of Holdernesse, I have seldom known him claim any large reward for his inestimable services.

art (芸術) [名] the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination

claim (要求する) [動] demand or assert as a right

しかし、ホームズはすべての偉大な芸術家と同じように、芸術のために生きており、ホルダーネス公爵の場合を除いて、彼が計り知れない奉仕に対して大きな報酬を要求することはめったになかった。

So unworldly was he—or so capricious—that he frequently refused his help to the powerful and wealthy where the problem made no appeal to his sympathies, while he would devote weeks of most intense application to the affairs of some humble client whose case presented those strange and dramatic qualities which appealed to his imagination and challenged his ingenuity.

unworldly (世俗的ではない) [形] not concerned with this world or with practical matters

capricious (気まぐれ) [形] showing sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

frequently (しばしば) [副] many times; often

sympathy (共感) [名] the feeling that you care about and are sorry for someone

intense (熱心) [形] very great or extreme

application (取り組み) [名] the action of using something or putting it into operation

present (示す) [動] give, offer, or send as a gift

quality (性質) [名] a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something

challenge (挑戦) [動] invite someone to engage in a contest

彼は非常に世俗的ではない、あるいは気まぐれなので、問題が彼の共感を呼び起こさない場合、権力者や富裕層への援助をしばしば拒否する一方で、彼の想像力に訴え、彼の創意工夫に挑戦する奇妙で劇的な性質を示す事件を抱えた、謙虚な依頼人の事件に何週間も熱心に取り組むのだった。

In this memorable year ’95, a curious and incongruous succession of cases had engaged his attention, ranging from his famous investigation of the sudden death of Cardinal Tosca—an inquiry which was carried out by him at the express desire of His Holiness the Pope—down to his arrest of Wilson, the notorious canary-trainer, which removed a plague-spot from the East End of London.

In this memorable year ’95 (この記念すべき95年には) [名] the year 1895

incongruous (不調和な) [形] not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something

succession (相次ぐ) [名] the action of following in order or sequence

engage (引く) [動] attract and hold the attention of

range (至る) [動] extend in scope or size

Cardinal Tosca (トスカ枢機卿) [名] a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church

express (ご要望) [形] operating at high speed

Pope (法王) [名] the head of the Roman Catholic Church

down to (に至るまで) [前] all the way to

Wilson (ウィルソン) [名] the 28th president of the United States

notorious (悪名高い) [形] well known for some bad quality or deed

canary-trainer (カナリア調教師) [名] a person who trains canaries

plague-spot (疫病の跡) [名] a place infected with plague

この記念すべき95年には、トスカ枢機卿の突然の死に関する有名な捜査(法王陛下のご要望により彼が行った捜査)から、ロンドンのイーストエンドから疫病の跡を取り除いた悪名高いカナリア調教師ウィルソンの逮捕に至るまで、奇妙で不調和な事件が相次いで彼の注意を引いた。

Close on the heels of these two famous cases came the tragedy of Woodman’s Lee, and the very obscure circumstances which surrounded the death of Captain Peter Carey.

close on the heels of (直後に) [副] very soon after

Woodman's Lee (ウッドマンズ・リー) [名] a place

Captain (大佐) [名] a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps

この2つの有名な事件の直後に、ウッドマンズ・リーの悲劇と、ピーター・キャリー大佐の死を取り巻く非常に不明瞭な状況が発生した。

No record of the doings of Mr. Sherlock Holmes would be complete which did not include some account of this very unusual affair.

doings (行動) [名] actions or activities

some account (説明) [名] a statement of the facts of a situation

シャーロック・ホームズ氏の行動記録は、この非常に珍しい事件の説明を含まなければ完全ではないだろう。

During the first week of July, my friend had been absent so often and so long from our lodgings that I knew he had something on hand.

first week (最初の週) [名] the week that starts on the first day of the month

so often (頻繁に) [副] many times

so long (長時間) [副] for a long time

lodging (宿泊施設) [名] a place where you can stay temporarily

on hand (抱えている) [形] available or ready to be used

7月の最初の週に、友人は私たちの宿泊施設を頻繁に長時間不在にしていたため、彼が何かを抱えていることがわかった。

The fact that several rough-looking men called during that time and inquired for Captain Basil made me understand that Holmes was working somewhere under one of the numerous disguises and names with which he concealed his own formidable identity.

rough-looking (粗野な) [形] having a coarse or unrefined appearance

during that time (その間に) [名] in or throughout the course of that time

Captain Basil (バジル大佐) [名] a character in the story

make me understand (わかった) [動] cause me to understand

numerous (数々の) [形] consisting of a great number

その間に何人かの粗野な男たちが電話をかけてきて、バジル大佐を尋ねてきたことから、ホームズはどこかで自分の恐ろしい身元を隠すために数々の変装や名前を使い、働いているのだとわかった。

He had at least five small refuges in different parts of London, in which he was able to change his personality.

refuge (隠れ家) [名] a place that provides shelter or protection

different (さまざまな) [形] not the same as another or each other; unlike

彼はロンドンのさまざまな場所に少なくとも5つの小さな隠れ家を持っており、そこで彼は人格を変えることができた。

He said nothing of his business to me, and it was not my habit to force a confidence.

彼は私に仕事のことは何も言わなかったし、私は無理に信頼を得ようとはしない。

The first positive sign which he gave me of the direction which his investigation was taking was an extraordinary one.

positive (確かな) [形] having or expressing a favorable opinion or attitude

彼が捜査の方向性について私に与えた最初の確かな兆候は、異常なものだった。

He had gone out before breakfast, and I had sat down to mine when he strode into the room, his hat upon his head and a huge barbed-headed spear tucked like an umbrella under his arm.

barbed (棘のついた) [形] having a sharp point

spear (槍) [名] a weapon with a long shaft and a pointed tip

tuck (抱える) [動] put or hold in a specified position

umbrella (傘) [名] a device for protection against rain or sun, consisting of a circular canopy of fabric supported by a folding metal frame mounted on a central rod

彼は朝食前に出かけていて、私が朝食の席に着いたとき、彼は帽子をかぶり、巨大な棘のついた槍を傘のように脇に抱えて部屋に入ってきた。

“Good gracious, Holmes!” I cried.

good gracious (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise

「なんてことだ、ホームズ!」私は叫んだ。

“You don’t mean to say that you have been walking about London with that thing?”

mean to say (言うつもりである) [動] intend to say

walk about (歩き回る) [動] walk around

「まさか、そんなものをもってロンドンを歩き回っていたわけではないだろう?」

“I drove to the butcher’s and back.”

butcher (肉屋) [名] a person who prepares and sells meat

「肉屋まで馬車で行って帰ってきた。」

“The butcher’s?”

「肉屋?」

“And I return with an excellent appetite.

「そして、食欲旺盛になって帰ってきた。

There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast.

no question (疑問の余地はない) [名] no doubt

ワトソン君、朝食前の運動の価値については疑問の余地はない。

But I am prepared to bet that you will not guess the form that my exercise has taken.”

bet (賭ける) [動] risk money or something else of value on the outcome of an event

take (とる) [動] assume or adopt a certain form, shape, or appearance

しかし、君は私の運動がどんな形をとったか推測できないだろう。」

“I will not attempt it.”

attempt (推測) [動] try to do something

「推測はしない。」

He chuckled as he poured out the coffee.

pour out (注ぐ) [動] cause to flow in a stream

coffee (コーヒー) [名] a hot drink made from the roasted and ground bean-like seeds of a tropical shrub

彼はコーヒーを注ぎながらくすくす笑った。

“If you could have looked into Allardyce’s back shop, you would have seen a dead pig swung from a hook in the ceiling, and a gentleman in his shirt sleeves furiously stabbing at it with this weapon.

back shop (裏の店) [名] a room at the back of a shop

dead pig (死んだ豚) [名] a pig that is no longer alive

ceiling (天井) [名] the upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment

hook (フック) [名] a curved or sharply bent device for catching, holding, or pulling

shirt sleeve (シャツ) [名] a garment for the upper body with sleeves and a collar, typically buttoned down the front

「もしアラダイスの裏の店を覗くことができたら、天井のフックから吊るされた死んだ豚と、シャツを着た紳士がこの武器で激しくそれを突き刺しているのを見ることができただろう。

I was that energetic person, and I have satisfied myself that by no exertion of my strength can I transfix the pig with a single blow.

energetic (精力的な) [形] having or showing great energy or activity

exertion (努力) [名] a vigorous or determined attempt

transfix (突き刺す) [動] pierce through with or as if with a sharp pointed object

私はその精力的な人物で、どんなに力を込めても一撃で豚を突き刺すことはできないことを自覚した。

Perhaps you would care to try?”

would care to (試してみたい) [動] would like to

試してみたいとは思わないか?」

“Not for worlds. But why were you doing this?”

for worlds (絶対に) [副] under no circumstances; not at all

「絶対に嫌だ。しかし、なぜこんなことを?」

“Because it seemed to me to have an indirect bearing upon the mystery of Woodman’s Lee.

have an indirect bearing upon (間接的に関係している) [動] be indirectly related to

「なぜなら、それがウッドマンズ・リーの謎に間接的に関係しているように私には思えたからだ。

Ah, Hopkins, I got your wire last night, and I have been expecting you.

ああ、ホプキンス、昨夜君の電報を受け取った、君を待っていたんだ。

Come and join us.”

join (参加する) [動] become a member of or be admitted to

来てください」

Our visitor was an exceedingly alert man, thirty years of age, dressed in a quiet tweed suit, but retaining the erect bearing of one who was accustomed to official uniform.

exceedingly (非常に) [副] to a very great degree

thirty years of age (三十歳) [名] the age of thirty

retain (保つ) [動] continue to have

erect (直立した) [形] upright in position or posture

bearing (姿勢) [名] a person's way of standing or moving

accustomed (慣れた) [形] familiar with something through use or experience

訪問者は、三十歳の非常に機敏な男で、地味なツイードのスーツを着ていたが、制服を着慣れた人のような直立した姿勢を保っていた。

I recognized him at once as Stanley Hopkins, a young police inspector, for whose future Holmes had high hopes, while he in turn professed the admiration and respect of a pupil for the scientific methods of the famous amateur.

Stanley Hopkins (スタンリー・ホプキンス) [名] a young police inspector

police inspector (警察の警部) [名] a police officer in charge of a police station

future (将来) [名] the time that is still to come

in turn (また) [副] in the opposite direction

admiration (賞賛) [名] a feeling of very great respect and approval

respect (尊敬) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

pupil (生徒) [名] a person who is studying at a school

amateur (アマチュア) [名] a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis

私はすぐに彼がスタンリー・ホプキンスだとわかった。彼は若い警察の警部で、ホームズは彼の将来に大きな期待を寄せていたし、彼もまた、有名なアマチュアの科学的な方法に対する生徒の賞賛と尊敬を公言していた。

Hopkins’s brow was clouded, and he sat down with an air of deep dejection.

cloud (曇る) [動] become cloudy

ホプキンスの額は曇り、彼は深く落胆した様子で腰を下ろした。

“No, thank you, sir.

「いいえ、ありがとうございます。

I breakfasted before I came round.

come round (来る) [動] arrive at a place

来る前に朝食を済ませました。

I spent the night in town, for I came up yesterday to report.”

昨日報告に上がったので、夜は街で過ごしました」

“And what had you to report?”

「そして、何を報告したんだ?」

“Failure, sir, absolute failure.”

「失敗です、全くの失敗です」

“You have made no progress?”

make progress (進展がある) [動] to move forward or advance

「進展は全くないのか?」

“None.”

「全くありません」

“Dear me! I must have a look at the matter.”

have a look (調べてみる) [動] to examine or inspect something

「おやおや! 私もその件を調べてみなくては」

“I wish to heavens that you would, Mr. Holmes.

heavens (天) [名] the sky or the universe as seen from the earth

would (して下されば) [助] used to express a wish or request

「ホームズさん、そうして下さればどんなに嬉しいか。

It’s my first big chance, and I am at my wits’ end.

wit (途方に暮れる) [名] the ability to think and reason in a clever and humorous way

私にとって初めての大きなチャンスで、もう途方に暮れているのです。

For goodness’ sake, come down and lend me a hand.”

for goodness' sake (どうか) [間] used to express mild irritation or impatience

lend a hand (手を貸す) [動] help someone

どうか、下りてきて私に手を貸して下さい」

“Well, well, it just happens that I have already read all the available evidence, including the report of the inquest, with some care.

just happen (たまたま) [動] occur by chance

including (含む) [前] comprising as a part

some care (注意深く) [名] a moderate amount of care

「そうそう、たまたま私は、検死報告書を含む、手に入る証拠をすべて注意深く読んでいたんだ。

By the way, what do you make of that tobacco pouch, found on the scene of the crime?

tobacco pouch (タバコ入れ) [名] a small bag for carrying tobacco

crime scene (犯行現場) [名] the location where a crime took place

ところで、犯行現場で見つかったあのタバコ入れをどう思う?

Is there no clue there?”

そこに手がかりはないのか?」

Hopkins looked surprised.

ホプキンスは驚いた顔をした。

“It was the man’s own pouch, sir.

「それは被害者自身のタバコ入れでした。

His initials were inside it.

initial (イニシャル) [名] the first letter of a word, especially a person's name

中にイニシャルが書いてありました。

And it was of sealskin,—and he was an old sealer.”

seal (アザラシ) [名] a large marine mammal with a streamlined body and limbs modified into flippers

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

sealer (アザラシ漁師) [名] a person who hunts seals

アザラシの皮でできていました。彼は昔アザラシ漁師だったんです。」

“But he had no pipe.”

「しかし、彼はパイプを持っていなかった。」

“No, sir, we could find no pipe.

「いいえ、パイプは見つかりませんでした。

Indeed, he smoked very little, and yet he might have kept some tobacco for his friends.”

yet (しかし) [接] nevertheless; but

tobacco (煙草) [名] a plant widely cultivated for its leaves, which are dried and processed chiefly for smoking in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, and to a lesser extent for use as snuff or chewing tobacco

実際、彼はほとんど煙草を吸いませんでしたが、友人のために煙草を用意していたかもしれません。」

“No doubt. I only mention it because, if I had been handling the case, I should have been inclined to make that the starting-point of my investigation.

handle (担当する) [動] be in charge of

「間違いない。私がこの事件を担当していたら、それを捜査の出発点にしただろうから、それを言及しただけだ。

However, my friend, Dr. Watson, knows nothing of this matter, and I should be none the worse for hearing the sequence of events once more.

sequence (一連) [名] a series of events or things that happen or follow in a particular order

しかし、私の友人のワトソン博士はこの件について何も知らないし、もう一度一連の出来事を聞いても悪くはないだろう。

Just give us some short sketches of the essentials.”

give (説明する) [動] provide someone with something

sketch (説明) [名] a brief account of the main points of something

essential (要点) [名] something that is absolutely necessary

要点だけを簡単に説明してくれ。」

Stanley Hopkins drew a slip of paper from his pocket.

Stanley Hopkins (スタンレー・ホプキンス) [名] a character in the story

スタンレー・ホプキンスはポケットから一枚の紙を取り出した。

“I have a few dates here which will give you the career of the dead man, Captain Peter Carey.

Captain (船長) [名] the person in charge of a ship

Peter Carey (ピーター・ケアリー) [名] an Australian novelist

「ここに死んだピーター・ケアリー船長の経歴を示す日付がいくつかある。

He was born in ’45—fifty years of age.

be born (生まれる) [動] come into existence

彼は1845年生まれで、50歳だった。

He was a most daring and successful seal and whale fisher.

daring (大胆な) [形] willing to do dangerous or risky things

successful (成功した) [形] having achieved success

whale (鯨) [名] a very large marine mammal with a streamlined body and a blowhole on the top of the head

fisher (漁師) [名] a person engaged in fishing

彼は最も大胆で成功したアザラシと鯨の漁師だった。

In 1883 he commanded the steam sealer Sea Unicorn, of Dundee.

1883 (1883年) [名] a year in the Gregorian calendar

command (指揮する) [動] give an authoritative order

steam sealer (蒸気アザラシ漁船) [名] a ship that hunts seals

Dundee (ダンディー) [名] a city in Scotland

1883年に彼はダンディーの蒸気アザラシ漁船シー・ユニコーンを指揮した。

He had then had several successful voyages in succession, and in the following year, 1884, he retired.

following (翌年) [形] next in time

retire (引退する) [動] to withdraw from one's position or occupation

彼はその後、連続して数回成功した航海をし、翌年の1884年に引退した。

After that he travelled for some years, and finally he bought a small place called Woodman’s Lee, near Forest Row, in Sussex.

some years (数年間) [名] a period of time

buy (購入する) [動] get by paying money

Forest Row (フォレスト・ロウ) [名] a village in East Sussex, England

Sussex (サセックス) [名] a county in south-east England

その後、彼は数年間旅行し、ついにサセックスのフォレスト・ロウ近くのウッドマンズ・リーと呼ばれる小さな場所を購入した。

There he has lived for six years, and there he died just a week ago to-day.

six years (6年間) [名] a period of six years

a week ago (一週間前) [名] a period of seven days

彼はそこで6年間暮らし、ちょうど一週間前の今日そこで亡くなった。

“There were some most singular points about the man.

「その男にはいくつかの非常に特異な点があった。

In ordinary life, he was a strict Puritan—a silent, gloomy fellow.

ordinary life (普段の生活) [名] the usual or normal course of one's life

strict (厳格な) [形] demanding that rules or standards be obeyed

Puritan (ピューリタン) [名] a member of a group of English Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted to simplify and regulate forms of worship

普段の生活では、彼は厳格なピューリタンで、無口で陰気な男だった。

His household consisted of his wife, his daughter, aged twenty, and two female servants.

household (家族) [名] a group of people living together in one residence

female (女性) [形] of or denoting the sex that produces ova or bears young

彼の家族は妻、20歳の娘、2人の女中だった。

These last were continually changing, for it was never a very cheery situation, and sometimes it became past all bearing.

last (女中) [名] a woman who works in a house, especially doing cleaning and cooking

change (入れ替わる) [動] become different

cheery (陽気な) [形] happy and cheerful

past (過ぎた) [名] the time before the present

bearing (耐えられない) [名] the ability to tolerate something

女中は絶えず入れ替わっていた。決して陽気な状況ではなかったし、時には耐えられないほどになった。

The man was an intermittent drunkard, and when he had the fit on him he was a perfect fiend.

intermittent (断続的) [形] occurring at irregular intervals

drunkard (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks alcohol excessively

fit (発作) [名] a sudden attack of illness

男は断続的に酒を飲む人で、発作が起きると完全な悪魔になった。

He has been known to drive his wife and daughter out of doors in the middle of the night and flog them through the park until the whole village outside the gates was aroused by their screams.

out of doors (戸外に) [副] outside a building

middle of the night (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

flog (鞭打つ) [動] beat with a whip or stick

彼は真夜中に妻と娘を戸外に追い出し、門の外の村全体が彼らの悲鳴で目を覚ますまで公園の中を鞭打ったことが知られている。

“He was summoned once for a savage assault upon the old vicar, who had called upon him to remonstrate with him upon his conduct.

summon (召喚する) [動] officially or authoritatively call on (someone) to be present

assault (襲撃) [名] a violent physical or verbal attack

「彼はかつて、彼の行為を非難するために彼を訪ねてきた老牧師を野蛮に襲ったとして召喚された。

In short, Mr. Holmes, you would go far before you found a more dangerous man than Peter Carey, and I have heard that he bore the same character when he commanded his ship.

in short (要するに) [副] briefly

ship (船) [名] a large seagoing vessel

要するに、ホームズさん、ピーター・ケアリーより危険な男を見つけるまでには長い道のりがあるでしょうし、彼が船を指揮していた時も同じ性格だったそうです。

He was known in the trade as Black Peter, and the name was given him, not only on account of his swarthy features and the colour of his huge beard, but for the humours which were the terror of all around him.

be known as (として知られる) [動] be called or referred to as

Black Peter (ブラック・ピーター) [名] a character in the story

be given (付けられる) [動] be presented with

not only on account of (だけでなく) [副] not just because of

humour (気分屋) [名] the quality of being funny

terror (恐れる) [名] a state of intense fear

彼は業界ではブラック・ピーターとして知られており、その名は彼の浅黒い顔立ちと大きな髭の色だけでなく、周囲の誰もが恐れる気分屋であることに由来している。

I need not say that he was loathed and avoided by every one of his neighbours, and that I have not heard one single word of sorrow about his terrible end.

need not say (言うまでもない) [動] it is obvious

neighbour (近所の人) [名] a person who lives near another

have not heard (聞いたことがない) [動] not perceive or take in the sound of

single word (一言) [名] a unit of language that native speakers can identify

彼が近所の人に嫌われ避けられていたことは言うまでもなく、彼の悲惨な最期を悲しむ言葉を聞いたことは一度もない。

“You must have read in the account of the inquest about the man’s cabin, Mr. Holmes, but perhaps your friend here has not heard of it.

must have (~したに違いない) [助] be very likely to have

cabin (小屋) [名] a small room in a ship

「ホームズさん、あなたは検死報告書でその男の小屋について読んだことがあるでしょうが、ここにいるあなたの友人は聞いたことがないかもしれません。

He had built himself a wooden outhouse—he always called it the ‘cabin’—a few hundred yards from his house, and it was here that he slept every night.

build (建てる) [動] construct

彼は自分の家の数百ヤード先に木造の離れを作ったのだが、彼はいつもそれを「小屋」と呼んでいて、毎晩そこで寝ていた。

It was a little, single-roomed hut, sixteen feet by ten.

single-roomed (一部屋の) [形] having only one room

hut (小屋) [名] a small, simple, often crudely built dwelling

sixteen feet (十六フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

それは十六フィート×十フィートの小さな一部屋の小屋だった。

He kept the key in his pocket, made his own bed, cleaned it himself, and allowed no other foot to cross the threshold.

clean (掃除する) [動] make free of dirt, marks, or mess, especially by washing, wiping, or brushing

cross (またぐ) [動] go or extend across

threshold (敷居) [名] the strip of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway

彼は鍵をポケットに入れ、自分でベッドを作り、自分で掃除し、他の誰も敷居をまたぐことを許さなかった。

There are small windows on each side, which were covered by curtains and never opened.

small window (小さな窓) [名] a window that is small

each side (両側) [名] both sides

curtain (カーテン) [名] a piece of material that hangs from the top of a window

両側に小さな窓があり、カーテンで覆われていて、決して開けることはなかった。

One of these windows was turned towards the high road, and when the light burned in it at night the folk used to point it out to each other and wonder what Black Peter was doing in there.

wonder (不思議がる) [動] be curious or doubtful about something

その窓の一つは街道に面していて、夜に明かりがともると、人々は互いに指さし、ブラック・ピーターがそこで何をしているのかと不思議がっていた。

That’s the window, Mr. Holmes, which gave us one of the few bits of positive evidence that came out at the inquest.

それが、ホームズさん、検死で出てきた数少ない確かな証拠の一つを与えてくれた窓です。

“You remember that a stonemason, named Slater, walking from Forest Row about one o’clock in the morning—two days before the murder—stopped as he passed the grounds and looked at the square of light still shining among the trees.

stonemason (石工) [名] a person who builds with stone

Slater (スレーター) [名] a person's last name

about one o'clock in the morning (朝一時頃) [名] a time of day

two days before the murder (殺人の二日前) [名] a time in the past

「覚えているだろうが、殺人の二日前の朝一時頃、フォレスト・ロウから歩いてきた石工のスレーターが、敷地を通り過ぎるときに立ち止まり、木々の間にまだ輝いている四角い光を見た。

He swears that the shadow of a man’s head turned sideways was clearly visible on the blind, and that this shadow was certainly not that of Peter Carey, whom he knew well.

sideways (横) [副] to or from one side

彼は、横を向いた男の頭の影がブラインドにはっきりと見え、その影はよく知っているピーター・ケアリーのものではなかったと断言している。

It was that of a bearded man, but the beard was short and bristled forward in a way very different from that of the captain.

それは髭を生やした男のものだったが、髭は短く、船長のものとは全く違う形で前に突き出ていた。

So he says, but he had been two hours in the public-house, and it is some distance from the road to the window.

some distance (少し距離がある) [名] a space between two points

彼はそう言っているが、彼は二時間も酒場にいたし、道から窓までは少し距離がある。

Besides, this refers to the Monday, and the crime was done upon the Wednesday.

refer to (言及する) [動] mention or allude to

Wednesday (水曜日) [名] the fourth day of the week

その上、これは月曜日のことだが、犯罪は水曜日に行われた。

“On the Tuesday, Peter Carey was in one of his blackest moods, flushed with drink and as savage as a dangerous wild beast.

blackest (最悪の) [形] of the darkest possible color

mood (気分) [名] a temporary state of mind or feeling

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

「火曜日、ピーター・ケアリーは最悪の気分で、酒に酔い、危険な野獣のように荒れ狂っていた。

He roamed about the house, and the women ran for it when they heard him coming.

roam (うろつき回る) [動] wander about aimlessly or unsystematically

彼は家をうろつき回り、女たちは彼が来るのを聞くと逃げ出した。

Late in the evening, he went down to his own hut.

夕方遅く、彼は自分の掘っ立て小屋に降りていった。

About two o’clock the following morning, his daughter, who slept with her window open, heard a most fearful yell from that direction, but it was no unusual thing for him to bawl and shout when he was in drink, so no notice was taken.

about two o'clock (二時頃) [名] a time of day

the following morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after the present day

fearful (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause fear

yell (叫び声) [名] a loud, sharp cry

翌朝の二時頃、窓を開けて寝ていた娘が、その方向から恐ろしい叫び声を聞いたが、彼が酒を飲んでいる時にわめき散らすのは珍しいことではなかったので、気にも留めなかった。

On rising at seven, one of the maids noticed that the door of the hut was open, but so great was the terror which the man caused that it was midday before anyone would venture down to see what had become of him.

on rising (起きると) [接] as soon as

so great (あまりにも大きかった) [形] very large or intense

midday (正午) [名] the middle of the day

venture (降りる) [動] go somewhere or do something that involves risk or danger

七時に起きると、メイドの一人が小屋の扉が開いているのに気づいたが、男が引き起こした恐怖があまりにも大きかったため、誰かが彼の身に何が起こったのかを見に降りるまでには正午になっていた。

Peeping into the open door, they saw a sight which sent them flying, with white faces, into the village.

peep (覗き込む) [動] look quickly or furtively

open door (開いたドア) [名] a door that is not closed

white face (顔面蒼白) [名] a face that is pale

開いたドアを覗き込むと、彼らは顔面蒼白になって村に飛び込むような光景を見た。

Within an hour, I was on the spot and had taken over the case.

within an hour (一時間以内に) [副] in less than an hour

on the spot (現場に) [副] at the place where something happens

一時間以内に私は現場に到着し、事件を引き継いだ。

“Well, I have fairly steady nerves, as you know, Mr. Holmes, but I give you my word, that I got a shake when I put my head into that little house.

steady (図太い) [形] not shaking or moving

「ええ、ご存じのように私はかなり神経が図太い方ですが、ホームズさん、誓ってもいいですが、あの小さな家の中に頭を突っ込んだ時には震えてしまいました。

It was droning like a harmonium with the flies and bluebottles, and the floor and walls were like a slaughter-house.

drone (鳴り響く) [動] make a continuous low humming sound

harmonium (ハーモニウム) [名] a keyboard instrument with a foot-operated bellows

fly (ハエ) [名] a small winged insect

bluebottle (青い瓶) [名] a large fly with a metallic blue body

slaughter-house (屠殺場) [名] a place where animals are killed for their meat

ハエや青い瓶がハーモニウムのように鳴り響き、床や壁は屠殺場のようだった。

He had called it a cabin, and a cabin it was, sure enough, for you would have thought that you were in a ship.

cabin (船室) [名] a private room on a ship

sure (確かに) [副] without doubt

彼はそれを船室と呼んでいたが、確かに船室だった。船の中にいると思っただろう。

There was a bunk at one end, a sea-chest, maps and charts, a picture of the Sea Unicorn, a line of logbooks on a shelf, all exactly as one would expect to find it in a captain’s room.

one end (一方の端) [名] one of the two ends of something

bunk (寝台) [名] a bed that is built into or on a wall

sea-chest (船員の衣類箱) [名] a large wooden box with a hinged lid used by sailors to store their belongings

chart (海図) [名] a map of an area of sea

line (列) [名] a row of people or things

logbook (航海日誌) [名] a book in which the details of a journey by sea or air are recorded

captain's room (船長室) [名] a room on a ship where the captain lives and works

一方の端には寝台があり、船員の衣類箱、地図や海図、シー・ユニコーンの絵、棚に並んだ航海日誌など、船長室にあるべきものがすべて揃っていた。

And there, in the middle of it, was the man himself—his face twisted like a lost soul in torment, and his great brindled beard stuck upward in his agony.

twist (歪む) [動] turn or cause to turn so that the ends are in opposite directions

lost soul (失われた魂) [名] a person who is unhappy, confused, or without purpose

torment (苦悶) [名] extreme physical or mental suffering

brindled (虎毛の) [形] having a gray or tawny coat with streaks or spots of a darker color

stick upward (上向きになる) [動] be in a position above the horizontal

そして、その真ん中に、その男自身がいた。顔は苦悶の中の失われた魂のように歪み、大きな虎毛の髭は苦悶の中で上向きになっていた。

Right through his broad breast a steel harpoon had been driven, and it had sunk deep into the wood of the wall behind him.

right through (貫いて) [副] from one side to the other

steel (鋼) [名] a hard, strong metal made from iron and carbon

harpoon (銛) [名] a barbed spear used for catching whales and other large sea creatures

drive (打ち込む) [動] to cause to move or be moved by force

sink (沈み込む) [動] to go down below the surface of something, especially of a liquid

deep (深く) [副] to a great depth

彼の広い胸を貫いて鋼の銛が打ち込まれ、彼の背後の壁の木に深く沈み込んでいた。

He was pinned like a beetle on a card.

pin (留める) [動] fasten or attach with a pin or pins

彼はカードに留められた甲虫のようだった。

Of course, he was quite dead, and had been so from the instant that he had uttered that last yell of agony.

もちろん、彼は完全に死んでいて、その最後の苦悶の叫びを発した瞬間からそうだった。

“I know your methods, sir, and I applied them.

「私はあなたの方法を知っています、そして私はそれらを適用しました。

Before I permitted anything to be moved, I examined most carefully the ground outside, and also the floor of the room.

何かを動かす前に、私は外の地面と部屋の床を注意深く調べた。

There were no footmarks.”

足跡はありませんでした。」

“Meaning that you saw none?”

「つまり、何も見なかったということか?」

“I assure you, sir, that there were none.”

「確かに何もありませんでした。」

“My good Hopkins, I have investigated many crimes, but I have never yet seen one which was committed by a flying creature.

investigate (捜査する) [動] examine or inspect officially and systematically

「ホプキンス君、私は多くの犯罪を捜査してきたが、空を飛ぶ生き物が犯した犯罪は見たことがない。

As long as the criminal remains upon two legs so long must there be some indentation, some abrasion, some trifling displacement which can be detected by the scientific searcher.

as long as (限り) [接] on condition that; provided that

two legs (二本足) [名] the two lower limbs of a human being

indentation (くぼみ) [名] a small hollow or depression

abrasion (擦り傷) [名] a graze

trifling (わずかな) [形] unimportant or trivial

displacement (ずれ) [名] the moving of something from its place or position

犯人が二本足で歩く限り、科学的な捜査官には必ず何かのくぼみ、擦り傷、わずかなずれを見つけられるはずだ。

It is incredible that this blood-bespattered room contained no trace which could have aided us.

blood-bespattered (血まみれの) [形] covered with blood

trace (手がかり) [名] a mark, object, or other indication of the existence or passing of something

この血まみれの部屋に、我々を助ける手がかりが何も残っていないとは信じがたい。

I understand, however, from the inquest that there were some objects which you failed to overlook?”

overlook (見落とす) [動] fail to notice or consider

しかし、検死によると、見落とした物があったそうですね?」

The young inspector winced at my companion’s ironical comments.

wince (顔をしかめる) [動] make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body

ironical (皮肉な) [形] using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

若い警部は、私の友人の皮肉な言葉に顔をしかめた。

“I was a fool not to call you in at the time Mr. Holmes.

at the time (あの時) [名] the time when something happened

call in (呼ぶ) [動] summon or request the presence of

「あの時、あなたを呼ばなかったのは愚かでした、ホームズさん。

However, that’s past praying for now.

pray (祈る) [動] address a prayer to God or another deity

しかし、今となっては祈るしかありません。

Yes, there were several objects in the room which called for special attention.

call for (要する) [動] require as necessary or appropriate

ええ、部屋には特別な注意を要する物がいくつかありました。

One was the harpoon with which the deed was committed.

deed (犯行) [名] an action that is performed intentionally

一つは犯行に使用された銛です。

It had been snatched down from a rack on the wall.

snatch (引き抜く) [動] to grab or seize suddenly or forcibly

それは壁のラックから引き抜かれたものだった。

Two others remained there, and there was a vacant place for the third.

third (三本目) [名] the number 3

そこには他の二本が残っており、三本目のための空き場所があった。

On the stock was engraved ‘SS. Sea Unicorn, Dundee.’

engrave (刻印する) [動] cut or carve (a design or inscription) on a hard surface

SS (SS) [名] a Nazi paramilitary organization

Sea Unicorn (シー・ユニコーン) [名] a ship

柄には「SSシー・ユニコーン、ダンディー」と刻印されていた。

This seemed to establish that the crime had been done in a moment of fury, and that the murderer had seized the first weapon which came in his way.

これは犯行が激情の瞬間に行われ、犯人が手近にあった最初の武器をつかんだことを証明しているようだ。

The fact that the crime was committed at two in the morning, and yet Peter Carey was fully dressed, suggested that he had an appointment with the murderer, which is borne out by the fact that a bottle of rum and two dirty glasses stood upon the table.”

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

rum (ラム酒) [名] an alcoholic drink made from fermented molasses or juice

犯行が午前二時に行われ、しかもピーター・ケアリーは完全に服を着ていたという事実は、彼が犯人と会う約束をしていたことを示唆しており、ラム酒の瓶と二つの汚れたグラスがテーブルの上にあったという事実によっても裏付けられている。」

“Yes,” said Holmes;

「そうだ」とホームズは言った。

“I think that both inferences are permissible.

permissible (許される) [形] allowed or acceptable

「どちらの推論も許されると思う。

Was there any other spirit but rum in the room?”

any other (何か他の) [限] some other

spirit (酒) [名] an alcoholic drink

部屋にはラム酒以外に何か酒があったか?」

“Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest.

whisky (ウィスキー) [名] a strong alcoholic drink made from grain

sea-chest (船具箱) [名] a large wooden box used by sailors to store their belongings

「はい、船具箱の上にブランデーとウィスキーの入った酒瓶がありました。

It is of no importance to us, however, since the decanters were full, and it had therefore not been used.”

of no importance (重要ではない) [形] not important

decanter (デカンタ) [名] a glass container with a stopper used for serving wine

full (満杯) [形] containing or holding as much or as many as possible

used (使われた) [動] convert to one's own use or benefit

しかし、デカンタは満杯で使われていなかったので、我々にとって重要ではありません。」

“For all that, its presence has some significance,” said Holmes.

for all that (それでも) [副] in spite of that; nevertheless

significance (意味) [名] the quality of being worthy of attention; importance

「それでも、その存在には何か意味がある」とホームズは言った。

“However, let us hear some more about the objects which do seem to you to bear upon the case.”

bear upon (関係がある) [動] be relevant to

「しかし、事件に関係があると思われる物についてもう少し聞かせてください。」

“There was this tobacco-pouch upon the table.”

tobacco-pouch (タバコ入れ) [名] a small bag for carrying tobacco

「テーブルの上にこのタバコ入れがありました。」

“What part of the table?”

「テーブルのどの部分に?」

“It lay in the middle.

「真ん中にありました。

It was of coarse sealskin—the straight-haired skin, with a leather thong to bind it.

sealskin (アザラシの皮) [名] the skin of a seal

straight-haired (毛の直立した) [形] having straight hair

thong (ひも) [名] a narrow strip of leather or other material

それは粗いアザラシの皮で、毛の直立した皮で、革のひもで縛ってあった。

Inside was ‘P.C.’ on the flap.

flap (フラップ) [名] a piece of something that is attached to something else by one edge and can be moved or folded over the other part

内側のフラップには「P.C.」とあった。

There was half an ounce of strong ship’s tobacco in it.”

half an ounce (半オンス) [名] a unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound

中には半オンスの強い船のたばこが入っていた。」

“Excellent! What more?”

more (他に) [副] in addition; further; to a greater extent

「素晴らしい! 他に何か?」

Stanley Hopkins drew from his pocket a drab-covered notebook.

drab (くすんだ) [形] lacking in color or brightness

スタンレー・ホプキンスはポケットからくすんだ色の表紙のノートを取り出した。

The outside was rough and worn, the leaves discoloured.

outside (表紙) [名] the outer part of something

rough (ざらざら) [形] having a texture that is not smooth

worn (使い古された) [形] damaged or deteriorated by long use

表紙はざらざらで使い古され、紙は変色していた。

On the first page were written the initials “J.H.N.” and the date “1883.”

first page (最初のページ) [名] the first page of a book

最初のページには「J.H.N.」のイニシャルと「1883」という日付が書かれていた。

Holmes laid it on the table and examined it in his minute way, while Hopkins and I gazed over each shoulder.

minute (細かく) [形] very small in size, amount, or degree

gaze (見つめる) [動] look intently or steadily

ホームズはそれをテーブルに置いて、ホプキンスと私が肩越しに見つめる中、細かく調べた。

On the second page were the printed letters “C.P.R.,” and then came several sheets of numbers.

print (印刷) [動] produce a book, newspaper, or other document by a mechanical process involving the transfer of ink to paper

number (数字) [名] a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label

二ページ目には「C.P.R.」の文字が印刷され、その後に数字の書かれたページが数枚続いた。

Another heading was “Argentine,” another “Costa Rica,” and another “San Paulo,” each with pages of signs and figures after it.

Argentine (アルゼンチン) [名] a country in South America

Costa Rica (コスタリカ) [名] a country in Central America

San Paulo (サンパウロ) [名] a city in Brazil

sign (記号) [名] a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process

別の見出しは「アルゼンチン」、「コスタリカ」、「サンパウロ」で、それぞれに記号と数字のページが続いた。

“What do you make of these?” asked Holmes.

「これらをどう思う?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“They appear to be lists of Stock Exchange securities.

Stock Exchange (株式取引所) [名] a place where stocks are bought and sold

「株式取引所の証券のリストのようですね。

I thought that ‘J.H.N.’ were the initials of a broker, and that ‘C.P.R.’ may have been his client.”

client (クライアント) [名] a person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company

J.H.N.」はブローカーのイニシャルで、「C.P.R.」は彼のクライアントだったのではないかと考えました。」

“Try Canadian Pacific Railway,” said Holmes.

Canadian Pacific Railway (カナディアン・パシフィック鉄道) [名] a railroad in Canada

「カナディアン・パシフィック鉄道を試してみろ」とホームズは言った。

Stanley Hopkins swore between his teeth, and struck his thigh with his clenched hand.

teeth (歯) [名] hard, white structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing

strike (打つ) [動] hit or move against with a sharp blow

thigh (太もも) [名] the part of the leg between the hip and the knee

スタンレー・ホプキンスは歯の間から悪態をつき、握りしめた手で太ももを打った。

“What a fool I have been!” he cried.

fool (愚か者) [名] a person who acts unwisely

「なんて私は愚かだったんだ!」と彼は叫んだ。

“Of course, it is as you say.

as you say (あなたの言う通り) [副] in the way that you say

「もちろん、あなたの言う通りだ。

Then ‘J.H.N.’ are the only initials we have to solve.

では「J.H.N.」だけが解明すべきイニシャルだ。

I have already examined the old Stock Exchange lists, and I can find no one in 1883, either in the house or among the outside brokers, whose initials correspond with these.

correspond (一致する) [動] be in agreement or harmony

私はすでに古い株式取引所のリストを確認したが、1883年には社内にも社外のブローカーにも、イニシャルがこれと一致する人物は見当たらない。

Yet I feel that the clue is the most important one that I hold.

それでも、この手がかりは私が持っている中で最も重要なものだと思う。

You will admit, Mr. Holmes, that there is a possibility that these initials are those of the second person who was present—in other words, of the murderer.

present (現場にいた) [形] being or existing in a place or thing

ホームズさん、このイニシャルが現場にいたもう一人の人物、つまり殺人者のイニシャルである可能性があることは認めていただけるだろう。

I would also urge that the introduction into the case of a document relating to large masses of valuable securities gives us for the first time some indication of a motive for the crime.”

introduction (持ち込まれたこと) [名] the act of bringing something into existence or use

large mass (大量) [名] a large amount

valuable (貴重な) [形] worth a lot of money

また、大量の貴重な証券に関する文書がこの事件に持ち込まれたことで、初めて犯行の動機が示されたと主張したい。」

Sherlock Holmes’s face showed that he was thoroughly taken aback by this new development.

thoroughly (完全に) [副] completely

new (新たな) [形] recently made, introduced, or discovered

シャーロック・ホームズの顔は、この新たな展開に完全に面食らっていることを示していた。

“I must admit both your points,” said he.

point (主張) [名] the main idea or purpose of something

「私はあなたの両方の主張を認めざるを得ない」と彼は言った。

“I confess that this notebook, which did not appear at the inquest, modifies any views which I may have formed.

modify (修正する) [動] make partial or minor changes to

view (考え) [名] a particular way of considering or regarding something; an attitude or opinion

「この手帳は検死には出てこなかったが、私の考えを修正するものだと認める。

I had come to a theory of the crime in which I can find no place for this.

come to (たどり着く) [動] reach a place

私はこの犯罪の理論にたどり着いたが、そこにはこれを当てはめる場所が見つからない。

Have you endeavoured to trace any of the securities here mentioned?”

trace (探す) [動] find by searching

ここに書かれている証券のどれかを探そうとしたのか?」

“Inquiries are now being made at the offices, but I fear that the complete register of the stockholders of these South American concerns is in South America, and that some weeks must elapse before we can trace the shares.”

stockholder (株主) [名] an owner of shares in a company

register (登録簿) [名] an official list or record

South American (南米) [形] of or relating to South America

concern (関係) [名] a business or company

South America (南米) [名] the southern continent of the western hemisphere

elapse (経過する) [動] (of time) pass by

「現在、事務所で調査が行われているが、これらの南米関係の株主の完全な登録簿は南米にあるため、株の所在を突き止めるまでに数週間かかるのではないかと心配している。」

Holmes had been examining the cover of the notebook with his magnifying lens.

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

magnifying lens (拡大鏡) [名] a lens that makes things appear bigger

ホームズは手帳の表紙を拡大鏡で調べていた。

“Surely there is some discolouration here,” said he.

「確かにここには変色がある」と彼は言った。

“Yes, sir, it is a blood-stain.

「はい、血痕です。

I told you that I picked the book off the floor.”

床から本を拾ったと言ったでしょう。」

“Was the blood-stain above or below?”

「血痕は上にあったか下にあったか?」

“On the side next the boards.”

on the side (側に) [副] at or to one side

「板の側にありました。」

“Which proves, of course, that the book was dropped after the crime was committed.”

prove (証拠だ) [動] to demonstrate the truth or existence of

「それはもちろん、本が犯罪が行われた後に落とされたことの証拠だ。」

“Exactly, Mr. Holmes. I appreciated that point, and I conjectured that it was dropped by the murderer in his hurried flight.

conjecture (推測する) [動] form an opinion or supposition about something without having all the facts; guess

hurried (急いで) [形] done quickly

「その通り、ホームズさん。私はその点に注目し、犯人が急いで逃げる際に落としたのではないかと推測しました。

It lay near the door.”

それはドアの近くに落ちていました。」

“I suppose that none of these securities have been found among the property of the dead man?”

none of (どれも) [代] not one of

「これらの証券はどれも死んだ男の所有物の中に見つかっていないのでしょうね?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ、ありません。」

“Have you any reason to suspect robbery?”

robbery (強盗) [名] the action of taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force

「強盗を疑う理由は何かありますか?」

“No, sir. Nothing seemed to have been touched.”

「いいえ、ありません。何も手をつけられたようには見えませんでした。」

“Dear me, it is certainly a very interesting case.

「おやおや、これは確かにとても興味深い事件だ。

Then there was a knife, was there not?”

knife (ナイフ) [名] a cutting instrument with a blade and a handle

ナイフもあったのですね?」

“A sheath-knife, still in its sheath.

sheath-knife (鞘付きナイフ) [名] a knife with a sheath

sheath (鞘) [名] a case for a blade

「鞘に収まったままの鞘付きナイフです。

It lay at the feet of the dead man.

dead man (死人) [名] a person who has died

死人の足元に落ちていました。

Mrs. Carey has identified it as being her husband’s property.”

Mrs. Carey (キャリー夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Carey

キャリー夫人はそれが夫の持ち物だと確認しました」

Holmes was lost in thought for some time.

ホームズはしばらく考え込んでいた。

“Well,” said he, at last, “I suppose I shall have to come out and have a look at it.”

come out (出かける) [動] leave a place

have a look (見てみる) [動] examine or inspect something

「さて」と彼はついに言った、「私は出かけて現場を見てみなければならないだろう」

Stanley Hopkins gave a cry of joy.

スタンレー・ホプキンスは喜びの叫びをあげた。

“Thank you, sir. That will, indeed, be a weight off my mind.”

weight (重荷) [名] a heavy load

mind (肩) [名] the upper joint of the human arm

「ありがとうございます。本当に、これで肩の荷が下りました」

Holmes shook his finger at the inspector.

ホームズは警部に向かって指を振った。

“It would have been an easier task a week ago,” said he.

easier (もっと簡単) [形] more easy

「一週間前ならもっと簡単だったろうに」と彼は言った。

“But even now my visit may not be entirely fruitless.

fruitless (無駄な) [形] not producing any good result

「しかし、今でも私の訪問は全く無駄ではないかもしれない。

Watson, if you can spare the time, I should be very glad of your company.

company (同行) [名] the fact or condition of being with another person or other people

ワトソン、もし時間があるなら、君に同行してもらえると嬉しいんだが。

If you will call a four-wheeler, Hopkins, we shall be ready to start for Forest Row in a quarter of an hour.”

Hopkins (ホプキンス) [名] a surname

ホプキンス、四輪馬車を呼んでくれれば、15分以内にフォレスト・ロウに向けて出発できる。」

Alighting at the small wayside station, we drove for some miles through the remains of widespread woods, which were once part of that great forest which for so long held the Saxon invaders at bay—the impenetrable “weald,” for sixty years the bulwark of Britain.

wayside (道端) [名] the side of a road

drive (走る) [動] travel or be transported in a vehicle

widespread (広大な) [形] covering a large area

forest (森林) [名] a large area of land covered with trees

Saxon (サクソン人) [名] a member of a Germanic people who conquered and settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries

invader (侵略者) [名] a person who invades a country or region

bay (湾) [名] a body of water that is connected to a larger body of water and almost surrounded by land

impenetrable (難攻不落の) [形] unable to be penetrated

weald (ウィールド) [名] an area of open country in south-eastern England

bulwark (防波堤) [名] a defensive wall or embankment

Britain (イギリス) [名] an island in the North Atlantic off the north-western coast of continental Europe

道端の小さな駅で降り、我々は広大な森の残骸の中を数マイル走った。そこはかつて、長い間サクソン人の侵略者を寄せ付けなかった大森林の一部であり、60年間イギリスの防波堤であった難攻不落の「ウィールド」であった。

Vast sections of it have been cleared, for this is the seat of the first iron-works of the country, and the trees have been felled to smelt the ore.

vast (広大な) [形] of very great extent or quantity

section (部分) [名] a part of something

clear (開拓する) [動] make clear by removing obstructions

this (ここ) [代] the place or time that is near or present

iron-works (製鉄所) [名] a factory where iron is produced

fell (伐採する) [動] cut down a tree

smelt (精錬する) [動] extract metal from ore by heating

その広大な部分は開拓され、ここは国内初の製鉄所の所在地であり、木々は鉱石を精錬するために伐採された。

Now the richer fields of the North have absorbed the trade, and nothing save these ravaged groves and great scars in the earth show the work of the past.

richer (より豊かな) [形] having a great deal of money or valuable possessions

field (鉱山) [名] an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture

absorb (吸収する) [動] take in or soak up

trade (貿易) [名] the activity of buying and selling goods and services

ravaged (荒廃した) [形] severely damaged or destroyed

grove (森) [名] a small wood, orchard, or group of trees

scar (傷跡) [名] a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely and fibrous connective tissue has developed

earth (地面) [名] the ground; the surface of the world

現在では北部のより豊かな鉱山がその貿易を吸収し、これらの荒廃した森と地面の大きな傷跡以外に過去の仕事を示すものは何もない。

Here, in a clearing upon the green slope of a hill, stood a long, low, stone house, approached by a curving drive running through the fields.

clearing (開けた場所) [名] an open area in a forest

stone (石造りの) [形] made of stone

ここに、丘の緑の斜面の開けた場所に、長く低い石造りの家が建っており、畑の中を曲がりくねった道が通っていた。

Nearer the road, and surrounded on three sides by bushes, was a small outhouse, one window and the door facing in our direction.

nearer (近くに) [形] closer

道の近くに、三方を茂みに囲まれた小さな離れがあり、窓が一つとドアがこちらを向いていた。

It was the scene of the murder.

そこが殺人現場だった。

Stanley Hopkins led us first to the house, where he introduced us to a haggard, grey-haired woman, the widow of the murdered man, whose gaunt and deep-lined face, with the furtive look of terror in the depths of her red-rimmed eyes, told of the years of hardship and ill-usage which she had endured.

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

furtive (潜む) [形] trying to avoid being noticed

depth (奥) [名] the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something

hardship (苦労) [名] something that causes difficulty or suffering

ill-usage (虐待) [名] cruel or violent treatment of someone

スタンレー・ホプキンスはまず私たちを家に案内し、そこでやつれた白髪の女性、殺された男の未亡人を紹介してくれたが、そのやつれて深く皺の刻まれた顔と、赤く縁取られた目の奥に潜む恐怖の表情は、彼女が耐えてきた長年の苦労と虐待を物語っていた。

With her was her daughter, a pale, fair-haired girl, whose eyes blazed defiantly at us as she told us that she was glad that her father was dead, and that she blessed the hand which had struck him down.

pale (青白い) [形] lacking in color

fair-haired (金髪) [形] having light-colored hair

blaze (睨みつける) [動] to burn brightly

defiantly (挑むように) [副] in a manner that shows open resistance or bold disobedience

bless (祝福する) [動] to make holy

彼女の娘、青白い金髪の少女も一緒だったが、彼女は父親が死んでよかった、父親を殴り倒した手を祝福すると語ったとき、私たちを挑むように睨みつけた。

It was a terrible household that Black Peter Carey had made for himself, and it was with a sense of relief that we found ourselves in the sunlight again and making our way along a path which had been worn across the fields by the feet of the dead man.

Black Peter Carey (ブラック・ピーター・ケアリー) [名] a character in the story

relief (安堵感) [名] a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress

sunlight (日差し) [名] direct sunlight unbroken by cloud, especially over a comparatively large area

dead man (死んだ男) [名] a man who is no longer alive

ブラック・ピーター・ケアリーはひどい家庭を築いていたのであり、私たちは再び日差しの中に出て、死んだ男の足で踏み固められた畑の小道を歩いていることに安堵感を覚えた。

The outhouse was the simplest of dwellings, wooden-walled, shingle-roofed, one window beside the door and one on the farther side.

dwelling (住居) [名] a place where someone lives

wooden-walled (木造の壁) [形] having walls made of wood

shingle-roofed (瓦屋根) [形] having a roof made of shingles

離れは最も単純な住居で、木造の壁に瓦屋根、ドアの横に窓が一つ、反対側にもう一つあった。

Stanley Hopkins drew the key from his pocket and had stooped to the lock, when he paused with a look of attention and surprise upon his face.

stoop (手を伸ばす) [動] bend one's head or body forward and downward

lock (鍵穴) [名] a device for fastening a door, lid, etc., typically operated only by a key of a particular shape

pause (立ち止まる) [動] temporarily stop an activity

surprise (驚いた) [名] a feeling of mild astonishment or shock

スタンレー・ホプキンスはポケットから鍵を取り出し、鍵穴に手を伸ばしたが、注意深く驚いた表情で立ち止まった。

“Someone has been tampering with it,” he said.

tamper with (いじる) [動] interfere with or change in an unauthorized or harmful way

「誰かがこれをいじったな」と彼は言った。

There could be no doubt of the fact.

there could be (あり得る) [動] be possible

no doubt (疑いの余地はない) [名] a state of being certain that something is true

その事実に疑いの余地はなかった。

The woodwork was cut, and the scratches showed white through the paint, as if they had been that instant done.

woodwork (木工品) [名] things that are made from wood

cut (切断される) [動] make an opening, incision, or wound in

scratch (傷) [名] a mark or wound made by scratching

show (見える) [動] be or become visible

paint (塗装) [名] a liquid that is put on the surface of objects

木工品は切断され、傷は塗装を通して白く見え、まるでその瞬間に行われたかのようだった。

Holmes had been examining the window.

ホームズは窓を調べていた。

“Someone has tried to force this also.

「誰かがこれも無理やり開けようとしたな。

Whoever it was has failed to make his way in.

whoever (誰であれ) [代] no matter who

make one's way (入る) [動] go or come

誰であれ、中に入ることはできなかった。

He must have been a very poor burglar.”

poor (下手な) [形] lacking in skill or ability

とても下手な泥棒だったに違いない。」

“This is a most extraordinary thing,” said the inspector, “I could swear that these marks were not here yesterday evening.”

「これはとても奇妙なことだ」と警部は言った、「昨日の夕方にはこんな跡はなかったと誓える。」

“Some curious person from the village, perhaps,” I suggested.

「村の好奇心旺盛な人が来たのかもしれない」と私は言った。

“Very unlikely. Few of them would dare to set foot in the grounds, far less try to force their way into the cabin.

dare (勇気がある) [動] have the courage to do something new, dangerous, or exciting

set foot (足を踏み入れる) [動] go or come to a place

far less (ましてや) [副] to a much smaller extent

「それは考えにくい。敷地内に足を踏み入れる勇気のある者はほとんどいないし、ましてや小屋に押し入ろうとする者はいない。

What do you think of it, Mr. Holmes?”

ホームズさん、どう思われますか?」

“I think that fortune is very kind to us.”

「運がとても良いと思う。」

“You mean that the person will come again?”

「その人がまた来るというのですか?」

“It is very probable.

「それはとてもあり得ることだ。

He came expecting to find the door open.

彼はドアが開いていると思って来た。

He tried to get in with the blade of a very small penknife.

get in (入る) [動] go or come in

blade (刃) [名] the flat cutting edge of a knife or other tool

penknife (ペンナイフ) [名] a small pocketknife

彼は非常に小さなペンナイフの刃で入ろうとした。

He could not manage it.

彼はそれをどうにもできず、

What would he do?”

would (だろうか) [助] used to express a polite request

彼は何をするだろうか?」

“Come again next night with a more useful tool.”

come again (また来る) [動] return

next night (次の夜) [名] the night after the present one

useful (役に立つ) [形] able to be used for a particular purpose

tool (道具) [名] a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function

「もっと役に立つ道具を持って次の夜にまた来る」

“So I should say.

「そうだろう。

It will be our fault if we are not there to receive him.

fault (落ち度) [名] a defect or weakness in someone or something

彼を迎えに行かなければ私たちの落ち度だ。

Meanwhile, let me see the inside of the cabin.”

その間に、小屋の中を見せてください」

The traces of the tragedy had been removed, but the furniture within the little room still stood as it had been on the night of the crime.

悲劇の痕跡は取り除かれていたが、小さな部屋の家具は犯行の夜のままだった。

For two hours, with most intense concentration, Holmes examined every object in turn, but his face showed that his quest was not a successful one.

most intense concentration (最も強い集中力) [名] the state of being mentally focused on something

every object (すべての物) [名] all things

二時間、ホームズは最も強い集中力で順番にすべての物を調べたが、彼の顔は彼の探求が成功しなかったことを示していた。

Once only he paused in his patient investigation.

一度だけ彼は忍耐強い調査を中断した。

“Have you taken anything off this shelf, Hopkins?”

「この棚から何か取ったか、ホプキンス?」

“No, I have moved nothing.”

「いいえ、何も動かしていません」

“Something has been taken.

be taken (取られる) [動] be stolen

「何かが取られた。

There is less dust in this corner of the shelf than elsewhere.

棚のこの角は他の場所よりも埃が少ない。

It may have been a book lying on its side.

横に寝かせて置いた本だったかもしれない。

It may have been a box.

have been (だった) [助] expressing a past state or action

box (箱) [名] a container with a flat base and sides, typically with a lid

箱だったかもしれない。

Well, well, I can do nothing more.

まあ、まあ、私にできることはこれ以上ない。

Let us walk in these beautiful woods, Watson, and give a few hours to the birds and the flowers.

ワトソン、この美しい森を歩いて、数時間、鳥や花に時間を割こう。

We shall meet you here later, Hopkins, and see if we can come to closer quarters with the gentleman who has paid this visit in the night.”

closer (もっと近い) [形] a short distance away

quarter (場所) [名] a place of residence

後でここで会おう、ホプキンス、夜にこの訪問をした紳士ともっと近づけるかどうか見てみよう。」

It was past eleven o’clock when we formed our little ambuscade.

ambuscade (待ち伏せ) [名] a surprise attack from a concealed position

私たちが小さな待ち伏せをしたのは十一時を過ぎていた。

Hopkins was for leaving the door of the hut open, but Holmes was of the opinion that this would rouse the suspicions of the stranger.

ホプキンスは小屋の扉を開けたままにしておこうとしたが、ホームズはそうすると見知らぬ人の疑いを招くだろうという意見だった。

The lock was a perfectly simple one, and only a strong blade was needed to push it back.

blade (刃物) [名] the flat cutting part of a knife, sword, etc.

錠は全く単純なもので、それを押し戻すには強い刃物だけが必要だった。

Holmes also suggested that we should wait, not inside the hut, but outside it, among the bushes which grew round the farther window.

ホームズはまた、小屋の中ではなく、外側の、遠くの窓の周りに生えている茂みの中で待つべきだと提案した。

In this way we should be able to watch our man if he struck a light, and see what his object was in this stealthy nocturnal visit.

stealthy (隠密) [形] done or acting in a secretive way

このようにして、もし彼が明かりをつけたら、私たちは彼を観察し、この夜の隠密訪問の目的が何であるかを見ることができるはずだった。

It was a long and melancholy vigil, and yet brought with it something of the thrill which the hunter feels when he lies beside the water-pool, and waits for the coming of the thirsty beast of prey.

melancholy (憂鬱な) [形] a feeling of sadness, usually with no obvious cause

vigil (夜警) [名] a period of keeping awake during the night, especially to keep watch or pray

thrill (スリル) [名] a feeling of excitement and pleasure caused by an exciting event or experience

coming (到来) [名] the approach or arrival of someone or something

それは長く憂鬱な夜警だったが、それでも、水たまりのそばに横たわり、喉の渇いた獲物の到来を待つハンターが感じるスリルのようなものをもたらした。

What savage creature was it which might steal upon us out of the darkness?

steal upon (襲う) [動] to come upon or approach stealthily

暗闇から私たちを襲うかもしれない野蛮な生き物は何だったのか?

Was it a fierce tiger of crime, which could only be taken fighting hard with flashing fang and claw, or would it prove to be some skulking jackal, dangerous only to the weak and unguarded?

fang (牙) [名] a long, sharp tooth

claw (爪) [名] a curved, pointed horny nail on the foot of an animal or bird

unguarded (無防備な) [形] without protection or defense

それは、牙と爪を光らせて激しく戦うことによってのみ捕まえることができる凶暴な犯罪の虎だったのか、それとも弱くて無防備な者にしか危険ではない、こそこそしたジャッカルであることが判明するのだろうか?

In absolute silence we crouched amongst the bushes, waiting for whatever might come.

absolute silence (絶対に沈黙を守り) [名] complete absence of sound

私たちは絶対に沈黙を守り、茂みの中にうずくまって、何が起こるかを待った。

At first the steps of a few belated villagers, or the sound of voices from the village, lightened our vigil, but one by one these interruptions died away, and an absolute stillness fell upon us, save for the chimes of the distant church, which told us of the progress of the night, and for the rustle and whisper of a fine rain falling amid the foliage which roofed us in.

at first (最初は) [副] in the beginning

belated (遅れた) [形] coming or happening too late

villager (村人) [名] an inhabitant of a village

lighten (明るくする) [動] make or become lighter or brighter

one by one (一つ一つ) [副] individually and in succession

interruption (妨害) [名] the stoppage of an activity

stillness (静けさ) [名] the state of being quiet or silent

save for (除いて) [前] except for

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

chime (鐘の音) [名] the sound of a bell or bells, especially when rung in a tune

rustle (ざわめき) [名] a light, soft sound, as of leaves being stirred by the wind

whisper (ささやき) [名] a soft or confidential tone of voice

fine (細かい) [形] of very small particle size

rain (雨) [名] water falling in drops from the sky

foliage (葉) [名] the leaves of a plant

roof (覆う) [動] form a roof over

最初は、遅れた村人の足音や村からの声が私たちの夜警を明るくしたが、これらの妨害は一つ一つ消えていき、夜の進行を告げる遠くの教会の鐘の音と、私たちを覆う葉の間に降る細かい雨のざわめきとささやきを除いて、絶対的な静けさが私たちを襲った。

Half-past two had chimed, and it was the darkest hour which precedes the dawn, when we all started as a low but sharp click came from the direction of the gate.

half-past two (2時半) [名] 30 minutes after 2 o'clock

chime (鳴る) [動] make a bell-like sound

dawn (夜明け) [名] the time of day when light first appears in the sky

2時半の鐘が鳴り、夜明け前の最も暗い時間帯だったが、門の方向から低いが鋭いカチッという音がして、私たちは皆びっくりした。

Someone had entered the drive.

drive (私道) [名] a private road for local access

誰かが私道に入ってきたのだ。

Again there was a long silence, and I had begun to fear that it was a false alarm, when a stealthy step was heard upon the other side of the hut, and a moment later a metallic scraping and clinking.

long silence (長い沈黙) [名] a period of time without any sound or noise

begin to fear (心配し始める) [動] start to be afraid or worried

false alarm (誤報) [名] a warning of danger when in fact there is none

stealthy step (忍び足) [名] a quiet and cautious step

moment later (その直後) [名] a very short period of time

metallic scraping (金属が擦れる音) [名] the sound of metal scraping against something

clinking (カチャカチャという音) [名] a light, sharp, ringing sound

再び長い沈黙が続き、私はそれが誤報だったのではないかと心配し始めたが、小屋の向こう側で忍び足が聞こえ、その直後に金属が擦れる音とカチャカチャという音がした。

The man was trying to force the lock.

その男は鍵をこじ開けようとしていた。

This time his skill was greater or his tool was better, for there was a sudden snap and the creak of the hinges.

skill (腕前) [名] the ability to do something well

snap (パチン) [名] a sharp cracking sound

今度は彼の腕前が上がったか、道具が良くなったのか、突然パチンと音がして蝶番がきしんだ。

Then a match was struck, and next instant the steady light from a candle filled the interior of the hut.

strike (擦る) [動] to hit or come into contact with something quickly and forcefully

fill (満たす) [動] to make or become full

それからマッチが擦られ、次の瞬間にはろうそくの安定した光が小屋の中を満たした。

Through the gauze curtain our eyes were all riveted upon the scene within.

gauze (ガーゼ) [名] a thin transparent fabric of loosely woven cotton

rivet (釘付けになる) [動] fasten or fix firmly

ガーゼのカーテンを通して、私たちの目はすべて中の光景に釘付けになった。

The nocturnal visitor was a young man, frail and thin, with a black moustache, which intensified the deadly pallor of his face.

frail (虚弱な) [形] physically weak

intensify (際立たせる) [動] to become or make more intense

deadly (死人のような) [形] causing or able to cause death

夜の訪問者は、黒い口ひげを生やした、虚弱で痩せた若い男で、その口ひげが彼の顔の死人のような青白さを際立たせていた。

He could not have been much above twenty years of age.

could not have been (越えていなかっただろう) [助] used to express a possibility that did not happen in the past

twenty years of age (二十歳) [名] the age of a person who has lived for twenty years

彼は二十歳をあまり越えていなかっただろう。

I have never seen any human being who appeared to be in such a pitiable fright, for his teeth were visibly chattering, and he was shaking in every limb.

have never seen (見たことがない) [動] have not experienced before

pitiable (哀れな) [形] deserving or arousing pity

fright (恐怖) [名] a sudden intense feeling of fear

tooth (歯) [名] one of the hard white structures in the mouth

visibly (目に見えて) [副] in a way that is able to be seen

chatter (ガタガタ鳴る) [動] talk rapidly or incessantly

私は、彼の歯が目に見えてガタガタと鳴り、手足が震えていたので、これほど哀れな恐怖に陥っているように見える人間を見たことがない。

He was dressed like a gentleman, in Norfolk jacket and knickerbockers, with a cloth cap upon his head.

Norfolk jacket (ノーフォークジャケット) [名] a loose, belted, single-breasted jacket with box pleats

knickerbocker (ニッカーボッカー) [名] loose-fitting breeches gathered at the knee

彼は紳士のような服装をしており、ノーフォークジャケットとニッカーボッカーを着て、頭には布製の帽子をかぶっていた。

We watched him staring round with frightened eyes.

私たちは彼が恐怖の眼であたりを見回すのを見た。

Then he laid the candle-end upon the table and disappeared from our view into one of the corners.

candle-end (ろうそくの端) [名] the last part of a candle

それから彼はろうそくの端をテーブルの上に置き、私たちの視界から角の1つに姿を消した。

He returned with a large book, one of the logbooks which formed a line upon the shelves.

彼は大きな本を持って戻ってきたが、それは棚に並んでいる航海日誌の1つだった。

Leaning on the table, he rapidly turned over the leaves of this volume until he came to the entry which he sought.

lean on (寄りかかる) [動] be supported by

entry (記入部分) [名] an act of going or coming in

彼はテーブルに寄りかかり、探している記入部分にたどり着くまで、この巻のページを素早くめくった。

Then, with an angry gesture of his clenched hand, he closed the book, replaced it in the corner, and put out the light.

clenched hand (握りしめた手) [名] a hand with the fingers bent in towards the palm

angry gesture (怒りのしぐさ) [名] a movement of the body or part of the body that expresses an emotion

replace (戻す) [動] put back in the original place

put out (消す) [動] extinguish

それから、彼は握りしめた手を怒りのしぐさで振り、本を閉じ、それを隅に戻し、明かりを消した。

He had hardly turned to leave the hut when Hopkin’s hand was on the fellow’s collar, and I heard his loud gasp of terror as he understood that he was taken.

collar (襟首) [名] the part of a garment that fits around the neck

彼が小屋を出ようと振り返った瞬間、ホプキンズの手が男の襟首をつかみ、捕まったと悟った男の恐怖の叫び声が聞こえた。

The candle was relit, and there was our wretched captive, shivering and cowering in the grasp of the detective.

be relit (再び灯される) [動] be lit again

captive (捕虜) [名] a person who is kept as a prisoner

shiver (震える) [動] tremble or shake slightly, especially from cold or fear

cower (うずくまる) [動] crouch or shrink back in fear

grasp (手) [名] a firm hold or grip

ろうそくが再び灯され、そこには哀れな捕虜が、探偵の手に捕まって震えながらうずくまっていた。

He sank down upon the sea-chest, and looked helplessly from one of us to the other.

sink down (腰を下ろす) [動] sit down

helplessly (無力に) [副] without help or support

彼は船員の衣装箱に腰を下ろし、私たちを交互に無力な目で見た。

“Now, my fine fellow,” said Stanley Hopkins, “who are you, and what do you want here?”

fine fellow (あなた) [名] a person

want (している) [動] wish for; desire

「さて、あなたは誰だ、ここで何をしている」とスタンレー・ホプキンスが言った。

The man pulled himself together, and faced us with an effort at self-composure.

pull oneself together (気を取り直す) [動] regain one's composure

男は気を取り直し、平静を装って私たちと向き合った。

“You are detectives, I suppose?” said he.

「あなた方は探偵ですね?」と彼は言った。

“You imagine I am connected with the death of Captain Peter Carey.

connect (関係している) [動] be related to

「あなた方は私がピーター・ケアリー船長の死に関係していると思っている。

I assure you that I am innocent.”

私は無実だと断言する。」

“We’ll see about that,” said Hopkins.

see about (調べる) [動] to try to find out about something

「それはこれから調べる」とホプキンスは言った。

“First of all, what is your name?”

「まず、あなたの名前は?」

“It is John Hopley Neligan.”

John Hopley Neligan (ジョン・ホプリー・ネリガン) [名] a character in the story

「ジョン・ホプリー・ネリガンだ。」

I saw Holmes and Hopkins exchange a quick glance.

ホームズとホプキンスがちらっと視線を交わすのを私は見た。

“What are you doing here?”

「ここで何をしている?」

“Can I speak confidentially?”

confidentially (内緒に) [副] in a confidential manner

「内緒にしてくれますか?」

“No, certainly not.”

「いいえ、絶対に違います。」

“Why should I tell you?”

「なぜあなたに話さなければならないのですか?」

“If you have no answer, it may go badly with you at the trial.”

go badly (不利になる) [動] have an unfortunate outcome

「答えられないなら、裁判で不利になるかもしれない。」

The young man winced.

若者は顔をしかめた。

“Well, I will tell you,” he said.

well (では) [副] used to introduce a statement

「では、お話ししましょう」と彼は言った。

“Why should I not?

not (いけない) [副] a word that is used to say no or to express a negative

「なぜそうしてはいけないのですか?

And yet I hate to think of this old scandal gaining a new lease of life.

lease (命) [名] a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment

それでも、この古いスキャンダルが新たな命を得ることを考えるのは嫌だ。

Did you ever hear of Dawson and Neligan?”

ever (今までに) [副] at any time in the past or future; on any occasion; at all

Dawson (ドーソン) [名] a surname

Neligan (ネリガン) [名] a surname

ドーソンとネリガンのことを聞いたことがありますか?」

I could see, from Hopkins’s face, that he never had, but Holmes was keenly interested.

keenly (非常に) [副] in an enthusiastic and eager way

ホプキンスの顔から、彼は聞いたことがないことがわかったが、ホームズは非常に興味を持っていた。

“You mean the West Country bankers,” said he.

West Country (西部地方) [名] the southwest of England

banker (銀行家) [名] a person who works in a bank

「西部地方の銀行家のことですね」と彼は言った。

“They failed for a million, ruined half the county families of Cornwall, and Neligan disappeared.”

million (百万) [名] a thousand thousands

ruin (破滅させる) [動] reduce to a state of decay, collapse, or destruction

「彼らは百万の負債を抱え、コーンウォールの郡の半分の家族を破滅させ、ネリガンは姿を消した。」

“Exactly. Neligan was my father.”

「その通り。ネリガンは私の父だった。」

At last we were getting something positive, and yet it seemed a long gap between an absconding banker and Captain Peter Carey pinned against the wall with one of his own harpoons.

gap (隔たり) [名] a space or interval

absconding (逃亡した) [形] running away and hiding, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution

ついに我々は何か確かな情報を得たが、それでも逃亡した銀行家と自分の銛で壁に張り付けられたピーター・ケアリー船長との間には大きな隔たりがあるように思われた。

We all listened intently to the young man’s words.

intently (熱心に) [副] with a great deal of attention or concentration

我々は皆、若者の話を熱心に聞いた。

“It was my father who was really concerned.

be concerned (心配する) [動] be worried or anxious about something

「本当に心配していたのは父だった。

Dawson had retired.

ドーソンは引退していた。

I was only ten years of age at the time, but I was old enough to feel the shame and horror of it all.

ten years of age (十歳) [名] a person who is ten years old

old enough (十分な年齢) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

私は当時まだ十歳だったが、その全ての恥と恐怖を感じるのに十分な年齢だった。

It has always been said that my father stole all the securities and fled.

父が全ての証券を盗んで逃げたとずっと言われてきた。

It is not true.

それは真実ではない。

It was his belief that if he were given time in which to realize them, all would be well and every creditor paid in full.

belief (信念) [名] something that one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction

realize (実現する) [動] achieve or accomplish something

彼の信念では、もしそれらを実現する時間が与えられれば、全てはうまくいき、全ての債権者に全額支払われるだろうということだった。

He started in his little yacht for Norway just before the warrant was issued for his arrest.

yacht (ヨット) [名] a medium-sized sailboat used for pleasure

Norway (ノルウェー) [名] a country located in northern Europe

just before (直前に) [副] immediately preceding

issue (出される) [動] produce, publish, or distribute

彼は逮捕状が出される直前に小さなヨットでノルウェーに向けて出発した。

I can remember that last night when he bade farewell to my mother.

bid farewell (別れを告げる) [動] say goodbye

彼が母に別れを告げた最後の夜を覚えている。

He left us a list of the securities he was taking, and he swore that he would come back with his honour cleared, and that none who had trusted him would suffer.

suffer (損をする) [動] experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant

彼は持ち出す証券のリストと、名誉を回復して戻ってくること、彼を信頼した人は誰も損をしないことを誓った。

Well, no word was ever heard from him again.

no word (連絡) [名] no information or news

彼から二度と連絡はなかった。

Both the yacht and he vanished utterly.

ヨットも彼も完全に姿を消した。

We believed, my mother and I, that he and it, with the securities that he had taken with him, were at the bottom of the sea.

it (ヨット) [代] the yacht being talked about

母と私は、彼とヨットと証券は海の底にあると信じていた。

We had a faithful friend, however, who is a business man, and it was he who discovered some time ago that some of the securities which my father had with him had reappeared on the London market.

faithful (忠実な) [形] loyal, constant, or steadfast

business man (実業家) [名] a person who works in business

some time ago (少し前に) [副] a short time ago

market (市場) [名] a place where one can buy and sell goods

しかし、私たちには忠実な友人がいた。彼は実業家で、父が持ち出した証券の一部がロンドンの市場に再び現れたことを発見したのは彼だった。

You can imagine our amazement.

私たちの驚きは想像できるだろう。

I spent months in trying to trace them, and at last, after many doubtings and difficulties, I discovered that the original seller had been Captain Peter Carey, the owner of this hut.

spend months (何ヶ月もかける) [動] pass or occupy a period of time

try to (しようとする) [動] make an effort to do something

after (経て) [前] later or following

doubting (疑問) [名] a feeling of uncertainty about something

original (元の) [形] existing from the beginning

seller (売り手) [名] a person who sells something

私は何ヶ月もかけてそれらを追跡しようとしたが、多くの疑問と困難を経て、ついに元の売り手がこの小屋の所有者であるピーター・キャリー船長であることを発見した。

“Naturally, I made some inquiries about the man.

naturally (当然) [副] as may be expected

make inquiry (調査をする) [動] ask questions to find out about something

「当然、私はその男についていくつかの調査をした。

I found that he had been in command of a whaler which was due to return from the Arctic seas at the very time when my father was crossing to Norway.

whaler (捕鯨船) [名] a ship used for hunting whales

due to (予定である) [形] expected or supposed to happen

Arctic seas (北極海) [名] the ocean north of the Arctic Circle

very time (まさにその時) [名] the exact moment

cross (渡る) [動] go or move across

彼は、父がノルウェーに渡ったまさにその時に北極海から帰還する予定だった捕鯨船の船長を務めていたことがわかった。

The autumn of that year was a stormy one, and there was a long succession of southerly gales.

autumn (秋) [名] the season between summer and winter

stormy (嵐の多い) [形] characterized by storms

southerly (南からの) [形] in a southerly direction

gale (強風) [名] a very strong wind

その年の秋は嵐が多く、南からの強風が長く続いた。

My father’s yacht may well have been blown to the north, and there met by Captain Peter Carey’s ship.

be blown (吹き流される) [動] be moved by the wind

Captain Peter Carey (ピーター・キャリー船長) [名] a character in the story

父のヨットは北に吹き流され、そこでピーター・キャリー船長の船と出会ったのかもしれない。

If that were so, what had become of my father?

become of (どうなったのか) [動] happen to; be the fate of

もしそうなら、父はどうなったのか?

In any case, if I could prove from Peter Carey’s evidence how these securities came on the market it would be a proof that my father had not sold them, and that he had no view to personal profit when he took them.

come on the market (市場に出回る) [動] to become available for purchase

proof (証明) [名] evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement

いずれにせよ、ピーター・キャリーの証言からこれらの証券が市場に出回った経緯を証明できれば、父がそれらを売却しなかったこと、そしてそれらを持ち出したときに私利私欲がなかったことの証明になるだろう。

“I came down to Sussex with the intention of seeing the captain, but it was at this moment that his terrible death occurred.

come down to (~まで来る) [動] travel to a place that is further south

intention (つもり) [名] an aim or plan

「私は船長に会うつもりでサセックスまで来たが、ちょうどそのときに彼の恐ろしい死が起こった。

I read at the inquest a description of his cabin, in which it stated that the old logbooks of his vessel were preserved in it.

description (説明) [名] a statement or account giving the characteristics of someone or something

state (書かれている) [動] to express something in words

vessel (船) [名] a ship or large boat

preserve (保存されている) [動] to keep something in its original state

私は検死で彼の船室の説明を読んだが、そこには彼の船の古い航海日誌が保存されていると書かれていた。

It struck me that if I could see what occurred in the month of August, 1883, on board the Sea Unicorn, I might settle the mystery of my father’s fate.

board (船) [名] a ship

settle (解明する) [動] find a solution to

1883年8月にシー・ユニコーン号で何が起こったのかを知ることができれば、父の運命の謎を解明できるかもしれないと私は思った。

I tried last night to get at these logbooks, but was unable to open the door.

get at (手に入れようとする) [動] try to reach or obtain

be unable to (できない) [動] not have the ability, power, or skill to do something

私は昨夜、これらの航海日誌を手に入れようとしたが、ドアを開けることができなかった。

To-night I tried again and succeeded, but I find that the pages which deal with that month have been torn from the book.

tear (破く) [動] pull or rip apart or to pieces with force

今夜、私は再び試みて成功したが、その月を扱ったページが本から破かれているのを発見した。

It was at that moment I found myself a prisoner in your hands.”

prisoner (捕虜) [名] a person who is deprived of liberty and kept under involuntary restraint, confinement, or custody

その瞬間、私は自分があなたの手に捕らわれていることに気づいた。」

“Is that all?” asked Hopkins.

「それだけか?」とホプキンスは尋ねた。

“Yes, that is all.”

be (です) [動] to be

「はい、それだけです。」

His eyes shifted as he said it.

shift (そらす) [動] move from one place to another

彼はそう言いながら目をそらした。

“You have nothing else to tell us?”

have nothing (何もない) [動] not have anything

「他に話すことはないのか?」

He hesitated.

hesitate (ためらう) [動] be reluctant to do something

彼はためらった。

“No, there is nothing.”

「いいえ、何もありません。」

“You have not been here before last night?”

「昨夜までここには来ていなかったのか?」

“No.

「いいえ。

“Then how do you account for that?” cried Hopkins, as he held up the damning notebook, with the initials of our prisoner on the first leaf and the blood-stain on the cover.

damning (決定的な) [形] providing damaging or incriminating evidence

「では、これをどう説明する?」ホプキンスは、最初のページに囚人のイニシャルがあり、表紙に血痕のついた、決定的な証拠となる手帳を掲げた。

The wretched man collapsed.

collapse (崩れ落ちる) [動] fall down or give way suddenly

惨めな男は崩れ落ちた。

He sank his face in his hands, and trembled all over.

tremble (震える) [動] shake or shiver

彼は顔を両手で覆い、全身を震わせた。

“Where did you get it?” he groaned.

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

groan (うめく) [動] make a deep inarticulate sound in response to pain or despair

「どこで手に入れた?」彼はうめいた。

“I did not know. I thought I had lost it at the hotel.”

「知らなかった。ホテルで無くしたと思っていた。」

“That is enough,” said Hopkins, sternly.

「もう十分だ」ホプキンスは厳しく言った。

“Whatever else you have to say, you must say in court.

「他に何か言いたいことがあるなら、法廷で言うように。

You will walk down with me now to the police-station.

walk down (歩いて行く) [動] go somewhere on foot

police-station (警察署) [名] a building that serves as the headquarters of a police force

君は私と一緒に警察署まで歩いて行くことになる。

Well, Mr. Holmes, I am very much obliged to you and to your friend for coming down to help me.

be obliged to (感謝している) [動] be grateful to

ホームズさん、私を助けに来てくれたあなたとあなたの友人にはとても感謝しています。

As it turns out your presence was unnecessary, and I would have brought the case to this successful issue without you, but, none the less, I am grateful.

as it turns out (結局のところ) [副] in the end; ultimately

issue (成功) [名] the final result

grateful (感謝している) [形] thankful

結局のところ、あなたの存在は不要だったし、あなたなしでもこの事件を成功に導けただろうが、それでも感謝している。

Rooms have been reserved for you at the Brambletye Hotel, so we can all walk down to the village together.”

reserve (予約する) [動] arrange for and keep ready for a particular person or purpose

Brambletye Hotel (ブランブレティホテル) [名] a hotel in East Grinstead, England

皆さんのためにブランブレティホテルに部屋を予約してあるので、一緒に村まで歩いて行きましょう」

“Well, Watson, what do you think of it?” asked Holmes, as we travelled back next morning.

「さて、ワトソン、どう思う?」とホームズは翌朝帰る途中で尋ねた。

“I can see that you are not satisfied.”

satisfied (満足している) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

「君が満足していないのは分かる」

“Oh, yes, my dear Watson, I am perfectly satisfied.

my dear (君) [名] a term of endearment

am (である) [動] be

perfectly (完全に) [副] in a perfect manner

「ああ、そう、ワトソン君、私は完全に満足している。

At the same time, Stanley Hopkins’s methods do not commend themselves to me.

method (やり方) [名] a way of doing something

commend (評価する) [動] to express approval of

同時に、スタンレー・ホプキンスのやり方は私には評価できない。

I am disappointed in Stanley Hopkins.

be disappointed in (に失望している) [動] feel unhappy about something or someone that you had hoped would be good

私はスタンレー・ホプキンスに失望している。

I had hoped for better things from him.

私は彼にもっと良いことを期待していた。

One should always look for a possible alternative, and provide against it.

alternative (別の可能性) [名] one of two or more available possibilities

provide against (備える) [動] take precautions against

人は常に起こりうる別の可能性を探し、それに備えるべきだ。

It is the first rule of criminal investigation.”

それが犯罪捜査の第一のルールだ。」

“What, then, is the alternative?”

「では、別の可能性とは?」

“The line of investigation which I have myself been pursuing.

pursue (追い求める) [動] follow or chase

「私が追い求めてきた捜査の線だ。

It may give us nothing.

give (得る) [動] cause someone to receive something

何も得られないかもしれない。

I cannot tell.

cannot tell (わからない) [動] be unable to say or know something

わからない。

But at least I shall follow it to the end.”

しかし、少なくとも私は最後までそれを追いかけるつもりだ。」

Several letters were waiting for Holmes at Baker Street.

ベーカー街では何通かの手紙がホームズを待っていた。

He snatched one of them up, opened it, and burst out into a triumphant chuckle of laughter.

snatch (ひっつかむ) [動] grab suddenly or forcibly

burst out (笑い出す) [動] suddenly start doing something

chuckle (くすくす笑い) [名] a quiet or suppressed laugh

彼はそのうちの1通をひっつかみ、開封し、勝ち誇ったようにくすくす笑い出した。

“Excellent, Watson! The alternative develops.

develop (浮かび上がる) [動] come up with or produce

「素晴らしい、ワトソン! 代替案が浮かび上がってきた。

Have you telegraph forms?

telegraph (電報) [名] a message sent by telegraph

form (用紙) [名] a printed or typed document with spaces in which to write

電報用紙はあるか?

Just write a couple of messages for me: ‘Sumner, Shipping Agent, Ratcliff Highway. Send three men on, to arrive ten to-morrow morning.—Basil.’ That’s my name in those parts.

message (メッセージを) [名] a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be contacted directly

Sumner (サムナー) [名] a surname

Shipping Agent (船舶代理店) [名] a person or company that acts as an agent for a ship's owner or charterer

Ratcliff Highway (ラトクリフ街道) [名] a road in London

Basil (バジル) [名] a herb used in cooking

私のために2通のメッセージを書いてくれ。「サムナー、船舶代理店、ラトクリフ街道。明日の朝10時に到着するよう3人の男を送れ。ーバジル」それがその辺での私の名前だ。

The other is: ‘Inspector Stanley Hopkins, 46 Lord Street, Brixton. Come breakfast to-morrow at nine-thirty. Important. Wire if unable to come.—Sherlock Holmes.’

Inspector Stanley Hopkins (スタンレー・ホプキンス警部) [名] a police officer in charge of a number of police officers

Brixton (ブリクストン) [名] a district in south London

nine-thirty (9時半) [名] nine and a half

もう1通は「スタンレー・ホプキンス警部、ブリクストン、ロード街46番地。明日の朝9時半に朝食に来てください。重要。来られない場合は電報を。ーシャーロック・ホームズ」

There, Watson, this infernal case has haunted me for ten days.

there (ほら) [間] used to express satisfaction or relief

infernal (忌まわしい) [形] extremely unpleasant or annoying

haunt (悩ませる) [動] to visit frequently

ten days (10日間) [名] a period of ten days

ワトソン、この忌まわしい事件は10日間も私を悩ませた。

I hereby banish it completely from my presence.

hereby (これをもって) [副] by this means; as a result of this

banish (追放する) [動] send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment

これをもって私はこの事件を私の前から完全に追放する。

To-morrow, I trust that we shall hear the last of it forever.”

to-morrow (明日) [名] the day after today

trust (思う) [動] believe or expect

明日、私たちは永遠にこの事件の最後を聞くことになるだろう。」

Sharp at the hour named Inspector Stanley Hopkins appeared, and we sat down together to the excellent breakfast which Mrs. Hudson had prepared.

at the hour (時間通りに) [副] at the time specified

prepare (用意する) [動] make ready for use or consideration

指定された時間にスタンレー・ホプキンス警部が現れ、私たちはハドソン夫人が用意してくれた素晴らしい朝食を共にした。

The young detective was in high spirits at his success.

若い探偵は成功に上機嫌だった。

“You really think that your solution must be correct?” asked Holmes.

「君は本当に自分の解決が正しいと思っているのか?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“I could not imagine a more complete case.”

「これ以上完全な事件は想像できない。」

“It did not seem to me conclusive.”

conclusive (決定的) [形] decisive or final

「私には決定的とは思えなかった。」

“You astonish me, Mr. Holmes.

astonish (驚かせる) [動] surprise greatly

「ホームズさん、驚きました。

What more could one ask for?”

これ以上何を求めるというのか?」

“Does your explanation cover every point?”

cover (カバーする) [動] to extend over the surface of

「あなたの説明はすべての点をカバーしているのか?」

“Undoubtedly. I find that young Neligan arrived at the Brambletye Hotel on the very day of the crime.

very (当日) [形] actual; true; real

「間違いなく。若いネリガンが犯罪の当日にブランブレティホテルに到着したことがわかった。

He came on the pretence of playing golf.

pretence (口実) [名] an act of giving a false appearance of something

彼はゴルフをするという口実で来た。

His room was on the ground-floor, and he could get out when he liked.

ground-floor (1階) [名] the floor of a building that is level with the ground

get out (出る) [動] leave a place

like (好む) [動] find agreeable or attractive

彼の部屋は1階にあり、彼は好きな時に外に出ることができた。

That very night he went down to Woodman’s Lee, saw Peter Carey at the hut, quarrelled with him, and killed him with the harpoon.

that very night (その夜) [名] the night of the same day

その夜、彼はウッドマンズ・リーに行き、小屋でピーター・ケアリーに会い、彼と口論になり、銛で彼を殺した。

Then, horrified by what he had done, he fled out of the hut, dropping the notebook which he had brought with him in order to question Peter Carey about these different securities.

flee (逃げ出す) [動] run away from

question (質問する) [動] ask a question of

それから、彼は自分のしたことに恐怖を覚え、小屋から逃げ出し、ピーター・ケアリーにこれらの様々な証券について質問するために持ってきたノートを落とした。

You may have observed that some of them were marked with ticks, and the others—the great majority—were not.

tick (チェックマーク) [名] a mark (✓) to show that something has been checked, approved, or completed

great majority (大部分) [名] a large majority

あなたは、そのうちのいくつかにチェックマークが付いているのに気づいたかもしれないが、他の大部分にはチェックマークが付いていなかった。

Those which are ticked have been traced on the London market, but the others, presumably, were still in the possession of Carey, and young Neligan, according to his own account, was anxious to recover them in order to do the right thing by his father’s creditors.

Carey (ケアリー) [名] a surname

チェックマークが付いているものはロンドン市場で追跡されているが、他のものはおそらくまだケアリーの手元にあり、若いネリガンは彼自身の説明によると、父親の債権者に対して正しいことをするためにそれらを取り戻すことを切望していた。

After his flight he did not dare to approach the hut again for some time, but at last he forced himself to do so in order to obtain the information which he needed.

逃亡後、しばらくは小屋に近づく勇気がなかったが、ついに必要な情報を得るために勇気を振り絞って小屋に近づいた。

Surely that is all simple and obvious?”

確かにそれはすべて単純で明白なことだろう?」

Holmes smiled and shook his head.

ホームズは微笑んで首を横に振った。

“It seems to me to have only one drawback, Hopkins, and that is that it is intrinsically impossible.

drawback (欠点) [名] a feature that renders something less acceptable

intrinsically (本質的に) [副] in an essential or inherent manner

「私にはただ一つの欠点があるように思われる、ホプキンス、それは本質的に不可能であるということだ。

Have you tried to drive a harpoon through a body?

あなたは体を突き通すように銛を打ち込もうとしたことがあるか?

No? Tut, tut my dear sir, you must really pay attention to these details.

いいえ? ちぇっ、ちぇっ、親愛なる旦那、あなたは本当にこれらの細部に注意を払わなければならない。

My friend Watson could tell you that I spent a whole morning in that exercise.

私の友人ワトソンは私がその運動に丸一日を費やしたことをあなたに話すことができる。

It is no easy matter, and requires a strong and practised arm.

no easy matter (簡単なことではない) [名] something that is not easy to do

require (必要とする) [動] need for a particular purpose

practised (鍛えられた) [形] having or showing knowledge or skill gained from experience

それは簡単なことではなく、強く鍛えられた腕が必要だ。

But this blow was delivered with such violence that the head of the weapon sank deep into the wall.

deliver (与える) [動] give or send something to the intended recipient

しかし、この一撃は非常に激しく、武器の頭部が壁の奥深くに沈み込んだ。

Do you imagine that this anæmic youth was capable of so frightful an assault?

anæmic (貧血の) [形] lacking in color

この貧血の青年がそんなに恐ろしい襲撃ができると想像できるか?

Is he the man who hobnobbed in rum and water with Black Peter in the dead of the night?

hobnob (酒盛りをする) [動] drink together

彼は真夜中にブラック・ピーターとラム酒と水で酒盛りをした男か?

Was it his profile that was seen on the blind two nights before?

two nights before (二日前) [名] two days ago

二日前にブラインドに映っていたのは彼の横顔だったのか?

No, no, Hopkins, it is another and more formidable person for whom we must seek.”

no, no (いや、いや) [間] used to express negation, denial, or refusal

いや、いや、ホプキンス、我々が探さなければならないのはもっと手強い別の人物だ。」

The detective’s face had grown longer and longer during Holmes’s speech.

grow (長くなる) [動] become longer

speech (話) [名] the ability to speak or talk

ホームズが話している間、刑事の顔はますます長くなっていた。

His hopes and his ambitions were all crumbling about him.

ambition (野望) [名] a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work

crumble (崩れ落ちる) [動] break or cause to break into small fragments, especially over a period of time

彼の希望と野望はすべて彼の周りで崩れ落ちていた。

But he would not abandon his position without a struggle.

struggle (戦い) [名] a violent or intense effort

しかし、彼は戦わずして自分の立場を放棄することはなかった。

“You can’t deny that Neligan was present that night, Mr. Holmes.

「ホームズさん、あの夜ネリガンがそこにいたことは否定できないでしょう。

The book will prove that.

本がそれを証明するでしょう。

I fancy that I have evidence enough to satisfy a jury, even if you are able to pick a hole in it.

fancy (思う) [動] to believe or suppose

satisfy (満足させる) [動] to meet the requirements of

pick a hole (穴を見つける) [動] to find a flaw in something

あなたがその中に穴を見つけることができたとしても、私は陪審員を満足させるのに十分な証拠を持っていると思う。

Besides, Mr. Holmes, I have laid my hand upon my man.

lay one's hand upon (捕まえる) [動] to take hold of or seize

その上、ホームズさん、私は犯人を捕まえたのです。

As to this terrible person of yours, where is he?”

あなたの言う恐ろしい人物はどこにいるのですか?」

“I rather fancy that he is on the stair,” said Holmes, serenely.

serenely (穏やかに) [副] in a calm, peaceful, or unruffled manner

「彼は階段にいると思う」とホームズは穏やかに言った。

“I think, Watson, that you would do well to put that revolver where you can reach it.”

「ワトソン、そのリボルバーを手の届くところに置いておくといいと思う」

He rose and laid a written paper upon a side-table.

written paper (書き込みのある紙) [名] a piece of paper with writing on it

side-table (サイドテーブル) [名] a small table placed at the side of a larger table

彼は立ち上がり、書き込みのある紙をサイドテーブルに置いた。

“Now we are ready,” said he.

be ready (準備が整う) [動] be prepared or available for use

「これで準備が整った」と彼は言った。

There had been some talking in gruff voices outside, and now Mrs. Hudson opened the door to say that there were three men inquiring for Captain Basil.

gruff (荒々しい) [形] rough and unfriendly

外で荒々しい声で何か話している声が聞こえ、ハドソン夫人がドアを開けて、バジル大佐を尋ねる男が三人いると言った。

“Show them in one by one,” said Holmes.

「一人ずつ通して」とホームズは言った。

“The first who entered was a little Ribston pippin of a man, with ruddy cheeks and fluffy white side-whiskers.

Ribston pippin (リブストン・ピピン) [名] a kind of apple

「最初に入ってきたのは、赤ら顔でふわふわした白い頬ひげを生やした、小さなリブストン・ピピンのような男だった。

Holmes had drawn a letter from his pocket.

ホームズはポケットから手紙を取り出した。

“What name?” he asked.

「名前は?」と彼は尋ねた。

“James Lancaster.”

James Lancaster (ジェームズ・ランカスター) [名] a man's name

「ジェームズ・ランカスター」

“I am sorry, Lancaster, but the berth is full.

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

Lancaster (ランカスター) [名] a city in Lancashire, England

berth (船室) [名] a place where a ship can be moored

「申し訳ありませんが、ランカスターさん、船室は満員です。

Here is half a sovereign for your trouble.

ご迷惑をおかけしたので、ソブリン金貨を半分差し上げます。

Just step into this room and wait there for a few minutes.”

step into (入る) [動] go into

この部屋に入って、数分待っていてください」

The second man was a long, dried-up creature, with lank hair and sallow cheeks.

dried-up (ひょろひょろとした) [形] lacking in moisture

lank (べたっとした) [形] lacking in body or substance

もう一人は、長身でひょろひょろとした体格で、髪はべたっとしており、頬は土気色だった。

His name was Hugh Pattins.

Hugh Pattins (ヒュー・パティンズ) [名] a man's name

彼の名前はヒュー・パティンズだった。

He also received his dismissal, his half-sovereign, and the order to wait.

dismissal (解雇) [名] the termination of a person's employment

half-sovereign (ソブリン金貨を半分) [名] a former British gold coin with a value of ten shillings

order (命令) [名] an authoritative command or instruction

彼もまた解雇され、ソブリン金貨を半分受け取り、待つように言われた。

The third applicant was a man of remarkable appearance.

third (三人目) [形] coming after two others in a series

applicant (応募者) [名] a person who applies for a job or a place at a school or college

三人目の応募者は、目立つ容貌の男だった。

A fierce bull-dog face was framed in a tangle of hair and beard, and two bold, dark eyes gleamed behind the cover of thick, tufted, overhung eyebrows.

bull-dog (ブルドッグ) [名] a sturdy, heavily built dog with a large head and powerful jaws

tangle (塊) [名] a confused mass of something

bold (大胆な) [形] not afraid of danger or difficulty

tufted (房状の) [形] having or forming a tuft or tufts

overhung (垂れ下がった) [形] projecting or hanging over

荒々しいブルドッグのような顔は、髪と髭の塊に囲まれており、太く、房状に垂れ下がった眉毛の下から、二つの大胆で黒い目が光っていた。

He saluted and stood sailor-fashion, turning his cap round in his hands.

salute (敬礼する) [動] raise one's hand to one's forehead as a sign of respect

sailor (船乗り) [名] a person who works on a ship

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

彼は敬礼し、船乗りの流儀で立って、帽子を手の中で回した。

“Your name?” asked Holmes.

「名前は?」とホームズが尋ねた。

“Patrick Cairns.”

Patrick Cairns (パトリック・ケアンズ) [名] a man's name

「パトリック・ケアンズ」

“Harpooner?”

harpooner (銛打ち) [名] a person who throws harpoons

「銛打ち?」

“Yes, sir. Twenty-six voyages.”

twenty-six (26) [数] the number 26

「はい、そうです。26回航海しました」

“Dundee, I suppose?”

「ダンディー出身だろう?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、そうです」

“And ready to start with an exploring ship?”

「そして探検船で出発する準備はいいか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、そうです」

“What wages?”

wage (給料) [名] a fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee

「給料は?」

“Eight pounds a month.”

eight pounds (8ポンド) [名] a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces

「月8ポンド」

“Could you start at once?”

「すぐに出発できるか?」

“As soon as I get my kit.”

get (まとめる) [動] obtain or receive

kit (荷物) [名] a set of articles or equipment needed for a specific purpose

「荷物をまとめたらすぐに」

“Have you your papers?”

「書類は持っているか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい」

He took a sheaf of worn and greasy forms from his pocket.

greasy (油じみた) [形] covered with or full of grease

彼はポケットから使い古して油じみた書類の束を取り出した。

Holmes glanced over them and returned them.

glance over (ざっと目を通す) [動] read quickly or superficially

ホームズはそれらにざっと目を通し、返した。

“You are just the man I want,” said he.

just (まさに) [副] exactly

「君はまさに私が探していた人物だ」と彼は言った。

“Here’s the agreement on the side-table.

agreement (契約書) [名] a document that describes a deal or contract

「契約書はサイドテーブルの上にある。

If you sign it the whole matter will be settled.”

whole (全て) [形] all of; the entire

それに署名すれば、全てが解決する。」

The seaman lurched across the room and took up the pen.

seaman (船員) [名] a person who works on a ship

lurch (よろめく) [動] move unsteadily, as if about to fall

take up (手に取る) [動] pick up or lift up

船員は部屋を横切ってよろめき、ペンを手にした。

“Shall I sign here?” he asked, stooping over the table.

stoop (身をかがめる) [動] bend one's body forward and downward

「ここに署名すればいいのか?」と彼はテーブルに身をかがめながら尋ねた。

Holmes leaned over his shoulder and passed both hands over his neck.

lean over (身を乗り出す) [動] bend or move your body forward and downward

ホームズは彼の肩越しに身を乗り出し、両手を彼の首に回した。

“This will do,” said he.

「これでいい」と彼は言った。

I heard a click of steel and a bellow like an enraged bull.

steel (鉄) [名] a hard, strong, grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used as a structural and fabricating material

bellow (咆哮) [名] a deep loud roar, as of a bull

enraged (激怒した) [形] very angry

鉄の音と激怒した雄牛のような咆哮が聞こえた。

The next instant Holmes and the seaman were rolling on the ground together.

the next instant (次の瞬間) [名] the very next moment

次の瞬間、ホームズと船員は一緒に地面に転がっていた。

He was a man of such gigantic strength that, even with the handcuffs which Holmes had so deftly fastened upon his wrists, he would have very quickly overpowered my friend had Hopkins and I not rushed to his rescue.

gigantic (非常に強い) [形] extremely large

even with (にもかかわらず) [副] despite

very quickly (すぐに) [副] in a very short time

overpower (圧倒する) [動] defeat or overcome with superior strength

彼は非常に強力な男で、ホームズが手首に巧みにかけた手錠をかけていても、ホプキンスと私が急いで助けに来なければ、彼はすぐに私の友人を圧倒していただろう。

Only when I pressed the cold muzzle of the revolver to his temple did he at last understand that resistance was vain.

only when (初めて) [副] not until

press (押し当てる) [動] push against something with steady force

muzzle (銃口) [名] the open end of the barrel of a gun

temple (こめかみ) [名] the flat region on either side of the head between the forehead and the ear

resistance (抵抗) [名] the refusal to accept or comply with something

私がリボルバーの冷たい銃口を彼のこめかみに押し当てて初めて、彼は抵抗が無駄であることを理解した。

We lashed his ankles with cord, and rose breathless from the struggle.

lash (縛る) [動] tie or fasten with a cord or rope

rose (立ち上がる) [動] get up from a sitting or lying position

breathless (息もつかせずに) [形] out of breath; gasping for breath

私たちは彼の足首を紐で縛り、息もつかせずに立ち上がった。

“I must really apologize, Hopkins,” said Sherlock Holmes.

「本当に謝らなければならない、ホプキンス」とシャーロック・ホームズは言った。

“I fear that the scrambled eggs are cold.

scrambled egg (スクランブルエッグ) [名] eggs that are beaten and cooked in a pan

「スクランブルエッグが冷めてしまったのではないかと心配だ。

However, you will enjoy the rest of your breakfast all the better, will you not, for the thought that you have brought your case to a triumphant conclusion.”

enjoy (楽しむ) [動] take delight or pleasure in

the rest of (残り) [名] the remaining part of

all the better (より楽しめる) [副] even better

will you not (だろう) [助] used in questions to express a request, an invitation, or a suggestion

for the thought that (という思いで) [名] the idea or opinion that

しかし、事件を勝利に導いたという思いで、残りの朝食をより楽しめるだろう。」

Stanley Hopkins was speechless with amazement.

speechless (言葉を失った) [形] unable to speak

スタンリー・ホプキンスは驚きで言葉を失った。

“I don’t know what to say, Mr. Holmes,” he blurted out at last, with a very red face.

don't know what to say (何と言っていいかわからない) [動] be at a loss for words

blurt out (口走る) [動] say something without thinking

with a very red face (顔を真っ赤にして) [副] with a red face

「何と言っていいかわからない、ホームズさん」と彼は顔を真っ赤にしてついに口走った。

“It seems to me that I have been making a fool of myself from the beginning.

make a fool of oneself (自分を馬鹿にする) [動] to behave in a way that makes you look stupid

「私は最初から自分を馬鹿にしていたように思える。

I understand now, what I should never have forgotten, that I am the pupil and you are the master.

master (師匠) [名] a skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity

私は今、私が生徒であり、あなたが師匠であることを理解した。

Even now I see what you have done, but I don’t know how you did it or what it signifies.”

signify (意味する) [動] be a sign of; indicate

今でもあなたが何をしたのかはわかるが、どうやってそれをしたのか、それが何を意味するのかわからない」

“Well, well,” said Holmes, good-humouredly.

good-humouredly (上機嫌に) [副] in a cheerful or good-natured way

「まあまあ」とホームズは上機嫌に言った。

“We all learn by experience, and your lesson this time is that you should never lose sight of the alternative.

「私たちは皆経験から学ぶものであり、今回の教訓は、決して代替案を見失ってはならないということだ。

You were so absorbed in young Neligan that you could not spare a thought to Patrick Cairns, the true murderer of Peter Carey.”

be absorbed in (夢中になる) [動] be deeply interested in

spare a thought (思いを馳せる) [動] think about something

君は若いネリガンに夢中になって、ピーター・ケアリーの真の殺人者であるパトリック・ケアンズに思いを馳せることができなかった」

The hoarse voice of the seaman broke in on our conversation.

conversation (会話) [名] informal talk between two or more people

船員のしわがれた声が私たちの会話に割って入った。

“See here, mister,” said he, “I make no complaint of being man-handled in this fashion, but I would have you call things by their right names.

make no complaint (文句を言わない) [動] not complain

man-handle (手荒に扱う) [動] handle roughly

「おい、旦那」と彼は言った、「こんな風に手荒に扱われたことについては文句を言わないが、物事は正しい名前で呼んでもらいたい。

You say I murdered Peter Carey, I say I killed Peter Carey, and there’s all the difference.

difference (違い) [名] the state or fact of being different

君は私がピーター・ケアリーを殺害したと言うが、私はピーター・ケアリーを殺したと言う、そこには大きな違いがある。

Maybe you don’t believe what I say.

what (言う事) [名] the thing that is said

君は私の言うことを信じないかもしれない。

Maybe you think I am just slinging you a yarn.”

sling (作る) [動] make or create

君は私がただ作り話をしていると思うかもしれない。」

“Not at all,” said Holmes.

「全く」とホームズは言った。

“Let us hear what you have to say.”

「君の言うことを聞いてみよう。」

“It’s soon told, and, by the Lord, every word of it is truth.

Lord (神) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe

「すぐに話せるし、神に誓って、一言一句真実だ。

I knew Black Peter, and when he pulled out his knife I whipped a harpoon through him sharp, for I knew that it was him or me.

pull out (抜く) [動] remove something from a place

whip (突き刺す) [動] move or cause to move suddenly and quickly

sharp (鋭く) [形] having a thin edge or point

私は黒いピーターを知っていたし、彼がナイフを抜いた時、私は彼を鋭く突き刺した。なぜなら、彼か私かどちらかが死ぬと分かっていたからだ。

That’s how he died.

それが彼の死因だ。

You can call it murder.

殺人と呼んでもいい。

Anyhow, I’d as soon die with a rope round my neck as with Black Peter’s knife in my heart.”

as soon (すぐに) [副] without delay; quickly

いずれにせよ、私は首にロープを巻いて死ぬか、黒いピーターのナイフで心臓を刺されて死ぬかだ。」

“How came you there?” asked Holmes.

「どうやってそこに?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“I’ll tell it you from the beginning.

beginning (最初) [名] the first part of something

「最初から話そう。

Just sit me up a little, so as I can speak easy.

sit up (起こす) [動] move from a lying to a sitting position

so as (ように) [接] in order that

speak easy (楽に話す) [動] talk without difficulty

楽に話せるように、少し起こして欲しい。

It was in ’83 that it happened—August of that year.

83 (83年) [名] the year 1883

それが起こったのは83年のことだった、その年の8月だ。

Peter Carey was master of the Sea Unicorn, and I was spare harpooner.

master (船長) [名] the person in charge of a ship

spare (予備の) [形] extra; in reserve

ピーター・ケアリーはシー・ユニコーンの船長で、私は予備の銛打ちだった。

We were coming out of the ice-pack on our way home, with head winds and a week’s southerly gale, when we picked up a little craft that had been blown north.

come out of (抜け出す) [動] emerge from

ice-pack (流氷帯) [名] a large area of floating ice

head wind (逆風) [名] a wind blowing in the opposite direction to the course of a ship or aircraft

southerly gale (南からの強風) [名] a strong wind from the south

craft (船) [名] a boat or ship

blow (吹き流される) [動] be carried by the wind

帰路につき、逆風と一週間続いた南からの強風の中、流氷帯から抜け出そうとしていた時、北に吹き流された小さな船を拾った。

There was one man on her—a landsman.

landsman (陸の男) [名] a person who lives on land

そこには一人、陸の男が乗っていた。

The crew had thought she would founder and had made for the Norwegian coast in the dinghy.

crew (乗組員) [名] the people who work on a ship, aircraft, etc.

founder (沈む) [動] (of a ship) fill with water and sink

make for (向かう) [動] go in the direction of

Norwegian coast (ノルウェーの海岸) [名] the coast of Norway

dinghy (ディンギー) [名] a small boat

乗組員は船が沈むと思い、ディンギーでノルウェーの海岸に向かった。

I guess they were all drowned.

guess (思う) [動] estimate or suppose (something) without having all the facts; conjecture

drown (溺れる) [動] die through submersion in and inhalation of water

彼らは全員溺れたと思う。

Well, we took him on board, this man, and he and the skipper had some long talks in the cabin.

take on board (乗せる) [動] allow to enter a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

skipper (船長) [名] the master of a ship

とにかく、私たちはこの男を船に乗せ、彼と船長は船室で長い話をした。

All the baggage we took off with him was one tin box.

baggage (荷物) [名] suitcases, trunks, and other containers for personal belongings

take off (降ろす) [動] remove or take away

tin (ブリキ) [名] a thin sheet of iron or steel coated with tin

彼と一緒に降ろした荷物はブリキの箱一つだけだった。

So far as I know, the man’s name was never mentioned, and on the second night he disappeared as if he had never been.

私の知る限り、その男の名前は一度も言及されず、二日目の夜にはまるでいなかったかのように姿を消した。

It was given out that he had either thrown himself overboard or fallen overboard in the heavy weather that we were having.

give out (発表される) [動] make known or public

throw oneself overboard (身を投げる) [動] jump into the water from a ship

fall overboard (落ちる) [動] fall into the water from a ship

heavy weather (荒天) [名] a storm or severe weather

彼は船外に身を投げたか、荒天で船外に落ちたと発表された。

Only one man knew what had happened to him, and that was me, for, with my own eyes, I saw the skipper tip up his heels and put him over the rail in the middle watch of a dark night, two days before we sighted the Shetland Lights.

only one (一人だけ) [名] a single person

two days (二日前) [名] a period of forty-eight hours

tip up (持ち上げる) [動] lift or tilt

rail (手すり) [名] a bar or barrier made of wood or metal

彼に何が起こったのか知っていたのは一人だけで、それは私だった。シェトランド灯台を視界に入れる二日前の暗い夜の中番の時に、船長が彼の踵を持ち上げ、手すりから放り投げるところをこの目で見たからだ。

Well, I kept my knowledge to myself, and waited to see what would come of it.

keep (黙る) [動] not reveal or divulge

まあ、私は自分の知っていることは黙って、どうなるか見守ることにした。

When we got back to Scotland it was easily hushed up, and nobody asked any questions.

Scotland (スコットランド) [名] a country that is part of the United Kingdom

hush up (隠蔽する) [動] prevent the disclosure of

スコットランドに戻ると、それは簡単に隠蔽され、誰も質問しなかった。

A stranger died by accident and it was nobody’s business to inquire.

inquire (詮索する) [動] ask about something; make a request for information

見知らぬ人が事故で亡くなったのだから、誰も詮索する義理はない。

Shortly after Peter Carey gave up the sea, and it was long years before I could find where he was.

shortly after (その後まもなく) [副] not long after; a short time after

give up (辞める) [動] stop doing something

sea (船乗り) [名] the body of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and its adjoining shores, gulfs, and bays

long years (長い年月) [名] a long period of time

where (居場所) [名] the place that someone or something is in

その後まもなくピーター・ケアリーは船乗りを辞め、彼の居場所を突き止めるまでに長い年月がかかった。

I guessed that he had done the deed for the sake of what was in that tin box, and that he could afford now to pay me well for keeping my mouth shut.

tin box (ブリキの箱) [名] a box made of tin

keep one's mouth shut (口を閉ざす) [動] remain silent

私は彼があのブリキの箱の中身のために犯行に及んだのだと推測し、今なら口を閉ざすために私に大金を払う余裕があるだろうと思った。

I found out where he was through a sailor man that had met him in London, and down I went to squeeze him.

squeeze (脅迫する) [動] obtain by force or threat

私はロンドンで彼に会った船乗りを通して彼の居場所を突き止め、彼を脅迫しに行った。

The first night he was reasonable enough, and was ready to give me what would make me free of the sea for life.

the first night (最初の夜) [名] the night of the first day

reasonable (理性的) [形] having or showing reason or sound judgment

最初の夜、彼は十分に理性的で、私が一生海から解放されるだけのものを私に与えようとした。

We were to fix it all two nights later.

fix (解決する) [動] to repair or mend

two nights later (二晩後) [名] two nights after the present time

私たちは二晩後にすべてを解決する予定だった。

When I came, I found him three parts drunk and in a vile temper.

three parts (三分の一) [名] one of three equal parts

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

vile (ひどい) [形] extremely unpleasant

私が来ると、彼は三分の一酔っ払って、ひどい気分になっていた。

We sat down and we drank and we yarned about old times, but the more he drank the less I liked the look on his face.

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

yarn (話す) [動] tell a story

old times (昔) [名] a time in the past

the more (飲めば飲むほど) [接] to a greater extent

the less (嫌いになった) [接] to a smaller extent

私たちは座って酒を飲み、昔のことを話したが、彼が飲めば飲むほど、私は彼の顔つきが嫌いになった。

I spotted that harpoon upon the wall, and I thought I might need it before I was through.

私は壁にかかっている銛を見つけ、それを必要とするかもしれないと思った。

Then at last he broke out at me, spitting and cursing, with murder in his eyes and a great clasp-knife in his hand.

break out (襲いかかる) [動] to start suddenly

spit (つばを吐く) [動] to eject saliva from the mouth

clasp-knife (折り畳みナイフ) [名] a large pocketknife with a folding blade

ついに彼は私に襲いかかり、つばを吐き、呪いの言葉を吐き、目には殺意を宿し、手に大きな折り畳みナイフを握っていた。

He had not time to get it from the sheath before I had the harpoon through him.

get (抜く) [動] take hold of and remove

through (突き刺す) [前] from one side or end to the other of

彼が鞘から抜く前に、私は彼に銛を突き刺した。

Heavens! what a yell he gave! and his face gets between me and my sleep.

get between (割って入る) [動] come or go between two people or things

なんて叫び声を上げたことか! 彼の顔が私と私の睡眠の間に割って入ってくる。

I stood there, with his blood splashing round me, and I waited for a bit, but all was quiet, so I took heart once more.

take heart (勇気を出す) [動] feel or show courage or confidence

私はそこに立って、彼の血が私の周りに飛び散り、少し待ったが、すべてが静かだったので、私はもう一度勇気を出した。

I looked round, and there was the tin box on the shelf.

look round (見回す) [動] turn one's head or body in order to see in all directions

私は見回すと、棚にブリキの箱があった。

I had as much right to it as Peter Carey, anyhow, so I took it with me and left the hut.

as much right to (同じくらい権利がある) [名] the same amount of right to

いずれにせよ、私はピーター・ケアリーと同じくらいそれに権利があったので、私はそれを持ち帰り、小屋を後にした。

Like a fool I left my baccy-pouch upon the table.

like a fool (馬鹿なことに) [副] in a foolish manner

baccy-pouch (タバコ入れ) [名] a small bag for carrying tobacco

馬鹿なことに、私はタバコ入れをテーブルに置き忘れた。

“Now I’ll tell you the queerest part of the whole story.

queerest (一番奇妙な) [形] very strange or odd

「さて、この話の一番奇妙な部分をお話ししましょう。

I had hardly got outside the hut when I heard someone coming, and I hid among the bushes.

get outside (出る) [動] go or come out of

小屋から出るとすぐに誰かが来るのが聞こえたので、私は茂みの中に隠れた。

A man came slinking along, went into the hut, gave a cry as if he had seen a ghost, and legged it as hard as he could run until he was out of sight.

come slinking (こそこそとやってくる) [動] move in a furtive or stealthy manner

give a cry (叫び声を上げる) [動] utter a loud, sharp, piercing sound

as hard as one can (全力で) [副] with the greatest effort

out of sight (見えなくなる) [形] not visible

一人の男がこそこそとやってきて、小屋に入り、幽霊を見たかのような叫び声を上げ、見えなくなるまで全力で走り去った。

Who he was or what he wanted is more than I can tell.

can tell (わかる) [動] be able to say or know something

彼が誰で何を望んでいたのかは私にはわからない。

For my part I walked ten miles, got a train at Tunbridge Wells, and so reached London, and no one the wiser.

for my part (私としては) [副] as far as I am concerned

get (乗る) [動] go onto or into

私は十マイル歩き、タンブリッジ・ウェルズで電車に乗り、ロンドンに着いたが、誰も知らなかった。

“Well, when I came to examine the box I found there was no money in it, and nothing but papers that I would not dare to sell.

nothing but (〜しか) [副] only; no more than

「さて、箱を調べてみると、お金は入っておらず、売る勇気のない書類しか入っていなかった。

I had lost my hold on Black Peter and was stranded in London without a shilling.

lose one's hold on (支配力を失う) [動] lose one's control over

be stranded (立ち往生する) [動] be left without the means to move from somewhere

shilling (シリング) [名] a former British coin worth one twentieth of a pound

私はブラック・ピーターに対する支配力を失い、一シリングも持たずにロンドンで立ち往生していた。

There was only my trade left.

私の商売だけが残っていた。

I saw these advertisements about harpooners, and high wages, so I went to the shipping agents, and they sent me here.

high wages (高給) [名] a large amount of money paid to an employee

銛打ちの募集広告を見て、高給だったので、船舶代理店に行ったら、ここを紹介されたんだ。

That’s all I know, and I say again that if I killed Black Peter, the law should give me thanks, for I saved them the price of a hempen rope.”

that's all (それが全て) [名] that is all

say again (再び言う) [動] say something again

give thanks (感謝する) [動] express gratitude

save (節約する) [動] spend less money

私が知っていることは以上で、もし私がブラック・ピーターを殺したのなら、法は私に感謝すべきだ、麻縄の代金を節約したのだから」

“A very clear statement said Holmes,” rising and lighting his pipe.

「非常に明確な声明だ」とホームズは立ち上がってパイプに火をつけた。

“I think, Hopkins, that you should lose no time in conveying your prisoner to a place of safety.

lose no time (時間を無駄にしない) [動] do something immediately

convey (移送する) [動] transport or carry

「ホプキンス、君は囚人を安全な場所に移送するのに時間を無駄にすべきではないと思う。

This room is not well adapted for a cell, and Mr. Patrick Cairns occupies too large a proportion of our carpet.”

be adapted for (適している) [動] be suited for

cell (独房) [名] a small room in a prison

occupy (占める) [動] take up space

この部屋は独房に適していないし、パトリック・ケアンズ氏は私たちのカーペットの大部分を占めている」

“Mr. Holmes,” said Hopkins, “I do not know how to express my gratitude.

express (表現する) [動] show or convey (a thought or feeling)

gratitude (感謝) [名] the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

「ホームズさん」とホプキンスは言った、「私はどうやって感謝を表現したらいいかわからない。

Even now I do not understand how you attained this result.”

attain (得る) [動] reach or achieve a goal

今でもどうやってこの結果を得たのか理解できない」

“Simply by having the good fortune to get the right clue from the beginning.

have the good fortune to (幸運に恵まれる) [動] be lucky enough to

「単に最初から正しい手がかりを得る幸運に恵まれただけだ。

It is very possible if I had known about this notebook it might have led away my thoughts, as it did yours.

lead away (遠ざける) [動] cause to go away

もし私がこの手帳のことを知っていたら、あなたと同じように私の考えを遠ざけていたかもしれない。

But all I heard pointed in the one direction.

しかし、私が聞いたことはすべて一方向を指していた。

The amazing strength, the skill in the use of the harpoon, the rum and water, the sealskin tobacco-pouch with the coarse tobacco—all these pointed to a seaman, and one who had been a whaler.

whaler (捕鯨船員) [名] a person who hunts whales

驚くべき強さ、銛の使い方の巧みさ、ラム酒と水、粗いタバコの入ったアザラシ皮のタバコ入れ、これらすべてが船員、しかも捕鯨船員だったことを示していた。

I was convinced that the initials ‘P.C.’ upon the pouch were a coincidence, and not those of Peter Carey, since he seldom smoked, and no pipe was found in his cabin.

coincidence (偶然の一致) [名] a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

私は、タバコ入れの「P.C.」というイニシャルは偶然の一致であり、ピーター・ケアリーのイニシャルではないと確信していた。彼はめったに煙草を吸わず、彼の小屋にはパイプが見つからなかったからだ。

You remember that I asked whether whisky and brandy were in the cabin.

whisky (ウイスキー) [名] a spirit distilled from grain

私が小屋にウイスキーやブランデーがあったかどうか尋ねたのを覚えているだろう。

You said they were.

they (彼ら) [代] the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified

あなたはあったと言った。

How many landsmen are there who would drink rum when they could get these other spirits?

これらの他の酒を飲める時にラム酒を飲む陸の人間は何人いるだろうか?

Yes, I was certain it was a seaman.”

そうだ、私はそれが船員だと確信していた。」

“And how did you find him?”

「そして、どうやって彼を見つけたんだ?」

“My dear sir, the problem had become a very simple one.

「親愛なる君、問題はとても単純なものになっていた。

If it were a seaman, it could only be a seaman who had been with him on the Sea Unicorn.

もしそれが船員なら、それはシー・ユニコーン号で彼と一緒だった船員でしかあり得ない。

So far as I could learn he had sailed in no other ship.

sail (乗る) [動] travel by water

私の知る限り、彼は他の船には乗っていなかった。

I spent three days in wiring to Dundee, and at the end of that time I had ascertained the names of the crew of the Sea Unicorn in 1883.

wiring (電報を打つ) [名] the action of sending a telegram

ascertain (確かめる) [動] find out for certain; make sure of

1883 (一八八三年) [名] a year

私は三日かけてダンディーに電報を打ち、その結果、一八八三年のシー・ユニコーン号の乗組員の名前を確かめることができた。

When I found Patrick Cairns among the harpooners, my research was nearing its end.

near (近づく) [動] approach

銛打ちの中にパトリック・ケアンズを見つけた時、私の調査は終わりに近づいていた。

I argued that the man was probably in London, and that he would desire to leave the country for a time.

argue (推論する) [動] to give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one's view

country (国) [名] a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory

私は、その男はおそらくロンドンにいて、しばらく国を離れたいと思うだろうと推論した。

I therefore spent some days in the East End, devised an Arctic expedition, put forth tempting terms for harpooners who would serve under Captain Basil—and behold the result!”

East End (イースト・エンド) [名] the eastern part of London

devise (計画する) [動] plan or invent (a complex procedure)

Arctic expedition (北極探検) [名] a journey of exploration to the Arctic

put forth (提示する) [動] offer for consideration or discussion

tempting (魅力的な) [形] attractive or inviting

serve (働く) [動] work for

Captain Basil (ベイジル船長) [名] a captain named Basil

behold (見よ) [動] look at or see

だから私はイースト・エンドで数日を過ごし、北極探検を計画し、ベイジル船長の下で働く銛打ちに魅力的な条件を提示した。そして結果を見よ!」

“Wonderful!” cried Hopkins.

「素晴らしい!」とホプキンスは叫んだ。

“Wonderful!”

「素晴らしい!」

“You must obtain the release of young Neligan as soon as possible,” said Holmes.

release (釈放) [名] the action of letting go of something

as soon as possible (できるだけ早く) [副] in or within the shortest time possible

「できるだけ早く若いネリガンの釈放を得なければならない」とホームズは言った。

“I confess that I think you owe him some apology.

owe (義務がある) [動] have a duty or obligation to pay or repay in return for something received

「私はあなたが彼に謝罪する義務があると思う。

The tin box must be returned to him, but, of course, the securities which Peter Carey has sold are lost forever.

sell (売る) [動] exchange for money

ブリキの箱は彼に返さなければならないが、もちろん、ピーター・ケアリーが売った証券は永遠に失われる。

There’s the cab, Hopkins, and you can remove your man.

馬車が来たぞ、ホプキンス、あなたは部下を連れて行っていい。

If you want me for the trial, my address and that of Watson will be somewhere in Norway—I’ll send particulars later.”

裁判に私が必要なら、私とワトソンの住所はノルウェーのどこかになるだろう。詳細は後で送る」

THE ADVENTURE OF CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON

THE ADVENTURE OF (の冒険) [名] an unusual and exciting or daring experience

CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON (チャールズ・オーガスタス・ミルヴァートン) [名] a character in the story

チャールズ・オーガスタス・ミルヴァートンの冒険

It is years since the incidents of which I speak took place, and yet it is with diffidence that I allude to them.

take place (起こる) [動] happen

allude to (言及する) [動] suggest indirectly

diffidence (自信がない) [名] lack of confidence in oneself; shyness

私が話す事件が起きてから何年も経つが、それでも私はそれらに言及するのに自信がない。

For a long time, even with the utmost discretion and reticence, it would have been impossible to make the facts public, but now the principal person concerned is beyond the reach of human law, and with due suppression the story may be told in such fashion as to injure no one.

for a long time (長い間) [副] for a long period of time

reticence (沈黙) [名] the quality of being reticent

make public (公にする) [動] to make something known to the public

principal (主要な) [形] first in rank or importance

concerned (関係する) [形] involved or interested in something

beyond the reach of (及ばない) [形] not able to be reached

due (適切な) [形] proper or appropriate

suppression (抑制) [名] the action of suppressing something

may be told (語ることができる) [動] to be able to tell

in such fashion as to (ような方法で) [副] in a way that

injure (害を与える) [動] to cause physical harm or damage to

長い間、最大限の慎重さと沈黙を守ったとしても、事実を公にすることは不可能だっただろうが、今や関係する主要人物は人間の法律の及ばないところにいるし、適切な抑制をすれば誰にも害を与えないような方法で物語を語ることができる。

It records an absolutely unique experience in the career both of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and of myself.

それはシャーロック・ホームズ氏と私の両方の経歴の中で全くユニークな経験を記録している。

The reader will excuse me if I conceal the date or any other fact by which he might trace the actual occurrence.

読者は、私が日付や実際の出来事を追跡できるその他の事実を隠しても許してくれるだろう。

We had been out for one of our evening rambles, Holmes and I, and had returned about six o’clock on a cold, frosty winter’s evening.

one of (1つ) [名] a single item

ramble (散歩) [名] a leisurely walk

frosty (霜の降りた) [形] covered with frost

winter (冬) [名] the season of the year between autumn and spring

ホームズと私は夕方の散歩に出かけていて、寒い霜の降りた冬の夕方の六時頃に戻ってきた。

As Holmes turned up the lamp the light fell upon a card on the table.

turn up (上げる) [動] increase the volume or brightness of

ホームズがランプを上げると、光がテーブルの上の名刺に当たった。

He glanced at it, and then, with an ejaculation of disgust, threw it on the floor.

glance (ちらっと見る) [動] take a brief or hurried look

disgust (嫌悪感) [名] a feeling of intense aversion

彼はそれをちらっと見て、それから嫌悪感を込めて床に投げ捨てた。

I picked it up and read:

私はそれを拾い上げて読んだ。

CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON,

チャールズ・オーガスタス・ミルバートン

Appledore Towers,

Appledore Towers (アップルドア・タワーズ) [名] a fictional place

アップルドア・タワーズ

Hampstead.

Hampstead (ハムステッド) [名] a district in north London

ハムステッド

Agent.

代理人

“Who is he?”

「彼は誰だ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

“The worst man in London,” Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his legs before the fire.

the worst (一番悪い) [形] of the poorest quality or the lowest standard; least good or desirable

「ロンドンで一番悪い男だ」とホームズは答え、暖炉の前に座って足を伸ばした。

“Is anything on the back of the card?”

「カードの裏に何か書いてあるか?」

I turned it over.

私はカードを裏返した。

“Will call at 6:30—C.A.M.,” I read.

call (訪問する) [動] go to see someone

6:30 (6時半) [名] half past six

C.A.M. (C.A.M.) [名] the initials of a person's name

「6時半に訪問します。C.A.M.」と書いてあった。

“Hum! He’s about due.

be about due (そろそろ来る) [動] be expected to arrive soon

「ふむ! 彼はそろそろ来るだろう。

Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation, Watson, when you stand before the serpents in the Zoo, and see the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures, with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces?

shrink (縮み上がる) [動] become or make smaller

sensation (感覚) [名] a feeling

serpent (蛇) [名] a large snake

slithery (滑らかに滑る) [形] moving smoothly and quickly

glide (滑る) [動] move smoothly and quickly

venomous (毒のある) [形] producing or capable of producing venom

ワトソン、君は動物園で蛇の前に立って、あの滑らかに滑り、毒のある生き物が、恐ろしい目と邪悪で平らな顔をしているのを見たとき、ぞっとするような、縮み上がるような感覚を覚えるか?

Well, that’s how Milverton impresses me.

Milverton (ミルバートン) [名] a character in the story

ミルバートンにはそんな印象を受ける。

I’ve had to do with fifty murderers in my career, but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion which I have for this fellow.

have to do with (関わる) [動] be involved with

fifty (50) [数] the number 50

repulsion (嫌悪感) [名] a feeling of intense disgust

私はこれまでに50人の殺人者と関わってきたが、その中で最悪の者でさえ、この男ほど私に嫌悪感を与えたことはない。

And yet I can’t get out of doing business with him—indeed, he is here at my invitation.”

business (取引) [名] a commercial or industrial enterprise

invitation (招待) [名] a request to go somewhere or to do something

それでも、私は彼と取引をせずにはいられない。実際、彼は私の招待でここに来ているのだ」

“But who is he?”

「しかし、彼は誰なんだ?」

“I’ll tell you, Watson.

「教えてあげよう、ワトソン。

He is the king of all the blackmailers.

king (王) [名] a male monarch of a major territorial unit

blackmailer (恐喝者) [名] a person who extorts money or other concessions from someone by threats

彼はあらゆる恐喝者の王だ。

Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into the power of Milverton!

heaven (神) [名] the abode of God, the angels, and the spirits of the righteous after death

come into (手中に落ちる) [動] pass into the possession or control of

秘密や評判がミルバートンの手中に落ちた男、いやそれ以上に女は、神に助けを求めるしかない!

With a smiling face and a heart of marble, he will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry.

smiling face (笑顔) [名] a face with a smile

heart of marble (大理石のような心) [名] a heart that is hard and cold

squeeze (絞る) [動] apply pressure to something from both sides

drain (絞り尽くす) [動] make dry by removing all the liquid

笑顔を浮かべながら、大理石のような心で、彼は彼らを絞り、絞り、絞り尽くす。

The fellow is a genius in his way, and would have made his mark in some more savoury trade.

make one's mark (名を成す) [動] to become famous or successful

savoury (まともな) [形] having a strong and pleasant taste

彼は彼なりに天才で、もっとまともな商売をしていれば名を成していただろう。

His method is as follows:

as follows (こうだ) [副] in the following manner

彼の手口はこうだ。

He allows it to be known that he is prepared to pay very high sums for letters which compromise people of wealth and position.

allow (公言する) [動] to permit to be done or occur

be known (知られる) [動] to be recognized or understood

be prepared to (用意がある) [動] to be ready or willing to do something

very high sums (非常に高額の金) [名] a large amount of money

compromise (名誉を傷つける) [動] to make a compromise with

彼は、富と地位のある人々の名誉を傷つける手紙には、非常に高額の金を支払う用意があることを公言している。

He receives these wares not only from treacherous valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians, who have gained the confidence and affection of trusting women.

treacherous (裏切り者の) [形] guilty of or involving betrayal or deception

valet (従者) [名] a man's personal male attendant

genteel (上品な) [形] belonging to or characteristic of polite society

affection (愛情) [名] a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something

彼は、裏切り者の従者や女中だけでなく、信頼できる女性の信頼と愛情を勝ち得た上品な悪党からも、これらの品物を受け取っている。

He deals with no niggard hand.

deal with (取引する) [動] to be concerned with or engaged in

niggard (けちな) [形] stingy; miserly

彼はけちな取引はしない。

I happen to know that he paid seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length, and that the ruin of a noble family was the result.

seven hundred pounds (七百ポンド) [名] a sum of money

two lines (二行) [名] two rows of words

noble family (貴族の家) [名] a family of high rank or social status

彼が二行の書簡のために従私に七百ポンドを支払い、その結果、貴族の家が破滅したことを私はたまたま知っている。

Everything which is in the market goes to Milverton, and there are hundreds in this great city who turn white at his name.

turn white (青ざめる) [動] become pale

市場に出回っているものはすべてミルバートンのものとなり、この大都市には彼の名前を聞いただけで顔が青ざめる人が何百人もいる。

No one knows where his grip may fall, for he is far too rich and far too cunning to work from hand to mouth.

far (あまりに) [副] to a great extent

彼がどこに手を伸ばすかは誰にもわからない。彼は日銭を稼ぐには金持ちすぎ、ずる賢すぎる。

He will hold a card back for years in order to play it at the moment when the stake is best worth winning.

hold back (保持する) [動] to keep from doing something

at the moment (瞬間に) [副] at the present time

stake (賭け金) [名] something that is risked in a bet

worth (価値がある) [形] meriting attention or effort

彼は、賭け金が最も価値のある瞬間にそれをプレイするために、何年もカードを保持する。

I have said that he is the worst man in London, and I would ask you how could one compare the ruffian, who in hot blood bludgeons his mate, with this man, who methodically and at his leisure tortures the soul and wrings the nerves in order to add to his already swollen money-bags?”

hot blood (熱血) [名] a state of being very excited or angry

bludgeon (殴り殺す) [動] hit someone or something with a heavy object

mate (仲間) [名] a friend or companion

methodically (計画的に) [副] in a methodical manner

leisure (暇な時) [名] time when one is not working or occupied

torture (拷問する) [動] inflict severe pain on

soul (魂) [名] the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal

money-bag (金袋) [名] a bag for carrying money

彼はロンドンで一番悪い人間だと言ったが、熱血で仲間を殴り殺す悪党と、すでに膨れ上がった金袋にさらに金を入れるために、計画的に、そして暇な時に魂を拷問し、神経を絞り取るこの男をどう比べることができるだろうか?」

I had seldom heard my friend speak with such intensity of feeling.

intensity (激しさ) [名] the quality of being intense

私は友人がこれほど激しい感情を込めて話すのを聞いたことがほとんどなかった。

“But surely,” said I, “the fellow must be within the grasp of the law?”

grasp (及ぶ) [名] the ability to hold or seize something

「しかし、確かに」と私は言った、「その男は法の及ぶ範囲にいるに違いない?」

“Technically, no doubt, but practically not.

technically (技術的には) [副] with regard to the technique of a particular subject

「技術的には間違いなく、しかし実際にはそうではない。

What would it profit a woman, for example, to get him a few months’ imprisonment if her own ruin must immediately follow?

profit (利益になる) [動] be beneficial to

get (処す) [動] cause to be in a specified state

imprisonment (懲役刑) [名] the state of being confined in prison as a punishment imposed on a person who has been found guilty of a crime

例えば、女性が彼を数ヶ月の懲役刑に処したとしても、すぐに自分の破滅が続くのであれば、何の利益になるだろうか?

His victims dare not hit back.

hit back (反撃する) [動] retaliate; strike back

彼の犠牲者はあえて反撃しようとしない。

If ever he blackmailed an innocent person, then indeed we should have him, but he is as cunning as the Evil One.

blackmail (脅迫する) [動] extort money from (a person) by threatening to expose a criminal act or discreditable information

Evil One (悪魔) [名] the Devil

もし彼が無実の人を脅迫したことがあれば、確かに彼を捕まえるべきだが、彼は悪魔のように狡猾だ。

No, no, we must find other ways to fight him.”

fight (戦う) [動] take part in a violent confrontation

いや、いや、彼と戦う他の方法を見つけなければならない。」

“And why is he here?”

「そして、彼はなぜここに?」

“Because an illustrious client has placed her piteous case in my hands.

piteous (哀れな) [形] deserving or arousing pity

「高名な依頼人が彼女の哀れな事件を私の手に委ねたからだ。

It is the Lady Eva Blackwell, the most beautiful débutante of last season.

Lady Eva Blackwell (エヴァ・ブラックウェル令嬢) [名] the daughter of a peer of the realm

last season (昨シーズン) [名] the season before the current one

débutante (デビュタント) [名] a young woman making her social debut

エヴァ・ブラックウェル令嬢、昨シーズン最も美しいデビュタントだ。

She is to be married in a fortnight to the Earl of Dovercourt.

be to (することになっている) [助] be arranged or planned to happen

Earl of Dovercourt (ドーバーコート伯爵) [名] a title of nobility in the Peerage of the United Kingdom

彼女は二週間後にドーバーコート伯爵と結婚することになっている。

This fiend has several imprudent letters—imprudent, Watson, nothing worse—which were written to an impecunious young squire in the country.

imprudent (軽率な) [形] showing a lack of care for the consequences of an action; rash

impecunious (貧乏な) [形] having little or no money

この悪党は、田舎の貧乏な若い従者に宛てて書かれた、軽率な手紙を何通か持っている。軽率なだけだ、ワトソン、それ以上ではない。

They would suffice to break off the match.

break off (破談にする) [動] cancel or discontinue

結婚を破談にするのに十分なものだ。

Milverton will send the letters to the Earl unless a large sum of money is paid him.

large sum of money (大金) [名] a lot of money

ミルバートンは大金を支払わなければ、伯爵に手紙を送るつもりだ。

I have been commissioned to meet him, and—to make the best terms I can.”

be commissioned to (依頼される) [動] be given a task or responsibility

make the best terms (有利な条件で交渉する) [動] negotiate the most favorable conditions

私は彼に会い、できるだけ有利な条件で交渉するよう依頼された。」

At that instant there was a clatter and a rattle in the street below.

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

その瞬間、下の道でガタガタと音がした。

Looking down I saw a stately carriage and pair, the brilliant lamps gleaming on the glossy haunches of the noble chestnuts.

pair (一組) [名] two of something considered together

glossy (光沢のある) [形] having a shiny surface

haunch (腰) [名] the part of the body between the hip and the knee

noble (高貴な) [形] belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status

chestnut (栗毛) [名] a reddish-brown color

下を見ると、立派な馬車が見え、高貴な栗毛の馬の光沢のある腰に明るいランプが輝いていた。

A footman opened the door, and a small, stout man in a shaggy astrakhan overcoat descended.

footman (従者) [名] a male servant who attends the door, waits at table, or rides with his employer

stout (頑丈な) [形] strong and thick

従者がドアを開け、毛むくじゃらのアストラカンのオーバーコートを着た小柄で頑丈な男が降りてきた。

A minute later he was in the room.

a minute later (一分後) [副] sixty seconds later

一分後、彼は部屋にいた。

Charles Augustus Milverton was a man of fifty, with a large, intellectual head, a round, plump, hairless face, a perpetual frozen smile, and two keen grey eyes, which gleamed brightly from behind broad, gold-rimmed glasses.

fifty (五十) [名] the cardinal number that is equal to five times ten

intellectual (知的な) [形] of or relating to the intellect or its use

round (丸い) [形] having a curved shape like a circle

plump (ふっくらとした) [形] having a full rounded shape

hairless (無毛の) [形] lacking hair

perpetual (いつもの) [形] continuing forever or indefinitely

frozen (凍りついた) [形] turned into ice

brightly (明るく) [副] in a bright manner

gold-rimmed (金縁の) [形] having a border of gold

glasses (眼鏡) [名] a device consisting of two pieces of glass or plastic with a frame holding them in position in front of a person's eyes, typically used to correct vision

チャールズ・オーガスタス・ミルバートン氏は五十歳の男で、大きくて知的な頭、丸くふっくらとした無毛の顔、いつも凍りついた笑顔、そして金縁の広い眼鏡の奥から鋭く光る灰色の二つの目をしていた。

There was something of Mr. Pickwick’s benevolence in his appearance, marred only by the insincerity of the fixed smile and by the hard glitter of those restless and penetrating eyes.

Mr. Pickwick (ピクウィック氏) [名] a character in Charles Dickens's novel The Pickwick Papers

benevolence (慈悲深さ) [名] the quality of being kind and generous

marred (損なわれる) [動] spoil the appearance of

insincerity (不誠実さ) [名] the quality of being dishonest or not sincere

fixed (固定された) [形] not moving or able to be moved

hard (きつい) [形] done with a great deal of force or strength

glitter (きらめき) [名] a bright light that shines or flashes

restless (落ち着きのない) [形] unable to rest or relax

penetrating (鋭い) [形] able to make a hole in something or go through it

彼の外見にはピクウィック氏のような慈悲深さがあったが、ただ、固定された笑顔の不誠実さと、落ち着きのない鋭い目のきらめきによって損なわれていた。

His voice was as smooth and suave as his countenance, as he advanced with a plump little hand extended, murmuring his regret for having missed us at his first visit.

smooth (滑らか) [形] having a surface or texture that is even and regular

suave (上品) [形] smoothly agreeable and polite

countenance (表情) [名] the expression on a person's face

murmur (呟く) [動] say something in a low voice

miss (会えない) [動] fail to be present at or for

彼の声は彼の表情と同じくらい滑らかで上品で、彼はふっくらとした小さな手を差し出して近づき、最初の訪問で私たちに会えなかったことを後悔しているように呟いた。

Holmes disregarded the outstretched hand and looked at him with a face of granite.

granite (花崗岩) [名] a very hard igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar

ホームズは差し出された手を無視して、花崗岩のような顔で彼を見た。

Milverton’s smile broadened, he shrugged his shoulders removed his overcoat, folded it with great deliberation over the back of a chair, and then took a seat.

broaden (広がる) [動] become larger or wider

remove (脱ぐ) [動] take off an item of clothing

deliberation (ゆっくりと) [名] careful consideration before decision

take a seat (席に着く) [動] sit down

ミルバートンの笑顔は広がり、肩をすくめてオーバーコートを脱ぎ、椅子の背もたれにゆっくりと折り畳んでから席に着いた。

“This gentleman?” said he, with a wave in my direction.

「この紳士は?」と彼は私の方を向いて言った。

“Is it discreet? Is it right?”

「それは慎重ですか? 正しいですか?」

“Dr. Watson is my friend and partner.”

「ワトソン博士は私の友人であり、パートナーです。」

“Very good, Mr. Holmes.

「とても良いです、ホームズさん。

It is only in your client’s interests that I protested.

protest (抗議する) [動] express an objection to

私が抗議したのは、あなたの依頼人の利益のためだけです。

The matter is so very delicate——”

delicate (デリケート) [形] requiring careful handling or treatment

問題はとてもデリケートなのです。」

“Dr. Watson has already heard of it.”

「ワトソン博士はすでにそれを聞いています。」

“Then we can proceed to business.

business (本題) [名] the main topic or subject

「それでは、本題に移りましょう。

You say that you are acting for Lady Eva.

act (代理人である) [動] take the place of

Lady Eva (エヴァ令嬢) [名] a woman of noble birth

あなたはエヴァ令嬢の代理人だとおっしゃいましたね。

Has she empowered you to accept my terms?”

empower (権限を与える) [動] give power or authority to

彼女は私の条件を受け入れるようにあなたに権限を与えましたか?」

“What are your terms?”

「あなたの条件は何ですか?」

“Seven thousand pounds.”

seven thousand pounds (七千ポンド) [名] a sum of money

「七千ポンドです。」

“And the alternative?”

「そして代替案は?」

“My dear sir, it is painful for me to discuss it, but if the money is not paid on the 14th, there certainly will be no marriage on the 18th.”

painful (苦痛な) [形] causing or liable to cause pain

「私の愛する旦那様、それを議論するのは私にとって苦痛ですが、もしお金が14日に支払われなければ、18日に結婚は確かにありません。」

His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever.

insufferable (耐え難い) [形] too extreme to be endured

complacent (自己満足) [形] showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

彼の耐え難い笑顔はこれまで以上に自己満足だった。

Holmes thought for a little.

ホームズは少し考えた。

“You appear to me,” he said, at last, “to be taking matters too much for granted.

take for granted (当たり前のことと思う) [動] assume that something is true or will happen without questioning it

「あなたは私には、」と彼はついに言った、「物事をあまりにも当たり前のことと思っているように思える。

I am, of course, familiar with the contents of these letters.

私はもちろん、これらの手紙の内容に精通している。

My client will certainly do what I may advise.

私の依頼人は私が助言する通りに必ずするだろう。

I shall counsel her to tell her future husband the whole story and to trust to his generosity.”

future (将来の) [形] happening or existing in or belonging to the time after the present

generosity (寛大さ) [名] the quality of being kind and generous

私は彼女に、将来の夫に全てを話し、彼の寛大さを信頼するよう助言するつもりだ。」

Milverton chuckled.

chuckle (笑う) [動] laugh quietly

ミルバートンはその言葉に笑った。

“You evidently do not know the Earl,” said he.

「あなたは明らかに伯爵を知らない」と彼は言った。

From the baffled look upon Holmes’s face, I could see clearly that he did.

baffled (困惑した) [形] confused and unable to understand something

clearly (明らかに) [副] in a way that is easy to understand

ホームズの顔に浮かんだ困惑した表情から、彼がそうしたことは明らかだった。

“What harm is there in the letters?” he asked.

「手紙にどんな害があるんだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

“They are sprightly—very sprightly,” Milverton answered.

sprightly (快活な) [形] lively and full of energy

「それらは快活だ、とても快活だ」とミルバートンは答えた。

“The lady was a charming correspondent.

「その女性は魅力的な文通相手だった。

But I can assure you that the Earl of Dovercourt would fail to appreciate them.

fail to (できない) [動] be unsuccessful in doing something

しかし、ドーバーコート伯爵がそれらを理解できないことは保証できる。

However, since you think otherwise, we will let it rest at that.

しかし、あなたはそうは思っていないので、それでよしとしよう。

It is purely a matter of business.

purely (純粋に) [副] in a pure manner

それは純粋に商売の問題だ。

If you think that it is in the best interests of your client that these letters should be placed in the hands of the Earl, then you would indeed be foolish to pay so large a sum of money to regain them.”

in the best interests of (利益になる) [名] to the advantage of

もしあなたが、これらの手紙が伯爵の手に渡ることがあなたの依頼人の利益になると考えるなら、それを取り戻すために大金を払うのは確かに愚かなことだろう。」

He rose and seized his astrakhan coat.

astrakhan coat (アストラカンのコート) [名] a coat made from the wool of young karakul lambs

彼は立ち上がり、アストラカンのコートを手にした。

Holmes was grey with anger and mortification.

anger (怒り) [名] a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

mortification (悔しさ) [名] a feeling of shame, humiliation, or wounded pride

ホームズは怒りと悔しさで青ざめていた。

“Wait a little,” he said.

a little (ちょっと) [副] to a small extent; slightly

「ちょっと待って」と彼は言った。

“You go too fast.

「あなたは早すぎる。

We should certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate a matter.”

make every effort (あらゆる努力をする) [動] try very hard

我々は確かに、このようなデリケートな問題でスキャンダルを避けるためにあらゆる努力をすべきだ。」

Milverton relapsed into his chair.

relapse (座り直す) [動] fall or slip back into a former state or condition

ミルバートン氏は椅子に座り直した。

“I was sure that you would see it in that light,” he purred.

purr (言う) [動] make a low continuous vibratory sound like that made by a cat when pleased

「あなたならそう考えるだろうと確信していた」と彼は言った。

“At the same time,” Holmes continued, “Lady Eva is not a wealthy woman.

「同時に」とホームズは続けた、「エヴァ令嬢は裕福な女性ではない。

I assure you that two thousand pounds would be a drain upon her resources, and that the sum you name is utterly beyond her power.

two thousand pounds (二千ポンド) [名] a unit of money in the United Kingdom

drain (使い果たす) [動] cause to flow away

resource (資産) [名] a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed

sum (金額) [名] the total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, amounts, or items

utterly (到底) [副] completely; absolutely

beyond (及ばない) [前] on or to the farther side of

二千ポンドは彼女の資産を使い果たすことになるだろうし、あなたが言う金額は彼女の力では到底及ばないことを保証する。

I beg, therefore, that you will moderate your demands, and that you will return the letters at the price I indicate, which is, I assure you, the highest that you can get.”

moderate (緩和する) [動] make or become less extreme, intense, rigorous, or violent

price (価格) [名] the amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something

indicate (示す) [動] point out; show

だから、あなたの要求を緩和して、私が示す価格で手紙を返却してくれるようお願いする。これは、あなたが得られる最高の価格だと保証する。」

Milverton’s smile broadened and his eyes twinkled humorously.

twinkle (輝く) [動] shine or sparkle intermittently

humorously (ユーモラスに) [副] in a funny way

ミルヴァートンの笑顔は広がり、彼の目はユーモラスに輝いた。

“I am aware that what you say is true about the lady’s resources,” said he.

「令嬢の資産については、あなたの言うことが真実だと知っている」と彼は言った。

“At the same time you must admit that the occasion of a lady’s marriage is a very suitable time for her friends and relatives to make some little effort upon her behalf.

relative (親戚) [名] a person connected by blood or marriage

behalf (代わりに) [名] the interest of another person

「同時に、令嬢の結婚は、彼女の友人や親戚が彼女のために少し努力するのに非常に適した時期であることを認めなければならない。

They may hesitate as to an acceptable wedding present.

hesitate (迷う) [動] be uncertain about something

acceptable (受け入れられる) [形] able to be accepted

wedding present (結婚祝い) [名] a gift given to a couple on the occasion of their wedding

彼らは受け入れられる結婚祝いについて迷うかもしれない。

Let me assure them that this little bundle of letters would give more joy than all the candelabra and butter-dishes in London.”

let me (私に~させて) [動] allow me to

candelabra (燭台) [名] a large branched candlestick

butter-dish (バター皿) [名] a dish for holding butter

この小さな手紙の束は、ロンドンのすべての燭台やバター皿よりも喜びを与えると彼らに保証しよう。」

“It is impossible,” said Holmes.

「それは不可能だ」とホームズは言った。

“Dear me, dear me, how unfortunate!” cried Milverton, taking out a bulky pocketbook.

pocketbook (手帳) [名] a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in

「おやおや、おやおや、なんて不幸なことでしょう!」とミルバートン氏は叫び、分厚い手帳を取り出した。

“I cannot help thinking that ladies are ill-advised in not making an effort.

cannot help (せずにはいられない) [動] be unable to refrain from doing something

ladies (女性) [名] a woman who is well-mannered, courteous, or genteel

ill-advised (賢明ではない) [形] showing a lack of care for the consequences of an action; foolish

「女性が努力しないのは賢明ではないと考えずにはいられない。

Look at this!” He held up a little note with a coat-of-arms upon the envelope.

coat-of-arms (紋章) [名] a design or symbol that represents a family, organization, or country

これをご覧なさい!」彼は封筒に紋章のついた小さなメモを掲げた。

“That belongs to—well, perhaps it is hardly fair to tell the name until to-morrow morning.

fair (公平な) [形] just or impartial

「これは、ええと、明日の朝まで名前を言うのは公平ではないだろう。

But at that time it will be in the hands of the lady’s husband.

in the hands of (の手に渡っている) [名] in the possession or care of

しかし、その時までには、この手紙は女性の夫の手に渡っているだろう。

And all because she will not find a beggarly sum which she could get by turning her diamonds into paste.

beggarly (わずかな) [形] very small in amount

paste (偽物) [名] a soft, moist, smooth, sticky substance

そして、その原因は、彼女がダイヤモンドを偽物に変えることで得られるわずかな金額を用意できないことにある。

It is such a pity!

pity (残念) [名] a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for someone else's misfortune

とても残念なことだ!

Now, you remember the sudden end of the engagement between the Honourable Miss Miles and Colonel Dorking?

Honourable Miss Miles (マイルズ令嬢) [名] a young unmarried woman of a noble family

Colonel Dorking (ドーキング大佐) [名] a military officer of high rank

さて、あなたはマイルズ令嬢とドーキング大佐の婚約が突然解消されたことを覚えているだろうか?

Only two days before the wedding, there was a paragraph in the Morning Post to say that it was all off.

only two days (わずか二日前) [名] a very short period of time

Morning Post (モーニング・ポスト紙) [名] a daily newspaper published in London from 1772 to 1937

all off (婚約が解消された) [形] no longer happening or existing

結婚式のわずか二日前に、モーニング・ポスト紙に婚約が解消されたという記事が載った。

And why?

なぜか?

It is almost incredible, but the absurd sum of twelve hundred pounds would have settled the whole question.

twelve hundred pounds (1200ポンド) [名] a sum of money

settle (解決する) [動] resolve or reach an agreement about

ほとんど信じがたいことだが、1200ポンドという馬鹿げた金額で問題はすべて解決しただろう。

Is it not pitiful?

pitiful (哀れ) [形] deserving or arousing pity

哀れではないだろうか?

And here I find you, a man of sense, boggling about terms, when your client’s future and honour are at stake.

sense (分別) [名] the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way

boggling (ぐずぐずしている) [動] hesitate or waver

at stake (かかっている) [動] to be risked or gambled

ところが、あなたは分別のある人間でありながら、依頼人の未来と名誉がかかっている時に、条件を巡ってぐずぐずしている。

You surprise me, Mr. Holmes.”

ホームズさん、驚きました。」

“What I say is true,” Holmes answered.

「私が言うことは真実だ」とホームズは答えた。

“The money cannot be found.

「お金は見つからない。

Surely it is better for you to take the substantial sum which I offer than to ruin this woman’s career, which can profit you in no way?”

substantial (かなりの) [形] of considerable importance, size, or worth

sum (額) [名] a particular amount of money

profit (利益) [名] a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something

あなたにとって、私が差し出すかなりの額を受け取って、この女性の人生を破滅させない方が、間違いなく良いでしょう。あなたにとって、彼女の人生を破滅させても何の利益にもなりませんよ。」

“There you make a mistake, Mr. Holmes.

make a mistake (間違っている) [動] to do something wrong

「そこであなたは間違っています、ホームズさん。

An exposure would profit me indirectly to a considerable extent.

exposure (暴露) [名] the state of being exposed

暴露は私にかなりの程度間接的に利益をもたらすでしょう。

I have eight or ten similar cases maturing.

eight (八つ) [名] the number 8

similar (似たような) [形] having a likeness or resemblance

mature (熟している) [動] become fully developed

私には八つか十の似たような事件が熟している。

If it was circulated among them that I had made a severe example of the Lady Eva,

circulate (広まる) [動] move or cause to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area

make an example of (罰する) [動] punish someone as a warning to others

Lady Eva (レディ・エヴァ) [名] a woman of high social position

私がレディ・エヴァを厳しく罰したという話が彼らの間に広まれば、

I should find all of them much more open to reason.

all of (全ての) [限] the whole quantity or extent of

much more (もっと) [副] to a greater extent

open to (従う) [動] be willing to consider or accept

私は彼ら全員がもっと理屈に従うようになると思う。

You see my point?”

私の言いたいことが分かりますか?」

Holmes sprang from his chair.

ホームズは椅子から飛び上がった。

“Get behind him, Watson!

get behind (後ろに回れ) [動] move to the back of

「彼の後ろに回れ、ワトソン!

Don’t let him out!

let out (逃がす) [動] allow to go out

彼を逃がすな!

Now, sir, let us see the contents of that notebook.”

さて、その手帳の中身を見せてください」

Milverton had glided as quick as a rat to the side of the room and stood with his back against the wall.

ミルバートンはその部屋の端までネズミのように素早く滑り、壁に背を向けて立った。

“Mr. Holmes, Mr. Holmes,” he said, turning the front of his coat and exhibiting the butt of a large revolver, which projected from the inside pocket.

exhibit (見せる) [動] to show or display

butt (銃把) [名] the thick end of a weapon or tool

「ホームズさん、ホームズさん」と彼は言い、コートの前を開けて内ポケットから突き出た大きなリボルバーの銃把を見せた。

“I have been expecting you to do something original.

「君が何か独創的なことをするのを期待していたんだ。

This has been done so often, and what good has ever come from it?

come from (生じる) [動] have as a source or origin

これまで何度もそうしてきたが、それで何か良い結果が出たことがあるか?

I assure you that I am armed to the teeth, and I am perfectly prepared to use my weapons, knowing that the law will support me.

armed to the teeth (完全武装している) [形] having a lot of weapons

support (支持する) [動] to give assistance to, or to be in favor of

私が完全武装していることを保証するし、法律が私を支持することを知っているので、武器を使う準備は万端だ。

Besides, your supposition that I would bring the letters here in a notebook is entirely mistaken.

supposition (推測) [名] a belief held without proof or certain knowledge

その上、私が手紙をノートに挟んでここに持ってくるというあなたの推測は全く間違っている。

I would do nothing so foolish.

do nothing (何もしない) [動] not do anything

foolish (愚かな) [形] lacking good sense or judgment

私はそんな愚かなことはしない。

And now, gentlemen, I have one or two little interviews this evening, and it is a long drive to Hampstead.”

さて、皆さん、今夜はあと一、二件面会があり、ハムステッドまでは長い道のりです。」

He stepped forward, took up his coat, laid his hand on his revolver, and turned to the door.

take up (取る) [動] pick up

彼は前に進み、コートを取り、リボルバーに手を置き、ドアの方を向いた。

I picked up a chair, but Holmes shook his head, and I laid it down again.

pick up (持ち上げる) [動] lift something up

私は椅子を持ち上げたが、ホームズが首を横に振ったので、私はそれを再び置いた。

With bow, a smile, and a twinkle, Milverton was out of the room, and a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away.

bow (一礼) [名] a bending of the head or body in greeting, respect, submission, or shame

twinkle (瞬き) [名] a sparkle or gleam

out of (出て行く) [前] from inside to outside of

slam (閉まる音) [名] a loud bang caused by something shutting or closing forcefully

一礼し、微笑み、そして瞬きして、ミルバートンはその部屋から出て行き、数分後、私たちは馬車のドアが閉まる音と彼が去って行く時の車輪の音を聞いた。

Holmes sat motionless by the fire, his hands buried deep in his trouser pockets, his chin sunk upon his breast, his eyes fixed upon the glowing embers.

fire (暖炉) [名] a place in a room where a fire can be lit

deep (奥深くに) [形] extending far down or in from the top or surface

trouser (ズボン) [名] a garment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs

fix (固定する) [動] fasten or attach firmly

glowing (赤く燃える) [形] emitting light as a result of being heated

ember (残り火) [名] a small piece of burning or glowing wood or coal in a dying fire

ホームズは暖炉のそばで動かずに座り、両手をズボンのポケットの奥深くに突っ込み、顎を胸に沈め、目を赤く燃える残り火に固定していた。

For half an hour he was silent and still.

still (じっと) [副] without moving

彼は三十分の間、黙ってじっとしていた。

Then, with the gesture of a man who has taken his decision, he sprang to his feet and passed into his bedroom.

take a decision (決断を下す) [動] make a decision

pass into (入っていく) [動] go into

それから、決断を下した男の身振りで、彼は立ち上がり、寝室に入っていった。

A little later a rakish young workman, with a goatee beard and a swagger, lit his clay pipe at the lamp before descending into the street.

a little later (少し後) [副] a short time after

rakish (放蕩な) [形] having a stylish and confident appearance

workman (労働者) [名] a person who works

goatee beard (ヤギひげ) [名] a beard trimmed into a point on the chin

swagger (威張った態度) [名] a very confident and arrogant way of walking or behaving

clay pipe (土管) [名] a pipe made of clay

少し後、ヤギひげを生やし、威張った態度の、放蕩な若い労働者が、通りに降りる前にランプで土管に火をつけた。

“I’ll be back some time, Watson,” said he, and vanished into the night.

be back (戻ってくる) [動] return to a place

some time (いつか) [名] at some point in the future

「ワトソン、いつか戻ってくる」と言って、彼は夜の闇に消えた。

I understood that he had opened his campaign against Charles Augustus Milverton, but I little dreamed the strange shape which that campaign was destined to take.

open (開始する) [動] start or begin

campaign (作戦) [名] a series of military operations intended to achieve a particular objective

dream (想像する) [動] form a mental image of something that does not exist or that is not present

彼がチャールズ・オーガスタス・ミルバートンに対する作戦を開始したことは理解したが、その作戦がどのような奇妙な形をとることになるのかは、ほとんど想像もつかなかった。

For some days Holmes came and went at all hours in this attire, but beyond a remark that his time was spent at Hampstead, and that it was not wasted, I knew nothing of what he was doing.

for some days (数日間) [名] a period of time

come and go (出たり入ったりする) [動] move in and out of a place

at all hours (いつも) [副] at any time

in this attire (この服装で) [名] in this clothing

beyond a remark (発言以外に) [名] other than a statement

that his time was spent at Hampstead (彼がハムステッドで時間を過ごした) [名] that he was in Hampstead

that it was not wasted (無駄ではなかった) [名] that it was not a waste of time

I knew nothing of what he was doing (彼が何をしていたのかは何も知らなかった) [名] I had no idea what he was doing

数日間、ホームズはいつもこの服装で出たり入ったりしていたが、彼がハムステッドで時間を過ごし、無駄ではなかったという発言以外に、彼が何をしていたのかは何も知らなかった。

At last, however, on a wild, tempestuous evening, when the wind screamed and rattled against the windows, he returned from his last expedition, and having removed his disguise he sat before the fire and laughed heartily in his silent inward fashion.

wild (荒れ狂う) [形] not controlled or disciplined

tempestuous (嵐の) [形] stormy

scream (悲鳴を上げる) [動] to cry out loudly, as in pain, fright, or anger

rattle (ガタガタと鳴らす) [動] to make a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds

remove (解く) [動] take off

しかし、ついに、風が悲鳴を上げ、窓をガタガタと鳴らす荒れ狂う嵐の夜、彼は最後の遠征から戻り、変装を解いて暖炉の前に座り、静かに内心で心から笑った。

“You would not call me a marrying man, Watson?”

「ワトソン、私を結婚する男とは呼ばないだろう?」

“No, indeed!”

「いいえ、確かに!」

“You’ll be interested to hear that I’m engaged.”

be interested (興味を持つ) [動] have a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

be engaged (婚約する) [動] be formally pledged to marry

「私が婚約したと聞いて興味を持つだろう。」

“My dear fellow! I congrat——”

「親愛なる友よ! おめでとうございます」

“To Milverton’s housemaid.”

「ミルバートン家の女中と。」

“Good heavens, Holmes!”

「なんてことだ、ホームズ!」

“I wanted information, Watson.”

「情報が必要だったんだ、ワトソン。」

“Surely you have gone too far?”

go too far (行き過ぎる) [動] exceed the proper limit or boundary

「さすがに行き過ぎでは?」

“It was a most necessary step.

step (手順) [名] a measure or action taken as part of a larger plan or process

「これは最も必要な手順だった。

I am a plumber with a rising business, Escott, by name.

plumber (配管工) [名] a person who installs and repairs pipes, fittings, and fixtures

rising (軌道に乗りつつある) [形] increasing in amount, value, or importance

私はエスコットという名の、事業が軌道に乗りつつある配管工だ。

I have walked out with her each evening, and I have talked with her.

walk out (散歩する) [動] go for a walk

each evening (毎晩) [名] the end of the day

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

私は毎晩彼女と散歩し、彼女と話した。

Good heavens, those talks!

those talks (あの会話) [名] the conversations that took place

なんてことだ、あの会話!

However, I have got all I wanted.

しかし、私は欲しいものをすべて手に入れた。

I know Milverton’s house as I know the palm of my hand.”

私は自分の手のひらを知っているかのようにミルバートンの家を知っている。」

“But the girl, Holmes?”

「しかし、あの娘は、ホームズ?」

He shrugged his shoulders.

彼は肩をすくめた。

“You can’t help it, my dear Watson.

「君は仕方がないんだよ、ワトソン君。

You must play your cards as best you can when such a stake is on the table.

play one's cards (カードを出す) [動] to use one's resources in a way that is most likely to be successful

そのような賭け金がテーブルにあるときには、できる限り最善のカードを出すべきだ。

However, I rejoice to say that I have a hated rival, who will certainly cut me out the instant that my back is turned.

rival (ライバル) [名] a person or thing competing with another for the same goal or object

cut out (切り捨てる) [動] remove or exclude something

しかし、私には憎しみを抱くライバルがいて、私が背を向けた瞬間に私を切り捨てるだろうと言うのは嬉しいことだ。

What a splendid night it is!”

なんて素晴らしい夜だ!」

“You like this weather?”

「この天気は好きですか?」

“It suits my purpose.

suit (合う) [動] be appropriate or satisfactory for

「私の目的に合っている。

Watson, I mean to burgle Milverton’s house to-night.”

mean to (するつもりである) [動] have as one's intention

burgle (押し入る) [動] enter a building illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft

ワトソン、私は今夜ミルバートン邸に押し入ろうと思う。」

I had a catching of the breath, and my skin went cold at the words, which were slowly uttered in a tone of concentrated resolution.

catch one's breath (息が詰まる) [動] to stop breathing for a short time

go cold (冷たくなる) [動] to become cold

utter (発する) [動] to say something

concentrated (集中した) [形] having all of one's attention focused on something

resolution (決意) [名] a firm decision to do or not to do something

私は息が詰まり、肌が冷たくなった。その言葉は、集中した決意の口調でゆっくりと発せられていた。

As a flash of lightning in the night shows up in an instant every detail of a wild landscape, so at one glance I seemed to see every possible result of such an action—the detection, the capture, the honoured career ending in irreparable failure and disgrace, my friend himself lying at the mercy of the odious Milverton.

flash (閃光) [名] a sudden brief burst of bright light

lightning (稲妻) [名] a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage

show up (照らし出す) [動] to be present or appear

detection (発見) [名] the action of discovering something

capture (捕獲) [名] the action of taking or winning something by force or effort

disgrace (不名誉) [名] loss of reputation or respect

mercy (慈悲) [名] compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

夜の稲妻が一瞬で荒野の細部をすべて照らし出すように、私は一目でそのような行動のあらゆる結果を見たように思えた。発見、捕獲、名誉ある経歴が取り返しのつかない失敗と不名誉に終わり、友人自身が憎しみに満ちたミルバートンの慈悲に身を任せている。

“For heaven’s sake, Holmes, think what you are doing,” I cried.

for heaven's sake (頼むから) [間] an expression of annoyance, impatience, or surprise

「頼むから、ホームズ、何をしようとしているのか考えてくれ」と私は叫んだ。

“My dear fellow, I have given it every consideration.

give (考慮する) [動] to present as a gift

consideration (考慮) [名] careful thought, typically over a period of time, about something

「親愛なる友よ、私はあらゆることを考慮した。

I am never precipitate in my actions, nor would I adopt so energetic and, indeed, so dangerous a course, if any other were possible.

precipitate (急ぐ) [動] cause to happen sooner than normal or expected

course (方法) [名] a way of doing or proceeding

私は決して行動を急ぐことはなく、また、他の方法が可能であれば、それほど精力的で、実際、危険な方法を採用することもないだろう。

Let us look at the matter clearly and fairly.

fairly (公正に) [副] justly or impartially

問題を明確に公正に見てみましょう。

I suppose that you will admit that the action is morally justifiable, though technically criminal.

action (行為) [名] something that is done

justifiable (正当化できる) [形] able to be shown to be right or reasonable

技術的には犯罪だが、道徳的には正当化できる行為だと認めるだろう。

To burgle his house is no more than to forcibly take his pocketbook—an action in which you were prepared to aid me.”

no more than (...に過ぎない) [副] only; simply

forcibly (強引に) [副] using force or violence

彼の家に押し入ることは、彼の手帳を強引に奪うことに過ぎない。君は私を助ける準備をしてくれていた。」

I turned it over in my mind.

私はそれを頭の中でひっくり返した。

“Yes,” I said, “it is morally justifiable so long as our object is to take no articles save those which are used for an illegal purpose.”

article (もの) [名] a particular thing

illegal (違法な) [形] contrary to or forbidden by law

「そうですね」と私は言った。「違法な目的に使用されているもの以外は何も取らないという目的である限り、道徳的に正当化できます。」

“Exactly. Since it is morally justifiable, I have only to consider the question of personal risk.

risk (リスク) [名] a situation involving exposure to danger

「その通りだ。道徳的に正当化できるので、私は個人的なリスクの問題だけを考えればよい。

Surely a gentleman should not lay much stress upon this, when a lady is in most desperate need of his help?”

lay stress upon (強調する) [動] to give special importance to

desperate (最も必要としている) [形] very great or intense

確かに、女性が彼の助けを最も必要としているとき、紳士はこれをあまり強調すべきではないだろうか?」

“You will be in such a false position.”

「あなたはそんな偽りの立場にいることになる。」

“Well, that is part of the risk.

「まあ、それはリスクの一部だ。

There is no other possible way of regaining these letters.

no other (他の~はない) [限] not any other

これらの手紙を取り戻す他の方法はない。

The unfortunate lady has not the money, and there are none of her people in whom she could confide.

confide (打ち明ける) [動] tell someone about a secret or private matter

その不幸な女性はお金を持っておらず、彼女が打ち明けることができる身内は誰もいない。

To-morrow is the last day of grace, and unless we can get the letters to-night, this villain will be as good as his word and will bring about her ruin.

last day (最終日) [名] the final day of a period of time

grace (猶予) [名] a period of time beyond a due date

明日が猶予の最終日で、今夜手紙を入手できなければ、この悪党は言葉通りに彼女を破滅させるだろう。

I must, therefore, abandon my client to her fate or I must play this last card.

play (切る) [動] use or move (a card) in a game

だから、私は依頼人を運命に委ねるか、この最後のカードを切らなければならない。

Between ourselves, Watson, it’s a sporting duel between this fellow Milverton and me.

between ourselves (内緒だが) [副] in private

duel (決闘) [名] a prearranged combat between two people

内緒だが、ワトソン、これはこのミルバートンという男と私のスポーツの決闘だ。

He had, as you saw, the best of the first exchanges, but my self-respect and my reputation are concerned to fight it to a finish.”

as you saw (君も見たように) [接] like you saw

exchange (交渉) [名] the act of giving or receiving something in return for something else

self-respect (自尊心) [名] a feeling of deep pride and confidence in oneself

concerned (かかっている) [形] worried or anxious about something

君も見たように、彼は最初の交渉では優勢だったが、私の自尊心と名声は最後まで戦うことにかかっている。」

“Well, I don’t like it, but I suppose it must be,” said I.

「うーん、気に入らないが、そうするしかないだろう」と私は言った。

“When do we start?”

「いつ出発する?」

“You are not coming.”

「君は来ない。」

“Then you are not going,” said I.

then (それなら) [副] in that case

「それなら君も行かない」と私は言った。

“I give you my word of honour—and I never broke it in my life—that I will take a cab straight to the police-station and give you away, unless you let me share this adventure with you.”

take a cab (馬車で行く) [動] ride in a taxi

straight (直行する) [副] without turning or bending

give away (密告する) [動] reveal or make known

「私は君に名誉にかけて誓うが、私はこの冒険に加わらせてくれない限り、馬車で警察署に直行して君のことを密告する。」

“You can’t help me.”

「君は私を助けることはできない。」

“How do you know that?

「どうしてそれを知っている?

You can’t tell what may happen.

can't tell (わからない) [動] be unable to say or predict

何が起こるかわからない。

Anyway, my resolution is taken.

anyway (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case; at any rate

いずれにせよ、私の決意は固い。

Other people besides you have self-respect, and even reputations.”

besides (以外) [前] in addition to; apart from

君以外の人にも自尊心や名声がある。」

Holmes had looked annoyed, but his brow cleared, and he clapped me on the shoulder.

look annoyed (イライラした様子だった) [動] to appear to be angry or impatient

clear (撫でる) [動] to make or become free of obstacles or blockages

ホームズはイライラした様子だったが、額を撫で、私の肩を叩いた。

“Well, well, my dear fellow, be it so.

be it so (そうしよう) [動] let it be so

「そうか、そうか、友よ、そうしよう。

We have shared this same room for some years, and it would be amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell.

私たちは数年間この同じ部屋を共有してきたが、同じ独房を共有することになったら面白いだろう。

You know, Watson, I don’t mind confessing to you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a highly efficient criminal.

you know (君は知っている) [間] used to introduce a statement

don't mind (かまわない) [動] be indifferent to

confessing (告白する) [動] admit or acknowledge something

have an idea (思っている) [動] have a plan or intention

highly (非常に) [副] to a great degree or extent

efficient (有能な) [形] capable of producing desired results with little or no wasted effort or expense

ワトソン、君には告白してもかまわないが、私はいつも自分は非常に有能な犯罪者になれると思っていた。

This is the chance of my lifetime in that direction.

lifetime (生涯) [名] the period of time during which a person is alive

これはその方向での私の生涯のチャンスだ。

See here!”

ほら、ここを見て!」

He took a neat little leather case out of a drawer, and opening it he exhibited a number of shining instruments.

彼は引き出しから小さな革製のケースを取り出し、それを開けてたくさんの光り輝く道具を見せた。

“This is a first-class, up-to-date burgling kit, with nickel-plated jemmy, diamond-tipped glass-cutter, adaptable keys, and every modern improvement which the march of civilization demands.

first-class (一流の) [形] of the highest quality

up-to-date (最新の) [形] extending up to the present time

burgling kit (泥棒道具) [名] a set of tools used for burglary

nickel-plated (ニッケルメッキの) [形] coated with nickel

jemmy (バール) [名] a short crowbar

diamond-tipped (ダイヤモンドの先端の) [形] having a tip made of diamond

glass-cutter (ガラスカッター) [名] a tool used to cut glass

adaptable (合鍵) [形] able to be adapted

civilization (文明) [名] a human society that has attained a high level of social and cultural development

march (進歩) [名] a forward movement

demand (要求する) [動] ask for with authority

「これは一流の最新の泥棒道具で、ニッケルメッキのバールとダイヤモンドの先端のガラスカッター、合鍵、そして文明の進歩が要求するあらゆる最新の改良品が揃っている。

Here, too, is my dark lantern.

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

ここに私の暗いランタンもある。

Everything is in order.

in order (準備万端) [形] arranged or organized systematically

すべて準備万端だ。

Have you a pair of silent shoes?”

pair (一足) [名] two things of the same type that are used together

音のしない靴は持っているか?」

“I have rubber-soled tennis shoes.”

rubber-soled (ゴム底の) [形] having a sole made of rubber

tennis shoe (テニスシューズ) [名] a shoe designed for playing tennis

「ゴム底のテニスシューズなら持っている」

“Excellent! And a mask?”

mask (マスク) [名] a covering for the face, worn as a disguise, or to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances

「素晴らしい! マスクは?」

“I can make a couple out of black silk.”

out of (で) [前] from

silk (絹) [名] a fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms and used to make textiles and clothing

「黒い絹で2つ作れる」

“I can see that you have a strong, natural turn for this sort of thing.

turn (才能) [名] a special ability or aptitude

「君はこういうことに強い天性の才能があるようだ。

Very good, do you make the masks.

very good (とても良い) [形] of a high standard

とても良い、マスクを作ってくれ。

We shall have some cold supper before we start.

have (とる) [動] eat or drink

出発前に冷たい夕食をとろう。

It is now nine-thirty.

nine-thirty (九時半) [名] the time 30 minutes after 9 o'clock

今は九時半だ。

At eleven we shall drive as far as Church Row.

Church Row (チャーチ・ロウ) [名] a street in London

十一時にチャーチ・ロウまで馬車で行く。

It is a quarter of an hour’s walk from there to Appledore Towers.

walk (徒歩) [名] the action of traveling by foot

そこからアップルドア・タワーズまでは徒歩で十五分だ。

We shall be at work before midnight.

be at work (仕事に取り掛かる) [動] be working

before midnight (真夜中までには) [副] before 12 o'clock at night

真夜中までには仕事に取り掛かっているだろう。

Milverton is a heavy sleeper, and retires punctually at ten-thirty.

heavy sleeper (熟睡型) [名] a person who sleeps deeply and is not easily woken up

retire (床につく) [動] go to bed

punctually (きっちり) [副] on time; at the arranged time

ミルバートンはかなりの熟睡型で、きっちり十時半に床につく。

With any luck we should be back here by two, with the Lady Eva’s letters in my pocket.”

with any luck (運が良ければ) [副] if we are lucky

by two (二時までには) [副] before or at a particular time

with the Lady Eva's letters in my pocket (エヴァ嬢の手紙をポケットに入れて) [副] with the Lady Eva's letters in my pocket

運が良ければ、二時までにはここに戻って来られるだろう。エヴァ嬢の手紙をポケットに入れて。」

Holmes and I put on our dress-clothes, so that we might appear to be two theatre-goers homeward bound.

put on (着る) [動] to put clothes on oneself

dress-clothes (夜会服) [名] formal clothes

theatre-goer (劇場から帰る途中の) [名] a person who goes to the theatre

homeward bound (帰る途中の) [形] going home

ホームズと私は、劇場から帰る途中の二人に見えるように、夜会服を着た。

In Oxford Street we picked up a hansom and drove to an address in Hampstead.

hansom (ハンサム) [名] a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage

オックスフォード街でハンサムを拾い、ハムステッドの住所まで乗って行った。

Here we paid off our cab, and with our great coats buttoned up, for it was bitterly cold, and the wind seemed to blow through us, we walked along the edge of the heath.

pay off (降りる) [動] give someone all the money that you owe them

button up (ボタンを掛ける) [動] fasten with buttons

blow through (吹き抜ける) [動] move through or past quickly

ここで馬車を降り、コートのボタンを掛け、ひどく寒く、風が吹き抜けるようだったので、ヒースの端に沿って歩いた。

“It’s a business that needs delicate treatment,” said Holmes.

「これは慎重な扱いを要する事件だ」とホームズは言った。

“These documents are contained in a safe in the fellow’s study, and the study is the ante-room of his bed-chamber.

ante-room (控えの間) [名] a small room leading to a larger one

「この書類は、この男の書斎の金庫に保管されている。書斎は寝室の控えの間だ。

On the other hand, like all these stout, little men who do themselves well, he is a plethoric sleeper.

men (男性たち) [名] an adult male human being

plethoric (多血質の) [形] having too much blood

一方で、自分をよくするこれらの頑丈な小柄な男性たちのように、彼は多血質の眠り手だ。

Agatha—that’s my fiancée—says it is a joke in the servants’ hall that it’s impossible to wake the master.

Agatha (アガサ) [名] a female given name

fiancée (婚約者) [名] a person who is engaged to be married

アガサ、私の婚約者だが、主人を起こすのは不可能だというのが使用人の間ではジョークになっていると言っている。

He has a secretary who is devoted to his interests, and never budges from the study all day.

devoted (熱心な) [形] very loving or loyal

budge (離れる) [動] move or cause to move slightly

彼には彼の利益に熱心な秘書がいて、一日中書斎から離れない。

That’s why we are going at night.

at night (夜に) [副] during the night

だから夜に行くんだ。

Then he has a beast of a dog which roams the garden.

beast (獣) [名] a wild animal

roam (うろつく) [動] move about or travel aimlessly or unsystematically

それから彼は庭をうろつく犬の獣を飼っている。

I met Agatha late the last two evenings, and she locks the brute up so as to give me a clear run.

last (この) [形] most recent

up (中に) [前] to a higher place or position

so as to (ように) [接] in order to

run (逃げ道) [名] an act or spell of running

私はこの二晩遅くにアガサに会った、そして彼女は私が逃げやすいようにあの獣を閉じ込めてくれる。

This is the house, this big one in its own grounds.

これが家だ、敷地内にあるこの大きな家だ。

Through the gate—now to the right among the laurels.

門をくぐって、月桂樹の間を右に曲がる。

We might put on our masks here, I think.

put on (着ける) [動] to put something on one's body

ここでマスクを着けてもいいと思う。

You see, there is not a glimmer of light in any of the windows, and everything is working splendidly.”

glimmer (漏れる) [動] shine or be reflected with a weak or unsteady light

work (うまくいく) [動] operate or function, especially properly or effectively

ほら、どの窓にも光が漏れていないし、すべてがうまくいっている。」

With our black silk face-coverings, which turned us into two of the most truculent figures in London, we stole up to the silent, gloomy house.

face-covering (覆面) [名] a mask that covers the face

steal up to (忍び寄る) [動] approach stealthily

黒い絹の覆面を着けた私たちは、ロンドンで最も凶暴な二人組に変身し、静かで陰気な家へと忍び寄った。

A sort of tiled veranda extended along one side of it, lined by several windows and two doors.

line (並ぶ) [動] be arranged in or form a line

建物の片側にはタイル張りのベランダのようなものが張り出し、そこにはいくつかの窓と二つのドアがあった。

“That’s his bedroom,” Holmes whispered.

「あれが彼の寝室だ」とホームズはささやいた。

“This door opens straight into the study.

open (通じる) [動] to give access to

straight (直結している) [副] without deviation or interruption

「このドアは書斎に直結している。

It would suit us best, but it is bolted as well as locked, and we should make too much noise getting in.

suit (都合がいい) [動] be convenient or favorable for

bolt (閂) [名] a sliding bar used to fasten a door or window

これが私たちには一番都合がいいのだが、鍵がかかっているだけでなく閂もかかっているし、中に入るのにあまりに大きな音を立ててしまうだろう。

Come round here.

round (こっち) [副] near or to the place where the speaker is

こっちへ来てくれ。

There’s a greenhouse which opens into the drawing-room.”

客間に通じる温室がある。」

The place was locked, but Holmes removed a circle of glass and turned the key from the inside.

be locked (鍵がかかっている) [動] be fastened or secured with a lock

そこは鍵がかかっていたが、ホームズはガラスを丸く切り取り、内側から鍵を回した。

An instant afterwards he had closed the door behind us, and we had become felons in the eyes of the law.

an instant afterwards (次の瞬間) [名] a very short time later

behind (後ろで) [前] at or to the rear of

次の瞬間、彼は私たちの後ろでドアを閉め、私たちは法の下で重罪犯となった。

The thick, warm air of the conservatory and the rich, choking fragrance of exotic plants took us by the throat.

conservatory (温室) [名] a building with glass walls and roof for growing plants

rich (濃厚な) [形] having a high value or quality

fragrance (香り) [名] a sweet or pleasant smell

take by the throat (襲う) [動] to seize or attack suddenly and violently

温室の濃く暖かい空気と、異国情緒あふれる植物の濃厚で息苦しい香りが私たちの喉を襲った。

He seized my hand in the darkness and led me swiftly past banks of shrubs which brushed against our faces.

brush against (撫でる) [動] touch lightly in passing

彼は暗闇の中で私の手をつかみ、私たちの顔を撫でる低木の列を素早く通り過ぎた。

Holmes had remarkable powers, carefully cultivated, of seeing in the dark.

cultivate (育てる) [動] prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening

ホームズは、暗闇でも見えるように注意深く育てられた驚くべき能力を持っていた。

Still holding my hand in one of his, he opened a door, and I was vaguely conscious that we had entered a large room in which a cigar had been smoked not long before.

hold (握る) [動] grasp or grip

彼は私の手を片手で握ったままドアを開け、私たちが少し前に葉巻を吸った大きな部屋に入ったことをぼんやりと意識した。

He felt his way among the furniture, opened another door, and closed it behind us.

feel one's way (歩き回る) [動] move or act cautiously

彼は家具の間を歩き回り、別のドアを開けて、私たちの後ろでそれを閉めた。

Putting out my hand I felt several coats hanging from the wall, and I understood that I was in a passage.

put out (伸ばす) [動] stretch out

手を伸ばすと、壁からコートが何枚かぶら下がっているのを感じ、私は通路にいることがわかった。

We passed along it and Holmes very gently opened a door upon the right-hand side.

pass along (通り過ぎる) [動] go past

very gently (そっと) [副] in a gentle manner

私たちはそこを通り過ぎ、ホームズは右側のドアをそっと開けた。

Something rushed out at us and my heart sprang into my mouth, but I could have laughed when I realized that it was the cat.

rush out (飛び出す) [動] move or act with urgent haste

spring into one's mouth (びっくりする) [動] be very surprised

何かが私たちに向かって飛び出してきて、私はびっくりしたが、それが猫だとわかって笑いそうになった。

A fire was burning in this new room, and again the air was heavy with tobacco smoke.

この新しい部屋では火が燃えており、また空気はタバコの煙で重かった。

Holmes entered on tiptoe, waited for me to follow, and then very gently closed the door.

tiptoe (つま先) [名] the tip of a toe

ホームズはつま先で入り、私が続くのを待ってから、そっとドアを閉めた。

We were in Milverton’s study, and a portière at the farther side showed the entrance to his bedroom.

farther side (向こう側) [名] the more distant side

portière (カーテン) [名] a curtain hung in a doorway

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

私たちはミルバートン書斎にいて、向こう側のカーテンが彼の寝室への入り口を示していた。

It was a good fire, and the room was illuminated by it.

illuminate (照らす) [動] light up

それは良い火で、部屋はそれで照らされていた。

Near the door I saw the gleam of an electric switch, but it was unnecessary, even if it had been safe, to turn it on.

electric (電気) [形] of or relating to electricity

switch (スイッチ) [名] a device for making and breaking or changing the connections in an electrical circuit

turn on (オンにする必要はなかった) [動] cause to operate or function

ドアの近くに電気スイッチの輝きが見えたが、安全だったとしてもそれをオンにする必要はなかった。

At one side of the fireplace was a heavy curtain which covered the bay window we had seen from outside.

fireplace (暖炉) [名] a place in a room where a fire can be lit

bay window (出窓) [名] a window that projects from the wall of a building

暖炉の片側には、外から見た出窓を覆う厚いカーテンがあった。

On the other side was the door which communicated with the veranda.

communicate (通じる) [動] to be connected or to have access to

veranda (ベランダ) [名] a roofed platform along the outside of a house

反対側にはベランダと通じるドアがあった。

A desk stood in the centre, with a turning-chair of shining red leather.

中央には机があり、赤い革の回転椅子があった。

Opposite was a large bookcase, with a marble bust of Athene on the top.

bookcase (本棚) [名] a piece of furniture with shelves for books

marble (大理石) [名] a hard metamorphic rock that can be polished and is used in sculpture and architecture

Athene (アテネ) [名] the Greek goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare

向かいにはアテネの大理石の胸像を載せた大きな本棚があった。

In the corner, between the bookcase and the wall, there stood a tall, green safe, the firelight flashing back from the polished brass knobs upon its face.

in the corner (角に) [副] in the angle formed by two walls or lines

firelight (暖炉の光) [名] the light from a fire

flash (反射する) [動] emit or reflect light in sudden bright gleams

polished (磨かれた) [形] made smooth and shiny by rubbing or polishing

brass (真鍮) [名] a yellow alloy of copper and zinc

knob (取っ手) [名] a rounded protuberance that is used to hold or turn something

本棚と壁の間の角には、背の高い緑色の金庫があり、磨かれた真鍮の取っ手から暖炉の光が反射していた。

Holmes stole across and looked at it.

ホームズはそっと近づいてそれを見た。

Then he crept to the door of the bedroom, and stood with slanting head listening intently.

slant (傾ける) [動] be or cause to be at an angle

それから彼は寝室のドアに忍び寄り、頭を傾けて熱心に耳を傾けながら立った。

No sound came from within.

中から音は聞こえなかった。

Meanwhile it had struck me that it would be wise to secure our retreat through the outer door, so I examined it.

wise (賢明だ) [形] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

retreat (退却) [名] an act of moving back or withdrawing

その間に、外側のドアから退却を確保するのが賢明だと思い、私はそれを調べた。

To my amazement, it was neither locked nor bolted.

to my amazement (驚いたことに) [副] to my surprise

locked (鍵がかかっている) [形] fastened or secured with a lock

bolted (閂がかかっている) [形] fastened with a bolt

驚いたことに、それは鍵もかかっておらず、閂もかかっていなかった。

I touched Holmes on the arm, and he turned his masked face in that direction.

私はホームズの腕に触れ、彼は覆面をした顔をその方向に向けた。

I saw him start, and he was evidently as surprised as I.

as (同じくらい) [接] to the same degree or extent

私は彼が驚くのを見たが、彼は明らかに私と同じくらい驚いていた。

“I don’t like it,” he whispered, putting his lips to my very ear.

「気に入らない」と彼は私の耳に唇を当ててささやいた。

“I can’t quite make it out.

make out (理解する) [動] understand or comprehend

「よくわからない。

Anyhow, we have no time to lose.”

have no time to lose (ぐずぐずしている暇はない) [動] be in a hurry

とにかく、ぐずぐずしている暇はない。」

“Can I do anything?”

「何かできることはあるか?」

“Yes, stand by the door.

stand by (そばに立つ) [動] be near or next to

「ある、ドアのそばに立って。

If you hear anyone come, bolt it on the inside, and we can get away as we came.

bolt (閂をかける) [動] fasten or secure with a bolt

誰かが来るのが聞こえたら、内側から閂をかけろ、そうすれば来た道から逃げられる。

If they come the other way, we can get through the door if our job is done, or hide behind these window curtains if it is not.

come the other way (反対側から来る) [動] come from the opposite direction

get through (逃げる) [動] pass through or across

もし反対側から来たら、仕事が終わっていればドアから逃げられる、終わっていなければこの窓のカーテンの陰に隠れられる。

Do you understand?”

分かったか?」

I nodded, and stood by the door.

私はうなずき、ドアのそばに立った。

My first feeling of fear had passed away, and I thrilled now with a keener zest than I had ever enjoyed when we were the defenders of the law instead of its defiers.

feeling (感覚) [名] the ability or capacity to feel

thrill (震える) [動] feel or cause to feel a sudden intense feeling of excitement or pleasure

keen (強い) [形] having a strong feeling or interest

zest (熱意) [名] great enthusiasm and energy

defender (擁護者) [名] someone who defends someone or something

defier (挑戦する側) [名] someone who defies someone or something

最初の恐怖感は消え去り、私たちが法の擁護者だった時よりも、今は法に挑戦する側として、かつてないほどの強い熱意に震えていた。

The high object of our mission, the consciousness that it was unselfish and chivalrous, the villainous character of our opponent, all added to the sporting interest of the adventure.

high object (崇高な目的) [名] a goal that is worthy of great effort

mission (使命) [名] a task or job that someone is given to do

unselfish (利己的ではない) [形] not selfish

chivalrous (騎士道的) [形] having the qualities of a knight

villainous (悪党) [形] deliberately cruel or violent

私たちの使命の崇高な目的、それが利己的ではなく騎士道的であるという意識、敵の悪党ぶり、すべてが冒険のスポーツ的な興味を増した。

Far from feeling guilty, I rejoiced and exulted in our dangers.

feel guilty (罪悪感を感じる) [動] have a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done something wrong, such as causing harm to another person

exult (歓喜する) [動] feel or show great happiness or triumph

罪悪感を感じるどころか、私は危険に喜び、歓喜した。

With a glow of admiration I watched Holmes unrolling his case of instruments and choosing his tool with the calm, scientific accuracy of a surgeon who performs a delicate operation.

with a glow of admiration (感心しながら) [副] with a feeling of respect and approval

unroll (広げる) [動] open or spread out (something rolled up)

case (箱) [名] a box or container

accuracy (正確さ) [名] the quality or state of being correct or precise

perform (行う) [動] carry out, accomplish, or fulfill

delicate (繊細な) [形] very fine in texture or structure; fragile

私は、ホームズが道具箱を広げ、繊細な手術を行う外科医のような冷静で科学的な正確さで道具を選ぶのを、感心しながら見ていた。

I knew that the opening of safes was a particular hobby with him, and I understood the joy which it gave him to be confronted with this green and gold monster, the dragon which held in its maw the reputations of many fair ladies.

opening (開けること) [名] the action of moving a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

particular (特別な) [形] relating to a particular person, thing, or situation

confront (直面する) [動] come face to face with

monster (怪物) [名] a large, ugly, and frightening imaginary creature

dragon (ドラゴン) [名] a mythical monster like a giant reptile with wings and claws, breathing fire

maw (口) [名] the mouth, throat, or stomach of a voracious animal

私は金庫を開けるのが彼の特別な趣味であることを知っていたので、この緑と金の怪物、多くの美しい女性たちの評判を口に含んだドラゴンと対峙することが彼に与える喜びを理解した。

Turning up the cuffs of his dress-coat—he had placed his overcoat on a chair—Holmes laid out two drills, a jemmy, and several skeleton keys.

turn up (まくり上げる) [動] to fold or roll upwards

dress-coat (フロックコート) [名] a man's coat for formal occasions

lay out (取り出す) [動] to spread out or arrange

drill (ドリル) [名] a tool with a rotating cutting tip

skeleton key (合い鍵) [名] a key with the interior of the bit hollowed out so that it can pass wards and open many locks

ホームズは、フロックコートの袖口をまくり、オーバーコートを椅子の上に置き、ドリル2本、バール1本、合い鍵を数本取り出した。

I stood at the centre door with my eyes glancing at each of the others, ready for any emergency, though, indeed, my plans were somewhat vague as to what I should do if we were interrupted.

glance (ちらちらと見る) [動] look briefly or quickly

emergency (緊急事態) [名] a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action

be interrupted (邪魔が入る) [動] be stopped or hindered by an interruption

私は中央のドアに立ち、他のドアをちらちらと見ながら、どんな緊急事態にも備えていたが、実際のところ、邪魔が入ったらどうすればいいのか、私の計画は漠然としていた。

For half an hour, Holmes worked with concentrated energy, laying down one tool, picking up another, handling each with the strength and delicacy of the trained mechanic.

concentrated energy (集中力) [名] the ability to focus one's attention

pick up (取る) [動] to take something up

delicacy (繊細さ) [名] the quality of being delicate

trained mechanic (訓練された機械工) [名] a person who repairs and maintains machines

ホームズは30分間、集中して作業を続け、道具を置いては別の道具を取り、訓練された機械工のような力強さと繊細さで道具を扱った。

Finally I heard a click, the broad green door swung open, and inside I had a glimpse of a number of paper packets, each tied, sealed, and inscribed.

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

glimpse (見える) [動] see or perceive briefly or partially

number (たくさん) [名] a quantity of something

tie (結ぶ) [動] fasten or secure with a cord, string, or the like, as by making a knot

seal (封印する) [動] close or fasten securely

inscribe (文字が書かれている) [動] write or carve (words or symbols) on a surface

ついにカチッと音がして、緑色の大きなドアが開き、中にはたくさんの紙の包みが見え、それぞれが結ばれ、封印され、文字が書かれていた。

Holmes picked one out, but it was as hard to read by the flickering fire, and he drew out his little dark lantern, for it was too dangerous, with Milverton in the next room, to switch on the electric light.

hard (読みにくい) [形] not easy

flickering (ちらちらと揺れる) [形] shining or burning unsteadily

too (あまりに) [副] to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible

switch on (つける) [動] cause to operate by moving a switch

ホームズはそのうちの1つを取り出したが、ちらちらと揺れる火の光では読みにくく、小さな暗いランタンを取り出した。隣の部屋にミルバートンがいるのに電気をつけるのは危険すぎるからだ。

Suddenly I saw him halt, listen intently, and then in an instant he had swung the door of the safe to, picked up his coat, stuffed his tools into the pockets, and darted behind the window curtain, motioning me to do the same.

listen (耳を澄ます) [動] make an effort to hear something

stuff (詰め込む) [動] fill tightly with something

motion (合図する) [動] make a gesture with one's hand or head to give an instruction or signal

突然、彼が立ち止まり、耳を澄ませているのが見えた。そして、一瞬のうちに金庫の扉を閉め、コートを拾い上げ、道具をポケットに詰め込み、窓のカーテンの後ろに飛び込み、私にも同じことをするように合図した。

It was only when I had joined him there that I heard what had alarmed his quicker senses.

join (加わる) [動] come together or be connected

alarm (驚かせる) [動] cause (someone) to feel frightened, anxious, or worried

私が彼のところに加わって初めて、彼の鋭い感覚を驚かせた音を聞いた。

There was a noise somewhere within the house.

家の中のどこかで音がした。

A door slammed in the distance.

slam (バタンと閉まる) [動] shut or be shut with a loud noise

遠くでドアがバタンと閉まった。

Then a confused, dull murmur broke itself into the measured thud of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching.

murmur (つぶやき) [名] a low, indistinct sound

measured (規則的な) [形] having a regular rhythm

thud (音) [名] a dull sound as of a heavy object striking a surface

すると、混乱した鈍いつぶやきが、急速に近づいてくる重い足音の規則的な音に分かれた。

They were in the passage outside the room.

passage (廊下) [名] a corridor or other means of access

彼らは部屋の外の廊下にいる。

They paused at the door.

彼らはドアのところで立ち止まった。

The door opened.

ドアが開いた。

There was a sharp snick as the electric light was turned on.

electric light (電灯) [名] a device that produces light by incandescence

turn on (点灯する) [動] cause to start operating

snick (音) [名] a slight sound

電灯が点灯したとき、鋭い音がした。

The door closed once more, and the pungent reek of a strong cigar was borne to our nostrils.

pungent (刺激的な) [形] having a strong, sharp smell or taste

reek (悪臭) [名] a strong unpleasant smell

bear (届く) [動] carry or take

nostril (鼻孔) [名] either of the two openings in the nose through which air passes

ドアが再び閉まり、強い葉巻の刺激臭が私たちの鼻孔に届いた。

Then the footsteps continued backward and forward, backward and forward, within a few yards of us.

a few yards (数ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

それから足音は私たちから数ヤード以内で前後に、前後に続いた。

Finally there was a creak from a chair, and the footsteps ceased.

creak (きしみ音) [名] a harsh, high-pitched sound

cease (止まる) [動] come or bring to an end

ついに椅子からきしみ音がして、足音が止まった。

Then a key clicked in a lock, and I heard the rustle of papers.

click (カチッと鳴る) [動] make a short, sharp sound

それから鍵が錠前の中でカチッと鳴り、紙が擦れる音が聞こえた。

So far I had not dared to look out, but now I gently parted the division of the curtains in front of me and peeped through.

so far (これまで) [副] up to this point

look out (外を見る) [動] be careful or vigilant

division (隙間) [名] the action of separating something into parts

これまで私は外を見ようとは敢えてしなかったが、今は目の前のカーテンの隙間をそっと開けて覗いた。

From the pressure of Holmes’s shoulder against mine, I knew that he was sharing my observations.

pressure (圧力) [名] the force exerted on a surface by an object

ホームズの肩が私の肩に押し付けられたことから、彼が私の観察を共有していることが分かった。

Right in front of us, and almost within our reach, was the broad, rounded back of Milverton.

right in front of (目の前) [副] directly in front of

within reach (手の届くところ) [名] a place or thing that can be reached

rounded (丸い) [形] having a round shape

私たちの目の前、ほとんど手の届くところに、ミルヴァートンの広く丸い背中があった。

It was evident that we had entirely miscalculated his movements, that he had never been to his bedroom, but that he had been sitting up in some smoking or billiard room in the farther wing of the house, the windows of which we had not seen.

miscalculate (誤算する) [動] calculate wrongly

smoking room (喫煙室) [名] a room in a public building where smoking is allowed

billiard room (ビリヤード室) [名] a room with a billiard table

私たちが彼の動きを完全に誤算していたことは明らかで、彼は寝室に行ったことがなく、家の遠くにある翼の喫煙室やビリヤード室に座っていたが、その窓は私たちには見えなかった。

His broad, grizzled head, with its shining patch of baldness, was in the immediate foreground of our vision.

grizzled (白髪交じりの) [形] having gray or partly gray hair

baldness (禿頭) [名] the state of having little or no hair on the head

foreground (前) [名] the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to the observer

vision (視界) [名] the ability to see

彼の広く白髪交じりの頭は、輝く禿頭の部分があり、私たちの視界のすぐ前にあった。

He was leaning far back in the red leather chair, his legs outstretched, a long, black cigar projecting at an angle from his mouth.

leather (革張りの) [形] made of leather

far (深く) [副] to a great extent; very much

project (突き出す) [動] extend outward beyond a surface or boundary

彼は赤い革張りの椅子に深くもたれかかり、足を伸ばし、長い黒い葉巻を口から斜めに突き出していた。

He wore a semi-military smoking jacket, claret-coloured, with a black velvet collar.

semi-military (半軍服の) [形] having some characteristics of the military

smoking jacket (スモーキングジャケット) [名] a man's jacket for informal wear at home

claret-coloured (クラレット色の) [形] of a dark red color

velvet (ビロードの) [名] a fabric with a thick, soft, smooth surface

彼は黒いビロードの襟のついた、クラレット色の半軍服のスモーキングジャケットを着ていた。

In his hand he held a long, legal document which he was reading in an indolent fashion, blowing rings of tobacco smoke from his lips as he did so.

indolent (怠惰な) [形] lazy

ring (輪) [名] a circular object

彼は手に長い法的文書を持ち、それを怠惰に読みながら、唇からタバコの煙の輪を吹いていた。

There was no promise of a speedy departure in his composed bearing and his comfortable attitude.

promise (兆候) [名] a sign that something will happen

speedy (すぐに) [形] done or occurring quickly

comfortable (楽な) [形] providing ease and relaxation

彼の落ち着いた態度と楽な姿勢には、すぐに出発する兆候はなかった。

I felt Holmes’s hand steal into mine and give me a reassuring shake, as if to say that the situation was within his powers, and that he was easy in his mind.

steal into (忍び寄る) [動] move or go stealthily or secretly

reassuring (安心させる) [形] giving confidence; inspiring hope

as if (かのように) [接] as it would be if

ホームズの手が私の手に忍び寄り、状況は彼の力の範囲内であり、彼は心の中で楽であるかのように、私を安心させるように揺さぶるのを感じた。

I was not sure whether he had seen what was only too obvious from my position, that the door of the safe was imperfectly closed, and that Milverton might at any moment observe it.

not sure (定かではない) [形] not having or showing confidence or certainty

imperfectly (完全には) [副] not completely or perfectly

closed (閉まっていない) [形] not open

私の位置からは明らかなことだが、金庫の扉が完全に閉まっていないため、ミルバートンに気づかれるかもしれないことを彼が見たかどうかは定かではなかった。

In my own mind I had determined that if I were sure, from the rigidity of his gaze, that it had caught his eye, I would at once spring out, throw my great coat over his head, pinion him, and leave the rest to Holmes.

in one's own mind (心の中で) [副] in one's thoughts

rigidity (硬直) [名] the quality or state of being rigid

spring out (飛び出す) [動] jump or leap suddenly

pinion (羽交い絞めにする) [動] bind or hold fast, especially by the arms

to (に) [前] used to indicate a destination

私は、彼の視線の硬直から、彼の目にとまったと確信したら、すぐに飛び出し、彼の頭に私のコートを投げつけ、彼を羽交い絞めにして、あとはホームズに任せようと決心していた。

But Milverton never looked up.

しかし、ミルバートンは決して上を見上げなかった。

He was languidly interested by the papers in his hand, and page after page was turned as he followed the argument of the lawyer.

be interested in (興味を持つ) [動] have a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

彼は手に持った書類に興味を持ち、弁護士の議論を追いながらページをめくっていた。

At least, I thought, when he has finished the document and the cigar he will go to his room, but before he had reached the end of either, there came a remarkable development, which turned our thoughts into quite another channel.

channel (方向) [名] a means of communication or access

少なくとも、彼が書類と葉巻を読み終えたら、彼は自分の部屋に行くだろうと思ったが、どちらも終わる前に、私たちの考えを全く別の方向に向ける驚くべき展開があった。

Several times I had observed that Milverton looked at his watch, and once he had risen and sat down again, with a gesture of impatience.

ミルバートンが時計を見るのを何度か目にしていたし、一度は立ち上がって、焦れた様子でまた座った。

The idea, however, that he might have an appointment at so strange an hour never occurred to me until a faint sound reached my ears from the veranda outside.

occur (浮かぶ) [動] come into the mind

faint (かすかな) [形] lacking brightness or vividness

しかし、外側のベランダからかすかな音が聞こえてくるまで、彼がこんな奇妙な時間に約束をしているかもしれないという考えは、私の頭に浮かばなかった。

Milverton dropped his papers and sat rigid in his chair.

ミルバートンは書類を落とし、椅子に座ったまま固まってしまった。

The sound was repeated, and then there came a gentle tap at the door.

その音が繰り返され、それからドアをそっと叩く音がした。

Milverton rose and opened it.

ミルバートンは立ち上がってドアを開けた。

“Well,” said he, curtly, “you are nearly half an hour late.”

late (遅れた) [形] not on time

「おい」と彼はぶっきらぼうに言った、「三十分近く遅れたな」

So this was the explanation of the unlocked door and of the nocturnal vigil of Milverton.

unlocked (鍵のかかっていない) [形] not locked

これが鍵のかかっていないドアとミルバートンの夜の見張りの説明だった。

There was the gentle rustle of a woman’s dress.

女性のドレスの優しい衣擦れの音がした。

I had closed the slit between the curtains as Milverton’s face had turned in our direction, but now I ventured very carefully to open it once more.

slit (隙間) [名] a long narrow opening

venture (試みる) [動] do something new or dangerous

ミルバートンの顔がこちらを向いたのでカーテンの隙間を閉じたが、今度は慎重にもう一度開けてみた。

He had resumed his seat, the cigar still projecting at an insolent angle from the corner of his mouth.

resume (戻る) [動] return to a previous position or condition

insolent (横柄な) [形] boldly disrespectful

angle (角度) [名] the space between two lines or planes that intersect each other

彼は席に戻り、葉巻は相変わらず口の端から横柄な角度で突き出ていた。

In front of him, in the full glare of the electric light, there stood a tall, slim, dark woman, a veil over her face, a mantle drawn round her chin.

in front of (前に) [前] in a position ahead of or facing

full glare (まばゆい光) [名] a bright light that is unpleasant to look at

slim (ほっそりした) [形] having a small width in relation to length or height

veil (ベール) [名] a piece of fine material worn by a woman over her head and shoulders

mantle (マント) [名] a loose sleeveless cloak or coat

彼の前には、電灯のまばゆい光の中に、背が高く、ほっそりした、浅黒い女性が立っていた。顔にはベールをかぶり、マントは顎のあたりまで引き上げていた。

Her breath came quick and fast, and every inch of the lithe figure was quivering with strong emotion.

quick (速い) [形] moving or capable of moving with great speed

lithe (しなやかな) [形] bending or moving easily and gracefully

彼女の息は速く、しなやかな姿の隅々まで強い感情で震えていた。

“Well,” said Milverton, “you made me lose a good night’s rest, my dear.

rest (休息) [名] a state of relaxation and freedom from activity or excitement

「さて」とミルバートンは言った、「君のおかげで昨夜はよく眠れなかったよ。

I hope you’ll prove worth it.

それに見合う価値があることを証明してくれるといいんだが。

You couldn’t come any other time—eh?”

any other time (他の時間) [名] a time that is not the present time

他の時間に来ることはできなかったのか?」

The woman shook her head.

女性は首を横に振った。

“Well, if you couldn’t you couldn’t.

「まあ、できなかったらできなかったで仕方がない。

If the Countess is a hard mistress, you have your chance to get level with her now.

countess (伯爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a count

get level with (対等になる) [動] become equal to

伯爵夫人が厳しい主人なら、今が彼女と対等になるチャンスだ。

Bless the girl, what are you shivering about?

bless (なんてことだ) [動] to make holy; to consecrate

なんてことだ、何を震えているんだ?

That’s right. Pull yourself together.

pull oneself together (落ち着く) [動] to regain one's composure

そうだ、落ち着け。

Now, let us get down to business.”

get down to (取り掛かる) [動] start to do something seriously

さあ、仕事に取り掛かろう。」

He took a notebook from the drawer of his desk.

彼は机の引き出しからノートを取り出した。

“You say that you have five letters which compromise the Countess d’Albert.

Countess d’Albert (ダルベール伯爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a count

「あなたはダルベール伯爵夫人の名誉を傷つける5通の手紙を持っていると言う。

You want to sell them.

あなたはそれらを売りたい。

I want to buy them.

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

私はそれらを買いたい。

So far so good.

ここまでは順調だ。

It only remains to fix a price.

fix (決める) [動] decide or settle on

残るは値段を決めるだけだ。

I should want to inspect the letters, of course.

もちろん、手紙を調べたい。

If they are really good specimens—Great heavens, is it you?”

もし本当に良い見本ならば、おや、あなたですか?」

The woman, without a word, had raised her veil and dropped the mantle from her chin.

女性は何も言わずにベールを上げ、マントを顎から落とした。

It was a dark, handsome, clear-cut face which confronted Milverton—a face with a curved nose, strong, dark eyebrows shading hard, glittering eyes, and a straight, thin-lipped mouth set in a dangerous smile.

clear-cut (はっきりとした) [形] sharply defined

confront (現れる) [動] be faced with

hard (硬い) [形] not soft

glittering (きらめく) [形] shining or sparkling brightly

straight (まっすぐな) [形] not curved or bent

thin-lipped (薄い唇) [形] having thin lips

set (浮かべる) [動] arrange in a certain way

ミルヴァートンの前に現れたのは、浅黒く、ハンサムで、はっきりとした顔立ちの男だった。曲がった鼻、強く、濃い眉毛が硬く、きらめく目を覆い、まっすぐで薄い唇が危険な笑みを浮かべていた。

“It is I,” she said, “the woman whose life you have ruined.”

It is I (私です) [代] the person who is speaking

whose (~の) [関] of whom or which

「私です」彼女は言った。「あなたが人生を台無しにした女です」

Milverton laughed, but fear vibrated in his voice.

vibrate (震える) [動] move or cause to move continuously and rapidly to and fro

ミルヴァートンは笑ったが、その声には恐怖が震えていた。

“You were so very obstinate,” said he.

obstinate (頑固な) [形] stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or to do what other people want

「あなたはとても頑固でした」と彼は言った。

“Why did you drive me to such extremities?

extremity (極端な行動) [名] the furthest point or limit of something

「なぜ私をこんな極端な行動に追い込んだのですか?

I assure you I wouldn’t hurt a fly of my own accord, but every man has his business, and what was I to do?

own accord (自分の意志) [名] one's own free will

私自身の意志ではハエ一匹傷つけないと断言するが、誰にでも仕事があるし、私に何ができただろう?

I put the price well within your means.

put (設定する) [動] place in a specified position

well within (範囲内に) [副] to a great extent; very much

means (支払い能力) [名] an agency, instrument, or method used to attain an end

私はあなたの支払い能力の範囲内に値段を設定しました。

You would not pay.”

would not (しませんでした) [助] refused to

あなたは支払おうとしませんでした。」

“So you sent the letters to my husband, and he—the noblest gentleman that ever lived, a man whose boots I was never worthy to lace—he broke his gallant heart and died.

lace (靴紐) [名] a cord or string used to fasten a shoe or garment

「それであなたは手紙を私の夫に送り、彼は、今までに生きた中で最も高貴な紳士、私が靴紐を結ぶにも値しない男、彼は勇敢な心を打ち砕いて死んだのです。

You remember that last night, when I came through that door, I begged and prayed you for mercy, and you laughed in my face as you are trying to laugh now, only your coward heart cannot keep your lips from twitching.

come through (入ってくる) [動] to enter or arrive

coward (臆病者) [名] a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things

昨夜、私があのドアから入ってきた時、私はあなたに慈悲を乞い、祈ったことを覚えているでしょう、そしてあなたは今笑おうとしているように私の顔を見て笑いましたが、あなたの臆病な心はあなたの唇が震えないようにすることはできません。

Yes, you never thought to see me here again, but it was that night which taught me how I could meet you face to face, and alone.

ええ、あなたは私が再びここに来ると決して思っていなかったでしょう、しかし、その夜、私はあなたと二人きりで会う方法を学びました。

Well, Charles Milverton, what have you to say?”

Charles Milverton (チャールズ・ミルバートン) [名] a character in the story

have to say (言いたいことがある) [動] have something to say

さて、チャールズ・ミルバートン、何か言いたいことはあるか?」

“Don’t imagine that you can bully me,” said he, rising to his feet.

bully (脅迫する) [動] use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants

「私を脅迫できるなんて思うな」と彼は立ち上がりながら言った。

“I have only to raise my voice and I could call my servants and have you arrested.

have only to (さえすれば) [動] need only to

have (させる) [動] cause to be, do, or occur

「声を上げさえすれば、召使を呼んであなたたちを逮捕させることができる。

But I will make allowance for your natural anger.

make allowance for (考慮に入れる) [動] take into account

しかし、私はあなたの当然の怒りを考慮に入れよう。

Leave the room at once as you came, and I will say no more.”

来た時と同じようにすぐに部屋から出て行け、そうすればこれ以上何も言わない。」

The woman stood with her hand buried in her bosom, and the same deadly smile on her thin lips.

bosom (胸) [名] the chest of a human being

女性は手を胸に当てて立っており、薄い唇には同じ恐ろしい笑みを浮かべていた。

“You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine.

「あなたは私の人生を破滅させたように、これ以上人生を破滅させることはない。

You will wring no more hearts as you wrung mine.

wring (痛める) [動] twist or squeeze something tightly

no more (これ以上) [副] not any more; not any longer

あなたは私の心を痛めたように、これ以上心を痛めることはないだろう。

I will free the world of a poisonous thing.

free (解放する) [動] release from captivity, confinement, or slavery

poisonous (毒の) [形] capable of causing injury or death if taken into the body

私は世界から毒物を解放する。

Take that, you hound—and that!—and that!—and that!”

take that (それを受け取れ) [動] receive or accept something

hound (犬め) [名] a dog of any of various breeds that are typically large, slender, and swift and are used for hunting by scent

それを受け取れ、犬め、そしてそれ! そしてそれ! そしてそれ!」

She had drawn a little gleaming revolver, and emptied barrel after barrel into Milverton’s body, the muzzle within two feet of his shirt front.

gleaming (光る) [形] shining brightly

empty (放つ) [動] discharge the contents of

two feet (2フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches

彼女は小さな光るリボルバーを引き抜き、銃口をシャツの前面から2フィート以内に近づけて、次から次へと弾丸をミルバートンに向けて放った。

He shrank away and then fell forward upon the table, coughing furiously and clawing among the papers.

shrink away (身をすくめる) [動] to move back or away from something

fall forward (前かがみになる) [動] to move or lean forward

cough (咳き込む) [動] to expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound

claw (ひっかく) [動] to scratch or tear at something with claws or fingernails

彼は身をすくめ、それからテーブルの上に前かがみになり、激しく咳き込み、書類をひっかいた。

Then he staggered to his feet, received another shot, and rolled upon the floor.

それから彼はよろよろと立ち上がり、もう一発撃たれ、床に転がった。

“You’ve done me,” he cried, and lay still.

「やられた」と彼は叫び、じっと横たわった。

The woman looked at him intently, and ground her heel into his upturned face.

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

intently (じっと) [副] with great concentration

grind (押し付ける) [動] crush or reduce to powder by friction

upturned (上を向いた) [形] turned upward

女性は彼をじっと見つめ、上を向いた顔に踵を押し付けた。

She looked again, but there was no sound or movement.

彼女は再び見たが、音も動きもなかった。

I heard a sharp rustle, the night air blew into the heated room, and the avenger was gone.

heated (熱い) [形] having a high temperature

avenger (復讐者) [名] someone who exacts punishment or inflicts harm in return for an injury or wrong

鋭い衣擦れの音が聞こえ、夜の空気が熱い部屋に吹き込み、復讐者は去った。

No interference upon our part could have saved the man from his fate, but, as the woman poured bullet after bullet into Milverton’s shrinking body I was about to spring out, when I felt Holmes’s cold, strong grasp upon my wrist.

interference (干渉) [名] the act of interfering

part (側) [名] a piece of something

pour (撃ち込む) [動] cause to flow in a stream

我々がどんなに干渉しても、彼を運命から救うことはできなかっただろうが、女性がミルバートンのよろめく体に次々と弾丸を撃ち込んだので、私は飛び出そうとしたが、その時、ホームズが私の手首を冷たく強く握ったのを感じた。

I understood the whole argument of that firm, restraining grip—that it was no affair of ours, that justice had overtaken a villain, that we had our own duties and our own objects, which were not to be lost sight of.

firm (固い) [形] not soft or yielding to pressure

restraining (抑える) [動] hold back from doing something

affair (関知するところ) [名] a matter of personal concern

私はその固く抑える握りの論拠を全て理解した。それは我々の関知するところではなく、正義が悪党に追いついたということであり、我々には我々自身の義務と目的があり、それを見失ってはならないということだった。

But hardly had the woman rushed from the room when Holmes, with swift, silent steps, was over at the other door.

over (向かった) [前] across or to the other side of

しかし、女性が部屋から飛び出すとすぐに、ホームズは素早く静かな足取りでもう一方のドアに向かった。

He turned the key in the lock.

彼は鍵を回して鍵をかけた。

At the same instant we heard voices in the house and the sound of hurrying feet.

同時に、家の中で声と急ぐ足音が聞こえた。

The revolver shots had roused the household.

rouse (起こす) [動] cause to be awake or conscious

リボルバーの銃声が家族を起こしたのだ。

With perfect coolness Holmes slipped across to the safe, filled his two arms with bundles of letters, and poured them all into the fire.

coolness (冷静さ) [名] the quality of being calm and not easily excited

slip (近づく) [動] move or go quietly and quickly

ホームズは冷静に金庫に近づき、両腕に手紙の束を抱えて、すべてを火の中に放り込んだ。

Again and again he did it, until the safe was empty.

again and again (何度も) [副] repeatedly

彼は金庫が空になるまでそれを何度も繰り返した。

Someone turned the handle and beat upon the outside of the door.

handle (取っ手) [名] the part of a tool or object that is held in the hand when using it

beat (叩く) [動] strike repeatedly and violently

誰かがドアの取っ手を回し、ドアの外側を叩いた。

Holmes looked swiftly round.

ホームズは素早く周りを見回した。

The letter which had been the messenger of death for Milverton lay, all mottled with his blood, upon the table.

messenger (使者) [名] a person who carries a message

ミルヴァートンの死の使者となった手紙は、彼の血でまだらに染まり、テーブルの上に横たわっていた。

Holmes tossed it in among the blazing papers.

blaze (燃え盛る) [動] burn intensely

ホームズはそれを燃え盛る書類の中に投げ込んだ。

Then he drew the key from the outer door, passed through after me, and locked it on the outside.

それから彼は外側のドアから鍵を引き抜き、私の後ろを通り抜け、外側から鍵をかけた。

“This way, Watson,” said he, “we can scale the garden wall in this direction.”

scale (よじ登る) [動] climb up or over

garden wall (庭の塀) [名] a wall that encloses a garden

「こっちだ、ワトソン」と彼は言った、「この方向に庭の塀をよじ登れる。」

I could not have believed that an alarm could have spread so swiftly.

spread (広がる) [動] become distributed or dispersed over a wide area

警報がこんなにも素早く広がるとは信じられなかった。

Looking back, the huge house was one blaze of light.

blaze (輝き) [名] a very bright light or fire

振り返ると、大きな家は光の輝きだった。

The front door was open, and figures were rushing down the drive.

front door (玄関のドア) [名] the main door to a house

be open (開いている) [動] not closed

玄関のドアは開いていて、人影が車道を急いでいた。

The whole garden was alive with people, and one fellow raised a view-halloa as we emerged from the veranda and followed hard at our heels.

alive (賑わっている) [形] having life; living

raise (叫ぶ) [動] to cause (something) to rise

view-halloa (ビューハロー) [名] a shout given by a hunter on seeing a fox break cover

庭全体が人で賑わっていて、私たちがベランダから出てくると一人の男がビューハローと叫び、私たちのすぐ後ろをついてきた。

Holmes seemed to know the grounds perfectly, and he threaded his way swiftly among a plantation of small trees, I close at his heels, and our foremost pursuer panting behind us.

ground (敷地内) [名] the land on which a building is built

thread (通り抜ける) [動] pass through

plantation (植え込み) [名] a large farm where crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar cane are grown

ホームズは敷地内を完全に把握しているようで、小さな木々の植え込みの中を素早く通り抜け、私は彼のすぐ後ろにいて、先頭の追跡者は私たちの後ろで息を切らしていた。

It was a six-foot wall which barred our path, but he sprang to the top and over.

six-foot (6フィートの) [形] having a height of six feet

bar (阻む) [動] prevent or prohibit from doing something

over (乗り越える) [前] above or across the top of

私たちの道を阻んだのは6フィートの壁だったが、彼は頂上に飛び乗って乗り越えた。

As I did the same I felt the hand of the man behind me grab at my ankle, but I kicked myself free and scrambled over a grass-strewn coping.

grab (掴む) [動] grip suddenly and forcibly

私も同じようにすると、後ろの男の手が私の足首を掴むのを感じたが、私は蹴り飛ばして草の生い茂った塀をよじ登った。

I fell upon my face among some bushes, but Holmes had me on my feet in an instant, and together we dashed away across the huge expanse of Hampstead Heath.

fall upon (落ちる) [動] move or come quickly and suddenly

have me on my feet (立たせる) [動] cause me to stand

dash away (駆け抜ける) [動] run or move very quickly

Hampstead Heath (ハムステッド・ヒース) [名] a large park in London

私は茂みの中に顔から落ちたが、ホームズはすぐに私を立たせ、私たちは一緒に広大なハムステッド・ヒースを駆け抜けた。

We had run two miles, I suppose, before Holmes at last halted and listened intently.

私たちは2マイル走ったと思うが、ホームズはついに立ち止まって耳を澄ました。

All was absolute silence behind us.

私たちの後ろはすべて絶対的な沈黙だった。

We had shaken off our pursuers and were safe.

shake off (振り切る) [動] get rid of

pursuer (追っ手) [名] someone who is chasing you

safe (無事) [形] not likely to cause or be affected by injury, danger, or loss

私たちは追っ手を振り切って無事だった。

We had breakfasted and were smoking our morning pipe on the day after the remarkable experience which I have recorded, when Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, very solemn and impressive, was ushered into our modest sitting-room.

the day after (翌日) [名] the day following the day mentioned

modest (質素な) [形] unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements

私が記録した驚くべき経験の翌日、私たちは朝食を済ませて朝のパイプ煙草を吸っていたが、スコットランド・ヤードのレストレード氏が非常に厳粛で印象的な態度で私たちの質素な居間に案内された。

“Good-morning, Mr. Holmes,” said he;

「おはようございます、ホームズさん」と彼は言った。

“good-morning. May I ask if you are very busy just now?”

may I ask (伺ってもよろしいでしょうか) [動] ask for permission to do something

「おはようございます。今とても忙しいですか?」

“Not too busy to listen to you.”

「あなたの話を聞くには忙しくない。」

“I thought that, perhaps, if you had nothing particular on hand, you might care to assist us in a most remarkable case, which occurred only last night at Hampstead.”

on hand (手元にある) [形] available for use

assist (助ける) [動] give support or aid to

「もし、特に何もなければ、昨夜ハムステッドで起こった非常に注目すべき事件で私たちを助けてくれるかもしれないと思ったのです。」

“Dear me!” said Holmes.

「おやおや!」とホームズは言った。

“What was that?”

「それは何だったんだ?」

“A murder—a most dramatic and remarkable murder.

「殺人です。非常に劇的で注目すべき殺人です。

I know how keen you are upon these things, and I would take it as a great favour if you would step down to Appledore Towers, and give us the benefit of your advice.

keen (熱心な) [形] eager or enthusiastic

step down (来てくださり) [動] come to a place

あなたがこういったことにどれほど熱心か知っています。もしアップルドア・タワーズまで来てくださり、あなたの助言をいただければ、とてもありがたいのですが。

It is no ordinary crime.

普通の犯罪ではありません。

We have had our eyes upon this Mr. Milverton for some time, and, between ourselves, he was a bit of a villain.

have one's eyes upon (目をつけている) [動] be looking at or watching

a bit of (ちょっとした) [名] a small amount of

我々はしばらく前からこのミルバートン氏に目をつけていたが、内緒だが、彼はちょっとした悪党だった。

He is known to have held papers which he used for blackmailing purposes.

be known to (知られている) [動] be known or recognized

hold (所持する) [動] have or keep in one's hand or hands

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

彼は恐喝の目的に使っていた書類を所持していたことが知られている。

These papers have all been burned by the murderers.

これらの書類はすべて殺人者によって焼かれてしまった。

No article of value was taken, as it is probable that the criminals were men of good position, whose sole object was to prevent social exposure.”

take (盗む) [動] steal

good position (社会的に地位のある) [名] a high social status

sole object (唯一の目的) [名] the only purpose

犯人は社会的に地位のある人物で、唯一の目的は社会的に暴露されることを防ぐことだったと思われるため、価値のある品物は何も盗まれていない。」

“Criminals?” said Holmes.

「犯人?」とホームズは言った。

“Plural?”

plural (複数) [名] a grammatical number category referring to more than one

「複数?」

“Yes, there were two of them.

「そう、犯人は二人いた。

They were as nearly as possible captured red-handed.

as nearly as possible (ほとんど) [副] to the greatest extent or degree possible

capture (捕まえる) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, confine, or take by force

red-handed (現行犯で) [形] in the act of committing a crime

犯人はほとんど現行犯で捕まえられそうだった。

We have their footmarks, we have their description, it’s ten to one that we trace them.

have (わかっている) [動] know or understand

ten to one (十中八九) [副] with a high probability

犯人の足跡も特徴もわかっているし、十中八九犯人を追跡できるだろう。

The first fellow was a bit too active, but the second was caught by the under-gardener, and only got away after a struggle.

a bit (すばしっこい) [副] to a small extent

catch (捕まる) [動] to take or keep in possession, especially after a chase

under-gardener (下働きの庭師) [名] a gardener who is subordinate to the head gardener

struggle (もみ合い) [名] a violent or forceful effort to get free of someone or something

一人目の犯人はすばしっこかったが、二人目は下働きの庭師に捕まり、もみ合いの末に逃げ出した。

He was a middle-sized, strongly built man—square jaw, thick neck, moustache, a mask over his eyes.”

middle-sized (中背) [形] of average height

strongly built (がっしりした体格) [形] having a strong and sturdy body

square jaw (角ばった顎) [名] a jaw with a broad, angular shape

thick neck (太い首) [名] a neck that is wide or thick

犯人は中背でがっしりした体格の男で、角ばった顎、太い首、口ひげ、目には覆面をしていた」

“That’s rather vague,” said Sherlock Holmes.

「それはかなり漠然としているな」とシャーロック・ホームズは言った。

“My, it might be a description of Watson!”

「おい、それはワトソンの特徴かもしれないぞ!」

“It’s true,” said the inspector, with amusement.

「確かに」と警部は面白そうに言った。

“It might be a description of Watson.”

「ワトソンの特徴かもしれない」

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t help you, Lestrade,” said Holmes.

be afraid (残念ながら) [動] feel fear or worry

「ああ、残念ながら君を助けることはできないな、レストレード」とホームズは言った。

“The fact is that I knew this fellow Milverton, that I considered him one of the most dangerous men in London, and that I think there are certain crimes which the law cannot touch, and which therefore, to some extent, justify private revenge.

some extent (ある程度) [名] to a certain degree; to some degree

「事実、私はこのミルバートンという男を知っていて、彼をロンドンで最も危険な男の一人だと考えていたし、法律が触れることのできない犯罪がいくつかあると思うし、それゆえ、ある程度、私的な復讐を正当化できると思う。

No, it’s no use arguing.

no use (無駄) [名] a waste of time or effort

arguing (議論) [名] an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one

いいや、議論しても無駄だ。

I have made up my mind.

私は決心した。

My sympathies are with the criminals rather than with the victim, and I will not handle this case.”

私の同情は被害者よりも犯罪者にあるし、私はこの事件を扱わない。」

Holmes had not said one word to me about the tragedy which we had witnessed, but I observed all the morning that he was in his most thoughtful mood, and he gave me the impression, from his vacant eyes and his abstracted manner, of a man who is striving to recall something to his memory.

one word (一言) [名] a single word

all the morning (午前中ずっと) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

thoughtful (思慮深い) [形] thinking carefully about the possible effects of your words or actions

abstracted (抽象的な) [形] existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence

strive (努力する) [動] make great efforts to achieve or obtain something

ホームズは私たちが目撃した悲劇について私に一言も言わなかったが、私は午前中ずっと彼が最も思慮深い気分でいるのを見たし、彼のぼんやりとした目と抽象的な態度から、何かを思い出そうとしている人の印象を受けた。

We were in the middle of our lunch, when he suddenly sprang to his feet.

in the middle of (真っ最中) [名] the part of an event or period of time that is between the beginning and the end

私たちが昼食の真っ最中、彼は突然立ち上がった。

“By Jove, Watson, I’ve got it!” he cried.

「ワトソン、わかったぞ!」彼は叫んだ。

“Take your hat! Come with me!”

me (私) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

「帽子を取れ! 私と一緒に来い!」

He hurried at his top speed down Baker Street and along Oxford Street, until we had almost reached Regent Circus.

top speed (全速力) [名] the highest speed that a person or vehicle can reach

down (下りる) [前] from a higher to a lower place

along (沿って) [前] in a line parallel to the length or direction of

彼はベイカー街を下り、オックスフォード街を沿って、私たちがリージェント・サーカスに着くまで全速力で急いだ。

Here, on the left hand, there stands a shop window filled with photographs of the celebrities and beauties of the day.

left hand (左手) [名] the hand that is on the same side of your body as your heart

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

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

celebrity (有名人) [名] a famous person

beauty (美人) [名] a very attractive woman

ここで、左手に、その日の有名人や美人の肖像写真でいっぱいのショーウィンドウがある。

Holmes’s eyes fixed themselves upon one of them, and following his gaze I saw the picture of a regal and stately lady in Court dress, with a high diamond tiara upon her noble head.

regal (堂々とした) [形] of, relating to, or befitting a monarch

court dress (宮廷服) [名] a formal dress worn at court

ホームズの目はそのうちの1枚に釘付けになり、彼の視線を追って私は宮廷服を着た堂々とした女性の写真を見た。彼女の高貴な頭にはダイヤモンドのティアラが輝いていた。

I looked at that delicately curved nose, at the marked eyebrows, at the straight mouth, and the strong little chin beneath it.

私はその繊細に曲がった鼻、目立つ眉毛、真っ直ぐな口、そしてその下の強くて小さな顎を見た。

Then I caught my breath as I read the time-honoured title of the great nobleman and statesman whose wife she had been.

time-honoured (由緒ある) [形] having a long history

title (称号) [名] a name that describes someone's position or job

それから私は彼女が妻であった偉大な貴族と政治家の由緒ある称号を読んで息を呑んだ。

My eyes met those of Holmes, and he put his finger to his lips as we turned away from the window.

meet (合う) [動] come together; join

turn away (離れる) [動] move or turn in a different direction

私の目はホームズの目と合い、私たちが窓から離れる時彼は唇に指を当てた。

THE ADVENTURE OF THE SIX NAPOLEONS

Napoleon (ナポレオン) [名] a French military and political leader

六つのナポレオンの冒険

It was no very unusual thing for Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, to look in upon us of an evening, and his visits were welcome to Sherlock Holmes, for they enabled him to keep in touch with all that was going on at the police headquarters.

police headquarters (警察本部) [名] the headquarters of a police force

スコットランド・ヤードのレストレード氏が夕方私たちを訪ねてくるのは珍しいことではなく、彼の訪問はシャーロック・ホームズにとって歓迎すべきことだった。なぜなら、それによって彼は警察本部で起こっていることすべてに触れることができたからだ。

In return for the news which Lestrade would bring, Holmes was always ready to listen with attention to the details of any case upon which the detective was engaged, and was able occasionally, without any active interference, to give some hint or suggestion drawn from his own vast knowledge and experience.

in return for (の見返りに) [前] in exchange for

occasionally (時折) [副] now and then; sometimes

suggestion (提案) [名] an idea or plan put forward for consideration or discussion

レストレードがもたらすニュースの見返りに、ホームズは常に探偵が従事している事件の詳細に注意深く耳を傾ける準備ができており、時折、積極的な干渉なしに、彼自身の膨大な知識と経験から引き出されたヒントや提案を与えることができた。

On this particular evening, Lestrade had spoken of the weather and the newspapers.

on this particular evening (この特別な夜に) [名] on this specific evening

speak of (話す) [動] talk about

newspaper (新聞) [名] a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

この特別な夜に、レストレードは天気と新聞について話していた。

Then he had fallen silent, puffing thoughtfully at his cigar.

fall silent (黙り込む) [動] become silent

thoughtfully (考え深く) [副] in a thoughtful manner

それから彼は黙り込み、考え深く葉巻をふかしていた。

Holmes looked keenly at him.

look keenly (鋭く見る) [動] look at someone or something with great interest or attention

ホームズは彼を鋭く見た。

“Anything remarkable on hand?” he asked.

「何か注目すべきことは?」と彼は尋ねた。

“Oh, no, Mr. Holmes—

「ああ、いいえ、ホームズさん。

nothing very particular.”

特に何も」

“Then tell me about it.”

「では、それについて話してくれ」

Lestrade laughed.

レストレードは笑った。

“Well, Mr. Holmes, there is no use denying that there is something on my mind.

use (無駄) [名] the purpose for which something is made or done

「ええ、ホームズさん、私の頭の中に何かがあることを否定しても無駄です。

And yet it is such an absurd business, that I hesitated to bother you about it.

bother (迷惑をかける) [動] cause inconvenience or difficulty to

それでも、それはとても馬鹿げた事件なので、あなたに迷惑をかけるのをためらったのです。

On the other hand, although it is trivial, it is undoubtedly queer, and I know that you have a taste for all that is out of the common.

trivial (些細な) [形] of little value or importance

out of the common (普通ではない) [形] unusual or extraordinary

一方で、それは些細なことではありますが、間違いなく奇妙なことであり、あなたは普通ではないものすべてに趣味があることを知っています。

But, in my opinion, it comes more in Dr. Watson’s line than ours.”

in my opinion (私の意見では) [句] I think

come in (属する) [動] be included or classified in

line (専門分野) [名] a type of work or business

しかし、私の意見では、それは私たちよりもワトソン博士の専門分野です。」

“Disease?” said I.

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...

「病気?」と私は言った。

“Madness, anyhow. And a queer madness, too.

madness (狂気) [名] the state of being mad; insanity

「とにかく狂気だ。しかも奇妙な狂気だ。

You wouldn’t think there was anyone living at this time of day who had such a hatred of Napoleon the First that he would break any image of him that he could see.”

Napoleon the First (ナポレオン一世) [名] the first emperor of the French

image (像) [名] a representation of the external form of a person or thing in art

ナポレオン一世を憎み、目に映る彼の像をすべて破壊するような人物が、この時代に生きているとは思えないだろう。」

Holmes sank back in his chair.

sink back (深く腰を下ろす) [動] sit back in a relaxed way

ホームズは椅子に深く腰を下ろした。

“That’s no business of mine,” said he.

no business of mine (私の知ったことではない) [名] not my concern

「それは私の知ったことではない」と彼は言った。

“Exactly. That’s what I said.

「その通り。私が言った通りだ。

But then, when the man commits burglary in order to break images which are not his own, that brings it away from the doctor and on to the policeman.”

burglary (強盗) [名] the crime of breaking into a building and stealing things

しかし、その男が自分のものではない像を壊すために強盗を犯したとき、それは医者から離れて警察官に引き継がれる。」

Holmes sat up again.

ホームズは再び起き上がった。

“Burglary! This is more interesting.

「強盗! これはもっと面白い。

Let me hear the details.”

詳細を聞かせてください。」

Lestrade took out his official notebook and refreshed his memory from its pages.

refresh (呼び起こす) [動] make (something) fresh again

レストレードはその公式ノートを取り出し、そのページから記憶を呼び起こした。

“The first case reported was four days ago,” said he.

four days ago (4日前) [名] four days before the present time

「最初の事件が報告されたのは4日前だ」と彼は言った。

“It was at the shop of Morse Hudson, who has a place for the sale of pictures and statues in the Kennington Road.

Morse Hudson (モース・ハドソン) [名] a person's name

Kennington Road (ケニントン街道) [名] a road in London

「それはケニントン街道で絵画や彫像を販売する店を営むモース・ハドソンの店だった。

The assistant had left the front shop for an instant, when he heard a crash, and hurrying in he found a plaster bust of Napoleon, which stood with several other works of art upon the counter, lying shivered into fragments.

assistant (店員) [名] a person who helps another person

front shop (店の前) [名] the front part of a shop

crash (音) [名] a loud noise

plaster bust (石膏像) [名] a sculpture of a person's head, neck, and upper shoulders

work of art (美術品) [名] a painting, sculpture, or other work of art

counter (カウンター) [名] a long flat surface over which goods are sold or served

shiver (粉々) [動] break or cause to break into small pieces

fragment (粉々) [名] a small part broken or separated off from something

店員が店の前を離れた瞬間に音がしたので急いで戻ると、カウンターの上に他の美術品と一緒に置いてあったナポレオンの石膏像が粉々になっていた。

He rushed out into the road, but, although several passers-by declared that they had noticed a man run out of the shop, he could neither see anyone nor could he find any means of identifying the rascal.

passer-by (通行人) [名] a person who is walking past a place

declare (証言する) [動] make a statement about something

run out (走り出す) [動] leave a place quickly

shop (店) [名] a place where goods or services are sold

identify (特定する) [動] establish or indicate who or what someone or something is

彼は道に飛び出したが、何人かの通行人が店から走り出す男を見たと証言したにもかかわらず、誰も見ることができず、その悪党を特定する手段も見つけることができなかった。

It seemed to be one of those senseless acts of hooliganism which occur from time to time, and it was reported to the constable on the beat as such.

act (行為) [名] something that is done

hooliganism (フーリガン行為) [名] behavior that is violent or destructive and is caused by young people who are behaving in a very uncontrolled way

beat (巡回) [名] a regular route for a police officer

それは時々起こる無意味なフーリガン行為の一つであるように思われ、巡回中の巡査にそのようなものとして報告された。

The plaster cast was not worth more than a few shillings, and the whole affair appeared to be too childish for any particular investigation.

plaster cast (石膏像) [名] a copy of a sculpture made by pouring plaster into a mold

be worth (価値がある) [動] have a particular value

石膏像は数シリング以上の価値はなく、事件全体があまりにも子供じみていて、特別な捜査の対象にはならないようだった。

“The second case, however, was more serious, and also more singular.

「しかし、二つ目の事件はもっと深刻で、もっと奇妙だった。

It occurred only last night.

only (つい) [副] merely; just; no more than

つい昨夜起こった。

“In Kennington Road, and within a few hundred yards of Morse Hudson’s shop, there lives a well-known medical practitioner, named Dr. Barnicot, who has one of the largest practices upon the south side of the Thames.

within a few hundred yards (数百ヤード以内) [名] a distance of less than 300 yards

Dr. Barnicot (バーニコット博士) [名] a character in the story

Thames (テムズ川) [名] a river in London

「ケニントン街道に、モース・ハドソンの店から数百ヤード以内に、バーニコット博士という有名な開業医が住んでいて、テムズ川の南側で最大の診療所の一つを開業している。

His residence and principal consulting-room is at Kennington Road, but he has a branch surgery and dispensary at Lower Brixton Road, two miles away.

consulting-room (診察室) [名] a room in a doctor's office where patients are examined

branch (分院) [名] a secondary office or place of business

surgery (外科) [名] the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation

dispensary (薬局) [名] a place where medicines are prepared and dispensed

Lower Brixton Road (ロウアー・ブリクストン街道) [名] a road in London

彼の住居と主な診察室はケニントン街道にあるが、二マイル離れたロウアー・ブリクストン街道に分院と薬局がある。

This Dr. Barnicot is an enthusiastic admirer of Napoleon, and his house is full of books, pictures, and relics of the French Emperor.

enthusiastic (熱狂的な) [形] having or showing great interest or excitement

admirer (崇拝者) [名] a person who greatly admires someone or something

relic (遺品) [名] an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental value

このバーニコット博士は熱狂的なナポレオン崇拝者で、彼の家はフランス皇帝に関する本、絵、遺品でいっぱいだ。

Some little time ago he purchased from Morse Hudson two duplicate plaster casts of the famous head of Napoleon by the French sculptor, Devine.

some little time ago (少し前に) [副] a short time ago

purchase (購入する) [動] buy

duplicate (複製) [名] an exact copy

French (フランスの) [形] of or relating to France or its people or language

sculptor (彫刻家) [名] an artist who makes sculptures

Devine (デヴィン) [名] a person's name

少し前に彼はモース・ハドソンからフランスの彫刻家デヴィンの有名なナポレオンの頭部の石膏像を二つ購入した。

One of these he placed in his hall in the house at Kennington Road, and the other on the mantelpiece of the surgery at Lower Brixton.

mantelpiece (マントルピース) [名] a shelf above a fireplace

そのうちの一つをケニントン街道の家にある玄関に置き、もう一つをロウアー・ブリクストンの診療所のマントルピースの上に置いた。

Well, when Dr. Barnicot came down this morning he was astonished to find that his house had been burgled during the night, but that nothing had been taken save the plaster head from the hall.

be burgled (強盗に入られる) [動] be robbed

plaster head (石膏像) [名] a head made of plaster

さて、バーニコット博士が今朝降りてきて、夜の間に家が強盗に入られたのを発見して驚いたが、玄関の石膏像以外は何も盗まれていなかった。

It had been carried out and had been dashed savagely against the garden wall, under which its splintered fragments were discovered.”

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

dash (ぶつける) [動] hit or move against something with great force

savagely (激しく) [副] in a violent or uncontrolled manner

splinter (粉々になる) [動] break or cause to break into small sharp pieces

それは運び出され、庭の塀に激しくぶつけられたらしく、その下で粉々になった破片が発見された。」

Holmes rubbed his hands.

ホームズは手をこすった。

“This is certainly very novel,” said he.

novel (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

「これは確かにとても奇妙だ」と彼は言った。

“I thought it would please you.

please (喜んでもらう) [動] make someone happy or satisfied

「あなたに喜んでもらえると思ったのです。

But I have not got to the end yet.

しかし、私はまだ終わりにたどり着いていない。

Dr. Barnicot was due at his surgery at twelve o’clock, and you can imagine his amazement when, on arriving there, he found that the window had been opened in the night and that the broken pieces of his second bust were strewn all over the room.

due (予定) [形] expected or supposed to happen

surgery (診療所) [名] a place where a doctor or dentist treats people

piece (破片) [名] a part of something that has been broken off

バーニコット博士は十二時に診療所に行く予定だったが、そこに着くと、夜の間に窓が開けられ、二つ目の胸像の破片が部屋中に散らばっているのを発見した時の驚きは想像に難くない。

It had been smashed to atoms where it stood.

smash (砕く) [動] break or cause to break violently

atom (粉々) [名] the basic building block of matter

それは置かれていた場所で粉々に砕かれていた。

In neither case were there any signs which could give us a clue as to the criminal or lunatic who had done the mischief.

in neither case (どちらの場合も) [副] in no case; in no situation

lunatic (狂人) [名] a person who is mentally ill

mischief (悪事) [名] an act of causing trouble or harm

どちらの場合も、悪事を行った犯罪者や狂人について手がかりを与えてくれるような兆候は何もなかった。

Now, Mr. Holmes, you have got the facts.”

get (把握する) [動] come to understand

ホームズさん、これで事実を把握できましたね」

“They are singular, not to say grotesque,” said Holmes.

「奇妙な、いや異様な事実だ」とホームズは言った。

“May I ask whether the two busts smashed in Dr. Barnicot’s rooms were the exact duplicates of the one which was destroyed in Morse Hudson’s shop?”

smash (壊す) [動] break or destroy violently

「バーニコット博士の部屋で壊された二つの胸像は、モース・ハドソンの店で破壊されたものと全く同じものだったかお聞きしてもいいでしょうか?」

“They were taken from the same mould.”

take (作られる) [動] make or produce

mould (型) [名] a hollow container into which liquid is poured to create a solid object

「同じ型から作られたものでした」

“Such a fact must tell against the theory that the man who breaks them is influenced by any general hatred of Napoleon.

tell against (反する) [動] be unfavorable to

general (一般的な) [形] affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread

「この事実は、胸像を壊した男がナポレオンに対する一般的な憎しみに影響されているという説に反する。

Considering how many hundreds of statues of the great Emperor must exist in London, it is too much to suppose such a coincidence as that a promiscuous iconoclast should chance to begin upon three specimens of the same bust.”

Considering (考えると) [動] think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision

how many hundreds (何百と) [名] a large but indefinite number

statue (像) [名] a three-dimensional representation of a person or thing in wood, stone, metal, etc.

great Emperor (偉大な皇帝) [名] a person who rules an empire

must exist (あるはずだ) [動] be bound to happen or be true

too much (考えにくい) [形] more than is usual or expected

promiscuous (無差別な) [形] having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships

iconoclast (像を破壊する者) [名] a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

ロンドンに何百とある偉大な皇帝の像を考えると、無差別に像を破壊する者が偶然に同じ胸像を三つも選ぶという偶然は考えにくい」

“Well, I thought as you do,” said Lestrade.

as (ように) [接] in the way that

do (思う) [動] think or believe

「私もそう思いました」レストレード警部は言った。

“On the other hand, this Morse Hudson is the purveyor of busts in that part of London, and these three were the only ones which had been in his shop for years.

purveyor (業者) [名] a person who supplies goods or services

these three (この三つ) [名] the three things just mentioned

the only ones (唯一のもの) [名] the only things

「一方で、このモース・ハドソンはロンドンのその地域で胸像を扱う業者で、この三つは長年彼の店にあった唯一のものだった。

So, although, as you say, there are many hundreds of statues in London, it is very probable that these three were the only ones in that district.

district (地区) [名] an area of a town or city

だから、あなたが言うようにロンドンには数百の像があるが、この三つがその地区で唯一のものだった可能性は非常に高い。

Therefore, a local fanatic would begin with them.

fanatic (狂信者) [名] a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause

だから、地元の狂信者がそれらから始めたのだろう。

What do you think, Dr. Watson?”

ワトソン君、どう思う?」

“There are no limits to the possibilities of monomania,” I answered.

no limits (限界はない) [名] no restrictions

「偏執狂の可能性に限界はない」と私は答えた。

“There is the condition which the modern French psychologists have called the idée fixe, which may be trifling in character, and accompanied by complete sanity in every other way.

psychologist (心理学者) [名] a specialist in psychology

accompany (伴う) [動] go together with

sanity (正気) [名] the state of having a sound mind

「現代フランスの心理学者が固定観念と呼ぶ状態があり、それは性格上些細なもので、他のあらゆる面では完全な正気さを伴うことがある。

A man who had read deeply about Napoleon, or who had possibly received some hereditary family injury through the great war, might conceivably form such an idée fixe and under its influence be capable of any fantastic outrage.”

hereditary (遺伝的な) [形] genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring

fantastic (奇抜な) [形] conceived or made without reference to reality or truth

outrage (暴挙) [名] an extremely violent or vicious act

ナポレオンについて深く読んだ人、あるいは大戦争で遺伝的な家族の傷を負った人は、そのような固定観念を形成し、その影響下でどんな奇抜な暴挙も犯す可能性がある。」

“That won’t do, my dear Watson,” said Holmes, shaking his head, “for no amount of idée fixe would enable your interesting monomaniac to find out where these busts were situated.”

do (だめだ) [動] perform, execute, or accomplish

amount (どんなに) [名] a quantity of something

idée fixe (固定観念) [名] an obsession

enable (知る) [動] make possible

situate (ある) [動] be located in a particular place

「それはだめだ、ワトソン君」とホームズは首を振りながら言った、「どんなに固定観念があっても、君の興味深い偏執狂がこれらの胸像がどこにあるかを知ることはできない。」

“Well, how do you explain it?”

「では、どう説明する?」

“I don’t attempt to do so.

attempt (しようとする) [動] make an effort to achieve something

「説明しようとはしない。

I would only observe that there is a certain method in the gentleman’s eccentric proceedings.

proceeding (方法) [名] a particular course of action

ただ、この紳士の奇行には一定の方法があることを観察するだけだ。

For example, in Dr. Barnicot’s hall, where a sound might arouse the family, the bust was taken outside before being broken, whereas in the surgery, where there was less danger of an alarm, it was smashed where it stood.

arouse (起こす) [動] cause to be awake

surgery (手術室) [名] a room in a hospital where surgical operations are performed

例えば、音が家族を起こすかもしれないバーニコット博士の玄関では、胸像は壊される前に外に運び出されたが、警報の危険が少ない手術室では、立っていた場所で壊された。

The affair seems absurdly trifling, and yet I dare call nothing trivial when I reflect that some of my most classic cases have had the least promising commencement.

absurdly (馬鹿げた) [副] in a ridiculous or foolish way

reflect (振り返る) [動] to think carefully about something

classic (古典的な) [形] judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind

commencement (始まり) [名] the beginning of something

この事件は馬鹿げた些細なことに思えるが、私の最も古典的な事件のいくつかが最も見込みのない始まりだったことを振り返ると、私は何も些細なこととは呼べない。

You will remember, Watson, how the dreadful business of the Abernetty family was first brought to my notice by the depth which the parsley had sunk into the butter upon a hot day.

bring to one's notice (注意を引く) [動] make someone aware of something

hot day (暑い日) [名] a day when the temperature is high

ワトソン、覚えているだろうが、アバーネティ家の恐ろしい事件は、暑い日にパセリがバターに沈んだ深さによって、最初に私の注意を引いた。

I can’t afford, therefore, to smile at your three broken busts, Lestrade, and I shall be very much obliged to you if you will let me hear of any fresh development of so singular a chain of events.”

だから、私はあなたの三つの壊れた胸像を笑う余裕はない、レストレード、そして、もしあなたが私にこのような特異な一連の出来事の新たな展開を聞かせてくれるなら、私はあなたにとても感謝するだろう。」

The development for which my friend had asked came in a quicker and an infinitely more tragic form than he could have imagined.

infinitely (無限に) [副] to an unlimited extent

私の友人が尋ねた展開は、彼が想像していたよりも早く、そして無限に悲劇的な形で起こった。

I was still dressing in my bedroom next morning, when there was a tap at the door and Holmes entered, a telegram in his hand.

dressing (着替える) [動] put on clothes

tap (ノック) [名] a light blow or stroke

翌朝、私がまだ寝室で着替えていると、ドアをノックする音がして、ホームズが電報を手に持って入ってきた。

He read it aloud:

aloud (声に出して) [副] audibly; not silently

彼はそれを声に出して読んだ。

“Come instantly, 131, Pitt Street, Kensington.—LESTRADE.”

131 (131番地) [名] a number

Pitt Street (ピット通り) [名] a street

「すぐに来てください、ケンジントンのピット通り131番地。レストレード」

“What is it, then?”

「では、何だ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

“Don’t know—may be anything.

don't know (わからない) [動] be not aware of

may be (ありうる) [助] be possible or likely

「わからない、何でもありうる。

But I suspect it is the sequel of the story of the statues.

しかし、私はそれが彫像の話の続編ではないかと疑っている。

In that case our friend the image-breaker has begun operations in another quarter of London.

image-breaker (像破壊者) [名] a person who destroys images

operation (活動) [名] an action that is carried out

quarter (地区) [名] a district of a city

その場合、我々の友人である像破壊者はロンドンの別の地区で活動を開始したことになる。

There’s coffee on the table, Watson, and I have a cab at the door.”

テーブルにコーヒーがあるよ、ワトソン、そして私は玄関に馬車を用意してある。」

In half an hour we had reached Pitt Street, a quiet little backwater just beside one of the briskest currents of London life.

Pitt Street (ピット街) [名] a street in London

backwater (水路) [名] a stretch of water that is not connected to a main river

just (すぐ) [副] very recently

briskest (最も活発な) [形] very active or energetic

current (流れ) [名] a body of water moving in a definite direction

三十分で我々はピット街に着いた。ロンドンの生活の最も活発な流れの一つのすぐ横にある静かな小さな水路だ。

No. 131 was one of a row, all flat-chested, respectable, and most unromantic dwellings.

No. 131 (131番地) [名] a number

flat-chested (平坦な) [形] having small breasts

unromantic (ロマンチックではない) [形] lacking in romance

131番地は、すべて平坦で、立派で、最もロマンチックではない住居が並ぶ一角にあった。

As we drove up, we found the railings in front of the house lined by a curious crowd.

drive up (車で近づく) [動] approach in a vehicle

我々が車で近づいていくと、家の前の手すりに好奇心旺盛な群衆が並んでいるのが見えた。

Holmes whistled.

ホームズは口笛を吹いた。

“By George! It’s attempted murder at the least.

「なんてことだ! 少なくとも殺人未遂だ。

Nothing less will hold the London message-boy. There’s a deed of violence indicated in that fellow’s round shoulders and outstretched neck.

nothing less (それしかない) [名] nothing less than

hold (捕まえる) [動] grasp and keep hold of

message-boy (メッセンジャーボーイ) [名] a boy who delivers messages

indicate (示されている) [動] be a sign of

outstretched (伸びた) [形] stretched out

ロンドンのメッセンジャーボーイを捕まえるにはそれしかない。あの男の丸い肩と伸びた首に暴力行為が示されている。

What’s this, Watson? The top steps swilled down and the other ones dry.

what's this (これはどうだ) [名] an expression of surprise

step (段) [名] a flat surface that you put your foot on when you are going up or down stairs

swill down (洗い流される) [動] wash or rinse with water

ワトソン、これはどうだ? 上の段は水で洗い流され、他の段は乾いている。

Footsteps enough, anyhow!

footprint (足跡) [名] the mark left by a person walking

とにかく、足跡は十分にある!

Well, well, there’s Lestrade at the front window, and we shall soon know all about it.”

まあ、まあ、正面の窓にレストレードがいる、すぐに全てが分かるだろう。」

The official received us with a very grave face and showed us into a sitting-room, where an exceedingly unkempt and agitated elderly man, clad in a flannel dressing-gown, was pacing up and down.

grave (深刻な) [形] requiring much thought or work

unkempt (身なりが悪い) [形] not neat, tidy, or well-groomed

役人は非常に深刻な顔で私たちを迎え、居間に案内してくれたが、そこにはフランネルのガウンを着た、非常に身なりが悪く、興奮した年配の男性が歩き回っていた。

He was introduced to us as the owner of the house—Mr. Horace Harker, of the Central Press Syndicate.

introduce (紹介される) [動] make known to each other

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

Central Press Syndicate (セントラル・プレス・シンジケート) [名] a news agency

彼は家の所有者として私たちに紹介された。セントラル・プレス・シンジケートのホレス・ハーカー氏である。

“It’s the Napoleon bust business again,” said Lestrade.

「またナポレオンの胸像事件だ」とレストレードは言った。

“You seemed interested last night, Mr. Holmes, so I thought perhaps you would be glad to be present now that the affair has taken a very much graver turn.”

take a turn (展開を見せる) [動] change direction

be present (立ち会う) [動] be in a place or at an event

be glad (ありがたい) [動] feel pleased or relieved

「昨夜は興味を持たれたようでしたから、事件が非常に深刻な展開を見せた今、立ち会っていただけるとありがたいと思いました。」

“What has it turned to, then?”

turn to (展開する) [動] change into something else

「では、どんな展開になったんだ?」

“To murder. Mr. Harker, will you tell these gentlemen exactly what has occurred?”

Harker (ハーカー) [名] a character in the story

exactly (正確に) [副] in a precise manner

「殺人です。ハーカーさん、この方々に何が起こったか正確に話してくれませんか?」

The man in the dressing-gown turned upon us with a most melancholy face.

turn upon (振り返る) [動] turn to face someone or something

ドレッシングガウンを着た男は、とても憂鬱な顔で私たちを振り返った。

“It’s an extraordinary thing,” said he, “that all my life I have been collecting other people’s news, and now that a real piece of news has come my own way I am so confused and bothered that I can’t put two words together.

all my life (これまでずっと) [名] the whole of a person's life

real (本当の) [形] not imitation or artificial; genuine

come one's own way (自分のところにやってくる) [動] come to one's place

bothered (困惑した) [形] worried or troubled

put two words together (二つの言葉をつなげる) [動] say something; speak

「これは異常なことだ」と彼は言った。「私はこれまでずっと他人のニュースを集めてきたが、今や本当のニュースが自分のところにやってきて、混乱して困惑し、二つの言葉をつなげることができない。

If I had come in here as a journalist, I should have interviewed myself and had two columns in every evening paper.

journalist (ジャーナリスト) [名] a person who writes for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or prepares news to be broadcast

come in (来る) [動] arrive

interview (インタビューする) [動] ask questions of someone (such as a candidate) to evaluate their qualifications

evening paper (夕刊) [名] a newspaper that is published in the evening

もし私がジャーナリストとしてここに来ていたなら、私は自分自身にインタビューして、夕刊に二段の見出しを載せていただろう。

As it is, I am giving away valuable copy by telling my story over and over to a string of different people, and I can make no use of it myself.

give away (無駄にする) [動] give something to someone for free

over and over (何度も何度も) [副] repeatedly

make use of (活用する) [動] to use something for a particular purpose

現実には、私は自分の話を何度も何度もいろいろな人に話して、貴重な原稿を無駄にしているだけで、自分ではそれを活用することができない。

However, I’ve heard your name, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and if you’ll only explain this queer business, I shall be paid for my trouble in telling you the story.”

しかし、私はあなたのお名前を聞いたことがある、シャーロック・ホームズさん、そしてもしあなたがこの奇妙な事件を説明してくれるなら、私はあなたにこの話をすることで私の苦労が報われるだろう。」

Holmes sat down and listened.

ホームズは腰を下ろして耳を傾けた。

“It all seems to centre round that bust of Napoleon which I bought for this very room about four months ago.

centre round (集中する) [動] to be focused on or around something

about four months ago (約四ヶ月前) [名] a period of time that is four months in the past

「全ては、私が約四ヶ月前にこの部屋のために買ったあのナポレオンの胸像に集中しているようだ。

I picked it up cheap from Harding Brothers, two doors from the High Street Station.

pick up (手に入れた) [動] to get or obtain

cheap (安く) [形] low in price or value

Harding Brothers (ハーディング・ブラザーズ) [名] a shop

two doors (二軒先) [名] two houses away

High Street Station (ハイ・ストリート駅) [名] a train station

私はそれをハイ・ストリート駅から二軒先のハーディング・ブラザーズで安く手に入れた。

A great deal of my journalistic work is done at night, and I often write until the early morning.

a great deal of (多くの) [名] a large amount or quantity

journalistic (ジャーナリストの) [形] of or relating to journalism

私のジャーナリストの仕事の多くは夜に行われ、私はよく早朝まで書いている。

So it was to-day.

今日もそうだった。

I was sitting in my den, which is at the back of the top of the house, about three o’clock, when I was convinced that I heard some sounds downstairs.

top (最上階) [名] the highest or uppermost point, level, or part of something

three o'clock (三時) [名] three hours after noon

downstairs (階下) [名] a lower floor of a building

私は三時頃、家の最上階の奥にある書斎に座っていたが、階下で何か音がするのを確信した。

I listened, but they were not repeated, and I concluded that they came from outside.

conclude (結論づける) [動] reach a decision or form an opinion about something

私は耳を澄ましたが、音は繰り返されず、外から来たのだと結論づけた。

Then suddenly, about five minutes later, there came a most horrible yell—the most dreadful sound, Mr. Holmes, that ever I heard.

about five minutes later (約五分後) [名] five minutes after the time of reference

それから約五分後、突然、最も恐ろしい叫び声が聞こえた。ホームズさん、私が今まで聞いた中で最も恐ろしい音だった。

It will ring in my ears as long as I live.

ring (鳴り響く) [動] to make or have a clear resonant sound

私が生きている限り、私の耳に鳴り響くだろう。

I sat frozen with horror for a minute or two.

freeze (凍りつく) [動] become motionless

私は一、二分恐怖で凍りついたまま座っていた。

Then I seized the poker and went downstairs.

poker (火かき棒) [名] a metal rod used for stirring a fire

go downstairs (階下へ降りる) [動] move from an upper floor to a lower floor

それから私は火かき棒をつかんで階下へ降りた。

When I entered this room I found the window wide open, and I at once observed that the bust was gone from the mantelpiece.

be gone (消えている) [動] no longer present or in existence

この部屋に入ると、窓が大きく開いており、マントルピースから胸像が消えていることにすぐに気がついた。

Why any burglar should take such a thing passes my understanding, for it was only a plaster cast and of no real value whatever.

burglar (泥棒) [名] a person who breaks into a building and steals things

pass (理解できない) [動] be beyond the understanding of

real value (真の価値) [名] the actual worth of something

なぜ泥棒がそんなものを盗むのか理解できない。それは石膏像にすぎず、何の価値もない。

“You can see for yourself that anyone going out through that open window could reach the front doorstep by taking a long stride.

go out (出る) [動] leave a place

front doorstep (玄関の階段) [名] the step at the front of a house

「自分でもわかるだろうが、あの開いた窓から出た者は誰でも、大股で歩けば玄関の階段にたどり着ける。

This was clearly what the burglar had done, so I went round and opened the door.

go round (回り込む) [動] go around

明らかに泥棒がそうしたのだ。私は回り込んでドアを開けた。

Stepping out into the dark, I nearly fell over a dead man, who was lying there.

dark (暗闇) [名] absence of light

fall over (倒れそうになる) [動] trip and fall

暗闇に足を踏み出した私は、そこに横たわっていた死体に倒れそうになった。

I ran back for a light and there was the poor fellow, a great gash in his throat and the whole place swimming in blood.

run back (走り戻る) [動] run back to a place

poor fellow (哀れな男) [名] a man who is in a bad situation

great gash (大きな傷) [名] a large cut or wound

whole place (辺り一面) [名] the entire area

swimming in blood (血まみれ) [名] covered in blood

私は明かりを取りに走り戻り、そこには哀れな男がいた。喉に大きな傷があり、辺り一面血まみれだった。

He lay on his back, his knees drawn up, and his mouth horribly open.

draw up (立てる) [動] to bring or come to a stop

彼は仰向けに横たわり、膝を立て、口を恐ろしく開いていた。

I shall see him in my dreams.

私は夢の中で彼を見るだろう。

I had just time to blow on my police-whistle, and then I must have fainted, for I knew nothing more until I found the policeman standing over me in the hall.”

have just time to (ちょうど時間がある) [動] have only a short time to do something

police-whistle (警察の笛) [名] a whistle used by the police

stand over (立っている) [動] be in a position above and in front of someone

私はちょうど警察の笛を吹く時間があったが、その後私は気を失ったに違いない。なぜなら、私はホールで警察官が私の上に立っているのを見つけるまで何も知らなかったからだ。」

“Well, who was the murdered man?” asked Holmes.

murdered (殺された) [形] killed unlawfully and with premeditation

「では、殺された男は誰だったのか?」とホームズは尋ねた。

“There’s nothing to show who he was,” said Lestrade.

「彼が誰だったかを示すものは何もない」とレストレードは言った。

“You shall see the body at the mortuary, but we have made nothing of it up to now.

mortuary (遺体安置所) [名] a place where dead bodies are kept for hygienic storage or for examination until burial or cremation

「遺体安置所で遺体を見ることになるだろうが、我々はこれまで何もしていない。

He is a tall man, sunburned, very powerful, not more than thirty.

sunburned (日焼けした) [形] having skin that has been reddened by exposure to the sun

not more than (以下) [形] not greater than

彼は背が高く、日焼けした、とても力強い、30歳以下の男だ。

He is poorly dressed, and yet does not appear to be a labourer.

poorly (みすぼらしい) [副] in a poor manner

labourer (労働者) [名] a person who works for wages, especially in manual or industrial work

彼はみすぼらしい服装をしているが、労働者には見えない。

A horn-handled clasp knife was lying in a pool of blood beside him.

horn-handled (角の柄の) [形] having a handle made of horn

clasp knife (折り畳みナイフ) [名] a knife with a folding blade

pool (血だまり) [名] a small body of standing water

角の柄の折り畳みナイフが彼の横の血だまりの中に横たわっていた。

Whether it was the weapon which did the deed, or whether it belonged to the dead man, I do not know.

belong (もの) [動] be owned by

それが犯行に使用された武器なのか、死んだ男のものなのかはわからない。

There was no name on his clothing, and nothing in his pockets save an apple, some string, a shilling map of London, and a photograph.

clothing (衣服) [名] the things that people wear

apple (リンゴ) [名] a round fruit with a red, green, or yellow skin and a white flesh

string (紐) [名] a piece of thin rope

彼の衣服には名前がなく、ポケットにはリンゴ、紐、ロンドンの1シリング地図、写真以外何も入っていなかった。

Here it is.”

これがそれだ。」

It was evidently taken by a snapshot from a small camera.

take (撮る) [動] make a photograph of

snapshot (スナップ写真) [名] a photograph taken quickly and casually

small camera (小型カメラ) [名] a camera that is small in size

それは明らかに小型カメラで撮ったスナップ写真だった。

It represented an alert, sharp-featured simian man, with thick eyebrows and a very peculiar projection of the lower part of the face, like the muzzle of a baboon.

represent (写す) [動] be a symbol or image of

sharp-featured (鋭い顔立ちの) [形] having a face with sharp features

simian (猿のような) [形] of or relating to apes or monkeys

projection (突起) [名] a part that sticks out from something

lower (下部) [形] below average in height or position

baboon (ヒヒ) [名] a large monkey with a long snout and large teeth

それは、太い眉毛とヒヒの鼻面のような顔の下部の非常に独特な突起を持つ、機敏で鋭い顔立ちの猿のような男を写していた。

“And what became of the bust?” asked Holmes, after a careful study of this picture.

careful (注意深い) [形] taking care to avoid harm or damage

「そして胸像はどうなった?」とホームズはこの写真を注意深く調べた後で尋ねた。

“We had news of it just before you came.

「あなたが来る直前にその知らせがあった。

It has been found in the front garden of an empty house in Campden House Road.

front garden (前庭) [名] a garden at the front of a house

キャンプデン・ハウス・ロードの空き家の前庭で発見された。

It was broken into fragments.

粉々に砕かれていた。

I am going round now to see it.

go round (見に行く) [動] visit

今から見に行くところだ。

Will you come?”

一緒に来るか?」

“Certainly. I must just take one look round.”

take a look (見回す) [動] to look around

「もちろん。ちょっと見回さないと」

He examined the carpet and the window.

彼はカーペットと窓を調べた。

“The fellow had either very long legs or was a most active man,” said he.

「この男は足がとても長いか、とても機敏な男だ」と彼は言った。

“With an area beneath, it was no mean feat to reach that window ledge and open that window.

beneath (下に) [前] below

「下に地面があるから、あの窓枠に手を伸ばして窓を開けるのは並大抵のことではない。

Getting back was comparatively simple.

comparatively (比較的) [副] in a way that can be compared

戻るのは比較的簡単だった。

Are you coming with us to see the remains of your bust, Mr. Harker?”

ハーカーさん、あなたの胸像の残骸を見に一緒に来ますか?」

The disconsolate journalist had seated himself at a writing-table.

disconsolate (意気消沈した) [形] very unhappy and disappointed

seat oneself (腰を下ろす) [動] sit down

意気消沈した記者は書き物机に腰を下ろしていた。

“I must try and make something of it,” said he, “though I have no doubt that the first editions of the evening papers are out already with full details.

make something of (記事を書く) [動] to write a story about something

first edition (第一版) [名] the first version of a book or newspaper

full detail (詳細) [名] all the facts about something

「夕刊の第一版はすでに詳細を載せて出ているに違いないが、私は何とか記事を書かなければならない」と彼は言った。

It’s like my luck!

luck (運) [名] the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities

私の運のようだ!

You remember when the stand fell at Doncaster?

stand (スタンド) [名] a raised platform or structure on which people or things can stand

ドンカスターでスタンドが倒れた時のことを覚えているか?

Well, I was the only journalist in the stand, and my journal the only one that had no account of it, for I was too shaken to write it.

account (記事) [名] a report or description of an event or experience

shaken (動揺する) [形] disturbed or upset

スタンドにいた記者は私だけだったが、私の新聞だけがその記事を載せなかった。私はあまりにも動揺して書けなかったのだ。

And now I’ll be too late with a murder done on my own doorstep.”

be too late (遅れをとる) [動] arrive or happen after the usual or expected time

doorstep (玄関先) [名] the step leading up to the door of a house

そして今、私は自分の玄関先で起こった殺人事件に遅れをとっている。」

As we left the room, we heard his pen travelling shrilly over the foolscap.

travel (走る) [動] move at a speed of more than 50 miles per hour

foolscap (フールスキャップ) [名] a size of writing paper, 17 x 13.5 inches

私たちが部屋を出ると、彼のペンがフールスキャップの上をキーキーと走る音が聞こえた。

The spot where the fragments of the bust had been found was only a few hundred yards away.

胸像の破片が発見された場所は、わずか数百ヤードしか離れていなかった。

For the first time our eyes rested upon this presentment of the great emperor, which seemed to raise such frantic and destructive hatred in the mind of the unknown.

rest upon (注ぐ) [動] be directed or focused on

emperor (皇帝) [名] the sovereign ruler of an empire

presentment (肖像画) [名] a representation of something

destructive (破壊的な) [形] causing great and irreparable damage or harm

初めて私たちの目は、この偉大な皇帝の肖像画に注がれたが、それは未知の人の心に狂乱的で破壊的な憎しみを抱かせたようだった。

It lay scattered, in splintered shards, upon the grass.

scatter (散らばる) [動] throw around or distribute here and there

shard (破片) [名] a piece of broken ceramic, metal, glass, or rock

それは草の上に、砕けた破片となって散らばっていた。

Holmes picked up several of them and examined them carefully.

ホームズはそのうちのいくつかを拾い上げ、注意深く調べた。

I was convinced, from his intent face and his purposeful manner, that at last he was upon a clue.

intent (真剣な) [形] having one's mind fixed on something

purposeful (決意に満ちた) [形] having or showing determination

私は彼の真剣な顔と決意に満ちた態度から、彼がようやく手がかりをつかんだのだと確信した。

“Well?” asked Lestrade.

「どうだ?」とレストレード警部が尋ねた。

Holmes shrugged his shoulders.

ホームズは肩をすくめた。

“We have a long way to go yet,” said he.

a long way to go (先は長い) [名] a lot of progress to be made

「まだ先は長い」と彼は言った。

“And yet—and yet—well, we have some suggestive facts to act upon.

「しかし、しかし、行動に移すための示唆に富む事実がいくつかある。

The possession of this trifling bust was worth more, in the eyes of this strange criminal, than a human life.

この奇妙な犯罪者の目には、この取るに足らない胸像の所有は人間の命よりも価値があった。

That is one point.

それが一つ目のポイントだ。

Then there is the singular fact that he did not break it in the house, or immediately outside the house, if to break it was his sole object.”

immediately (すぐ) [副] without delay or hesitation

sole (唯一の) [形] being the only one

それから、もしそれを壊すことが彼の唯一の目的だったなら、彼がそれを家の中で、あるいは家のすぐ外で壊さなかったという特異な事実がある。」

“He was rattled and bustled by meeting this other fellow.

rattle (動揺させる) [動] to make someone feel nervous or confused

bustle (慌てる) [動] to move or act in a hurried, excited, or impatient way

「彼はもう一人の男に会って動揺し、慌てていた。

He hardly knew what he was doing.”

彼は自分が何をしているのかほとんど分かっていなかった。」

“Well, that’s likely enough.

「なるほど、それはあり得る。

But I wish to call your attention very particularly to the position of this house, in the garden of which the bust was destroyed.”

call attention to (注意を向ける) [動] direct someone's attention to something

しかし、私はこの家の位置に特に注意を向けてほしい。その庭で胸像が破壊されたのだ。」

Lestrade looked about him.

レストレードは周りを見回した。

“It was an empty house, and so he knew that he would not be disturbed in the garden.”

「それは空き家だったので、彼は庭で邪魔されることはないと分かっていた。」

“Yes, but there is another empty house farther up the street which he must have passed before he came to this one.

farther (もっと先) [副] to a greater distance

which (そこ) [代] the thing that

passed (通り過ぎた) [動] go past or across

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

「そう、しかし通りのもっと先にもう一軒空き家があって、彼はここに来る前にそこを通り過ぎたに違いない。

Why did he not break it there, since it is evident that every yard that he carried it increased the risk of someone meeting him?”

なぜ彼はそこでそれを壊さなかったのか、彼がそれを運ぶたびに誰かに会う危険が増すことは明らかなのに?」

“I give it up,” said Lestrade.

「私は降参する」とレストレード言った。

Holmes pointed to the street lamp above our heads.

street lamp (街灯) [名] a lamp that is fixed to a post and that lights a street

ホームズは私たちの頭上の街灯を指さした。

“He could see what he was doing here, and he could not there.

「彼はここでは自分のしていることを見ることができたが、そこではできなかった。

That was his reason.”

それが彼の理由だった。」

“By Jove! that’s true,” said the detective.

that's true (それは本当だ) [句] that is correct

「おいおい! それは本当だ」と刑事は言った。

“Now that I come to think of it, Dr. Barnicot’s bust was broken not far from his red lamp.

come to think of it (そういえば) [句] now that I think about it

not far from (そう遠くない) [句] a short distance from

red lamp (赤いランプ) [名] a lamp that emits red light

「そういえば、バーニコット博士の胸像は彼の赤いランプからそう遠くないところで壊されていた。

Well, Mr. Holmes, what are we to do with that fact?”

do with (どうしたらいいでしょう) [動] deal with; handle

ホームズさん、その事実をどうしたらいいでしょう?」

“To remember it—to docket it.

docket (控える) [動] make a brief abstract of the contents of (a document)

「それを覚えておくためだ。

We may come on something later which will bear upon it.

come on (出会う) [動] to find or encounter

bear upon (関係する) [動] to be relevant to

後でそれに関係する何かに出会うかもしれない。

What steps do you propose to take now, Lestrade?”

レストレード、君はこれからどんな手順を踏むつもりかね?」

“The most practical way of getting at it, in my opinion, is to identify the dead man.

get at (解決する) [動] to try to express or understand something

identify (明らかにする) [動] to establish or indicate who or what someone or something is

「私の考えでは、この事件を解決する最も実際的な方法は、死んだ男の身元を明らかにすることだ。

There should be no difficulty about that.

there should be (あるはずだ) [動] be likely or expected to be

no difficulty (何の困難もない) [名] no problem or trouble

その点については何の困難もないはずだ。

When we have found who he is and who his associates are, we should have a good start in learning what he was doing in Pitt Street last night, and who it was who met him and killed him on the doorstep of Mr. Horace Harker.

associate (仲間) [名] a person who is involved with another in a particular activity

have a good start (良い手がかりになる) [動] make a good beginning

Horace Harker (ホレス・ハーカー) [名] a character in the story

彼が誰で、彼の仲間が誰かがわかれば、昨夜彼がピット街で何をしていたのか、そしてホレス・ハーカー氏の玄関先で彼に会って殺したのは誰なのかを知る良い手がかりになるはずだ。

Don’t you think so?”

そうは思わないかね?」

“No doubt; and yet it is not quite the way in which I should approach the case.”

「間違いない。それでも、それは私がこの事件に取り組むべき方法ではない。」

“What would you do then?”

「では、どうするつもりだ?」

“Oh, you must not let me influence you in any way.

influence (影響する) [動] have an effect on

「ああ、私に影響されてはいけない。

I suggest that you go on your line and I on mine.

line (やり方) [名] a way of doing something

君は君のやり方で、私は私のやり方でやろう。

We can compare notes afterwards, and each will supplement the other.”

後でメモを比べて、互いに補い合おう。」

“Very good,” said Lestrade.

「とても良い」レストレード氏は言った。

“If you are going back to Pitt Street, you might see Mr. Horace Harker.

「ピット街に戻るなら、ホレス・ハーカー氏に会えるかもしれない。

Tell him for me that I have quite made up my mind, and that it is certain that a dangerous homicidal lunatic, with Napoleonic delusions, was in his house last night.

homicidal (殺人狂) [形] having a tendency to kill people

Napoleonic (ナポレオンの) [形] of or relating to Napoleon Bonaparte

delusion (妄想) [名] a false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact

私が決心したこと、ナポレオンの妄想を持つ危険な殺人狂が昨夜彼の家にいたのは確かだということを彼に伝えてください。

It will be useful for his article.”

be useful for (役立つ) [動] be of service to

それは彼の記事に役立つだろう。」

Lestrade stared.

レストレード氏は見つめた。

“You don’t seriously believe that?”

「本気でそう信じているわけではないだろう?」

Holmes smiled.

ホームズは微笑んだ。

“Don’t I? Well, perhaps I don’t. But I am sure that it will interest Mr. Horace Harker and the subscribers of the Central Press Syndicate.

「信じていない? そう、おそらく信じていない。しかし、ホレス・ハーカー氏とセントラル・プレス・シンジケートの購読者には興味深いだろう。

Now, Watson, I think that we shall find that we have a long and rather complex day’s work before us.

さて、ワトソン、私たちの前には長くてかなり複雑な一日の仕事があることがわかるだろうと思う。

I should be glad, Lestrade, if you could make it convenient to meet us at Baker Street at six o’clock this evening.

be glad (嬉しい) [動] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

make it convenient (都合がつく) [動] be able to do something

レストレード、今夜の六時にベーカー街で会えたら嬉しいんだが。

Until then I should like to keep this photograph, found in the dead man’s pocket.

until then (それまでは) [副] up to that time

それまでは、死んだ男のポケットから見つかったこの写真を預かっておきたい。

It is possible that I may have to ask your company and assistance upon a small expedition which will have be undertaken to-night, if my chain of reasoning should prove to be correct.

chain of reasoning (推理) [名] a series of thoughts or arguments that lead to a conclusion

私の推理が正しければ、今夜行われる小さな遠征にあなたの同行と援助をお願いすることになるかもしれない。

Until then good-bye and good luck!”

good luck (幸運を祈る) [名] success or failure apparently brought by chance

それまではさようなら、幸運を祈る!」

Sherlock Holmes and I walked together to the High Street, where we stopped at the shop of Harding Brothers, whence the bust had been purchased.

High Street (ハイ・ストリート) [名] the main street of a town

Harding Brothers (ハーディング兄弟) [名] a fictional business

シャーロック・ホームズと私はハイ・ストリートまで歩き、胸像が購入されたハーディング兄弟の店に立ち寄った。

A young assistant informed us that Mr. Harding would be absent until afternoon, and that he was himself a newcomer, who could give us no information.

Mr. Harding (ハーディング氏) [名] a man with the surname Harding

be absent (不在である) [動] not be present

若い店員は、ハーディング氏は午後まで不在で、自分は新入りなので何も情報は提供できないと告げた。

Holmes’s face showed his disappointment and annoyance.

show (浮かぶ) [動] be visible or noticeable

ホームズの顔には失望と苛立ちが浮かんだ。

“Well, well, we can’t expect to have it all our own way, Watson,” he said, at last.

「まあ、まあ、すべてが思い通りにいくとは思えないよ、ワトソン」と彼はついに言った。

“We must come back in the afternoon, if Mr. Harding will not be here until then.

「ハーディング氏がそれまでここにいないのなら、午後に戻って来なければならない。

I am, as you have no doubt surmised, endeavouring to trace these busts to their source, in order to find if there is not something peculiar which may account for their remarkable fate.

as you have no doubt surmised (君も疑いなく推測したように) [句] as you have probably guessed

source (起源) [名] the place or thing from which something comes or is obtained

君も疑いなく推測したように、私はこれらの胸像の起源をたどり、その驚くべき運命を説明できる何か特別なものがないかどうかを探そうとしている。

Let us make for Mr. Morse Hudson, of the Kennington Road, and see if he can throw any light upon the problem.”

throw light upon (光を投げかける) [動] make something easier to understand

ケニントン街のモース・ハドソン氏のところへ行って、彼がこの事件に何か光を投げかけてくれるかどうか見てみよう。」

A drive of an hour brought us to the picture-dealer’s establishment.

an hour (一時間) [名] a period of time equal to 60 minutes

picture-dealer (画商) [名] a person who buys and sells paintings

一時間ほど走って、私たちは画商の店に着いた。

He was a small, stout man with a red face and a peppery manner.

stout (太った) [形] having a large or heavy body

peppery (短気な) [形] having a hot or sharp flavor like that of pepper

彼は小柄で太った男で、赤ら顔で短気な態度だった。

“Yes, sir. On my very counter, sir,” said he.

on (上に) [前] in or into a position on top of

「はい、そうです。私のカウンターの上にありました」と彼は言った。

“What we pay rates and taxes for I don’t know, when any ruffian can come in and break one’s goods.

rate (税率) [名] a fixed price paid or charged for a good or service

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

good (品物) [名] a tangible product that is manufactured and then sold to the general public

「どんな悪党でも入ってきて、人の品物を壊すことができるなんて、私たちが税金を払っている意味がわからない。

Yes, sir, it was I who sold Dr. Barnicot his two statues.

it was I who (私が) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

はい、私がバーニコット博士に二つの像を売りました。

Disgraceful, sir!

disgraceful (恥ずべき) [形] causing a feeling of shame or disgrace

恥ずべきことです!

A Nihilist plot—that’s what I make it.

Nihilist (ニヒリスト) [名] a person who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles

plot (陰謀) [名] a secret plan or scheme to do something, especially something illegal or harmful

ニヒリストの陰謀だ、私はそう考える。

No one but an anarchist would go about breaking statues.

but (以外に) [前] other than

anarchist (アナキスト) [名] a person who believes in or tries to bring about anarchy

go about (壊して回る) [動] do something in a particular way

アナキスト以外に像を壊して回るような人間はいない。

Red republicans—that’s what I call ’em.

republican (共和主義者) [名] an advocate of a republic

赤い共和主義者、私はそう呼ぶ。

Who did I get the statues from?

誰から像を受け取ったか?

I don’t see what that has to do with it.

have to do with (関係する) [動] be connected with or relevant to

それがこの件とどう関係するのかわからない。

Well, if you really want to know, I got them from Gelder & Co., in Church Street, Stepney. They are a well-known house in the trade, and have been this twenty years.

Stepney (ステプニー) [名] a district in the East End of London

trade (業界) [名] the business of buying and selling goods and services

twenty years (20年) [名] a period of time equal to 20 years

本当に知りたいのなら、ステプニーのチャーチストリートにあるゲルダー商会から受け取った。彼らはこの業界では有名な会社で、20年も続いている。

How many had I? Three—two and one are three—two of Dr. Barnicot’s, and one smashed in broad daylight on my own counter.

how many (何個) [名] the number of

broad daylight (白昼堂々) [名] the time of day when the sun is shining

my own (私の) [形] belonging to or connected with the speaker

何個あったか? 3つ、2つと1つで3つ、2つはバーニコット博士のもので、1つは白昼堂々私のカウンターで粉々になった。

Do I know that photograph?

know (見覚えがある) [動] be familiar with

その写真に見覚えがあるか?

No, I don’t. Yes, I do, though.

いいえ、知りません。いや、知っています。

Why, it’s Beppo. He was a kind of Italian piece-work man, who made himself useful in the shop.

Beppo (ベッポ) [名] a man's name

Italian (イタリア人) [名] a person from Italy

piece-work (日雇い労働者) [名] a worker who is paid for each unit of work completed

ベッポだ。彼はイタリア人の日雇い労働者で、店で働いていた。

He could carve a bit, and gild and frame, and do odd jobs.

carve (彫刻する) [動] cut (hard material) in order to produce an object, design, or inscription

gild (金メッキする) [動] cover thinly with gold

frame (額装する) [動] put a border or frame around

odd job (雑用) [名] a job that is not part of one's regular duties

彼は彫刻や金メッキ、額装など雑用をこなしていた。

The fellow left me last week, and I’ve heard nothing of him since.

彼は先週辞めて、それ以来彼のことは何も聞いていない。

No, I don’t know where he came from nor where he went to.

いいえ、彼がどこから来たのか、どこに行ったのかは知りません。

I had nothing against him while he was here.

have nothing against (不満がない) [動] not dislike or disapprove of

彼がここにいた間は彼に対して何も不満はなかった。

He was gone two days before the bust was smashed.”

be gone (辞める) [動] leave a job, post, or position voluntarily

彼は胸像が壊される二日前に辞めた。」

“Well, that’s all we could reasonably expect from Morse Hudson,” said Holmes, as we emerged from the shop.

reasonably (期待できる) [副] in a fair and sensible way

「さて、それがモース・ハドソンから期待できる全てだ」と、店から出るとホームズは言った。

“We have this Beppo as a common factor, both in Kennington and in Kensington, so that is worth a ten-mile drive.

common factor (共通の要因) [名] a factor that is common to two or more numbers or expressions

Kennington (ケニントン) [名] a district in south London

ten-mile drive (十マイル走る) [名] a drive that is ten miles long

「ケニントンとケンジントンの両方に共通の要因としてこのベッポがいるのだから、十マイル走る価値はある。

Now, Watson, let us make for Gelder & Co., of Stepney, the source and origin of the busts.

Gelder & Co. (ゲルダー商会) [名] a company that makes busts

source (源) [名] the place from which something comes or is obtained

origin (起源) [名] the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived

さあ、ワトソン、胸像の源であるステプニーのゲルダー商会に行こう。

I shall be surprised if we don’t get some help down there.”

get some help (手掛かりが得られる) [動] receive assistance or support

down there (そこで) [副] in or to that place

そこで何か手掛かりが得られなかったら驚きだ。」

In rapid succession we passed through the fringe of fashionable London, hotel London, theatrical London, literary London, commercial London, and, finally, maritime London, till we came to a riverside city of a hundred thousand souls, where the tenement houses swelter and reek with the outcasts of Europe.

in rapid succession (次々と) [副] one after another in quick succession

fringe (周辺) [名] the outer edge of something

fashionable (ファッショナブルな) [形] in accordance with the current fashion

theatrical (劇場の) [形] of or relating to the theater

literary (文学の) [形] of or relating to literature

commercial (商業の) [形] of or relating to commerce

maritime (海の) [形] of or relating to the sea

riverside (川沿いの) [形] on the bank of a river

tenement (長屋) [名] a building divided into several apartments

swelter (うだる) [動] be uncomfortably hot

reek (悪臭を放つ) [動] have a strong unpleasant smell

outcast (のけ者) [名] a person who is rejected by society

我々は、ファッショナブルなロンドン、ホテルのロンドン、劇場のロンドン、文学のロンドン、商業のロンドン、そして最後に海のロンドンの周辺を次々と通り抜け、十万人の魂が住む川沿いの街にたどり着いた。

Here, in a broad thoroughfare, once the abode of wealthy City merchants, we found the sculpture works for which we searched.

merchant (商人) [名] a person who buys and sells goods in large quantities

sculpture (彫刻) [名] the art of making three-dimensional figures and designs

work (工房) [名] a place where people work

ここで、かつて裕福な商人の住居だった広い大通りに、我々が探していた彫刻工房を見つけた。

Outside was a considerable yard full of monumental masonry.

monumental (記念碑的な) [形] of, relating to, or serving as a monument

masonry (石造物) [名] something made of stone, especially a building

外には記念碑的な石造物でいっぱいのかなり広い庭があった。

Inside was a large room in which fifty workers were carving or moulding.

worker (労働者) [名] a person who works

mould (成形する) [動] shape or form in a mould

内部には大きな部屋があり、そこでは50人の労働者が彫刻や成形をしていた。

The manager, a big blond German, received us civilly and gave a clear answer to all Holmes’s questions.

manager (支配人) [名] a person who manages a business or organization

blond (金髪の) [形] having fair hair and skin

civilly (丁寧に) [副] in a polite manner

支配人は、大柄な金髪のドイツ人で、我々を丁寧に迎え、ホームズの質問にすべて明確に答えてくれた。

A reference to his books showed that hundreds of casts had been taken from a marble copy of Devine’s head of Napoleon, but that the three which had been sent to Morse Hudson a year or so before had been half of a batch of six, the other three being sent to Harding Brothers, of Kensington.

reference (調べる) [名] the action of referring to something

book (帳簿) [名] a set of blank or ruled sheets of paper, parchment, or similar materials that are fastened together to hinge at one side

hundred (何百) [名] the number 100

cast (型) [名] a copy of a sculpture made by taking a mold of the original

other (残り) [形] used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known about

彼の帳簿を調べると、デヴィンのナポレオンの頭部の大理石の複製から何百もの型が取られていたが、1年ほど前にモース・ハドソンに送られた3つは6つのうちの半分で、残りの3つはケンジントンのハーディング・ブラザーズに送られたことがわかった。

There was no reason why those six should be different from any of the other casts.

その6つが他のどの型とも異なる理由はなかった。

He could suggest no possible cause why anyone should wish to destroy them—in fact, he laughed at the idea.

suggest (思いつく) [動] to cause to be thought of

no possible cause (考えられない) [名] something that cannot be the reason for something else

彼は誰かがそれらを破壊したいと思う理由を思いつかなかったし、実際、その考えを笑った。

Their wholesale price was six shillings, but the retailer would get twelve or more.

wholesale price (卸値) [名] the price at which a manufacturer sells goods to a retailer

six shillings (6シリング) [名] a former British coin worth one twentieth of a pound

retailer (小売業者) [名] a person or business that sells goods to the public

卸値は6シリングだったが、小売業者は12シリング以上で売るだろう。

The cast was taken in two moulds from each side of the face, and then these two profiles of plaster of Paris were joined together to make the complete bust.

join (合わせる) [動] to connect or fasten together

型は顔の両側から2つの型で取られ、石膏のこの2つの側面を合わせて完全な胸像にした。

The work was usually done by Italians, in the room we were in.

usually (通常) [副] under normal conditions

仕事は通常、私たちがいた部屋でイタリア人によって行われていた。

When finished, the busts were put on a table in the passage to dry, and afterwards stored.

dry (乾燥する) [動] make or become free from moisture or liquid

store (保管する) [動] keep or put away for future use

完成すると、胸像は通路のテーブルに置かれて乾燥され、その後保管された。

That was all he could tell us.

be all (だけである) [動] be the only thing or amount

彼が私たちに話せたのは、それだけだった。

But the production of the photograph had a remarkable effect upon the manager.

production (提示) [名] the act of producing something

しかし、写真の提示は支配人に驚くべき効果をもたらした。

His face flushed with anger, and his brows knotted over his blue Teutonic eyes.

flush (赤くなる) [動] become red

knot (結ぶ) [動] tie in a knot

Teutonic (チュートン人の) [形] of or relating to the Germans or Germany

彼の顔は怒りで赤くなり、眉は青いチュートン人の目の上で結ばれた。

“Ah, the rascal!” he cried.

「ああ、あの悪党め!」彼は叫んだ。

“Yes, indeed, I know him very well.

「ああ、確かに、私は彼をよく知っている。

This has always been a respectable establishment, and the only time that we have ever had the police in it was over this very fellow.

establishment (ホテル) [名] a business or organization

over (せい) [前] on account of; because of

ここはいつも立派なホテルだったが、警察が来たのはこの男のせいだけだ。

It was more than a year ago now.

a year ago (一年前) [名] the time twelve months before the present

それはもう一年以上前のことだった。

He knifed another Italian in the street, and then he came to the works with the police on his heels, and he was taken here.

knife (ナイフで刺す) [動] cut or stab with a knife

彼は通りで別のイタリア人をナイフで刺し、それから警察に追われて工場にやってきて、ここで捕まった。

Beppo was his name—his second name I never knew.

second name (苗字) [名] a family name

ベッポというのが彼の名前だったが、苗字は知らない。

Serve me right for engaging a man with such a face.

serve (仕える) [動] work for as a servant

あんな顔の男を雇った私が悪いんだ。

But he was a good workman—one of the best.”

でも彼は良い職人だった、最高の一人だった。」

“What did he get?”

get (受ける) [動] receive as a punishment

「彼はどんな刑を受けたの?」

“The man lived and he got off with a year.

get off (釈放される) [動] be released from a charge or penalty

「男は生き残り、彼は一年で釈放された。

I have no doubt he is out now, but he has not dared to show his nose here.

out (外にいる) [副] not in a building or other enclosed space

show one's nose (顔を出す) [動] make an appearance

彼が今は外にいるのは間違いないが、彼はここに顔を出す勇気はない。

We have a cousin of his here, and I daresay he could tell you where he is.”

cousin (いとこ) [名] the child of one's uncle or aunt

daresay (思う) [動] venture to say

彼のいとこがここにいて、彼なら彼がどこにいるか教えてくれると思う。」

“No, no,” cried Holmes, “not a word to the cousin—not a word, I beg of you.

「いや、いや」とホームズは叫んだ、「いとこには一言も言うな、一言もだ、頼む。

The matter is very important, and the farther I go with it, the more important it seems to grow.

the farther (調べれば調べるほど) [副] to a greater distance

go with (調べる) [動] to be in agreement with

この件は非常に重要で、調べれば調べるほど、重要度が増すように思われる。

When you referred in your ledger to the sale of those casts I observed that the date was June 3rd of last year.

ledger (元帳) [名] a book in which the financial transactions of a business are recorded

sale (販売) [名] the exchange of goods or services for money

あなたが元帳でそれらの石膏像の販売について言及したとき、私は日付が去年の六月三日であることに気づいた。

Could you give me the date when Beppo was arrested?”

ベッポが逮捕された日付を教えてもらえるか?」

“I could tell you roughly by the pay-list,” the manager answered.

pay-list (給与明細) [名] a list of employees and the amount of money they are paid

「給与明細で大体はわかります」と支配人は答えた。

“Yes,” he continued, after some turning over of pages, “he was paid last on May 20th.”

「はい」と彼はページをめくりながら続けた。「彼は五月二十日に最後に支払いを受けています」

“Thank you,” said Holmes.

「ありがとう」とホームズは言った。

“I don’t think that I need intrude upon your time and patience any more.”

patience (忍耐) [名] the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

「もうこれ以上あなたの時間と忍耐を煩わせる必要はないと思います」

With a last word of caution that he should say nothing as to our researches, we turned our faces westward once more.

last word (最後の言葉) [名] the final statement or decision

caution (注意) [名] care taken to avoid danger or mistakes

turn one's face (向かう) [動] to change direction

westward (西) [副] toward the west

私たちの調査については何も言わないようにと最後に注意して、私たちは再び西に向かった。

The afternoon was far advanced before we were able to snatch a hasty luncheon at a restaurant.

far advanced (かなり遅れていた) [形] at a late stage of development

hasty (急いで) [形] done or made too quickly and therefore not carefully enough

luncheon (昼食) [名] a formal lunch

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

私たちがレストランで急いで昼食をとるまでに、午後はかなり遅れていた。

A news-bill at the entrance announced “Kensington Outrage. Murder by a Madman,” and the contents of the paper showed that Mr. Horace Harker had got his account into print after all.

outrage (暴行) [名] an extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, or indignation

madman (狂人) [名] a man who is insane

入口のニュースビルは「ケンジントンの暴行。狂人による殺人」と報じ、その新聞の内容はホレス・ハーカー氏が結局のところ彼の話を印刷に回したことを示していた。

Two columns were occupied with a highly sensational and flowery rendering of the whole incident.

column (段) [名] a vertical division of a page

flowery (華々しい) [形] full of elaborate and often pretentious expressions

rendering (報道) [名] a translation from one language into another

二段にわたって、事件全体が非常にセンセーショナルで華々しく報じられていた。

Holmes propped it against the cruet-stand and read it while he ate.

cruet-stand (調味料入れ) [名] a stand for holding cruets

ホームズはそれを調味料入れに立てかけ、食事をしながら読んだ。

Once or twice he chuckled.

一度か二度、彼はくすくす笑った。

“This is all right, Watson,” said he.

all right (いいぞ) [形] satisfactory

「これはいいぞ、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“Listen to this:

「これを聞け。

“It is satisfactory to know that there can be no difference of opinion upon this case, since Mr. Lestrade, one of the most experienced members of the official force, and Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the well-known consulting expert, have each come to the conclusion that the grotesque series of incidents, which have ended in so tragic a fashion, arise from lunacy rather than from deliberate crime.

difference of opinion (意見の相違) [名] a disagreement

official force (警察) [名] the police

come to the conclusion (結論に達する) [動] reach a decision or judgment

arise (生じる) [動] come into being or existence

lunacy (狂気) [名] insanity

deliberate (故意の) [形] done on purpose; intentional

「この事件について意見の相違がないことを知って満足している。警察の最も経験豊富なメンバーの一人であるレストレード氏と、有名なコンサルティング専門家であるシャーロック・ホームズ氏は、それぞれ、悲劇的な形で終わった一連の奇怪な事件は、故意の犯罪ではなく狂気から生じたという結論に達した。

No explanation save mental aberration can cover the facts.

no explanation (説明できない) [名] no way to explain something

mental aberration (精神異常) [名] a deviation from the normal or average

cover (説明する) [動] to explain or account for

精神異常以外の説明では事実を説明できない。

“The Press, Watson, is a most valuable institution, if you only know how to use it.

press (新聞) [名] newspapers and magazines

valuable (価値のある) [形] having great value or worth

institution (機関) [名] an established organization or foundation

「ワトソン、新聞は使い方さえ知っていれば、最も価値のある機関だ。

And now, if you have quite finished, we will hark back to Kensington and see what the manager of Harding Brothers has to say on the matter.”

finish (食べ終わる) [動] come to an end

さて、もし君が食べ終わったら、ケンジントンに戻って、ハーディング兄弟の支配人がこの件について何を言うか聞いてみよう。」

The founder of that great emporium proved to be a brisk, crisp little person, very dapper and quick, with a clear head and a ready tongue.

emporium (デパート) [名] a large store stocking many types of goods in different departments

brisk (活発な) [形] quick and energetic

crisp (キビキビした) [形] brisk and decisive

ready (達者な) [形] prepared or available for immediate use or action

tongue (舌) [名] the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth that is used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech

その大デパートの創業者は、頭がよく、口が達者で、とても小粋で機敏な、活発でキビキビした小柄な人だった。

“Yes, sir, I have already read the account in the evening papers.

「はい、旦那様、夕刊でその記事はすでに読みました。

Mr. Horace Harker is a customer of ours.

customer (顧客) [名] a person who buys goods or services from a store or business

ホレス・ハーカーさんは当店の顧客です。

We supplied him with the bust some months ago.

supply (納品する) [動] provide or furnish with

some months ago (数ヶ月前) [名] a period of time in the past

数ヶ月前に彼に胸像を納品しました。

We ordered three busts of that sort from Gelder & Co., of Stepney. They are all sold now.

sell (売れる) [動] be purchased by a customer

当店はステプニーのゲルダー商会からその種の胸像を三つ注文しました。

To whom? Oh, I daresay by consulting our sales book we could very easily tell you.

to whom (誰に) [代] to what person

sales book (販売台帳) [名] a book in which sales are recorded

誰にですか? ああ、当店の販売台帳を調べればすぐにお答えできると思います。

Yes, we have the entries here.

はい、ここに記入があります。

One to Mr. Harker you see, and one to Mr. Josiah Brown, of Laburnum Lodge, Laburnum Vale, Chiswick, and one to Mr. Sandeford, of Lower Grove Road, Reading.

Mr. Harker (ハーカーさん) [名] a character in the story

Mr. Josiah Brown (ジョサイア・ブラウンさん) [名] a character in the story

Laburnum Lodge (ラバーナム・ロッジ) [名] a place in the story

Laburnum Vale (ラバーナム・ヴェイル) [名] a place in the story

Chiswick (チズウィック) [名] a place in the story

Mr. Sandeford (サンデフォードさん) [名] a character in the story

Lower Grove Road (ローワー・グローブ・ロード) [名] a place in the story

Reading (レディング) [名] a place in the story

一つはハーカーさんに、一つはチズウィックのラバーナム・ヴェイルのラバーナム・ロッジのジョサイア・ブラウンさんに、そして一つはレディングのローワー・グローブ・ロードのサンデフォードさんにです。

No, I have never seen this face which you show me in the photograph.

いいえ、写真に写っているこの顔は見たことがありません。

You would hardly forget it, would you, sir, for I’ve seldom seen an uglier.

忘れることはできないでしょう、だって、あんなに醜い顔はめったに見ませんよ。

Have we any Italians on the staff?

staff (従業員) [名] the people who work for a company or organization

イタリア人の従業員はいますか?

Yes, sir, we have several among our workpeople and cleaners.

workpeople (従業員) [名] people who work

cleaner (清掃員) [名] a person who cleans

はい、従業員や清掃員に何人かいます。

I daresay they might get a peep at that sales book if they wanted to.

get a peep (覗き見ることができる) [動] to look quickly or furtively

彼らが望めば、その販売台帳を覗き見ることができるだろう。

There is no particular reason for keeping a watch upon that book.

keep a watch (監視する) [動] to look after or guard something

その台帳を監視する特別な理由はない。

Well, well, it’s a very strange business, and I hope that you will let me know if anything comes of your inquiries.”

let me know (知らせてくれる) [動] inform someone of something

なるほど、なるほど、これはとても奇妙な事件だ、もし何か調査で分かったことがあれば知らせてくれるとありがたい。」

Holmes had taken several notes during Mr. Harding’s evidence, and I could see that he was thoroughly satisfied by the turn which affairs were taking.

take note (メモを取る) [動] write down a piece of information

thoroughly (十分に) [副] completely; fully

ホームズはハーディング氏の証言中に何度かメモを取っており、事件の成り行きに十分満足しているのが分かった。

He made no remark, however, save that, unless we hurried, we should be late for our appointment with Lestrade.

make no remark (何も言わない) [動] say nothing

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

しかし、彼は急がなければ、レストレードとの約束に遅れるだろうということ以外は何も言わなかった。

Sure enough, when we reached Baker Street the detective was already there, and we found him pacing up and down in a fever of impatience.

pace up and down (歩き回る) [動] walk up and down repeatedly

案の定、ベーカー街に着くと、探偵はすでにそこにいて、焦燥感に駆られて歩き回っていた。

His look of importance showed that his day’s work had not been in vain.

彼の重要な表情は、彼の一日の仕事が無駄ではなかったことを示していた。

“Well?” he asked.

「どうだった?」と彼は尋ねた。

“What luck, Mr. Holmes?”

「運は良かったですか、ホームズさん?」

“We have had a very busy day, and not entirely a wasted one,” my friend explained.

have a busy day (忙しい一日を過ごす) [動] be busy all day

not entirely (全く〜ないわけではない) [副] not completely; not totally

wasted (無駄な) [形] used or spent in an inefficient or pointless way

「私たちはとても忙しい一日を過ごしたが、全く無駄な一日ではなかった」と友人は説明した。

“We have seen both the retailers and also the wholesale manufacturers.

wholesale (卸売) [名] the sale of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others

manufacturer (製造業者) [名] a person or company that makes goods for sale

「私たちは小売業者と卸売業者の両方を見てきた。

I can trace each of the busts now from the beginning.”

私は今、それぞれの胸像を最初からたどることができる。」

“The busts,” cried Lestrade.

「胸像」とレストレードは叫んだ。

“Well, well, you have your own methods, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and it is not for me to say a word against them, but I think I have done a better day’s work than you.

「まあ、まあ、あなたにはあなた自身の方法がある、シャーロック・ホームズさん、そしてそれに対して一言言うのは私の役目ではないが、私はあなたよりも良い一日の仕事をしたと私は思う。

I have identified the dead man.”

私は死んだ男の身元を特定した。」

“You don’t say so?”

「そうは言わない?」

“And found a cause for the crime.”

cause (動機) [名] a reason for doing something

「そして犯罪の動機を見つけた。」

“Splendid!”

「素晴らしい!」

“We have an inspector who makes a specialty of Saffron Hill and the Italian Quarter.

make a specialty of (専門とする) [動] to be an expert in

Saffron Hill (サフランヒル) [名] a street in London

Italian Quarter (イタリア人街) [名] a neighborhood in London

「サフランヒルとイタリア人街を専門とする検査官がいる。

Well, this dead man had some Catholic emblem round his neck, and that, along with his colour, made me think he was from the South.

Catholic (カトリック) [形] relating to the Roman Catholic Church

emblem (紋章) [名] a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family

colour (肌の色) [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

South (南部) [名] the southern part of a country, region, or town

さて、この死んだ男は首にカトリックの紋章をしており、それが彼の肌の色と共に、彼が南部出身だと考えさせた。

Inspector Hill knew him the moment he caught sight of him.

Inspector Hill (ヒル検査官) [名] a police officer

the moment (瞬間) [名] a very brief period of time

catch sight of (見つける) [動] to suddenly see someone or something

ヒル検査官は彼を見た瞬間に彼を知っていた。

His name is Pietro Venucci, from Naples, and he is one of the greatest cut-throats in London.

Pietro Venucci (ピエトロ・ヴェヌッチ) [名] a person's name

Naples (ナポリ) [名] a city in southern Italy

greatest (最も凶悪な) [形] of the highest quality

cut-throat (殺し屋) [名] a murderer

彼の名前はピエトロ・ヴェヌッチ、ナポリ出身で、ロンドンで最も凶悪な殺し屋の一人だ。

He is connected with the Mafia, which, as you know, is a secret political society, enforcing its decrees by murder.

Mafia (マフィア) [名] a secret criminal society of Sicily

as you know (ご存じの通り) [副] as you are aware

political (政治的な) [形] of or relating to government, a government, or the conduct of government

society (結社) [名] a large group of people who live together in an organized way, making decisions about how to do things and sharing the work that needs to be done

enforce (強制する) [動] compel observance of or compliance with

decree (命令) [名] an official order or decision given by a person with power

彼はマフィアと関係がある、それはご存じの通り、秘密の政治結社で、殺人によってその命令を強制する。

Now, you see how the affair begins to clear up.

clear up (明らかになる) [動] become clear or easier to understand

さて、事件がどのように明らかになり始めているかお分かりだろう。

The other fellow is probably an Italian also, and a member of the Mafia.

もう一人の男もおそらくイタリア人で、マフィアのメンバーだ。

He has broken the rules in some fashion.

彼は何らかの形で規則を破ったのだ。

Pietro is set upon his track.

Pietro (ピエトロ) [名] a male given name

set upon (追う) [動] to attack or assault

ピエトロは彼の跡を追う。

Probably the photograph we found in his pocket is the man himself, so that he may not knife the wrong person.

おそらく彼のポケットで見つけた写真は彼自身のもので、間違った人間を刺さないようにするためだろう。

He dogs the fellow, he sees him enter a house, he waits outside for him, and in the scuffle he receives his own death-wound.

scuffle (争い) [名] a short, confused fight or struggle

彼は男を尾行し、家に入るのを見届け、外で待ち伏せ、そして争いの中で彼自身が致命傷を負う。

How is that, Mr. Sherlock Holmes?”

シャーロック・ホームズさん、どうですか?」

Holmes clapped his hands approvingly.

approvingly (賛成して) [副] in a way that shows approval

ホームズは賛成して手を叩いた。

“Excellent, Lestrade, excellent!” he cried.

「素晴らしい、レストレード、素晴らしい!」と彼は叫んだ。

“But I didn’t quite follow your explanation of the destruction of the busts.”

destruction (破壊) [名] the action of destroying something

「しかし、私は胸像の破壊に関するあなたの説明がよく分かりませんでした」

“The busts! You never can get those busts out of your head.

get out of (離す) [動] to leave or escape from

「胸像! 君はあの胸像を頭から離せないんだね。

After all, that is nothing; petty larceny, six months at the most.

petty larceny (軽窃盗) [名] theft of property having a value less than a certain amount

at the most (せいぜい) [副] to the greatest extent or degree; at the maximum

結局のところ、それは大したことではない。軽窃盗で、せいぜい六ヶ月だ。

It is the murder that we are really investigating, and I tell you that I am gathering all the threads into my hands.”

我々が本当に捜査しているのは殺人事件であり、私はすべての糸を私の手中に集めていることを告げる」

“And the next stage?”

stage (段階) [名] a period of time in which a process or event occurs

「そして次の段階は?」

“Is a very simple one.

「とても単純なものだ。

I shall go down with Hill to the Italian Quarter, find the man whose photograph we have got, and arrest him on the charge of murder.

Hill (ヒル) [名] a surname

私はヒルと共にイタリア人街に行き、写真を持っている男を見つけ、殺人容疑で逮捕する。

Will you come with us?”

一緒に来るか?」

“I think not. I fancy we can attain our end in a simpler way.

attain (達成する) [動] succeed in doing or getting something

「行かないと思う。もっと簡単な方法で目的を達成できると思う。

I can’t say for certain, because it all depends—well, it all depends upon a factor which is completely outside our control.

can't say for certain (はっきりとは言えない) [動] be unable to say with certainty

all depends (全てはかかっている) [動] be determined by or based on

factor (要因) [名] something that contributes to a result or outcome

completely outside (及ばない) [副] not at all; not in the least

はっきりとは言えません、なぜなら全ては、ええ、全ては我々のコントロールの及ばない要因にかかっているからです。

But I have great hopes—in fact, the betting is exactly two to one—that if you will come with us to-night I shall be able to help you to lay him by the heels.”

great hope (大きな希望) [名] a strong feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen

betting (賭け) [名] the action of gambling

two to one (二対一) [名] a ratio of two to one

lay by the heels (捕まえる) [動] catch or capture

しかし、私は大きな希望を抱いています、実際、賭けはちょうど二対一です、もしあなたが今夜私たちと一緒に来てくれるなら、私はあなたが彼を捕まえるのを手伝うことができるでしょう。」

“In the Italian Quarter?”

「イタリア人街で?」

“No, I fancy Chiswick is an address which is more likely to find him.

「いいえ、彼を見つける可能性が高いのはチズウィックだと思います。

If you will come with me to Chiswick to-night, Lestrade, I’ll promise to go to the Italian Quarter with you to-morrow, and no harm will be done by the delay.

もしあなたが今夜私と一緒にチズウィックに来てくれるなら、レストレード、私は明日あなたと一緒にイタリア人街に行くことを約束します、そして遅れても害はありません。

And now I think that a few hours’ sleep would do us all good, for I do not propose to leave before eleven o’clock, and it is unlikely that we shall be back before morning.

a few hours' sleep (数時間の睡眠) [名] a period of rest during which consciousness practically suspended

do us all good (私たち全員に良い) [動] be beneficial to

そして今、私は数時間の睡眠が私たち全員に良いだろうと思います、なぜなら私は11時前に出発することを提案しません、そして私たちが朝までに戻ることはありそうにありません。

You’ll dine with us, Lestrade, and then you are welcome to the sofa until it is time for us to start.

dine (食事をする) [動] eat dinner

sofa (ソファ) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

レストレード、あなたは私たちと一緒に食事をし、それから私たちが出発する時間までソファにどうぞ。

In the meantime, Watson, I should be glad if you would ring for an express messenger, for I have a letter to send and it is important that it should go at once.”

ring (呼ぶ) [動] make a telephone call to

express messenger (急使) [名] a person who delivers messages or packages quickly

その間に、ワトソン、急使を呼んでくれたら嬉しいんだが、送りたい手紙があって、すぐに送ることが重要なんだ。」

Holmes spent the evening in rummaging among the files of the old daily papers with which one of our lumber-rooms was packed.

file (ファイル) [名] a collection of papers or documents arranged in a particular order

daily (日刊) [形] happening or produced every day

lumber (物置) [名] timber sawn into rough planks or otherwise partly prepared

ホームズは夕方、私たちの物置部屋の1つに詰め込まれた古い日刊紙のファイルを探し回していた。

When at last he descended, it was with triumph in his eyes, but he said nothing to either of us as to the result of his researches.

ついに彼が降りてきたとき、彼の目には勝利の色があったが、彼は私たちのどちらにも彼の研究結果については何も言わなかった。

For my own part, I had followed step by step the methods by which he had traced the various windings of this complex case, and, though I could not yet perceive the goal which we would reach, I understood clearly that Holmes expected this grotesque criminal to make an attempt upon the two remaining busts, one of which, I remembered, was at Chiswick.

step by step (一歩一歩) [副] gradually

winding (曲がりくねった) [形] having many curves or turns

perceive (理解する) [動] become aware of

goal (目標) [名] the object of a person's ambition or effort

one of which (そのうちの1つ) [名] a particular thing that is a member of a group

私自身は、彼がこの複雑な事件の様々な曲がりくねった道をたどった方法を一歩一歩たどり、まだ私たちが到達する目標を理解することはできなかったが、ホームズはこの奇怪な犯罪者が残りの2つの胸像を狙うことを期待していることをはっきりと理解していた。

No doubt the object of our journey was to catch him in the very act, and I could not but admire the cunning with which my friend had inserted a wrong clue in the evening paper, so as to give the fellow the idea that he could continue his scheme with impunity.

act (現行犯) [名] the process of doing something

admire (賞賛する) [動] to regard with respect or warm approval

insert (挿入する) [動] to put something into something else

impunity (処罰を受けずに) [名] exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

間違いなく、私たちの旅の目的は彼を現行犯で捕まえることで、私は友人が夕刊に間違った手がかりを挿入して、彼が処罰を受けずに計画を続けることができるという考えを与えた狡猾さを賞賛せずにはいられなかった。

I was not surprised when Holmes suggested that I should take my revolver with me.

be not surprised (驚かない) [動] not feel or show surprise

ホームズが私にリボルバーを持って行くように提案したとき、私は驚かなかった。

He had himself picked up the loaded hunting-crop, which was his favourite weapon.

loaded (重い) [形] having a lot of weight

hunting-crop (乗馬鞭) [名] a short whip with a long handle used in horseback riding

彼は彼のお気に入りの武器である、重い乗馬鞭を手に取った。

A four-wheeler was at the door at eleven, and in it we drove to a spot at the other side of Hammersmith Bridge.

Hammersmith Bridge (ハマースミス橋) [名] a bridge in London

四輪馬車が十一時に玄関に着き、私たちはそれに乗り、ハマースミス橋の向こう側にある場所まで行った。

Here the cabman was directed to wait.

cabman (馬車の御者) [名] the driver of a horse-drawn cab

direct (指示する) [動] give instructions to; tell what to do

ここで馬車の御者に待つように指示した。

A short walk brought us to a secluded road fringed with pleasant houses, each standing in its own grounds.

short walk (少し歩く) [名] a short distance that can be walked

secluded (人里離れた) [形] shut off from the world

fringe (並ぶ) [動] border

少し歩くと、それぞれが敷地内に建っている、素敵な家々が並ぶ人里離れた道に出た。

In the light of a street lamp we read “Laburnum Villa” upon the gate-post of one of them.

gate-post (門柱) [名] a post to which a gate is hinged

街灯の明かりで、そのうちの一つの門柱に「ラバーナム・ヴィラ」と書いてあるのが見えた。

The occupants had evidently retired to rest, for all was dark save for a fanlight over the hall door, which shed a single blurred circle on to the garden path.

shed (落とす) [動] drop or cause to fall

住人は明らかに休息に入っていた。玄関の上の明かり取り窓を除いてすべてが暗く、庭の小道にぼんやりとした円を一つ落としているだけだった。

The wooden fence which separated the grounds from the road threw a dense black shadow upon the inner side, and here it was that we crouched.

throw (落とす) [動] cause to fall

dense (濃い) [形] having a high mass per unit volume

inner (内側) [形] inside

敷地と道路を隔てる木製の塀が内側に濃い黒い影を落とし、私たちはそこに身をかがめた。

“I fear that you’ll have a long wait,” Holmes whispered.

「長く待つことになると思う」とホームズはささやいた。

“We may thank our stars that it is not raining.

「雨が降っていないのは幸運だ。

I don’t think we can even venture to smoke to pass the time.

pass the time (暇つぶし) [名] an activity that is done to make time seem to pass more quickly

venture (冒険) [名] a risky or daring journey or undertaking

暇つぶしに煙草を吸う冒険すらできないと思う。

However, it’s a two to one chance that we get something to pay us for our trouble.”

two to one (三分の二) [名] a ratio of 2 to 1

pay (報酬) [動] give money to someone in exchange for work or a service

しかし、苦労に見合うだけの報酬を得られる可能性は三分の二だ」

It proved, however, that our vigil was not to be so long as Holmes had led us to fear, and it ended in a very sudden and singular fashion.

しかし、私たちの張り込みはホームズが心配していたほど長く続かず、非常に突然かつ奇妙な形で終わった。

In an instant, without the least sound to warn us of his coming, the garden gate swung open, and a lithe, dark figure, as swift and active as an ape, rushed up the garden path.

the least (わずかな) [形] the smallest in amount or extent

garden gate (庭の門) [名] a gate that leads to a garden

rush up (駆け上がる) [動] move or cause to move with urgent haste

一瞬のうちに、彼の来訪を告げる音もなく、庭の門が開き、猿のように素早く機敏な、しなやかな黒い影が庭の小道を駆け上がった。

We saw it whisk past the light thrown from over the door and disappear against the black shadow of the house.

それがドアの上から差し込む光をすり抜け、家の黒い影に消えていくのが見えた。

There was a long pause, during which we held our breath, and then a very gentle creaking sound came to our ears.

pause (沈黙) [名] a temporary stop or rest

hold one's breath (息を止める) [動] stop breathing

creaking (軋む) [形] making a harsh, high-pitched sound

長い沈黙があり、その間私たちは息を止めていたが、やがてとても小さな軋む音が聞こえてきた。

The window was being opened.

be opened (開けられる) [動] be moved or adjusted so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

窓が開けられていた。

The noise ceased, and again there was a long silence.

音が止まり、また長い沈黙があった。

The fellow was making his way into the house.

男は家の中に入ろうとしていた。

We saw the sudden flash of a dark lantern inside the room.

部屋の中で暗いランタンが突然光るのを見た。

What he sought was evidently not there, for again we saw the flash through another blind, and then through another.

彼が探していたものは明らかにそこにはなかった、というのも、我々はまた別のブラインドを通して、そしてまた別のブラインドを通して閃光を見たからだ。

“Let us get to the open window.

「開いている窓に行こう。

We will nab him as he climbs out,” Lestrade whispered.

nab (捕まえる) [動] catch or arrest

彼が登って来たら捕まえよう」とレストレード氏はささやいた。

But before we could move, the man had emerged again.

しかし、我々が動く前に、男は再び現れた。

As he came out into the glimmering patch of light, we saw that he carried something white under his arm.

glimmering (ちらちらと光る) [形] shining or glowing with a faint or unsteady light

彼がちらちらと光る場所に出てきた時、我々は彼が腕の下に白い何かを持っているのを見た。

He looked stealthily all round him.

stealthily (こっそりと) [副] in a secretive manner

all round (周囲) [副] in every direction

彼は周囲をこっそりと見回した。

The silence of the deserted street reassured him.

silence (静けさ) [名] the absence of sound

deserted (人通りのない) [形] abandoned or empty

reassure (安心させる) [動] restore confidence to

人通りのない通りの静けさが彼を安心させた。

Turning his back upon us he laid down his burden, and the next instant there was the sound of a sharp tap, followed by a clatter and rattle.

turn one's back (背を向ける) [動] turn away from someone or something

burden (荷物) [名] a heavy load

next instant (次の瞬間) [名] the very next moment

tap (音) [名] a light touch or stroke

彼は我々に背を向けて荷物を置き、次の瞬間には鋭い音がして、ガタガタと音がした。

The man was so intent upon what he was doing that he never heard our steps as we stole across the grass plot.

男は自分のしていることに熱中していたので、我々が芝生を横切って忍び寄る足音を聞くことはなかった。

With the bound of a tiger Holmes was on his back, and an instant later Lestrade and I had him by either wrist, and the handcuffs had been fastened.

with the bound of a tiger (虎のような跳躍で) [名] with a jump like a tiger

on one's back (背中に乗る) [名] on the back of a person

an instant later (次の瞬間) [名] a moment later

by either wrist (両手首をつかむ) [名] by both wrists

虎のような跳躍でホームズは彼の背中に乗り、次の瞬間にはレストレードと私が彼の両手首をつかみ、手錠をかけた。

As we turned him over I saw a hideous, sallow face, with writhing, furious features, glaring up at us, and I knew that it was indeed the man of the photograph whom we had secured.

writhe (身もだえする) [動] twist or squirm as a result of pain or extreme emotion

彼をひっくり返すと、醜く、土気色の顔が、身もだえし、激高した表情で、我々を睨みつけているのが見えた。そして、我々が確保したのは確かに写真の男だとわかった。

But it was not our prisoner to whom Holmes was giving his attention.

give one's attention (注意を向ける) [動] to focus one's mind on something

しかし、ホームズが注意を向けていたのは我々の囚人ではなかった。

Squatted on the doorstep, he was engaged in most carefully examining that which the man had brought from the house.

squat (しゃがむ) [動] sit on one's heels

engage in (従事する) [動] be occupied with

彼は玄関にしゃがみ込み、男が家から持ってきたものを注意深く調べていた。

It was a bust of Napoleon, like the one which we had seen that morning, and it had been broken into similar fragments.

それは、我々がその朝見たものと似たナポレオンの胸像で、同じように粉々に砕かれていた。

Carefully Holmes held each separate shard to the light, but in no way did it differ from any other shattered piece of plaster.

hold (かざす) [動] to have or keep in one's hand

differ (変わりはない) [動] be unlike or dissimilar

plaster (石膏) [名] a soft mixture of lime, sand, and water that sets hard when dry and is used for coating walls, ceilings, and other surfaces

ホームズは注意深く一つ一つの破片を光にかざしたが、他の石膏の破片と何ら変わりはなかった。

He had just completed his examination when the hall lights flew up, the door opened, and the owner of the house, a jovial, rotund figure in shirt and trousers, presented himself.

examination (調べ) [名] an investigation or inspection

fly up (点く) [動] move quickly upwards

rotund (丸々とした) [形] having a rounded shape

彼が調べ終えたちょうどその時、玄関の明かりが点き、ドアが開き、シャツとズボンを着た陽気で丸々とした体型の家主が姿を現した。

“Mr. Josiah Brown, I suppose?” said Holmes.

Josiah Brown (ジョサイア・ブラウン) [名] a man's name

「ジョサイア・ブラウンさんですね?」とホームズは言った。

“Yes, sir; and you, no doubt, are Mr. Sherlock Holmes?

「そうです、あなたは間違いなくシャーロック・ホームズさんですね?

I had the note which you sent by the express messenger, and I did exactly what you told me.

have (受け取る) [動] receive

express messenger (急送便) [名] a service that delivers items quickly

急送便で送っていただいたメモを受け取りましたので、指示通りにいたしました。

We locked every door on the inside and awaited developments.

development (成り行き) [名] a new product or idea

私たちはすべてのドアを内側から施錠して、成り行きを待った。

Well, I’m very glad to see that you have got the rascal.

あの悪党を捕まえてくれて本当に嬉しいよ。

I hope, gentlemen, that you will come in and have some refreshment.”

come in (中に入る) [動] enter a place

皆さん、中に入って軽食を召し上がってください」

However, Lestrade was anxious to get his man into safe quarters, so within a few minutes our cab had been summoned and we were all four upon our way to London.

しかし、レストレードは犯人を安全な場所に連行したかったので、数分以内に馬車を呼び、私たち四人はロンドンに向かった。

Not a word would our captive say, but he glared at us from the shadow of his matted hair, and once, when my hand seemed within his reach, he snapped at it like a hungry wolf.

matted (もつれた) [形] tangled or knotted

wolf (狼) [名] a wild carnivorous mammal that resembles a large dog

捕虜は一言も口をきかなかったが、もつれた髪の毛の影から私たちを睨みつけ、一度私の手が届く範囲にあるように思えたとき、彼は飢えた狼のようにそれを噛みついた。

We stayed long enough at the police-station to learn that a search of his clothing revealed nothing save a few shillings and a long sheath knife, the handle of which bore copious traces of recent blood.

search (調べる) [動] examine thoroughly

bear (付着する) [動] carry or have on one's person

私たちは警察署に長く滞在し、彼の衣服を調べても数シリングと長い鞘付きナイフ以外何も出てこなかったことを知った。そのナイフの柄には最近の血痕が大量に付着していた。

“That’s all right,” said Lestrade, as we parted.

part (別れる) [動] go away from each other

「大丈夫だ」と別れ際にレストレード言った。

“Hill knows all these gentry, and he will give a name to him.

「ヒルはこういう連中をみんな知っているから、名前を教えてくれるだろう。

You’ll find that my theory of the Mafia will work out all right.

work out (正しい) [動] be correct or true

私のマフィア説が正しいことがわかるだろう。

But I’m sure I am exceedingly obliged to you, Mr. Holmes, for the workmanlike way in which you laid hands upon him.

workmanlike (手際の良い) [形] of good quality

lay hands on (捕まえる) [動] to get hold of or seize

しかし、ホームズさん、彼を捕まえてくれた手際の良さには本当に感謝しています。

I don’t quite understand it all yet.”

まだよく理解できないが」

“I fear it is rather too late an hour for explanations,” said Holmes.

「説明するには遅すぎる時間だ」とホームズは言った。

“Besides, there are one or two details which are not finished off, and it is one of those cases which are worth working out to the very end.

finish off (終わらせる) [動] complete or conclude

one of those (その一つ) [名] an example of a particular type of person or thing

work out (解決する) [動] find a solution to

「それに、まだ終わっていない細かい点が一つ二つあるし、これは最後まで解決する価値のある事件の一つだ。

If you will come round once more to my rooms at six o’clock to-morrow, I think I shall be able to show you that even now you have not grasped the entire meaning of this business, which presents some features which make it absolutely original in the history of crime.

even now (まだ) [副] even at this time

grasp (理解する) [動] understand

entire meaning (全体像) [名] the whole meaning

this business (この事件) [名] this incident

original (類を見ない) [形] not the same as anything else; unique

もし明日の六時にもう一度私の部屋に来てくれるなら、この事件の全体像をまだ理解していないことを示せると思う。この事件には犯罪史上全く類を見ない特徴がある。

If ever I permit you to chronicle any more of my little problems, Watson, I foresee that you will enliven your pages by an account of the singular adventure of the Napoleonic busts.”

chronicle (記録する) [動] record in a factual and detailed way

enliven (活気づかせる) [動] make more interesting, lively, or exciting

もし私が私の小さな問題を記録することを許すなら、ワトソン、ナポレオンの胸像の奇妙な冒険の記述によってあなたのページを活気づかせるだろうと予見する。」

When we met again next evening, Lestrade was furnished with much information concerning our prisoner.

next evening (翌日夕方) [名] the evening of the day after today

furnish (与える) [動] provide or supply

翌日夕方再会した時、レストレードは我々の囚人に関する多くの情報を与えられた。

His name, it appeared, was Beppo, second name unknown.

彼の名前はベッポ、苗字は不明だった。

He was a well-known ne’er-do-well among the Italian colony.

ne’er-do-well (ろくでなし) [名] a person who is lazy and irresponsible

colony (居住地) [名] a group of people who leave their native country to form in a new land a settlement subject to, or connected with, the parent state

彼はイタリア人居住地で有名なろくでなしだった。

He had once been a skilful sculptor and had earned an honest living, but he had taken to evil courses and had twice already been in jail—once for a petty theft, and once, as we had already heard, for stabbing a fellow-countryman.

skilful (熟練した) [形] having or showing great skill

honest (正直な) [形] truthful and sincere

living (生計) [名] the means of maintaining life

petty (軽い) [形] of little importance

theft (窃盗) [名] the action or crime of stealing

fellow-countryman (同郷人) [名] a person from the same country as oneself

彼はかつて熟練した彫刻家で、正直に生計を立てていたが、悪の道に走り、すでに二度刑務所に入っていた。一度は軽窃盗で、もう一度はすでに聞いたように同郷人を刺したためだった。

He could talk English perfectly well.

彼は英語を完璧に話せた。

His reasons for destroying the busts were still unknown, and he refused to answer any questions upon the subject, but the police had discovered that these same busts might very well have been made by his own hands, since he was engaged in this class of work at the establishment of Gelder & Co.

very well (非常に高い) [副] to a high degree; very much

make (作られる) [動] cause to exist or come about

class (種) [名] a set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality

彼が胸像を破壊した理由は依然として不明で、彼はその件に関する質問に答えることを拒否したが、警察は彼がゲルダー商会でこの種の仕事に従事していたので、これらの胸像は彼自身の手で作られた可能性が非常に高いことを発見した。

To all this information, much of which we already knew, Holmes listened with polite attention, but I, who knew him so well, could clearly see that his thoughts were elsewhere, and I detected a mixture of mingled uneasiness and expectation beneath that mask which he was wont to assume.

much (ほとんど) [限] a large amount or quantity of

elsewhere (別の所) [副] in or to some other place

mingle (混ざり合う) [動] mix or cause to mix together

uneasiness (不安) [名] a feeling of worry or nervousness

mask (仮面) [名] a covering for all or part of the face

assume (する) [動] suppose to be the case, without proof

ホームズは、そのほとんどがすでに知っているものだったが、このすべての情報に丁寧に耳を傾けたが、彼のことをよく知っている私は、彼の考えが別の所にあることをはっきりと見ることができ、彼がよくする仮面の下に不安と期待が混ざり合っているのを感じた。

At last he started in his chair, and his eyes brightened.

brighten (輝く) [動] become brighter

ついに彼は椅子から立ち上がり、目が輝いた。

There had been a ring at the bell.

呼び出し音が鳴った。

A minute later we heard steps upon the stairs, and an elderly red-faced man with grizzled side-whiskers was ushered in.

red-faced (赤ら顔の) [形] having a red face

一分後、階段を上がってくる足音が聞こえ、白髪交じりの頬ひげを生やした赤ら顔の初老の男が案内された。

In his right hand he carried an old-fashioned carpet-bag, which he placed upon the table.

right hand (右手) [名] the hand that is on the right side of the body

carpet-bag (旅行鞄) [名] a traveling bag made of carpeting

彼は右手に古風な旅行鞄を持ち、それをテーブルの上に置いた。

“Is Mr. Sherlock Holmes here?”

「シャーロック・ホームズさんはいらっしゃいますか?」

My friend bowed and smiled.

友人は会釈して微笑んだ。

“Mr. Sandeford, of Reading, I suppose?” said he.

Mr. Sandeford (サンフォードさん) [名] a man's name

「レディングのサンフォードさんですね?」と彼は言った。

“Yes, sir, I fear that I am a little late, but the trains were awkward.

awkward (不便な) [形] causing difficulty or inconvenience

「はい、少し遅れてしまったようですが、電車が不便で。

You wrote to me about a bust that is in my possession.”

write to (手紙を書いてくる) [動] send a letter to

私の所有する胸像について手紙を書いてきましたね」

“Exactly.”

「その通り」

“I have your letter here.

「ここにあなたの手紙があります。

You said, ‘I desire to possess a copy of Devine’s Napoleon, and am prepared to pay you ten pounds for the one which is in your possession.’

あなたはこう言っています、「私はデヴィンのナポレオンの複製を所有したいと思っており、あなたの所有する複製に10ポンドを支払う用意があります」

Is that right?”

そうですか?」

“Certainly.”

「もちろん」

“I was very much surprised at your letter, for I could not imagine how you knew that I owned such a thing.”

be surprised at (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

「私はあなたの手紙にとても驚きました、なぜなら私がそのようなものを所有していることをあなたがどうやって知ったのか想像できなかったからです」

“Of course you must have been surprised, but the explanation is very simple.

「もちろん驚いたに違いありませんが、説明はとても簡単です。

Mr. Harding, of Harding Brothers, said that they had sold you their last copy, and he gave me your address.”

ハーディング兄弟のハーディング氏は、彼らが最後の一冊をあなたに売ったと言って、あなたの住所を教えてくれました」

“Oh, that was it, was it?

was (だった) [動] be in the past tense

「ああ、そうだったんですか?

Did he tell you what I paid for it?”

for (~のために) [前] in order to get or do something

私がいくら払ったか彼は教えてくれましたか?」

“No, he did not.”

「いいえ、教えてくれませんでした」

“Well, I am an honest man, though not a very rich one.

「私は正直な人間ですが、あまり裕福ではありません。

I only gave fifteen shillings for the bust, and I think you ought to know that before I take ten pounds from you.

give (払う) [動] pay

fifteen shillings (15シリング) [名] a former British coin worth 12 pence

私はあの胸像にたった15シリングしか払っていないので、あなたから10ポンドを受け取る前にそれを知っておくべきだと思いました」

“I am sure the scruple does you honour, Mr. Sandeford.

scruple (良心) [名] a feeling of doubt or hesitation about whether something is right or wrong

「サンデフォードさん、その良心はあなたを名誉に値する人物にしています。

But I have named that price, so I intend to stick to it.”

stick to (従う) [動] continue doing or using something

しかし、私はその値段を言ったので、それに従うつもりです」

“Well, it is very handsome of you, Mr. Holmes.

handsome (親切) [形] generous or liberal

「それはとても親切ですね、ホームズさん。

I brought the bust up with me, as you asked me to do.

あなたが頼んだように、胸像を持ってきました。

Here it is!”

これがそうです」

He opened his bag, and at last we saw placed upon our table a complete specimen of that bust which we had already seen more than once in fragments.

彼はかばんを開け、ついに我々は、すでに何度も断片で見たことのある胸像の完全な見本がテーブルの上に置かれるのを見た。

Holmes took a paper from his pocket and laid a ten-pound note upon the table.

ten-pound note (十ポンドの紙幣) [名] a banknote worth ten pounds

ホームズはポケットから紙を取り出し、十ポンドの紙幣をテーブルの上に置いた。

“You will kindly sign that paper, Mr. Sandeford, in the presence of these witnesses.

「サンデフォードさん、この証人の前でこの書類に署名してください。

It is simply to say that you transfer every possible right that you ever had in the bust to me.

transfer (譲渡する) [動] move from one place to another

単に、あなたが胸像に対して持っていたあらゆる権利を私に譲渡するというものです。

I am a methodical man, you see, and you never know what turn events might take afterwards.

methodical (几帳面な) [形] done or acting in a systematic and orderly manner

never know (わからない) [動] be uncertain about

ご存じのように私は几帳面な人間であり、その後にどんな出来事が起こるかは誰にもわからない。

Thank you, Mr. Sandeford; here is your money, and I wish you a very good evening.”

サンデフォードさん、ありがとうございます。これがあなたのお金です。今夜は良い夜をお過ごしください。」

When our visitor had disappeared, Sherlock Holmes’s movements were such as to rivet our attention.

rivet (惹きつける) [動] attract and hold fast, as by a rivet; fasten firmly

訪問者がいなくなると、シャーロック・ホームズの行動は私たちの注意を惹きつけた。

He began by taking a clean white cloth from a drawer and laying it over the table.

clean (きれいな) [形] free from dirt, marks, or stains

cloth (布) [名] a piece of woven or knitted material

lay (広げる) [動] put or set down in a flat position

彼はまず引き出しからきれいな白い布を取り出し、それをテーブルの上に広げた。

Then he placed his newly acquired bust in the centre of the cloth.

それから彼は新しく手に入れた胸像を布の中央に置いた。

Finally, he picked up his hunting-crop and struck Napoleon a sharp blow on the top of the head.

strike (一撃する) [動] hit or attack suddenly and forcefully

最後に、彼は乗馬鞭を手に取って、ナポレオンの頭のてっぺんを強く一撃した。

The figure broke into fragments, and Holmes bent eagerly over the shattered remains.

break into (砕ける) [動] break into pieces

shattered (砕けた) [形] broken into many pieces

像は粉々に砕け、ホームズは熱心に砕けた残骸に身をかがめた。

Next instant, with a loud shout of triumph he held up one splinter, in which a round, dark object was fixed like a plum in a pudding.

splinter (破片) [名] a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or metal that has broken off from something

pudding (プディング) [名] a cooked dish made from a mixture of ingredients such as flour, eggs, and milk

plum (プラム) [名] a round fruit with a smooth red or purple skin and a sweet yellow flesh

次の瞬間、彼は勝利の雄叫びを上げながら、丸く黒い物体がプディングの中のプラムのように固定された破片を一つ持ち上げた。

“Gentlemen,” he cried, “let me introduce you to the famous black pearl of the Borgias.”

Borgias (ボルジア家) [名] an Italian family that was prominent in the Renaissance

「皆さん」と彼は叫んだ、「ボルジア家の有名な黒真珠をご紹介しましょう」

Lestrade and I sat silent for a moment, and then, with a spontaneous impulse, we both broke at clapping, as at the well-wrought crisis of a play.

sit silent (黙って座る) [動] be in a sitting position and not make any noise

spontaneous (自発的な) [形] performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse and without premeditation

impulse (衝動) [名] a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act

break (拍手喝采する) [動] start suddenly and forcefully

clapping (拍手) [名] the action of striking the palms of the hands together, typically as a signal of appreciation

well-wrought (よくできた) [形] made in a skillful or elaborate way

レストレードと私はしばらく黙って座っていたが、それから、自発的な衝動で、私たちは二人とも、芝居のよくできた山場のように、拍手喝采した。

A flush of colour sprang to Holmes’s pale cheeks, and he bowed to us like the master dramatist who receives the homage of his audience.

flush (血色) [名] a redness of the face

audience (観客) [名] the assembled spectators or listeners at a public event

ホームズの青白い頬に血色がさし、彼は観客からの賛辞を受ける劇作家のように私たちにお辞儀をした。

It was at such moments that for an instant he ceased to be a reasoning machine, and betrayed his human love for admiration and applause.

at such moments (そのような瞬間に) [副] at times like this

reasoning machine (推理機械) [名] a machine that can reason

betray (裏切る) [動] be disloyal to

applause (拍手) [名] the clapping of hands in approval

そのような瞬間に、彼は一瞬推理機械であることをやめ、賞賛と拍手に対する人間的な愛情を裏切った。

The same singularly proud and reserved nature which turned away with disdain from popular notoriety was capable of being moved to its depths by spontaneous wonder and praise from a friend.

turn away (背を向ける) [動] move or cause to move in a different direction

disdain (軽蔑) [名] a feeling of disapproval of something or someone

popular (世間の) [形] of or relating to the general public

notoriety (評判) [名] the state of being well known for some bad quality or deed

wonder (驚き) [名] a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, or unfamiliar

世間の評判を軽蔑して背を向ける、あの独特の誇り高く控えめな性格は、友人からの自発的な驚きと賞賛によって、その奥底まで感動させられるものだった。

“Yes, gentlemen,” said he, “it is the most famous pearl now existing in the world, and it has been my good fortune, by a connected chain of inductive reasoning, to trace it from the Prince of Colonna’s bedroom at the Dacre Hotel, where it was lost, to the interior of this, the last of the six busts of Napoleon which were manufactured by Gelder & Co., of Stepney.

connected chain (連鎖) [名] a series of things connected or following each other

inductive reasoning (帰納的推論) [名] a process of reasoning from a specific case to a general principle

Prince of Colonna (コロンナ公) [名] a member of the Italian noble family

Dacre Hotel (ダクレホテル) [名] a hotel in London

interior (内部) [名] the inner part of something

「そうです、皆さん」と彼は言った、「これは現在世界に存在する最も有名な真珠であり、私が幸運にも、帰納的推論の連鎖によって、ダクレホテルのコロンナ公の寝室から、それが失われた場所から、この内部まで、ステプニーのゲルダー商会によって製造されたナポレオンの六つの胸像の最後のものまでたどり着くことができました。

You will remember, Lestrade, the sensation caused by the disappearance of this valuable jewel and the vain efforts of the London police to recover it.

sensation (センセーション) [名] a state of intense interest or excitement

jewel (宝石) [名] a precious stone

レストレード、この貴重な宝石の消失によって引き起こされたセンセーションと、ロンドン警察の無駄な努力を覚えているだろう。

I was myself consulted upon the case, but I was unable to throw any light upon it.

throw light upon (光を当てる) [動] to make something easier to understand

私自身もこの事件について相談を受けたが、何の光も当てることができなかった。

Suspicion fell upon the maid of the Princess, who was an Italian, and it was proved that she had a brother in London, but we failed to trace any connection between them.

fall upon (かかる) [動] be the responsibility of

princess (王女) [名] the daughter of a king or queen

イタリア人だった王女のメイドが疑われ、彼女にはロンドンに兄がいることが判明したが、彼らの間に何のつながりも見つけることができなかった。

The maid’s name was Lucretia Venucci, and there is no doubt in my mind that this Pietro who was murdered two nights ago was the brother.

Lucretia Venucci (ルクレティア・ヴェヌッチ) [名] a female character in the story

two nights ago (二日前) [名] two days before the present day

メイドの名はルクレティア・ヴェヌッチで、二日前に殺害されたこのピエトロが兄であったことは間違いない。

I have been looking up the dates in the old files of the paper, and I find that the disappearance of the pearl was exactly two days before the arrest of Beppo, for some crime of violence—an event which took place in the factory of Gelder & Co., at the very moment when these busts were being made.

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

factory (工場) [名] a building or set of buildings with facilities for manufacturing goods

私は新聞の古いファイルで日付を調べていたが、真珠の消失は、ベッポが暴力犯罪で逮捕されるちょうど二日前だったことがわかった。この事件は、これらの胸像が作られているまさにその瞬間に、ゲルダー商会の工場で起こった。

Now you clearly see the sequence of events, though you see them, of course, in the inverse order to the way in which they presented themselves to me.

inverse (逆の) [形] opposite in position, direction, order, or effect

order (順序) [名] the arrangement of things or events in a particular sequence

present (提示される) [動] give or show something to someone

これで一連の出来事がはっきりとわかっただろう。もちろん、私に提示された順序とは逆の順序だが。

Beppo had the pearl in his possession.

pearl (真珠) [名] a hard, roundish object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk

ベッポは真珠を所持していた。

He may have stolen it from Pietro, he may have been Pietro’s confederate, he may have been the go-between of Pietro and his sister.

go-between (仲介役) [名] a person who acts as a mediator between two parties

彼はピエトロから盗んだのかもしれないし、ピエトロの共犯者だったのかもしれないし、ピエトロと妹の仲介役だったのかもしれない。

It is of no consequence to us which is the correct solution.

of no consequence (重要ではない) [形] not important

solution (解決策) [名] a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation

どれが正しい解決策かということは、私たちには重要ではない。

“The main fact is that he had the pearl, and at that moment, when it was on his person, he was pursued by the police.

main (重要な) [形] most important

on one's person (身につける) [動] to have something with you

「重要な事実は、彼が真珠を持っていたこと、そしてその瞬間、真珠を身につけていた時に警察に追われたことである。

He made for the factory in which he worked, and he knew that he had only a few minutes in which to conceal this enormously valuable prize, which would otherwise be found on him when he was searched.

only (しかない) [副] solely or exclusively

enormously (非常に) [副] to a very great degree

prize (宝物) [名] something offered as a reward for victory or success

otherwise (さもなければ) [副] if not; or else

search (身体検査) [動] examine or inspect thoroughly

彼は働いていた工場に向かい、この非常に価値のある宝物を隠す時間は数分しかないことを知っていた。さもなければ、身体検査を受けた時に見つかってしまうだろう。

Six plaster casts of Napoleon were drying in the passage.

dry (乾かす) [動] make or become dry

廊下にはナポレオンの石膏像が六つ乾かされていた。

One of them was still soft.

そのうちの一つはまだ柔らかかった。

In an instant Beppo, a skilful workman, made a small hole in the wet plaster, dropped in the pearl, and with a few touches covered over the aperture once more.

in an instant (すぐに) [副] immediately; at once

make a hole (穴を開ける) [動] to create a hole

aperture (穴) [名] an opening, especially one that is small or narrow

熟練工であるベッポは、すぐに湿った石膏に小さな穴を開け、真珠を落とし込み、数回の手直しで再び穴を覆った。

It was an admirable hiding-place.

それは素晴らしい隠し場所だった。

No one could possibly find it.

誰も見つけることはできないだろう。

But Beppo was condemned to a year’s imprisonment, and in the meanwhile his six busts were scattered over London.

しかし、ベッポは一年間の懲役刑を宣告され、その間に彼の六つの胸像はロンドン中に散らばってしまった。

He could not tell which contained his treasure.

treasure (宝物) [名] a quantity of precious metals or gems

彼はどれに宝物が隠されているのか分からなかった。

Only by breaking them could he see.

壊して中を見るしかなかった。

Even shaking would tell him nothing, for as the plaster was wet it was probable that the pearl would adhere to it—as, in fact, it has done.

even (でさえ) [副] to a greater extent than usual

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

adhere (くっつく) [動] stick fast to

done (そうだった) [動] carry out, achieve, or complete

振ってみても何もわからないだろう。石膏が湿っていたので、真珠がそれにくっつく可能性があったからだ。実際、そうだった。

Beppo did not despair, and he conducted his search with considerable ingenuity and perseverance.

ベッポは絶望せず、かなりの工夫と忍耐をもって捜索を行った。

Through a cousin who works with Gelder, he found out the retail firms who had bought the busts.

work with (働いている) [動] be employed by

retail firm (小売店) [名] a business that sells goods to the public

彼はゲルダーのところで働いているいとこを通して、胸像を買った小売店を突き止めた。

He managed to find employment with Morse Hudson, and in that way tracked down three of them.

find employment (雇われる) [動] get a job

track down (追跡する) [動] find or locate by searching

彼はなんとかモース・ハドソンに雇われ、そのようにして三つまで追跡した。

The pearl was not there.

真珠はそこにはなかった。

Then, with the help of some Italian employee, he succeeded in finding out where the other three busts had gone.

with the help of (の助けを借りて) [前] with the assistance of

employee (従業員) [名] a person who works for another person or for a business

succeed in (に成功する) [動] achieve a goal or objective

それから、イタリア人の従業員の助けを借りて、彼は他の三つの胸像がどこに行ったのか突き止めることに成功した。

The first was at Harker’s.

at (にあった) [前] in the place, position, or state of

一つ目はハーカーの店にあった。

There he was dogged by his confederate, who held Beppo responsible for the loss of the pearl, and he stabbed him in the scuffle which followed.”

be dogged by (追われる) [動] be followed or pursued relentlessly

confederate (仲間) [名] an ally or accomplice

stab (刺す) [動] to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon

scuffle (乱闘) [名] a rough or disorderly struggle or fight

そこで彼は真珠の紛失の責任をベッポに負わせた仲間に追われ、その後の乱闘で彼を刺した。」

“If he was his confederate, why should he carry his photograph?”

carry (持ち歩く) [動] take or bring with oneself

「もし彼が仲間なら、なぜ彼の写真を持ち歩く必要があるんだ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

“As a means of tracing him, if he wished to inquire about him from any third person.

「彼を探す手段として、もし彼が第三者に彼のことを尋ねたいと思ったら。

That was the obvious reason.

それが明らかな理由だった。

Well, after the murder I calculated that Beppo would probably hurry rather than delay his movements.

calculate (計算する) [動] determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically

delay (遅らせる) [動] make (something) late or slow

ええと、殺人後、私はベッポがおそらく彼の動きを遅らせるよりも急ぐだろうと計算した。

He would fear that the police would read his secret, and so he hastened on before they should get ahead of him.

get ahead of (追い越す) [動] surpass or overtake

彼は警察が彼の秘密を読み取ることを恐れていたので、彼らが彼を追い越す前に急いだ。

Of course, I could not say that he had not found the pearl in Harker’s bust.

could not say (言えなかった) [動] be unable to say

もちろん、彼がハーカーの胸像の中に真珠を見つけられなかったとは言えなかった。

I had not even concluded for certain that it was the pearl, but it was evident to me that he was looking for something, since he carried the bust past the other houses in order to break it in the garden which had a lamp overlooking it.

私はそれが真珠だと確信したわけではないが、彼が何かを探しているのは明らかだった。なぜなら、彼は胸像を他の家々の前を通り過ぎて、それを見下ろすランプのある庭で壊すために運んだからだ。

Since Harker’s bust was one in three, the chances were exactly as I told you—two to one against the pearl being inside it.

one in three (三分の一) [名] a third

two to one (三分の一) [名] a third

ハーカーの胸像は三つのうちの一つだったので、私が言った通り、真珠が中に入っている確率は三分の一だった。

There remained two busts, and it was obvious that he would go for the London one first.

残るは二つの胸像で、彼が最初にロンドンの胸像を狙うのは明らかだった。

I warned the inmates of the house, so as to avoid a second tragedy, and we went down, with the happiest results.

inmate (住人) [名] a person who lives in a place

私は二度目の悲劇を避けるために家の住人に警告し、私たちは下へ降りて、最も幸せな結果となった。

By that time, of course, I knew for certain that it was the Borgia pearl that we were after.

by that time (その頃には) [副] at that time

for certain (確信していた) [副] with certainty

Borgia pearl (ボルジアの真珠) [名] a pearl that once belonged to the Borgia family

after (追い求めていた) [前] in the same direction as; following

その頃には、もちろん、私たちが追い求めていたのはボルジアの真珠だと確信していた。

The name of the murdered man linked the one event with the other.

link (結びつける) [動] connect or join

殺された男の名前が一つともう一つの事件を結びつけた。

There only remained a single bust—the Reading one—and the pearl must be there.

残るはただ一つの胸像、レディングの胸像だけで、真珠はそこに違いない。

I bought it in your presence from the owner—and there it lies.”

私はあなたの前で所有者からそれを買った、そしてそれはそこにある。」

We sat in silence for a moment.

私たちはしばらく黙って座っていた。

“Well,” said Lestrade, “I’ve seen you handle a good many cases, Mr. Holmes, but I don’t know that I ever knew a more workmanlike one than that.

a good many (かなり多くの) [名] a large number of

a more workmanlike one (もっと職人らしいもの) [名] something that is more like the work of a skilled craftsman

「なるほど」とレストレードは言った、「私はあなたがかなり多くの事件を扱うのを見てきたが、ホームズさん、しかし私はそれよりももっと職人らしいものを知っていたかどうかわからない。

We’re not jealous of you at Scotland Yard.

スコットランドヤードではあなたを妬んではいない。

No, sir, we are very proud of you, and if you come down to-morrow, there’s not a man, from the oldest inspector to the youngest constable, who wouldn’t be glad to shake you by the hand.”

come down (来る) [動] move or travel from a higher to a lower place

inspector (検査官) [名] an official who inspects something

youngest (最年少の) [形] having lived or existed for a short time

いいえ、私たちはあなたをとても誇りに思っています、そしてもしあなたが明日来たら、最年長の検査官から最年少の巡査まで、あなたと握手して喜ばない人はいません。」

“Thank you!” said Holmes.

「ありがとう!」とホームズは言った。

“Thank you!” and as he turned away, it seemed to me that he was more nearly moved by the softer human emotions than I had ever seen him.

move (動かされる) [動] change position or posture

「ありがとう!」そして彼が背を向けたとき、彼は私が今まで見たよりももっと柔らかい人間の感情に動かされているように思えた。

A moment later he was the cold and practical thinker once more.

thinker (思想家) [名] a person who thinks deeply and seriously about a subject

一瞬後、彼は再び冷静で実践的な思想家となった。

“Put the pearl in the safe, Watson,” said he, “and get out the papers of the Conk-Singleton forgery case.

forgery (偽造) [名] the act of forging something

「真珠を金庫に入れて、ワトソン」と彼は言った、「そしてコンク・シングルトン偽造事件の書類を取り出してくれ。

Good-bye, Lestrade. If any little problem comes your way, I shall be happy, if I can, to give you a hint or two as to its solution.”

さようなら、レストレード。もし何か小さな問題が起こったら、解決のヒントを教えてあげられると嬉しいんだが。」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE STUDENTS

three (三人の) [形] being one more than two

三人の学生の冒険

It was in the year ’95 that a combination of events, into which I need not enter, caused Mr. Sherlock Holmes and myself to spend some weeks in one of our great university towns, and it was during this time that the small but instructive adventure which I am about to relate befell us.

combination (重なり) [名] the result of combining two or more things

cause (過ごす) [動] to make something happen

university (大学) [名] an institution of higher education and research

instructive (教訓的な) [形] providing useful information or knowledge

befall (起こる) [動] to happen to someone or something

私がわざわざ説明する必要もないが、いくつかの出来事が重なり、シャーロック・ホームズ氏と私が、この国の大学町の一つで数週間を過ごすことになった。この間に、私がこれからお話しする、小さいながらも教訓的な冒険が起こった。

It will be obvious that any details which would help the reader exactly to identify the college or the criminal would be injudicious and offensive.

injudicious (軽率な) [形] showing a lack of care for the consequences of an action; rash

offensive (不快な) [形] causing someone to feel resentful, upset, or annoyed

読者が大学や犯人を特定するのに役立つような詳細を記すのは、軽率で不快なことであることは明らかだろう。

So painful a scandal may well be allowed to die out.

painful (痛ましい) [形] causing mental or emotional pain or suffering

die out (消え去る) [動] become extinct

このような痛ましいスキャンダルは、消え去らせておくべきだろう。

With due discretion the incident itself may, however, be described, since it serves to illustrate some of those qualities for which my friend was remarkable.

with due discretion (適切な裁量のもとで) [副] with careful consideration of the circumstances

itself (そのもの) [代] the thing mentioned

may (できるだろう) [助] be allowed or permitted to

describe (記述する) [動] give an account of

serve (示す) [動] be used for

for which (の) [関] that

しかし、事件そのものは、私の友人の優れた資質のいくつかを示すものであるため、適切な裁量のもとで記述することができるだろう。

I will endeavour, in my statement, to avoid such terms as would serve to limit the events to any particular place, or give a clue as to the people concerned.

statement (陳述) [名] a formal account of facts or events

limit (限定する) [動] restrict the size or extent of

私は、この事件を特定の場所や関係者に限定するような言葉を避けるように努力するつもりだ。

We were residing at the time in furnished lodgings close to a library where Sherlock Holmes was pursuing some laborious researches in early English charters—researches which led to results so striking that they may be the subject of one of my future narratives.

reside (住む) [動] live in a particular place

furnished lodgings (家具付きの宿) [名] a place to live that is provided with furniture

close to (近くに) [副] near

library (図書館) [名] a place where books, magazines, and other materials are kept for people to read, borrow, or refer to

pursue (行う) [動] follow or carry out

laborious (骨の折れる) [形] requiring a lot of effort

lead to (もたらす) [動] cause to happen

subject (題材) [名] the main topic of a book, article, or speech

当時、私たちはシャーロック・ホームズが初期の英国憲章について骨の折れる研究を行っている図書館の近くの家具付きの宿に住んでいた。その研究は、私の将来の物語の題材になるかもしれないほど驚くべき結果をもたらした。

Here it was that one evening we received a visit from an acquaintance, Mr. Hilton Soames, tutor and lecturer at the College of St. Luke’s.

one evening (ある晩) [名] the evening of a particular day

receive a visit (訪問を受ける) [動] have a guest

acquaintance (知人) [名] a person one knows slightly

Hilton Soames (ヒルトン・ソームズ) [名] a person's name

tutor (家庭教師) [名] a private teacher

lecturer (講師) [名] a person who gives lectures

College of St. Luke's (聖ルカ大学) [名] a college named after St. Luke

ある晩、聖ルカ大学の家庭教師兼講師である知人のヒルトン・ソームズ氏が訪ねてきたのはここだった。

Mr. Soames was a tall, spare man, of a nervous and excitable temperament.

Mr. Soames (ソームズ氏) [名] a man

spare (痩せ型の) [形] thin

excitable (興奮しやすい) [形] easily excited

temperament (気質) [名] a person's or animal's nature

ソームズ氏は背が高く、痩せ型で、神経質で興奮しやすい気質の持ち主だった。

I had always known him to be restless in his manner, but on this particular occasion he was in such a state of uncontrollable agitation that it was clear something very unusual had occurred.

uncontrollable (制御不能な) [形] unable to be controlled

私は彼が落ち着きのない態度であることを知っていたが、この特別な機会に彼は制御不能な興奮状態にあったので、何か非常に異常なことが起こったことは明らかだった。

“I trust, Mr. Holmes, that you can spare me a few hours of your valuable time.

「ホームズさん、あなたの貴重な時間を数時間割いてくれると信じています。

We have had a very painful incident at St. Luke’s, and really, but for the happy chance of your being in town, I should have been at a loss what to do.”

be at a loss (途方に暮れる) [動] be puzzled or perplexed

聖ルカで非常に痛ましい事件があり、本当に、あなたが町にいるという幸運な機会がなければ、私はどうしたらいいのか途方に暮れていたでしょう。」

“I am very busy just now, and I desire no distractions,” my friend answered.

just now (たった今) [副] at this very moment

distraction (気を散らすもの) [名] something that distracts

「私は今とても忙しいので、気を散らすものは欲しくない」と友人は答えた。

“I should much prefer that you called in the aid of the police.”

call in (借りる) [動] to request the help of

「警察の助けを借りたほうがいいと思う。」

“No, no, my dear sir; such a course is utterly impossible.

no, no (いいえ、いいえ) [間] a negative response

「いいえ、いいえ、そんな道は全く不可能です。

When once the law is evoked it cannot be stayed again, and this is just one of those cases where, for the credit of the college, it is most essential to avoid scandal.

evoke (適用される) [動] bring or recall to the conscious mind

stay (停止する) [動] come or be brought to a halt

credit (信用) [名] the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that the customer will pay for these goods or services in the future

一度法律が適用されれば、再び停止することはできません。これは、大学の信用のために、スキャンダルを避けることが最も重要なケースの1つです。

Your discretion is as well-known as your powers, and you are the one man in the world who can help me.

one (唯一) [形] being or happening once only

あなたの裁量はあなたの力と同じくらいよく知られており、あなたは私を助けることができる世界で唯一の人です。

I beg you, Mr. Holmes, to do what you can.”

ホームズさん、できることをしてください。」

My friend’s temper had not improved since he had been deprived of the congenial surroundings of Baker Street.

友人の気分は、ベイカー街の居心地の良い環境を奪われて以来、改善されていなかった。

Without his scrapbooks, his chemicals, and his homely untidiness, he was an uncomfortable man.

scrapbook (スクラップブック) [名] a blank book with blank or decorated pages for keeping newspaper clippings, photographs, and other mementos

chemical (薬品) [名] a substance obtained by a chemical process or used in a chemical process

homely (家庭的な) [形] of or relating to a home or family

uncomfortable (落ち着かない) [形] causing discomfort or unease

スクラップブック、薬品、家庭的な乱雑さがなければ、彼は落ち着かない男だった。

He shrugged his shoulders in ungracious acquiescence, while our visitor in hurried words and with much excitable gesticulation poured forth his story.

shrug one's shoulders (肩をすくめる) [動] raise one's shoulders slightly and briefly

ungracious (不機嫌そうに) [形] lacking in courtesy or good manners

acquiescence (黙認) [名] the act of accepting something without protest

hurried (早口で) [形] done or made too quickly

gesticulation (身振り) [名] a gesture or motion of the body or hands

pour forth (話し始める) [動] to express or say something freely and easily

彼は不機嫌そうに肩をすくめて黙認し、その間に訪問者は早口で、興奮した身振りを交えながら話を始めた。

“I must explain to you, Mr. Holmes, that to-morrow is the first day of the examination for the Fortescue Scholarship.

first day (初日) [名] the first day of a period of time

examination (試験) [名] a formal test of a person's knowledge or skill

Fortescue Scholarship (フォーテスキュー奨学金) [名] a scholarship awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need

「ホームズさん、明日はフォーテスキュー奨学金の試験の初日だということを説明しなければならない。

I am one of the examiners.

examiner (試験官) [名] a person who examines something

私は試験官の一人だ。

My subject is Greek, and the first of the papers consists of a large passage of Greek translation which the candidate has not seen.

subject (科目) [名] a topic or area of study

Greek (ギリシャ語) [名] the language of Greece

paper (試験) [名] a set of questions or exercises evaluating knowledge

consist of (で構成されている) [動] be made up of

candidate (受験生) [名] a person who is taking a test

私の担当科目はギリシャ語で、最初の試験は受験生が見た事のない長いギリシャ語の翻訳文で構成されている。

This passage is printed on the examination paper, and it would naturally be an immense advantage if the candidate could prepare it in advance.

passage (文章) [名] a section of a written work

examination paper (試験用紙) [名] a sheet of paper with questions on it

advance (事前に) [名] a sum of money given ahead of time

この文章は試験用紙に印刷されており、受験生が事前に準備できれば当然非常に有利になる。

For this reason, great care is taken to keep the paper secret.

great care (厳重に) [名] a lot of care

take (される) [動] carry out; perform

paper (問題用紙) [名] a material made of pressed fibers

このため、問題用紙は厳重に秘密にされている。

“To-day, about three o’clock, the proofs of this paper arrived from the printers.

proof (校正刷り) [名] a trial impression of a page

printer (印刷所) [名] a person or company that produces books, newspapers, or other printed material

「今日、三時頃、この問題の校正刷りが印刷所から届いた。

The exercise consists of half a chapter of Thucydides.

chapter (章) [名] a main division of a book

Thucydides (トゥキディデス) [名] an ancient Greek historian

問題はトゥキディデスの半章から成っている。

I had to read it over carefully, as the text must be absolutely correct.

read over (読み返す) [動] read again

text (テキスト) [名] the main body of a book or other written material

correct (正確な) [形] free from error; accurate

テキストは絶対に正確でなければならないので、私はそれを注意深く読み返さなければならなかった。

At four-thirty my task was not yet completed.

four-thirty (四時半) [名] the time 30 minutes after 4 o'clock

complete (終わる) [動] finish; bring to an end

四時半になっても私の仕事はまだ終わっていなかった。

I had, however, promised to take tea in a friend’s rooms, so I left the proof upon my desk.

take tea (お茶を飲む) [動] drink tea

しかし、私は友人の部屋でお茶を飲む約束をしていたので、校正刷りを机の上に残した。

I was absent rather more than an hour.

rather more than (一時間以上) [副] a little more than

私は一時間以上も席を外していた。

“You are aware, Mr. Holmes, that our college doors are double—a green baize one within and a heavy oak one without.

college (大学) [名] an institution of higher education

baize (ベーズ) [名] a coarse woolen cloth with a long nap, usually dyed green, used to cover billiard tables

「ホームズさん、ご存知のように、私たちの大学の扉は二重になっていて、内側は緑のベーズ、外側は重いオーク材です。

As I approached my outer door, I was amazed to see a key in it.

外側の扉に近づいた時、私はそこに鍵が刺さっているのを見て驚いた。

For an instant I imagined that I had left my own there, but on feeling in my pocket I found that it was all right.

feel (探る) [動] examine or search by touch

all right (ちゃんと) [副] satisfactory; in good condition

一瞬、自分の鍵をそこに置き忘れたのではないかと想像したが、ポケットの中を探ってみると、ちゃんとあった。

The only duplicate which existed, so far as I knew, was that which belonged to my servant, Bannister—a man who has looked after my room for ten years, and whose honesty is absolutely above suspicion.

belong to (〜のものである) [動] be owned by

Bannister (バニスター) [名] a surname

honesty (誠実さ) [名] the quality of being honest

above suspicion (疑いようがない) [形] too good or too honest to be suspected

私の知る限り、存在する唯一の複製は、私の召使であるバニスターのものだった。彼は私の部屋を10年間世話してくれていて、その誠実さは絶対に疑いようがない。

I found that the key was indeed his, that he had entered my room to know if I wanted tea, and that he had very carelessly left the key in the door when he came out.

tea (お茶) [名] a hot drink made by infusing the dried, cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant

鍵は確かに彼のものであり、彼は私がお茶を飲みたいかどうかを知るために私の部屋に入り、出てきたときにはうっかり鍵をドアに残していったことが分かった。

His visit to my room must have been within a very few minutes of my leaving it.

彼が私の部屋を訪れたのは、私が部屋を出てから数分以内だったに違いない。

His forgetfulness about the key would have mattered little upon any other occasion, but on this one day it has produced the most deplorable consequences.

forgetfulness (忘れっぽさ) [名] the tendency to forget things

matter (問題になる) [動] be of importance or significance

consequence (結果) [名] the effect, result, or outcome of something

彼が鍵を忘れたことは、他の機会にはほとんど問題にならなかっただろうが、この日には最も悲惨な結果をもたらした。

“The moment I looked at my table, I was aware that someone had rummaged among my papers.

be aware of (気づく) [動] have knowledge or information about

rummage (漁る) [動] search something carelessly

「机を見た瞬間、誰かが私の書類を漁ったことに気づいた。

The proof was in three long slips.

be in (~にある) [動] be contained or enclosed in

校正刷りは三枚の長い紙片だった。

I had left them all together.

私はそれらを全部一緒に置いていた。

Now, I found that one of them was lying on the floor, one was on the side table near the window, and the third was where I had left it.”

be on (上にある) [動] be supported by

side table (サイドテーブル) [名] a small table, typically with a single drawer, placed at the side of a sofa or armchair

third (三枚目) [名] the number three in a series

be (あった) [動] exist or occur in a place or thing

ところが、そのうちの一枚が床に落ちていて、一枚は窓の近くのサイドテーブルの上にあり、三枚目は私が置いた場所にあった。」

Holmes stirred for the first time.

stir (身動きする) [動] move slightly

ホームズは初めて身動きをした。

“The first page on the floor, the second in the window, the third where you left it,” said he.

「一枚目は床に、二枚目は窓のところに、三枚目は置いた場所に」と彼は言った。

“Exactly, Mr. Holmes. You amaze me.

amaze (驚かせる) [動] surprise greatly; astonish

「その通り、ホームズさん。驚きました。

How could you possibly know that?”

どうしてわかったんですか?」

“Pray continue your very interesting statement.”

「とても興味深いお話なので、どうぞ続けてください」

“For an instant I imagined that Bannister had taken the unpardonable liberty of examining my papers.

take the liberty of (勝手なことをする) [動] do something without asking for permission

「一瞬、私はバニスターが私の書類を調べるという許しがたい勝手なことをしたのだと思った。

He denied it, however, with the utmost earnestness, and I am convinced that he was speaking the truth.

しかし、彼はそれを真剣に否定し、私は彼が真実を語っていると確信している。

The alternative was that someone passing had observed the key in the door, had known that I was out, and had entered to look at the papers.

out (外出) [名] a place away from home

enter (侵入する) [動] go or come in

もう一つの可能性は、通りかかった誰かがドアに鍵がかかっているのを見て、私が外出していることを知り、書類を見るために侵入したということだ。

A large sum of money is at stake, for the scholarship is a very valuable one, and an unscrupulous man might very well run a risk in order to gain an advantage over his fellows.

be at stake (かかっている) [動] be risked or gambled

scholarship (奨学金) [名] a grant or payment made to support a student's education

unscrupulous (悪徳な) [形] having or showing no moral principles; dishonest

run a risk (危険を冒す) [動] expose oneself to danger

gain an advantage (有利になる) [動] become more favorable or advantageous

奨学金は非常に価値のあるものなので、大金がかかっており、悪徳な人間なら仲間よりも有利になるために危険を冒すかもしれない。

“Bannister was very much upset by the incident.

「バニスターはこの事件に非常に動揺していた。

He had nearly fainted when we found that the papers had undoubtedly been tampered with.

書類が間違いなく改ざんされていることが判明したとき、彼はほとんど気を失いそうになった。

I gave him a little brandy and left him collapsed in a chair, while I made a most careful examination of the room.

私は彼にブランデーを少し飲ませ、椅子に倒れ込んだままにして、部屋を注意深く調べた。

I soon saw that the intruder had left other traces of his presence besides the rumpled papers.

私はすぐに侵入者がしわくちゃの書類以外にも彼の存在の痕跡を残しているのを見た。

On the table in the window were several shreds from a pencil which had been sharpened.

on the table (テーブルの上に) [前] on the surface of a table

in the window (窓際に) [前] in or near a window

shred (削りくず) [名] a strip of torn or cut paper

sharpen (削る) [動] make or become sharp

窓際のテーブルには削られた鉛筆の削りくずがいくつかあった。

A broken tip of lead was lying there also.

broken (折れた) [形] having been fractured or damaged

tip (先) [名] the end of something pointed or tapering

lead (鉛筆) [名] a writing implement with a graphite tip

折れた鉛筆の先もそこに落ちていた。

Evidently the rascal had copied the paper in a great hurry, had broken his pencil, and had been compelled to put a fresh point to it.”

hurry (大急ぎ) [名] a state of urgency

break (折る) [動] separate into two or more pieces, as from a blow or impact

compel (羽目になる) [動] force or oblige (someone) to do something

明らかに悪党は大急ぎで書類を書き写し、鉛筆を折ってしまい、新しい先をつける羽目になったのだ。」

“Excellent!” said Holmes, who was recovering his good-humour as his attention became more engrossed by the case.

become engrossed (向く) [動] become deeply interested in something

「素晴らしい!」とホームズは言った。彼は事件に注意が向くにつれて上機嫌を取り戻していた。

“Fortune has been your friend.”

「幸運が味方してくれたんだ。」

“This was not all.

all (それだけ) [名] the whole amount or quantity of something

「それだけではない。

I have a new writing-table with a fine surface of red leather.

私には赤い革の美しい表面の新しい書き物机がある。

I am prepared to swear, and so is Bannister, that it was smooth and unstained.

unstained (汚れていない) [形] not stained

私もバニスターも、それが滑らかで汚れていなかったと誓う用意がある。

Now I found a clean cut in it about three inches long—not a mere scratch, but a positive cut.

cut (切り傷) [名] a break in the skin caused by a sharp object

three inches (三インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

positive (明らかに) [形] definitely or confidently stated

ところが、そこに三インチほどのきれいな切り傷を見つけたんだ。単なる引っかき傷ではなく、明らかに切り傷だ。

Not only this, but on the table I found a small ball of black dough or clay, with specks of something which looks like sawdust in it.

not only (それだけではない) [副] not just

ball (玉) [名] a round solid object with no edges or corners

dough (生地) [名] a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients that is kneaded and allowed to rise before being baked

sawdust (木屑) [名] fine particles of wood produced by sawing

それだけではない、机の上に黒い生地か粘土の小さな玉を見つけたんだ。中に木屑のようなものが混じっていた。

I am convinced that these marks were left by the man who rifled the papers.

rifle (盗む) [動] search through something hurriedly and carelessly

これらの跡は書類を盗んだ男が残したものだと確信している。

There were no footmarks and no other evidence as to his identity.

足跡もなければ、彼の身元を示す他の証拠もなかった。

I was at my wits’ end, when suddenly the happy thought occurred to me that you were in the town, and I came straight round to put the matter into your hands.

at one's wit's end (途方に暮れる) [熟] to be at a loss as to what to do

happy thought (思い出す) [名] a thought that makes one happy

occur to (思い出す) [動] come to one's mind

come straight round (すぐに来る) [動] come directly

put the matter into one's hands (頼む) [動] entrust something to someone

私は途方に暮れていたが、突然、君が町にいることを思い出して、すぐに君に頼もうとここに来たんだ。

Do help me, Mr. Holmes.

助けてください、ホームズさん。

You see my dilemma.

dilemma (ジレンマ) [名] a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones

私のジレンマがわかるね。

Either I must find the man or else the examination must be postponed until fresh papers are prepared, and since this cannot be done without explanation, there will ensue a hideous scandal, which will throw a cloud not only on the college, but on the university.

else (そうでなければ) [接] if not; otherwise

postpone (延期する) [動] cause to be delayed or deferred

ensue (起こる) [動] happen or occur afterwards or as a result

throw a cloud (暗い影を落とす) [動] cause a shadow to be cast

私がその男を見つけるか、新しい問題が用意できるまで試験を延期するかのどちらかだが、説明なしに延期することはできないので、ひどいスキャンダルになって、大学だけでなく、大学全体に暗い影を落とすことになる。

Above all things, I desire to settle the matter quietly and discreetly.”

discreetly (慎重に) [副] in a discreet manner

何よりも、私はこの問題を静かに慎重に解決したいと思っている。」

“I shall be happy to look into it and to give you such advice as I can,” said Holmes, rising and putting on his overcoat.

「喜んで調べて、できる限りのアドバイスを差し上げましょう」とホームズは立ち上がってオーバーコートを着た。

“The case is not entirely devoid of interest.

devoid (欠いている) [形] lacking or not having something

「この事件は全く興味がないわけではない。

Had anyone visited you in your room after the papers came to you?”

visit (訪ねる) [動] go to see someone or something

問題用紙が届いてから、誰か部屋を訪ねてきたか?」

“Yes, young Daulat Ras, an Indian student, who lives on the same stair, came in to ask me some particulars about the examination.”

Daulat Ras (ダウラット・ラス) [名] a name

Indian (インド人) [名] a person from India

「はい、同じ階段に住んでいるインド人学生の若いダウラット・ラスが、試験についていくつかの詳細を尋ねにきました。」

“For which he was entered?”

「彼も受験するのか?」

“Yes.”

「はい。」

“And the papers were on your table?”

「そして、問題用紙は机の上にあったのか?」

“To the best of my belief, they were rolled up.”

to the best of my belief (私の記憶では) [副] as far as I know or believe

roll up (丸める) [動] make into a roll

「私の記憶では、それらは丸められていた。」

“But might be recognized as proofs?”

be recognized as (として認められる) [動] be accepted as

「しかし、証拠として認められるかもしれない?」

“Possibly.”

「おそらく。」

“No one else in your room?”

「君の部屋には誰もいなかったのか?」

“No.”

「いなかった。」

“Did anyone know that these proofs would be there?”

「誰かその証拠がそこにあると知っていたか?」

“No one save the printer.”

printer (印刷業者) [名] a person who prints books, newspapers, etc.

「印刷業者以外は誰も。」

“Did this man Bannister know?”

「このバニスターという男は知っていたか?」

“No, certainly not. No one knew.”

「いいえ、絶対に。誰も知らなかった。」

“Where is Bannister now?”

「バニスターは今どこにいる?」

“He was very ill, poor fellow.

ill (具合が悪い) [形] sick; unwell

poor (かわいそうに) [形] deserving of pity or sympathy

「彼は非常に具合が悪かった、かわいそうに。

I left him collapsed in the chair.

collapse (倒れる) [動] fall down suddenly

私は彼を椅子に倒れたまま残した。

I was in such a hurry to come to you.”

be in a hurry (急ぐ) [動] move or act quickly

come to (会いに来る) [動] visit

私はあなたに会いに急いでいた。」

“You left your door open?”

「ドアを開けっ放しにしたのか?」

“I locked up the papers first.”

lock up (鍵をかける) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

「私はまず書類を鍵をかけた。」

“Then it amounts to this, Mr. Soames: that, unless the Indian student recognized the roll as being proofs, the man who tampered with them came upon them accidentally without knowing that they were there.”

Mr. Soames (ソームズさん) [名] a man's name

roll (巻物) [名] a scroll of paper or parchment

accidentally (偶然に) [副] by chance; without intention or design

「それなら、ソームズさん、こうなる。インド人学生がその巻物が証拠だと認識しない限り、それを改ざんした男は、それがそこにあると知らずに偶然にそれを発見した。」

“So it seems to me.”

「私にはそう思える。」

Holmes gave an enigmatic smile.

give (浮かべる) [動] to cause to be given

enigmatic (謎めいた) [形] mysterious or puzzling

ホームズは謎めいた微笑みを浮かべた。

“Well,” said he, “let us go round.

「さて」と彼は言った、「回ってみよう。

Not one of your cases, Watson—mental, not physical.

case (症例) [名] an instance of a disease or other medical condition

君の専門ではない、ワトソン君、肉体ではなく精神の病気だ。

All right; come if you want to.

all right (いいだろう) [副] yes; very well

いいだろう、来たいなら来ればいい。

Now, Mr. Soames—at your disposal!”

at one's disposal (ご自由にどうぞ) [句] available for someone to use as they wish

では、ソームズさん、ご自由にどうぞ!」

The sitting-room of our client opened by a long, low, latticed window on to the ancient lichen-tinted court of the old college.

open (面する) [動] to be exposed to

latticed (格子) [形] made of a lattice

lichen (地衣類) [名] a composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga

tint (色合い) [名] a shade or variety of a particular color

court (中庭) [名] an open area surrounded by walls or buildings

依頼人の居間は、長く低い格子窓から、古い大学の古代地衣類の色合いの中庭に面していた。

A Gothic arched door led to a worn stone staircase.

Gothic (ゴシック) [形] of or relating to the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe from the 12th to the 16th century

arched (アーチ型の) [形] having the form of an arch

lead to (通じる) [動] to be a way to get to

worn (すり減った) [形] damaged by long or hard use

staircase (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one floor of a building to another

ゴシックアーチ型の扉は、すり減った石の階段に通じていた。

On the ground floor was the tutor’s room.

on the ground floor (一階に) [副] on the first floor

一階には家庭教師の部屋があった。

Above were three students, one on each story.

上には三人の学生がいて、各階に一人ずついた。

It was already twilight when we reached the scene of our problem.

問題の現場に着いた時には、すでに夕暮れだった。

Holmes halted and looked earnestly at the window.

ホームズは立ち止まり、真剣に窓を見た。

Then he approached it, and, standing on tiptoe with his neck craned, he looked into the room.

tiptoe (つま先立ち) [名] the tips of the toes

crane (伸ばす) [動] stretch out one's neck in order to see something

それから彼はそれに近づき、首を伸ばしてつま先立ちで立って、部屋の中を見た。

“He must have entered through the door.

「彼はドアから入ったに違いない。

There is no opening except the one pane,” said our learned guide.

pane (ガラス板) [名] a sheet of glass in a window or door

一枚のガラス板以外に開口部はない」と我々の博識な案内人は言った。

“Dear me!” said Holmes, and he smiled in a singular way as he glanced at our companion.

「おやおや!」とホームズは言い、我々の仲間をちらっと見ながら奇妙な笑みを浮かべた。

“Well, if there is nothing to be learned here, we had best go inside.”

go inside (中に入る) [動] move or travel toward the inside of something

「さて、ここで学ぶべきことが何もなければ、中に入った方がいい」

The lecturer unlocked the outer door and ushered us into his room.

unlock (鍵を開ける) [動] release the lock of

講師は外側のドアの鍵を開け、私たちを彼の部屋に案内した。

We stood at the entrance while Holmes made an examination of the carpet.

make an examination of (調べる) [動] inspect or analyze carefully and thoroughly

ホームズがカーペットを調べている間、私たちは入り口に立っていた。

“I am afraid there are no signs here,” said he.

「ここには痕跡がないようだ」と彼は言った。

“One could hardly hope for any upon so dry a day.

「こんな乾燥した日には、ほとんど期待できない。

Your servant seems to have quite recovered.

あなたの召使はすっかり回復したようですね。

You left him in a chair, you say.

彼を椅子に残したんだね。

Which chair?”

which (どの) [限] used to ask for information specifying one or more people or things from a definite set

どの椅子?」

“By the window there.”

by the window (窓のそばの) [前] next to the window

「あそこの窓のそばの」

“I see. Near this little table.

「なるほど。この小さなテーブルの近くの。

You can come in now.

come in (入る) [動] go or come inside

入っていいよ。

I have finished with the carpet.

カーペットは終わりました。

Let us take the little table first.

take (始める) [動] start or begin

まず小さなテーブルから始めよう。

Of course, what has happened is very clear.

もちろん、何が起こったかは非常に明確だ。

The man entered and took the papers, sheet by sheet, from the central table.

男は中に入り、中央のテーブルから一枚一枚書類を取っていった。

He carried them over to the window table, because from there he could see if you came across the courtyard, and so could effect an escape.”

courtyard (中庭) [名] an open area surrounded by walls or buildings

come across (横切って来る) [動] meet or find by chance

彼はそれらを窓際のテーブルに運びました、なぜならそこからあなたが中庭を横切って来るかを見ることができ、そうして逃げることができたからです。」

“As a matter of fact, he could not,” said Soames, “for I entered by the side door.”

as a matter of fact (実際のところ) [副] in reality; in fact

side door (横の扉) [名] a door on the side of a building

「実際のところ、彼にはできなかったのです」とソームズは言った、「私は横の扉から入ったからです」

“Ah, that’s good!

「ああ、それはいい!

Well, anyhow, that was in his mind.

in one's mind (頭の中にある) [名] in one's thoughts or imagination

まあ、とにかく、それが彼の頭の中にあった。

Let me see the three strips.

strip (紙) [名] a long, narrow piece of something

3枚の紙を見せてください。

No finger impressions—no!

finger impression (指紋) [名] an impression of the lines on the fingertip

no (ない) [形] not any

指紋はない、ない!

Well, he carried over this one first, and he copied it.

carry over (運ぶ) [動] bring or take something from one place to another

彼はまずこれを運び、それを書き写した。

How long would it take him to do that, using every possible contraction?

あらゆる省略形を使って、それをするのにどれくらいかかるだろうか?

A quarter of an hour, not less.

not less (それより短くはない) [副] not smaller or fewer

15分、それより短くはない。

Then he tossed it down and seized the next.

それから彼はそれを投げ捨てて、次のものをつかんだ。

He was in the midst of that when your return caused him to make a very hurried retreat—very hurried, since he had not time to replace the papers which would tell you that he had been there.

in the midst of (最中に) [前] in the middle of

make a retreat (退散した) [動] withdraw from a place or position

彼がその最中にあなたが帰ってきたので、彼は非常に急いで退散したのだ。非常に急いでいたため、彼がそこにいたことを示す書類を元に戻す時間がなかったのだ。

You were not aware of any hurrying feet on the stair as you entered the outer door?”

玄関から入った時に階段を急いで降りる足音には気づかなかったか?」

“No, I can’t say I was.”

I was (私は) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

「いいえ、気づきませんでした」

“Well, he wrote so furiously that he broke his pencil, and had, as you observe, to sharpen it again.

furiously (激しく) [副] in a way that shows very strong feelings of anger

「彼は激しく書きすぎて鉛筆を折ってしまったので、あなたが見たように、もう一度削らなければならなかった。

This is of interest, Watson.

be of interest (興味深い) [動] be interesting

これは興味深いぞ、ワトソン。

The pencil was not an ordinary one.

その鉛筆は普通のものではない。

It was above the usual size, with a soft lead, the outer colour was dark blue, the maker’s name was printed in silver lettering, and the piece remaining is only about an inch and a half long.

above (より大きい) [前] higher than

usual (普通の) [形] normal or ordinary

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

lead (芯) [名] a black or grey metal

blue (青) [名] a colour intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day

maker (メーカー) [名] a person or company that makes something

silver (銀色) [名] a precious greyish-white metal

lettering (文字) [名] the style and arrangement of letters

piece (部分) [名] a portion of something

普通のサイズより大きく、芯は柔らかく、外側の色は濃い青で、メーカーの名前は銀色の文字で印刷されており、残っている部分の長さはわずか1.5インチほどだ。

Look for such a pencil, Mr. Soames, and you have got your man.

そのような鉛筆を探せば、犯人を見つけられるでしょう。

When I add that he possesses a large and very blunt knife, you have an additional aid.”

add (付け加える) [動] say something further

blunt (鈍い) [形] having a thick edge or point

additional (さらなる) [形] added, extra, or supplementary

彼が大きく非常に鈍いナイフを持っていると付け加えると、あなたはさらなる助けを得ることになる。」

Mr. Soames was somewhat overwhelmed by this flood of information.

be overwhelmed (圧倒される) [動] to be affected by a strong feeling or emotion

ソームズ氏はこの情報の洪水に圧倒された。

“I can follow the other points,” said he, “but really, in this matter of the length——”

follow (理解できる) [動] understand

length (長さ) [名] the measurement of something from end to end

「他の点は理解できるが」と彼は言った、「しかし、本当に、この長さの問題では——」

Holmes held out a small chip with the letters NN and a space of clear wood after them.

chip (木片) [名] a small piece of wood

space (部分) [名] a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied

ホームズはNNの文字とその後ろに木地の部分がある小さな木片を差し出した。

“You see?”

「分かるかな?」

“No, I fear that even now——”

「いいえ、今でも恐れているのは——」

“Watson, I have always done you an injustice.

injustice (不当な扱い) [名] unfairness

「ワトソン、私はいつも君に不当な扱いをしてきた。

There are others.

other (他) [名] the remaining one or ones of a number of things

他にもいます。

What could this NN be?

NN (NN) [名] a sequence of two letters

このNNとは何だろう?

It is at the end of a word.

単語の終わりにある。

You are aware that Johann Faber is the most common maker’s name.

Johann Faber (ヨハン・ファーバー) [名] a German manufacturer of pencils

common (一般的な) [形] of or relating to the great body of people

maker (製造者) [名] a person who makes something

ヨハン・ファーバーが最も一般的な製造者の名前であることはご存じでしょう。

Is it not clear that there is just as much of the pencil left as usually follows the Johann?”

be clear (明らかである) [動] be easy to understand

just as much (同じだけ) [副] to the same extent

Johann (ヨハン) [名] a male given name

ヨハンの後に続く部分と同じだけ鉛筆が残っていることは明らかではないだろうか?」

He held the small table sideways to the electric light.

sideways (横に) [副] to or from the side

彼は小さなテーブルを電灯の横に持った。

“I was hoping that if the paper on which he wrote was thin, some trace of it might come through upon this polished surface.

come through (出てくる) [動] be received or understood

「彼が書いた紙が薄ければ、その跡がこの磨かれた表面に出てくるかもしれないと期待していたんだ。

No, I see nothing.

いいえ、何も見えません。

I don’t think there is anything more to be learned here.

be learned (学ぶべき) [動] to gain knowledge or skills

ここでこれ以上学ぶべきことはないと思う。

Now for the central table.

central (中央の) [形] in the middle of something

では、中央のテーブルを。

This small pellet is, I presume, the black, doughy mass you spoke of.

doughy (生地状の) [形] having the texture of dough

mass (塊) [名] a large body of matter with no definite shape

この小さな粒は、あなたが話していた黒い生地状の塊だろう。

Roughly pyramidal in shape and hollowed out, I perceive.

pyramidal (ピラミッド型) [形] having the shape of a pyramid

hollow out (くり抜く) [動] make a hole in something

大体ピラミッド型で、中が空洞になっているように見える。

As you say, there appear to be grains of sawdust in it.

grain (粒) [名] a small, hard, roundish seed of a cereal

sawdust (おがくず) [名] wood in the form of fine particles

あなたが言うように、おがくずの粒が入っているようだ。

Dear me, this is very interesting.

なるほど、これはとても興味深い。

And the cut—a positive tear, I see.

tear (裂け目) [名] a hole or gap caused by tearing or splitting

そして切り傷は、明らかに裂けたものだ。

It began with a thin scratch and ended in a jagged hole.

jagged (ギザギザの) [形] having a rough, sharp edge or outline

薄い引っかき傷から始まり、ギザギザの穴で終わっている。

I am much indebted to you for directing my attention to this case, Mr. Soames. Where does that door lead to?”

be indebted to (感謝している) [動] be grateful to

lead to (つながっている) [動] be a route to

ソウムズさん、この事件に私の注意を向けさせてくれたことにとても感謝している。あのドアはどこにつながっているのか?」

“To my bedroom.”

「私の寝室だ」

“Have you been in it since your adventure?”

adventure (事件) [名] an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity

「この事件以来、そこに入ったか?」

“No, I came straight away for you.”

straight away (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation; immediately

for (呼びに行く) [前] in order to get or bring

「いいえ、すぐにあなたを呼びに行きました」

“I should like to have a glance round.

have a glance (見回す) [動] look around quickly

「ちょっと見回してみたい。

What a charming, old-fashioned room!

なんて魅力的な古風な部屋だ!

Perhaps you will kindly wait a minute, until I have examined the floor.

私が床を調べるまで、ちょっと待ってもらえるかな。

No, I see nothing.

いいえ、何も見えません。

What about this curtain?

what about (〜はどうだ) [句] used to introduce a new topic or to ask about something

このカーテンはどうだ?

You hang your clothes behind it.

hang (掛ける) [動] attach or suspend from a point above

あなたはその後ろに服を掛ける。

If anyone were forced to conceal himself in this room he must do it there, since the bed is too low and the wardrobe too shallow.

wardrobe (ワードローブ) [名] a tall cupboard in which clothes are hung

shallow (浅い) [形] having a small distance from top to bottom

もし誰かがこの部屋に隠れざるを得なかったら、ベッドが低すぎてワードローブが浅すぎるので、そこで隠れなければならない。

No one there, I suppose?”

誰もいないと思うが?」

As Holmes drew the curtain I was aware, from some little rigidity and alertness of his attitude, that he was prepared for an emergency.

draw (開ける) [動] move or pull so as to cover an opening

alertness (機敏さ) [名] the quality or state of being alert

ホームズがカーテンを開けたとき、私は彼の態度の少しの硬直と機敏さから、彼が緊急事態に備えていることを知った。

As a matter of fact, the drawn curtain disclosed nothing but three or four suits of clothes hanging from a line of pegs.

peg (釘) [名] a short piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a pointed end

実際、カーテンを開けても、一列の釘に掛けられた三、四着の服以外には何も見えなかった。

Holmes turned away, and stooped suddenly to the floor.

ホームズは背を向け、突然床に身をかがめた。

“Halloa! What’s this?” said he.

halloa (やあ) [間] used to call out to someone

「やあ! これは何だ?」と彼は言った。

It was a small pyramid of black, putty-like stuff, exactly like the one upon the table of the study.

pyramid (ピラミッド) [名] a massive structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, especially one built in ancient Egypt as a royal tomb

putty (パテ) [名] a soft, pliable paste, typically made of whiting and linseed oil, used for sealing glass in window frames, filling holes in wood, and similar purposes

それは、書斎のテーブルの上にあったものと全く同じ、黒いパテのようなものの小さなピラミッドだった。

Holmes held it out on his open palm in the glare of the electric light.

open palm (開いた手のひら) [名] the palm of the hand with the fingers spread out

glare (まぶしい光) [名] a bright light that is unpleasant to look at

ホームズはそれを電灯のまぶしい光の中で開いた手のひらの上に差し出した。

“Your visitor seems to have left traces in your bedroom as well as in your sitting-room, Mr. Soames.”

「あなたの訪問者はあなたの居間だけでなく寝室にも痕跡を残したようですね、ソームズさん」

“What could he have wanted there?”

「彼はそこで何を望んだのか?」

“I think it is clear enough.

「それは十分に明らかだと思う。

You came back by an unexpected way, and so he had no warning until you were at the very door.

あなたは予想外の道から戻ってきたので、彼はあなたがドアのすぐそばに来るまで警告を受けなかった。

What could he do?

彼に何ができただろうか?

He caught up everything which would betray him, and he rushed into your bedroom to conceal himself.”

catch up (つかむ) [動] to grab or seize

彼は彼を裏切るであろう全てのものをつかみ、彼は身を隠すためにあなたの寝室に駆け込んだ。」

“Good gracious, Mr. Holmes, do you mean to tell me that, all the time I was talking to Bannister in this room, we had the man prisoner if we had only known it?”

「おやおや、ホームズさん、私がこの部屋でバニスターと話している間ずっと、私たちが知っていさえすれば、あの男を捕まえることができたと言うつもりですか?」

“So I read it.”

「そう読んだ。」

“Surely there is another alternative, Mr. Holmes.

「確かに別の選択肢があります、ホームズさん。

I don’t know whether you observed my bedroom window?”

私の寝室の窓をご覧になったかどうか分かりませんが?」

“Lattice-paned, lead framework, three separate windows, one swinging on hinge, and large enough to admit a man.”

lattice-paned (格子窓) [形] having panes arranged in a lattice

lead framework (鉛の枠) [名] a framework made of lead

hinge (蝶番) [名] a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid swings

「格子窓、鉛の枠、三つの独立した窓、一つは蝶番で開閉し、人間が通れるほど大きい。」

“Exactly. And it looks out on an angle of the courtyard so as to be partly invisible.

look out (面している) [動] face or be oriented towards

partly (一部) [副] to some extent or degree

「その通り。そして、中庭の角に面しているので、一部は見えない。

The man might have effected his entrance there, left traces as he passed through the bedroom, and finally, finding the door open, have escaped that way.”

effect (行う) [動] cause to come into existence

男はそこから侵入し、寝室を通って痕跡を残し、最後にドアが開いているのを見つけて、その道から逃げたのかもしれない。」

Holmes shook his head impatiently.

ホームズは焦れたように頭を振った。

“Let us be practical,” said he.

「現実的になろう」と彼は言った。

“I understand you to say that there are three students who use this stair, and are in the habit of passing your door?”

「この階段を使う学生が三人いて、あなたのドアの前を通る習慣があると言っていると理解していいですか?」

“Yes, there are.”

「はい、そうです。」

“And they are all in for this examination?”

all in (全員) [副] everyone

for (受ける) [前] in order to obtain or achieve

「そして、彼らは全員この試験を受けている?」

“Yes.”

「はい。」

“Have you any reason to suspect any one of them more than the others?”

「彼らのうちの誰かを他の人よりも疑う理由がありますか?」

Soames hesitated.

Soames (ソームズ) [名] a person's name

ソームズはためらった。

“It is a very delicate question,” said he.

「それは非常に微妙な問題です」と彼は言った。

“One hardly likes to throw suspicion where there are no proofs.”

「証拠がないところで疑いをかけるなんて、誰も好ましく思わない。」

“Let us hear the suspicions.

「疑いを話してください。

I will look after the proofs.”

look after (探す) [動] try to find something

証拠は私が探します。」

“I will tell you, then, in a few words the character of the three men who inhabit these rooms.

inhabit (住む) [動] live in or occupy

「では、この部屋に住んでいる三人の性格を簡単にお話ししましょう。

The lower of the three is Gilchrist, a fine scholar and athlete, plays in the Rugby team and the cricket team for the college, and got his Blue for the hurdles and the long jump.

lower (一番下) [形] less high or tall

Gilchrist (ギルクリスト) [名] a surname

scholar (学生) [名] a person who studies at a university or college

athlete (運動選手) [名] a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical activity

Rugby (ラグビー) [名] a team game played with an oval ball that may be kicked, carried, and passed from hand to hand

cricket (クリケット) [名] a team game played with a ball and bat by two teams of 11 players on a field at the center of which is a 22-yard (20-meter) pitch with a wicket at each end

hurdle (ハードル) [名] a barrier over which athletes in a race must jump

long jump (走幅跳び) [名] a field event in which the jumper tries to jump as far as possible from a takeoff board

Blue (ブルー) [名] a person who has represented the university in a sport

三人のうち一番下はギルクリストで、優秀な学生で運動選手で、大学のラグビーチームとクリケットチームでプレイし、ハードルと走幅跳びでブルーを獲得した。

He is a fine, manly fellow.

manly (男らしい) [形] having qualities or appearance regarded as characteristic of men

彼は立派な男らしい男だ。

His father was the notorious Sir Jabez Gilchrist, who ruined himself on the turf.

Sir Jabez Gilchrist (ジャベス・ギルクリスト卿) [名] a man with the title of Sir

ruin (身を滅ぼす) [動] destroy or spoil something

彼の父親は悪名高いジャベス・ギルクリスト卿で、競馬で身を滅ぼした。

My scholar has been left very poor, but he is hard-working and industrious.

be left (~のままにされる) [動] remain in a particular state or condition

hard-working (勤勉な) [形] working with or exhibiting great effort

industrious (働き者の) [形] working hard and steadily

私の学生はとても貧しいままにされているが、彼は勤勉で働き者だ。

He will do well.

彼はうまくやるだろう。

“The second floor is inhabited by Daulat Ras, the Indian.

be inhabited by (住んでいる) [動] live in or occupy

「二階にはインド人のダウラット・ラスが住んでいる。

He is a quiet, inscrutable fellow;

inscrutable (不可解な) [形] hard to understand or explain

彼は静かで、不可解な奴だ。

as most of those Indians are.

インド人のほとんどがそうであるように。

He is well up in his work, though his Greek is his weak subject.

be well up in (精通している) [動] be very knowledgeable about

彼は仕事に精通している、しかしギリシャ語は彼の苦手な科目だ。

He is steady and methodical.

steady (着実な) [形] not faltering or wavering

彼は着実で几帳面だ。

“The top floor belongs to Miles McLaren.

Miles McLaren (マイルズ・マクラーレン) [名] a person's name

「最上階はマイルズ・マクラーレンのものだ。

He is a brilliant fellow when he chooses to work—one of the brightest intellects of the university;

brilliant (優秀な) [形] exceptionally clever or talented

choose (思えば) [動] decide on and pick out

work (勉強する) [動] do work or be engaged in an activity

彼は勉強しようと思えば優秀な学生で、大学でも最も優秀な学生の一人だ。

but he is wayward, dissipated, and unprincipled.

wayward (わがままな) [形] difficult to control or predict

dissipate (放蕩な) [動] disappear or cause to disappear

unprincipled (無節操な) [形] lacking morality or showing a lack of morality

しかし彼はわがままで、放蕩で、無節操だ。

He was nearly expelled over a card scandal in his first year.

expel (退学になる) [動] force to leave a place, especially a country

first year (一年生) [名] a student in the first year of a course of study

彼は一年生の時にトランプ賭博で退学になりかけた。

He has been idling all this term, and he must look forward with dread to the examination.”

idle (怠ける) [動] be inactive or work slowly

term (学期) [名] a period of time during which a school holds classes

look forward to (楽しみにする) [動] anticipate with pleasure

dread (恐れる) [動] anticipate with great apprehension or fear

彼は今学期ずっと怠けていて、試験を恐れているに違いない。」

“Then it is he whom you suspect?”

「では、彼を疑っているのか?」

“I dare not go so far as that.

go so far as (そこまで言う) [動] to do something to a certain extent

「そこまでは言えない。

But, of the three, he is perhaps the least unlikely.”

しかし、三人の中では、彼が最も怪しい。」

“Exactly. Now, Mr. Soames, let us have a look at your servant, Bannister.”

「その通り。では、ソームズさん、召使のバニスターに会わせてもらおう。」

He was a little, white-faced, clean-shaven, grizzly-haired fellow of fifty.

white-faced (顔色が悪い) [形] having a pale face

grizzly-haired (髪の毛が灰色の) [形] having gray or partly gray hair

彼は小柄で、顔色が悪く、髭をきれいに剃り、髪の毛が灰色の五十歳の男だった。

He was still suffering from this sudden disturbance of the quiet routine of his life.

suffer (苦しむ) [動] feel pain in one's body or mind

disturbance (乱れ) [名] an interruption of a settled and peaceful condition

routine (日常生活) [名] a sequence of actions regularly followed

彼は、静かな日常生活が突然乱されたことにまだ苦しんでいた。

His plump face was twitching with his nervousness, and his fingers could not keep still.

nervousness (神経質) [名] a state of being anxious or jittery

keep still (落ち着かない) [動] not move or make a sound

彼のふっくらした顔は神経質に引きつり、指は落ち着かなかった。

“We are investigating this unhappy business, Bannister,” said his master.

「バニスター、我々はこの不幸な事件を調査している」と主人が言った。

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、旦那様」

“I understand,” said Holmes, “that you left your key in the door?”

「あなたが鍵をドアに残したままにしたと聞いているが」とホームズが言った。

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、旦那様」

“Was it not very extraordinary that you should do this on the very day when there were these papers inside?”

「この書類が中にあったまさにその日にあなたがそうしたのは、とても異常なことではなかったか?」

“It was most unfortunate, sir.

「それはとても不幸なことでした、旦那様。

But I have occasionally done the same thing at other times.”

しかし、私は他の時にも時々同じことをしました」

“When did you enter the room?”

「いつ部屋に入った?」

“It was about half-past four.

half-past four (4時半) [名] 30 minutes after 4 o'clock

「それは4時半頃でした。

That is Mr. Soames’ tea time.”

tea time (お茶の時間) [名] the time of day when tea is traditionally served

それはソームズさんのお茶の時間です」

“How long did you stay?”

「どれくらい滞在しましたか?」

“When I saw that he was absent, I withdrew at once.”

withdraw (退室する) [動] go away or back from a place

「彼がいないことを知って、私はすぐに退室しました」

“Did you look at these papers on the table?”

「テーブルの上のこれらの書類を見ましたか?」

“No, sir—certainly not.”

「いいえ、絶対に見ていません」

“How came you to leave the key in the door?”

「どうして鍵をドアに残したのですか?」

“I had the tea-tray in my hand.

tea-tray (お盆) [名] a tray on which tea is served

「私はお盆を手に持っていました。

I thought I would come back for the key.

私は鍵を取りに戻ろうと思いました。

Then I forgot.”

でも忘れてしまいました」

“Has the outer door a spring lock?”

outer door (外側のドア) [名] the door that is on the outside

spring lock (スプリング錠) [名] a lock that is operated by a spring

「外側のドアにはスプリング錠がついていますか?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ」

“Then it was open all the time?”

「ではずっと開いていたのですか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい」

“Anyone in the room could get out?”

「部屋の誰でも出られたのですか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい」

“When Mr. Soames returned and called for you, you were very much disturbed?”

call for (呼ぶ) [動] shout to attract the attention of

disturb (動揺させる) [動] interfere with the peace or quiet of

「ソームズ氏が戻ってきてあなたを呼んだ時、あなたはとても動揺していましたか?」

“Yes, sir. Such a thing has never happened during the many years that I have been here.

such a thing (こんなこと) [名] something of the type mentioned

「はい。私がここにいた長い年月の間に、こんなことは一度も起こらなかった。

I nearly fainted, sir.”

私はほとんど気を失いそうになりました」

“So I understand.

「そうでしょう。

Where were you when you began to feel bad?”

feel bad (気分が悪くなる) [動] feel ill or unwell

気分が悪くなり始めたのはどこですか?」

“Where was I, sir?

be (いた) [動] exist or live in a specified state or condition

「どこにいたかって?

Why, here, near the door.”

why (ええ) [間] used to express surprise or indignation

ええ、ここ、ドアの近くです」

“That is singular, because you sat down in that chair over yonder near the corner.

「それは奇妙ですね、あなたは角の近くのあの椅子に座っていたのですから。

Why did you pass these other chairs?”

なぜ他の椅子を通り過ぎたのですか?」

“I don’t know, sir, it didn’t matter to me where I sat.”

「わかりません、どこに座っても私には関係ありませんでした」

“I really don’t think he knew much about it, Mr. Holmes.

「彼がそれについてあまり知っていたとは思えません、ホームズさん。

He was looking very bad—quite ghastly.”

彼はひどく具合が悪そうでした、とても恐ろしいほどに」

“You stayed here when your master left?”

「主人が去ったとき、あなたはここに残ったのですか?」

“Only for a minute or so.

or so (ほど) [副] approximately

「ほんの1分ほどです。

Then I locked the door and went to my room.”

それから私はドアに鍵をかけ、自分の部屋に行きました」

“Whom do you suspect?”

「誰を疑っているのですか?」

“Oh, I would not venture to say, sir.

venture (あえて言う) [動] to say something that may be considered rude or offensive

「ああ、あえて言うことはできません、旦那様。

I don’t believe there is any gentleman in this university who is capable of profiting by such an action.

profit (利益を得る) [動] to gain a benefit or an advantage

私はこの大学にそのような行為で利益を得ることができる紳士がいるとは思いません。

No, sir, I’ll not believe it.”

いいえ、旦那様、私はそれを信じません」

“Thank you, that will do,” said Holmes.

that will do (それで十分だ) [動] that is enough

「ありがとう、それで十分だ」とホームズは言った。

“Oh, one more word.

「ああ、もう一言。

You have not mentioned to any of the three gentlemen whom you attend that anything is amiss?”

attend (世話をする) [動] to take care of

amiss (おかしい) [形] wrong or faulty

あなたは世話をしている三人の紳士の誰にも何かがおかしいことを伝えていないか?」

“No, sir—not a word.”

not a word (一言も) [名] not even a single word

「いいえ、旦那様、一言も」

“You haven’t seen any of them?”

「彼らの誰にも会っていないのか?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ、旦那様」

“Very good. Now, Mr. Soames, we will take a walk in the quadrangle, if you please.”

take a walk (散歩する) [動] go for a walk

quadrangle (中庭) [名] a four-sided courtyard

「とても良い。さて、ソームズさん、よろしければ中庭を散歩しましょう」

Three yellow squares of light shone above us in the gathering gloom.

above (頭上に) [前] in a higher position than

gather (迫る) [動] come together; assemble

暗闇が迫る中、三つの黄色い四角い光が私たちの頭上に輝いていた。

“Your three birds are all in their nests,” said Holmes, looking up.

nest (巣) [名] a structure built by a bird to hold its eggs and young

「三羽の鳥はみんな巣にいる」とホームズは上を見上げながら言った。

“Halloa! What’s that?

「おい! あれは何だ?

One of them seems restless enough.”

一人は落ち着きがないようだ」

It was the Indian, whose dark silhouette appeared suddenly upon his blind.

それはインド人で、その黒い影が突然彼のブラインドに現れた。

He was pacing swiftly up and down his room.

swiftly (せわしなく) [副] very fast; rapidly

up and down (あちこち) [副] in various places

彼は部屋の中をせわしなく歩き回っていた。

“I should like to have a peep at each of them,” said Holmes.

have a peep (覗いてみる) [動] take a quick or furtive look

「私は彼らを一人一人覗いてみたい」とホームズは言った。

“Is it possible?”

be possible (可能である) [動] be able to be done or achieved

「それは可能か?」

“No difficulty in the world,” Soames answered.

no difficulty (全く問題ない) [名] no problem

「全く問題ありません」ソームズは答えた。

“This set of rooms is quite the oldest in the college, and it is not unusual for visitors to go over them.

set of rooms (部屋の並び) [名] a group of rooms

quite (最も) [副] to the greatest extent

「この部屋の並びは大学で最も古く、訪問者がそこを見学するのは珍しくありません。

Come along, and I will personally conduct you.”

come along (来てください) [動] accompany someone

personally (私が) [副] in person

conduct (案内します) [動] guide or direct

来てください、私が案内します」

“No names, please!” said Holmes, as we knocked at Gilchrist’s door.

no names (名前は出さないでくれ) [名] an expression used to tell someone not to mention the names of people involved in a situation

knock (ノックする) [動] strike a surface noisily, especially to attract attention

「名前は出さないでくれ!」とホームズはギルクリストの部屋をノックしながら言った。

A tall, flaxen-haired, slim young fellow opened it, and made us welcome when he understood our errand.

slim (細身の) [形] of small girth or thickness

背が高く、亜麻色の髪の、細身の若者がドアを開け、用件を理解すると歓迎してくれた。

There were some really curious pieces of mediæval domestic architecture within.

mediæval (中世の) [形] of or relating to the Middle Ages

domestic (住宅の) [形] of or relating to a house or home

architecture (建築) [名] the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

内部には中世の住宅建築の本当に奇妙な部分がいくつかあった。

Holmes was so charmed with one of them that he insisted on drawing it in his notebook, broke his pencil, had to borrow one from our host and finally borrowed a knife to sharpen his own.

be charmed with (魅了される) [動] be attracted to

insist on (言い張る) [動] demand or assert something forcefully

borrow (借りる) [動] take and use something temporarily with the intention of returning it

ホームズはそのうちの1つにとても魅了され、ノートに描こうとして鉛筆を折ってしまい、ホストから1本借りなければならなくなり、ついには自分の鉛筆を削るためにナイフを借りた。

The same curious accident happened to him in the rooms of the Indian—a silent, little, hook-nosed fellow, who eyed us askance, and was obviously glad when Holmes’s architectural studies had come to an end.

the same (同じ) [形] not different or other

hook-nosed (鉤鼻の) [形] having a nose with a curved tip

eye (睨む) [動] look at someone or something in a particular way

askance (横目で) [副] with a sideways or oblique glance

come to an end (終わる) [動] reach a final point; finish

同じ奇妙な事故がインド人の部屋でも起こった。彼は黙りこくった、小さな、鉤鼻の男で、私たちを横目で睨み、ホームズの建築研究が終わった時には明らかに喜んでいた。

I could not see that in either case Holmes had come upon the clue for which he was searching.

in either case (どちらの場合も) [副] in any case; in any event

come upon (見つける) [動] to find or meet by chance

どちらの場合もホームズが探していた手がかりを見つけたとは思えなかった。

Only at the third did our visit prove abortive.

third (3番目) [名] the ordinal number of three

abortive (無駄な) [形] failing to produce the intended result

3番目の部屋だけは訪問が無駄に終わった。

The outer door would not open to our knock, and nothing more substantial than a torrent of bad language came from behind it.

outer door (玄関のドア) [名] the door that leads to the outside

torrent (洪水) [名] a strong and fast-moving stream of water

玄関のドアは私たちがノックしても開かず、ドアの向こうからは悪態の洪水以外に何も聞こえてこなかった。

“I don’t care who you are.

「あなたらが誰だろうと知ったことか。

You can go to blazes!” roared the angry voice.

go to blazes (地獄に落ちろ) [動] go to hell

roar (轟く) [動] make a loud, deep, or harsh sound

地獄に落ちろ!」と怒った声が轟いた。

“Tomorrow’s the exam, and I won’t be drawn by anyone.”

exam (試験) [名] a formal test of a person's knowledge or skill

be drawn (邪魔される) [動] be distracted or diverted

「明日は試験だ、誰にも邪魔はさせない」

“A rude fellow,” said our guide, flushing with anger as we withdrew down the stair.

rude (無礼な) [形] lacking good manners or respect for others

「無礼な奴だ」と案内人は怒りで顔を赤らめながら言った。

“Of course, he did not realize that it was I who was knocking, but none the less his conduct was very uncourteous, and, indeed, under the circumstances rather suspicious.”

uncourteous (無礼な) [形] lacking good manners

suspicious (怪しい) [形] deserving to be suspected; questionable

「もちろん、彼は私がノックしていることに気づかなかったが、それでも彼の態度は非常に無礼で、実際、状況を考えるとかなり怪しい」

Holmes’s response was a curious one.

response (返事) [名] an answer or reply

ホームズの返事は奇妙なものだった。

“Can you tell me his exact height?” he asked.

「彼の正確な身長を教えてもらえるか?」と彼は尋ねた。

“Really, Mr. Holmes, I cannot undertake to say.

undertake (言う) [動] to say or state

to say (言う) [動] to say or state

「本当に、ホームズさん、私は言うことができません。

He is taller than the Indian, not so tall as Gilchrist.

彼はインド人より背が高いが、ギルクリストほど背が高くない。

I suppose five foot six would be about it.”

five foot six (5フィート6インチ) [名] a height of five feet and six inches

5フィート6インチくらいでしょうか」

“That is very important,” said Holmes.

「それはとても重要だ」とホームズは言った。

“And now, Mr. Soames, I wish you good-night.”

And now (そして) [接] in addition to that; also; too

wish (言う) [動] express a desire or hope for

good-night (おやすみなさい) [名] a phrase used to express a farewell in the evening

「そして、ソームズさん、おやすみなさい」

Our guide cried aloud in his astonishment and dismay.

cry aloud (大声で叫ぶ) [動] to speak or say something loudly

案内人は驚きと狼狽のあまり大声で叫んだ。

“Good gracious, Mr. Holmes, you are surely not going to leave me in this abrupt fashion!

「おやおや、ホームズさん、こんな急に私を置いて行こうというわけではないでしょう!

You don’t seem to realize the position.

あなたは状況を理解していないようだ。

To-morrow is the examination.

明日は試験だ。

I must take some definite action to-night.

definite (決定的な) [形] having exact and discernible limits

今夜は何か決定的な行動をとらなければならない。

I cannot allow the examination to be held if one of the papers has been tampered with.

allow (許可する) [動] permit to do something

hold (実施する) [動] organize and run

問題用紙の1つが改ざんされた場合、私は試験の実施を許可することはできない。

The situation must be faced.”

状況に直面しなければならない。」

“You must leave it as it is.

as it is (そのまま) [副] in the current state

「そのままにしておかなければならない。

I shall drop round early to-morrow morning and chat the matter over.

drop round (立ち寄る) [動] visit someone or something for a short time

chat (話し合う) [動] talk in a friendly and informal way

明日の朝早くに立ち寄って、この件について話し合おう。

It is possible that I may be in a position then to indicate some course of action.

be in a position (できる) [動] be able to do something

course of action (行動方針) [名] a plan or strategy for achieving a goal

そのときまでには、何か行動方針を示せるようになっているかもしれない。

Meanwhile, you change nothing—nothing at all.”

それまでは、何も変えてはいけない。何もだ。」

“Very good, Mr. Holmes.”

「分かりました、ホームズさん。」

“You can be perfectly easy in your mind.

be easy in one's mind (安心する) [動] be free from anxiety or worry

「安心していい。

We shall certainly find some way out of your difficulties.

必ずや、この困難から抜け出す方法を見つけ出そう。

I will take the black clay with me, also the pencil cuttings.

cutting (削りかす) [名] a piece cut off from something

黒い粘土と鉛筆の削りかすは私が持っていく。

Good-bye.”

さようなら。」

When we were out in the darkness of the quadrangle, we again looked up at the windows.

be out (出る) [動] be no longer in

中庭の暗闇に出ると、私たちは再び窓を見上げた。

The Indian still paced his room.

インド人は相変わらず部屋を行ったり来たりしていた。

The others were invisible.

他の人々は見えなかった。

“Well, Watson, what do you think of it?” Holmes asked, as we came out into the main street.

「さて、ワトソン、どう思う?」私たちがメインストリートに出ると、ホームズが尋ねた。

“Quite a little parlour game—sort of three-card trick, is it not?

quite a little (まるで) [副] to a certain extent

parlour game (室内ゲーム) [名] a game played indoors

sort of (みたいな) [副] to a certain extent

three-card trick (三枚のカードのトリック) [名] a card trick in which the performer asks a spectator to choose one of three cards and then guesses which card was chosen

「まるで室内ゲームだね、三枚のカードのトリックみたいなものでしょう?

There are your three men.

三人の男がいる。

It must be one of them.

one (誰か) [名] a person of importance or authority

彼らの誰かだ。

You take your choice.

take (選ぶ) [動] pick from a number of alternatives

選んでみろ。

Which is yours?”

どれが君の選んだ犯人かな?」

“The foul-mouthed fellow at the top.

foul-mouthed (口の悪い) [形] using bad language

「一番上の口の悪い男だ。

He is the one with the worst record.

be the one (一番である) [動] be the most important or significant

record (前科) [名] a criminal record

彼は一番前科が多い。

And yet that Indian was a sly fellow also.

sly (ずる賢い) [形] having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature

それでもあのインド人はまたずる賢い奴だった。

Why should he be pacing his room all the time?”

なぜ彼はいつも部屋を行ったり来たりしているのだろう?」

“There is nothing in that.

「それは何でもない。

Many men do it when they are trying to learn anything by heart.”

多くの人は何かを暗記しようとする時にそうする。」

“He looked at us in a queer way.”

「彼は私たちを奇妙な目で見た。」

“So would you, if a flock of strangers came in on you when you were preparing for an examination next day, and every moment was of value.

flock (大勢) [名] a large number of people or things

every moment (一刻を争う) [名] all the time

「君だって、明日の試験の準備をしていて一刻を争う時に、見知らぬ人が大勢押しかけてきたら、そうするだろう。

No, I see nothing in that.

いや、その点には何も見えない。

Pencils, too, and knives—all was satisfactory.

satisfactory (満足のいく) [形] good enough to fulfill a need or purpose

鉛筆もナイフも、すべて満足のいくものだった。

But that fellow does puzzle me.”

puzzle (困惑させる) [動] confuse or perplex

しかし、あの男は私を困惑させる。」

“Who?”

「誰?」

“Why, Bannister, the servant.

「召使のバニスターだ。

What’s his game in the matter?”

彼のこの件でのゲームは何だ?」

“He impressed me as being a perfectly honest man.”

「彼は私に全く正直な人間であるという印象を与えた。」

“So he did me. That’s the puzzling part.

「私もそう思った。それが不可解な部分だ。

Why should a perfectly honest man—well, well, here’s a large stationer’s.

stationer (文房具屋) [名] a person who sells stationery

なぜ全く正直な人間であるべきか、さて、さて、ここに大きな文房具屋がある。

We shall begin our researches here.”

我々はここで調査を始めよう。」

There were only four stationers of any consequences in the town, and at each Holmes produced his pencil chips, and bid high for a duplicate.

consequence (まともな) [名] the effect or result of an action or condition

chip (削りくず) [名] a small piece of something

bid (申し出) [動] offer to pay a particular price for something

町にはまともな文房具屋は四軒しかなく、ホームズはそのそれぞれで鉛筆の削りくずを取り出し、同じものを高値で買いたいと申し出た。

All were agreed that one could be ordered, but that it was not a usual size of pencil and that it was seldom kept in stock.

be agreed (返事だった) [動] have the same opinion about something

could be (できる) [助] be able to

ordered (注文) [動] ask for something and have it delivered

was not (ではない) [動] be not

a usual size (普通のサイズ) [名] the size that is most common

of (の) [前] belonging to or connected with

that (そして) [接] used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, and to show that two things are happening at the same time

kept (置いていない) [動] have or maintain something in a certain state, position, or place

in stock (在庫) [名] the goods that a business has available for sale

どの店でも注文はできるが、普通のサイズの鉛筆ではなく、在庫はほとんど置いていないという返事だった。

My friend did not appear to be depressed by his failure, but shrugged his shoulders in half-humorous resignation.

half-humorous (半ばユーモラスな) [形] somewhat humorous

resignation (諦め) [名] an act of giving up a position or office

友人は失敗に落胆した様子もなく、半ばユーモラスな諦め顔で肩をすくめた。

“No good, my dear Watson. This, the best and only final clue, has run to nothing.

no good (駄目だ) [形] not good; bad

run to nothing (無駄になる) [動] to come to nothing; to be unsuccessful

「駄目だ、ワトソン君。この最良にして唯一の手がかりも、無駄になってしまった。

But, indeed, I have little doubt that we can build up a sufficient case without it.

build up (構築する) [動] to construct or create something gradually

sufficient (十分な) [形] as much or as good as required

しかし、実際、それなしでも十分な事件を構築できるという疑いはほとんどない。

By Jove! my dear fellow, it is nearly nine, and the landlady babbled of green peas at seven-thirty.

babble (言っていた) [動] talk rapidly and continuously in an excited or nervous way

green pea (グリーンピース) [名] a round green seed that is eaten as a vegetable

おい、もう九時近いぞ。女将は七時半にグリーンピースだと言っていた。

What with your eternal tobacco, Watson, and your irregularity at meals, I expect that you will get notice to quit, and that I shall share your downfall—not, however, before we have solved the problem of the nervous tutor, the careless servant, and the three enterprising students.”

eternal (永遠の) [形] lasting forever

irregularity (不規則さ) [名] the state of being irregular

notice (通知) [名] a formal statement that gives information or instructions

quit (辞める) [動] leave a job, post, or position voluntarily

downfall (没落) [名] a loss of power, status, or reputation

careless (不注意な) [形] not giving sufficient attention or care to avoiding harm or errors

enterprising (進取の気性に富んだ) [形] having or showing initiative and resourcefulness

ワトソン君、君の永遠のタバコと食事の不規則さで、君は退去通知を受けるだろうし、私も君の没落を共にするだろうが、しかし、神経質な家庭教師、不注意な召使、そして三人の進取の気性に富んだ学生の問題を解決するまではそうはならない。」

Holmes made no further allusion to the matter that day, though he sat lost in thought for a long time after our belated dinner.

make no further allusion (それ以上言及しなかった) [動] not mention something again

that day (その日) [名] the day being referred to

ホームズはその日、遅れた夕食の後で長い間考え込んでいたが、その件についてはそれ以上言及しなかった。

At eight in the morning, he came into my room just as I finished my toilet.

just as (ちょうどその時) [副] at the exact moment that

toilet (身支度) [名] the process of dressing and preparing oneself

朝八時、私が身支度を終えたちょうどその時、彼は私の部屋に入ってきた。

“Well, Watson,” said he, “it is time we went down to St. Luke’s.

St. Luke's (聖ルカ病院) [名] a hospital in London

「さて、ワトソン君」と彼は言った、「聖ルカ病院に行く時間だ。

Can you do without breakfast?”

do without (抜きで) [動] manage without

朝食抜きで大丈夫か?」

“Certainly.”

「もちろん」

“Soames will be in a dreadful fidget until we are able to tell him something positive.”

Soames (ソウムズ) [名] a man's name

be in a dreadful fidget (ひどく落ち着かない) [動] be in a state of great anxiety or nervousness

「ソウムズは我々が何か確実なことを彼に伝えるまで、ひどく落ち着かないだろう。」

“Have you anything positive to tell him?”

positive (確実な) [形] definite; certain

「彼に伝える確実な何かがあるのですか?」

“I think so.”

「そう思う。」

“You have formed a conclusion?”

「結論を出したのですか?」

“Yes, my dear Watson,

「そう、ワトソン君、

I have solved the mystery.”

私は謎を解いた。」

“But what fresh evidence could you have got?”

「しかし、どんな新しい証拠を得たのですか?」

“Aha! It is not for nothing that I have turned myself out of bed at the untimely hour of six.

turn oneself out of bed (起きる) [動] get out of bed

untimely hour (早朝) [名] an early time of day

「ああ! 私が早朝の6時に起きたのは無駄ではなかった。

I have put in two hours’ hard work and covered at least five miles, with something to show for it.

put in (こなす) [動] to spend a certain amount of time working

hard work (ハードワーク) [名] a great deal of effort or endurance

cover (歩く) [動] to travel over a distance

私は2時間のハードワークをこなし、少なくとも5マイルを歩き、何かを得た。

Look at that!”

あれを見ろ!」

He held out his hand.

彼は手を差し出した。

On the palm were three little pyramids of black, doughy clay.

palm (手のひら) [名] the inner surface of the hand

手のひらには黒い粘土でできた3つの小さなピラミッドがあった。

“Why, Holmes, you had only two yesterday.”

「おい、ホームズ、昨日は2本しかなかったぞ」

“And one more this morning.

one more (もう1本) [名] an additional one

「そして今朝もう1本。

It is a fair argument that wherever No. 3 came from is also the source of Nos. 1 and 2.

come from (来た) [動] move or travel from one place to another

source (ところ) [名] the place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained

3番がどこから来たにせよ、1番と2番も同じところから来たと考えるのが妥当だ。

Eh, Watson?

なあ、ワトソン?

Well, come along and put friend Soames out of his pain.”

pain (苦しみ) [名] a highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury

さあ、一緒に行って、友人のソームズの苦しみを取り除いてあげよう」

The unfortunate tutor was certainly in a state of pitiable agitation when we found him in his chambers.

私たちが彼の部屋を訪ねた時、この不幸な家庭教師は確かに哀れなほど動揺していた。

In a few hours the examination would commence, and he was still in the dilemma between making the facts public and allowing the culprit to compete for the valuable scholarship.

a few hours (数時間) [名] a small number of hours

commence (始まる) [動] start

make public (公表する) [動] to make known to the general public

culprit (犯人) [名] a person who is guilty of a crime or who is responsible for a particular problem or error

compete (受ける) [動] take part in a contest

あと数時間で試験が始まるというのに、彼は事実を公表するか、犯人に貴重な奨学金の試験を受けさせるか、というジレンマに陥っていた。

He could hardly stand still so great was his mental agitation, and he ran towards Holmes with two eager hands outstretched.

stand still (じっと立つ) [動] to remain in one place without moving

mental agitation (精神的動揺) [名] a state of mental unrest or anxiety

run towards (向かって走る) [動] to move quickly by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

two eager hands (両手を差し出して) [名] two hands that are eager to do something

彼は精神的に非常に動揺していたので、じっと立っていることがほとんどできず、両手を差し出してホームズに向かって走った。

“Thank heaven that you have come!

「来てくれて本当によかった!

I feared that you had given it up in despair.

君が絶望して諦めてしまったのではないかと心配していたんだ。

What am I to do?

am to do (どうしたらいいんだ) [動] be supposed to do

私はどうしたらいいんだ?

Shall the examination proceed?”

検査を進めましょうか?」

“Yes, let it proceed, by all means.”

by all means (是非とも) [副] without fail; certainly

「はい、是非とも進めてください」

“But this rascal?—”

「しかしこの悪党は?-」

“He shall not compete.”

「彼は競技に参加させない」

“You know him?”

「彼を知っているんですか?」

“I think so. If this matter is not to become public, we must give ourselves certain powers and resolve ourselves into a small private court-martial.

think so (そう思う) [動] be of the opinion that something is true or probable

become public (公になる) [動] be made known to the general public

resolve (開く) [動] find a solution to

court-martial (軍法会議) [名] a military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law

「そう思う。この件を公にしないためには、我々は我々自身に一定の権限を与え、小さな私的な軍法会議を開かなければならない。

You there, if you please, Soames!

please (来てくれ) [動] make happy or satisfied

ソウムズ、そこへ来てくれ!

Watson, you here!

ワトソン、君がここに!

I’ll take the armchair in the middle.

take (座る) [動] sit on

私は真ん中の肘掛け椅子に座ろう。

I think that we are now sufficiently imposing to strike terror into a guilty breast.

strike terror into (恐怖を抱かせる) [動] cause to feel terror

これで、罪を犯した者の胸に恐怖を抱かせるのに十分な威圧感を与えたと思う。

Kindly ring the bell!”

ring (鳴らす) [動] cause to make a sound

ベルを鳴らしてくれ!」

Bannister entered, and shrank back in evident surprise and fear at our judicial appearance.

judicial (裁判官のような) [形] of, by, or appropriate to a court of law or to a judge

バニスターが入ってきて、私たちの裁判官のような態度に驚きと恐怖を抱いて後ずさりした。

“You will kindly close the door,” said Holmes.

「ドアを閉めてくれ」とホームズは言った。

“Now, Bannister, will you please tell us the truth about yesterday’s incident?”

「さて、バニスター、昨日の事件について真実を話してくれないか?」

The man turned white to the roots of his hair.

turn white (真っ白になる) [動] become white

root (根元) [名] the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground and absorbs water and nutrients

男は髪の毛の根元まで真っ白になった。

“I have told you everything, sir.”

「私は全てを話しました、旦那様」

“Nothing to add?”

「付け加えることは何もない?」

“Nothing at all, sir.”

nothing at all (全くありません) [名] not a thing; no single thing

「全くありません、旦那様」

“Well, then, I must make some suggestions to you.

「では、私はあなたにいくつかの提案をしなければならない。

When you sat down on that chair yesterday, did you do so in order to conceal some object which would have shown who had been in the room?”

昨日あなたがあの椅子に座ったのは、部屋に誰がいたかを示していたであろう何かの物体を隠すためだったのか?」

Bannister’s face was ghastly.

バニスターの顔は恐ろしかった。

“No, sir, certainly not.”

not (ありません) [副] a word that expresses negation

「いいえ、旦那様、絶対にありません」

“It is only a suggestion,” said Holmes, suavely.

suavely (穏やかに) [副] smoothly and confidently

「それはただの提案だ」とホームズは穏やかに言った。

“I frankly admit that I am unable to prove it.

unable (できない) [形] not having the necessary power, skill, or resources to do something

「私はそれを証明できないことを率直に認める。

But it seems probable enough, since the moment that Mr. Soames’s back was turned, you released the man who was hiding in that bedroom.”

release (逃がす) [動] set free

しかし、ソウムズ氏が背を向けた瞬間に、あの寝室に隠れていた男を逃がしたのだから、十分にあり得ることだ」

Bannister licked his dry lips.

lick (なめる) [動] move the tongue over the surface of

バニスターは乾いた唇をなめた。

“There was no man, sir.”

「男なんていませんよ」

“Ah, that’s a pity, Bannister.

「ああ、それは残念だ、バニスター。

Up to now you may have spoken the truth, but now I know that you have lied.”

speak the truth (真実を語る) [動] tell the truth

今までは真実を語っていたかもしれないが、今は嘘をついていることが分かった」

The man’s face set in sullen defiance.

set in (なる) [動] start to happen or exist

男の顔は不機嫌な反抗的な表情になった。

“There was no man, sir.”

「男なんていませんよ」

“Come, come, Bannister!”

「おいおい、バニスター!」

“No, sir, there was no one.”

「いいえ、誰もいません」

“In that case, you can give us no further information.

「その場合、これ以上の情報は得られませんね。

Would you please remain in the room?

部屋に残っていただけますか?

Stand over there near the bedroom door.

over there (あそこ) [副] in that place

寝室のドアの近くに立って。

Now, Soames, I am going to ask you to have the great kindness to go up to the room of young Gilchrist, and to ask him to step down into yours.”

have the great kindness (頼んでもらえますか) [動] be very kind

go up (上がって) [動] move to a higher position

step down (降りてきて) [動] move to a lower position

yours (あなたの) [代] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

さて、ソームズ、ギルクリスト青年の部屋に上がって、彼にあなたの部屋に降りてきてもらうよう頼んでもらえますか?」

An instant later the tutor returned, bringing with him the student.

すぐに家庭教師が戻ってきて、学生を連れてきた。

He was a fine figure of a man, tall, lithe, and agile, with a springy step and a pleasant, open face.

fine figure (立派な体格) [名] a person with an attractive body

lithe (しなやか) [形] moving or bending easily and gracefully

agile (機敏) [形] able to move quickly and easily

彼は背が高く、しなやかで、機敏で、弾むような足取りと愛想の良い、開けた顔立ちをした立派な体格の男だった。

His troubled blue eyes glanced at each of us, and finally rested with an expression of blank dismay upon Bannister in the farther corner.

troubled (困惑した) [形] worried or anxious

blank (呆然とした) [形] lacking interest or expression

彼の困惑した青い目は私たち一人一人をちらっと見て、ついに遠くの隅にいるバニスターに呆然とした表情で落ち着いた。

“Just close the door,” said Holmes.

「ドアを閉めて」とホームズは言った。

“Now, Mr. Gilchrist, we are all quite alone here, and no one need ever know one word of what passes between us.

Mr. Gilchrist (ギルクリストさん) [名] a man's name

quite alone (全く一人きり) [形] without any other people

「さて、ギルクリストさん、私たちはここでは全く一人きりで、私たちの間で交わされる言葉を誰も知る必要はありません。

We can be perfectly frank with each other.

be frank with (率直に話す) [動] to be honest with

私たちはお互いに完全に率直に話すことができます。

We want to know, Mr. Gilchrist, how you, an honourable man, ever came to commit such an action as that of yesterday?”

want to know (知りたい) [動] wish to know

ギルクリストさん、私たちは、あなたのような立派な人が、どうして昨日のようなことをしたのかを知りたいのです」

The unfortunate young man staggered back, and cast a look full of horror and reproach at Bannister.

back (後ずさり) [副] to or toward the rear

cast (向ける) [動] direct or throw forcefully

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

reproach (非難) [名] a rebuke or criticism

不幸な青年はよろめきながら後ずさり、恐怖と非難のまなざしをバニスターに向けた。

“No, no, Mr. Gilchrist, sir, I never said a word—never one word!” cried the servant.

「いいえ、いいえ、ギルクリストさん、私は一言も言いませんでした、一言も!」と召使は叫んだ。

“No, but you have now,” said Holmes.

「いいえ、でも今言いました」とホームズは言った。

“Now, sir, you must see that after Bannister’s words your position is hopeless, and that your only chance lies in a frank confession.”

hopeless (絶望的) [形] having no hope

「さて、あなたもバニスターの言葉を聞いた後では、あなたの立場が絶望的であり、唯一のチャンスは率直に告白することにあることを理解したでしょう」

For a moment Gilchrist, with upraised hand, tried to control his writhing features.

for a moment (しばらくの間) [副] for a short period of time

upraised (挙げた) [形] raised

control (抑える) [動] have power over; dominate

writhing (歪んだ) [形] twisting or turning in a violent or contorted manner

ギルクリストはしばらくの間、手を挙げて、歪んだ顔を抑えようとした。

The next he had thrown himself on his knees beside the table, and burying his face in his hands, he had burst into a storm of passionate sobbing.

throw oneself on one's knees (ひざまずく) [動] to go down on one's knees

passionate (激しい) [形] showing strong feelings of love, hate, anger, etc.

sobbing (すすり泣き) [名] the act of crying with short, quick breaths

次の瞬間、彼はテーブルの横にひざまずき、顔を両手で覆い、激しく泣き出した。

“Come, come,” said Holmes, kindly, “it is human to err, and at least no one can accuse you of being a callous criminal.

err (過ちを犯す) [動] make a mistake

accuse (非難する) [動] charge with a crime or offense

callous (冷酷な) [形] showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

「さあ、さあ」とホームズは優しく言った。「過ちを犯すのは人間の常で、少なくとも誰もあなたを冷酷な犯罪者だと非難することはできない。

Perhaps it would be easier for you if I were to tell Mr. Soames what occurred, and you can check me where I am wrong.

be easier for (楽かもしれない) [動] be less difficult for

what occurred (何が起こったのか) [名] what happened

check (訂正する) [動] examine or inspect for accuracy, quality, or completeness

私がソウムズさんに何が起こったのかを話し、間違っているところは訂正していただいた方が楽かもしれませんね。

Shall I do so?

shall (しましょうか) [助] used to make offers, requests, and suggestions

そうしましょうか?

Well, well, don’t trouble to answer.

まあ、まあ、答える必要はない。

Listen, and see that I do you no injustice.

聞いてくれ、私が君に不当な扱いをしていないか確かめてくれ。

“From the moment, Mr. Soames, that you said to me that no one, not even Bannister, could have told that the papers were in your room, the case began to take a definite shape in my mind.

from the moment (その瞬間から) [副] from the time that

not even (でさえ) [副] not

could have told (知らなかった) [動] be able to say

papers (書類) [名] a sheet of paper with writing on it

were in (あった) [動] be in

your room (あなたの部屋) [名] the room that you are in

the case (この事件) [名] the situation that is being discussed

began to take (取り始めました) [動] start to have

a definite shape (明確な形) [名] a clear and definite form

in my mind (私の頭の中で) [名] the part of a person that thinks, feels, and remembers

「ソウムズさん、誰も、バニスターでさえ、その書類があなたの部屋にあることを知らなかったとあなたが言った瞬間から、この事件は私の頭の中で明確な形を取り始めました。

The printer one could, of course, dismiss.

dismiss (除外する) [動] to refuse to consider or accept

印刷業者は、もちろん、除外できる。

He could examine the papers in his own office.

彼は自分の事務所でその書類を調べることができた。

The Indian I also thought nothing of.

think nothing of (何も考えない) [動] not to be concerned about something

インド人についても私は何も考えなかった。

If the proofs were in a roll, he could not possibly know what they were.

もし校正刷りが巻物になっていたら、彼はそれが何であるか知ることはできなかっただろう。

On the other hand, it seemed an unthinkable coincidence that a man should dare to enter the room, and that by chance on that very day the papers were on the table.

unthinkable (考えられない) [形] too bad or shocking to be considered

一方で、男が部屋に入る勇気を持つということと、その日にたまたま書類がテーブルの上にあったということは、考えられない偶然の一致に思えた。

I dismissed that.

私はそれを退けた。

The man who entered knew that the papers were there.

侵入した男は書類がそこにあることを知っていた。

How did he know?

彼はどうやって知ったのだろう?

“When I approached your room, I examined the window.

「あなたの部屋に近づいた時、私は窓を調べた。

You amused me by supposing that I was contemplating the possibility of someone having in broad daylight, under the eyes of all these opposite rooms, forced himself through it.

contemplate (考える) [動] think carefully about something

under the eyes of (目の前で) [名] in the presence of

force (無理やり通る) [動] make someone or something do something or move somewhere by using physical strength or violence

君は私が誰かが白昼堂々、これらの向かい側の部屋の全ての目の前で、そこを無理やり通った可能性を考えていると思って私を楽しませてくれた。

Such an idea was absurd.

そのような考えは馬鹿げている。

I was measuring how tall a man would need to be in order to see, as he passed, what papers were on the central table.

measure (測る) [動] ascertain the size, amount, or degree of (something) by using an instrument or device marked in standard units or by comparing it with an object of known size

tall (高い) [形] of great vertical extent

私は人が通り過ぎる時に中央のテーブルの上の書類が何かを見るためにどれくらいの身長が必要かを測っていた。

I am six feet high, and I could do it with an effort.

私は身長が6フィートあり、努力すればそれをすることができた。

No one less than that would have a chance.

less than (より低い) [前] not as much as

have a chance (チャンスがある) [動] have the possibility of doing something

それより低い人は誰もチャンスはないだろう。

Already you see I had reason to think that, if one of your three students was a man of unusual height, he was the most worth watching of the three.

すでにお分かりのように、もしあなたの3人の学生の1人が異常に背の高い男なら、彼が3人の中で最も注目に値すると考えるのには理由があった。

“I entered, and I took you into my confidence as to the suggestions of the side table.

「私は中に入り、サイドテーブルの示唆についてあなたに打ち明けた。

Of the centre table I could make nothing, until in your description of Gilchrist you mentioned that he was a long-distance jumper.

centre table (センターテーブル) [名] a table that is placed in the middle of a room

make nothing (何も理解できない) [動] be unable to understand

long-distance jumper (長距離ジャンパー) [名] someone who jumps long distances

センターテーブルについては、あなたがギルクリストについて彼が長距離ジャンパーだと言及するまで、私は何も理解できなかった。

Then the whole thing came to me in an instant, and I only needed certain corroborative proofs, which I speedily obtained.

come to (理解する) [動] to understand or realize something

certain (確かな) [形] sure; confident

corroborative (裏付け) [形] providing support or evidence

speedily (すぐに) [副] quickly; rapidly

すると、一瞬で全てが理解でき、あとは確かな裏付けだけが必要だったが、それはすぐに手に入った。

“What happened was this.

「起こったことはこうだ。

This young fellow had employed his afternoon at the athletic grounds, where he had been practising the jump.

athletic ground (運動場) [名] a place where sports are played

jump (ジャンプ) [名] the act of jumping

この若者は午後を運動場で過ごし、そこでジャンプの練習をしていた。

He returned carrying his jumping-shoes, which are provided, as you are aware, with several sharp spikes.

jumping-shoe (ジャンプシューズ) [名] a shoe with a spiked sole used for jumping

spike (スパイク) [名] a thin, sharp piece of metal or wood

彼はジャンプシューズを持ち帰ったが、ご存じのように、それには鋭いスパイクがいくつか付いている。

As he passed your window he saw, by means of his great height, these proofs upon your table, and conjectured what they were.

彼があなたの窓を通り過ぎたとき、彼は背が高いので、あなたのテーブルの上にこれらの証拠を見て、それが何であるかを推測した。

No harm would have been done had it not been that, as he passed your door, he perceived the key which had been left by the carelessness of your servant.

have been done (起こっただろう) [動] have happened

had it not been that (もし~でなければ) [接] if it were not the case that

carelessness (不注意) [名] the trait of lacking care

彼があなたのドアを通り過ぎたとき、あなたの召使の不注意で残された鍵に気づかなければ、何の害もなかっただろう。

A sudden impulse came over him to enter, and see if they were indeed the proofs.

come over (駆られる) [動] to affect or seize suddenly

see (確認する) [動] to find out or check by looking

彼は突然、中に入って、それらが本当に証拠であるかどうかを確認したい衝動に駆られた。

It was not a dangerous exploit for he could always pretend that he had simply looked in to ask a question.

exploit (行為) [名] a notable or heroic act

pretend (ふりをする) [動] act as if something is the case when in fact it is not

それは危険な行為ではなかった。なぜなら、彼はいつでも質問をするために立ち寄ったふりをすることができたからだ。

“Well, when he saw that they were indeed the proofs, it was then that he yielded to temptation.

yield (負ける) [動] give way to

temptation (誘惑) [名] the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

「さて、彼はそれらが本当に証拠であることを知ったとき、彼は誘惑に負けた。

He put his shoes on the table.

彼は靴をテーブルに置いた。

What was it you put on that chair near the window?”

窓の近くの椅子に何を置いたんだ?」

“Gloves,” said the young man.

glove (手袋) [名] a covering for the hand

「手袋」と若者は言った。

Holmes looked triumphantly at Bannister.

triumphantly (勝ち誇ったように) [副] in a triumphant manner

ホームズは勝ち誇ったようにバニスターを見た。

“He put his gloves on the chair, and he took the proofs, sheet by sheet, to copy them.

「彼は手袋を椅子に置き、校正刷りを一枚一枚取って書き写した。

He thought the tutor must return by the main gate and that he would see him.

main gate (正門) [名] the main entrance to a place

彼は家庭教師が正門から帰ってくるに違いないと思い、彼に会えるだろうと思った。

As we know, he came back by the side gate.

as we know (ご存じのように) [副] as you know

side gate (横の門) [名] a gate on the side of a building or enclosure

ご存じのように、彼は横の門から帰ってきた。

Suddenly he heard him at the very door.

突然、彼はドアのすぐそばで彼の声を聞いた。

There was no possible escape.

逃げ道はなかった。

He forgot his gloves but he caught up his shoes and darted into the bedroom.

彼は手袋を忘れたが、靴をつかんで寝室に飛び込んだ。

You observe that the scratch on that table is slight at one side, but deepens in the direction of the bedroom door.

deepen (深くなる) [動] become deeper

あのテーブルの傷は片側が浅く、寝室のドアの方向に向かって深くなっているのがわかるだろう。

That in itself is enough to show us that the shoe had been drawn in that direction, and that the culprit had taken refuge there.

in itself (それだけで) [副] without taking anything else into consideration

take refuge (逃げ込む) [動] to go to a place of safety

それだけでも、靴がその方向に引っ張られ、犯人がそこに逃げ込んだことを示すのに十分だ。

The earth round the spike had been left on the table, and a second sample was loosened and fell in the bedroom.

loosen (緩む) [動] make or become loose

スパイクの周りの土はテーブルの上に残され、2つ目のサンプルは緩んで寝室に落ちた。

I may add that I walked out to the athletic grounds this morning, saw that tenacious black clay is used in the jumping-pit and carried away a specimen of it, together with some of the fine tan or sawdust which is strewn over it to prevent the athlete from slipping.

walk out (歩いて行く) [動] leave a place by walking

tenacious (粘り強い) [形] holding fast

black clay (黒い粘土) [名] a type of clay that is black in color

jumping-pit (跳躍ピット) [名] a pit filled with sand or sawdust for jumping into

carry away (持ち帰る) [動] take something away with you

fine tan (細かい日焼け) [名] a type of tan that is very light in color

athlete (選手) [名] a person who is trained in or good at sports

付け加えると、私は今朝運動場まで歩いて行き、跳躍ピットに粘り強い黒い粘土が使われていることを見て、その標本を、選手が滑らないようにその上に撒かれた細かい日焼けしたおがくずと一緒に持ち帰った。

Have I told the truth, Mr. Gilchrist?”

tell the truth (真実を語る) [動] be honest

ギルクリストさん、私は真実を語ったでしょうか?」

The student had drawn himself erect.

draw oneself erect (身を起こす) [動] to sit or stand up straight

学生は身を起こした。

“Yes, sir, it is true,” said he.

「はい、本当です」と彼は言った。

“Good heavens! have you nothing to add?” cried Soames.

have nothing to add (付け加えることは何もない) [動] have no further information to give

cried (叫んだ) [動] say something loudly, as in surprise, anger, or pain

「なんてことだ! 付け加えることは何もないんですか?」とソームズは叫んだ。

“Yes, sir, I have, but the shock of this disgraceful exposure has bewildered me.

bewilder (混乱させる) [動] confuse or puzzle utterly

「はい、あります、しかしこの恥ずべき暴露の衝撃で私は混乱しています。

I have a letter here, Mr. Soames, which I wrote to you early this morning in the middle of a restless night.

have a letter (手紙がある) [動] be in possession of a letter

restless night (落ち着かない夜) [名] a night during which one is unable to sleep or rest

ソームズさん、ここに手紙があります、今朝早く、落ち着かない夜の真ん中にあなたに書いたものです。

It was before I knew that my sin had found me out.

sin (罪) [名] an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law

それは私の罪が私を見つけ出したと知る前のことでした。

Here it is, sir.

これがそうです、先生。

You will see that I have said, ‘I have determined not to go in for the examination.

determine (決める) [動] decide or settle in advance

go in for (受ける) [動] take part in; participate in

私が「私は試験を受けないことに決めた。

I have been offered a commission in the Rhodesian Police, and I am going out to South Africa at once.’”

be offered (申し出られる) [動] be given the opportunity to have or do something

commission (任務) [名] an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people

Rhodesian Police (ローデシア警察) [名] the police force of Rhodesia

私はローデシア警察の任務を申し出られたので、すぐに南アフリカに出かけます」と言ったことをご覧になるでしょう。

“I am indeed pleased to hear that you did not intend to profit by your unfair advantage,” said Soames.

pleased (嬉しい) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction

unfair (不当な) [形] not just or fair; unjust

advantage (優位性) [名] a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favourable or superior position

「あなたが不当な優位性によって利益を得るつもりがなかったと聞いて本当に嬉しく思います」とソームズは言った。

“But why did you change your purpose?”

「しかし、なぜあなたは目的を変えたのですか?」

Gilchrist pointed to Bannister.

ギルクリストはバニスターを指さした。

“There is the man who set me in the right path,” said he.

set (導く) [動] cause to be in a specified state

「私を正しい道に導いてくれた人がいます」と彼は言った。

“Come now, Bannister,” said Holmes.

「さあ、バニスター」とホームズは言った。

“It will be clear to you, from what I have said, that only you could have let this young man out, since you were left in the room, and must have locked the door when you went out.

be clear to (明らかである) [動] be easy to understand

what I have said (私が言ったことから) [名] the thing that I said

be left in (残される) [動] be not taken away

「私が言ったことから、あなただけがこの若者を外に出すことが出来たということはあなたには明らかでしょう。なぜなら、あなたは部屋に残され、あなたが外出したときにはドアを閉めたに違いないからです。

As to his escaping by that window, it was incredible.

彼があの窓から逃げたなんて信じられない。

Can you not clear up the last point in this mystery, and tell us the reasons for your action?”

この謎の最後の点を明らかにして、あなたの行動の理由を教えてもらえませんか?」

“It was simple enough, sir, if you only had known, but, with all your cleverness, it was impossible that you could know.

cleverness (賢さ) [名] the quality of being clever; ingenuity or shrewdness

「それは十分に単純なことでした、もしあなたが知っていたらですが、あなたの賢さでは、知ることは不可能でした。

Time was, sir, when I was butler to old Sir Jabez Gilchrist, this young gentleman’s father.

time was (昔) [名] a time in the past

Jabez Gilchrist (ジャベス・ギルクリスト) [名] a male character in the story

昔、私はこの若い紳士の父親である老ジャベス・ギルクリスト卿の執事でした。

When he was ruined I came to the college as servant, but I never forgot my old employer because he was down in the world.

be ruined (破産する) [動] be destroyed or decayed

彼が破産したとき、私は使用人として大学に来ましたが、私は昔の雇い主を忘れることはありませんでした。

I watched his son all I could for the sake of the old days.

all I could (できる限り) [副] to the best of one's ability

for the sake of (思い出して) [前] for the purpose of; in order to

私は昔を思い出して、彼の息子をできる限り見守っていました。

Well, sir, when I came into this room yesterday, when the alarm was given, the very first thing I saw was Mr. Gilchrist’s tan gloves a-lying in that chair.

very first (最初に) [形] earliest; before all others

tan (黄褐色の) [形] of a light brown color

昨日、私がこの部屋に入ったとき、警報が発令されたとき、私が最初に目にしたのは、ギルクリスト氏の黄褐色の手袋があの椅子に置いてあったことです。

I knew those gloves well, and I understood their message.

私はあの手袋をよく知っていましたし、そのメッセージも理解していました。

If Mr. Soames saw them, the game was up.

Mr. Soames (ソウムズ氏) [名] a character in the story

ソウムズ氏がそれを見たら、ゲームは終わりです。

I flopped down into that chair, and nothing would budge me until Mr. Soames he went for you.

flop down (どっかりと腰を下ろす) [動] sit or fall heavily

go for (迎えに行く) [動] go to get someone or something

私はあの椅子にどっかりと腰を下ろし、ソウムズ氏があなたを迎えに行くまで、何も動かそうとしませんでした。

Then out came my poor young master, whom I had dandled on my knee, and confessed it all to me.

dandle (抱っこする) [動] move (someone) up and down in one's arms or on one's knee

すると、私の膝の上で抱っこしていた可哀想な若い主人が出てきて、すべてを告白したのです。

Wasn’t it natural, sir, that I should save him, and wasn’t it natural also that I should try to speak to him as his dead father would have done, and make him understand that he could not profit by such a deed?

私が彼を救うのは当然のことではありませんか? また、亡き父がそうしたように彼に話しかけ、そのような行為では利益を得られないことを理解させるのも当然のことではありませんか?

Could you blame me, sir?”

私を責めることはできますか?」

“No, indeed,” said Holmes, heartily, springing to his feet.

「いいえ、確かに」とホームズは心から立ち上がった。

“Well, Soames, I think we have cleared your little problem up, and our breakfast awaits us at home. Come, Watson!

「さて、ソームズ、私たちはあなたの小さな問題を解決したと思うし、朝食が家で待っている。来い、ワトソン!

As to you, sir, I trust that a bright future awaits you in Rhodesia.

Rhodesia (ローデシア) [名] a former republic in southern Africa

あなたについては、ローデシアで明るい未来が待っていると信じている。

For once you have fallen low.

fall low (落ちぶれる) [動] to sink to a low level

一度は落ちぶれたのだから。

Let us see, in the future, how high you can rise.”

将来、どれだけ高く上がれるか見てみましょう」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE GOLDEN PINCE-NEZ

golden (金の) [形] made of gold

pince-nez (鼻眼鏡) [名] a pair of glasses with a nose clip instead of earpieces

金縁の鼻眼鏡

When I look at the three massive manuscript volumes which contain our work for the year 1894, I confess that it is very difficult for me, out of such a wealth of material, to select the cases which are most interesting in themselves, and at the same time most conducive to a display of those peculiar powers for which my friend was famous.

massive (分厚い) [形] large and heavy or solid

conducive (発揮している) [形] tending to cause or bring about

display (発揮) [名] a visual presentation of information

一八九四年の私たちの仕事を収めた三冊の分厚い手書きの記録を見ると、これだけ豊富な材料の中から、それ自体が最も興味深く、同時に私の友人が有名になったあの独特の能力を最も発揮している事件を選び出すのは、私にとって非常に難しいことだと白状せざるを得ない。

As I turn over the pages, I see my notes upon the repulsive story of the red leech and the terrible death of Crosby, the banker.

repulsive (嫌な) [形] causing strong feelings of disgust

leech (ヒル) [名] an aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm that has a sucker at each end of its body and feeds on the blood of vertebrates

ページをめくると、赤いヒルの嫌な話と銀行家クロスビーの恐ろしい死に関する私のメモが目に映る。

Here also I find an account of the Addleton tragedy, and the singular contents of the ancient British barrow.

barrow (墳墓) [名] an ancient grave mound

ここにはアドルトンの悲劇と古代イギリスの墳墓の奇妙な中身についての記述もある。

The famous Smith-Mortimer succession case comes also within this period, and so does the tracking and arrest of Huret, the Boulevard assassin—an exploit which won for Holmes an autograph letter of thanks from the French President and the Order of the Legion of Honour.

so (また) [副] also

tracking (追跡) [名] the act of following someone or something

win (授与される) [動] be awarded

autograph (直筆) [名] a person's own signature

thanks (感謝) [名] gratitude

order (勲章) [名] a mark of honor or rank

legion (レジオンドヌール) [名] a large military force

有名なスミス・モーティマー相続事件もこの時期に起こったし、大通りの殺人犯ユレの追跡と逮捕もこの時期だった。この功績でホームズはフランス大統領から直筆の感謝状とレジオンドヌール勲章を授与された。

Each of these would furnish a narrative, but on the whole I am of opinion that none of them unites so many singular points of interest as the episode of Yoxley Old Place, which includes not only the lamentable death of young Willoughby Smith, but also those subsequent developments which threw so curious a light upon the causes of the crime.

furnish (提供する) [動] supply or provide

be of opinion (思っている) [動] have a belief or judgment about something

unite (集まっている) [動] join or combine

singular (興味深い) [形] very great or intense

episode (エピソード) [名] an event or a series of events that form part of a story

Yoxley Old Place (ヨックスリー・オールド・プレイス) [名] a fictional place in the story

not only (だけでなく) [接] and also; as well as

lamentable (悲惨な) [形] causing or worthy of sorrow or regret

Willoughby Smith (ウィロビー・スミス) [名] a fictional character in the story

subsequent (展開) [形] coming after something in time; following

これらの事件はどれも物語になるだろうが、全体的に見て、若いウィロビー・スミスの悲惨な死だけでなく、その後の展開で犯罪の原因に奇妙な光を投げかけたヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスのエピソードほど、興味深い点が集まっているものはないと私は思っている。

It was a wild, tempestuous night, towards the close of November.

close (終わり) [名] the end of something

十一月の終わりに近い、荒れ狂う嵐の夜だった。

Holmes and I sat together in silence all the evening, he engaged with a powerful lens deciphering the remains of the original inscription upon a palimpsest, I deep in a recent treatise upon surgery.

lens (レンズ) [名] a piece of glass or other transparent substance with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light and other radiation

decipher (解読する) [動] convert from a code or cipher into ordinary language

palimpsest (パリンプセスト) [名] a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain

deep (没頭する) [形] extending far down from the top or surface

treatise (論文) [名] a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject

ホームズと私は夕方ずっと黙って一緒に座っていた。彼は強力なレンズでパリンプセスト上の元の碑文の残骸を解読し、私は最近の手術論文に没頭していた。

Outside the wind howled down Baker Street, while the rain beat fiercely against the windows.

howl (吹き荒れる) [動] make a long, loud, mournful cry

外では風がベイカー街を吹き荒れ、雨が激しく窓を叩いていた。

It was strange there, in the very depths of the town, with ten miles of man’s handiwork on every side of us, to feel the iron grip of Nature, and to be conscious that to the huge elemental forces all London was no more than the molehills that dot the fields.

handiwork (手で作られたもの) [名] work done with the hands

iron grip (鉄の握り) [名] a strong and forceful hold

elemental (自然の) [形] of or relating to the powers of nature

molehill (モグラ塚) [名] a mound of earth thrown up by a mole in digging its burrow

街の真ん中で、私たちの周囲十マイルには人間の手で作られたものしかないのに、自然の鉄の握りを感じ、巨大な自然の力にとってロンドン全体が野原に点在するモグラ塚にすぎないことを意識するのは奇妙なことだった。

I walked to the window, and looked out on the deserted street.

私は窓まで歩き、人通りのない通りを眺めた。

The occasional lamps gleamed on the expanse of muddy road and shining pavement.

occasional (時折) [形] happening or done infrequently and irregularly

時折、泥だらけの道や光る歩道に街灯が輝いていた。

A single cab was splashing its way from the Oxford Street end.

一台の馬車がオックスフォード街の端から水しぶきを上げながらやってきた。

“Well, Watson, it’s as well we have not to turn out to-night,” said Holmes, laying aside his lens and rolling up the palimpsest.

turn out (出かける) [動] go out

lay aside (脇に置く) [動] put to one side

「さて、ワトソン、今夜は出かけなくてよかった」とホームズはレンズを脇に置き、パリンプセストを巻き上げながら言った。

“I’ve done enough for one sitting.

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

「一回で十分やった。

It is trying work for the eyes.

try (疲れる) [動] make a very great effort

目が疲れる仕事だ。

So far as I can make out, it is nothing more exciting than an Abbey’s accounts dating from the second half of the fifteenth century.

make out (解読する) [動] decipher or interpret

nothing more (に過ぎない) [名] only

exciting (刺激的な) [形] causing great interest or eagerness

abbey (修道院) [名] a building occupied by a community of monks or nuns

date from (~に遡る) [動] have its origins in a particular time in the past

私の解読した限りでは、十五世紀後半の修道院の記録に過ぎない。

Halloa! halloa! halloa! What’s this?”

おい! おい! おい! これは何だ?」

Amid the droning of the wind there had come the stamping of a horse’s hoofs, and the long grind of a wheel as it rasped against the curb.

amid (混じって) [前] in or into the middle of

grind (擦れる) [動] rub or cause to rub together harshly or gratingly

curb (縁石) [名] a stone or concrete edging to a pavement or raised path

風の音に混じって、馬のひづめの音と、車輪が縁石に擦れる長い音が聞こえてきた。

The cab which I had seen had pulled up at our door.

私が見た馬車が我々のドアの前に止まっていた。

“What can he want?” I ejaculated, as a man stepped out of it.

want (用) [名] a need or wish for something

ejaculate (叫ぶ) [動] to say something suddenly and loudly

「何の用だろう?」と私は叫んだ。男が馬車から降りてきた。

“Want? He wants us.

「用? 彼は我々を必要としている。

And we, my poor Watson, want overcoats and cravats and goloshes, and every aid that man ever invented to fight the weather.

we (我々) [代] I and another or others

goloshes (ゴロッシュ) [名] a waterproof overshoe

そして我々は、私の哀れなワトソン、オーバーコートとクラバット、ゴロッシュ、そして人間が天候と戦うために発明したあらゆる道具が必要だ。

Wait a bit, though!

a bit (ちょっと) [名] a small amount or piece

でもちょっと待って!

There’s the cab off again!

馬車がまた出発した!

There’s hope yet.

まだ希望はある。

He’d have kept it if he had wanted us to come.

彼が我々が来ることを望んでいたなら、彼はそれを保管していただろう。

Run down, my dear fellow, and open the door, for all virtuous folk have been long in bed.”

run down (走って降りる) [動] go down quickly

virtuous (善良な) [形] having or showing high moral standards

走って降りて、親愛なる友よ、そしてドアを開けてくれ、すべての善良な人々は長い間ベッドにいるのだから。」

When the light of the hall lamp fell upon our midnight visitor, I had no difficulty in recognizing him.

玄関のランプの光が真夜中の訪問者に当たったとき、私は彼を認識するのに何の困難もなかった。

It was young Stanley Hopkins, a promising detective, in whose career Holmes had several times shown a very practical interest.

promising (有望な) [形] likely to develop in a good way

それは若いスタンリー・ホプキンス、有望な探偵で、ホームズが何度かその経歴に非常に実際的な関心を示した人物だった。

“Is he in?” he asked, eagerly.

「彼はいますか?」と彼は熱心に尋ねた。

“Come up, my dear sir,” said Holmes’s voice from above.

「上がってきてください、親愛なる」とホームズの声が上から聞こえた。

“I hope you have no designs upon us such a night as this.”

have no designs upon (企んでいない) [動] have no plans to do something

such a night as this (こんな夜) [名] a night like this

「こんな夜に私たちに何か企んではいないでしょうね」

The detective mounted the stairs, and our lamp gleamed upon his shining waterproof.

mount (上る) [動] go up

waterproof (防水服) [名] a garment made of waterproof material

探偵は階段を上り、ランプが彼の光る防水服を照らした。

I helped him out of it, while Holmes knocked a blaze out of the logs in the grate.

knock (燃え上がらせる) [動] cause to fall by striking

blaze (炎) [名] a very large or destructive fire

log (薪) [名] a piece of wood that has been cut for fuel

私が彼のコート脱ぐのを手伝い、ホームズは暖炉の薪を燃え上がらせた。

“Now, my dear Hopkins, draw up and warm your toes,” said he.

draw up (暖める) [動] to make or become warmer

toe (足) [名] the end of a person's foot

「さあ、親愛なるホプキンス、足を暖めなさい」と彼は言った。

“Here’s a cigar, and the doctor has a prescription containing hot water and a lemon, which is good medicine on a night like this.

prescription (処方箋) [名] a written order for a medicine or other treatment

hot water (お湯) [名] water that has been heated

lemon (レモン) [名] a yellow citrus fruit with a sour taste

「ここに葉巻がある、そして医者はこんな夜には良い薬である、お湯とレモンを含む処方箋を持っている。

It must be something important which has brought you out in such a gale.”

bring out (連れてくる) [動] cause to be made available

こんな大嵐の中、君を連れてきたのは何か重要なことであろう。」

“It is indeed, Mr. Holmes.

「確かにそうです、ホームズさん。

I’ve had a bustling afternoon, I promise you.

bustling (忙しい) [形] full of movement and activity

午後はとても忙しかったよ、誓ってもいい。

Did you see anything of the Yoxley case in the latest editions?”

latest (最新の) [形] most recent

edition (版) [名] a particular version of a published work

最新版でヨックスリー事件について何か見たか?」

“I’ve seen nothing later than the fifteenth century to-day.”

later (以降) [副] at a time subsequent to; afterwards

「今日は15世紀以降のものは何も見ていない。」

“Well, it was only a paragraph, and all wrong at that, so you have not missed anything.

miss (見逃す) [動] fail to see, hear, or notice

「まあ、それはたった一段落で、しかも全部間違っていたから、君は何も見逃していない。

I haven’t let the grass grow under my feet.

私は足元に草を生やさなかった。

It’s down in Kent, seven miles from Chatham and three from the railway line.

down (南) [副] in a southerly direction

Kent (ケント州) [名] a county in southeast England

Chatham (チャタム) [名] a town in Kent, England

railway line (鉄道) [名] a track on which trains run

ケント州のチャタムから7マイル、鉄道から3マイルのところにある。

I was wired for at 3:15, reached Yoxley Old Place at 5, conducted my investigation, was back at Charing Cross by the last train, and straight to you by cab.”

3:15 (3時15分) [名] a time

last train (終電) [名] the last train of the day

cab (タクシー) [名] a taxi

3時15分に電報を受け取り、5時にヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスに着き、調査を済ませ、終電でチャリング・クロスに戻り、そのままタクシーで君のところに来た。」

“Which means, I suppose, that you are not quite clear about your case?”

「それは、君が自分の事件についてあまりはっきりしていないということだろう?」

“It means that I can make neither head nor tail of it.

make neither head nor tail of (頭も尾も作れない) [動] be unable to understand

「それは、私には頭も尾も作れないことを意味する。

So far as I can see, it is just as tangled a business as ever I handled, and yet at first it seemed so simple that one couldn’t go wrong.

can see (わかる) [動] be able to see

just as (最も) [副] to the same extent

tangled (複雑な) [形] complicated

handled (扱った) [動] deal with or manage

seemed (見えた) [動] appear to be

couldn't (間違えようがない) [助] could not

私の見るところ、これは私が扱った中で最も複雑な事件だが、最初は間違えようがないほど単純に見えた。

There’s no motive, Mr. Holmes.

動機がないんです、ホームズさん。

That’s what bothers me—I can’t put my hand on a motive.

bother (悩ませる) [動] cause to be anxious or concerned

put one's hand on (手が出せない) [動] to be unable to find or obtain something

それが私を悩ませているところだ。動機に手が出せない。

Here’s a man dead—there’s no denying that—but, so far as I can see, no reason on earth why anyone should wish him harm.”

on earth (地球上) [副] in the world; at all

ここに死んだ男がいるのは否定できないが、私の見る限り、誰も彼に危害を加えたいと願う理由は地球上にはない」

Holmes lit his cigar and leaned back in his chair.

ホームズは葉巻に火をつけ、椅子にもたれかかった。

“Let us hear about it,” said he.

「それについて聞かせてください」と彼は言った。

“I’ve got my facts pretty clear,” said Stanley Hopkins.

pretty (かなり) [副] very or extremely

「私は事実をかなりはっきりと把握している」とスタンレー・ホプキンスは言った。

“All I want now is to know what they all mean.

want (知りたい) [動] wish to know

「私が今知りたいのは、それらがすべて何を意味するのかということだけだ。

The story, so far as I can make it out, is like this.

私の理解する限り、話はこうだ。

Some years ago this country house, Yoxley Old Place, was taken by an elderly man, who gave the name of Professor Coram.

some years ago (数年前) [名] a few years ago

country house (田舎の家) [名] a large house in the country

be taken (占領される) [動] be captured or occupied

elderly man (年配の男性) [名] an old man

Professor Coram (コーラム教授) [名] a professor

数年前、この田舎の家、ヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスは、コーラム教授と名乗る年配の男性に占領された。

He was an invalid, keeping his bed half the time, and the other half hobbling round the house with a stick or being pushed about the grounds by the gardener in a Bath chair.

invalid (病弱な) [形] not valid or legally binding

gardener (庭師) [名] a person who works in a garden

push (押す) [動] move something by using force

彼は病弱で、半分は寝たきりで、残りの半分は杖をついて家の中を歩き回ったり、庭師にバスチェアで敷地内を押してもらったりしていた。

He was well liked by the few neighbours who called upon him, and he has the reputation down there of being a very learned man.

be well liked by (とても好かれる) [動] be liked by many people

learned (博識な) [形] having a lot of knowledge

彼は彼を訪ねた数少ない隣人からとても好かれており、彼はそこではとても博識な人物であるという評判を得ている。

His household used to consist of an elderly housekeeper, Mrs. Marker, and of a maid, Susan Tarlton.

Marker (マーカ) [名] a person who marks something

Susan (スザン) [名] a female given name

Tarlton (タールトン) [名] a surname

彼の家庭は、年配の家政婦のマーカ夫人とメイドのスザン・タールトンから成っていた。

These have both been with him since his arrival, and they seem to be women of excellent character.

been with (共にいた) [動] be in the company of

excellent (優れた) [形] very good

これらは両方とも彼の到着以来彼と共にいて、彼らは優れた性格の女性であるように思われる。

The professor is writing a learned book, and he found it necessary, about a year ago, to engage a secretary.

ago (前) [副] earlier; previously

教授は学術書を執筆しており、約1年前に秘書を雇う必要があった。

The first two that he tried were not successes, but the third, Mr. Willoughby Smith, a very young man straight from the university, seems to have been just what his employer wanted.

Mr. Willoughby Smith (ウィロビー・スミス氏) [名] a person's name

彼が試した最初の2人は成功しなかったが、3人目のウィロビー・スミス氏は大学を卒業したばかりの非常に若い男性で、雇用主が望んでいた通りだったようだ。

His work consisted in writing all the morning to the professor’s dictation, and he usually spent the evening in hunting up references and passages which bore upon the next day’s work.

consist in (~にある) [動] be composed or made up of

dictation (口述筆記) [名] the action of saying words aloud to be typed, written down, or recorded

hunt up (探す) [動] to try to find or obtain

reference (参考文献) [名] the action of mentioning or alluding to something

彼の仕事は午前中ずっと教授の口述筆記をすることで、夕方はたいてい翌日の仕事に関係する参考文献や一節を探すことに費やしていた。

This Willoughby Smith has nothing against him, either as a boy at Uppingham or as a young man at Cambridge.

nothing against (反対するものはない) [名] no reason to dislike or disapprove of

Uppingham (アピンガム) [名] a market town in Rutland, England

Cambridge (ケンブリッジ) [名] a city in Massachusetts, United States

このウィロビー・スミスは、アピンガムの少年としてもケンブリッジの青年としても、彼に反対するものは何もない。

I have seen his testimonials, and from the first he was a decent, quiet, hard-working fellow, with no weak spot in him at all.

testimonial (推薦状) [名] a formal statement testifying to someone's character, qualifications, or achievements

decent (きちんとした) [形] conforming to generally accepted standards of behavior or morality

weak spot (弱点) [名] a place or area that is vulnerable to attack or criticism

私は彼の推薦状を見たが、彼は最初からきちんとした、静かで、勤勉な仲間で、弱点は全くなかった。

And yet this is the lad who has met his death this morning in the professor’s study under circumstances which can point only to murder.”

それなのに、この少年が今朝、教授の書斎で殺人以外には考えられない状況で死んだのだ。」

The wind howled and screamed at the windows.

howl (唸る) [動] to make a long, loud, mournful cry

scream (叫ぶ) [動] to make a loud, high-pitched cry

風が窓に向かって唸り、叫んだ。

Holmes and I drew closer to the fire, while the young inspector slowly and point by point developed his singular narrative.

draw closer (近づく) [動] move or come near or nearer

point by point (ポイントごとに) [副] one item at a time

ホームズと私は火に近づき、若い検査官はゆっくりと、ポイントごとに彼の特異な物語を展開した。

“If you were to search all England,” said he, “I don’t suppose you could find a household more self-contained or freer from outside influences.

self-contained (自給自足の) [形] having everything needed within itself

「イギリス中を探しても、これほど自給自足で、外部の影響を受けていない家庭は見つからないだろう」と彼は言った。

Whole weeks would pass, and not one of them go past the garden gate.

whole week (丸一週間) [名] a period of seven days

go past (越えて外に出ることはなかった) [動] go beyond

丸一週間が過ぎても、誰も庭の門を越えて外に出ることはなかった。

The professor was buried in his work and existed for nothing else.

be buried in (没頭する) [動] be deeply engaged in

教授は仕事に没頭し、それ以外には何も存在しなかった。

Young Smith knew nobody in the neighbourhood, and lived very much as his employer did.

Young Smith (若いスミス) [名] a young man named Smith

know nobody (誰も知らない) [動] be unacquainted with

若いスミスは近所の誰も知らず、雇い主と同じように暮らしていた。

The two women had nothing to take them from the house.

have nothing to (何も〜ない) [動] not have anything to

二人の女性は家から連れ出すものが何もなかった。

Mortimer, the gardener, who wheels the Bath chair, is an army pensioner—an old Crimean man of excellent character.

Mortimer (モーティマー) [名] a male given name

wheel (押す) [動] move or cause to move on wheels

Bath chair (車椅子) [名] a wheelchair

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

pensioner (年金生活者) [名] a person who receives a pension

Crimean (クリミア戦争を経験した) [形] of or relating to Crimea

車椅子を押す庭師のモーティマーは、軍の年金生活者で、クリミア戦争を経験した人格者の老人だ。

He does not live in the house, but in a three-roomed cottage at the other end of the garden.

three-roomed (三部屋の) [形] having three rooms

彼は屋敷には住んでおらず、庭の反対側にある三部屋の小屋に住んでいる。

Those are the only people that you would find within the grounds of Yoxley Old Place.

those (この人たち) [代] the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified

be the only (~だけだ) [動] be the sole or single one

ヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスの敷地内にいるのは、この人たちだけだ。

At the same time, the gate of the garden is a hundred yards from the main London to Chatham road.

同時に、庭の門はロンドンからチャタムへの主要道路から百ヤードのところにある。

It opens with a latch, and there is nothing to prevent anyone from walking in.

latch (掛け金) [名] a fastening for a door or window consisting of a bar that fits into a catch

門は掛け金で開き、誰でも歩いて入るのを妨げるものは何もない。

“Now I will give you the evidence of Susan Tarlton, who is the only person who can say anything positive about the matter.

Susan Tarlton (スーザン・タールトン) [名] a person's name

「さて、この件について何か確かなことが言える唯一の人物であるスーザン・タールトンさんの証言をしよう。

It was in the forenoon, between eleven and twelve.

午前中、十一時から十二時の間だった。

She was engaged at the moment in hanging some curtains in the upstairs front bedroom.

be engaged in (従事している) [動] be occupied with

upstairs (二階) [副] on or to an upper floor

彼女はその時、二階の正面の寝室にカーテンを掛けていた。

Professor Coram was still in bed, for when the weather is bad he seldom rises before midday.

bed (寝床) [名] a place where one sleeps

rise (起きる) [動] get up from lying or sitting

コーラム教授はまだ寝床にいた。天気が悪いと、彼はめったに正午前に起きない。

The housekeeper was busied with some work in the back of the house.

be busy with (忙しい) [動] be occupied with

some work (何かの用事) [名] an unspecified task or activity

家政婦は家の裏で何かの用事に忙しかった。

Willoughby Smith had been in his bedroom, which he uses as a sitting-room, but the maid heard him at that moment pass along the passage and descend to the study immediately below her.

pass along (通る) [動] go through or past

ウィロビー・スミスは居間として使っている寝室にいたが、メイドはその時彼が廊下を通り、彼女の真下にある書斎に降りていくのを聞いた。

She did not see him, but she says that she could not be mistaken in his quick, firm tread.

firm (しっかりした) [形] strong or solid in structure

tread (足音) [名] the action of walking or the sound of someone walking

彼女は彼を見なかったが、彼の素早い、しっかりした足音を間違えるはずがないと言った。

She did not hear the study door close, but a minute or so later there was a dreadful cry in the room below.

彼女は書斎のドアが閉まる音は聞かなかったが、一分ほど後に下の部屋で恐ろしい叫び声がした。

It was a wild, hoarse scream, so strange and unnatural that it might have come either from a man or a woman.

wild (荒々しい) [形] not tame or domesticated

unnatural (不自然な) [形] not natural; artificial

それは荒々しく、しわがれた悲鳴で、とても奇妙で不自然だったので、男から出たのかもしれないし、女から出たのかもしれない。

At the same instant there was a heavy thud, which shook the old house, and then all was silence.

同時に、古い家を揺らす重い音がして、それからすべてが静かになった。

The maid stood petrified for a moment, and then, recovering her courage, she ran downstairs.

petrify (石のように固まる) [動] make someone so frightened that they are unable to move

メイドは一瞬石のように固まっていたが、勇気を取り戻して階下に駆け下りた。

The study door was shut and she opened it.

shut (閉まっている) [動] move into a closed position

書斎のドアは閉まっていたので、彼女はそれを押し開けた。

Inside, young Mr. Willoughby Smith was stretched upon the floor.

stretch (倒れる) [動] be lying down in a relaxed position

中では、若いウィロビー・スミス氏が床に倒れていた。

At first she could see no injury, but as she tried to raise him she saw that blood was pouring from the underside of his neck.

raise (起こす) [動] cause to rise

pour (流れ出る) [動] flow or cause to flow in a stream

最初は怪我は見当たらなかったが、彼を起こそうとすると、首の下から血が流れ出ているのが見えた。

It was pierced by a very small but very deep wound, which had divided the carotid artery.

pierce (刺す) [動] make a hole in

divide (切断する) [動] separate into two or more parts

そこには非常に小さいが非常に深い傷があり、それが頸動脈を切断していた。

The instrument with which the injury had been inflicted lay upon the carpet beside him.

傷をつけた道具は彼の横のカーペットの上に置かれていた。

It was one of those small sealing-wax knives to be found on old-fashioned writing-tables, with an ivory handle and a stiff blade.

sealing-wax (封蝋) [名] a resinous mixture used to seal letters

be found (ある) [動] be present or available

writing-table (ライティングテーブル) [名] a desk

ivory (象牙) [名] the hard white substance of which the tusks of elephants and other animals are made

stiff (硬い) [形] not flexible

それは、象牙の柄と硬い刃を持つ、昔ながらのライティングテーブルにある小さな封蝋ナイフの1つだった。

It was part of the fittings of the professor’s own desk.

fitting (備品) [名] a piece of equipment or furniture that is fixed in position in a room or building

それは教授自身の机の備品の一部だった。

“At first the maid thought that young Smith was already dead, but on pouring some water from the carafe over his forehead he opened his eyes for an instant.

Smith (スミス) [名] a common family name

on (~すると) [接] as soon as; at the moment that

carafe (水差し) [名] a glass container with a flared lip used for serving wine or water

「最初、メイドは若いスミスがすでに死んでいると思ったが、水差しから額に水を注ぐと、彼は一瞬目を開けた。

‘The professor,’ he murmured—‘it was she.’

「教授」と彼はつぶやいた。「彼女だった」

The maid is prepared to swear that those were the exact words.

メイドはそれが正確な言葉であったことを誓う準備ができている。

He tried desperately to say something else, and he held his right hand up in the air.

彼は必死に何か言おうとし、右手を空中に掲げた。

Then he fell back dead.

それから彼は死んで倒れた。

“In the meantime the housekeeper had also arrived upon the scene, but she was just too late to catch the young man’s dying words.

catch (聞く) [動] perceive with the ear

dying (最後) [形] about to die

「その間に家政婦も現場に到着したが、若者の最後の言葉を聞くには遅すぎた。

Leaving Susan with the body, she hurried to the professor’s room.

スーザンを遺体と共に残して、彼女は急いで教授の部屋に行った。

He was sitting up in bed, horribly agitated, for he had heard enough to convince him that something terrible had occurred.

彼はベッドに起き上がり、ひどく動揺していた。何か恐ろしいことが起こったと確信させるに足る音を聞いたからだ。

Mrs. Marker is prepared to swear that the professor was still in his night-clothes, and indeed it was impossible for him to dress without the help of Mortimer, whose orders were to come at twelve o’clock.

Mrs. Marker (マーカー夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Marker

マーカー夫人は、教授がまだ寝間着を着ていたことを誓う用意があるし、実際、彼は十二時に来るように命じられたモーティマーの助けなしに服を着ることは不可能だった。

The professor declares that he heard the distant cry, but that he knows nothing more.

教授は遠くで叫び声を聞いたが、それ以外は何も知らないと断言している。

He can give no explanation of the young man’s last words, ‘The professor—it was she,’ but imagines that they were the outcome of delirium.

give no explanation (説明できない) [動] be unable to explain

last words (最後の言葉) [名] the final words spoken by a person before they die

delirium (せん妄) [名] a state of confusion and excitement that is often caused by fever or illness

彼は若者の最後の言葉「教授、彼女だった」について説明できないが、それはせん妄の結果だったのではないかと想像している。

He believes that Willoughby Smith had not an enemy in the world, and can give no reason for the crime.

彼はウィロビー・スミスには世界に敵はいなかったと信じており、犯行の理由を説明できない。

His first action was to send Mortimer, the gardener, for the local police.

彼の最初の行動は、庭師のモーティマーを地元警察に派遣することだった。

A little later the chief constable sent for me.

chief constable (警察署長) [名] the head of a police force

少し後で警察署長が私を呼びに来た。

Nothing was moved before I got there, and strict orders were given that no one should walk upon the paths leading to the house.

get (着く) [動] arrive at a destination

strict (厳しい) [形] demanding obedience

lead (通じる) [動] go or travel through

私がそこに着くまで何も動かされておらず、誰も家に通じる道を歩いてはいけないという厳しい命令が出されていた。

It was a splendid chance of putting your theories into practice, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

put into practice (実践する) [動] to do something that you have learned about

シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたの理論を実践する素晴らしい機会でした。

There was really nothing wanting.”

本当に何も不足はありませんでした。」

“Except Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said my companion, with a somewhat bitter smile.

「シャーロック・ホームズ氏を除いては」と私の友人は少し苦い笑みを浮かべて言った。

“Well, let us hear about it.

「では、それについて聞かせてください。

What sort of a job did you make of it?”

make of (作る) [動] construct or create something

どんな仕事をしたのですか?」

“I must ask you first, Mr. Holmes, to glance at this rough plan, which will give you a general idea of the position of the professor’s study and the various points of the case.

plan (見取り図) [名] a drawing or diagram showing the layout of a building or area

general idea (概要) [名] a brief summary of the main points

various (さまざまな) [形] more than one; of different kinds

「まず、ホームズさん、この大まかな見取り図を見てください。教授の書斎の位置や事件のさまざまなポイントの概要がわかります。

It will help you in following my investigation.”

私の調査を理解するのに役立つでしょう。」

He unfolded the rough chart, which I here reproduce, and he laid it across Holmes’s knee.

chart (見取り図) [名] a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram

彼は大まかな見取り図を広げ、それをホームズの膝の上に置いた。

I rose and, standing behind Holmes, studied it over his shoulder.

私は立ち上がり、ホームズの後ろに立って、彼の肩越しにそれを調べた。

“It is very rough, of course, and it only deals with the points which seem to me to be essential.

「もちろん、これは非常に大まかなもので、私にとって重要と思われる点だけを扱っています。

All the rest you will see later for yourself.

all the rest (残り) [名] the remaining part

残りは後で自分で見てください。

Now, first of all, presuming that the assassin entered the house, how did he or she come in?

assassin (暗殺者) [名] a murderer of a prominent person

さて、まず第一に、暗殺者が家に入ったと仮定すると、彼または彼女はどうやって入ってきたのか?

Undoubtedly by the garden path and the back door, from which there is direct access to the study.

garden path (庭の小道) [名] a path in a garden

back door (裏口) [名] a door at the back of a building

direct access (直接アクセス) [名] access to something without going through something else

間違いなく庭の小道と裏口からで、そこから書斎に直接アクセスできる。

Any other way would have been exceedingly complicated.

any other (他の) [形] some other; any of the rest

他の方法は非常に複雑だっただろう。

The escape must have also been made along that line, for of the two other exits from the room one was blocked by Susan as she ran downstairs and the other leads straight to the professor’s bedroom.

escape (逃走) [名] the act of breaking free from confinement or control

逃走もその道筋に沿って行われたに違いない。なぜなら、部屋からの他の2つの出口のうち1つはスーザンが階下に走ったときに塞がれ、もう1つは教授の寝室に直結しているからだ。

I therefore directed my attention at once to the garden path, which was saturated with recent rain, and would certainly show any footmarks.

direct one's attention (注意を向ける) [動] focus one's attention

be saturated with (びしょ濡れになっている) [動] be full of

show (残っている) [動] be visible

そのため、私はすぐに庭の小道に注意を向けたが、そこは最近の雨でびしょ濡れになっていて、足跡がはっきりと残っていた。

“My examination showed me that I was dealing with a cautious and expert criminal.

show (示した) [動] to make visible or noticeable

「私の調査では、慎重で熟練した犯罪者を相手にしていることが示された。

No footmarks were to be found on the path.

be to be found (見当たらなかった) [動] be able to be found

小道には足跡は見当たらなかった。

There could be no question, however, that someone had passed along the grass border which lines the path, and that he had done so in order to avoid leaving a track.

there could be no question (疑いようがない) [句] it is certain

pass along (歩いていく) [動] move or travel along

grass border (草の縁) [名] the edge of a grassy area

line (沿って生えている) [動] be situated along

しかし、誰かが小道に沿って生えている草の縁を歩いていったことは疑いようがなく、足跡を残さないようにそうしたのだ。

I could not find anything in the nature of a distinct impression, but the grass was trodden down, and someone had undoubtedly passed.

distinct (はっきりとした) [形] clear and definite

tread down (踏みしだく) [動] crush or flatten by walking on

はっきりとした足跡のようなものは何も見つからなかったが、草が踏みしだかれており、誰かが通ったに違いなかった。

It could only have been the murderer, since neither the gardener nor anyone else had been there that morning, and the rain had only begun during the night.”

それは犯人しかあり得ない、なぜなら庭師も他の誰もその朝そこにはいなかったし、雨は夜になってから降り始めたからだ。」

“One moment,” said Holmes.

「ちょっと待って」とホームズは言った。

“Where does this path lead to?”

lead to (続く) [動] go to a place

「この小道はどこに続いているんだ?」

“To the road.”

「道に続いている。」

“How long is it?”

how long (どれくらい長い) [副] to what extent or degree

「どれくらい長いんだ?」

“A hundred yards or so.”

a hundred yards (100ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

「100ヤードくらいだ。」

“At the point where the path passes through the gate, you could surely pick up the tracks?”

「小道が門を通過する地点で、確かに足跡を拾えただろう?」

“Unfortunately, the path was tiled at that point.”

tile (タイル) [名] a thin square or rectangular piece of baked clay, stone, or other hard material, used in covering roofs, floors, or walls

「残念ながら、その地点では小道はタイル張りだった。」

“Well, on the road itself?”

「では、道そのものには?」

“No, it was all trodden into mire.”

mire (泥) [名] wet, sticky soil or mud

「いいえ、それはすべて泥に踏み込まれていた。」

“Tut-tut! Well, then, these tracks upon the grass, were they coming or going?”

tut-tut (ちぇっ) [間] an expression of disapproval

go (帰り) [動] move or travel away from a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

「ちぇっ! では、芝生の上のこの足跡は、行きか帰りか?」

“It was impossible to say.

「それは言えなかった。

There was never any outline.”

輪郭は全くなかった。」

“A large foot or a small?”

「足は大きいか小さいか?」

“You could not distinguish.”

「区別はできなかった。」

Holmes gave an ejaculation of impatience.

ホームズは焦りの叫び声をあげた。

“It has been pouring rain and blowing a hurricane ever since,” said he.

pour (降り続く) [動] fall heavily

hurricane (ハリケーン) [名] a severe tropical storm with high winds and heavy rain

「それ以来、雨が降り続き、ハリケーンが吹き荒れている」と彼は言った。

“It will be harder to read now than that palimpsest.

be harder to (より難しい) [動] be more difficult to

「今ではあの重写本よりも読みにくいだろう。

Well, well, it can’t be helped.

can't be helped (仕方がない) [動] be unavoidable

まあ、まあ、仕方がない。

What did you do, Hopkins, after you had made certain that you had made certain of nothing?”

make certain (確かめる) [動] to make sure of something

ホプキンス、何も確かめられなかったことを確かめた後、何をしたんだ?」

“I think I made certain of a good deal, Mr. Holmes.

make certain of (確かめる) [動] to make sure of something

「私はかなりのことを確かめたと思う、ホームズさん。

I knew that someone had entered the house cautiously from without.

cautiously (慎重に) [副] in a careful manner

without (外) [名] the space or area outside a place

誰かが外から慎重に家に入ったのだとわかった。

I next examined the corridor.

next (次に) [副] immediately after the time being considered

次に私は廊下を調べた。

It is lined with cocoanut matting and had taken no impression of any kind.

line (敷く) [動] cover the inside surface of

cocoanut (ココナツ) [名] the large brown seed of a tropical palm

matting (敷物) [名] a piece of rough fabric used as a floor covering

take (残す) [動] cause to be in a specified state

そこはココナツの敷物が敷いてあり、どんな痕跡も残っていなかった。

This brought me into the study itself.

こうして私は書斎にたどり着いた。

It is a scantily furnished room.

scantily (少ない) [副] to a small extent

furnished (家具の) [形] equipped with furniture

そこは家具の少ない部屋だった。

The main article is a large writing-table with a fixed bureau.

main article (主な家具) [名] the most important piece of furniture

主な家具は、固定式の書棚のついた大きな書き物机である。

This bureau consists of a double column of drawers, with a central small cupboard between them.

double column (二列) [名] two columns

cupboard (戸棚) [名] a place, typically with a door and shelves, for storing food, dishes, or other articles

この書棚は二列の引き出しからなり、その間に小さな戸棚がある。

The drawers were open, the cupboard locked.

引き出しは開いていたが、戸棚には鍵がかかっていた。

The drawers, it seems, were always open, and nothing of value was kept in them.

引き出しはいつも開けっ放しだったようで、中に価値のあるものは何も入っていなかった。

There were some papers of importance in the cupboard, but there were no signs that this had been tampered with, and the professor assures me that nothing was missing.

戸棚には重要な書類がいくつかあったが、これが改ざんされた形跡はなく、教授は何も失くなっていないと断言している。

It is certain that no robbery has been committed.

強盗が犯されたわけではないのは確かだ。

“I come now to the body of the young man.

「さて、若者の遺体についてだが。

It was found near the bureau, and just to the left of it, as marked upon that chart.

chart (図) [名] a sheet of paper that gives information in the form of a table, graph, etc.

遺体は書斎机の近くで、その左側で発見された。

The stab was on the right side of the neck and from behind forward, so that it is almost impossible that it could have been self-inflicted.”

stab (刺し傷) [名] a wound made by a sharp or pointed object

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

self-inflicted (自傷行為) [形] caused by oneself

刺し傷は首の右側にあり、後ろから前に向かって刺されていたので、自傷行為である可能性はほとんどない」

“Unless he fell upon the knife,” said Holmes.

「ナイフの上に倒れたのでなければ」とホームズは言った。

“Exactly. The idea crossed my mind.

「その通り。その考えは私の頭にも浮かんだ。

But we found the knife some feet away from the body, so that seems impossible.

しかし、我々はナイフを遺体から数フィート離れたところで発見したので、それは不可能と思われる。

Then, of course, there are the man’s own dying words.

そして、もちろん、その男自身の死に際の言葉がある。

And, finally, there was this very important piece of evidence which was found clasped in the dead man’s right hand.”

piece of evidence (証拠) [名] something that provides proof of something

clasp (握りしめる) [動] hold something tightly in one's hand

そして、最後に、死んだ男の右手に握りしめられていたこの非常に重要な証拠があった。」

From his pocket Stanley Hopkins drew a small paper packet.

スタンレー・ホプキンスはポケットから小さな紙包みを取り出した。

He unfolded it and disclosed a golden pince-nez, with two broken ends of black silk cord dangling from the end of it.

silk (絹の) [形] made of silk

dangle (ぶら下がる) [動] hang or swing loosely

彼はそれを広げると、金の鼻眼鏡が現れ、その端から黒い絹の紐の切れた端が二本ぶら下がっていた。

“Willoughby Smith had excellent sight,” he added.

have excellent sight (視力が優れている) [動] be able to see well

「ウィロビー・スミスは視力が優れていた」と彼は付け加えた。

“There can be no question that this was snatched from the face or the person of the assassin.”

snatch (奪い取る) [動] to take something suddenly and quickly

person (身体) [名] the body of a living human being

「これが暗殺者の顔や身体から奪い取られたものであることは疑いようがない。」

Sherlock Holmes took the glasses into his hand, and examined them with the utmost attention and interest.

take into (手に取る) [動] to hold something in one's hand

シャーロック・ホームズは眼鏡を手に取り、細心の注意と関心を払って調べた。

He held them on his nose, endeavoured to read through them, went to the window and stared up the street with them, looked at them most minutely in the full light of the lamp, and finally, with a chuckle, seated himself at the table and wrote a few lines upon a sheet of paper, which he tossed across to Stanley Hopkins.

minutely (細かく) [副] in a very small way

彼はそれを鼻にかけ、それを通して本を読もうとし、窓のところへ行き、それを通して通りを眺め、ランプの明かりの下で細かく調べ、最後にくすくす笑いながらテーブルに座り、紙に数行書いてスタンレー・ホプキンスに投げた。

“That’s the best I can do for you,” said he.

the best (最善) [名] the most excellent or desirable thing or person

do for (できる) [動] be of use or service to

「これが私にできる最善のことだ」と彼は言った。

“It may prove to be of some use.”

use (役に立つ) [名] the application of something to a particular task or purpose

「何かの役に立つかもしれない。」

The astonished detective read the note aloud.

驚いた刑事はメモを声に出して読んだ。

It ran as follows:

run (次のような内容だった) [動] be of a certain kind or have a certain quality

それは次のような内容だった。

“Wanted, a woman of good address, attired like a lady.

「求む、上品な身なりの女性。

She has a remarkably thick nose, with eyes which are set close upon either side of it.

set (寄っている) [動] be in a certain position or state

彼女は鼻がとても大きく、その両側に目が寄っている。

She has a puckered forehead, a peering expression, and probably rounded shoulders.

puckered forehead (額にしわ) [名] a forehead with wrinkles

peering expression (じろじろと見る表情) [名] a facial expression that looks intently at something

rounded shoulders (丸い肩) [名] shoulders that are not straight

彼女は額にしわがあり、じろじろと見る表情で、おそらく肩が丸い。

There are indications that she has had recourse to an optician at least twice during the last few months.

have recourse to (頼る) [動] turn to for help or support

optician (眼鏡屋) [名] a person who makes or sells spectacles or contact lenses

last few months (数ヶ月) [名] a period of time

彼女がこの数ヶ月の間に少なくとも二度眼鏡屋に頼ったという兆候がある。

As her glasses are of remarkable strength, and as opticians are not very numerous, there should be no difficulty in tracing her.”

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 earpieces that hold them in place

彼女の眼鏡は非常に度が強く、眼鏡屋はそれほど多くないので、彼女を探すのに困難はないだろう。」

Holmes smiled at the astonishment of Hopkins, which must have been reflected upon my features.

reflect (映る) [動] to throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it

ホームズはホプキンスの驚きを見て微笑んだが、それは私の顔にも映っていたに違いない。

“Surely my deductions are simplicity itself,” said he.

deduction (推理) [名] the process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion

simplicity (単純) [名] the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do

「確かに私の推理は単純そのものだ」と彼は言った。

“It would be difficult to name any articles which afford a finer field for inference than a pair of glasses, especially so remarkable a pair as these.

「眼鏡ほど推理に適した品物はないだろう、特にこれほど珍しい眼鏡はね。

That they belong to a woman I infer from their delicacy, and also, of course, from the last words of the dying man.

infer (推測する) [動] deduce or conclude from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements

それが女性のものであることは、その繊細さから推測できるし、もちろん、死にゆく男の最期の言葉からも推測できる。

As to her being a person of refinement and well dressed, they are, as you perceive, handsomely mounted in solid gold, and it is inconceivable that anyone who wore such glasses could be slatternly in other respects.

refinement (上品) [名] the quality of being refined

well dressed (身なりの良い) [形] wearing smart or fashionable clothes

handsomely (美しい) [副] in a beautiful manner

mount (フレーム) [名] a support or backing for a picture, etc.

slatternly (だらしがない) [形] untidy or careless in appearance or habits

彼女が上品で身なりの良い人物であることについては、ご覧の通り、純金の美しいフレームであり、このような眼鏡をかけている人が他の点でだらしがないとは考えられない。

You will find that the clips are too wide for your nose, showing that the lady’s nose was very broad at the base.

base (付け根) [名] the lowest part of something

鼻当てがあなたの鼻には広すぎることがわかるだろう、それはこの女性の鼻の付け根がとても広かったことを示している。

This sort of nose is usually a short and coarse one, but there is a sufficient number of exceptions to prevent me from being dogmatic or from insisting upon this point in my description.

exception (例外) [名] a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule

sufficient (十分) [形] as much or as many as required

dogmatic (独断的) [形] inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true

このような鼻は通常短くて太いものだが、例外も十分にあるので、私が独断的になったり、この点を強調したりすることはできない。

My own face is a narrow one, and yet I find that I cannot get my eyes into the centre, nor near the centre, of these glasses.

私の顔は狭い方だが、それでもこの眼鏡の中心にも中心近くにも目を入れることができない。

Therefore, the lady’s eyes are set very near to the sides of the nose.

set (ある) [動] be in a certain place

near (近い) [形] not far away

したがって、この女性の目は鼻の側面に非常に近いところにある。

You will perceive, Watson, that the glasses are concave and of unusual strength.

concave (凹レンズ) [形] curved inward

ワトソン、この眼鏡が凹レンズで、異常に強いことがわかるだろう。

A lady whose vision has been so extremely contracted all her life is sure to have the physical characteristics of such vision, which are seen in the forehead, the eyelids, and the shoulders.”

contract (収縮する) [動] make or become shorter, smaller, or tighter

視力が生涯にわたって非常に収縮している女性は、額、まぶた、肩に見られるそのような視力の身体的特徴を持っているに違いない。」

“Yes,” I said, “I can follow each of your arguments.

「はい」と私は言った。「あなたの議論はそれぞれ理解できます。

I confess, however, that I am unable to understand how you arrive at the double visit to the optician.”

しかし、眼鏡屋を二度訪れたという結論に至った経緯が理解できないことを白状します。」

Holmes took the glasses in his hand.

ホームズは眼鏡を手に取った。

“You will perceive,” he said, “that the clips are lined with tiny bands of cork to soften the pressure upon the nose.

clip (クリップ) [名] a device, typically with two parts that move together to hold papers, hair, etc.

tiny (小さな) [形] very small

cork (コルク) [名] the light, thick, elastic outer bark of the cork oak

soften (和らげる) [動] make or become less hard, harsh, or severe

「鼻への圧力を和らげるために、クリップにコルクの小さな帯が並んでいるのがわかるだろう。

One of these is discoloured and worn to some slight extent, but the other is new.

そのうちの1つは変色して少しすり減っているが、もう1つは新しい。

Evidently one has fallen off and been replaced.

fall off (落ちる) [動] move or come down freely and rapidly under the influence of gravity

replace (交換する) [動] take the place of

明らかに1つが落ちて交換されたのだ。

I should judge that the older of them has not been there more than a few months.

judge (判断する) [動] form an opinion or conclusion about

古い方は数ヶ月以上そこにはいなかったと判断すべきだろう。

They exactly correspond, so I gather that the lady went back to the same establishment for the second.”

これらは正確に一致しているので、女性が2つ目のために同じ店に戻ったと私は推測する。」

“By George, it’s marvellous!” cried Hopkins, in an ecstasy of admiration.

「なんてことだ、素晴らしい!」とホプキンスは感嘆の声を上げた。

“To think that I had all that evidence in my hand and never knew it!

「私がその証拠をすべて手にしていたとは!

I had intended, however, to go the round of the London opticians.”

go the round of (回る) [動] visit all the places in a particular area

しかし、私はロンドンの眼鏡屋を回るつもりだった。」

“Of course you would.

「もちろんそうだろう。

Meanwhile, have you anything more to tell us about the case?”

それまでは、この事件について何か話すことはあるか?」

“Nothing, Mr. Holmes. I think that you know as much as I do now—probably more.

as much as (同じくらい) [副] to the same extent or degree

「何もありません、ホームズさん。あなたは私と同じくらい知っていると思います。おそらくもっと知っているでしょう。

We have had inquiries made as to any stranger seen on the country roads or at the railway station.

railway station (鉄道の駅) [名] a terminal for trains

田舎道や鉄道の駅で見かけた見知らぬ人について問い合わせをしました。

We have heard of none.

hear of (見かける) [動] to be told about or to learn about

誰も見かけなかったそうです。

What beats me is the utter want of all object in the crime.

beat (困惑させる) [動] to defeat or frustrate

want (わからない) [名] a lack or deficiency of something

私を困惑させるのは、この犯罪の目的が全くわからないことです。

Not a ghost of a motive can anyone suggest.”

not a ghost of (影すら) [名] not even a trace of

誰も動機の影すら示唆できないのです」

“Ah! there I am not in a position to help you.

in a position to (立場にある) [動] have the ability or opportunity to do something

「ああ! その点では私はあなたを助ける立場にありません。

But I suppose you want us to come out to-morrow?”

しかし、明日は来てほしいのでしょうね?」

“If it is not asking too much, Mr. Holmes.

too much (あまりに) [副] to a very great degree

「もしご迷惑でなければ、ホームズさん。

There’s a train from Charing Cross to Chatham at six in the morning, and we should be at Yoxley Old Place between eight and nine.”

朝六時にチャリング・クロスからチャタム行きの列車が出るので、八時から九時の間にヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスに着くはずだ」

“Then we shall take it.

「では、それに乗ろう。

Your case has certainly some features of great interest, and I shall be delighted to look into it.

あなたの事件には確かに非常に興味深い特徴がいくつかあり、私は喜んでそれを調べよう。

Well, it’s nearly one, and we had best get a few hours’ sleep.

さて、もうすぐ一時だ、数時間は寝た方がいい。

I daresay you can manage all right on the sofa in front of the fire.

manage (寝られる) [動] be able to do something

in front of (の前で) [前] opposite to; facing

暖炉の前のソファで寝られるだろう。

I’ll light my spirit lamp, and give you a cup of coffee before we start.”

spirit lamp (アルコールランプ) [名] a lamp that burns alcohol

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

出発前にアルコールランプに火をつけてコーヒーを淹れよう」

The gale had blown itself out next day, but it was a bitter morning when we started upon our journey.

bitter (ひどく寒い) [形] very cold

翌日には強風は吹きやんだが、私たちが出発した朝はひどく寒かった。

We saw the cold winter sun rise over the dreary marshes of the Thames and the long, sullen reaches of the river, which I shall ever associate with our pursuit of the Andaman Islander in the earlier days of our career.

dreary (わびしい) [形] sad or dull

marsh (沼地) [名] an area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide

reach (流れ) [名] the stretch of water between two points on a river

associate (結びつける) [動] connect or bring together in the mind

Andaman Islander (アンダマン島人) [名] a member of the indigenous people of the Andaman Islands

early (初期) [形] happening or done before the usual or expected time

私たちはテムズ川のわびしい沼地と長く陰気な川の流れの向こうに寒い冬の太陽が昇るのを見たが、私はこの川を私たちの探偵業初期のアンダマン島人追跡といつも結びつけて考える。

After a long and weary journey, we alighted at a small station some miles from Chatham.

長く退屈な旅の後、私たちはチャタムから数マイル離れた小さな駅で降りた。

While a horse was being put into a trap at the local inn, we snatched a hurried breakfast, and so we were all ready for business when we at last arrived at Yoxley Old Place.

put into (つながれる) [動] to cause to be in a certain state or condition

local inn (地元の宿屋) [名] a small hotel or restaurant

snatch (済ませる) [動] to take or grab suddenly or quickly

地元の宿屋で馬が馬車につながれている間に、私たちは急いで朝食を済ませ、ようやくヨックスリー・オールド・プレイスに着いた時には、すっかり仕事の準備が整っていた。

A constable met us at the garden gate.

庭の門で巡査が私たちを出迎えた。

“Well, Wilson, any news?”

「さて、ウィルソン、何かニュースは?」

“No, sir—nothing.”

「いいえ、何もありません」

“No reports of any stranger seen?”

「見知らぬ人を見たという報告は?」

“No, sir. Down at the station they are certain that no stranger either came or went yesterday.”

down at (で) [前] in or to a lower place

「いいえ。駅では昨日は見知らぬ人が来たり行ったりしなかったと確信しています」

“Have you had inquiries made at inns and lodgings?”

lodging (下宿屋) [名] a place where one can stay temporarily

「宿屋や下宿屋に問い合わせは?」

“Yes, sir: there is no one that we cannot account for.”

there is (います) [動] there exists

「はい。身元不明の人はいません」

“Well, it’s only a reasonable walk to Chatham.

「チャタムまでは歩いて行ける距離だ。

Anyone might stay there or take a train without being observed.

being observed (目撃される) [動] be seen or noticed

「誰でもそこに泊まったり、電車に乗ったりしても目撃されない」

This is the garden path of which I spoke, Mr. Holmes.

「これが私が話した庭の小道です、ホームズさん」

I’ll pledge my word there was no mark on it yesterday.”

昨日はそこには何も印がなかったと誓ってもいい」

“On which side were the marks on the grass?”

on which side (どちら側) [名] which side

「草の上の跡はどちら側にあった?」

“This side, sir. This narrow margin of grass between the path and the flower-bed.

this side (こちら側) [名] the side that is near or facing the speaker

「こちら側です、旦那様。小道と花壇の間のこの狭い草地です。

I can’t see the traces now, but they were clear to me then.”

今は跡が見えませんが、その時ははっきりと見えました」

“Yes, yes: someone has passed along,” said Holmes, stooping over the grass border.

border (縁) [名] the outer edge of something

「そう、そう、誰かが通ったな」とホームズは草地の縁に身をかがめて言った。

“Our lady must have picked her steps carefully, must she not, since on the one side she would leave a track on the path, and on the other an even clearer one on the soft bed?”

pick (選ぶ) [動] choose or select

bed (花壇) [名] a piece of ground in which plants are grown

「この女性は足を置く場所を慎重に選んだに違いない、そうだろう、一方では小道に足跡を残し、他方では柔らかい花壇にさらにはっきりとした足跡を残すだろうから」

“Yes, sir, she must have been a cool hand.”

cool hand (冷静な人物) [名] a person who is calm and in control of their emotions

「そうですね、冷静な人物だったに違いありません」

I saw an intent look pass over Holmes’s face.

私はホームズの顔に真剣な表情が浮かぶのを見た。

“You say that she must have come back this way?”

this way (ここを通って) [副] by this route

「彼女はここを通って戻ったに違いないと言うのか?」

“Yes, sir, there is no other.”

there is no other (他に道はありません) [名] there is no other way

「そうです、他に道はありません」

“On this strip of grass?”

「この芝生の上を?」

“Certainly, Mr. Holmes.”

「もちろんです、ホームズさん」

“Hum! It was a very remarkable performance—very remarkable.

performance (パフォーマンス) [名] the execution of an action

「ふむ! それはとても注目に値するパフォーマンスだったな、とても注目に値する。

Well, I think we have exhausted the path.

まあ、私たちは道を使い果たしたと思う。

Let us go farther.

もっと先に行こう。

This garden door is usually kept open, I suppose?

この庭の扉はいつも開けっ放しにしてあるんだね?

Then this visitor had nothing to do but to walk in.

ならばこの訪問者は歩いて入ってくるだけだったんだ。

The idea of murder was not in her mind, or she would have provided herself with some sort of weapon, instead of having to pick this knife off the writing-table.

pick (拾う) [動] take up or gather with the fingers

殺人の考えは彼女の頭にはなかった、さもなければ彼女は書き物机からこのナイフを拾う代わりに、何らかの武器を用意していただろう。

She advanced along this corridor, leaving no traces upon the cocoanut matting.

cocoanut (ココナッツ) [名] the large, hard-shelled seed of a tropical palm

彼女はこの廊下を進み、ココナッツマットに跡を残さなかった。

Then she found herself in this study.

find oneself (たどり着く) [動] to arrive at a place or situation

そして彼女はこの書斎にたどり着いた。

How long was she there?

be there (そこにいる) [動] be present in a place

彼女はそこにどれくらいいたのか?

We have no means of judging.”

have no means (手段がない) [動] not have the ability or resources to do something

judging (判断する) [動] form an opinion or conclusion about

判断する手段がない。」

“Not more than a few minutes, sir.

a few minutes (数分) [名] a small number of minutes

「数分以上はいません、旦那様。

I forgot to tell you that Mrs. Marker, the housekeeper, had been in there tidying not very long before—about a quarter of an hour, she says.”

tidy (片付ける) [動] make neat, clean, or orderly

not very long before (少し前) [副] a short time ago

about a quarter of an hour (15分ほど前) [名] 15 minutes ago

家政婦のマーカ夫人がその少し前、15分ほど前にそこを片付けていたということを言い忘れていました。」

“Well, that gives us a limit.

limit (範囲) [名] the final, utmost, or furthest point, degree, or amount of something

「なるほど、それで時間の範囲が決まった。

Our lady enters this room, and what does she do?

女性はこの部屋に入り、何をしたのか?

She goes over to the writing-table.

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

彼女は書き物机のところへ行く。

What for?

what for (何のために) [副] for what reason or purpose

何のために?

Not for anything in the drawers.

引き出しの中のもののためではない。

If there had been anything worth her taking, it would surely have been locked up.

もし彼女が取るに値するものがあったら、それは確かに鍵がかかっていただろう。

No, it was for something in that wooden bureau.

いや、それはあの木製の事務机の中の何かのためだった。

Halloa! what is that scratch upon the face of it?

おい! その表面の引っかき傷は何だ?

Just hold a match, Watson.

マッチを持ってくれ、ワトソン。

Why did you not tell me of this, Hopkins?”

なぜこれを私に話さなかったんだ、ホプキンス?」

The mark which he was examining began upon the brass-work on the right-hand side of the keyhole, and extended for about four inches, where it had scratched the varnish from the surface.

right-hand side (右側) [名] the side of a person or thing that is to the right when they are facing you

four inches (四インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

scratch (引っかく) [動] make a long, narrow superficial mark or wound on the surface of

varnish (ニス) [名] a liquid preparation that gives a hard shiny surface when spread thinly on wood, metal, or other materials and allowed to dry

彼が調べている跡は鍵穴の右側の真鍮部分から始まり、約四インチ伸びていて、表面のニスを引っかいていた。

“I noticed it, Mr. Holmes, but you’ll always find scratches round a keyhole.”

keyhole (鍵穴) [名] a hole in a door or lock through which a key is inserted

「気づきましたよ、ホームズさん、でも鍵穴の周りにはいつも引っかき傷があるものです。」

“This is recent, quite recent.

「これは最近のものだ、かなり最近の。

See how the brass shines where it is cut.

真鍮が切られたところでどれほど輝いているか見ろ。

An old scratch would be the same colour as the surface.

古い傷は表面と同じ色になる。

Look at it through my lens.

私のレンズを通して見ろ。

There’s the varnish, too, like earth on each side of a furrow.

furrow (畝) [名] a long, narrow trench made in the earth, especially by a plow

ニスもある、畝の両側の土のようだ。

Is Mrs. Marker there?”

マーカー夫人はいますか?」

A sad-faced, elderly woman came into the room.

sad-faced (悲しげな顔をした) [形] having a sad face

come into (入ってくる) [動] enter

悲しげな顔をした年配の女性が部屋に入ってきた。

“Did you dust this bureau yesterday morning?”

dust (埃を払う) [動] remove dust from

「昨日の朝この机の埃を払いましたか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、旦那様」

“Did you notice this scratch?”

「この傷に気づきましたか?」

“No, sir, I did not.”

did not (気づきませんでした) [助] a negative form of do

「いいえ、旦那様、気づきませんでした」

“I am sure you did not, for a duster would have swept away these shreds of varnish.

duster (埃払い) [名] a cloth or brush for removing dust

sweep away (払い落とす) [動] remove or destroy something completely

「確かに気づかなかったでしょう、なぜなら埃払いがあればこのニスの破片は払い落とされていたでしょう。

Who has the key of this bureau?”

この机の鍵は誰が持っているのですか?」

“The Professor keeps it on his watch-chain.”

watch-chain (時計の鎖) [名] a chain that is attached to a pocket watch

「教授が時計の鎖に付けています」

“Is it a simple key?”

「それは単純な鍵ですか?」

“No, sir, it is a Chubb’s key.”

Chubb (チャブ) [名] a British lock and safe company

「いいえ、チャブの鍵です」

“Very good. Mrs. Marker, you can go.

can (行っていいですよ) [助] be able to; have the ability to

「とても良い。マーカー夫人、行っていいですよ。

Now we are making a little progress.

これで少し進歩した。

Our lady enters the room, advances to the bureau, and either opens it or tries to do so.

女性は部屋に入り、机に近づき、それを開けるか、開けようとした。

While she is thus engaged, young Willoughby Smith enters the room.

be engaged (している) [動] be occupied or busy

彼女がそうしている間に、若いウィロビー・スミスが部屋に入る。

In her hurry to withdraw the key, she makes this scratch upon the door.

withdraw (抜く) [動] take out or away

make (つける) [動] cause to happen or exist

急いで鍵を抜こうとして、彼女はドアにこの傷をつけた。

He seizes her, and she, snatching up the nearest object, which happens to be this knife, strikes at him in order to make him let go his hold.

snatch (つかむ) [動] grab suddenly or quickly

nearest (手近な) [形] closest in space or time

彼は彼女を捕まえ、彼女は手近にあるものをつかみ、それがたまたまこのナイフで、彼を殴って手を離させようとした。

The blow is a fatal one.

その一撃は致命傷だった。

He falls and she escapes, either with or without the object for which she has come.

object (目的のもの) [名] a thing that is wanted or desired

彼は倒れ、彼女は目的のものを手に入れてか、あるいは手に入らなかったのか、逃げ出した。

Is Susan, the maid, there?

メイドのスーザンはいますか?

Could anyone have got away through that door after the time that you heard the cry, Susan?”

スーザン、叫び声を聞いた後、誰かがあのドアから逃げ出した可能性はあるかな?」

“No, sir, it is impossible.

「いいえ、それは不可能です。

Before I got down the stair, I’d have seen anyone in the passage.

私が階段を降りる前に、通路に誰かがいるのを見ました。

Besides, the door never opened, or I would have heard it.”

その上、ドアは開きませんでした。開いたら音が聞こえたはずです。」

“That settles this exit.

「これでこの出口は決まりだ。

Then no doubt the lady went out the way she came.

では、間違いなく女性は来た道から出て行った。

I understand that this other passage leads only to the professor’s room.

このもう一つの通路は教授の部屋にしか通じていないと理解している。

There is no exit that way?”

そちらには出口はないのか?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ、ありません」

“We shall go down it and make the acquaintance of the professor.

make the acquaintance of (知り合いになる) [動] get to know someone

「我々はそこを降りて教授と知り合いになろう。

Halloa, Hopkins! this is very important, very important indeed.

やあ、ホプキンス! これはとても重要だ、本当にとても重要だ。

The professor’s corridor is also lined with cocoanut matting.”

教授の廊下にもココナッツマットが敷いてある」

“Well, sir, what of that?”

what of (何が) [名] what about

「それで、何が?」

“Don’t you see any bearing upon the case?

bearing (関係) [名] the way in which one thing is connected with another

「事件との関係がわからないのか?

Well, well. I don’t insist upon it.

まあ、まあ。私はそれを主張しない。

No doubt I am wrong.

be wrong (間違っている) [動] be incorrect or inaccurate

間違いなく私は間違っている。

And yet it seems to me to be suggestive.

それでも私には示唆に富んでいるように思える。

Come with me and introduce me.”

私と一緒に来て紹介してくれ。」

We passed down the passage, which was of the same length as that which led to the garden.

pass down (通り抜ける) [動] go through

私たちは庭に通じる通路と同じ長さの通路を通り抜けた。

At the end was a short flight of steps ending in a door.

at the end (突き当たり) [名] the final part of something

flight of steps (階段) [名] a series of steps leading up or down from one level to another

end in (終わる) [動] have as a final result

突き当たりには短い階段があり、ドアで終わっていた。

Our guide knocked, and then ushered us into the professor’s bedroom.

案内人がノックし、それから私たちを教授の寝室に案内した。

It was a very large chamber, lined with innumerable volumes, which had overflowed from the shelves and lay in piles in the corners, or were stacked all round at the base of the cases.

innumerable (無数の) [形] too many to be counted

overflow (あふれる) [動] flow over the brim of

stack (積み重ねる) [動] arrange in a pile

base (下) [名] the lowest part or edge of something

それは非常に大きな部屋で、無数の本が並んでおり、棚からあふれて隅に山積みになっていたり、本棚の下にぐるりと積み重ねられていた。

The bed was in the centre of the room, and in it, propped up with pillows, was the owner of the house.

pillow (枕) [名] a cushion for the head

ベッドは部屋の中央にあり、その中に枕で支えられて家の主人がいた。

I have seldom seen a more remarkable-looking person.

私はこれほど印象的な容貌の人物を見たことがない。

It was a gaunt, aquiline face which was turned towards us, with piercing dark eyes, which lurked in deep hollows under overhung and tufted brows.

piercing (鋭い) [形] very sharp

hollow (くぼみ) [名] a hole or depression

私たちの方を向いているのは、痩せた鷲のような顔で、突き出た房状の眉の下の深いくぼみに鋭い黒い目が潜んでいた。

His hair and beard were white, save that the latter was curiously stained with yellow around his mouth.

yellow (黄色) [名] the color intermediate between green and orange in the visible spectrum

髪と髭は白かったが、髭は口の周りが奇妙に黄色く染まっていた。

A cigarette glowed amid the tangle of white hair, and the air of the room was fetid with stale tobacco smoke.

glow (光る) [動] emit light as a result of being heated

stale (古い) [形] no longer fresh or good

tobacco smoke (タバコの煙) [名] the smoke produced by a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe

白い髪の毛の乱れの中にタバコが光り、部屋の空気は古いタバコの煙で悪臭を放っていた。

As he held out his hand to Holmes, I perceived that it was also stained with yellow nicotine.

stain (汚れる) [動] make or become dirty or discolored

彼がホームズに手を差し出した時、私もそれが黄色いニコチンで汚れているのに気づいた。

“A smoker, Mr. Holmes?” said he, speaking in well-chosen English, with a curious little mincing accent.

smoker (喫煙家) [名] a person who smokes

well-chosen (よく選ばれた) [形] carefully selected

mincing (上品な) [形] affectedly dainty or delicate

accent (アクセント) [名] a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language

「喫煙家ですか、ホームズさん?」と彼は、奇妙な小さな上品なアクセントで、よく選ばれた英語で話した。

“Pray take a cigarette. And you, sir?

take (どうぞ) [動] accept or receive something offered

「どうぞタバコをどうぞ。あなたは?

I can recommend them, for I have them especially prepared by Ionides, of Alexandria.

recommend (お勧めする) [動] suggest as being suitable, especially as a result of knowledge or experience

Alexandria (アレキサンドリア) [名] a city in Egypt

アレキサンドリアのイオニデス社に特別に作らせたものなので、お勧めできます。

He sends me a thousand at a time, and I grieve to say that I have to arrange for a fresh supply every fortnight.

a thousand (千) [名] the number 1000

at a time (一度に) [副] all at once; simultaneously

grieve (悲しむ) [動] feel intense sorrow or distress

supply (供給) [名] a quantity of something provided or available

every fortnight (二週間ごとに) [副] once every two weeks

彼は一度に千本送ってくれるが、悲しいことに二週間ごとに新しいものを手配しなければならない。

Bad, sir, very bad, but an old man has few pleasures.

pleasure (楽しみ) [名] a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment

悪いことです、とても悪いことですが、老人には楽しみがあまりないのです。

Tobacco and my work—that is all that is left to me.”

タバコと仕事、それが私に残されたすべてなのです」

Holmes had lit a cigarette and was shooting little darting glances all over the room.

shoot (見回す) [動] direct or propel with great force

ホームズはタバコに火をつけ、部屋全体をちらちらと見回していた。

“Tobacco and my work, but now only tobacco,” the old man exclaimed.

exclaim (叫ぶ) [動] cry out or say something loudly, as in surprise, anger, or pain

「タバコと仕事、しかし今はタバコだけです」と老人は叫んだ。

“Alas! what a fatal interruption!

alas (ああ) [間] an expression of grief, regret, or disappointment

「ああ! なんて致命的な妨害だ!

Who could have foreseen such a terrible catastrophe?

catastrophe (大惨事) [名] a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural disaster, that causes great damage or loss of life

誰がこんなひどい大惨事を予見できただろうか?

So estimable a young man!

estimable (立派な) [形] worthy of esteem or respect

とても立派な青年だった!

I assure you that, after a few months’ training, he was an admirable assistant.

a few months (数ヶ月) [名] a small number of months

assistant (助手) [名] a person who helps someone by sharing work or doing part of it

数ヶ月の訓練の後、彼は立派な助手になったと断言できる。

What do you think of the matter, Mr. Holmes?”

ホームズさん、この件についてどう思われますか?」

“I have not yet made up my mind.”

「まだ決めかねている」

“I shall indeed be indebted to you if you can throw a light where all is so dark to us.

throw a light (光を投げかける) [動] to illuminate something

「私たちにとってすべてが暗闇であるところに光を投げかけることができれば、私は本当にあなたに恩義を感じるでしょう。

To a poor bookworm and invalid like myself such a blow is paralysing.

poor (貧弱な) [形] lacking in money or material possessions

bookworm (本の虫) [名] a person who reads a lot

blow (打撃) [名] a sudden event that has a strong and unpleasant effect

paralysing (麻痺させる) [形] causing a loss of the ability to move or feel

私のような貧弱な本の虫で病弱な人間にとって、このような打撃は麻痺させるものである。

I seem to have lost the faculty of thought.

私は思考能力を失ったようだ。

But you are a man of action—you are a man of affairs.

man of action (行動の人) [名] a person who takes action rather than just talking or thinking about it

man of affairs (実務の人) [名] a person who is involved in the practical aspects of a business or organization

しかし、あなたは行動の人であり、実務の人である。

It is part of the everyday routine of your life.

everyday (日常) [形] happening or used every day

それはあなたの日常生活の一部だ。

You can preserve your balance in every emergency.

balance (平静) [名] a state of equilibrium

あなたはどんな緊急事態でも平静を保つことができる。

We are fortunate, indeed, in having you at our side.”

be fortunate (幸運である) [動] have good luck

あなたを味方につけたのは、本当に幸運なことだ」

Holmes was pacing up and down one side of the room whilst the old professor was talking.

up and down (行ったり来たり) [副] to and fro

老教授が話している間、ホームズは部屋の片側を行ったり来たりしていた。

I observed that he was smoking with extraordinary rapidity.

rapidity (速さ) [名] the quality of being fast or quick

私は彼が異常な速さで煙草を吸っていることに気づいた。

It was evident that he shared our host’s liking for the fresh Alexandrian cigarettes.

host (ホスト) [名] a person who receives or entertains guests

liking (好み) [名] a feeling of regard or fondness

Alexandrian (アレクサンドリア産の) [形] of or from Alexandria

彼が私たちのホストと同じく新鮮なアレクサンドリア産の煙草を好んでいるのは明らかだった。

“Yes, sir, it is a crushing blow,” said the old man.

crushing (ひどい) [形] causing a lot of pain or suffering

「そうです、これはひどい打撃です」と老人は言った。

“That is my magnum opus—the pile of papers on the side table yonder.

magnum opus (最高傑作) [名] a great work of art, music, or literature

「あれが私の最高傑作だ、あそこのサイドテーブルの上の書類の山だ。

It is my analysis of the documents found in the Coptic monasteries of Syria and Egypt, a work which will cut deep at the very foundation of revealed religion.

Syria (シリア) [名] a country in the Middle East

Egypt (エジプト) [名] a country in northeastern Africa

Coptic (コプト教) [名] a form of Christianity that developed in Egypt

monastery (修道院) [名] a place where monks live and work

work (作品) [名] a product of effort, especially one that is creative

cut deep (深く切り込む) [動] to have a strong effect on someone or something

foundation (基礎) [名] the basis on which something is built or established

religion (宗教) [名] a particular system of faith and worship

それはシリアとエジプトのコプト教修道院で発見された文書の私の分析であり、啓示宗教のまさに基礎を深く切り込む作品だ。

With my enfeebled health I do not know whether I shall ever be able to complete it, now that my assistant has been taken from me.

with (で) [前] used to indicate the instrument or means by which something is done

enfeebled (衰弱した) [形] made weak or feeble

do not know (わからない) [動] be not aware of

be taken from (奪われる) [動] be removed from someone or something

私の健康が衰弱しているため、私の助手が私から奪われた今、私がそれを完成させることができるかどうかはわからない。

Dear me! Mr. Holmes, why, you are even a quicker smoker than I am myself.”

Dear me! (まあ!) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

まあ! ホームズさん、あなたは私よりももっと早い喫煙家ですね。」

Holmes smiled.

ホームズは微笑んだ。

“I am a connoisseur,” said he, taking another cigarette from the box—his fourth—and lighting it from the stub of that which he had finished.

connoisseur (目利き) [名] an expert judge in matters of taste

fourth (4本目) [形] coming after three others in a series; 4th

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

「私は目利きです」と彼は言い、箱から別のタバコを取り出し、彼の4本目で、吸い終わった吸い殻から火をつけた。

“I will not trouble you with any lengthy cross-examination, Professor Coram, since I gather that you were in bed at the time of the crime, and could know nothing about it.

trouble (煩わす) [動] cause difficulty or problems for

lengthy (長々とした) [形] very long

cross-examination (尋問) [名] the questioning of a witness called by one's opponent in a court of law

know nothing about (何も知らない) [動] have no knowledge of

「コーラム教授、あなたは犯行当時ベッドにいて、何も知らなかったと推測されるので、長々とした尋問はしません。

I would only ask this: What do you imagine that this poor fellow meant by his last words: ‘The professor—it was she’?”

聞きたいのはこれだけです。この哀れな男の最期の言葉『教授、彼女だった』とはどういう意味だと思いますか?」

The professor shook his head.

教授は首を横に振った。

“Susan is a country girl,” said he, “and you know the incredible stupidity of that class.

stupidity (愚かさ) [名] the quality or state of being stupid

「スーザンは田舎娘です」と彼は言った。「そして、あなたはその階級の信じられないほどの愚かさを知っています。

I fancy that the poor fellow murmured some incoherent delirious words, and that she twisted them into this meaningless message.”

incoherent (支離滅裂な) [形] lacking in clarity or intelligibility

delirious (錯乱した) [形] in a state of delirium

twist (変えてしまう) [動] change the shape of something by turning or bending it

meaningless (無意味な) [形] having no meaning or significance

私は、哀れな男が支離滅裂な言葉をいくつかつぶやき、彼女がそれをこの無意味なメッセージに変えてしまったのではないかと想像しています。」

“I see. You have no explanation yourself of the tragedy?”

「なるほど。あなた自身には悲劇の説明がつかないのですか?」

“Possibly an accident, possibly—I only breathe it among ourselves—a suicide.

「おそらく事故、あるいは、これは私たちの間だけですが、自殺かもしれません。

Young men have their hidden troubles—some affair of the heart, perhaps, which we have never known.

hidden trouble (隠れた悩み) [名] a problem that is not known to others

affair of the heart (恋愛問題) [名] a romantic or sexual relationship

若い男性には隠れた悩みがあるものです。私たちが知らない恋愛問題かもしれません。

It is a more probable supposition than murder.”

殺人よりはありそうな推測です」

“But the eyeglasses?”

eyeglasses (眼鏡) [名] a pair of lenses in a frame that are worn in front of a person's eyes, typically to correct vision problems

「しかし、眼鏡は?」

“Ah! I am only a student—a man of dreams.

「ああ、私はただの学生、夢見る男です。

I cannot explain the practical things of life.

人生の実践的なことは説明できません。

But still, we are aware, my friend, that love-gages may take strange shapes.

love-gage (愛の証拠品) [名] a token of love

しかし、それでも、我々は、愛の証拠品が奇妙な形をとることがあるということを知っている。

By all means take another cigarette.

ぜひもう一本タバコをどうぞ。

It is a pleasure to see anyone appreciate them so.

誰かがそれらを高く評価しているのを見るのは嬉しいことだ。

A fan, a glove, glasses—who knows what article may be carried as a token or treasured when a man puts an end to his life?

fan (扇子) [名] a device for creating a current of air

put an end to (命を絶つ) [動] cause the death of

扇子、手袋、眼鏡、人が命を絶つ時に、どんな品物が記念品として運ばれ、大切にされるか誰が知っているだろうか?

This gentleman speaks of footsteps in the grass, but, after all, it is easy to be mistaken on such a point.

footstep (足跡) [名] the mark or impression left by a person walking

この紳士は草の中の足跡について話している、しかし、結局のところ、そのような点で間違えるのは簡単だ。

As to the knife, it might well be thrown far from the unfortunate man as he fell.

ナイフについては、彼が倒れた時に不幸な男から遠くへ投げ捨てられたかもしれない。

It is possible that I speak as a child, but to me it seems that Willoughby Smith has met his fate by his own hand.”

meet (たどる) [動] come across or encounter

私が子供じみたことを言っている可能性もあるが、私にはウィロビー・スミスが自らの手で運命をたどったように思える。」

Holmes seemed struck by the theory thus put forward, and he continued to walk up and down for some time, lost in thought and consuming cigarette after cigarette.

put forward (提示する) [動] propose or suggest

walk up and down (歩き回る) [動] walk back and forth

lost in thought (考え込む) [動] be thinking deeply

ホームズはこのように提示された理論に心を打たれたようで、しばらくの間、考え込んでタバコを吸いながら歩き回り続けた。

“Tell me, Professor Coram,” he said, at last, “what is in that cupboard in the bureau?”

「コーラム教授、教えて下さい」と彼はついに言った、「あの事務机の中の戸棚には何が入っているのですか?」

“Nothing that would help a thief.

help (役に立つ) [動] be of use to

thief (泥棒) [名] a person who steals

「泥棒の役に立つようなものは何もない。

Family papers, letters from my poor wife, diplomas of universities which have done me honour.

diploma (卒業証書) [名] a document issued by an educational institution to show that someone has completed a course of study

家族の書類、私の哀れな妻からの手紙、私に名誉を与えてくれた大学の卒業証書。

Here is the key.

これが鍵だ。

You can look for yourself.”

自分で見てみたらいい。」

Holmes picked up the key, and looked at it for an instant, then he handed it back.

ホームズは鍵を手に取って、一瞬それを眺め、それからそれを返した。

“No, I hardly think that it would help me,” said he.

「いや、それが役に立つとは思えない」と彼は言った。

“I should prefer to go quietly down to your garden, and turn the whole matter over in my head.

「私は静かに庭に降りて、頭の中でこの問題をじっくり考えたい。

There is something to be said for the theory of suicide which you have put forward.

be said (言いたいことがある) [動] to be expressed in words

あなたが提示した自殺説には、何か言いたいことがある。

We must apologize for having intruded upon you, Professor Coram, and I promise that we won’t disturb you until after lunch.

コーラム教授、お邪魔して申し訳ありません。昼食後までお邪魔しないことを約束します。

At two o’clock we will come again, and report to you anything which may have happened in the interval.”

2時にまた来て、その間に起こったことを報告します」

Holmes was curiously distrait, and we walked up and down the garden path for some time in silence.

distrait (ぼんやりしている) [形] absent-minded or inattentive

ホームズは妙にぼんやりしていて、私たちはしばらく庭の小道を黙って行ったり来たりしていた。

“Have you a clue?”

「何か手がかりは?」

I asked, at last.

と私はついに尋ねた。

“It depends upon those cigarettes that I smoked,” said he.

depend (かかっている) [動] be controlled or determined by

「私が吸ったあの煙草にかかっている」と彼は言った。

“It is possible that I am utterly mistaken.

be possible (可能性がある) [動] be able to happen or exist

「私が全く間違っている可能性もある。

The cigarettes will show me.”

show (教える) [動] make known or clear to someone by describing or demonstrating

煙草が教えてくれるだろう。」

“My dear Holmes,” I exclaimed, “how on earth——”

「親愛なるホームズ」私は叫んだ。「いったいどうやって——」

“Well, well, you may see for yourself.

「まあ、まあ、自分で見たらいい。

If not, there’s no harm done.

そうでなければ、害はない。

Of course, we always have the optician clue to fall back upon, but I take a short cut when I can get it.

fall back upon (頼る) [動] have recourse to

short cut (近道) [名] a route more direct than the usual one

もちろん、我々はいつでも頼れる眼鏡屋の手がかりがあるが、私はできる限り近道をする。

Ah, here is the good Mrs. Marker!

ああ、親切なマーカー夫人だ!

Let us enjoy five minutes of instructive conversation with her.”

彼女と5分間の有益な会話を楽しんでみよう。」

I may have remarked before that Holmes had, when he liked, a peculiarly ingratiating way with women, and that he very readily established terms of confidence with them.

ingratiating (愛想の良い) [形] intended to gain approval or favor

readily (すぐに) [副] without difficulty or hesitation

ホームズは、気に入った女性に対しては、独特の愛想の良い態度で接し、すぐに信頼関係を築くことができると前に述べたかもしれない。

In half the time which he had named, he had captured the housekeeper’s goodwill and was chatting with her as if he had known her for years.

capture (獲得する) [動] take or keep in possession, especially by force

goodwill (好意) [名] friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude

chat (おしゃべりをする) [動] talk in a light, informal, and familiar manner

彼が言った半分の時間で、彼は家政婦の好意を獲得し、まるで長年知っているかのように彼女とおしゃべりをしていた。

“Yes, Mr. Holmes, it is as you say, sir.

「はい、ホームズさん、おっしゃる通りです。

He does smoke something terrible.

彼はひどい煙草を吸う。

All day and sometimes all night, sir.

一日中、時には一晩中です。

I’ve seen that room of a morning—well, sir, you’d have thought it was a London fog.

I've seen (私は見たことがある) [動] I have seen

私は朝その部屋を見たことがある。ロンドンの霧だと思っただろう。

Poor young Mr. Smith, he was a smoker also, but not as bad as the professor.

Mr. Smith (スミスさん) [名] a man with the surname Smith

as bad as (ほどひどくはない) [副] to the same extent or degree as

かわいそうなスミスさんも喫煙家でしたが、教授ほどひどくはなかった。

His health—well, I don’t know that it’s better nor worse for the smoking.”

smoking (喫煙) [名] the act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of a burning or smoldering plant material, especially tobacco

彼の健康は、喫煙によって良くなったのか悪くなったのかはわからない。」

“Ah!” said Holmes, “but it kills the appetite.”

kill (なくす) [動] cause to die

appetite (食欲) [名] a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food

「ああ!」とホームズは言った、「しかしそれは食欲をなくす。」

“Well, I don’t know about that, sir.”

「ええ、それは知りません。」

“I suppose the professor eats hardly anything?”

「教授はほとんど何も食べないと思うが?」

“Well, he is variable.

variable (気まぐれ) [形] likely to change

「ええ、彼は気まぐれです。

I’ll say that for him.”

彼のためにそう言いましょう。」

“I’ll wager he took no breakfast this morning, and won’t face his lunch after all the cigarettes I saw him consume.”

all the cigarettes (すべてのタバコ) [名] every cigarette

lunch (昼食) [名] a meal eaten in the middle of the day

「彼は今朝朝食をとらなかったし、私が見た限り彼が吸ったすべてのタバコの後に昼食を食べようとしないだろう。」

“Well, you’re out there, sir, as it happens, for he ate a remarkable big breakfast this morning.

out there (間違っている) [形] wrong

「ええ、あなたは間違っています、旦那様、たまたま彼は今朝とても大きな朝食を食べたのです。

I don’t know when I’ve known him make a better one, and he’s ordered a good dish of cutlets for his lunch.

make a better one (もっと良い朝食を食べた) [動] eat a better breakfast

彼がもっと良い朝食を食べたのを見たことがありませんし、彼は昼食にカツレツを注文しました。

I’m surprised myself, for since I came into that room yesterday and saw young Mr. Smith lying there on the floor, I couldn’t bear to look at food.

couldn't bear (耐えられない) [動] be unable to tolerate or endure

私自身驚いています、昨日あの部屋に入って若いスミスさんが床に横たわっているのを見た時から、食べ物を見ることに耐えられませんでした。

Well, it takes all sorts to make a world, and the professor hasn’t let it take his appetite away.”

take (成り立つ) [動] be composed of

ええ、世界は様々な人々で成り立っていますし、教授は食欲を失うことはありませんでした。」

We loitered the morning away in the garden.

loiter (ぶらぶらする) [動] stand or wait around idly or without purpose

私たちは午前中庭をぶらぶらした。

Stanley Hopkins had gone down to the village to look into some rumours of a strange woman who had been seen by some children on the Chatham Road the previous morning.

strange (見知らぬ) [形] not known or familiar

スタンレー・ホプキンスは、前日の朝にチャタム街道で子供たちに見られた見知らぬ女性の噂を調べるために村へ降りていた。

As to my friend, all his usual energy seemed to have deserted him.

友人については、いつもの元気がすっかり失せてしまったようだった。

I had never known him handle a case in such a half-hearted fashion.

half-hearted (気乗りのしない) [形] lacking in enthusiasm or energy

彼がこれほど気乗りのしない態度で事件に取り組むのを見たことがなかった。

Even the news brought back by Hopkins that he had found the children, and that they had undoubtedly seen a woman exactly corresponding with Holmes’s description, and wearing either spectacles or eyeglasses, failed to rouse any sign of keen interest.

bring back (持ち帰る) [動] to return with something

wear (かける) [動] to have on one's person as clothing, decoration, or protection

ホプキンスが子供たちを見つけ、彼らが間違いなくホームズの説明とぴったり一致し、眼鏡をかけた女性を見たという知らせでさえ、強い関心の兆候を呼び起こすことはできなかった。

He was more attentive when Susan, who waited upon us at lunch, volunteered the information that she believed Mr. Smith had been out for a walk yesterday morning, and that he had only returned half an hour before the tragedy occurred.

wait upon (給仕する) [動] serve

volunteer (自発的に提供する) [動] freely offer to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task

Mr. Smith (スミス氏) [名] a male person with the surname Smith

walk (散歩) [名] the action or an instance of going somewhere by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

昼食の時に私たちに給仕したスーザンが、スミス氏は昨日の朝散歩に出かけていて、悲劇が起こる30分前に帰ってきただけだと信じているという情報を自発的に提供した時、彼はもっと注意深くなった。

I could not myself see the bearing of this incident, but I clearly perceived that Holmes was weaving it into the general scheme which he had formed in his brain.

bearing (意味) [名] the meaning or significance of something

weave (織り込む) [動] make by interlacing strands of fabric

general scheme (全体像) [名] a plan or program that deals with the main features of something

私にはこの事件の意味がわからなかったが、ホームズが頭の中で作り上げた全体像にそれを織り込んでいるのだとはっきりとわかった。

Suddenly he sprang from his chair and glanced at his watch.

突然彼は椅子から飛び上がり、時計をちらっと見た。

“Two o’clock, gentlemen,” said he.

「二時だ、皆さん」と彼は言った。

“We must go up and have it out with our friend, the professor.”

have it out (話し合う) [動] have a serious discussion or argument about something

「私たちは上に行って、友人の教授と話し合う必要がある。」

The old man had just finished his lunch, and certainly his empty dish bore evidence to the good appetite with which his housekeeper had credited him.

dish (皿) [名] a flat, round container with raised edges that is used to hold or serve food

bear (証拠だった) [動] give evidence of; indicate

credit (言っていた) [動] believe or trust

老人は昼食を終えたばかりで、空になった皿は家政婦が言っていたように食欲旺盛な証拠だった。

He was, indeed, a weird figure as he turned his white mane and his glowing eyes towards us.

mane (たてがみ) [名] the long hair on the neck of a horse or lion

彼は白いたてがみと輝く目を私たちに向けたとき、確かに奇妙な姿だった。

The eternal cigarette smouldered in his mouth.

いつもの煙草が彼の口の中でくすぶっていた。

He had been dressed and was seated in an armchair by the fire.

彼は服を着て、暖炉のそばの肘掛け椅子に座っていた。

“Well, Mr. Holmes, have you solved this mystery yet?”

「さて、ホームズさん、もうこの謎を解きましたか?」

He shoved the large tin of cigarettes which stood on a table beside him towards my companion.

shove (押しやる) [動] push or thrust something or someone suddenly or roughly

tin (缶) [名] a container made of tinplate

彼は隣のテーブルの上にあった大きな煙草の缶を私の連れに向かって押しやった。

Holmes stretched out his hand at the same moment, and between them they tipped the box over the edge.

stretch out (伸ばす) [動] extend one's limbs or body

tip (ひっくり返す) [動] cause to move or fall over

ホームズも同時に手を伸ばし、二人で箱を端からひっくり返した。

For a minute or two we were all on our knees retrieving stray cigarettes from impossible places.

for a minute or two (一、二分の間) [名] for a short period of time

retrieve (拾い集める) [動] get or bring back

stray (散らばった) [形] not in the right place

一、二分の間、私たちは皆ひざまずいて、ありえない場所から散らばった煙草を拾い集めた。

When we rose again, I observed Holmes’s eyes were shining and his cheeks tinged with colour.

tinge (色づく) [動] color slightly

私たちが再び立ち上がったとき、私はホームズの目が輝き、頬が色づいているのに気づいた。

Only at a crisis have I seen those battle-signals flying.

battle-signal (戦闘信号) [名] a signal that indicates that a battle is about to begin

fly (掲げる) [動] to be displayed or shown

危機に陥ったときにしか、私はこの戦闘信号を見たことがない。

“Yes,” said he, “I have solved it.”

「ああ」と彼は言った、「解決したよ」

Stanley Hopkins and I stared in amazement.

スタンレー・ホプキンスと私は驚いて見つめた。

Something like a sneer quivered over the gaunt features of the old professor.

sneer (嘲笑) [名] a contemptuous or mocking smile

quiver (浮かぶ) [動] tremble or shake slightly

老教授のやつれた顔に、嘲笑のようなものが浮かんだ。

“Indeed! In the garden?”

「なるほど! 庭に?」

“No, here.”

「いいえ、ここに」

“Here! When?”

「ここに! いつ?」

“This instant.”

this instant (今すぐ) [名] immediately; at once

「今すぐ」

“You are surely joking, Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

「シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたは確かに冗談を言っている。

You compel me to tell you that this is too serious a matter to be treated in such a fashion.”

あなたは私に、これはそのようなやり方で扱うには深刻すぎる問題だと言うことを強いる。」

“I have forged and tested every link of my chain, Professor Coram, and I am sure that it is sound.

forge (鍛造する) [動] shape metal by heating and hammering

test (テストする) [動] make an examination of the qualities or truth of

link (輪) [名] a relationship or connection between two or more things

chain (鎖) [名] a series of connected metal links

sound (健全である) [形] free from injury, damage, or defect

「私は私の鎖のすべての輪を鍛造し、テストした、コーラム教授、そして私はそれが健全であると確信している。

What your motives are, or what exact part you play in this strange business, I am not yet able to say.

あなたの動機が何であるか、あるいはこの奇妙な事件であなたがどんな役割を果たしているか、私はまだ言うことができない。

In a few minutes I shall probably hear it from your own lips.

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

数分以内に私はおそらくあなた自身の唇からそれを聞くだろう。

Meanwhile I will reconstruct what is past for your benefit, so that you may know the information which I still require.

reconstruct (再構築する) [動] build or form again

benefit (利益) [名] an advantage or profit gained from something

その間に私はあなたの利益のために過去を再構築する、そうすればあなたは私がまだ必要としている情報を知ることができる。

“A lady yesterday entered your study.

「昨日、女性があなたの書斎に入った。

She came with the intention of possessing herself of certain documents which were in your bureau.

certain (特定の) [形] having a specific but not explicitly stated value

彼女はあなたの書斎にある特定の書類を自分のものにするつもりで来た。

She had a key of her own.

彼女は自分の鍵を持っていた。

I have had an opportunity of examining yours, and I do not find that slight discolouration which the scratch made upon the varnish would have produced.

have an opportunity (機会がある) [名] a time or place suitable for doing something

do not find (見当たらない) [動] fail to find

私はあなたのものを調べる機会があったが、ニスについた傷が作り出すわずかな変色は見当たらない。

You were not an accessory, therefore, and she came, so far as I can read the evidence, without your knowledge to rob you.”

accessory (共犯者) [名] a person who helps another commit a crime

rob (盗む) [動] take something from someone by force or threat of force

だから、あなたは共犯者ではなく、私が証拠から読み取れる限り、彼女はあなたの知らないうちにあなたから盗もうと来た。」

The professor blew a cloud from his lips.

教授は唇から煙を吹き出した。

“This is most interesting and instructive,” said he.

「これはとても興味深く、有益だ」と彼は言った。

“Have you no more to add?

「付け加えることはもうないのか?

Surely, having traced this lady so far, you can also say what has become of her.”

確かに、ここまでこの女性を追跡したのなら、彼女がどうなったか言うこともできるだろう。」

“I will endeavour to do so.

「そうするよう努力する。

In the first place she was seized by your secretary, and stabbed him in order to escape.

最初に彼女はあなたの秘書に捕まり、逃げるために彼を刺した。

This catastrophe I am inclined to regard as an unhappy accident, for I am convinced that the lady had no intention of inflicting so grievous an injury.

regard (見なす) [動] consider or think of as

grievous (ひどい) [形] causing great pain or suffering

この大惨事は不幸な事故と見なす傾向がある、というのも私はその女性がそれほどひどい傷を負わせるつもりはなかったと確信しているからだ。

An assassin does not come unarmed.

unarmed (武器を持たずに) [形] not having a weapon

暗殺者は武器を持たずに来ない。

Horrified by what she had done, she rushed wildly away from the scene of the tragedy.

wildly (狂ったように) [副] in a wild manner

彼女は自分のしたことに恐怖を覚え、悲劇の現場から狂ったように逃げ出した。

Unfortunately for her, she had lost her glasses in the scuffle, and as she was extremely short-sighted she was really helpless without them.

short-sighted (近視眼的) [形] lacking imagination or foresight

彼女にとって不幸なことに、彼女は乱闘の中で眼鏡を失い、彼女は非常に近視眼的だったので、眼鏡なしでは本当に無力だった。

She ran down a corridor, which she imagined to be that by which she had come—both were lined with cocoanut matting—and it was only when it was too late that she understood that she had taken the wrong passage, and that her retreat was cut off behind her.

run down (駆け下りる) [動] move quickly

too late (手遅れ) [形] after the time when something could have been done

retreat (退路) [名] the act of withdrawing

cut off (断たれる) [動] break the continuity of

彼女は廊下を駆け下り、そこが自分が来た道だと思ったのだが、どちらもココナッツの敷物が敷かれていて、間違った道を進んだことを理解したときには手遅れで、退路は彼女の後ろで断たれていた。

What was she to do?

be to do (するべきである) [動] be supposed to do

彼女はどうしたらいいのか?

She could not go back.

彼女は戻ることができなかった。

She could not remain where she was.

彼女はそこに留まることができなかった。

She must go on.

彼女は進まなければならなかった。

She went on.

彼女は進んだ。

She mounted a stair, pushed open a door, and found herself in your room.”

push (開ける) [動] exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself

彼女は階段を上り、ドアを開け、あなたの部屋にいることに気づいた。」

The old man sat with his mouth open, staring wildly at Holmes.

老人は口を開けて座り、ホームズをじっと見つめていた。

Amazement and fear were stamped upon his expressive features.

stamp (刻み込む) [動] impress or mark with a stamp

驚きと恐怖が彼の表情に刻み込まれていた。

Now, with an effort, he shrugged his shoulders and burst into insincere laughter.

with an effort (努力して) [副] with a lot of effort

insincere (不誠実な) [形] not sincere; not honest or genuine

彼は努力して肩をすくめ、不誠実な笑い声を出した。

“All very fine, Mr. Holmes,” said he.

「とても素晴らしい、ホームズさん」と彼は言った。

“But there is one little flaw in your splendid theory.

「しかし、あなたの素晴らしい理論には1つの小さな欠陥がある。

I was myself in my room, and I never left it during the day.”

私は自分の部屋にいて、その日部屋から出ることはなかった。」

“I am aware of that, Professor Coram.”

「それは承知しています、コーラム教授。」

“And you mean to say that I could lie upon that bed and not be aware that a woman had entered my room?”

be aware (気づく) [動] have knowledge or perception of

「そして、私があのベッドに横たわっていて、女性が私の部屋に入ってきたことに気づかなかったと言いたいのか?」

“I never said so.

「私はそんなことは言っていない。

You were aware of it.

be aware of (気が付く) [動] know or realize; be conscious of

あなたはそれに気が付いていた。

You spoke with her.

あなたは彼女と話した。

You recognized her.

あなたは彼女を認識した。

You aided her to escape.”

あなたは彼女が逃げるのを助けた。」

Again the professor burst into high-keyed laughter.

high-keyed (甲高い) [形] high in pitch

教授は再び甲高い笑い声を立てた。

He had risen to his feet, and his eyes glowed like embers.

彼は立ち上がり、目は残り火のように輝いていた。

“You are mad!” he cried.

「あなたは狂っている!」と彼は叫んだ。

“You are talking insanely.

「あなたは狂ったように話している。

I helped her to escape?

私が彼女の逃亡を助けた?

Where is she now?”

彼女は今どこにいる?」

“She is there,” said Holmes, and he pointed to a high bookcase in the corner of the room.

「彼女はそこだ」とホームズは言い、部屋の隅にある高い本棚を指さした。

I saw the old man throw up his arms, a terrible convulsion passed over his grim face, and he fell back in his chair.

convulsion (痙攣) [名] a violent involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

私は老人が両腕を投げ上げ、恐ろしい痙攣がその険しい顔を走り、椅子に倒れ込むのを見た。

At the same instant the bookcase at which Holmes pointed swung round upon a hinge, and a woman rushed out into the room.

swing round (回転する) [動] turn around quickly

同時にホームズが指さした本棚が蝶番で回転し、一人の女性が部屋に飛び出してきた。

“You are right!” she cried, in a strange foreign voice.

「あなたは正しい!」と彼女は奇妙な外国語の声で叫んだ。

“You are right! I am here.”

「あなたは正しい! 私はここにいる。」

She was brown with the dust and draped with the cobwebs which had come from the walls of her hiding-place.

brown (茶色い) [形] of the color intermediate between red and yellow in the spectrum; of a color produced by combining red and yellow

cobweb (蜘蛛の巣) [名] a web of sticky silk threads made by a spider to catch its prey

彼女は埃で茶色く、隠れ場所の壁から来た蜘蛛の巣に覆われていた。

Her face, too, was streaked with grime, and at the best she could never have been handsome, for she had the exact physical characteristics which Holmes had divined, with, in addition, a long and obstinate chin.

streak (筋) [名] a long, thin mark or band of a different color or substance

physical (身体的) [形] relating to the body as opposed to the mind

divine (推測する) [動] discover or perceive by intuition or insight

彼女の顔もまた汚れで筋がついており、どんなによく言っても美人とは言えなかった。彼女はホームズが推測した通りの身体的特徴を持ち、さらに長く頑固そうな顎をしていた。

What with her natural blindness, and what with the change from dark to light, she stood as one dazed, blinking about her to see where and who we were.

blindness (盲目) [名] the condition of being blind

dazed (ぼうっとした) [形] confused or stunned

彼女は生まれつきの盲目と暗闇から光への変化で、ぼうっと立ち、私たちがどこにいて誰なのかを見ようと瞬きしていた。

And yet, in spite of all these disadvantages, there was a certain nobility in the woman’s bearing—a gallantry in the defiant chin and in the upraised head, which compelled something of respect and admiration.

in spite of (にもかかわらず) [前] without being influenced by; notwithstanding

disadvantage (不利な点) [名] an unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness

nobility (気高さ) [名] the quality of being noble in character, mind, or spirit

defiant (反抗的な) [形] showing defiance

それでも、これらの不利な点にもかかわらず、女性の態度には一種の気高さがあった。反抗的な顎と上げた頭には勇敢さがあり、尊敬と賞賛を強要した。

Stanley Hopkins had laid his hand upon her arm and claimed her as his prisoner, but she waved him aside gently, and yet with an over-mastering dignity which compelled obedience.

lay one's hand upon (手を置く) [動] to touch someone or something with one's hand

wave aside (脇に振り払う) [動] to dismiss or reject someone or something

over-mastering (圧倒的な) [形] having or showing great power or strength

dignity (威厳) [名] the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect

obedience (従順) [名] the quality or state of being obedient

スタンレー・ホプキンスは彼女の腕に手を置き、彼女を自分の囚人だと主張したが、彼女は彼を優しく脇に振り払い、それでも従順を強いる圧倒的な威厳をもって彼を脇に振り払った。

The old man lay back in his chair with a twitching face, and stared at her with brooding eyes.

lay back (寄りかかる) [動] lean back

twitching (ひきつらせる) [動] make a short, sudden, jerking movement

brooding (陰気な) [形] showing deep unhappiness or anxiety

老人は顔をひきつらせながら椅子に寄りかかり、陰気な目で彼女を見つめた。

“Yes, sir, I am your prisoner,” she said.

「はい、私はあなたの囚人です」と彼女は言った。

“From where I stood I could hear everything, and I know that you have learned the truth.

from where (~から) [副] from the place that

「私が立っていた場所からはすべて聞こえました。あなたは真実を知ったのです。

I confess it all.

すべてを告白します。

It was I who killed the young man.

若者を殺したのは私です。

But you are right—you who say it was an accident.

しかし、あなたは正しい。事故だと言うあなたは正しい。

I did not even know that it was a knife which I held in my hand, for in my despair I snatched anything from the table and struck at him to make him let me go.

私が手に持っていたのがナイフだとは知らなかった。絶望のあまり、テーブルから何かをひっつかんで、彼を殴り、私を放すようにしたのだ。

It is the truth that I tell.”

私が言うのは真実だ。」

“Madam,” said Holmes, “I am sure that it is the truth.

Madam (奥さん) [名] a polite term of address for a woman

「奥さん」とホームズは言った。「それが真実だと確信しています。

I fear that you are far from well.”

あなたは元気とは程遠いのではないかと心配しています。」

She had turned a dreadful colour, the more ghastly under the dark dust-streaks upon her face.

彼女は恐ろしい色に変わり、顔の上の暗いほこりの筋の下でさらに恐ろしかった。

She seated herself on the side of the bed;

seat (腰を下ろす) [動] to place in or on a seat

彼女はベッドの横に腰を下ろした。

then she resumed.

それから彼女は再開した。

“I have only a little time here,” she said, “but I would have you to know the whole truth.

have only a little time (時間はわずかだ) [動] have only a short time

would have you to know (知ってほしい) [動] want you to know

whole truth (真実をすべて) [名] the complete truth

「ここにいられる時間はわずかです」と彼女は言った。「しかし、あなたに真実をすべて知ってほしいのです。

I am this man’s wife.

私はこの男の妻です。

He is not an Englishman.

彼はイギリス人ではない。

He is a Russian.

Russian (ロシア人) [名] a person from Russia

彼はロシア人です。

His name I will not tell.”

彼の名前は言いません。」

For the first time the old man stirred.

初めて老人は身動きした。

“God bless you, Anna!” he cried.

「神のご加護を、アンナ!」彼は叫んだ。

“God bless you!”

「神のご加護を!」

She cast a look of the deepest disdain in his direction.

cast (投げかける) [動] direct or throw

direction (方) [名] the place or point toward which someone or something moves or faces

彼女は彼の方に最も深い軽蔑の視線を投げかけた。

“Why should you cling so hard to that wretched life of yours, Sergius?” said she.

cling (しがみつく) [動] hold on tightly

hard (とても) [副] very much

Sergius (セルギウス) [名] a male given name

「なぜあなたはそんなに自分の惨めな人生にしがみつくの、セルギウス?」彼女は言った。

“It has done harm to many and good to none—not even to yourself.

good (利益) [名] something that is beneficial

「それは多くの人に害を与え、誰にも利益をもたらさなかった。あなた自身にも。

However, it is not for me to cause the frail thread to be snapped before God’s time.

snap (切る) [動] break or cause to break with a sharp cracking sound

しかし、神の定めた時より前にそのか弱い糸を切らせるのは私の役目ではない。

I have enough already upon my soul since I crossed the threshold of this cursed house.

have enough (十分に持っている) [動] have as much as one wants or needs

cursed (呪われた) [形] subject to a curse

私はこの呪われた家の敷居をまたいで以来、すでに十分に私の魂に重荷を負っている。

But I must speak or I shall be too late.

しかし、私は話さなければならない。さもなければ手遅れになる。

“I have said, gentlemen, that I am this man’s wife.

「皆さん、私はこの男の妻だと言いました。

He was fifty and I a foolish girl of twenty when we married.

結婚した時、彼は五十歳で私は二十歳の愚かな娘だった。

It was in a city of Russia, a university—I will not name the place.”

Russia (ロシア) [名] a country in northern Eurasia

それはロシアの都市の大学だったが、場所は言わないでおこう。」

“God bless you, Anna!” murmured the old man again.

God bless you (神のご加護を) [間] a phrase used to wish someone well

Anna (アンナ) [名] a female given name

「神のご加護を、アンナ!」と老人は再びつぶやいた。

“We were reformers—revolutionists—Nihilists, you understand.

reformer (改革者) [名] someone who works to make changes in the way that an institution or system operates

revolutionist (革命家) [名] someone who works to bring about a revolution

「私たちは改革者、革命家、ニヒリストでした。

He and I and many more.

彼と私とその他大勢。

Then there came a time of trouble, a police officer was killed, many were arrested, evidence was wanted, and in order to save his own life and to earn a great reward, my husband betrayed his own wife and his companions.

time of trouble (困難な時期) [名] a period of difficulty or hardship

police officer (警察官) [名] a member of a police force

earn (得る) [動] gain or incur deservedly or as a result of one's efforts

その後、困難な時期が訪れ、警察官が殺され、多くの人が逮捕され、証拠が求められ、自分の命を救い、大きな報酬を得るために、私の夫は自分の妻と仲間を裏切った。

Yes, we were all arrested upon his confession.

ええ、私たちは皆彼の自白で逮捕されました。

Some of us found our way to the gallows, and some to Siberia.

find one's way (送られる) [動] to go or travel to a place

Siberia (シベリア) [名] a region in northern Asia

私たちの何人かは絞首台に、何人かはシベリアに送られました。

I was among these last, but my term was not for life.

私は後者の一人だったが、終身刑ではなかった。

My husband came to England with his ill-gotten gains and has lived in quiet ever since, knowing well that if the Brotherhood knew where he was not a week would pass before justice would be done.”

ill-gotten gain (不正に得た利益) [名] money or property obtained by illegal or unfair means

Brotherhood (同胞団) [名] a group of people linked by a common interest or purpose

私の夫は不正に得た利益を持ってイギリスに来て、それ以来ずっと静かに暮らしています。もし同胞団が彼の居場所を知ったら、正義が下されるまで一週間も経たないことをよく知っているのです。」

The old man reached out a trembling hand and helped himself to a cigarette.

reach out (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out an arm in a specified direction

trembling (震える) [形] shaking or quivering

help oneself to (~を手に取る) [動] take something without asking for permission

老人は震える手を伸ばしてタバコを吸った。

“I am in your hands, Anna,” said he.

be in one's hands (手の中にいる) [動] to be under the control of someone

「私はあなたの手の中にいる、アンナ」と彼は言った。

“You were always good to me.”

「あなたはいつも私に優しかった。」

“I have not yet told you the height of his villainy,” said she.

height (極み) [名] the highest point of something

「私はまだ彼の悪事の極みをあなたに話していません」と彼女は言った。

“Among our comrades of the Order, there was one who was the friend of my heart.

comrade (同志) [名] a fellow member of a political party or a fellow soldier

order (教団) [名] a religious community of men or women living under vows

「私たちの同志の中に、私の心の友がいました。

He was noble, unselfish, loving—all that my husband was not.

loving (愛情深い) [形] feeling or showing love

彼は高潔で、利己的でなく、愛情深く、私の夫が持たない全てのものを備えていました。

He hated violence.

彼は暴力を嫌っていました。

We were all guilty—if that is guilt—but he was not.

私たちは皆有罪でした、もしそれが有罪なら、しかし彼はそうではありませんでした。

He wrote forever dissuading us from such a course.

forever (ずっと) [副] for all future time; for always

dissuade (説得する) [動] persuade someone not to do something

彼は私たちにそのような道を歩まないよう説得する手紙を書き続けました。

These letters would have saved him.

would have (でしょう) [助] used to express a possibility or wish in the past

これらの手紙は彼を救ったでしょう。

So would my diary, in which, from day to day, I had entered both my feelings towards him and the view which each of us had taken.

diary (日記) [名] a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences

day to day (日々) [形] daily

私の日記もそうでしょう、私は日々、彼に対する気持ちと私たち一人一人が持っていた見解の両方を書き込んでいました。

My husband found and kept both diary and letters.

夫は日記と手紙の両方を見つけて保管していました。

He hid them, and he tried hard to swear away the young man’s life.

swear (奪う) [動] make a solemn statement or promise undertaking to do something or affirming that something is the case

彼はそれらを隠し、若者の命を奪おうと懸命に努力しました。

In this he failed, but Alexis was sent a convict to Siberia, where now, at this moment, he works in a salt mine.

Alexis (アレクシ) [名] a male given name

convict (囚人) [名] a person found guilty of a crime and sentenced

this moment (この瞬間) [名] the present time

これに失敗したが、アレクシスはシベリアに囚人として送られ、今この瞬間、彼は塩鉱山で働いている。

Think of that, you villain, you villain!—now, now, at this very moment, Alexis, a man whose name you are not worthy to speak, works and lives like a slave, and yet I have your life in my hands, and I let you go.”

this very moment (この瞬間) [名] the present time

worthy (値する) [形] deserving

speak (口にする) [動] say something

slave (奴隷) [名] a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them

考えてみろ、この悪党、この悪党! 今、今、この瞬間、アレクシスは、あなたが口にするに値しない男だが、奴隷のように働き、生きている、それなのに私はあなたの命を握っているのに、あなたを逃がしてやる。」

“You were always a noble woman, Anna,” said the old man, puffing at his cigarette.

「アンナ、君はいつも高貴な女性だった」と老人はタバコをふかしながら言った。

She had risen, but she fell back again with a little cry of pain.

彼女は起き上がったが、痛みの小さな叫び声を上げて再び倒れた。

“I must finish,” she said.

「私は終わらせなければならない」と彼女は言った。

“When my term was over I set myself to get the diary and letters which, if sent to the Russian government, would procure my friend’s release.

set oneself to (決意する) [動] to make a firm decision to do something

government (政府) [名] the group of people with authority to govern it

procure (勝ち取る) [動] to obtain by care, effort, or the use of special means

「私の任期が終わると、私は日記と手紙を手に入れようと決意した。それをロシア政府に送れば、友人の釈放を勝ち取ることができるだろう。

I knew that my husband had come to England.

私は夫がイギリスに来たことを知っていた。

After months of searching I discovered where he was.

数ヶ月の捜索の後、私は彼がどこにいるかを発見した。

I knew that he still had the diary, for when I was in Siberia I had a letter from him once, reproaching me and quoting some passages from its pages.

reproach (非難する) [動] express disapproval of or disappointment with

私は彼がまだ日記を持っていることを知っていた。なぜなら、私がシベリアにいたとき、彼から一度手紙を受け取ったことがある。その手紙には私を非難し、日記のページからいくつかの文章を引用していた。

Yet I was sure that, with his revengeful nature, he would never give it to me of his own free-will.

revengeful (復讐心の強い) [形] seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury

free-will (自由意志) [名] the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate

しかし、彼の復讐心の強い性格から、彼が自分の自由意志で私にそれを渡すことは決してないだろうと確信していた。

I must get it for myself.

for myself (自分で) [副] by myself; on my own

私は自分でそれを手に入れなければならない。

With this object I engaged an agent from a private detective firm, who entered my husband’s house as a secretary—it was your second secretary, Sergius, the one who left you so hurriedly.

with this object (この目的のために) [名] for this purpose

private detective firm (私立探偵事務所) [名] a business that provides investigative services

この目的のために、私は私立探偵事務所から代理人を雇い、夫の家に秘書として入り込んだ。それはあなたの二番目の秘書、セルギウス、あなたを急いで去った人だった。

He found that papers were kept in the cupboard, and he got an impression of the key.

impression (印象) [名] a feeling or opinion that you get about somebody or something

彼は書類が戸棚に保管されていることを知り、鍵の印象を得た。

He would not go farther.

far (先) [副] a great distance in space or time

彼はそれ以上先に進もうとはしなかった。

He furnished me with a plan of the house, and he told me that in the forenoon the study was always empty, as the secretary was employed up here.

employ (働く) [動] provide work for someone in return for regular pay

彼は私に家の見取り図を渡し、午前中は秘書がここで働いているので書斎はいつも空だと教えてくれた。

So at last I took my courage in both hands, and I came down to get the papers for myself.

take courage (勇気を振り絞る) [動] to be brave

in both hands (両手で) [副] with both hands

get (取りに来る) [動] go and fetch

だからついに私は両手で勇気を振り絞り、自分で書類を取りに来た。

I succeeded; but at what a cost!

at what a cost (どんな犠牲を払って) [名] the price paid for something

私は成功したが、どんな犠牲を払ってか!

“I had just taken the paper;

「私はちょうど書類を手に取った。

and was locking the cupboard, when the young man seized me.

cupboard (食器棚) [名] a place, usually a cabinet with a door and shelves, where dishes, food, or sometimes clothes are kept

そして、若い男が私を捕まえたとき、食器棚に鍵をかけていた。

I had seen him already that morning.

that morning (その朝) [名] the morning of the day in question

私はその朝すでに彼に会っていた。

He had met me on the road, and I had asked him to tell me where Professor Coram lived, not knowing that he was in his employ.”

彼は道で私に会って、私は彼がコーラム教授に雇われていることを知らずに、コーラム教授がどこに住んでいるか教えてくれるように頼んだ。」

“Exactly! Exactly!” said Holmes.

「その通り! その通り!」とホームズは言った。

“The secretary came back, and told his employer of the woman he had met.

「秘書は戻ってきて、雇い主に会った女性のことを話した。

Then, in his last breath, he tried to send a message that it was she—the she whom he had just discussed with him.”

send a message (伝える) [動] communicate a message

whom (彼) [代] a male person or animal that is being discussed

それから、彼は最後の息で、彼女が犯人だと伝えようとしたのだ。彼が秘書と話し合ったばかりの彼女だ。」

“You must let me speak,” said the woman, in an imperative voice, and her face contracted as if in pain.

imperative (命令口調) [形] expressing a command

「私に話させて」と女性は命令口調で言い、顔を痛そうに歪めた。

“When he had fallen I rushed from the room, chose the wrong door, and found myself in my husband’s room.

「彼が倒れた時、私は部屋から飛び出し、間違ったドアを選んで、夫の部屋にいることに気づきました。

He spoke of giving me up.

彼は私を諦めることを話した。

I showed him that if he did so, his life was in my hands.

もし彼がそうしたら、彼の命は私の手中にあることを彼に示した。

If he gave me to the law, I could give him to the Brotherhood. It was not that I wished to live for my own sake, but it was that I desired to accomplish my purpose.

accomplish (達成する) [動] successfully bring about or reach a goal

もし彼が私を法に差し出したら、私は彼を同胞団に差し出せる。私が自分のために生きたかったのではなく、目的を達成したいと思ったからだ。

He knew that I would do what I said—that his own fate was involved in mine.

do (実行する) [動] perform or carry out

彼は私が言ったことを実行するだろうと知っていた。彼自身の運命が私の運命に関係していることを。

For that reason, and for no other, he shielded me.

for no other (他の理由ではなくて) [副] for no other cause or purpose

その理由で、そして他の理由ではなくて、彼は私を守った。

He thrust me into that dark hiding-place—a relic of old days, known only to himself.

relic (遺物) [名] something that has survived from an earlier time

彼は私をあの暗い隠れ場所に押し込んだ。彼だけが知っている昔の遺物だ。

He took his meals in his own room, and so was able to give me part of his food.

take one's meals (食事をする) [動] eat food

own room (自分の部屋) [名] a room that belongs to oneself

give (分ける) [動] transfer something to someone else

彼は自分の部屋で食事をしたので、食事の一部を私に分けることができた。

It was agreed that when the police left the house I should slip away by night and come back no more.

slip away (抜け出す) [動] leave quietly and secretly

警察が家を去ったら、私は夜に抜け出し、二度と戻らないことで合意した。

But in some way you have read our plans.” She tore from the bosom of her dress a small packet.

some way (どういうわけか) [副] in some manner or to some extent

read (知る) [動] get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

bosom (胸元) [名] the upper front of a person's body, between the neck and the waist

しかし、どういうわけかあなたは私たちの計画を知ってしまった。」彼女はドレスの胸元から小さな包みを取り出した。

“These are my last words,” said she;

「これが私の最後の言葉です」と彼女は言った。

“here is the packet which will save Alexis. I confide it to your honour and to your love of justice.

「これがアレクシスを救う包みです。私はあなたの名誉と正義への愛にそれを託します。

Take it! You will deliver it at the Russian Embassy. Now, I have done my duty, and——”

deliver (届ける) [動] take or send to the intended recipient

Russian Embassy (ロシア大使館) [名] the official office of a Russian diplomat

受け取ってください! あなたはそれをロシア大使館に届けてください。これで私は義務を果たしました、そして——」

“Stop her!” cried Holmes.

「彼女を止めろ!」ホームズは叫んだ。

He had bounded across the room and had wrenched a small phial from her hand.

wrench (ねじり取る) [動] pull or twist suddenly and violently

彼は部屋を飛び越えて彼女の手から小さな薬瓶をねじり取った。

“Too late!” she said, sinking back on the bed.

「遅すぎたよ!」彼女はベッドに沈みながら言った。

“Too late! I took the poison before I left my hiding-place.

take (飲む) [動] swallow or consume

poison (毒) [名] a substance that is harmful or fatal if ingested or absorbed

「遅すぎたよ! 私は隠れ場所を出る前に毒を飲んだの。

My head swims! I am going!

swim (クラクラする) [動] feel dizzy

頭がクラクラする! 私は行くよ!

I charge you, sir, to remember the packet.”

charge (頼む) [動] ask someone to do something

remember (忘れない) [動] not forget

あなたに頼むよ、あの包みを忘れないで。」

“A simple case, and yet, in some ways, an instructive one,” Holmes remarked, as we travelled back to town.

in some ways (ある意味) [副] to some extent

「単純な事件だが、ある意味、教訓的な事件だ」とホームズは町に戻る途中で言った。

“It hinged from the outset upon the pince-nez.

hinge (鍵となる) [動] depend on

outset (最初) [名] the beginning of something

「最初から鼻眼鏡が鍵だった。

But for the fortunate chance of the dying man having seized these, I am not sure that we could ever have reached our solution.

but for (~がなければ) [接] if it were not for

fortunate chance (幸運な偶然) [名] a lucky accident

だが、死にゆく男がこれらをつかみ取った幸運な偶然がなければ、我々が解決にたどり着けたかどうかはわからない。

It was clear to me, from the strength of the glasses, that the wearer must have been very blind and helpless when deprived of them.

wearer (持ち主) [名] a person who wears something

deprived (失った) [動] take away or withhold something from

blind (目が見えない) [形] unable to see

眼鏡の度数から、それを失った持ち主はほとんど目が見えなくて無力だったに違いないことは私には明らかだった。

When you asked me to believe that she walked along a narrow strip of grass without once making a false step, I remarked, as you may remember, that it was a noteworthy performance.

noteworthy (注目に値する) [形] worthy of attention or notice

彼女が狭い芝生の帯を一度も足を踏み外さずに歩いたと信じるように君が私に求めた時、君も覚えているだろうが、私はそれが注目に値するパフォーマンスだと言った。

In my mind I set it down as an impossible performance, save in the unlikely case that she had a second pair of glasses.

set down (結論付ける) [動] to put in writing

私の頭の中では、彼女が二つ目の眼鏡を持っていたという考えにくい場合を除いて、それは不可能なことだと結論付けた。

I was forced, therefore, to consider seriously the hypothesis that she had remained within the house.

be forced (余儀なくされる) [動] be compelled to do something

そのため、私は彼女が家の中に残っていたという仮説を真剣に考えることを余儀なくされた。

On perceiving the similarity of the two corridors, it became clear that she might very easily have made such a mistake, and, in that case, it was evident that she must have entered the professor’s room.

similarity (類似性) [名] the state or fact of being similar

mistake (間違い) [名] an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong

二つの廊下の類似性に気付くと、彼女がそのような間違いを犯す可能性は非常に高いことが明らかになり、その場合、彼女が教授の部屋に入ったに違いないことは明らかだった。

I was keenly on the alert, therefore, for whatever would bear out this supposition, and I examined the room narrowly for anything in the shape of a hiding-place.

be on the alert (見張る) [動] be watchful and prepared for danger or trouble

narrowly (くまなく) [副] in a way that is very close to a particular state or situation

そのため、私はこの推測を裏付けるものがないか注意深く見張り、隠れ場所の形をしたものがないか部屋をくまなく調べた。

The carpet seemed continuous and firmly nailed, so I dismissed the idea of a trap-door.

firmly (しっかりと) [副] in a firm manner

nail (釘で打たれている) [動] fasten with a nail

カーペットは継ぎ目がなく、しっかりと釘で打たれているようだったので、私は落とし戸の考えを捨てた。

There might well be a recess behind the books.

there might well be (あるかもしれない) [動] it is possible that there is

recess (隠し場所) [名] a small space created by building a part of a wall further back than the rest of it

本の背後に隠し場所があるかもしれない。

As you are aware, such devices are common in old libraries.

device (仕掛け) [名] a piece of equipment made for a particular purpose

common (よくある) [形] happening often or frequently

ご存じのように、そのような仕掛けは古い図書館ではよくあることだ。

I observed that books were piled on the floor at all other points, but that one bookcase was left clear.

pile (積み上げる) [動] put or lay in a heap

私は他の場所では本が床に積み上げられているのに、その本棚だけが空になっていることに気づいた。

This, then, might be the door.

これがドアかもしれない。

I could see no marks to guide me, but the carpet was of a dun colour, which lends itself very well to examination.

dun (灰褐色) [形] of a dull grayish brown color

lend itself to (適している) [動] be suitable for

私を導く印は何も見えなかったが、カーペットは灰褐色で、調べるのにとても適していた。

I therefore smoked a great number of those excellent cigarettes, and I dropped the ash all over the space in front of the suspected bookcase.

space (空間) [名] the expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist

そのため、私はその素晴らしいタバコをたくさん吸い、疑わしい本棚の前の空間に灰を落とした。

It was a simple trick, but exceedingly effective.

それは単純なトリックだったが、非常に効果的だった。

I then went downstairs, and I ascertained, in your presence, Watson, without your perceiving the drift of my remarks, that Professor Coram’s consumption of food had increased—as one would expect when he is supplying a second person.

go downstairs (階下に行く) [動] move from a higher to a lower floor

drift (趣旨) [名] the general intention or meaning of a speech or text

consumption (消費量) [名] the amount of something that is used

それから私は階下に行き、ワトソン、君の前で、君が私の発言の趣旨を理解しないうちに、コーラム教授の食料の消費量が増えたことを確認した。それは、彼が二人目に食料を供給しているときに予想されることだ。

We then ascended to the room again, when, by upsetting the cigarette-box, I obtained a very excellent view of the floor, and was able to see quite clearly, from the traces upon the cigarette ash, that the prisoner had in our absence come out from her retreat.

ascend (上る) [動] go up

cigarette-box (タバコの箱) [名] a box containing cigarettes

それから私たちは再び部屋に上り、タバコの箱をひっくり返すことで、床を非常によく見ることができ、タバコの灰の跡から、私たちがいない間に囚人が隠れ場所から出てきたことがはっきりとわかった。

Well, Hopkins, here we are at Charing Cross, and I congratulate you on having brought your case to a successful conclusion.

successful (無事に) [形] accomplishing an aim or purpose

さて、ホプキンス、ここはチャリング・クロスだ、そして君の事件を無事に解決したことを祝福する。

You are going to headquarters, no doubt.

headquarters (警察本部) [名] the main office of an organization

君は警察本部に行くのだろう。

I think, Watson, you and I will drive together to the Russian Embassy.”

ワトソン、君と私は一緒にロシア大使館に行こうと思う。」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING THREE-QUARTER

three-quarter (三四分の一センター) [名] a rugby union player who plays in the three-quarters

三四分の一センターの失踪

We were fairly accustomed to receive weird telegrams at Baker Street, but I have a particular recollection of one which reached us on a gloomy February morning, some seven or eight years ago, and gave Mr. Sherlock Holmes a puzzled quarter of an hour.

weird (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

February (2月) [名] the second month of the year

seven or eight years ago (7、8年前) [名] seven or eight years before the present time

quarter of an hour (15分) [名] a period of time lasting fifteen minutes

私たちはベーカー街で奇妙な電報を受け取ることにかなり慣れていたが、七、八年前のある陰鬱な二月の朝に届き、シャーロック・ホームズ氏を十五分間困惑させた電報を私は特に覚えている。

It was addressed to him, and ran thus:

address (宛てる) [動] write the destination on (an envelope, letter, etc.)

それは彼宛てで、次のような内容だった。

Please await me.

私を待っていてください。

Terrible misfortune.

ひどい不幸だ。

Right wing three-quarter missing, indispensable to-morrow.

right wing (右翼) [名] the right side of a political party or system

three-quarter (三クォーター) [名] a player in a rugby union team who plays in the three-quarters line

indispensable (不可欠) [形] absolutely necessary; essential

右翼三クォーターが行方不明、明日は不可欠。

OVERTON.

OVERTON (オーバートン) [名] a surname

オーバートン

“Strand postmark, and dispatched ten thirty-six,” said Holmes, reading it over and over.

Strand (ストランド) [名] a street in London

postmark (消印) [名] an official mark or series of marks stamped on a letter or parcel by a post office

ten thirty-six (十時三十六分) [名] the time 10:36

「ストランド消印、十時三十六分発送」とホームズはそれを何度も読み返しながら言った。

“Mr. Overton was evidently considerably excited when he sent it, and somewhat incoherent in consequence.

Mr. Overton (オーバートン氏) [名] a man's name

somewhat (やや) [副] to a small extent; slightly

incoherent (支離滅裂) [形] lacking in logic or consistency

「オーバートン氏はこれを送ったとき明らかにかなり興奮していて、その結果、やや支離滅裂になっている。

Well, well, he will be here, I daresay, by the time I have looked through The Times, and then we shall know all about it.

look through (目を通す) [動] read quickly

The Times (タイムズ紙) [名] a daily national newspaper in the United Kingdom

まあ、まあ、私がタイムズ紙に目を通す頃には彼はここに来ているだろうし、そうすれば全てが分かるだろう。

Even the most insignificant problem would be welcome in these stagnant days.”

even (どんなに) [副] to the extent or degree of

insignificant (些細な) [形] unimportant or trivial

welcome (大歓迎) [形] gladly received

stagnant (停滞した) [形] not flowing or moving

どんなに些細な問題でも、この停滞した日々の中では大歓迎だ。」

Things had indeed been very slow with us, and I had learned to dread such periods of inaction, for I knew by experience that my companion’s brain was so abnormally active that it was dangerous to leave it without material upon which to work.

slow (遅い) [形] moving or operating or performed with little or no speed

inaction (無為) [名] lack of action or activity

abnormally (異常に) [副] in an unusual or irregular manner

確かに私たちの周りでは何も起こらず、私はこのような無為な時期を恐れるようになった。経験から、私の友人の頭脳は異常に活発で、働く材料を与えずに放っておくのは危険だということを知っていたからだ。

For years I had gradually weaned him from that drug mania which had threatened once to check his remarkable career.

wean (引き離す) [動] accustom someone to do without something

drug (薬物) [名] a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body

mania (中毒) [名] an excessive enthusiasm or desire; a craze

check (台無しにする) [動] stop or slow down the progress of

何年もかけて、私は彼を、かつて彼の輝かしい経歴を台無しにする恐れがあった薬物中毒から徐々に引き離してきた。

Now I knew that under ordinary conditions he no longer craved for this artificial stimulus, but I was well aware that the fiend was not dead but sleeping, and I have known that the sleep was a light one and the waking near when in periods of idleness I have seen the drawn look upon Holmes’s ascetic face, and the brooding of his deep-set and inscrutable eyes.

under ordinary conditions (通常の状態では) [副] in normal circumstances

crave (欲しがる) [動] feel a powerful desire for

artificial (人工的な) [形] made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

stimulus (刺激) [名] something that rouses or incites to action or increased activity

sleeping (眠っている) [動] be in or enter a state of sleep

waking (目覚め) [名] the action of becoming awake

idleness (暇) [名] the state of having nothing to do

ascetic (禁欲的な) [形] characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

brooding (物思いに沈んでいる) [形] deeply thoughtful or serious

deep-set (深く落ち窪んだ) [形] (of a person's eyes) deeply set in the face

今では、通常の状態では彼がこの人工的な刺激を欲しがることはなくなったと分かっていたが、悪魔は死んだのではなく眠っているだけだということはよく分かっていたし、暇な時にホームズの禁欲的な顔に引きつった表情が浮かび、深く落ち窪んだ不可解な目が物思いに沈んでいるのを見ると、その眠りは浅く、目覚めが近いことを私は知っていた。

Therefore I blessed this Mr. Overton whoever he might be, since he had come with his enigmatic message to break that dangerous calm which brought more peril to my friend than all the storms of his tempestuous life.

calm (静けさ) [名] the absence of wind or other disturbance

peril (危険) [名] exposure to the risk of death, injury, or other unwelcome consequences

tempestuous (波乱万丈な) [形] stormy or turbulent

だから私は、このオーバートン氏が誰であれ、彼の謎めいたメッセージが、私の友人の波乱万丈の人生におけるあらゆる嵐よりも多くの危険をもたらした危険な静けさを打ち破ってくれたことを祝福した。

As we had expected, the telegram was soon followed by its sender, and the card of Mr. Cyril Overton, Trinity College, Cambridge, announced the arrival of an enormous young man, sixteen stone of solid bone and muscle, who spanned the doorway with his broad shoulders, and looked from one of us to the other with a comely face which was haggard with anxiety.

as we had expected (予想通り) [副] in the way that we had thought was likely to happen

sender (送り主) [名] the person who sends something

Mr. Cyril Overton (シリル・オーバートン氏) [名] a man

Trinity College (トリニティ・カレッジ) [名] a college

announce (告げる) [動] make a public and formal statement about

sixteen stone (16ストーン) [名] a unit of weight equal to 14 pounds

muscle (筋肉) [名] a piece of tissue in a person's or animal's body that can contract and relax to produce movement

span (塞ぐ) [動] stretch from one side of something to the other

the other (もう一方) [名] the other one

予想通り、電報の送り主がすぐにやってきて、ケンブリッジのトリニティ・カレッジのシリル・オーバートン氏の名刺が、16ストーンの骨と筋肉の塊のような大柄な若者の到着を告げた。彼は広い肩で戸口を塞ぎ、不安にやつれた端正な顔で私たちを交互に見た。

“Mr. Sherlock Holmes?”

「シャーロック・ホームズさんですか?」

My companion bowed.

私の友人はお辞儀をした。

“I’ve been down to Scotland Yard, Mr. Holmes.

「私はスコットランドヤードに行ってきました、ホームズさん。

I saw Inspector Stanley Hopkins.

Inspector Stanley Hopkins (スタンリー・ホプキンス警部) [名] a character in the story

スタンリー・ホプキンス警部に会いました。

He advised me to come to you.

彼はあなたに会いに行くように勧めてくれました。

He said the case, so far as he could see, was more in your line than in that of the regular police.”

regular (通常の) [形] normal or standard

彼が見る限り、この事件は通常の警察よりもあなたの専門分野だそうです。」

“Pray sit down and tell me what is the matter.”

matter (出来事) [名] a subject or situation that is being dealt with or considered

「どうぞお座りになって、何があったのか教えてください。」

“It’s awful, Mr. Holmes—simply awful!

「ひどいんです、ホームズさん、本当にひどいんです!

I wonder my hair isn’t grey.

髪の毛が白くならないのが不思議なくらいだ。

Godfrey Staunton—you’ve heard of him, of course?

Godfrey Staunton (ゴッドフリー・スタントン) [名] a person's name

ゴッドフリー・スタントン、もちろん彼のことは聞いたことがあるでしょう?

He’s simply the hinge that the whole team turns on.

hinge (要) [名] a small piece of metal or plastic with a movable joint that is used to connect two parts of a door, window, etc.

turn on (頼りにする) [動] depend on or rely on

彼はチーム全体が頼りにしている要だ。

I’d rather spare two from the pack, and have Godfrey for my three-quarter line.

spare (外す) [動] do without

pack (パック) [名] a group of animals

Godfrey (ゴッドフリー) [名] a male given name

three-quarter line (スリークォーターライン) [名] a line of three players in rugby union

むしろパックから二人を外して、ゴッドフリーをスリークォーターラインに置きたいくらいだ。

Whether it’s passing, or tackling, or dribbling, there’s no one to touch him, and then, he’s got the head, and can hold us all together.

whether (どれをとっても) [接] used to introduce alternative possibilities

pass (パス) [名] the action of moving the ball to a teammate

tackle (タックル) [名] the action of seizing or grappling with an opponent in football

dribble (ドリブル) [名] the action of moving the ball with one's feet in football

パス、タックル、ドリブル、どれをとっても彼にかなう者はいないし、頭も切れるし、チームをまとめる力もある。

What am I to do?

私はどうしたらいいんだ?

That’s what I ask you, Mr. Holmes.

それが私のお願いです、ホームズさん。

There’s Moorhouse, first reserve, but he is trained as a half, and he always edges right in on to the scrum instead of keeping out on the touchline.

Moorhouse (ムーアハウス) [名] a surname

reserve (控え) [名] a person or thing kept available for future use

edge (加わる) [動] move slowly and carefully

right (むしろ) [副] on the right side

scrum (スクラム) [名] a formation in rugby in which the forwards of each team form a mass around the ball and try to push the other team backwards

keep out (外にいる) [動] not go in

touchline (タッチライン) [名] the boundary of a playing area in certain sports

一応、控えのムーアハウスがいるが、彼はハーフの練習を積んでいるし、タッチラインの外にいるよりもスクラムに加わりたいと思っている。

He’s a fine place-kick, it’s true, but then he has no judgment, and he can’t sprint for nuts.

place-kick (プレースキッカー) [名] a kick in which the ball is placed on the ground before being kicked

sprint (全力疾走) [動] run at full speed over a short distance

彼は確かに素晴らしいプレースキッカーだが、判断力に欠けるし、全力疾走もできない。

Why, Morton or Johnson, the Oxford fliers, could romp round him.

Morton (モートン) [名] a surname

Johnson (ジョンソン) [名] a surname

Oxford (オックスフォード) [名] a city in southern England

flier (俊足) [名] a person who moves very fast

romp (悠々と追い抜く) [動] to play in a boisterous or lively way

オックスフォードの俊足、モートンやジョンソンなら彼を悠々と追い抜くだろう。

Stevenson is fast enough, but he couldn’t drop from the twenty-five line, and a three-quarter who can’t either punt or drop isn’t worth a place for pace alone.

Stevenson (スティーブンソン) [名] a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer

twenty-five (25) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and five

three-quarter (スリークォーター) [名] a position in rugby union

スティーブンソンは十分に速いが、彼は25ヤードラインからドロップゴールを決めることができない。パントもドロップゴールもできないスリークォーターは、スピードだけでは役に立たない。

No, Mr. Holmes, we are done unless you can help me to find Godfrey Staunton.”

いいえ、ホームズさん、あなたがゴッドフリー・スタントンを見つけるのを手伝ってくれない限り、私たちは終わりです。」

My friend had listened with amused surprise to this long speech, which was poured forth with extraordinary vigour and earnestness, every point being driven home by the slapping of a brawny hand upon the speaker’s knee.

speech (スピーチ) [名] a public address or talk

drive home (強調する) [動] to make something clear or easy to understand

speaker (話者) [名] a person who speaks

私の友人は、この長いスピーチを驚きながらも面白がって聞いていた。それは並外れた活力と真剣さで語られ、話者の膝にたくましい手を叩きつけることで、すべてのポイントが強調されていた。

When our visitor was silent Holmes stretched out his hand and took down letter “S” of his commonplace book.

take down (取り出す) [動] remove from a higher position

commonplace book (備忘録) [名] a book in which one records quotations, poems, and other literary extracts

訪問者が黙ると、ホームズは手を伸ばして、彼の備忘録の「S」の文字を取り出した。

For once he dug in vain into that mine of varied information.

dig (掘り起こす) [動] break up and move earth with a tool or machine

mine (鉱山) [名] a large excavation in the earth where coal, ores, or other minerals are extracted

一度だけ、彼は様々な情報の鉱山を掘り起こしたが、無駄だった。

“There is Arthur H. Staunton, the rising young forger,” said he, “and there was Henry Staunton, whom I helped to hang, but Godfrey Staunton is a new name to me.”

Arthur H. Staunton (アーサー・H・スタントン) [名] a young forger

Henry Staunton (ヘンリー・スタントン) [名] a criminal who was hanged

「アーサー・H・スタントンという若手偽造犯がいます」と彼は言った。「そして、私が絞首刑に処するのを手伝ったヘンリー・スタントンがいましたが、ゴッドフリー・スタントンは私にとって新しい名前です。」

It was our visitor’s turn to look surprised.

今度は訪問者が驚いた顔をした。

“Why, Mr. Holmes, I thought you knew things,” said he.

「ホームズさん、あなたは物知りだと思っていたのに」と彼は言った。

“I suppose, then, if you have never heard of Godfrey Staunton, you don’t know Cyril Overton either?”

Cyril Overton (シリル・オーバートン) [名] a character in the story

either (どちらも) [副] also; as well

「では、ゴッドフリー・スタントンのことを聞いたことがなければ、シリル・オーバートンのことも知らないのでしょうね?」

Holmes shook his head good humouredly.

good humouredly (上機嫌に) [副] in a cheerful or good-natured way

ホームズは上機嫌に首を横に振った。

“Great Scott!” cried the athlete.

Great Scott (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise

「なんてことだ!」と運動選手は叫んだ。

“Why, I was first reserve for England against Wales, and I’ve skippered the ’Varsity all this year.

skipper (キャプテン) [名] the captain of a ship or boat

’Varsity (大学チーム) [名] a university team

「ええ、私はウェールズ戦でイングランドの一軍控えだったし、今年はずっと大学チームのキャプテンを務めてきました。

But that’s nothing!

しかし、それは何でもありません!

I didn’t think there was a soul in England who didn’t know Godfrey Staunton, the crack three-quarter, Cambridge, Blackheath, and five Internationals.

Internationals (国際試合) [名] a game or contest between teams from different countries

イギリスにゴッドフリー・スタントンを知らない人がいるとは思いませんでした。三クォーターバック、ケンブリッジ、ブラックヒース、そして5つの国際試合に出場した名選手です。

Good Lord! Mr. Holmes, where have you lived?”

なんてことだ! ホームズさん、どこに住んでいたんですか?」

Holmes laughed at the young giant’s naïve astonishment.

giant (巨人) [名] a person of very great stature

naive (素朴な) [形] lacking in experience or understanding

ホームズは若い巨人の素朴な驚きに笑った。

“You live in a different world to me, Mr. Overton—a sweeter and healthier one.

sweet (甘い) [形] having a pleasant taste like that of sugar or honey

「あなたは私とは違う世界に住んでいますね、オーバートンさん、より甘く、より健康的な世界です。

My ramifications stretch out into many sections of society, but never, I am happy to say, into amateur sport, which is the best and soundest thing in England.

ramification (影響) [名] a consequence of an action or event

stretch out (及ぶ) [動] extend in a specified direction

soundest (最も健全な) [形] free from injury, damage, or defect; in good condition

私の影響は社会の多くの部分に及んでいるが、幸いにもイギリスで最も健全なアマチュアスポーツには及んでいない。

However, your unexpected visit this morning shows me that even in that world of fresh air and fair play, there may be work for me to do.

fresh air (新鮮な空気) [名] air that is clean and unpolluted

fair play (公正な競技) [名] just or honorable treatment

しかし、今朝のあなたの予期せぬ訪問は、新鮮な空気と公正な競技の世界でさえ、私にできることがあるかもしれないことを示している。

So now, my good sir, I beg you to sit down and to tell me, slowly and quietly, exactly what it is that has occurred, and how you desire that I should help you.”

so now (だから) [副] therefore

good sir (善良な殿方) [名] a polite way to address a man

slowly (ゆっくり) [副] not fast

だから、私の善良な殿方、私はあなたに座って、ゆっくりと静かに、何が起こったのか、そして私があなたを助けるためにどのように望んでいるのかを私に話してください。」

Young Overton’s face assumed the bothered look of the man who is more accustomed to using his muscles than his wits, but by degrees, with many repetitions and obscurities which I may omit from his narrative, he laid his strange story before us.

Young Overton (若いオーバートン) [名] a young man

assume (浮かべる) [動] take on or adopt

bothered (困った) [形] worried or annoyed

by degrees (段々と) [副] gradually

repetition (繰り返し) [名] the action of repeating something

obscurity (不明瞭さ) [名] the state of being unknown or unclear

若いオーバートンの顔は、知恵よりも筋肉を使うことに慣れている男の困った表情を浮かべていたが、段々と、私が彼の物語から省略するかもしれない多くの繰り返しや不明瞭さとともに、彼は奇妙な話を私たちの前に置いた。

“It’s this way, Mr. Holmes.

this way (こう) [副] like this; in this manner

「こうなんですよ、ホームズさん。

As I have said, I am the skipper of the Rugger team of Cambridge ’Varsity, and Godfrey Staunton is my best man.

Rugger (ラグビー) [名] a team sport played with an oval ball that may be kicked, carried, and passed from hand to hand

Varsity (大学) [名] a university

best man (親友) [名] the male friend or relative chosen by a bridegroom to assist him at his wedding

私が言ったように、私はケンブリッジ大学のラグビーチームのキャプテンであり、ゴッドフリー・スタントンは私の親友だ。

To-morrow we play Oxford.

play (試合をする) [動] take part in a game or sport

明日はオックスフォードと試合をする。

Yesterday we all came up, and we settled at Bentley’s private hotel.

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

settle (落ち着く) [動] establish oneself in a place

Bentley (ベントレー) [名] a British manufacturer of luxury cars

昨日、私たちは皆ここに来て、ベントレーのプライベートホテルに落ち着いた。

At ten o’clock I went round and saw that all the fellows had gone to roost, for I believe in strict training and plenty of sleep to keep a team fit.

ten o'clock (十時) [名] ten o'clock

go round (見回りをする) [動] make a tour of inspection

go to roost (寝床に入る) [動] go to bed

believe in (信じる) [動] have faith in

十時に私は見回りをして、仲間が皆寝床に入っているか確認した。私はチームを健康に保つには厳しい訓練と十分な睡眠が必要だと信じている。

I had a word or two with Godfrey before he turned in.

have a word (言葉を交わす) [動] talk briefly with someone

ゴッドフリーが寝る前に私は彼と二言三言言葉を交わした。

He seemed to me to be pale and bothered.

彼は青ざめて困っているように見えた。

I asked him what was the matter.

matter (どうしたのか) [名] the situation or circumstances of a particular case

私は彼にどうしたのかと尋ねた。

He said he was all right—just a touch of headache.

touch (少し) [名] a small amount or degree

headache (頭痛) [名] a continuous pain in the head

彼は大丈夫だ、ただ少し頭痛がするだけだと言った。

I bade him good-night and left him.

bid (言う) [動] say something to someone

私は彼におやすみなさいと言って彼のもとを去った。

Half an hour later, the porter tells me that a rough-looking man with a beard called with a note for Godfrey.

porter (ポーター) [名] a person employed to carry luggage and other loads

30分後、ポーターが私に、髭を生やした粗野な男がゴッドフリー宛ての手紙を持って来たと言った。

He had not gone to bed, and the note was taken to his room.

彼は寝ていなかったので、手紙は彼の部屋に届けられた。

Godfrey read it, and fell back in a chair as if he had been pole-axed.

pole-axe (斧で殴る) [動] strike or kill with a pole-axe

ゴッドフリーはそれを読んで、まるで斧で殴られたかのように椅子に倒れ込んだ。

The porter was so scared that he was going to fetch me, but Godfrey stopped him, had a drink of water, and pulled himself together.

scared (怖がる) [形] frightened; afraid

fetch (呼びに行く) [動] go and get someone or something

stop (制止する) [動] prevent from doing something

ポーターは怖くなって私を呼びに行こうとしたが、ゴッドフリーは彼を制止し、水を飲んで、気を取り直した。

Then he went downstairs, said a few words to the man who was waiting in the hall, and the two of them went off together.

say a few words (二言三言話す) [動] speak briefly

それから彼は階下に行き、ホールで待っていた男に二言三言話し、二人は一緒に出て行った。

The last that the porter saw of them, they were almost running down the street in the direction of the Strand.

Strand (ストランド街) [名] a major street in London

ポーターが最後に彼らを見たのは、彼らがほとんど走ってストランド街の方向へ向かって道を下りて行くところだった。

This morning Godfrey’s room was empty, his bed had never been slept in, and his things were all just as I had seen them the night before.

thing (持ち物) [名] an object that one can own

今朝、ゴッドフリーの部屋は空で、ベッドは使われておらず、彼の持ち物はすべて私が昨夜見たままだった。

He had gone off at a moment’s notice with this stranger, and no word has come from him since.

no word (連絡がない) [名] no communication

彼は突然この見知らぬ男と出かけてしまい、それ以来彼からの連絡はない。

I don’t believe he will ever come back.

彼が戻ってくるとは思えない。

He was a sportsman, was Godfrey, down to his marrow, and he wouldn’t have stopped his training and let in his skipper if it were not for some cause that was too strong for him.

sportsman (スポーツマン) [名] a person who is interested in or good at sports

marrow (骨髄) [名] the soft tissue inside the bones

彼は骨の髄までスポーツマンだった、ゴッドフリーは、そして彼にとってあまりに強すぎる何らかの原因がなければ、彼はトレーニングを中断して彼の船長を招き入れることはなかっただろう。

No: I feel as if he were gone for good, and we should never see him again.”

for good (永遠に) [副] permanently

いいえ、彼は永遠に去ってしまったように感じます、そして私たちは彼に二度と会うことはないでしょう。」

Sherlock Holmes listened with the deepest attention to this singular narrative.

narrative (話) [名] a spoken or written account of connected events

シャーロック・ホームズはこの特異な話に深い注意を払って耳を傾けた。

“What did you do?” he asked.

「あなたは何をしたのか?」と彼は尋ねた。

“I wired to Cambridge to learn if anything had been heard of him there.

wire (電報を打つ) [動] send a telegram

「私はケンブリッジに電報を打って、そこで彼について何か聞いていないか調べた。

I have had an answer.

返事が来た。

No one has seen him.”

誰も彼を見ていない。」

“Could he have got back to Cambridge?”

「彼はケンブリッジに戻った可能性があるのか?」

“Yes, there is a late train—quarter-past eleven.”

quarter-past eleven (11時15分) [名] a time that is 15 minutes after 11 o'clock

「ああ、遅い電車がある。11時15分だ。」

“But, so far as you can ascertain, he did not take it?”

「しかし、君が確かめた限りでは、彼はそれに乗らなかったのか?」

“No, he has not been seen.”

be seen (見られる) [動] be visible

「いいえ、彼は見られていません。」

“What did you do next?”

「次に何をした?」

“I wired to Lord Mount-James.”

Lord Mount-James (マウント・ジェームズ卿) [名] a British peer

「マウント・ジェームズ卿に電報を打った。」

“Why to Lord Mount-James?”

「なぜマウント・ジェームズ卿に?」

“Godfrey is an orphan, and Lord Mount-James is his nearest relative—his uncle, I believe.”

orphan (孤児) [名] a child whose parents are dead

「ゴッドフリーは孤児で、マウント・ジェームズ卿が彼の最も近い親戚で、彼の叔父だと私は信じている。」

“Indeed. This throws new light upon the matter.

「なるほど。これは事件に新たな光を投げかける。

Lord Mount-James is one of the richest men in England.”

マウント・ジェームズ卿はイギリスで最も裕福な人の一人だ。」

“So I’ve heard Godfrey say.”

「ゴッドフリーがそう言っているのを聞いたことがある。」

“And your friend was closely related?”

relate (親戚) [動] be connected by blood or marriage

「そして、あなたの友人は近い親戚だったのか?」

“Yes, he was his heir, and the old boy is nearly eighty—cram full of gout, too.

old boy (老人) [名] an elderly man

eighty (八十) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of eight and ten

cram full of (だらけ) [動] to fill something to capacity

gout (痛風) [名] a disease characterized by painful inflammation of the joints

「そう、彼は彼の相続人だったし、その老人は八十歳近くで、痛風だらけだ。

They say he could chalk his billiard-cue with his knuckles.

billiard-cue (ビリヤードのキュー) [名] a long, thin stick used to strike the balls in billiards

knuckle (指の関節) [名] the joint between the phalanges of a finger

彼はビリヤードのキューを指の関節でチョークで塗ることができたと言う。

He never allowed Godfrey a shilling in his life, for he is an absolute miser, but it will all come to him right enough.”

allow (渡す) [動] to give (someone) permission to do something

miser (けち) [名] a person who hoards money and is reluctant to spend

彼は絶対にけちなので、ゴッドフリーに生涯一シリングも渡さなかったが、すべて彼のものになるだろう。」

“Have you heard from Lord Mount-James?”

hear from (聞く) [動] receive a letter, email, or phone call from

「マウント・ジェームズ卿から何か聞いたか?」

“No.”

「いいえ」

“What motive could your friend have in going to Lord Mount-James?”

「あなたの友人はマウント・ジェームズ卿のところに行く動機があったのか?」

“Well, something was worrying him the night before, and if it was to do with money it is possible that he would make for his nearest relative, who had so much of it, though from all I have heard he would not have much chance of getting it.

worry (悩む) [動] feel or cause to feel troubled or anxious

night before (前夜) [名] the night before the present day

「そう、前夜何かが彼を悩ませていた、そしてそれがお金に関係していたなら、彼はそれをたくさん持っている最も近い親戚のために作ったかもしれないが、私が聞いたすべてから彼はそれを手に入れる機会はあまりないだろう。

Godfrey was not fond of the old man.

be fond of (好きである) [動] to like someone or something a lot

ゴッドフリーはその老人を好きではなかった。

He would not go if he could help it.”

彼はそれを助けることができれば行かないだろう。」

“Well, we can soon determine that.

determine (決定する) [動] cause to occur in a particular manner; settle or decide in advance

「まあ、すぐにそれを決定できる。

If your friend was going to his relative, Lord Mount-James, you have then to explain the visit of this rough-looking fellow at so late an hour, and the agitation that was caused by his coming.”

もしあなたの友人が彼の親戚、マウント・ジェームズ卿のところに行くつもりだったなら、あなたはこんな遅い時間にこの粗野な男の訪問と彼の来訪によって引き起こされた動揺を説明しなければならない。」

Cyril Overton pressed his hands to his head.

press (当てる) [動] push against or onto with steady force

シリル・オーバートンは頭に手を当てた。

“I can make nothing of it,” said he.

make nothing of (わからない) [動] be unable to understand

「私には何もわからない」と彼は言った。

“Well, well, I have a clear day, and I shall be happy to look into the matter,” said Holmes.

have a clear day (暇である) [動] have no plans or engagements

「まあ、まあ、私は暇だから、喜んでこの件を調べよう」とホームズは言った。

“I should strongly recommend you to make your preparations for your match without reference to this young gentleman.

match (試合) [名] a contest in which people or teams compete against each other

「私はあなたにこの若い紳士に関係なく試合の準備をすることを強く勧める。

It must, as you say, have been an overpowering necessity which tore him away in such a fashion, and the same necessity is likely to hold him away.

overpowering (圧倒的な) [形] very strong or intense

necessity (必要性) [名] the quality or state of being necessary

tear away (引き離す) [動] to pull or move away from something with force

hold away (引き留める) [動] to keep or hold back

あなたが言うように、彼をそのような形で引き離したのは、圧倒的な必要性だったに違いないし、同じ必要性が彼を引き留めている可能性が高い。

Let us step round together to the hotel, and see if the porter can throw any fresh light upon the matter.”

step round (歩いて行く) [動] walk to a place that is not far away

throw light upon (情報を提供する) [動] provide information about

一緒にホテルまで歩いて行き、ポーターがこの件について何か新しい情報を提供できるか確かめよう」

Sherlock Holmes was a past-master in the art of putting a humble witness at his ease, and very soon, in the privacy of Godfrey Staunton’s abandoned room, he had extracted all that the porter had to tell.

put at ease (安心させる) [動] make someone feel less worried or anxious

very soon (すぐに) [副] in a very short time

privacy (放棄された部屋) [名] the state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people

extract (聞き出す) [動] obtain something from someone with difficulty

シャーロック・ホームズは、謙虚な証人を安心させる術に長けており、すぐにゴッドフリー・スタントンの放棄された部屋で、ポーターの言うべきことをすべて聞き出した。

The visitor of the night before was not a gentleman, neither was he a workingman.

workingman (労働者) [名] a person who works for wages, especially in a manual or industrial job

前夜の訪問者は紳士でも労働者でもなかった。

He was simply what the porter described as a “medium-looking chap,” a man of fifty, beard grizzled, pale face, quietly dressed.

medium-looking (中くらいの見た目の) [形] of average appearance

chap (男) [名] a man

彼は単に、ポーターが「中くらいの見た目の男」と表現した通りの、五十歳の男で、髭は白髪交じり、顔色は青白く、地味な服装をしていた。

He seemed himself to be agitated.

彼自身も動揺しているようだった。

The porter had observed his hand trembling when he had held out the note.

ポーターは、彼がメモを差し出したときに手が震えているのに気づいていた。

Godfrey Staunton had crammed the note into his pocket.

cram (押し込む) [動] pack something or a lot of things tightly into a small space

ゴッドフリー・スタントンはそのメモをポケットに押し込んだ。

Staunton had not shaken hands with the man in the hall.

スタントンはホールの男と握手しなかった。

They had exchanged a few sentences, of which the porter had only distinguished the one word “time.”

彼らは二言三言言葉を交わしたが、ポーターには「時間」という一語しか聞き取れなかった。

Then they had hurried off in the manner described.

hurry off (急いで立ち去る) [動] leave quickly

それから彼らは説明されたように急いで立ち去った。

It was just half-past ten by the hall clock.

half-past ten (10時半) [名] 30 minutes after 10 o'clock

hall clock (ホールの時計) [名] a clock in a hall

ホールの時計ではちょうど10時半だった。

“Let me see,” said Holmes, seating himself on Staunton’s bed.

let me see (どれどれ) [慣] used to express that one is thinking or trying to remember something

「どれどれ」とホームズはスタントンのベッドに腰を下ろした。

“You are the day porter, are you not?”

day (日勤) [名] the period of light between sunrise and sunset

「君は日勤のポーターだね?」

“Yes, sir, I go off duty at eleven.”

go off duty (勤務が終わる) [動] finish working

「はい、11時に勤務が終わります」

“The night porter saw nothing, I suppose?”

「夜勤のポーターは何も見なかったようだね?」

“No, sir, one theatre party came in late. No one else.”

theatre (劇場) [名] a building or area for dramatic performances and spectacles

「いいえ、夜遅く劇場から帰ってきた一行がいました。他には誰もいませんでした」

“Were you on duty all day yesterday?”

「昨日は一日勤務だったか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい」

“Did you take any messages to Mr. Staunton?”

Mr. Staunton (スタントンさん) [名] a man with the last name Staunton

「スタントンさんに何か伝言を預かったか?」

“Yes, sir, one telegram.”

「はい、電報を一つ」

“Ah! that’s interesting.

be interesting (興味深い) [動] holding or catching the attention

「ああ、それは興味深い。

What o’clock was this?”

what o'clock (何時) [名] the time of day or night

何時だった?」

“About six.”

「六時頃」

“Where was Mr. Staunton when he received it?”

「スタントン氏はそれを受け取ったときどこにいた?」

“Here in his room.”

「ここの彼の部屋にいた」

“Were you present when he opened it?”

be present (いる) [動] be in attendance

「彼がそれを開けたとき、あなたはそこにいたか?」

“Yes, sir, I waited to see if there was an answer.”

「はい、返事があるかどうか見届けるために待っていました」

“Well, was there?”

be there (返事がある) [動] be present or available

「それで、返事はあったか?」

“Yes, sir, he wrote an answer.”

「はい、彼は返事を書いていました」

“Did you take it?”

「あなたはそれを受け取ったか?」

“No, he took it himself.”

「いいえ、彼は自分でそれを受け取りました」

“But he wrote it in your presence.”

「しかし、彼はあなたの前でそれを書いたのだな」

“Yes, sir. I was standing by the door, and he with his back turned at that table.

stand by (立っている) [動] be present near or next to

「はい、私はドアのそばに立っていましたが、彼は背を向けてあのテーブルにいました。

When he had written it, he said: ‘All right, porter, I will take this myself.’”

彼はそれを書き終えると、「いいよ、ポーター、これは自分で届けるよ」と言いました」

“What did he write it with?”

「彼は何でそれを書いた?」

“A pen, sir.”

「ペンです」

“Was the telegraphic form one of these on the table?”

telegraphic form (電報用紙) [名] a form on which a telegram is written

one of these (どれか) [名] one of the things mentioned

on the table (テーブルの上にある) [形] being discussed or considered

「電報用紙はテーブルの上にあるもののどれかだったか?」

“Yes, sir, it was the top one.”

「はい、一番上のものでした」

Holmes rose.

ホームズは立ち上がった。

Taking the forms, he carried them over to the window and carefully examined that which was uppermost.

用紙を取って、窓のところまで運び、一番上にあるものを注意深く調べた。

“It is a pity he did not write in pencil,” said he, throwing them down again with a shrug of disappointment.

throw down (投げ捨てる) [動] to throw something to the ground

disappointment (がっかり) [名] the feeling of being disappointed

「鉛筆で書かなかったのは残念だ」と彼は言い、がっかりして肩をすくめて再びそれを投げ捨てた。

“As you have no doubt frequently observed, Watson, the impression usually goes through—a fact which has dissolved many a happy marriage.

as (~のように) [接] to the extent or degree that

have no doubt (疑いなく) [副] certainly; without doubt

go through (通る) [動] be accepted or approved

dissolve (解消する) [動] end or break up

「君もよく観察しているだろうが、ワトソン、印象はたいてい通ってしまうものだ。この事実が多くの幸せな結婚を解消させてきた。

However, I can find no trace here.

しかし、ここには痕跡が見つからない。

I rejoice, however, to perceive that he wrote with a broad-pointed quill pen, and I can hardly doubt that we will find some impression upon this blotting-pad.

quill pen (羽ペン) [名] a pen made from a large feather

しかし、彼が太いペン先の羽ペンで書いたことを知ることができて嬉しいし、この吸い取り紙に何か痕跡が見つかることはまず間違いないだろう。

Ah, yes, surely this is the very thing!”

ああ、そう、確かにこれだ!」

He tore off a strip of the blotting-paper and turned towards us the following hieroglyphic:

tear off (破り取る) [動] to remove something by tearing it

blotting-paper (吸い取り紙) [名] a type of paper that is used to absorb excess ink

turn towards (向ける) [動] to change direction so as to face or go towards

彼は吸い取り紙を1枚破り取り、次の象形文字を私たちの方に向けた。

Cyril Overton was much excited.

シリル・オーバートンは非常に興奮していた。

“Hold it to the glass!” he cried.

「それをガラスに当てて!」彼は叫んだ。

“That is unnecessary,” said Holmes.

「それは不要だ」とホームズは言った。

“The paper is thin, and the reverse will give the message. Here it is.”

reverse (裏側) [名] the opposite side of something

「紙は薄く、裏側にメッセージが書いてある。ほら、ここだ。」

He turned it over, and we read:

彼はそれを裏返し、我々は読んだ。

“So that is the tail end of the telegram which Godfrey Staunton dispatched within a few hours of his disappearance.

tail end (末尾) [名] the last part of something

「これがゴッドフリー・スタントンが失踪してから数時間以内に送った電報の末尾だ。

There are at least six words of the message which have escaped us;

少なくとも六語は我々の手から逃れた。

but what remains—‘Stand by us for God’s sake!’—proves that this young man saw a formidable danger which approached him, and from which someone else could protect him.

sake (かけて) [名] for the purpose of; in the interest of

someone else (誰か他の人) [名] some other person

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

しかし残っている部分「神にかけて助けてくれ!」は、この若者が恐ろしい危険が迫っていることを知り、誰か他の人に助けを求めていたことを証明している。

‘Us,’ mark you!

「我々」に注目してくれ!

Another person was involved.

be involved (関わっている) [動] be connected or associated with

もう一人誰かが関わっていた。

Who should it be but the pale-faced, bearded man, who seemed himself in so nervous a state?

pale-faced (青白い顔の) [形] having a pale face

あの青白い顔の髭の男以外に誰がいるのか? 彼自身も神経質な状態にあるようだった。

What, then, is the connection between Godfrey Staunton and the bearded man?

bearded man (髭の男) [名] a man with a beard

では、ゴッドフリー・スタントンと髭の男との関係は?

And what is the third source from which each of them sought for help against pressing danger?

seek (求める) [動] try to obtain or achieve

そして、彼らが差し迫った危険に対して助けを求めた第三の源は何だろうか?

Our inquiry has already narrowed down to that.”

narrow down (絞り込む) [動] reduce the number of possibilities

我々の調査はすでにそこまで絞り込まれている。」

“We have only to find to whom that telegram is addressed,” I suggested.

「あの電報が誰宛かを見つければいいだけだ」と私は提案した。

“Exactly, my dear Watson. Your reflection, though profound, had already crossed my mind.

reflection (考察) [名] a thought or opinion resulting from careful consideration

profound (深い) [形] having or showing great knowledge or insight

「その通り、ワトソン君。君の考察は深いけれど、すでに私の頭をよぎっていた。

But I daresay it may have come to your notice that, counterfoil of another man’s message, there may be some disinclination on the part of the officials to oblige you.

come to one's notice (気づく) [動] become aware of

counterfoil (控え) [名] a part of a document that is kept as a record

disinclination (気にならない) [名] a lack of desire or willingness

oblige (義理立てする) [動] do a favor for

しかし、他人のメッセージの控えを渡されても、局員はあなたに義理立てする気にならないかもしれないことにお気づきだろう。

There is so much red tape in these matters.

so much (非常に多くの) [副] a lot of; a great deal of

red tape (お役所仕事) [名] excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and regulations

こういう事には非常に多くのお役所仕事がある。

However, I have no doubt that with a little delicacy and finesse the end may be attained.

finesse (手腕) [名] delicate skill or workmanship

しかし、少しの機転と手腕があれば目的を達成できるだろう。

Meanwhile, I should like in your presence, Mr. Overton, to go through these papers which have been left upon the table.”

go through (目を通す) [動] read or examine carefully

その間に、オーバートンさん、私はあなたの前でテーブルに残されたこれらの書類に目を通したい。」

There were a number of letters, bills, and notebooks, which Holmes turned over and examined with quick, nervous fingers and darting, penetrating eyes.

bill (請求書) [名] a printed and usually itemized statement of money owed for goods or services

そこにはたくさんの手紙、請求書、ノートがあり、ホームズは素早く神経質な指と鋭い目でそれらをめくって調べた。

“Nothing here,” he said, at last.

「ここには何もない」と彼はついに言った。

“By the way, I suppose your friend was a healthy young fellow—nothing amiss with him?”

nothing amiss (何も異常はない) [名] nothing wrong

「ところで、あなたの友人は健康な若者だったと思うが、彼に何か異常はなかったか?」

“Sound as a bell.”

sound (健康) [形] free from injury or disease

「鐘のように健康だった。」

“Have you ever known him ill?”

have ever known (知ったことがある) [動] to have knowledge of something at some point in the past

ill (病気) [形] suffering from a disease or period of sickness affecting the body and mind

「彼が病気になったことがあるか?」

“Not a day. He has been laid up with a hack, and once he slipped his knee-cap, but that was nothing.”

not a day (一日もない) [名] not even one day

be laid up (寝かされる) [動] be confined to bed or indoors

hack (ハック) [名] a horse for hire

slip (滑らせる) [動] slide or move accidentally

knee-cap (膝蓋骨) [名] the bone that covers the front of the knee joint

nothing (何でもない) [名] not anything; no thing

「一日もない。彼はハックに寝かされ、一度膝蓋骨を滑らせたが、それは何でもなかった。」

“Perhaps he was not so strong as you suppose.

「おそらく彼はあなたが思うほど強くなかった。

I should think he may have had some secret trouble.

彼は何か秘密の悩みを抱えていたのかもしれないと思う。

With your assent, I will put one or two of these papers in my pocket, in case they should bear upon our future inquiry.”

with your assent (あなたの同意を得て) [句] with your permission

あなたの同意を得て、私はこれらの書類の1つか2つをポケットに入れておくが、それは将来の調査に役立つかもしれないからだ。」

“One moment—one moment!” cried a querulous voice, and we looked up to find a queer little old man, jerking and twitching in the doorway.

querulous (不機嫌そうな) [形] complaining in a petulant or whining manner

jerk (ピクピク動く) [動] move or cause to move with a short, sharp, sudden movement

「ちょっと待って、ちょっと待って!」と不機嫌そうな声がして、私たちは見上げると、奇妙な小さな老人が戸口でピクピクと動いていた。

He was dressed in rusty black, with a very broad-brimmed top-hat and a loose white necktie—the whole effect being that of a very rustic parson or of an undertaker’s mute.

rusty (さびた) [形] affected by rust

broad-brimmed (つばの広い) [形] having a wide brim

top-hat (シルクハット) [名] a tall cylindrical hat with a flat top

rustic (田舎の) [形] of or relating to the country

undertaker (葬儀屋) [名] a person whose business is to arrange funerals

mute (無言の) [形] unable to speak

彼はさびた黒い服を着て、つばの広いシルクハットをかぶり、ゆるい白いネクタイを締めていた。全体的に見ると、とても田舎の牧師か葬儀屋の無言の従業員のようだった。

Yet, in spite of his shabby and even absurd appearance, his voice had a sharp crackle, and his manner a quick intensity which commanded attention.

shabby (ぼろぼろの) [形] in bad condition through neglect or long or hard use

crackle (ひび割れ) [名] a series of slight cracking sounds

しかし、彼のぼろぼろでばかげた外見にもかかわらず、彼の声には鋭いひび割れがあり、彼の態度には注意を促す素早い激しさがあった。

“Who are you, sir, and by what right do you touch this gentleman’s papers?” he asked.

「あなたはどなたですか、この紳士の書類に触れる権利はどこにあるのですか?」と彼は尋ねた。

“I am a private detective, and I am endeavouring to explain his disappearance.”

private detective (私立探偵) [名] a person who investigates crimes for a fee

「私は私立探偵で、彼の失踪の説明に努めています」

“Oh, you are, are you?

are (そうですか) [動] be

「ああ、そうですか?

And who instructed you, eh?”

instruct (依頼する) [動] give an order or command to

誰に依頼されたんですか?」

“This gentleman, Mr. Staunton’s friend, was referred to me by Scotland Yard.”

「この紳士、スタントン氏の友人がスコットランドヤードから私を紹介されたのです」

“Who are you, sir?”

「あなたはどなたですか?」

“I am Cyril Overton.”

「私はシリル・オーバートンです」

“Then it is you who sent me a telegram.

「では、私に電報を送ったのはあなたですね。

My name is Lord Mount-James.

私の名前はマウント・ジェームズ卿です。

I came round as quickly as the Bayswater bus would bring me.

come round (回ってくる) [動] to change one's opinion or attitude

as quickly as (同じくらい速く) [副] at the same speed as

Bayswater (ベイズウォーター) [名] a district in west central London

bus (バス) [名] a large motor vehicle carrying passengers

私はベイズウォーターのバスが私を連れて来てくれるのと同じくらい速く回ってきた。

So you have instructed a detective?”

だから探偵に依頼したのですか?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、そうです」

“And are you prepared to meet the cost?”

meet (支払う) [動] pay

cost (費用) [名] the price of something

「そして費用を支払う準備はできていますか?」

“I have no doubt, sir, that my friend Godfrey, when we find him, will be prepared to do that.”

「私の友人ゴッドフリーは、彼を見つけたら、そうする準備ができているでしょう」

“But if he is never found, eh? Answer me that!”

「しかし、彼が見つからなければ? 答えてみろ!」

“In that case, no doubt his family——”

「その場合は、間違いなく彼の家族が」

“Nothing of the sort, sir!” screamed the little man.

nothing of the sort (そんなことはありません) [名] not at all; not in the least

「そんなことはありません!」と小柄な男は叫んだ。

“Don’t look to me for a penny—not a penny!

look to (取ろうと思う) [動] expect to get something from

penny (一銭) [名] a small amount of money

「私から一銭も取ろうなんて思わないことだ!

You understand that, Mr. Detective!

分かったな、探偵さん!

I am all the family that this young man has got, and I tell you that I am not responsible.

私はこの若者の唯一の家族だが、私は責任を負わない。

If he has any expectations it is due to the fact that I have never wasted money, and I do not propose to begin to do so now.

propose (つもりである) [動] intend to do something

もし彼が何か期待しているのなら、それは私が今までお金を無駄にしたことがなく、今もそうするつもりがないからだ。

As to those papers with which you are making so free, I may tell you that in case there should be anything of any value among them, you will be held strictly to account for what you do with them.”

make free with (勝手に調べる) [動] to use or treat something without permission

strictly (厳しく) [副] in a severe or rigorous manner

あなたが勝手に調べている書類については、もしその中に何か価値のあるものがあったら、あなたはその責任を厳しく問われることになるだろう」

“Very good, sir,” said Sherlock Holmes.

very good (分かりました) [形] of high quality

「分かりました」とシャーロック・ホームズは言った。

“May I ask, in the meanwhile, whether you have yourself any theory to account for this young man’s disappearance?”

in the meanwhile (その前に) [副] in the intervening period of time

「その前に、この若者の失踪について何か考えをお持ちでしょうか?」

“No, sir, I have not.

「いいえ、ありません。

He is big enough and old enough to look after himself, and if he is so foolish as to lose himself,

big enough (十分大きい) [形] large enough

old enough (十分年をとっている) [形] old enough

lose (迷う) [動] fail to find one's way

彼は自分の面倒を見られるほど大きく、年をとっているし、もし彼が道に迷うほど愚かなら、

I entirely refuse to accept the responsibility of hunting for him.”

hunt (探す) [動] search for

私は彼を探す責任を負うことを完全に拒否します。」

“I quite understand your position,” said Holmes, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

mischievous (いたずらっぽい) [形] causing trouble in a playful way

「あなたの立場はよくわかります」とホームズはいたずらっぽく目を輝かせながら言った。

“Perhaps you don’t quite understand mine.

mine (私の) [代] belonging to or connected with the speaker

「おそらく私の立場をよく理解していないのでしょう。

Godfrey Staunton appears to have been a poor man.

ゴッドフリー・スタントンは貧乏だったようだ。

If he has been kidnapped, it could not have been for anything which he himself possesses.

もし彼が誘拐されたのなら、彼自身が所有しているもののために誘拐されたわけではない。

The fame of your wealth has gone abroad, Lord Mount-James, and it is entirely possible that a gang of thieves have secured your nephew in order to gain from him some information as to your house, your habits, and your treasure.”

go abroad (広まる) [動] become known or talked about by many people

entirely possible (十分に可能である) [形] completely possible

gang (一団) [名] a group of people who work together

secure (捕らえる) [動] to get into one's possession or control

nephew (甥) [名] the son of one's brother or sister

あなたの富の評判は海外にまで広まっています、マウント・ジェームズ卿、そして泥棒の一団があなたの家、あなたの習慣、そしてあなたの宝物に関する情報を得るためにあなたの甥を捕らえた可能性は十分にあります。」

The face of our unpleasant little visitor turned as white as his neckcloth.

turn (なる) [動] become

neckcloth (ネクタイ) [名] a piece of cloth worn around the neck

私たちの不快な小さな訪問者の顔は彼のネクタイと同じくらい白くなった。

“Heavens, sir, what an idea!

「なんてことだ、なんて考えだ!

I never thought of such villainy!

私はそのような悪事を考えたこともなかった!

What inhuman rogues there are in the world!

inhuman (非人間的) [形] lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy

rogue (悪党) [名] a dishonest or unprincipled man

世の中にはなんて非人間的な悪党がいるんだ!

But Godfrey is a fine lad—a staunch lad.

staunch (頑固な) [形] very loyal or supportive

しかし、ゴッドフリーは立派な若者だ、頑固な若者だ。

Nothing would induce him to give his old uncle away.

give away (裏切る) [動] betray

彼はどんなことがあっても年老いた叔父を裏切ることはしないだろう。

I’ll have the plate moved over to the bank this evening.

have (移す) [動] cause to move or be moved

plate (皿) [名] a flat dish with raised edges that you eat or serve food from

今夜、その皿を銀行に移すつもりだ。

In the meantime spare no pains, Mr. Detective!

spare no pains (全力を尽くす) [動] do everything possible

それまでは、探偵さん、全力を尽くしてください!

I beg you to leave no stone unturned to bring him safely back.

leave no stone unturned (あらゆる手段を尽くす) [動] try everything possible

彼を無事に連れ戻すためにあらゆる手段を尽くしてください。

As to money, well, so far as a fiver or even a tenner goes you can always look to me.”

fiver (5ポンド) [名] a five-pound note

tenner (10ポンド) [名] a ten-pound note

look to (頼る) [動] rely on

お金については、5ポンドや10ポンドならいつでも私に頼っていい。」

Even in his chastened frame of mind, the noble miser could give us no information which could help us, for he knew little of the private life of his nephew.

frame of mind (心構え) [名] a particular mood or state of mind

private life (私生活) [名] the personal and social activities of a person that are not connected with their work

心を入れ替えたとしても、この高貴な守銭奴は、甥の私生活をほとんど知らないので、私たちの助けになるような情報は何も提供してくれなかった。

Our only clue lay in the truncated telegram, and with a copy of this in his hand Holmes set forth to find a second link for his chain.

truncated (切断された) [形] cut off

set forth (出発する) [動] start a journey

私たちの唯一の手掛かりは、切断された電報にあり、その写しを手にホームズは鎖の第二の輪を見つけるために出発した。

We had shaken off Lord Mount-James, and Overton had gone to consult with the other members of his team over the misfortune which had befallen them.

consult with (相談する) [動] talk to someone about a problem or a decision

team (チーム) [名] a group of people who work together

私たちはマウント・ジェームズ卿を振り切って、オーバートンは彼らを襲った不幸についてチームの他のメンバーと相談しに行った。

There was a telegraph-office at a short distance from the hotel.

short distance (少し離れたところ) [名] a small distance

telegraph-office (電報局) [名] a building where telegrams are sent and received

ホテルから少し離れたところに電報局があった。

We halted outside it.

私たちはその外で立ち止まった。

“It’s worth trying, Watson,” said Holmes.

「試してみる価値はあるよ、ワトソン」とホームズは言った。

“Of course, with a warrant we could demand to see the counterfoils, but we have not reached that stage yet.

「もちろん、令状があれば、控えを見せろと要求できるが、まだそこまでには至っていない。

I don’t suppose they remember faces in so busy a place.

あんなに忙しい場所で顔を覚えているとは思えない。

Let us venture it.”

venture (やってみる) [動] to do something that involves taking a risk

やってみよう」

“I am sorry to trouble you,” said he, in his blandest manner, to the young woman behind the grating;

be sorry to (申し訳ない) [動] feel regret or guilt for

bland (穏やかな) [形] lacking strong features or characteristics

grating (格子) [名] a barrier of metal bars

「お手数をおかけして申し訳ありません」と彼は、格子の向こうの若い女性に、最も穏やかな態度で言った。

“there is some small mistake about a telegram I sent yesterday.

「昨日送った電報にちょっとした間違いがありまして。

I have had no answer, and I very much fear that I must have omitted to put my name at the end.

have no answer (返事が来ない) [動] not receive a reply

omit (忘れる) [動] leave out or exclude

返事が来なくて、最後に名前を入れ忘れたのではないかと心配しています。

Could you tell me if this was so?”

そういうことだったか教えてもらえますか?」

The young woman turned over a sheaf of counterfoils.

young woman (若い女性) [名] a young female person

若い女性は控えの束をめくった。

“What o’clock was it?” she asked.

「何時でしたか?」と彼女は尋ねた。

“A little after six.”

「6時少し過ぎ」

“Whom was it to?”

be to (宛てである) [動] be addressed to

「誰宛てでしたか?」

Holmes put his finger to his lips and glanced at me.

put one's finger to one's lips (唇に指を当てる) [動] to make a gesture to be quiet

ホームズは唇に指を当てて私をちらっと見た。

“The last words in it were ‘For God’s sake,’” he whispered, confidentially;

「その最後の言葉は『神のために』だった」と彼は内緒話のようにささやいた。

“I am very anxious at getting no answer.”

「返事が来なくてとても心配です」

The young woman separated one of the forms.

separate (取り出す) [動] move or keep apart

若い女性は用紙を1枚取り出した。

“This is it. There is no name,” said she, smoothing it out upon the counter.

this is it (これです) [代] the thing that is being discussed

smoothing (広げながら) [動] make smooth or smoother

「これです。名前はありません」と彼女はカウンターの上でそれを広げながら言った。

“Then that, of course, accounts for my getting no answer,” said Holmes.

「それなら、もちろん、返事が来ない理由が説明できる」とホームズは言った。

“Dear me, how very stupid of me, to be sure!

stupid (愚か) [形] lacking intelligence or common sense

to be sure (本当に) [副] without doubt; certainly

「まあ、なんて私ったら、本当に愚かだよ!

Good-morning, miss, and many thanks for having relieved my mind.”

miss (お嬢さん) [名] a young unmarried woman

many thanks (本当にありがとう) [名] a phrase used to express gratitude

relieve (楽にする) [動] make less severe or less burdensome

おはようございます、お嬢さん、私の心を楽にしてくれて本当にありがとう」

He chuckled and rubbed his hands when we found ourselves in the street once more.

私たちが再び通りに出ると、彼はくすくす笑って手をこすった。

“Well?” I asked.

「それで?」と私は尋ねた。

“We progress, my dear Watson, we progress.

progress (進歩する) [動] move forward or onward

「進歩しているよ、ワトソン君、進歩している。

I had seven different schemes for getting a glimpse of that telegram, but I could hardly hope to succeed the very first time.”

glimpse (ちらっと見る) [名] a brief, passing look

私はあの電報をちらっと見るための七つの異なる計画を持っていたが、最初の一回で成功するなんてほとんど期待できなかった」

“And what have you gained?”

「それで何を得たんだ?」

“A starting-point for our investigation.”

「我々の捜査の出発点だ」

He hailed a cab.

hail (呼ぶ) [動] greet or attract the attention of

彼はタクシーを呼んだ。

“King’s Cross Station,” said he.

King's Cross Station (キングズ・クロス駅) [名] a railway station in London

「キングズ・クロス駅」と彼は言った。

“We have a journey, then?”

have a journey (旅に出る) [動] go on a trip

「それなら、旅に出るのか?」

“Yes, I think we must run down to Cambridge together.

run down (行く) [動] travel to a place

「ああ、一緒にケンブリッジまで行かなければならないと思う。

All the indications seem to me to point in that direction.”

すべての兆候がその方向を指し示しているように私には思える。」

“Tell me,” I asked, as we rattled up Gray’s Inn Road, “have you any suspicion yet as to the cause of the disappearance?

rattle (ガタガタと走る) [動] move or cause to move with a rattling noise

Gray's Inn Road (グレイ法学院通り) [名] a road in London

「教えてくれ」と私は尋ねた。私たちがグレイ法学院通りをガタガタと走っている時だった。「失踪の原因について何か疑いはあるか?

I don’t think that among all our cases I have known one where the motives are more obscure.

私たちが扱った事件の中で、これほど動機が不明瞭なものは他になかったと思う。

Surely you don’t really imagine that he may be kidnapped in order to give information against his wealthy uncle?”

彼が裕福な叔父に不利な情報を吐かせるために誘拐されたなんて、本気で思っているわけではないだろう?」

“I confess, my dear Watson, that that does not appeal to me as a very probable explanation.

「白状するが、ワトソン君、それは私にはありそうな説明とは思えない。

It struck me, however, as being the one which was most likely to interest that exceedingly unpleasant old person.”

be likely to (しそうである) [動] be probable or expected

unpleasant (不快な) [形] causing discomfort or annoyance

old person (老人) [名] a person who is old

しかし、あの非常に不快な老人の興味を最も惹きそうな説明だと思ったんだ。」

“It certainly did that;

「確かにそうだった。

but what are your alternatives?”

しかし、他にどんな考えがあるんだ?」

“I could mention several.

「いくつか挙げられる。

You must admit that it is curious and suggestive that this incident should occur on the eve of this important match, and should involve the only man whose presence seems essential to the success of the side.

eve (前夜) [名] the day or period of time immediately before an event

involve (関与する) [動] to be connected with or concerned in

この事件がこの重要な試合の前夜に起こり、チームの成功に不可欠と思われる唯一の人物が関与していることは、奇妙で示唆に富んでいることを認めざるを得ないだろう。

It may, of course, be a coincidence, but it is interesting.

もちろん、偶然かもしれないが、興味深いことだ。

Amateur sport is free from betting, but a good deal of outside betting goes on among the public, and it is possible that it might be worth someone’s while to get at a player as the ruffians of the turf get at a race-horse.

free (無縁) [形] not costing or charging anything

a good deal of (かなりの) [名] a large amount or extent of

it is possible that (かもしれない) [動] it may be the case that

while (うちに) [名] a period of time

turf (競馬場) [名] a surface of grass and soil

race-horse (競走馬) [名] a horse bred for racing

アマチュアスポーツは賭けとは無縁だが、一般の人々の間では外部でかなりの賭けが行われており、競馬場の悪党が競走馬を狙うように、誰かが選手を狙う価値があるかもしれない。

There is one explanation.

一つの説明がある。

A second very obvious one is that this young man really is the heir of a great property, however modest his means may at present be, and it is not impossible that a plot to hold him for ransom might be concocted.”

means (生活) [名] an action or system by which a result is brought about

at present (現在) [副] now; at this time

hold (誘拐する) [動] take and keep in one's possession

concoct (立てる) [動] make or prepare by combining ingredients

第二に、この若者は、現在はどんなに控えめな生活を送っていようとも、実際には大きな財産の相続人であり、身代金目的で彼を誘拐する計画が立てられたとしても不思議ではない」

“These theories take no account of the telegram.”

take no account of (考慮に入れない) [動] fail to consider or take into account

「これらの推理は電報を考慮に入れていない」

“Quite true, Watson.

「全くその通りだ、ワトソン。

The telegram still remains the only solid thing with which we have to deal, and we must not permit our attention to wander away from it.

solid (確かな) [形] firm or strong in structure

deal with (対処する) [動] take action in response to

wander away (そらす) [動] move away from a place or point

電報は依然として我々が対処しなければならない唯一の確かな事実であり、我々は注意をそれからそらすことを許してはならない。

It is to gain light upon the purpose of this telegram that we are now upon our way to Cambridge.

gain light upon (明らかにする) [動] to make clear or understandable

我々がケンブリッジに向かっているのは、この電報の目的を明らかにするためだ。

The path of our investigation is at present obscure, but I shall be very much surprised if before evening we have not cleared it up, or made a considerable advance along it.”

path (道筋) [名] a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading

advance (前進) [名] a forward movement

我々の捜査の道筋は現時点では不明瞭だが、夕方までにそれを明らかにし、あるいはかなり前進していなければ、私は非常に驚くだろう」

It was already dark when we reached the old university city.

我々が古い大学都市に着いた時には、すでに暗くなっていた。

Holmes took a cab at the station and ordered the man to drive to the house of Dr. Leslie Armstrong.

take a cab (タクシーを拾う) [動] get into a taxi

order (命じる) [動] give an authoritative command or instruction to

ホームズは駅でタクシーを拾い、運転手にレスリー・アームストロング博士の家まで行くように命じた。

A few minutes later, we had stopped at a large mansion in the busiest thoroughfare.

a few minutes later (数分後) [名] a short period of time after the present moment

busiest (最も混雑した) [形] having a great deal of activity

数分後、我々は最も混雑した大通りにある大きな邸宅の前に停車した。

We were shown in, and after a long wait were at last admitted into the consulting-room, where we found the doctor seated behind his table.

be shown in (通される) [動] be led or guided into a place

long wait (長い待ち時間) [名] a long period of time spent waiting

be admitted into (通される) [動] be allowed to enter

我々は中に通され、長い待ち時間の後、ようやく診察室に通された。そこには医者が机の向こうに座っていた。

It argues the degree in which I had lost touch with my profession that the name of Leslie Armstrong was unknown to me.

argue (物語っている) [動] give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one's view

degree (程度) [名] the amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present

lose touch (遠ざかる) [動] no longer be in communication with someone

レスリー・アームストロングという名前を私が知らなかったということは、私がどれほど自分の職業から遠ざかっていたかを物語っている。

Now I am aware that he is not only one of the heads of the medical school of the university, but a thinker of European reputation in more than one branch of science.

head (長) [名] the person in charge of an organization

medical school (医学部) [名] a school or college of medicine

but (だけでなく) [接] and also

science (科学) [名] the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment

今では彼が大学の医学部の長の一人であるだけでなく、科学の複数の分野でヨーロッパで名声のある思想家であることを知っている。

Yet even without knowing his brilliant record one could not fail to be impressed by a mere glance at the man, the square, massive face, the brooding eyes under the thatched brows, and the granite moulding of the inflexible jaw.

record (経歴) [名] a document that provides evidence of an event or transaction

thatched (茅葺きの) [形] having a roof made of straw or reeds

inflexible (頑固な) [形] unwilling to change or compromise

しかし、彼の輝かしい経歴を知らなくても、その男をちらっと見ただけで、四角くどっしりとした顔、茅葺きの眉の下の陰気な目、そして頑固な顎の花崗岩の造形に、誰もが感銘を受けずにはいられないだろう。

A man of deep character, a man with an alert mind, grim, ascetic, self-contained, formidable—so I read Dr. Leslie Armstrong.

self-contained (自制心がある) [形] having all the necessary parts or features

Leslie Armstrong (レスリー・アームストロング) [名] a character in the story

深い性格の持ち主で、機敏な頭脳を持ち、厳しく、禁欲的で、自制心があり、手強い人物、それが私のレスリー・アームストロング博士に対する印象だった。

He held my friend’s card in his hand, and he looked up with no very pleased expression upon his dour features.

expression (表情) [名] the way in which one's face appears

dour (厳しい) [形] stern or severe in manner or appearance

彼は友人の名刺を手に持ち、その厳しい顔にあまり嬉しそうな表情を浮かべずに見上げてきた。

“I have heard your name, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and I am aware of your profession—one of which I by no means approve.”

approve (認める) [動] have or express a favorable opinion of

「シャーロック・ホームズさん、あなたのお名前は聞いたことがありますし、あなたの職業も知っています。決して認められない職業です。」

“In that, Doctor, you will find yourself in agreement with every criminal in the country,” said my friend, quietly.

agreement (一致) [名] the state of being in accordance

「その点では、博士、あなたはこの国のすべての犯罪者と意見が一致するでしょう」と友人は静かに言った。

“So far as your efforts are directed towards the suppression of crime, sir, they must have the support of every reasonable member of the community, though I cannot doubt that the official machinery is amply sufficient for the purpose.

support (支持) [名] the action of approving of and encouraging someone or something

「あなたの努力が犯罪の抑止に向けられている限り、公式の機構がその目的に十分に適していることは疑いようがありませんが、社会のすべての理性的なメンバーの支持を得なければなりません。

Where your calling is more open to criticism is when you pry into the secrets of private individuals, when you rake up family matters which are better hidden, and when you incidentally waste the time of men who are more busy than yourself.

be open to (さらされる) [動] be exposed to

criticism (批判) [名] the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes

pry into (探る) [動] inquire too closely into

private individual (個人) [名] a person who is not in the military or a public official

rake up (掘り起こす) [動] bring up something unpleasant from the past

family matter (家族の問題) [名] an issue that concerns a family

あなたの職業が批判にさらされるのは、個人の秘密を探ったり、隠しておいた方がいい家族の問題を掘り起こしたり、自分よりも忙しい人の時間を無駄にしてしまったりするときです。

At the present moment, for example, I should be writing a treatise instead of conversing with you.”

at the present moment (今この瞬間) [名] now; at this time

conversing (会話する) [動] talk with someone

例えば、今この瞬間、私はあなたと会話する代わりに論文を書いている必要があります。」

“No doubt, Doctor; and yet the conversation may prove more important than the treatise.

「疑いようもありません、博士。しかし、この会話は論文よりも重要かもしれません。

Incidentally, I may tell you that we are doing the reverse of what you very justly blame, and that we are endeavouring to prevent anything like public exposure of private matters which must necessarily follow when once the case is fairly in the hands of the official police.

incidentally (ついでに言えば) [副] by the way

reverse (逆) [名] the opposite of something

justly (正当に) [副] fairly

blame (非難する) [動] hold responsible for a fault or wrong

public exposure (公開) [名] the act of making something known to the public

private matter (私事) [名] a matter that is not of public concern

follow (起こる) [動] come after something in time

ついでに言えば、私たちはあなたが正当に非難していることの逆を行っており、事件が正式に警察の手に渡れば必然的に起こる私事公開のようなことを防ぐよう努力していると言えます。

You may look upon me simply as an irregular pioneer, who goes in front of the regular forces of the country.

look upon (考える) [動] regard or consider in a specified way

irregular (非正規の) [形] not regular

pioneer (先駆者) [名] a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area

私を単に、この国の正規軍の前を行く非正規の先駆者と考えてください。

I have come to ask you about Mr. Godfrey Staunton.”

ゴッドフリー・スタントン氏についてお聞きしたいことがあります。」

“What about him?”

what about (~については) [句] what is the situation with regard to

「彼については?」

“You know him, do you not?”

do (~ですね) [助] used in questions to emphasize the verb

「彼を知っていますね?」

“He is an intimate friend of mine.”

「彼は私の親友です。」

“You are aware that he has disappeared?”

「彼が行方不明になっていることを知っていますか?」

“Ah, indeed!”

「ああ、なるほど!」

There was no change of expression in the rugged features of the doctor.

医者の険しい顔に表情の変化はなかった。

“He left his hotel last night—

「彼は昨夜ホテルを出て行った。

he has not been heard of.”

be heard of (消息が不明だ) [動] be known about

彼の消息は不明だ。」

“No doubt he will return.”

「彼は戻ってくるだろう。」

“To-morrow is the ’Varsity football match.”

football (フットボール) [名] a game played by two teams of eleven players with a round ball that may be kicked, headed, or handled with the feet or hands

「明日は大学のフットボールの試合だ。」

“I have no sympathy with these childish games.

have no sympathy (興味がない) [動] not be interested in

「私はこんな子供じみたゲームには興味がない。

The young man’s fate interests me deeply, since I know him and like him.

私は彼を知っていて、彼を好ましく思っているので、彼の運命に深く関心がある。

The football match does not come within my horizon at all.”

football match (フットボールの試合) [名] a game of football

come within (入る) [動] be included or comprised in

horizon (視野) [名] the limit of a person's knowledge, experience, or interest

フットボールの試合は私の視野には全く入っていない。」

“I claim your sympathy, then, in my investigation of Mr. Staunton’s fate.

「では、スタントン氏の運命の調査にあなたの同情を請う。

Do you know where he is?”

彼がどこにいるか知っているか?」

“Certainly not.”

「もちろん知らない。」

“You have not seen him since yesterday?”

「昨日から彼を見ていないか?」

“No, I have not.”

「いいえ、見ていない。」

“Was Mr. Staunton a healthy man?”

「スタントン氏は健康な人だったか?」

“Absolutely.”

「全くその通りだ。」

“Did you ever know him ill?”

「彼が病気だと知ったことは?」

“Never.”

「一度もない。」

Holmes popped a sheet of paper before the doctor’s eyes.

pop (差し出す) [動] put or thrust suddenly or unexpectedly

ホームズは医者の目の前に一枚の紙を差し出した。

“Then perhaps you will explain this receipted bill for thirteen guineas, paid by Mr. Godfrey Staunton last month to Dr. Leslie Armstrong, of Cambridge.

receipted bill (領収書) [名] a bill that has been paid

thirteen guineas (13ギニー) [名] a sum of money

「では、ゴドフリー・スタントン氏が先月ケンブリッジのレスリー・アームストロング博士に支払った13ギニーの領収書について説明してもらえるかな。

I picked it out from among the papers upon his desk.”

彼の机の上の書類の中から見つけたんだ。」

The doctor flushed with anger.

医者は怒りで顔を赤らめた。

“I do not feel that there is any reason why I should render an explanation to you, Mr. Holmes.”

feel (思う) [動] be of the opinion that

render (する) [動] provide or give

「ホームズさん、あなたに説明する理由は何もないと思います。」

Holmes replaced the bill in his notebook.

bill (領収書) [名] a piece of paper money

ホームズは領収書をノートに戻した。

“If you prefer a public explanation, it must come sooner or later,” said he.

「公に説明したいなら、遅かれ早かれそうしなければならない」と彼は言った。

“I have already told you that I can hush up that which others will be bound to publish, and you would really be wiser to take me into your complete confidence.”

have already told (すでに言った) [動] have already said

others (他のもの) [名] other people

publish (公表する) [動] make public

take into confidence (信頼する) [動] trust

「私はすでに、他の人が公表せざるを得ないことを隠蔽できると言った。私を完全に信頼した方が賢明だ。」

“I know nothing about it.”

「私はそれについて何も知らない。」

“Did you hear from Mr. Staunton in London?”

「ロンドンのスタントンさんから何か聞きましたか?」

“Certainly not.”

「もちろん、ない。」

“Dear me, dear me—the postoffice again!” Holmes sighed, wearily.

wearily (うんざりして) [副] in a tired or bored way

「おやおや、また郵便局か!」ホームズはうんざりしてため息をついた。

“A most urgent telegram was dispatched to you from London by Godfrey Staunton at six-fifteen yesterday evening—a telegram which is undoubtedly associated with his disappearance—and yet you have not had it.

urgent (緊急の) [形] requiring immediate action or attention

six-fifteen (六時十五分) [名] a time of day

「昨日の夕方六時十五分、ゴドフリー・スタントンからあなたに緊急の電報がロンドンから送られた。間違いなく彼の失踪に関係する電報だ。しかし、あなたは受け取っていない。

It is most culpable.

最も罪深いことだ。

I shall certainly go down to the office here and register a complaint.”

register (申し立てる) [動] make an official record of; enter in a register

私は間違いなくここの事務所に行き、苦情を申し立てるだろう。」

Dr. Leslie Armstrong sprang up from behind his desk, and his dark face was crimson with fury.

Dr. Leslie Armstrong (レスリー・アームストロング博士) [名] a doctor

spring up (飛び上がる) [動] jump up

レスリー・アームストロング博士は机の向こうから飛び上がり、その浅黒い顔は怒りで真っ赤になった。

“I’ll trouble you to walk out of my house, sir,” said he.

walk out of (出て行く) [動] leave a place

「私の家から出て行ってもらうぞ」と彼は言った。

“You can tell your employer, Lord Mount-James, that I do not wish to have anything to do either with him or with his agents.

do (関わる) [動] be involved in

「君の雇い主であるマウント・ジェームズ卿に、私は彼とも彼の代理人とも一切関わりたくないと伝えてくれ。

No, sir—not another word!”

not another word (もう一言も聞きたくない) [名] a refusal to listen to any more of something

いいえ、もう一言も聞きたくない!」

He rang the bell furiously.

彼は激しくベルを鳴らした。

“John, show these gentlemen out!”

John (ジョン) [名] a male given name

「ジョン、この方々をお送りしろ!」

A pompous butler ushered us severely to the door, and we found ourselves in the street.

尊大な執事が厳しい態度で我々を玄関まで案内し、我々は通りに出た。

Holmes burst out laughing.

burst out laughing (爆笑する) [動] suddenly start laughing loudly

ホームズは爆笑した。

“Dr. Leslie Armstrong is certainly a man of energy and character,” said he.

「レスリー・アームストロング博士は確かに精力的で個性的な人物だ」と彼は言った。

“I have not seen a man who, if he turns his talents that way, was more calculated to fill the gap left by the illustrious Moriarty.

talent (才能) [名] a special natural ability or aptitude

「もし彼がその才能をそちらの方面に向けたら、あの高名なモリアーティの残した空白を埋めるのにこれほど適した人物はいない。

And now, my poor Watson, here we are, stranded and friendless in this inhospitable town, which we cannot leave without abandoning our case.

here we are (我々はここにいる) [間] used to announce one's arrival

stranded (孤立した) [形] left without the means to move from somewhere

friendless (友人がいない) [形] without friends

inhospitable (冷淡な) [形] not friendly or welcoming

そして今、私の哀れなワトソン、我々はここにいて、この冷淡な町で孤立し、友人もなく、事件を放棄せずにここを去ることはできない。

This little inn just opposite Armstrong’s house is singularly adapted to our needs.

just opposite (真向かいの) [形] directly across from

adapt (合う) [動] make suitable for a new use or purpose

アームストロングの家の真向かいのこの小さな宿は、我々の必要にぴったり合っている。

If you would engage a front room and purchase the necessaries for the night, I may have time to make a few inquiries.”

engage (借りる) [動] occupy or employ

front room (正面の部屋) [名] a room at the front of a house

necessaries (必要なもの) [名] things that are necessary

make a few inquiries (少し調べる) [動] ask questions about something

君が正面の部屋を借りて、夜に必要なものを買ってきてくれるなら、私は少し調べる時間ができるかもしれない。」

These few inquiries proved, however, to be a more lengthy proceeding than Holmes had imagined, for he did not return to the inn until nearly nine o’clock.

lengthy (長い) [形] of great or more than average length

proceeding (手続き) [名] a series of actions that produce a result

しかし、このわずかな調査は、ホームズが想像していたよりも長い手続きであることが判明し、彼は九時近くまで宿に戻らなかった。

He was pale and dejected, stained with dust, and exhausted with hunger and fatigue.

dejected (落ち込んだ) [形] sad and depressed

stained (まみれた) [動] discolored with a foreign substance

exhausted (疲れ果てた) [形] extremely tired

彼は青ざめていて、落ち込んでいて、埃まみれで、空腹と疲労で疲れ果てていた。

A cold supper was ready upon the table, and when his needs were satisfied and his pipe alight he was ready to take that half comic and wholly philosophic view which was natural to him when his affairs were going awry.

cold supper (冷たい夕食) [名] a meal eaten in the evening that is not hot

need (欲求) [名] a requirement for something

satisfy (満たす) [動] meet the requirements of

alight (火が点く) [動] catch fire

comic (滑稽な) [形] causing laughter or amusement

wholly (完全に) [副] completely

philosophic (哲学的な) [形] of or relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

affair (物事) [名] an event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been mentioned

go awry (うまくいかない) [動] fail to happen as planned or intended

冷たい夕食がテーブルの上に用意されていて、彼の欲求が満たされ、パイプに火が点くと、彼は物事がうまくいかないときに自然と出てくる、半分は滑稽で、半分は哲学的な見解を示す準備が整った。

The sound of carriage wheels caused him to rise and glance out of the window.

馬車の車輪の音で彼は立ち上がり、窓の外をちらっと見た。

A brougham and pair of greys, under the glare of a gas-lamp, stood before the doctor’s door.

brougham (ブルーム) [名] a light, closed, four-wheeled carriage with two seats inside and one outside

pair (二頭) [名] two of something

grey (灰色の馬) [名] a horse of a light grey or silver colour

gas-lamp (ガス灯) [名] a lamp that burns gas

ガス灯のまぶしい光の下で、一台のブルームと二頭の灰色の馬が医者のドアの前に立っていた。

“It’s been out three hours,” said Holmes;

three hours (三時間) [名] a period of time equal to 180 minutes

「三時間外出していた」とホームズは言った。

“started at half-past six, and here it is back again.

half-past six (六時半) [名] 30 minutes after 6 o'clock

「六時半に出発して、また戻ってきた。

That gives a radius of ten or twelve miles, and he does it once, or sometimes twice, a day.”

give (なる) [動] cause to be or become

radius (半径) [名] the distance from the center of a circle to any point on its edge

twelve (十二) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

これで半径十マイルか十二マイルになるが、彼はこれを一日一回、時には二回やる。」

“No unusual thing for a doctor in practice.”

practice (開業) [名] the exercise of a profession

「開業医には珍しいことではない。」

“But Armstrong is not really a doctor in practice.

Armstrong (アームストロング) [名] a surname

not really (実際には~ない) [副] not in fact; not really

「しかし、アームストロングは実際には開業医ではない。

He is a lecturer and a consultant, but he does not care for general practice, which distracts him from his literary work.

consultant (コンサルタント) [名] a person who provides expert advice professionally

general practice (一般診療) [名] the work of a general practitioner

彼は講師であり、コンサルタントだが、彼は一般診療には関心がなく、それは彼の文学作品から彼をそらす。

Why, then, does he make these long journeys, which must be exceedingly irksome to him, and who is it that he visits?”

irksome (厄介な) [形] annoying or tedious

では、なぜ彼は、彼にとって非常に厄介なはずのこれらの長い旅をするのか、そして彼が訪ねるのは誰なのか?」

“His coachman——”

「彼の御者・・・」

“My dear Watson, can you doubt that it was to him that I first applied?

apply (頼む) [動] make a formal request

「ワトソン君、私が最初に彼に頼んだことを疑うのか?

I do not know whether it came from his own innate depravity or from the promptings of his master, but he was rude enough to set a dog at me.

innate (生来の) [形] inborn; inherent

depravity (堕落) [名] moral corruption; wickedness

prompting (促し) [名] the action of encouraging or urging someone to do something

set a dog at (犬をけしかける) [動] to urge or incite a dog to attack someone or something

それが彼自身の生来の堕落から来たのか、彼の主人の促しから来たのかはわからないが、彼は私に犬をけしかけるほど無礼だった。

Neither dog nor man liked the look of my stick, however, and the matter fell through.

fall through (解決する) [動] fail to happen or be achieved

しかし、犬も人も私のステッキの見た目を好まなかったので、問題は解決した。

Relations were strained after that, and further inquiries out of the question.

strain (緊張する) [動] make or become tense or anxious

その後、関係は緊張し、さらなる調査は不可能になった。

All that I have learned I got from a friendly native in the yard of our own inn.

native (地元の人) [名] a person born in a particular place

私が知ったことはすべて、宿の庭で親切な地元の人から聞いたことだ。

It was he who told me of the doctor’s habits and of his daily journey.

daily (日課) [形] happening or done every day

journey (日課) [名] an act of traveling from one place to another

医者の習慣や日課を教えてくれたのは彼だった。

At that instant, to give point to his words, the carriage came round to the door.”

give point to (強調する) [動] emphasize

その瞬間、彼の言葉を強調するかのように、馬車が玄関に回ってきた。」

“Could you not follow it?”

「追跡できなかったのか?」

“Excellent, Watson! You are scintillating this evening.

「素晴らしい、ワトソン! 今夜の君は才気煥発だ。

The idea did cross my mind.

そういう考えも頭をよぎった。

There is, as you may have observed, a bicycle shop next to our inn.

as you may have observed (ご存知の通り) [副] as you may know

bicycle shop (自転車屋) [名] a shop that sells and repairs bicycles

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

ご存知の通り、この宿の隣に自転車屋がある。

Into this I rushed, engaged a bicycle, and was able to get started before the carriage was quite out of sight.

私はそこに駆け込み、自転車を借り、馬車が見えなくなる前に出発することができた。

I rapidly overtook it, and then, keeping at a discreet distance of a hundred yards or so, I followed its lights until we were clear of the town.

discreet (離れた) [形] careful not to attract attention

私はすぐに馬車を追い越し、それから百ヤードほど離れた距離を保ちながら、町から出るまで馬車の灯りを追った。

We had got well out on the country road, when a somewhat mortifying incident occurred.

get out (進む) [動] move forward

私たちは田舎道をかなり進んだところで、いささか悔しい出来事が起こった。

The carriage stopped, the doctor alighted, walked swiftly back to where I had also halted, and told me in an excellent sardonic fashion that he feared the road was narrow, and that he hoped his carriage did not impede the passage of my bicycle.

halt (止まる) [動] come to a stop

sardonic (皮肉な) [形] grimly mocking or cynical

impede (妨げる) [動] delay or prevent the progress of

passage (通過) [名] the action or process of moving through or past something

馬車が止まり、医師が降りて、私も止まっていたところまで素早く歩いてきて、道が狭くて心配だ、馬車が自転車の通過を妨げていないといいのだが、と皮肉を込めて言った。

Nothing could have been more admirable than his way of putting it.

could have been (あり得なかった) [助] be possible or likely

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

彼の言い方は見事というほかなかった。

I at once rode past the carriage, and, keeping to the main road, I went on for a few miles, and then halted in a convenient place to see if the carriage passed.

keep to (進む) [動] continue on

main road (幹線道路) [名] a major road

convenient (都合のいい) [形] suitable for one's needs or purposes

私はすぐに馬車を追い越し、幹線道路を数マイル進んでから、馬車が通り過ぎるかどうかを見るのに都合のいい場所で止まった。

There was no sign of it, however, and so it became evident that it had turned down one of several side roads which I had observed.

しかし、馬車の姿は見えず、私が見ていたいくつかの脇道のどれかに曲がってしまったことが明らかになった。

I rode back, but again saw nothing of the carriage, and now, as you perceive, it has returned after me.

ride back (引き返す) [動] go back to a place

私は引き返したが、また馬車の姿は見えず、そして今、お気づきのように、馬車は私の後ろに戻ってきた。

Of course, I had at the outset no particular reason to connect these journeys with the disappearance of Godfrey Staunton, and was only inclined to investigate them on the general grounds that everything which concerns Dr. Armstrong is at present of interest to us, but, now that I find he keeps so keen a look-out upon anyone who may follow him on these excursions, the affair appears more important, and I shall not be satisfied until I have made the matter clear.”

at the outset (最初は) [副] at the beginning

general ground (一般的な理由) [名] a reason that is not specific to a particular situation

inclined (したいと思った) [形] having a tendency or disposition to do something

Dr. Armstrong (アームストロング博士) [名] a character in the story

of interest (興味深い) [形] holding or catching the attention

keep a look-out (見張る) [動] be on the watch for someone or something

satisfied (満足する) [形] pleased or contented

もちろん、最初はこれらの旅行とゴドフリー・スタントンの失踪を結びつける特別な理由はなく、ただアームストロング博士に関することはすべて現在私たちにとって興味深いという一般的な理由で調査したいと思っただけだったが、今や彼がこれらの遠出で彼を追跡するかもしれない誰かを非常に注意深く見張っていることがわかったので、この事件はより重要であるように思われ、私はこの事件を明らかにするまで満足することはないだろう。」

“We can follow him to-morrow.”

「明日彼を追跡できる。」

“Can we? It is not so easy as you seem to think.

「できるかな? 君が思っているほど簡単ではない。

You are not familiar with Cambridgeshire scenery, are you?

Cambridgeshire (ケンブリッジシャー) [名] a county in eastern England

scenery (景色) [名] the natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance, especially when picturesque

君はケンブリッジシャーの景色に馴染みがないね?

It does not lend itself to concealment.

concealment (隠す) [名] the state of being concealed or hidden

隠すのに適していない。

All this country that I passed over to-night is as flat and clean as the palm of your hand, and the man we are following is no fool, as he very clearly showed to-night.

pass over (通る) [動] go across or through

flat (平ら) [形] having a level or even surface

fool (馬鹿) [名] a person who lacks judgment or sense

今夜私が通ったこの地方は全て手のひらのように平らできれいで、我々が追跡している男は今夜はっきりと示したように馬鹿ではない。

I have wired to Overton to let us know any fresh London developments at this address, and in the meantime we can only concentrate our attention upon Dr. Armstrong, whose name the obliging young lady at the office allowed me to read upon the counterfoil of Staunton’s urgent message.

Dr. Armstrong (アーミテージ博士) [名] a doctor

obliging (親切な) [形] willing to do a service or kindness

私はオーバートンに電報を打って、ロンドンで何か新しい展開があったらこの住所まで知らせてくれるように頼んでおいた。それまでは、アーミテージ博士に注意を集中するしかない。その名前は、事務所の親切な若い女性がスタントンの緊急メッセージの控えに書いてあるのを見せてくれた。

He knows where the young man is—to that I’ll swear, and if he knows, then it must be our own fault if we cannot manage to know also.

彼は若者の居場所を知っている、それにかけては誓ってもいい。そして彼が知っているなら、我々も知ることができなければ、それは我々自身の落ち度に違いない。

At present it must be admitted that the odd trick is in his possession, and, as you are aware, Watson, it is not my habit to leave the game in that condition.”

現時点では、彼が奇妙なトリックを手に入れたことを認めざるを得ない。そして、ご存じのように、ワトソン、私はそのような状態でゲームを離れる習慣はない。」

And yet the next day brought us no nearer to the solution of the mystery.

the next day (翌日) [名] the day after today

それでも、翌日になっても謎の解決には近づかなかった。

A note was handed in after breakfast, which Holmes passed across to me with a smile.

after breakfast (朝食後) [名] the time after breakfast

hand in (届ける) [動] deliver

pass across (渡す) [動] give to someone

朝食後、メモが届けられた。ホームズはそれを笑顔で私に渡した。

SIR [it ran],—I can assure you that you are wasting your time in dogging my movements.

拝啓、私の行動を尾行するのは時間の無駄だと断言できます。

I have, as you discovered last night, a window at the back of my brougham, and if you desire a twenty-mile ride which will lead you to the spot from which you started, you have only to follow me.

discover (気づく) [動] become aware of

twenty-mile (二十マイル) [形] having a length of twenty miles

lead (戻る) [動] cause to go in a specified direction

spot (地点) [名] a particular place

昨夜お気づきのように、私の四輪馬車には後ろに窓があります。もし二十マイル乗って出発地点に戻りたいなら、私についてくればいいだけです。

Meanwhile, I can inform you that no spying upon me can in any way help Mr. Godfrey Staunton, and I am convinced that the best service you can do to that gentleman is to return at once to London and to report to your employer that you are unable to trace him.

meanwhile (一方) [副] at the same time

spy (尾行する) [動] observe secretly

一方、私を尾行してもゴドフリー・スタントン氏の助けにはならないことをお知らせしておきます。あなたがその紳士にできる最善の奉仕は、すぐにロンドンに戻り、彼の行方を追跡できないことを雇い主に報告することだと確信しています。

Your time in Cambridge will certainly be wasted.

be wasted (無駄になる) [動] be used or expended carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

ケンブリッジにいる時間は間違いなく無駄になるでしょう。

Yours faithfully,

yours faithfully (敬具) [名] a polite way to end a letter to someone you do not know

敬具

LESLIE ARMSTRONG.

レスリー・アームストロング

“An outspoken, honest antagonist is the doctor,” said Holmes.

outspoken (率直な) [形] frank in stating one's opinions

antagonist (敵対者) [名] a person who opposes or competes with another

「医者は率直で正直な敵対者だ」とホームズは言った。

“Well, well, he excites my curiosity, and I must really know before I leave him.”

excite (刺激する) [動] cause strong feelings of

「なるほど、彼は私の好奇心を刺激する、そして彼と別れる前に私は本当に知らなければならない」

“His carriage is at his door now,” said I.

「彼の馬車は今彼の玄関にある」と私は言った。

“There he is stepping into it.

step into (乗り込む) [動] get into or enter

「彼はそこに乗り込んでいる。

I saw him glance up at our window as he did so.

glance (見上げる) [動] look briefly

彼がそうした時に彼が私たちの窓を見上げたのを私は見た。

Suppose I try my luck upon the bicycle?”

try one's luck (運試しをする) [動] take a chance

自転車で運試しをしてみようか?」

“No, no, my dear Watson! With all respect for your natural acumen, I do not think that you are quite a match for the worthy doctor.

acumen (洞察力) [名] the ability to make good judgments and take quick decisions

worthy (立派な) [形] deserving effort, attention, or respect

「いや、いや、親愛なるワトソン君! 君の天性の洞察力には敬意を表するが、君があの立派な医師にかなうとは思えない。

I think that possibly I can attain our end by some independent explorations of my own.

exploration (調査) [名] the action of exploring an unfamiliar area

independent (独立した) [形] not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence

私自身の独立した調査によって、私たちの目的を達成できるかもしれないと思う。

I am afraid that I must leave you to your own devices, as the appearance of two inquiring strangers upon a sleepy countryside might excite more gossip than I care for.

excite (広がる) [動] cause to be agitated or aroused

眠い田舎に二人の見知らぬ人が現れれば、私が気にする以上に噂が広がるかもしれないので、私はあなたをあなた自身の装置に任せなければならないと思う。

No doubt you will find some sights to amuse you in this venerable city, and I hope to bring back a more favourable report to you before evening.”

venerable (由緒ある) [形] worthy of respect and admiration

favourable (好ましい) [形] to one's advantage

間違いなく、この由緒ある街であなたを楽しませる光景を見つけることができるだろうし、夕方までにはもっと好ましい報告をあなたに持ち帰りたいと思う。」

Once more, however, my friend was destined to be disappointed.

be destined to (運命にある) [動] be certain to experience or undergo something in the future

しかし、もう一度、私の友人は失望する運命にあった。

He came back at night weary and unsuccessful.

unsuccessful (失敗した) [形] not achieving the desired end or result

彼は夜、疲れて失敗して帰ってきた。

“I have had a blank day, Watson.

have (過ごす) [動] experience; pass

blank (空白の) [形] empty; having nothing in it

「私は空白の日を過ごした、ワトソン。

Having got the doctor’s general direction, I spent the day in visiting all the villages upon that side of Cambridge, and comparing notes with publicans and other local news agencies.

general direction (一般的な指示) [名] the overall direction in which something is moving or pointing

compare (比較する) [動] estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between

publican (パブ) [名] the owner or manager of a pub

news agency (報道機関) [名] an organization that gathers and reports news

医師の一般的な指示を得て、私はケンブリッジのその側にあるすべての村を訪問し、パブや他の地元の報道機関とメモを比較して一日を過ごした。

I have covered some ground.

ground (根拠) [名] a basis for belief, action, or argument

私はある程度の根拠をカバーした。

Chesterton, Histon, Waterbeach, and Oakington have each been explored, and have each proved disappointing.

Chesterton (チェスタートン) [名] a village in Cambridgeshire, England

Histon (ヒストン) [名] a village in Cambridgeshire, England

Waterbeach (ウォータービーチ) [名] a village in Cambridgeshire, England

Oakington (オーキングトン) [名] a village in Cambridgeshire, England

explore (調査する) [動] travel through (an unfamiliar area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it

チェスタートン、ヒストン、ウォータービーチ、オーキングトンはそれぞれ調査され、それぞれが失望を証明した。

The daily appearance of a brougham and pair could hardly have been overlooked in such Sleepy Hollows.

Sleepy Hollows (スリーピーホロウズ) [名] a village in New York that is the setting for Washington Irving's story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

そのようなスリーピーホロウズでは、毎日のブルームとペアの出現は見過ごされがちだった。

The doctor has scored once more.

score (得点する) [動] gain a point or points in a game or sport

医師はもう一度得点した。

Is there a telegram for me?”

for (宛ての) [前] intended to be given to

私宛ての電報は来ていませんか?」

“Yes, I opened it. Here it is:

「はい、開けました。これがそれです。

“Ask for Pompey from Jeremy Dixon, Trinity College.”

Jeremy Dixon (ジェレミー・ディクソン) [名] a person's name

「トリニティ・カレッジのジェレミー・ディクソンからポンペイを頼む」

“I don’t understand it.”

「意味がわかりません」

“Oh, it is clear enough.

「ああ、十分に明らかだ。

It is from our friend Overton, and is in answer to a question from me.

友人のオーバートンからで、私の質問に対する返事だ。

I’ll just send round a note to Mr. Jeremy Dixon, and then I have no doubt that our luck will turn.

send round (送る) [動] cause to be conveyed to a destination; transmit

ジェレミー・ディクソン氏にメモを送れば、運が向いてくるだろう。

By the way, is there any news of the match?”

ところで、試合のニュースは何かあるか?」

“Yes, the local evening paper has an excellent account in its last edition.

evening (夕方の) [形] of or relating to the evening

「はい、地元の夕刊紙の最終版に素晴らしい記事が載っています。

Oxford won by a goal and two tries.

goal (ゴール) [名] an instance of scoring in a game

try (トライ) [名] an attempt to score points in rugby by touching the ball down behind the opponents' goal line

オックスフォードがゴールと2トライで勝った。

The last sentences of the description say:

説明の最後の文はこうだ。

“‘The defeat of the Light Blues may be entirely attributed to the unfortunate absence of the crack International, Godfrey Staunton, whose want was felt at every instant of the game.

defeat (敗北) [名] the loss of a battle or game

crack (花形) [名] a person who is very good at something

international (国際試合) [名] a contest between teams from different countries

want (不在) [名] the state of lacking something

feel (感じられる) [動] experience (an emotion or sensation)

game (試合) [名] a contest with rules to determine a winner

「ライトブルーの敗北は、試合のあらゆる瞬間に彼の不在が感じられ、国際試合の花形であるゴッドフリー・スタントンの不幸な欠場が原因である。

The lack of combination in the three-quarter line and their weakness both in attack and defence more than neutralized the efforts of a heavy and hard-working pack.’”

lack (不足) [名] the state or fact of not having enough of something

defence (守備) [名] the action of defending from or resisting attack

neutralize (無効にする) [動] render ineffective or harmless

スリー・クォーター・ラインの連携不足と、攻撃と守備の両面での弱さは、重量級でハードワークのパックの努力を無効にする以上のものだ。」

“Then our friend Overton’s forebodings have been justified,” said Holmes.

foreboding (予感) [名] a feeling that something bad will happen

「それなら、友人のオーバートンの予感は正しかったわけだ」とホームズは言った。

“Personally I am in agreement with Dr. Armstrong, and football does not come within my horizon.

agreement (賛成) [名] the act of agreeing or of coming to a mutual agreement

come within (視野に入る) [動] be included in

「個人的には、私はアームストロング博士に賛成で、フットボールは私の視野に入っていない。

Early to bed to-night, Watson, for I foresee that to-morrow may be an eventful day.”

eventful (波乱に富んだ) [形] full of interesting or exciting events

今夜は早めに寝よう、ワトソン、明日は波乱に富んだ日になるかもしれないと予感する。」

I was horrified by my first glimpse of Holmes next morning, for he sat by the fire holding his tiny hypodermic syringe.

first glimpse (初めて見た) [名] the first time you see something

horrified (ぞっとした) [形] causing or likely to cause horror; shocking

hypodermic syringe (皮下注射器) [名] a syringe with a hollow needle for injecting a drug or other substance beneath the skin

翌朝、ホームズを初めて見た時、私はぞっとした。彼は小さな皮下注射器を手に暖炉のそばに座っていた。

I associated that instrument with the single weakness of his nature, and I feared the worst when I saw it glittering in his hand.

私はその道具を彼の唯一の弱点と結びつけて考えていたので、彼の手にそれが光っているのを見た時、最悪の事態を恐れた。

He laughed at my expression of dismay and laid it upon the table.

彼は私の狼狽した表情を見て笑い、それをテーブルの上に置いた。

“No, no, my dear fellow, there is no cause for alarm.

alarm (心配) [名] a sudden fear or anxiety

「いや、いや、心配することはない。

It is not upon this occasion the instrument of evil, but it will rather prove to be the key which will unlock our mystery.

unlock (解く) [動] open the lock of

これは悪の道具ではなく、むしろこの謎を解く鍵となるだろう。

On this syringe I base all my hopes.

base (かける) [動] use as a point from which to develop something

この注射器に私の全ての希望がかかっている。

I have just returned from a small scouting expedition, and everything is favourable.

scouting expedition (偵察) [名] an exploratory journey of discovery, especially for military purposes

favourable (順調) [形] giving approval to; approving

ちょっとした偵察から戻ったばかりだが、全て順調だ。

Eat a good breakfast, Watson, for I propose to get upon Dr. Armstrong’s trail to-day, and once on it I will not stop for rest or food until I run him to his burrow.”

get upon (追う) [動] follow

trail (跡) [名] a mark or series of marks left by a person, animal, or thing

burrow (隠れ家) [名] a hole or tunnel dug by an animal

ワトソン、朝食をしっかり食べておくんだ。今日はアームストロング博士の跡を追うつもりだから、一度追跡を始めたら、彼の隠れ家まで追い詰めるまで休憩も食事も取らないつもりだ。」

“In that case,” said I, “we had best carry our breakfast with us, for he is making an early start.

early start (早朝に出発) [名] a start that is early

「それなら、朝食は携帯した方がいいな。彼は早朝に出発するだろうから。

His carriage is at the door.”

彼の馬車が玄関にある。」

“Never mind. Let him go. He will be clever if he can drive where I cannot follow him.

let go (行かせておけ) [動] allow to leave

「気にするな。行かせておけ。私が追跡できないところまで逃げ切れるなら、彼は賢い奴だ。

When you have finished, come downstairs with me, and I will introduce you to a detective who is a very eminent specialist in the work that lies before us.”

come downstairs (階下に来てくれ) [動] move from a higher to a lower floor

食べ終わったら、私と一緒に階下に来てくれ。これからの仕事に非常に優れた専門家である探偵を紹介する。」

When we descended I followed Holmes into the stable yard, where he opened the door of a loose-box and led out a squat, lop-eared, white-and-tan dog, something between a beagle and a foxhound.

follow (ついて行く) [動] go after or behind someone or something

stable yard (馬小屋の庭) [名] a yard where horses are kept

lead out (連れ出す) [動] take or bring someone or something out of a place

lop-eared (垂れ耳の) [形] having ears that hang down

white-and-tan (白と褐色の) [形] having a white and tan color

beagle (ビーグル犬) [名] a small hound with a smooth coat

foxhound (フォックスハウンド) [名] a hound of a breed used for hunting foxes

降りると、私はホームズについて馬小屋の庭に入り、そこで彼は馬房の扉を開け、ビーグル犬とフォックスハウンドの中間のような、ずんぐりした垂れ耳の白と褐色の犬を連れ出した。

“Let me introduce you to Pompey,” said he.

Pompey (ポンペイ) [名] a Roman general and statesman who was defeated by Julius Caesar in 48 BC

「ポンペイを紹介しよう」と彼は言った。

“Pompey is the pride of the local draghounds—no very great flier, as his build will show, but a staunch hound on a scent.

pride (誇り) [名] a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements

draghound (ドラッグハウンド) [名] a hound used for hunting with a drag

flier (速く走れる犬) [名] a fast runner

build (体格) [名] the physical structure, size, and development of a person's or animal's body

staunch (強い) [形] very loyal or committed

hound (猟犬) [名] a dog used for hunting

「ポンペイは地元のドラッグハウンドの誇りであり、体格からわかるようにあまり速く走れないが、匂いには強い猟犬だ。

Well, Pompey, you may not be fast, but I expect you will be too fast for a couple of middle-aged London gentlemen, so I will take the liberty of fastening this leather leash to your collar.

fasten (締める) [動] make or become fixed or secure

leash (鎖) [名] a dog's lead

collar (首輪) [名] a band of leather or other material put around the neck of a person or animal

ポンペイ、君は速くないかもしれないが、ロンドンの中年の紳士二人には速すぎると思うから、この革の鎖を君の首輪に締めておくよ。

Now, boy, come along, and show what you can do.”

come along (おいで) [動] come with someone

さあ、おいで、君のできることを見せてごらん」

He led him across to the doctor’s door.

彼は犬を医者のドアまで連れて行った。

The dog sniffed round for an instant, and then with a shrill whine of excitement started off down the street, tugging at his leash in his efforts to go faster.

sniff (嗅ぎ回る) [動] to smell something by inhaling through the nose

whine (鳴き声) [名] a long, high-pitched complaining cry

start off (走り出す) [動] to begin a journey

tug (引っ張る) [動] to pull something hard or suddenly

犬はしばらく周りを嗅ぎ回り、それから興奮した甲高い鳴き声を上げて、もっと速く走ろうとして鎖を引っ張りながら通りを下り始めた。

In half an hour, we were clear of the town and hastening down a country road.

clear (抜ける) [動] move or pass through

三十分後、私たちは町を抜けて、田舎道を急いでいた。

“What have you done, Holmes?”

「ホームズ、何をしたんだ?」

I asked.

私は尋ねた。

“A threadbare and venerable device, but useful upon occasion.

threadbare (使い古された) [形] having the nap worn off so that the thread shows

venerable (古くからの) [形] deserving respect because of age, character, or importance

「使い古された古くからの手法だが、時々役に立つ。

I walked into the doctor’s yard this morning, and shot my syringe full of aniseed over the hind wheel.

walk into (入る) [動] go into

syringe (注射器) [名] a medical instrument used to inject or withdraw fluids

aniseed (アニスシード) [名] the seed of the anise plant

今朝、私は医者の庭に入り、後輪にアニスシードを入れた注射器を撃った。

A draghound will follow aniseed from here to John o’Groat’s, and our friend, Armstrong, would have to drive through the Cam before he would shake Pompey off his trail.

John o’Groat’s (ジョン・オグローツ) [名] a house in the far north of Scotland

Cam (カム) [名] a river in eastern England

ドラッグハウンドはここからジョン・オグローツまでアニスシードを追いかけるだろうし、我々の友人アームストロングはポンペイを振り切るまでカムを通らなければならないだろう。

Oh, the cunning rascal!

ああ、ずるい悪党め!

This is how he gave me the slip the other night.”

give the slip (逃す) [動] evade or escape from

the other night (先日) [名] a few days ago

こうやって彼は先日私を逃したのだ。」

The dog had suddenly turned out of the main road into a grass-grown lane.

turn out (曲がる) [動] change direction

grass-grown lane (草の生い茂った小道) [名] a lane with grass growing on it

犬は突然、幹線道路から草の生い茂った小道に曲がった。

Half a mile farther this opened into another broad road, and the trail turned hard to the right in the direction of the town, which we had just quitted.

half a mile (半マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 8 furlongs or 1760 yards

farther (先) [副] at or to a greater distance

open (つながる) [動] to become or cause to become connected

quit (去る) [動] leave a place

半マイルほど先で、この道は別の広い道につながり、道は私たちが去ったばかりの町の方向に右に曲がった。

The road took a sweep to the south of the town, and continued in the opposite direction to that in which we started.

take a sweep (曲がる) [動] change direction

continue (続く) [動] go on in time or space

opposite (反対) [形] facing or going in the opposite direction

道は町の南に曲がり、私たちが出発した方向とは反対の方向に続いた。

“This détour has been entirely for our benefit, then?” said Holmes.

détour (回り道) [名] a long or indirect route

「この回り道は、私たちのためになったのか?」とホームズは言った。

“No wonder that my inquiries among those villagers led to nothing.

no wonder (不思議ではない) [名] it is not surprising

「村人たちに尋ねても何も得られなかったのも不思議ではない。

The doctor has certainly played the game for all it is worth, and one would like to know the reason for such elaborate deception.

play the game (ゲームをする) [動] to participate in a game

like to (知りたいと思う) [動] to be fond of or to prefer

elaborate (手の込んだ) [形] worked out with great care

医者は確かにその価値がある限りゲームをプレイしたし、そのような手の込んだ欺瞞の理由を知りたいと思うだろう。

This should be the village of Trumpington to the right of us.

right (右手) [名] the right-hand side or direction

Trumpington (トランプトン) [名] a village in Cambridgeshire, England

右手にあるのはトランプトン村のはずだ。

And, by Jove! here is the brougham coming round the corner.

come round (曲がってくる) [動] change from one opinion, attitude, or course of action to another

そして、おや! 角を曲がってくる四輪馬車がある。

Quick, Watson—quick, or we are done!”

done (やられる) [動] be finished or completed

急げ、ワトソン、急げ、さもないとやられるぞ!」

He sprang through a gate into a field, dragging the reluctant Pompey after him.

reluctant (嫌がる) [形] unwilling and hesitant; disinclined

彼は門をくぐって畑に飛び込み、嫌がるポンペイを引きずっていった。

We had hardly got under the shelter of the hedge when the carriage rattled past.

get under (隠れる) [動] go or come under

shelter (陰) [名] a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger

past (通り過ぎる) [前] having gone by in time; no longer existing or happening

私たちがかろうじて生垣の陰に隠れた時、馬車がガタガタと通り過ぎた。

I caught a glimpse of Dr. Armstrong within, his shoulders bowed, his head sunk on his hands, the very image of distress.

distress (苦悩) [名] extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain

中にいるアームストロング博士をちらっと見たが、肩を落とし、頭を両手で抱え、まさに苦悩の像だった。

I could tell by my companion’s graver face that he also had seen.

私の連れの顔が険しくなったので、彼も見たのだとわかった。

“I fear there is some dark ending to our quest,” said he.

「私たちの探求には暗い結末があるのではないかと心配だ」と彼は言った。

“It cannot be long before we know it. Come, Pompey!

it cannot be long (そう長くはかからない) [動] it will not take a long time

「それを知るまでそう長くはかからない。来い、ポンペイ!

Ah, it is the cottage in the field!”

ああ、野原の小屋だ!」

There could be no doubt that we had reached the end of our journey.

there could be no doubt (疑いの余地はなかった) [句] it is certain

私たちが旅の終わりに達したことに疑いの余地はなかった。

Pompey ran about and whined eagerly outside the gate, where the marks of the brougham’s wheels were still to be seen.

run about (走り回る) [動] run in all directions

whine (鳴き声を上げる) [動] make a long, high-pitched complaining cry or sound

ポンペイは門の外を走り回り、熱心に鳴き声を上げていたが、そこには馬車の車輪の跡がまだ残っていた。

A footpath led across to the lonely cottage.

lead across (続く) [動] continue in a certain direction

小道が孤独な小屋へと続いていた。

Holmes tied the dog to the hedge, and we hastened onward.

ホームズは犬を生垣に縛り付け、私たちは急いで進んだ。

My friend knocked at the little rustic door, and knocked again without response.

友人は小さな田舎風の扉をノックし、返事がないままもう一度ノックした。

And yet the cottage was not deserted, for a low sound came to our ears—a kind of drone of misery and despair which was indescribably melancholy.

desert (空っぽ) [形] empty of people

kind (一種の) [名] a type or category of something

それでも小屋は空っぽではなかった、というのも低い音が私たちの耳に届いたからだ。それは言葉では言い表せないほど憂鬱な、悲惨さと絶望のドローンのような音だった。

Holmes paused irresolute, and then he glanced back at the road which he had just traversed.

irresolute (決断できない) [形] unable to decide

glance (振り返る) [動] look at briefly

ホームズは決断できずに立ち止まり、それから彼はちょうど横断した道を振り返った。

A brougham was coming down it, and there could be no mistaking those grey horses.

there could be no mistaking (間違えるはずがない) [動] be wrong about the identity of

ブルームが降りてきていて、あの灰色の馬を間違えるはずがなかった。

“By Jove, the doctor is coming back!” cried Holmes.

「おい、医者が戻ってきているぞ!」とホームズは叫んだ。

“That settles it.

「これで決まりだ。

We are bound to see what it means before he comes.”

be bound to (~しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; be required to

彼が来る前にそれが何を意味するのかを見なければならない。」

He opened the door, and we stepped into the hall.

step (足を踏み入れる) [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

彼はドアを開け、私たちはホールに足を踏み入れた。

The droning sound swelled louder upon our ears until it became one long, deep wail of distress.

droning sound (ブンブンという音) [名] a continuous low humming sound

swell (大きく響く) [動] grow or cause to grow in size, amount, or intensity

wail (叫び) [名] a long, loud, high-pitched cry of pain, sorrow, or anger

ブンブンという音は私たちの耳に大きく響き、やがて長く深い苦悩の叫びとなった。

It came from upstairs.

come from (聞こえてくる) [動] originate in or be produced in

それは二階から聞こえてきた。

Holmes darted up, and I followed him.

ホームズは駆け上がり、私は彼に続いた。

He pushed open a half-closed door, and we both stood appalled at the sight before us.

push open (押し開ける) [動] open by pushing

half-closed (半分閉じた) [形] partially closed

appalled (愕然とする) [形] greatly dismayed or horrified

彼は半分閉じたドアを押し開け、私たち二人は目の前の光景に愕然とした。

A woman, young and beautiful, was lying dead upon the bed.

若くて美しい女性がベッドの上に死んで横たわっていた。

Her calm pale face, with dim, wide-opened blue eyes, looked upward from amid a great tangle of golden hair.

dim (ぼんやりとした) [形] not bright or distinct

wide-opened (大きく開いた) [形] opened to a great extent

upward (上) [副] in a direction from lower to higher

golden (金色の) [形] of the color or luster of gold

彼女の穏やかな青白い顔は、ぼんやりと大きく開いた青い目で、金色の髪の毛の大きなもつれの中から上を向いていた。

At the foot of the bed, half sitting, half kneeling, his face buried in the clothes, was a young man, whose frame was racked by his sobs.

at the foot of (の足元に) [前] at the bottom of

sitting (座り) [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

kneeling (跪き) [動] be in or assume a position in which you bend your legs at the knees and your upper body is more or less upright

rack (歪める) [動] cause to suffer great emotional or physical pain

ベッドの足元には、半分座り、半分跪き、顔を衣服に埋めた若い男がいて、その体はすすり泣きで歪んでいた。

So absorbed was he by his bitter grief, that he never looked up until Holmes’s hand was on his shoulder.

be absorbed by (囚われる) [動] be completely occupied with

彼は深い悲しみに囚われていたので、ホームズの手が彼の肩に置かれるまで顔を上げなかった。

“Are you Mr. Godfrey Staunton?”

「あなたはゴッドフリー・スタントンさんですか?」

“Yes, yes, I am—but you are too late. She is dead.”

「そうです、そうです、私です。でも、あなたは遅すぎました。彼女は死んでしまいました。」

The man was so dazed that he could not be made to understand that we were anything but doctors who had been sent to his assistance.

be so dazed that (非常にぼうっとしている) [動] be in a state of confusion or bewilderment

be made to understand (理解させられる) [動] be forced to understand

anything but (以外の何者でもない) [名] anything other than

be sent to (派遣される) [動] be dispatched to

その男は非常にぼうっとしていたので、私たちが彼を助けるために派遣された医者以外の何者でもないことを理解させることはできなかった。

Holmes was endeavouring to utter a few words of consolation and to explain the alarm which had been caused to his friends by his sudden disappearance when there was a step upon the stairs, and there was the heavy, stern, questioning face of Dr. Armstrong at the door.

utter (口にする) [動] say something

questioning (疑問を抱いた) [形] expressing or indicating a question

ホームズは慰めの言葉をいくつか口にし、階段に足音が聞こえたときに彼の突然の失踪によって友人たちに引き起こされた警報を説明しようとしていたが、ドアには重く、厳しく、疑問を抱いたアームストロング博士の顔があった。

“So, gentlemen,” said he, “you have attained your end and have certainly chosen a particularly delicate moment for your intrusion.

「それで、皆さん」と彼は言った、「あなた方は目的を達成し、侵入のために特に微妙な瞬間を選んだことは確かだ。

I would not brawl in the presence of death, but I can assure you that if I were a younger man your monstrous conduct would not pass with impunity.”

brawl (喧嘩) [名] a noisy quarrel or fight

younger (もっと若い) [形] having lived or existed for a short time

monstrous (怪物のような) [形] extremely and shockingly wicked or cruel

私は死の前で喧嘩はしないつもりだが、もし私がもっと若い男だったら、君の怪物のような行為は罰せられずに済むことはないと断言できる。」

“Excuse me, Dr. Armstrong, I think we are a little at cross-purposes,” said my friend, with dignity.

excuse (すみません) [動] forgive or pardon

cross-purpose (目的が違う) [名] a situation in which people are working against each other because they have different aims

「すみません、アームストロング博士、私たちは少し目的が違うようです」と友人は威厳をもって言った。

“If you could step downstairs with us, we may each be able to give some light to the other upon this miserable affair.”

step downstairs (階下へ降りる) [動] go down the stairs

give some light (光明を与える) [動] provide some information or insight

miserable affair (悲惨な事件) [名] a very unfortunate event

「もし私たちと一緒に階下へ降りていただければ、この悲惨な事件についてお互いに何か光明を与えることができるかもしれません。」

A minute later, the grim doctor and ourselves were in the sitting-room below.

ourselves (私たち) [代] we or us

一分後、私たちと不機嫌な医師は階下の居間にいた。

“Well, sir?” said he.

「それで、旦那?」と彼は言った。

“I wish you to understand, in the first place, that I am not employed by Lord Mount-James, and that my sympathies in this matter are entirely against that nobleman.

employed (雇われている) [動] have a paid job

「まず第一に、私はマウント・ジェームズ卿に雇われているわけではないこと、そしてこの件に関して私の同情は完全にその貴族に反していることを理解して欲しい。

When a man is lost it is my duty to ascertain his fate, but having done so the matter ends so far as I am concerned, and so long as there is nothing criminal I am much more anxious to hush up private scandals than to give them publicity.

anxious (熱心だ) [形] eager or worried about something

publicity (公にする) [名] notice or attention given to someone or something by the media

人が行方不明になった場合、その人の運命を確かめるのが私の義務だが、そうすれば私に関する限り問題は終わり、犯罪性がない限り、私は私的なスキャンダルを公にするよりも隠蔽することにずっと熱心だ。

If, as I imagine, there is no breach of the law in this matter, you can absolutely depend upon my discretion and my cooperation in keeping the facts out of the papers.”

breach (違反) [名] an act of breaking a law, agreement, or promise

depend (頼る) [動] rely on

もし、私の想像通り、この件に法律違反がなければ、事実を新聞に載せないようにする私の裁量と協力に絶対に頼っていい。」

Dr. Armstrong took a quick step forward and wrung Holmes by the hand.

take a quick step (素早く前に出る) [動] move forward quickly

wring (握りしめる) [動] squeeze or twist forcibly

アームストロング医師は素早く前に出て、ホームズの手を握りしめた。

“You are a good fellow,” said he.

「君はいいやつだ」と彼は言った。

“I had misjudged you.

misjudge (誤解する) [動] form an inaccurate opinion or conclusion about

「君を誤解していた。

I thank heaven that my compunction at leaving poor Staunton all alone in this plight caused me to turn my carriage back and so to make your acquaintance.

thank heaven (天に感謝する) [動] be grateful for something

compunction (良心の呵責) [名] a feeling of guilt or remorse

Staunton (スタントン) [名] a surname

all alone (一人ぼっち) [形] without any companions

plight (状況) [名] a dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation

turn back (戻す) [動] go back in the direction from which you came

make acquaintance (知り合う) [動] get to know someone

かわいそうなスタントンをこんな状況で一人ぼっちにしておくことへの良心の呵責から馬車を戻して、こうしてあなたと知り合えたことを天に感謝する。

Knowing as much as you do, the situation is very easily explained.

あなたが知っているだけのことを知っていれば、状況は非常に簡単に説明できる。

A year ago Godfrey Staunton lodged in London for a time and became passionately attached to his landlady’s daughter, whom he married.

lodge (下宿する) [動] live temporarily

become attached to (恋をする) [動] develop a strong liking for

landlady (下宿先) [名] a woman who owns a house or building and rents out rooms or apartments

一年前、ゴッドフリー・スタントンはしばらくロンドンに下宿し、下宿先の娘に熱烈に恋をして結婚した。

She was as good as she was beautiful and as intelligent as she was good.

as good as (だけでなく) [接] to the same degree as

as intelligent as (だけでなく) [接] to the same degree as

彼女は美しいだけでなく善良で、善良なだけでなく聡明だった。

No man need be ashamed of such a wife.

be ashamed of (恥じる) [動] feel ashamed or embarrassed about

どんな男もそんな妻を恥じる必要はない。

But Godfrey was the heir to this crabbed old nobleman, and it was quite certain that the news of his marriage would have been the end of his inheritance.

crabbed (気難しい) [形] bad-tempered and complaining

inheritance (相続) [名] the acquisition of property from a deceased person

しかし、ゴッドフリーはこの気難しい老貴族の跡取りであり、彼の結婚の知らせが彼の相続の終わりになることはほぼ確実だった。

I knew the lad well, and I loved him for his many excellent qualities.

私はその若者をよく知っており、彼の多くの優れた資質を愛していた。

I did all I could to help him to keep things straight.

do all (できる限りのことをする) [動] do everything possible

straight (正しく) [形] not bent or curved

私は彼が物事を正しく保つのを助けるためにできる限りのことをした。

We did our very best to keep the thing from everyone, for, when once such a whisper gets about, it is not long before everyone has heard it.

keep (知られないようにする) [動] not allow to become known

everyone (誰も) [代] every person

get about (広まる) [動] become known

not long (すぐに) [副] in a short time

私たちは誰にも知られないように最善を尽くした、というのも、一度そのような噂が広まれば、すぐに誰もがそれを耳にしてしまうからだ。

Thanks to this lonely cottage and his own discretion, Godfrey has up to now succeeded.

thanks to (おかげで) [前] because of

この孤独な小屋と彼自身の思慮分別のおかげで、ゴッドフリーはこれまで成功してきた。

Their secret was known to no one save to me and to one excellent servant, who has at present gone for assistance to Trumpington.

彼らの秘密は私と、現在トランプトンに助けを求めている一人の優秀な召使以外には誰にも知られていなかった。

But at last there came a terrible blow in the shape of dangerous illness to his wife.

illness (病気) [名] a disease or period of sickness affecting the body and mind

しかし、ついに妻が危険な病気という形でひどい打撃を受けた。

It was consumption of the most virulent kind.

consumption (結核) [名] a wasting disease of the lungs

virulent (悪性の) [形] extremely harmful or poisonous

それは最も悪性の結核だった。

The poor boy was half crazed with grief, and yet he had to go to London to play this match, for he could not get out of it without explanations which would expose his secret.

crazed (狂乱した) [形] mad or insane

かわいそうな少年は悲しみで半狂乱だったが、それでもこの試合をするためにロンドンに行かなければならなかった。なぜなら、彼は秘密を暴露するような説明をせずに試合から抜け出すことができなかったからだ。

I tried to cheer him up by wire, and he sent me one in reply, imploring me to do all I could.

cheer up (元気づける) [動] make someone feel happier

私は電報で彼を元気づけようとしたが、彼は私に返事を送り、私にできる限りのことをしてくれと懇願した。

This was the telegram which you appear in some inexplicable way to have seen.

これが、あなたがどうにかして見たらしい電報だ。

I did not tell him how urgent the danger was, for I knew that he could do no good here, but I sent the truth to the girl’s father, and he very injudiciously communicated it to Godfrey.

do no good (役に立たない) [動] be of no use or help

私は彼に危険がどれほど差し迫っているかを伝えなかった。なぜなら、彼がここでは何の役にも立たないことを知っていたからだ。しかし、私は少女の父親に真実を伝え、彼は非常に軽率にもそれをゴッドフリーに伝えた。

The result was that he came straight away in a state bordering on frenzy, and has remained in the same state, kneeling at the end of her bed, until this morning death put an end to her sufferings.

border on (近い) [動] be next to or very close to

put an end to (終わらせる) [動] cause to stop or cease

suffering (苦しみ) [名] the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship

その結果、彼は狂乱に近い状態ですぐにやってきて、今朝死が彼女の苦しみを終わらせるまで、彼女のベッドの端にひざまずいて同じ状態のままだった。

That is all, Mr. Holmes, and I am sure that I can rely upon your discretion and that of your friend.”

that is all (以上です) [句] that is everything

rely upon (頼る) [動] depend on

以上です、ホームズさん、私はあなたとあなたの友人の判断に頼ることができると確信しています」

Holmes grasped the doctor’s hand.

ホームズは医者の手を握った。

“Come, Watson,” said he, and we passed from that house of grief into the pale sunlight of the winter day.

「来い、ワトソン」と彼は言い、私たちはその悲しみの家から冬の日の淡い日差しの中へ出た。

THE ADVENTURE OF THE ABBEY GRANGE

ABBEY (アベイ) [名] a monastery or convent

GRANGE (グランジ) [名] a country house with farm buildings

アベイ・グランジの冒険

It was on a bitterly cold and frosty morning, towards the end of the winter of ’97, that I was awakened by a tugging at my shoulder.

bitterly cold (ひどく寒い) [形] very cold

towards the end of (終わりに近い) [前] near the end of

私が肩を揺さぶられて目を覚ましたのは、97年の冬の終わりに近い、ひどく寒く霜の降りた朝のことだった。

It was Holmes.

ホームズだった。

The candle in his hand shone upon his eager, stooping face, and told me at a glance that something was amiss.

stoop (前かがみになる) [動] bend one's head and shoulders forward and down

彼の手の中の蝋燭が、彼の熱心で前かがみの顔を照らし、一目で何かがおかしいことを伝えた。

“Come, Watson, come!” he cried.

「来てくれ、ワトソン、来てくれ!」彼は叫んだ。

“The game is afoot. Not a word!

be afoot (始まる) [動] be in progress; be happening

「ゲームが始まった。一言も言うな!

Into your clothes and come!”

into (着て) [前] used to indicate the place that someone or something goes into

服を着て来てくれ!」

Ten minutes later we were both in a cab, and rattling through the silent streets on our way to Charing Cross Station.

ten minutes later (10分後) [名] ten minutes after the time of reference

Charing Cross Station (チャリング・クロス駅) [名] a railway station in London

10分後、私たちは2人ともタクシーに乗り、チャリング・クロス駅に向かう途中の静かな通りをガタガタと走っていた。

The first faint winter’s dawn was beginning to appear, and we could dimly see the occasional figure of an early workman as he passed us, blurred and indistinct in the opalescent London reek.

opalescent (オパール色の) [形] having a milky iridescence

reek (煙) [名] an unpleasant or strong smell

冬の最初のかすかな夜明けが始まり、私たちは時折、早朝の労働者が私たちの前を通り過ぎる姿を、オパール色のロンドンの煙の中でぼんやりと見ることができた。

Holmes nestled in silence into his heavy coat, and I was glad to do the same, for the air was most bitter, and neither of us had broken our fast.

nestle (身を包む) [動] settle or lie comfortably

break one's fast (朝食をとる) [動] eat the first meal of the day

ホームズは黙って厚手のコートに身を包み、私も同じようにできて嬉しかった。空気はひどく冷たく、私たちはどちらも朝食をとらなかったからだ。

It was not until we had consumed some hot tea at the station and taken our places in the Kentish train that we were sufficiently thawed, he to speak and I to listen.

hot tea (熱いお茶) [名] a beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant

take one's place (乗る) [動] sit down

Kentish train (ケント行きの列車) [名] a train going to Kent

thaw (解凍) [動] melt

駅で熱いお茶を飲み、ケント行きの列車に乗ってようやく、彼が話し、私が聞くという十分な解凍ができた。

Holmes drew a note from his pocket, and read aloud:

ホームズはポケットからメモを取り出し、声を出して読んだ。

Abbey Grange, Marsham, Kent, 3:30 A.M.

Abbey Grange (アビー・グランジ) [名] a country house in Kent, England

Marsham (マーシャム) [名] a village in Kent, England

3:30 A.M. (午前三時半) [名] three thirty in the morning

アビー・グランジ、マーシャム、ケント、午前三時半

MY DEAR MR. HOLMES:

親愛なるホームズさん

I should be very glad of your immediate assistance in what promises to be a most remarkable case.

最も注目すべき事件となるであろうこの事件に、すぐに協力していただけると非常にありがたい。

It is something quite in your line.

まさにあなたの専門分野の事件だ。

Except for releasing the lady I will see that everything is kept exactly as I have found it, but I beg you not to lose an instant, as it is difficult to leave Sir Eustace there.

except for (以外は) [前] not including; other than

see (保つ) [動] make sure that something is done

exactly (通りに) [副] in a way that is accurate or correct

女性を解放する以外は、すべてを私が発見した通りに保つようにしますが、ユースタス卿をそこに残しておくのは難しいので、一刻も無駄にしないようお願いいたします。

Yours faithfully,

敬具

STANLEY HOPKINS.

スタンリー・ホプキンス

“Hopkins has called me in seven times, and on each occasion his summons has been entirely justified,” said Holmes.

call in (呼び出す) [動] summon to a place

summons (呼び出し) [名] an order to appear in court

「ホプキンスは私を七回呼び出したが、その都度彼の呼び出しは完全に正当化された」とホームズは言った。

“I fancy that every one of his cases has found its way into your collection, and I must admit, Watson, that you have some power of selection, which atones for much which I deplore in your narratives.

find one's way (収められる) [動] to reach a destination

selection (選択) [名] the act of choosing

atone (償う) [動] to make amends for

「彼の事件はどれも君のコレクションに収められていると思うが、ワトソン、君には選ぶ力があることを認めざるを得ない。それは君の物語の中で私が嘆く多くのことを償うものだ。

Your fatal habit of looking at everything from the point of view of a story instead of as a scientific exercise has ruined what might have been an instructive and even classical series of demonstrations.

exercise (訓練) [名] activity requiring physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness

classical (古典的な) [形] of or relating to ancient Greek or Latin literature, art, or culture

demonstration (実証) [名] a public meeting or march protesting against or in support of a particular cause or issue

科学的な訓練としてではなく、物語の観点からすべてを見るという君の致命的な習慣は、有益で古典的な一連の実証を台無しにしてしまった。

You slur over work of the utmost finesse and delicacy, in order to dwell upon sensational details which may excite, but cannot possibly instruct, the reader.”

slur over (軽視する) [動] to treat as unimportant

finesse (技巧) [名] refinement or delicacy of workmanship, execution, or performance

dwell upon (こだわる) [動] to think or write about something at length

excite (興奮させる) [動] to cause strong feelings of happiness, pleasure, or interest in

instruct (教える) [動] to teach or educate

君は、読者を興奮させるかもしれないが、教えることはできないセンセーショナルな詳細にこだわるために、最高の技巧と繊細さの仕事を軽視している。」

“Why do you not write them yourself?” I said, with some bitterness.

「なぜ自分で書かないんだ?」私は少し苦々しく言った。

“I will, my dear Watson, I will.

will (書くよ) [助] expressing a strong intention or determination

「書くよ、ワトソン君、書くよ。

At present I am, as you know, fairly busy, but I propose to devote my declining years to the composition of a textbook, which shall focus the whole art of detection into one volume.

at present (今のところ) [副] now; at the moment

as you know (ご存じのように) [副] used to introduce a statement that is already known to the listener

declining years (老後) [名] the period of one's life when one is getting old

composition (執筆) [名] the act of writing something

textbook (教科書) [名] a book used in the study of a subject

focus (まとめる) [動] direct one's attention or effort

art (術) [名] a skill at doing something that is achieved by training and practice

one volume (一冊) [名] a book

ご存じのように、私は今のところかなり忙しいが、老後には探偵術のすべてを一冊にまとめた教科書の執筆に専念しようと思っている。

Our present research appears to be a case of murder.”

我々の現在の研究は殺人事件のようだ。」

“You think this Sir Eustace is dead, then?”

「では、このユースタス卿は死んでいると思うのか?」

“I should say so.

「そう思うべきだ。

Hopkins’s writing shows considerable agitation, and he is not an emotional man.

writing (手紙) [名] a letter or note

emotional (感情的な) [形] of or relating to a person's emotions

ホプキンスの手紙はかなり動揺していることを示しているし、彼は感情的な人間ではない。

Yes, I gather there has been violence, and that the body is left for our inspection.

ああ、暴力があったと推測するし、遺体は我々の検査のために残されている。

A mere suicide would not have caused him to send for me.

send for (呼び寄せる) [動] ask someone to come

単なる自殺なら、彼は私を呼び寄せなかっただろう。

As to the release of the lady, it would appear that she has been locked in her room during the tragedy.

release (解放) [名] the action of freeing or being freed from captivity, confinement, or slavery

女性の解放については、彼女は悲劇の間、彼女の部屋に閉じ込められていたように思われる。

We are moving in high life, Watson, crackling paper, ‘E.B.’ monogram, coat-of-arms, picturesque address.

move in (足を踏み入れる) [動] start to live in a new place

high life (上流社会) [名] the lifestyle of the rich and famous

crackle (パリパリ) [動] make a series of light cracking sounds

monogram (モノグラム) [名] a design consisting of two or more letters, typically the initials of a name, interwoven or otherwise combined in a decorative way

我々は上流社会に足を踏み入れたんだ、ワトソン、パリパリした紙、「E.B.」のモノグラム、紋章、絵のような住所。

I think that friend Hopkins will live up to his reputation, and that we shall have an interesting morning.

live up to (~通りに生きる) [動] to be as good as one is expected to be

友人ホプキンスは彼の評判通りに生きるだろうし、我々は興味深い朝を過ごすだろうと思う。

The crime was committed before twelve last night.”

犯行は昨夜の十二時前に行われた。」

“How can you possibly tell?”

「どうしてわかるんだ?」

“By an inspection of the trains, and by reckoning the time.

「列車の検査と時間の計算によってだ。

The local police had to be called in, they had to communicate with Scotland Yard, Hopkins had to go out, and he in turn had to send for me.

地元警察を呼び、彼らはスコットランドヤードと連絡を取らなければならず、ホプキンスは出かけなければならず、彼は私を呼び寄せなければならなかった。

All that makes a fair night’s work.

make (なる) [動] become

これらすべてが夜の仕事になる。

Well, here we are at Chiselhurst Station, and we shall soon set our doubts at rest.”

Chiselhurst Station (チズルハースト駅) [名] a railway station in Chiselhurst, London

set at rest (解消する) [動] to put an end to; to settle

さて、ここはチズルハースト駅だ、すぐに疑問は解消されるだろう」

A drive of a couple of miles through narrow country lanes brought us to a park gate, which was opened for us by an old lodge-keeper, whose haggard face bore the reflection of some great disaster.

a couple of miles (数マイル) [名] a few miles

country lane (田舎道) [名] a small road in the country

park gate (公園の門) [名] a gate that leads into a park

lodge-keeper (門番) [名] a person who looks after a park or a large house

bear (反映する) [動] show or produce

disaster (災難) [名] a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life

狭い田舎道を数マイル走ると、公園の門に着いた。門は老門番が開けてくれたが、そのやつれた顔には何か大きな災難が反映されていた。

The avenue ran through a noble park, between lines of ancient elms, and ended in a low, widespread house, pillared in front after the fashion of Palladio.

avenue (並木道) [名] a broad road, often with trees on each side

run through (通り抜ける) [動] go through or across

elm (楡) [名] a type of tree

widespread (広がった) [形] distributed or spread over a wide area

pillar (柱) [名] a tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament

Palladio (パラディオ) [名] Andrea Palladio, an Italian architect

並木道は古い楡の木々の間を抜けて立派な公園を通り抜け、パラディオ様式で正面に柱を立てた低く広がった家で終わっていた。

The central part was evidently of a great age and shrouded in ivy, but the large windows showed that modern changes had been carried out, and one wing of the house appeared to be entirely new.

central part (中央部分) [名] the middle part of something

great age (古い) [名] a long period of time

large window (大きな窓) [名] a window that is big

modern change (近代的な改築) [名] a change that is recent or new

one wing (片翼) [名] one of the two parts of a building that are on either side of the main part

entirely new (全く新しい) [形] completely new

中央部分は明らかに古く、ツタに覆われていたが、大きな窓は近代的な改築が行われたことを物語っており、家の片翼は全く新しいように見えた。

The youthful figure and alert, eager face of Inspector Stanley Hopkins confronted us in the open doorway.

youthful (若々しい) [形] young or having the characteristics of youth

開いた戸口には、スタンレー・ホプキンス警部の若々しい姿と、機敏で熱心な顔が私たちを待ち構えていた。

“I’m very glad you have come, Mr. Holmes.

「ホームズさん、来てくれて本当に嬉しいです。

And you, too, Dr. Watson.

too (も) [副] also; in addition

ワトソン先生も。

But, indeed, if I had my time over again, I should not have troubled you, for since the lady has come to herself, she has given so clear an account of the affair that there is not much left for us to do.

come to oneself (正気に戻る) [動] regain consciousness

しかし、実際、もし私がもう一度時間をやり直せるなら、あなたに迷惑をかけることはなかったでしょう。なぜなら、その女性は正気に戻ってから、事件について非常に明確な説明をしてくれたので、私たちにできることはあまり残っていないからです。

You remember that Lewisham gang of burglars?”

Lewisham (ルイシャム) [名] a district in south London

ルイシャムの強盗団を覚えていますか?」

“What, the three Randalls?”

Randall (ランドール) [名] a surname

「何、3人のランドール?」

“Exactly; the father and two sons. It’s their work.

their (彼らの) [代] belonging to or connected with the people or things previously mentioned

「その通り、父親と2人の息子です。彼らの仕業です。

I have not a doubt of it.

have not a doubt (疑いようがない) [動] be certain or sure about something

疑いようがありません。

They did a job at Sydenham a fortnight ago and were seen and described.

do a job (仕事をする) [動] perform a task

a fortnight ago (2週間前) [名] two weeks ago

be described (説明される) [動] be explained or depicted

彼らは2週間前にシドナムで仕事をして、目撃され、説明されました。

Rather cool to do another so soon and so near, but it is they, beyond all doubt.

cool (冷静) [形] not excited or anxious

another (もう一度) [代] an additional one

beyond (間違いなく) [前] on the farther side of

そんなに早く、そんなに近くでもう一度やるなんて、かなり冷静ですが、間違いなく彼らです。

It’s a hanging matter this time.”

hanging (絞首刑) [名] the act of killing someone by hanging them

今度は絞首刑になる。」

“Sir Eustace is dead, then?”

Sir Eustace (ユースタス卿) [名] a man with the title of Sir and the given name of Eustace

「ユースタス卿は死んだのか?」

“Yes, his head was knocked in with his own poker.”

knock (殴打する) [動] hit or strike with a hard blow

「ああ、彼の頭は彼自身の火かき棒で殴打された。」

“Sir Eustace Brackenstall, the driver tells me.”

Sir Eustace Brackenstall (ユースタス・ブラッケンストール卿) [名] a character in the story

「ユースタス・ブラッケンストール卿だと運転手が言っていた。」

“Exactly—one of the richest men in Kent—Lady Brackenstall is in the morning-room.

Lady Brackenstall (ブラッケンストール夫人) [名] the wife of Sir Eustace Brackenstall

morning-room (朝の部屋) [名] a room in a house used for informal daytime activities

「その通り、ケントで最も裕福な人の一人だ。ブラッケンストール夫人は朝の部屋にいる。

Poor lady, she has had a most dreadful experience.

lady (奥様) [名] a woman of refinement

かわいそうな奥様、彼女は最も恐ろしい経験をした。

She seemed half dead when I saw her first.

私が最初に彼女を見た時、彼女は半分死んでいるようだった。

I think you had best see her and hear her account of the facts.

彼女に会って事実の説明を聞くのが最善だと思う。

Then we will examine the dining-room together.”

それから一緒に食堂を調べよう。」

Lady Brackenstall was no ordinary person.

ブレッケンストール夫人は普通の人ではなかった。

Seldom have I seen so graceful a figure, so womanly a presence, and so beautiful a face.

womanly (女性らしい) [形] having or showing qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women

私はめったにこれほど優雅な姿、これほど女性らしい存在、これほど美しい顔を見たことがない。

She was a blonde, golden-haired, blue-eyed, and would no doubt have had the perfect complexion which goes with such colouring, had not her recent experience left her drawn and haggard.

blonde (金髪) [形] having fair hair and skin

golden-haired (金髪の) [形] having hair of a color like that of gold

complexion (肌の色) [名] the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face

colouring (色合い) [名] the way in which something is colored

彼女は金髪で青い目をしており、最近の経験でやつれていなければ、間違いなくそのような色合いに似合う完璧な肌の色をしていただろう。

Her sufferings were physical as well as mental, for over one eye rose a hideous, plum-coloured swelling, which her maid, a tall, austere woman, was bathing assiduously with vinegar and water.

rise (生じる) [動] come into existence or prominence

plum-coloured (梅色の) [形] of a dark reddish-purple colour

swelling (腫れ) [名] an abnormal enlargement of a part of the body

bathe (洗う) [動] wash or clean with water

assiduously (熱心に) [副] in a way that shows great care, effort, or devotion

彼女の苦しみは精神的なものだけでなく肉体的なものであり、片方の目の上には醜い梅色の腫れがあり、背の高い厳格な女性である彼女のメイドが酢と水で熱心に洗っていた。

The lady lay back exhausted upon a couch, but her quick, observant gaze, as we entered the room, and the alert expression of her beautiful features, showed that neither her wits nor her courage had been shaken by her terrible experience.

lay back (横になる) [動] to lie in a relaxed position

couch (ソファ) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

observant (観察眼のある) [形] quick to notice things

女性は疲れ果ててソファに横になっていたが、私たちが部屋に入ると、彼女の素早い観察眼と美しい顔立ちの機敏な表情は、彼女の知恵も勇気も恐ろしい経験によって揺さぶられていないことを示していた。

She was enveloped in a loose dressing-gown of blue and silver, but a black sequin-covered dinner-dress lay upon the couch beside her.

be enveloped in (身を包む) [動] be wrapped in

black (黒) [名] the darkest color

sequin (スパンコール) [名] a small shiny disk sewn onto clothing for decoration

dinner-dress (ディナードレス) [名] a formal dress worn for dinner

彼女は青と銀のゆったりとしたドレッシングガウンに身を包んでいたが、彼女の横のソファには黒いスパンコール付きのディナードレスが置かれていた。

“I have told you all that happened, Mr. Hopkins,” she said, wearily.

wearily (疲れたように) [副] in a tired way

「ホプキンスさん、起こったことはすべてお話ししました」と彼女は疲れたように言った。

“Could you not repeat it for me?

for (ために) [前] for the sake of; for the benefit of

「私のためにそれを繰り返すことはできないだろうか?

Well, if you think it necessary, I will tell these gentlemen what occurred.

必要だと思うなら、この方々に何が起こったかをお話ししましょう。

Have they been in the dining-room yet?”

彼らはもう食堂に行ったのか?」

“I thought they had better hear your ladyship’s story first.”

「彼らはまず奥様の話を聞いた方がいいと思いました」

“I shall be glad when you can arrange matters.

「あなたが問題を解決できるなら嬉しいよ。

It is horrible to me to think of him still lying there.”

彼がまだそこに横たわっていると思うと恐ろしい」

She shuddered and buried her face in her hands.

shudder (身震いする) [動] tremble or shiver

彼女は身震いして顔を両手で覆った。

As she did so, the loose gown fell back from her forearms.

gown (ガウン) [名] a long, loose robe

fall back (落ちる) [動] move or drop backwards

forearm (前腕) [名] the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist

そうすると、ゆったりとしたガウンが彼女の前腕から落ちた。

Holmes uttered an exclamation.

utter (上げる) [動] to make or give forth (a sound or sounds)

ホームズは叫び声を上げた。

“You have other injuries, madam! What is this?”

「あなたは他にも怪我をしていますね、奥様! これは何ですか?」

Two vivid red spots stood out on one of the white, round limbs.

spot (斑点) [名] a small area of a different color from the surface around it

stand out (目立つ) [動] be easily noticeable

limb (腕) [名] an arm or leg

白く丸い腕の1本に2つの鮮やかな赤い斑点が目立っていた。

She hastily covered it.

彼女は急いでそれを覆った。

“It is nothing. It has no connection with this hideous business to-night.

「何でもありません。今夜のこの恐ろしい事件とは関係ありません。

If you and your friend will sit down, I will tell you all I can.

あなたとあなたの友人が座ってくだされば、私はできる限りのことをお話しします。

“I am the wife of Sir Eustace Brackenstall.

「私はユースタス・ブラッケンストール卿の妻です。

I have been married about a year.

about a year (約一年) [名] approximately one year

結婚して約一年になります。

I suppose that it is no use my attempting to conceal that our marriage has not been a happy one.

私たちの結婚生活が幸せなものではなかったことを隠そうとしても無駄でしょう。

I fear that all our neighbours would tell you that, even if I were to attempt to deny it.

私が否定しようとしても、近所の人たちはみんなそう言うでしょう。

Perhaps the fault may be partly mine.

partly (あるのかもしれません) [副] to some extent; in some degree

もしかしたら、私のせいもあるのかもしれません。

I was brought up in the freer, less conventional atmosphere of South Australia, and this English life, with its proprieties and its primness, is not congenial to me.

bring up (育つ) [動] raise a child

atmosphere (雰囲気) [名] the mood or tone of a place or situation

South Australia (南オーストラリア) [名] a state in south central Australia

propriety (礼儀正しさ) [名] the state or quality of being proper or suitable

primness (上品さ) [名] the quality or state of being prim

私は南オーストラリアの自由で型にはまらない雰囲気の中で育ったので、このイギリスの生活は、その礼儀正しさや上品さもあって、私には合いません。

But the main reason lies in the one fact, which is notorious to everyone, and that is that Sir Eustace was a confirmed drunkard.

main reason (主な理由) [名] the most important reason

lie in (にある) [動] be in or on

one fact (一つの事実) [名] a single piece of information

confirmed drunkard (酒飲み) [名] a person who drinks alcohol habitually and to excess

しかし、主な理由は誰もが知っている一つの事実にあります。それは、ユースタス卿が酒飲みだったということです。

To be with such a man for an hour is unpleasant.

unpleasant (不愉快な) [形] not pleasant; disagreeable

そのような男と一時間一緒にいるのは不愉快なことだ。

Can you imagine what it means for a sensitive and high-spirited woman to be tied to him for day and night?

day and night (昼夜を問わず) [名] all the time; continuously

感受性が強く、元気な女性が昼夜を問わず彼に縛られていることがどんなことか想像できるだろうか?

It is a sacrilege, a crime, a villainy to hold that such a marriage is binding.

sacrilege (冒涜) [名] the act of treating something sacred with disrespect

binding (拘束力を持つ) [形] having the power to bind

そのような結婚が拘束力を持つと考えるのは、冒涜であり、犯罪であり、悪事である。

I say that these monstrous laws of yours will bring a curse upon the land—God will not let such wickedness endure.”

land (国) [名] the territory occupied by a nation

let (許す) [動] not prevent or forbid

endure (許す) [動] tolerate something or somebody unpleasant

あなたのこれらの怪物のような法律はこの国に呪いをもたらすだろう、神はそのような邪悪さを許さないだろう。」

For an instant she sat up, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes blazing from under the terrible mark upon her brow.

flush (紅潮させる) [動] to cause to blush or turn red

一瞬、彼女は起き上がり、頬を紅潮させ、額の恐ろしい印の下から目を輝かせた。

Then the strong, soothing hand of the austere maid drew her head down on to the cushion, and the wild anger died away into passionate sobbing.

soothing (なだめる) [形] having a calming or relaxing effect

passionate (情熱的な) [形] showing or caused by strong feelings or emotions

それから、厳しいメイドの強く、なだめるような手が彼女の頭をクッションに引き寄せ、激しい怒りは情熱的なすすり泣きへと消えていった。

At last she continued:

ついに彼女は続けた。

“I will tell you about last night.

「昨夜のことを話しましょう。

You are aware, perhaps, that in this house all the servants sleep in the modern wing.

wing (棟) [名] a part of a building that projects from the main part

おそらくご存じだろうが、この家の使用人は皆、現代的な棟で寝ている。

This central block is made up of the dwelling-rooms, with the kitchen behind and our bedroom above.

central block (中央ブロック) [名] the main part of a building

dwelling-room (居住室) [名] a room in a house that is used for living in

この中央ブロックは居住室で構成され、後ろにキッチン、上に寝室がある。

My maid, Theresa, sleeps above my room.

私のメイドのテレサは私の部屋の上で寝ている。

There is no one else, and no sound could alarm those who are in the farther wing.

no sound (音もない) [名] not a single sound

alarm (驚かす) [動] cause to feel fear, fright, or anxiety

他に誰もいないし、遠くの翼にいる人々を驚かす音もない。

This must have been well-known to the robbers, or they would not have acted as they did.

must have been (に違いない) [助] used to express a strong belief that something is the case

robber (強盗) [名] a person who commits robbery

would not have (しなかっただろう) [助] used to express the past tense of the negative form of will

これは強盗にはよく知られていたに違いない、さもなければ彼らは彼らがしたように行動しなかっただろう。

“Sir Eustace retired about half-past ten.

「ユースタス卿は10時半頃に引退した。

The servants had already gone to their quarters.

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

使用人たちはすでに自分の部屋に戻っていた。

Only my maid was up, and she had remained in her room at the top of the house until I needed her services.

up (起きている) [形] awake

私のメイドが起きていただけで、彼女は私が彼女の世話を必要とするまで家の一番上の部屋にいた。

I sat until after eleven in this room, absorbed in a book.

absorb (夢中になる) [動] take in or soak up (energy or a liquid)

私はこの部屋で11時過ぎまで本を読んで座っていた。

Then I walked round to see that all was right before I went upstairs.

walk round (見回る) [動] to go around something

right (大丈夫) [形] correct or good

それから私は二階に上がる前にすべてが大丈夫か見回った。

It was my custom to do this myself, for, as I have explained, Sir Eustace was not always to be trusted.

do this myself (自分でする) [動] do something without help

be to be trusted (信頼できる) [動] be able to be relied on

私が説明したように、ユースタス卿はいつも信頼できるとは限らなかったので、これを自分でするのが私の習慣だった。

I went into the kitchen, the butler’s pantry, the gun-room, the billiard-room, the drawing-room, and finally the dining-room.

pantry (食器室) [名] a small room where food, dishes, and sometimes silverware are stored

gun-room (銃室) [名] a room where guns are stored

billiard-room (ビリヤード室) [名] a room where billiards is played

私は台所、執事の食器室、銃室、ビリヤード室、応接室、そして最後に食堂に行った。

As I approached the window, which is covered with thick curtains, I suddenly felt the wind blow upon my face and realized that it was open.

厚いカーテンで覆われた窓に近づいたとき、私は突然顔に風が吹くのを感じ、窓が開いていることに気づいた。

I flung the curtain aside and found myself face to face with a broad-shouldered elderly man, who had just stepped into the room.

fling (投げる) [動] throw or move with force or violence

aside (脇に) [副] to or on one side

broad-shouldered (肩幅の広い) [形] having broad shoulders

step into (足を踏み入れる) [動] enter

私はカーテンを脇に投げ、部屋に足を踏み入れたばかりの肩幅の広い年配の男性と向かい合った。

The window is a long French one, which really forms a door leading to the lawn.

窓は長いフランス製のもので、実際には芝生に通じるドアになっている。

I held my bedroom candle lit in my hand, and, by its light, behind the first man I saw two others, who were in the act of entering.

私は寝室のろうそくを手に持ち、その明かりで最初の男の後ろに、入ろうとしている他の二人の男を見た。

I stepped back, but the fellow was on me in an instant.

step back (後ずさりする) [動] move backwards

on (襲いかかる) [前] in or into physical contact with

私は後ずさりしたが、その男はすぐに私に襲いかかってきた。

He caught me first by the wrist and then by the throat.

彼は最初に私の手首を掴み、次に喉を掴んだ。

I opened my mouth to scream, but he struck me a savage blow with his fist over the eye, and felled me to the ground.

open one's mouth (口を開ける) [動] to speak

fell (倒す) [動] to knock or cause to fall to the ground

私は叫ぼうと口を開けたが、彼は私の目を拳で殴りつけ、私を地面に倒した。

I must have been unconscious for a few minutes, for when I came to myself, I found that they had torn down the bell-rope, and had secured me tightly to the oaken chair which stands at the head of the dining-table.

unconscious (意識を失う) [形] not conscious; not aware of and responding to one's surroundings

tear down (引きちぎる) [動] pull or knock down

bell-rope (ベルの紐) [名] a rope that is pulled to ring a bell

secure (縛り付ける) [動] fasten or attach firmly

oaken (オークの) [形] made of oak

dining-table (食卓) [名] a table where people eat

私は数分間意識を失っていたに違いない。気がついたときには、彼らはベルの紐を引きちぎり、私を食卓の頭にあるオークの椅子にしっかりと縛り付けていた。

I was so firmly bound that I could not move, and a handkerchief round my mouth prevented me from uttering a sound.

私はとても強く縛られていて動くことができず、口にハンカチを巻かれていたため音を発することができなかった。

It was at this instant that my unfortunate husband entered the room.

at this instant (ちょうどそのとき) [副] at this very moment

ちょうどそのとき、私の不幸な夫が部屋に入ってきた。

He had evidently heard some suspicious sounds, and he came prepared for such a scene as he found.

彼は明らかに何か怪しい物音を聞いていて、目にしたような場面に備えてやってきたのだ。

He was dressed in nightshirt and trousers, with his favourite blackthorn cudgel in his hand.

favourite (お気に入り) [形] preferred before all others

blackthorn (ブラックソーン) [名] a thorny Eurasian shrub

cudgel (棍棒) [名] a short heavy club

彼は寝間着とズボンを着て、お気に入りのブラックソーン製の棍棒を手にしていた。

He rushed at the burglars, but another—it was an elderly man—stooped, picked the poker out of the grate and struck him a horrible blow as he passed.

pick (取り出す) [動] take hold of and remove from a place

彼は強盗に突進したが、もう一人、年配の男がかがんで火格子から火かき棒を取り出し、彼が通り過ぎる際に恐ろしい一撃を加えた。

He fell with a groan and never moved again.

彼はうめき声を上げて倒れ、二度と動かなかった。

I fainted once more, but again it could only have been for a very few minutes during which I was insensible.

very few (ほんの数) [形] a small number of

私はもう一度気を失ったが、またもや意識を失っていたのはほんの数分だったに違いない。

When I opened my eyes I found that they had collected the silver from the sideboard, and they had drawn a bottle of wine which stood there.

open one's eyes (目を開ける) [動] to become aware of something

silver (銀器) [名] a precious metal with atomic number 47

sideboard (サイドボード) [名] a piece of furniture with shelves and drawers

wine (ワイン) [名] an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grapes

目を開けると、彼らはサイドボードから銀器を集め、そこに置いてあったワインのボトルを抜栓していた。

Each of them had a glass in his hand.

彼らはそれぞれ手にグラスを持っていた。

I have already told you, have I not, that one was elderly, with a beard, and the others young, hairless lads.

hairless (髭のない) [形] having no hair

すでにお話ししたように、一人は年配で髭を生やしており、他の二人は若く、髭のない若者だった。

They might have been a father with his two sons.

彼らは父親と二人の息子だったのかもしれない。

They talked together in whispers.

talk together (話し合う) [動] discuss something with someone

彼らはひそひそと話し合っていた。

Then they came over and made sure that I was securely bound.

securely (しっかりと) [副] in a way that is safe or certain

それから彼らは私のところにやってきて、私がしっかりと縛られていることを確認した。

Finally they withdrew, closing the window after them.

最後に彼らは窓を閉めて退室した。

It was quite a quarter of an hour before I got my mouth free.

get free (自由にする) [動] become free

口を自由にするまでに15分ほどかかった。

When I did so, my screams brought the maid to my assistance.

私がそうすると、私の悲鳴を聞いてメイドが助けに来てくれた。

The other servants were soon alarmed, and we sent for the local police, who instantly communicated with London.

他の使用人もすぐに驚き、私たちは地元の警察を呼び、警察はすぐにロンドンと連絡を取った。

That is really all that I can tell you, gentlemen, and I trust that it will not be necessary for me to go over so painful a story again.”

that is all (それがすべてです) [名] that is the only thing

go over (繰り返す) [動] do or say again

皆さん、私がお話しできるのは本当にこれだけです。これ以上、このつらい話を繰り返す必要がないことをお祈りします」

“Any questions, Mr. Holmes?”

「何か質問はありますか、ホームズさん?」

asked Hopkins.

ホプキンスが尋ねた。

“I will not impose any further tax upon Lady Brackenstall’s patience and time,” said Holmes.

impose (奪う) [動] force (something unwelcome) to be accepted or put in place

「これ以上、ブレッケンスタル夫人の忍耐と時間を奪うようなことはしません」とホームズは言った。

“Before I go into the dining-room, I should like to hear your experience.”

like (聞きたい) [動] want to have or do

「食堂に行く前に、君の経験を聞きたい」

He looked at the maid.

彼はメイドを見た。

“I saw the men before ever they came into the house,” said she.

「私は男たちが家に入る前に見ました」と彼女は言った。

“As I sat by my bedroom window I saw three men in the moonlight down by the lodge gate yonder, but I thought nothing of it at the time.

sit by (そばに座る) [動] sit next to

lodge (門番小屋) [名] a small house at the entrance to a park or on an estate

「寝室の窓のそばに座っていた時、あそこの門番小屋のそばで月明かりの下にいる三人の男を見ましたが、その時は何も考えていませんでした。

It was more than an hour after that I heard my mistress scream, and down I ran, to find her, poor lamb, just as she says, and him on the floor, with his blood and brains over the room.

more than (一時間以上) [形] greater in number or amount than

lamb (子羊) [名] a young sheep

それから一時間以上経って、奥様の悲鳴が聞こえたので、私は駆け下りて、彼女を探しに行きました。彼女は、彼女が言うように、かわいそうな子羊で、彼は床に倒れ、血と脳みそが部屋中に飛び散っていました。

It was enough to drive a woman out of her wits, tied there, and her very dress spotted with him, but she never wanted courage, did Miss Mary Fraser of Adelaide and Lady Brackenstall of Abbey Grange hasn’t learned new ways.

drive (失わせる) [動] cause to lose

spot (付着する) [動] mark or stain with spots

want (失う) [動] lack or be short of

Adelaide (アデレード) [名] the capital city of South Australia

そこに縛り付けられ、ドレスに彼の血痕が付着していたので、女性が正気を失うのに十分だったが、彼女は勇気を失うことはなかった。アデレードのメアリー・フレイザー嬢とアビー・グランジのブラッケンストール夫人は新しい方法を学んでいない。

You’ve questioned her long enough, you gentlemen, and now she is coming to her own room, just with her old Theresa, to get the rest that she badly needs.”

long enough (十分長く) [副] for a sufficient amount of time

question (尋問する) [動] ask questions of

Theresa (テレサ) [名] a female given name

あなた方は彼女に十分長く尋問しました、紳士方、そして今彼女は彼女自身の部屋に来ます、ただ彼女の年老いたテレサと共に、彼女がひどく必要としている残りを得るために。」

With a motherly tenderness the gaunt woman put her arm round her mistress and led her from the room.

motherly (母性的な) [形] of or like a mother

tenderness (優しさ) [名] the quality of being gentle and kind

母性的な優しさで、やせ細った女性は腕を奥様の周りに回し、部屋から連れ出した。

“She has been with her all her life,” said Hopkins.

all her life (ずっと) [副] for the whole of one's life

「彼女はずっと彼女と一緒だった」とホプキンスは言った。

“Nursed her as a baby, and came with her to England when they first left Australia, eighteen months ago.

nurse (育てる) [動] feed a baby at the breast

baby (赤ん坊) [名] a very young child

month (ヶ月) [名] a period of time of about 30 days

「赤ん坊の頃から彼女を育て、18ヶ月前にオーストラリアを初めて離れた時も一緒にイギリスに来た。

Theresa Wright is her name, and the kind of maid you don’t pick up nowadays.

Theresa Wright (テレサ・ライト) [名] a person's name

テレサ・ライトというのが彼女の名前で、最近ではめったにいないタイプのメイドだ。

This way, Mr. Holmes, if you please!”

ホルムズさん、こちらへどうぞ!」

The keen interest had passed out of Holmes’s expressive face, and I knew that with the mystery all the charm of the case had departed.

keen interest (強い関心) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

pass out (消える) [動] become unconscious

expressive face (表情豊かな顔) [名] a face that shows a lot of emotion

charm (魅力) [名] the quality of being pleasant or attractive

強い関心はホルムズの表情豊かな顔から消え、私は謎と共に事件の魅力がすべて消えてしまったことを知った。

There still remained an arrest to be effected, but what were these commonplace rogues that he should soil his hands with them?

commonplace (ありきたりの) [形] lacking in originality or individuality

soil (汚す) [動] make or become dirty

まだ逮捕は残っていたが、彼が手を汚すようなありきたりの悪党など何だろうか?

An abstruse and learned specialist who finds that he has been called in for a case of measles would experience something of the annoyance which I read in my friend’s eyes.

measles (はしか) [名] an infectious viral disease causing fever and a red rash on the skin

read (見る) [動] perceive the intended meaning of written or printed words by interpreting the characters that form them

難解で博識な専門家が、はしかのために呼ばれたことを知ったとき、私が友人の目に見た苛立ちのようなものを経験するだろう。

Yet the scene in the dining-room of the Abbey Grange was sufficiently strange to arrest his attention and to recall his waning interest.

arrest (引きつける) [動] to catch and hold

recall (取り戻す) [動] to bring back to mind

waning (薄れゆく) [形] decreasing in size, amount, or value

それでも、アビー・グランジの食堂の光景は、彼の注意を引き、薄れゆく関心を取り戻すには十分に奇妙だった。

It was a very large and high chamber, with carved oak ceiling, oaken panelling, and a fine array of deer’s heads and ancient weapons around the walls.

carved (彫刻が施された) [形] cut (a hard material) in order to produce an object, design, or inscription

panelling (パネル) [名] a panel or series of panels

array (並ぶ) [名] an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing

deer (鹿) [名] a hoofed grazing or browsing animal

それは非常に大きくて天井の高い部屋で、彫刻が施されたオークの天井、オークのパネル、そして壁の周りには鹿の頭や古代の武器が並んでいた。

At the further end from the door was the high French window of which we had heard.

further end (遠い端) [名] the end that is farther away

ドアから遠い端には、私たちが聞いた高いフランス窓があった。

Three smaller windows on the right-hand side filled the apartment with cold winter sunshine.

smaller (小さな) [形] of less than average size

apartment (部屋) [名] a place where someone lives

右側にある三つの小さな窓から、冷たい冬の日差しが部屋に差し込んでいた。

On the left was a large, deep fireplace, with a massive, overhanging oak mantelpiece.

on the left (左側に) [副] on or to the left side

massive (巨大な) [形] of great mass or weight

overhanging (張り出した) [形] projecting or hanging over

左側には大きくて深い暖炉があり、オークのマントルピースが張り出していた。

Beside the fireplace was a heavy oaken chair with arms and cross-bars at the bottom.

arm (肘掛け) [名] an upper limb of the human body

cross-bar (横木) [名] a bar that crosses another bar

暖炉の横には、肘掛けと底に横木のついた重いオークの椅子があった。

In and out through the open woodwork was woven a crimson cord, which was secured at each side to the crosspiece below.

in and out (内側と外側) [副] to and fro

open woodwork (開いた木工品) [名] a piece of wood that has been carved or otherwise worked on

crimson cord (深紅の紐) [名] a cord that is deep red in color

crosspiece (横木) [名] a horizontal piece of wood or metal that is fixed between two uprights

開いた木工品を通して内側と外側に深紅の紐が編み込まれ、両側で下の横木に固定されていた。

In releasing the lady, the cord had been slipped off her, but the knots with which it had been secured still remained.

slip off (外す) [動] take off

knot (結び目) [名] an intertwining of the parts of one or more ropes, cords, or strings in a prescribed way to fasten them together

女性を解放する際に紐は彼女から外されていたが、固定されていた結び目は残っていた。

These details only struck our attention afterwards, for our thoughts were entirely absorbed by the terrible object which lay upon the tigerskin hearthrug in front of the fire.

strike (引く) [動] attract or catch

afterwards (後になって) [副] later; subsequently

absorb (奪う) [動] take up the whole of

これらの詳細は後になって初めて我々の注意を引いたのだが、我々の考えは暖炉の前の虎皮の敷物の上に横たわる恐ろしい物体に完全に奪われていた。

It was the body of a tall, well-made man, about forty years of age.

well-made (体格の良い) [形] having a strong and healthy body

forty (40) [数] a cardinal number, ten times four

それは、40歳くらいの背の高い、体格の良い男性の遺体だった。

He lay upon his back, his face upturned, with his white teeth grinning through his short, black beard.

upturn (上に向ける) [動] turn (something) up or over

彼は仰向けに横たわり、顔を上に向け、短い黒い髭の間から白い歯をニヤリと見せていた。

His two clenched hands were raised above his head, and a heavy, blackthorn stick lay across them.

clenched (握りしめた) [形] held tightly together

raise (掲げる) [動] lift up

blackthorn (サンザシ) [名] a thorny shrub

彼の握りしめた両手は頭上に掲げられ、重いサンザシの棒がその上に横たわっていた。

His dark, handsome, aquiline features were convulsed into a spasm of vindictive hatred, which had set his dead face in a terribly fiendish expression.

convulse (歪む) [動] to contract or cause to contract violently and spasmodically

spasm (痙攣) [名] a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles

terribly (恐ろしく) [副] to a great degree

fiendish (残忍な) [形] extremely cruel or unpleasant

彼の浅黒く、ハンサムで、鷲鼻の顔は、復讐に燃える憎しみの痙攣に歪み、その死んだ顔を恐ろしく残忍な表情にしていた。

He had evidently been in his bed when the alarm had broken out, for he wore a foppish, embroidered nightshirt, and his bare feet projected from his trousers.

foppish (おしゃれな) [形] excessively concerned with one's appearance

bare (素足) [形] not covered or clothed

彼は明らかに警報が鳴ったときにベッドにいたようで、刺繍の入ったおしゃれな寝巻きを着ており、ズボンから素足が突き出ていた。

His head was horribly injured, and the whole room bore witness to the savage ferocity of the blow which had struck him down.

injure (傷つける) [動] cause physical harm or damage to

bear witness to (物語る) [動] be evidence of

ferocity (凶暴さ) [名] the quality of being fierce or violent

strike down (打ち倒す) [動] knock to the ground

彼の頭はひどく傷ついており、部屋全体が彼を打ち倒した一撃の残忍な凶暴さを物語っていた。

Beside him lay the heavy poker, bent into a curve by the concussion.

concussion (衝撃) [名] a violent shock as from a heavy blow

彼の横には重い火かき棒が転がっており、衝撃で曲がっていた。

Holmes examined both it and the indescribable wreck which it had wrought.

indescribable (筆舌に尽くしがたい) [形] too extreme or intense to be expressed or described in words

wreck (惨状) [名] the state of decay, collapse, or destruction

ホームズは火かき棒とそれが引き起こした筆舌に尽くしがたい惨状の両方を調べた。

“He must be a powerful man, this elder Randall,” he remarked.

「この年長のランドールという男は、相当な力持ちに違いない」と彼は言った。

“Yes,” said Hopkins.

「そうです」とホプキンスは言った。

“I have some record of the fellow, and he is a rough customer.”

have some record of (記録をいくつか持っている) [動] have some information about

rough (荒っぽい) [形] violent or aggressive

「この男の記録をいくつか持っているが、彼は荒っぽい客だ」

“You should have no difficulty in getting him.”

have no difficulty (苦労しない) [動] not have any problems

「彼を捕まえるのに苦労はしないはずだ」

“Not the slightest.

not the slightest (全く問題ありません) [句] not at all

「全く問題ありません。

We have been on the look-out for him, and there was some idea that he had got away to America.

be on the look-out for (探している) [動] be trying to find

我々は彼を探していたが、彼はアメリカに逃げたという考えもあった。

Now that we know that the gang are here, I don’t see how they can escape.

ギャングがここにいることがわかった以上、彼らが逃げられるとは思えない。

We have the news at every seaport already, and a reward will be offered before evening.

have the news (知らせている) [動] have information about something

seaport (港) [名] a town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload

reward (懸賞金) [名] a sum of money offered for the capture or death of a criminal

be offered (かけられる) [動] be given as a prize or reward

我々はすでにすべての港に知らせており、夕方までには懸賞金がかけられるだろう。

What beats me is how they could have done so mad a thing, knowing that the lady could describe them and that we could not fail to recognize the description.”

beat (理解できない) [動] be too difficult for someone to understand

私には理解できないのは、彼らが、女性が彼らのことを説明でき、我々がその説明を間違いなく理解できると知りながら、どうしてこんな狂ったことができたのかということだ。」

“Exactly. One would have expected that they would silence Lady Brackenstall as well.”

silence (黙らせる) [動] make or become silent

「その通り。彼らはブレッケンストール夫人をも黙らせるつもりだったと考えるのが普通だろう。」

“They may not have realized,” I suggested, “that she had recovered from her faint.”

「彼らは彼女が気絶から回復したことに気づかなかったのかもしれない」と私は言った。

“That is likely enough.

「それは十分あり得る。

If she seemed to be senseless, they would not take her life.

senseless (意識を失っている) [形] unconscious

彼女が意識を失っているように見えたら、彼らは彼女の命を奪うことはないだろう。

What about this poor fellow, Hopkins?

この哀れなホプキンスについてはどうだ?

I seem to have heard some queer stories about him.”

彼について奇妙な話を聞いたことがあるような気がする。」

“He was a good-hearted man when he was sober, but a perfect fiend when he was drunk, or rather when he was half drunk, for he seldom really went the whole way.

sober (酔っていない) [形] not drunk

good-hearted (善良な) [形] kind and generous

「彼は酔っていない時は善良な人間だったが、酔った時、というよりは半分酔った時は、彼が本当に酔い潰れることはめったになかったので、完全な悪魔だった。

The devil seemed to be in him at such times, and he was capable of anything.

devil (悪魔) [名] the supreme spirit of evil

at such times (そのような時) [副] at times like that

そのような時には悪魔が彼の中にいるようで、彼は何でもできる人間だった。

From what I hear, in spite of all his wealth and his title, he very nearly came our way once or twice.

from what I hear (私が聞いた話では) [句] according to what I have heard

title (肩書き) [名] the name of a book, composition, or other artistic work

very nearly (歩みそうになったことがある) [副] almost

私が聞いた話では、彼の富と肩書きにもかかわらず、彼は一度か二度、私たちの道を歩みそうになったことがある。

There was a scandal about his drenching a dog with petroleum and setting it on fire—her ladyship’s dog, to make the matter worse—and that was only hushed up with difficulty.

drench (かける) [動] wet thoroughly

petroleum (石油) [名] a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels including gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil

set on fire (火をつける) [動] cause to burn

make the matter worse (事態を悪化させる) [動] make the situation worse

彼が犬に石油をかけて火をつけた、しかも奥様の犬だったというスキャンダルがあり、事態を悪化させたが、それはかろうじて隠蔽された。

Then he threw a decanter at that maid, Theresa Wright—there was trouble about that.

それから彼はあのメイドのテレサ・ライトにデカンタ瓶を投げつけた、それで問題になった。

On the whole, and between ourselves, it will be a brighter house without him.

on the whole (全体的に) [副] considering everything

brighter (もっと明るい) [形] comparative form of bright

全体的に、そして私たちの間では、彼がいなければもっと明るい家になるだろう。

What are you looking at now?”

今何を見ているんだ?」

Holmes was down on his knees, examining with great attention the knots upon the red cord with which the lady had been secured.

be down on one's knees (跪く) [動] to be in a position in which your body is supported by your knees

great attention (注意深く) [名] a high degree of care or notice taken of someone or something

ホームズは跪いて、女性が縛られた赤い紐の結び目を注意深く調べていた。

Then he carefully scrutinized the broken and frayed end where it had snapped off when the burglar had dragged it down.

scrutinize (調べる) [動] examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

frayed (ほつれた) [形] worn away or tattered at the edge

snap off (折れる) [動] break off or cause to break off suddenly

drag down (引きずり下ろす) [動] pull or drag something down

それから彼は、泥棒がそれを引きずり下ろした際に折れた、壊れてほつれた端を注意深く調べた。

“When this was pulled down, the bell in the kitchen must have rung loudly,” he remarked.

pull down (引き下ろす) [動] move something to a lower position

loudly (大きく) [副] at a high volume

「これが引き下ろされた時、台所のベルが大きく鳴ったに違いない」と彼は言った。

“No one could hear it.

「誰もそれを聞くことはできなかった。

The kitchen stands right at the back of the house.”

right (一番) [副] to the fullest extent or degree

台所は家の一番奥にある。」

“How did the burglar know no one would hear it?

「泥棒は誰もそれを聞かないとどうやって知ったんだ?

How dared he pull at a bell-rope in that reckless fashion?”

how dare (よくも) [動] have the audacity to do something

reckless (無謀な) [形] without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action; careless

彼はどうしてそんな無謀な方法でベルの紐を引っ張る勇気があったんだ?」

“Exactly, Mr. Holmes, exactly.

「その通り、ホームズさん、その通りです。

You put the very question which I have asked myself again and again.

put (する) [動] to place, set, or arrange

あなたは私が何度も自問自答してきたまさにその質問をした。

There can be no doubt that this fellow must have known the house and its habits.

there can be no doubt (疑いようがない) [句] it is certain

この男が家とその習慣を知っていたに違いないことは疑いようがない。

He must have perfectly understood that the servants would all be in bed at that comparatively early hour, and that no one could possibly hear a bell ring in the kitchen.

彼は、使用人が皆その比較的早い時間に寝床にいるだろうし、誰も台所でベルが鳴るのを聞くことができないだろうということを完全に理解していたに違いない。

Therefore, he must have been in close league with one of the servants.

league (連絡) [名] a group of people or organizations with the same interests

したがって、彼は使用人の一人と密接に連絡を取り合っていたに違いない。

Surely that is evident.

evident (明らかだ) [形] obvious to the eye or mind

確かにそれは明らかだ。

But there are eight servants, and all of good character.”

しかし、使用人は八人いて、皆善良な人物だ。」

“Other things being equal,” said Holmes, “one would suspect the one at whose head the master threw a decanter.

other things being equal (他の条件が同じなら) [句] if all other factors are equal

「他の条件が同じなら」とホームズは言った、「主人がデカンタ瓶を投げつけた使用人を疑うだろう。

And yet that would involve treachery towards the mistress to whom this woman seems devoted.

involve (伴う) [動] have as a necessary logical consequence

treachery (裏切り) [名] betrayal of trust

しかし、それはこの女性が献身的に仕えているように見える女主人に対する裏切りを伴うだろう。

Well, well, the point is a minor one, and when you have Randall you will probably find no difficulty in securing his accomplice.

minor (些細な) [形] of little importance

have (捕まえる) [動] to hold or keep in one's possession

まあ、まあ、その点は些細なことで、ランドールを捕まえれば、おそらく彼の共犯者を確保するのに何の困難もないだろう。

The lady’s story certainly seems to be corroborated, if it needed corroboration, by every detail which we see before us.”

女性の話は、もし裏付けが必要なら、目の前にあるあらゆる細部によって裏付けられているように思われる。」

He walked to the French window and threw it open.

彼はフランス窓まで歩いて行き、それを開け放った。

“There are no signs here, but the ground is iron hard, and one would not expect them.

「ここには痕跡はないが、地面は鉄のように硬く、痕跡を期待することはできない。

I see that these candles in the mantelpiece have been lighted.”

light (灯す) [動] set on fire or cause to burn

マントルピースのろうそくが灯されているな。」

“Yes, it was by their light and that of the lady’s bedroom candle, that the burglars saw their way about.”

see one's way (道を見る) [動] find one's way

「そう、泥棒はこれらのろうそくと女性の寝室のろうそくの明かりで道を見たんだ。」

“And what did they take?”

「そして何を盗んだんだ?」

“Well, they did not take much—only half a dozen articles of plate off the sideboard.

plate (銀食器) [名] a flat dish, typically made of china, from which food is eaten

「そう、あまり盗んではいない、サイドボードから銀食器を半ダースだけだ。

Lady Brackenstall thinks that they were themselves so disturbed by the death of Sir Eustace that they did not ransack the house, as they would otherwise have done.”

ransack (荒らす) [動] search through or rummage through something

ブレッケンストール夫人は、彼らはユースタス卿の死に動揺して、家を荒らさなかったと思っている。」

“No doubt that is true, and yet they drank some wine, I understand.”

that is true (それは真実だろう) [名] the truth

「間違いなくそれは真実だろう、しかし彼らはワインを飲んだと私は理解している。」

“To steady their nerves.”

steady (落ち着かせる) [動] make or become steady

「神経を落ち着かせるために。」

“Exactly. These three glasses upon the sideboard have been untouched, I suppose?”

these three glasses (この三つのグラス) [名] the three glasses that are here

untouched (手つかず) [形] not handled or touched

「その通り。サイドボードの上のこの三つのグラスは手つかずだったと思うが?」

“Yes, and the bottle stands as they left it.”

「そうです、そしてボトルは彼らが置いたままの状態です。」

“Let us look at it. Halloa, halloa! What is this?”

「それを見てみましょう。おい、おい! これは何だ?」

The three glasses were grouped together, all of them tinged with wine, and one of them containing some dregs of beeswing.

group (集める) [動] gather or collect together

beeswing (ビーズウィング) [名] a crust of tartar formed in port and some other wines

三つのグラスが集められており、どれもワインの色がついており、そのうちの一つにはビーズウィングが少し残っていた。

The bottle stood near them, two-thirds full, and beside it lay a long, deeply stained cork.

two-thirds (三分の二) [名] two of the three equal parts into which something is or can be divided

stained (染まった) [形] colored with a dye or other substance

瓶がその近くに立っており、三分の二ほど入っており、その横に長く、深く染まったコルクが置かれていた。

Its appearance and the dust upon the bottle showed that it was no common vintage which the murderers had enjoyed.

その外観と瓶についた埃から、殺人者たちが楽しんでいたのは普通のヴィンテージではないことがわかった。

A change had come over Holmes’s manner.

ホームズの態度に変化が起こった。

He had lost his listless expression, and again I saw an alert light of interest in his keen, deep-set eyes.

listless (ぼんやりした) [形] lacking energy or enthusiasm

彼はぼんやりした表情を失い、私は再び彼の鋭く深く落ち窪んだ目に興味の光が宿るのを見た。

He raised the cork and examined it minutely.

彼はコルクを持ち上げ、綿密に調べた。

“How did they draw it?” he asked.

「彼らはそれをどうやって引いたんだ?」と彼は尋ねた。

Hopkins pointed to a half-opened drawer.

half-opened (半分開いた) [形] partially open

ホプキンスは半分開いた引き出しを指さした。

In it lay some table linen and a large corkscrew.

table linen (テーブルクロス) [名] a cloth used to cover a table

corkscrew (コルク抜き) [名] a device for pulling corks from bottles

その中にはテーブルクロスと大きなコルク抜きがあった。

“Did Lady Brackenstall say that screw was used?”

screw (スクリュー) [名] a fastener with an external male thread

「ブレッケンストール夫人はあのスクリューが使われたと言ったか?」

“No, you remember that she was senseless at the moment when the bottle was opened.”

「いいえ、彼女は瓶が開けられた瞬間に意識を失っていたことを思い出してください。」

“Quite so. As a matter of fact, that screw was not used.

「全くその通りだ。実際のところ、あのスクリューは使われなかった。

This bottle was opened by a pocket screw, probably contained in a knife, and not more than an inch and a half long.

この瓶は、おそらくナイフに付属している、長さ一インチ半以下のポケットスクリューで開けられた。

If you will examine the top of the cork, you will observe that the screw was driven in three times before the cork was extracted.

three (三回) [数] one more than two

extract (抜く) [動] remove or take out

コルクの頭を調べてみると、コルクが抜かれる前にスクリューが三回ねじ込まれているのがわかるだろう。

It has never been transfixed.

刺し通されたことは一度もない。

This long screw would have transfixed it and drawn it up with a single pull.

この長いスクリューなら、コルクを刺し通して一回で引き抜くことができる。

When you catch this fellow, you will find that he has one of these multiplex knives in his possession.”

この男を捕まえたら、彼がこの多機能ナイフを所持していることがわかるだろう。」

“Excellent!” said Hopkins.

「素晴らしい!」とホプキンスは言った。

“But these glasses do puzzle me, I confess.

「しかし、この眼鏡は私を困惑させる、白状するよ。

Lady Brackenstall actually saw the three men drinking, did she not?”

ブレッケンストール夫人は実際に三人の男が飲んでいるのを見たんですよね?」

“Yes; she was clear about that.”

「はい、彼女はそのことについてははっきりしていました。」

“Then there is an end of it.

「それで終わりだ。

What more is to be said?

これ以上何を言うべきことがある?

And yet, you must admit, that the three glasses are very remarkable, Hopkins. What? You see nothing remarkable?

それでも、三つのグラスが非常に注目に値することは認めざるを得ないだろう、ホプキンス。何? 注目に値するものは何も見えない?

Well, well, let it pass.

let it pass (置いておこう) [動] not to take action or notice

まあ、まあ、それは置いておこう。

Perhaps, when a man has special knowledge and special powers like my own, it rather encourages him to seek a complex explanation when a simpler one is at hand.

at hand (手近にある) [形] close by; near

おそらく、私のような特別な知識と特別な能力を持つ人間は、単純な説明が手近にある時でも、むしろ複雑な説明を求める傾向があるのだろう。

Of course, it must be a mere chance about the glasses.

もちろん、グラスについては単なる偶然に違いない。

Well, good-morning, Hopkins. I don’t see that I can be of any use to you, and you appear to have your case very clear.

I don't see that (とは思えない) [動] fail to understand or realize

any use (役に立てる) [名] a purpose or end

appear to (理解しているようだ) [動] seem to be or do something

very clear (非常に明確に) [形] easy to understand

では、おはよう、ホプキンス。私が君の役に立てるとは思えないし、君は事件を非常に明確に理解しているようだ。

You will let me know when Randall is arrested, and any further developments which may occur.

arrested (逮捕される) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

any further developments (何か進展) [名] a new stage in a changing situation

ランドールが逮捕されたら、また何か進展があったら知らせてくれるだろう。

I trust that I shall soon have to congratulate you upon a successful conclusion.

近いうちに成功を祝福することになるだろうと信じている。

Come, Watson, I fancy that we may employ ourselves more profitably at home.”

employ (過ごす) [動] use or engage

profitably (有意義に) [副] in a way that makes a profit

さあ、ワトソン、家でもっと有意義に時間を過ごせると思う。」

During our return journey, I could see by Holmes’s face that he was much puzzled by something which he had observed.

return journey (帰り道) [名] a trip back to the place from which you came

see by (わかる) [動] to be able to tell or understand something by looking at someone or something

帰り道、ホームズの顔を見ると、何か観察したことにとても困惑しているのがわかった。

Every now and then, by an effort, he would throw off the impression, and talk as if the matter were clear, but then his doubts would settle down upon him again, and his knitted brows and abstracted eyes would show that his thoughts had gone back once more to the great dining-room of the Abbey Grange, in which this midnight tragedy had been enacted.

every now and then (時々) [副] occasionally

settle down (落ち着く) [動] become calm or quiet

knitted brow (眉をひそめる) [名] a frown

abstracted eye (ぼんやりとした目) [名] a look of inattention

great dining-room (大食堂) [名] a large room in which meals are eaten

enact (演じる) [動] make (a bill or other proposal) into law

時々、彼は努力してその印象を振り払い、問題がはっきりしているかのように話したが、また疑念が彼に降りかかり、眉をひそめ、ぼんやりとした目は、彼の考えが再びこの真夜中の悲劇が演じられたアビー・グランジの大食堂に戻ったことを示していた。

At last, by a sudden impulse, just as our train was crawling out of a suburban station, he sprang on to the platform and pulled me out after him.

by a sudden impulse (突然の衝動で) [副] on a sudden impulse

out of (から) [前] from the inside to the outside of

platform (プラットフォーム) [名] a raised area of floor in a room or building

ついに、突然の衝動で、私たちの列車が郊外の駅から這い出ようとしたとき、彼はプラットフォームに飛び乗って、私を彼の後に引っ張り出した。

“Excuse me, my dear fellow,” said he, as we watched the rear carriages of our train disappearing round a curve, “I am sorry to make you the victim of what may seem a mere whim, but on my life, Watson, I simply can’t leave that case in this condition.

dear (友よ) [形] beloved or sweetheart

watch (見ながら) [動] to look at something attentively

whim (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden desire or change of mind

victim (犠牲) [名] a person who suffers from a destructive or injurious action or agency

「すまない、友よ」と彼は言った。私たちの列車の後部車両がカーブを曲がって消えていくのを見ながら、「単なる気まぐれと思われるかもしれないことで君を犠牲にして申し訳ないが、ワトソン、私はこの事件をこのまま放っておくことはできない。

Every instinct that I possess cries out against it.

cry out (叫ぶ) [動] to speak or say something loudly, as in pain, surprise, or anger

私の持つすべての本能がそれに反対して叫んでいる。

It’s wrong—it’s all wrong—I’ll swear that it’s wrong.

それは間違っている、すべて間違っている、間違っていると誓う。

And yet the lady’s story was complete, the maid’s corroboration was sufficient, the detail was fairly exact.

corroboration (裏付け) [名] confirmation or support by evidence or testimony

それでも、女性の話は完全で、メイドの裏付けは十分で、詳細はかなり正確だった。

What have I to put up against that?

put up against (対抗する) [動] to fight or compete against

それに私は何を対抗させればいいのか?

Three wine-glasses, that is all.

wine-glass (ワイングラス) [名] a glass with a stem that is used for drinking wine

ワイングラスが三つ、それだけだ。

But if I had not taken things for granted, if I had examined everything with the care which I should have shown had we approached the case de novo and had no cut-and-dried story to warp my mind, should I not then have found something more definite to go upon?

de novo (新規に) [副] anew

warp (歪める) [動] make or become bent or twisted out of shape

go upon (基づく) [動] use as a basis for something

しかし、もし私が物事を当然のこととせず、もし私がこの事件に新規に取り組んでいて、私の心を歪める決まりきった話がなかったら、私が示したはずの注意を払ってすべてを調べていたら、私はもっと明確な何かを見つけることができただろうか?

Of course I should.

もちろんそうだろう。

Sit down on this bench, Watson, until a train for Chiselhurst arrives, and allow me to lay the evidence before you, imploring you in the first instance to dismiss from your mind the idea that anything which the maid or her mistress may have said must necessarily be true.

bench (ベンチ) [名] a long seat for several people, typically made of wood or stone

lay (並べる) [動] put (something) down flat

instance (場合) [名] an example or single occurrence of something

ワトソン、チズルハースト行きの電車が来るまでこのベンチに座って、証拠を君の前に並べさせてくれ。まず、メイドやその女主人が言ったことは必ずしも真実であるという考えを頭から捨ててくれるように頼む。

The lady’s charming personality must not be permitted to warp our judgment.

must not (あってはならない) [助] be not allowed to; be forbidden to

be permitted (許される) [動] allow to do something

あの女性の魅力的な人柄が私たちの判断を歪めることがあってはならない。

“Surely there are details in her story which, if we looked at in cold blood, would excite our suspicion.

「確かに彼女の話には、冷静に考えれば疑いを抱かせるような細かい点がある。

These burglars made a considerable haul at Sydenham a fortnight ago.

make (働く) [動] perform or carry out

haul (盗み) [名] the act of pulling or carrying something with effort

ago (前に) [副] earlier in time

この強盗団は二週間前にシドナムでかなりの盗みを働いた。

Some account of them and of their appearance was in the papers, and would naturally occur to anyone who wished to invent a story in which imaginary robbers should play a part.

occur (思いつく) [動] come to mind

imaginary (架空の) [形] existing only in the imagination

彼らとその容貌についての記事が新聞に載っていたし、架空の強盗が登場する話をでっち上げたいと思う人なら誰でも自然に思いつくだろう。

As a matter of fact, burglars who have done a good stroke of business are, as a rule, only too glad to enjoy the proceeds in peace and quiet without embarking on another perilous undertaking.

do a good stroke of business (大仕事をやりとげる) [動] do a good job

as a rule (概して) [副] usually; generally

only too glad (十分に満足している) [形] very happy

embark on (乗り出す) [動] begin

perilous (危険な) [形] full of danger or risk

undertaking (仕事) [名] a task or project

実際のところ、大仕事をやりとげた強盗は、概して、危険な仕事に乗り出さずに、平和に静かに収益を楽しむだけで十分に満足している。

Again, it is unusual for burglars to operate at so early an hour, it is unusual for burglars to strike a lady to prevent her screaming, since one would imagine that was the sure way to make her scream, it is unusual for them to commit murder when their numbers are sufficient to overpower one man, it is unusual for them to be content with a limited plunder when there was much more within their reach, and finally, I should say, that it was very unusual for such men to leave a bottle half empty.

operate (活動する) [動] be in effect or in force

sure (確実な) [形] certain to happen or to be the case

limited (限られた) [形] restricted in size, extent, or amount

reach (手の届く範囲) [名] the distance one can stretch out one's hand

強盗がそんなに早い時間に活動するのは異常だし、強盗が女性を殴って悲鳴を上げさせないようにするのも異常だ、なぜならそれが女性を悲鳴を上げさせる確実な方法だと想像できるからだ、彼らが一人の人間を圧倒するのに十分な人数がいるのに殺人を犯すのは異常だし、彼らが手の届く範囲にもっと多くのものがあるのに限られた略奪品で満足するのも異常だし、最後に、そのような男たちが瓶を半分空のままにしておくのは非常に異常なことだと私は言うべきだろう。

How do all these unusuals strike you, Watson?”

strike (思える) [動] seem to someone

ワトソン、これらの異常なことは君にはどう思えるかね?」

“Their cumulative effect is certainly considerable, and yet each of them is quite possible in itself.

cumulative (累積) [形] increasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions

considerable (かなり) [形] notably large in size, amount, or extent

「それらの累積効果は確かにかなりのものだが、それでもそれらのそれぞれはそれ自体でかなりあり得ることだ。

The most unusual thing of all, as it seems to me, is that the lady should be tied to the chair.”

私には、最も異常なことは、女性が椅子に縛り付けられていることのように思える。」

“Well, I am not so clear about that, Watson, for it is evident that they must either kill her or else secure her in such a way that she could not give immediate notice of their escape.

「うーん、ワトソン、それについてはあまりはっきりしないな、なぜなら、彼らは彼女を殺すか、あるいは彼女が彼らの逃亡をすぐに知らせることができないような方法で彼女を確保しなければならないのは明らかだからだ。

But at any rate I have shown, have I not, that there is a certain element of improbability about the lady’s story?

at any rate (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case; whatever happens

しかし、いずれにせよ、私は、女性の話にはあり得ない要素があることを示したと思うが?

And now, on the top of this, comes the incident of the wineglasses.”

on the top of (その上に) [前] in addition to

そして今、この上に、ワイングラスの事件が起こる。」

“What about the wineglasses?”

wineglass (ワイングラス) [名] a glass with a stem that is used for drinking wine

「ワイングラスについては?」

“Can you see them in your mind’s eye?”

mind's eye (心の目) [名] the ability to see things in the mind

「心の目で彼らを見ることができるか?」

“I see them clearly.”

「はっきりと見える。」

“We are told that three men drank from them.

「三人の男がそれらから飲んだと聞いている。

Does that strike you as likely?”

likely (ありそう) [形] probable; expected

ありそうに思えるか?」

“Why not? There was wine in each glass.”

「なぜだ? どのグラスにもワインが入っている。」

“Exactly, but there was beeswing only in one glass.

「その通りだが、ビーズウィングは一つのコップにしかなかった。

You must have noticed that fact.

その事実に気づいたはずだ。

What does that suggest to your mind?”

suggest (意味する) [動] to call to mind; to evoke

それが何を意味すると思う?」

“The last glass filled would be most likely to contain beeswing.”

fill (注ぐ) [動] to put into a container until it is full

「最後に注いだグラスにビーズウィングが含まれる可能性が最も高い。」

“Not at all. The bottle was full of it, and it is inconceivable that the first two glasses were clear and the third heavily charged with it.

clear (透明) [形] see-through

heavily (いっぱい) [副] to a great extent

charge (入れる) [動] to put something into something else

「全く違う。ボトルにはそれがいっぱい入っていたし、最初の二つのグラスが透明で三つ目がそれでいっぱいだったとは考えられない。

There are two possible explanations, and only two.

考えられる説明は二つ、たった二つしかない。

One is that after the second glass was filled the bottle was violently agitated, and so the third glass received the beeswing.

violently (激しく) [副] in a violent manner

agitate (振る) [動] to move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

receive (入る) [動] to be given, presented with, or paid something

一つは、二つ目のグラスに注いだ後、ボトルを激しく振ったため、三つ目のグラスにビーズウィングが入ったというものだ。

That does not appear probable.

appear (ありそうにない) [動] seem to be; give the impression of being

それはありそうにない。

No, no, I am sure that I am right.”

いや、いや、私は正しいと確信している。」

“What, then, do you suppose?”

suppose (思われる) [動] think or assume that something is true or probable

「では、どう思われる?」

“That only two glasses were used, and that the dregs of both were poured into a third glass, so as to give the false impression that three people had been here.

be used (使われる) [動] convert to a particular purpose or for a particular end

dreg (残滓) [名] the most worthless part

be poured (注がれる) [動] cause to flow in a stream

「グラスは二つしか使われておらず、三人いたという偽りの印象を与えるために、両方の残滓が三つ目のグラスに注がれた。

In that way all the beeswing would be in the last glass, would it not?

in that way (そうすれば) [副] in that manner

would be (だろう) [助] a polite way of making a request

そうすれば、すべてのビーズウィングが最後のグラスに入るだろう?

Yes, I am convinced that this is so.

this (そう) [代] the thing that is being discussed or referred to

そうだ、私はそう確信している。

But if I have hit upon the true explanation of this one small phenomenon, then in an instant the case rises from the commonplace to the exceedingly remarkable, for it can only mean that Lady Brackenstall and her maid have deliberately lied to us, that not one word of their story is to be believed, that they have some very strong reason for covering the real criminal, and that we must construct our case for ourselves without any help from them.

phenomenon (現象) [名] a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen

rise (変わる) [動] to go up

deliberately (故意に) [副] done on purpose

cover (隠す) [動] to hide or conceal

real (真の) [形] being in accordance with fact or reality

しかし、もし私がこの一つの小さな現象の真の説明に当たったとしたら、この事件は一瞬にしてありきたりのものから非常に注目すべきものへと変わる。なぜなら、それはブレッケンストール夫人とそのメイドが故意に嘘をついていたこと、彼女たちの話は一言も信じられないこと、彼女たちが真犯人を隠すための非常に強い理由があること、そして彼女たちの助けを借りずに自分たちで事件を構築しなければならないことを意味するからだ。

That is the mission which now lies before us, and here, Watson, is the Sydenham train.”

それが今私たちの前にある使命であり、ワトソン、シドナム行きの列車が来たぞ」

The household at the Abbey Grange were much surprised at our return, but Sherlock Holmes, finding that Stanley Hopkins had gone off to report to headquarters, took possession of the dining-room, locked the door upon the inside, and devoted himself for two hours to one of those minute and laborious investigations which form the solid basis on which his brilliant edifices of deduction were reared.

household (住人) [名] all the people living in a house

much (大いに) [副] to a great extent

take possession of (占領する) [動] to take control of something

devote (没頭する) [動] to give a lot of time, energy, or attention to something

minute (綿密な) [形] very small in size or amount

solid (堅固な) [形] strong and firm

basis (基礎) [名] the main or most important part of something

brilliant (華麗な) [形] very bright or impressive

edifice (建造物) [名] a large, impressive building

rear (築かれる) [動] to build or construct something

アビー・グランジの住人は私たちの帰宅に大いに驚いたが、シャーロック・ホームズはスタンリー・ホプキンスが本部に報告に出かけたことを知り、食堂を占領して内側から鍵をかけ、彼の華麗な推理の建造物が築かれた堅固な基礎を形成する、綿密で骨の折れる調査に2時間没頭した。

Seated in a corner like an interested student who observes the demonstration of his professor, I followed every step of that remarkable research.

demonstration (実験) [名] a public display of the operation or capabilities of a product or procedure

step (段階) [名] a stage in a process

私は、教授の実験を観察する熱心な学生のように隅に座り、その驚くべき調査のすべての段階を追った。

The window, the curtains, the carpet, the chair, the rope—each in turn was minutely examined and duly pondered.

in turn (順番に) [副] one after the other

duly (十分に) [副] in a proper or appropriate manner

ponder (熟考する) [動] think about carefully

窓、カーテン、カーペット、椅子、ロープ、それぞれが順番に綿密に調べられ、十分に熟考された。

The body of the unfortunate baronet had been removed, and all else remained as we had seen it in the morning.

不幸な準男爵の遺体は運び出され、他のすべては午前中に見たときのままだった。

Finally, to my astonishment, Holmes climbed up on to the massive mantelpiece.

最後に、驚いたことに、ホームズはどっしりしたマントルピースに登った。

Far above his head hung the few inches of red cord which were still attached to the wire.

far above (はるか上) [副] much higher than

few inches (数インチ) [名] a small amount of distance

red cord (赤い紐) [名] a piece of string or rope that is red

wire (ワイヤー) [名] a metal strand or rod

彼の頭のはるか上には、まだワイヤーにつながれた数インチの赤い紐がぶら下がっていた。

For a long time he gazed upward at it, and then in an attempt to get nearer to it he rested his knee upon a wooden bracket on the wall.

get nearer (近づく) [動] move or come closer

rest (乗せる) [動] place on or against a support

bracket (ブラケット) [名] a support or fastening for a shelf or other object projecting from a wall

彼は長い間それを上の方からじっと見つめ、それからそれに近づこうとして、壁の木製のブラケットに膝を乗せた。

This brought his hand within a few inches of the broken end of the rope, but it was not this so much as the bracket itself which seemed to engage his attention.

so much as (というより) [接] rather than

これで彼の手はロープの切れた端から数インチ以内になったが、彼の注意を引いたのはブラケットそのものだった。

Finally, he sprang down with an ejaculation of satisfaction.

spring down (飛び降りる) [動] jump down

ejaculation (声を上げる) [名] a sudden, forceful expression of emotion

最後に、彼は満足の声を上げながら飛び降りた。

“It’s all right, Watson,” said he.

「大丈夫だ、ワトソン」と彼は言った。

“We have got our case—one of the most remarkable in our collection.

「我々は事件を手に入れた。我々のコレクションの中で最も注目すべきものの1つだ。

But, dear me, how slow-witted I have been, and how nearly I have committed the blunder of my lifetime!

slow-witted (頭が鈍い) [形] slow to understand or learn

しかし、なんてことだ、私はなんて頭が鈍いんだ、そして私の人生で最大の失態を犯すところだった!

Now, I think that, with a few missing links, my chain is almost complete.”

link (リンク) [名] a connection between two things

さて、私は、いくつかの失われたリンクを除いて、私の鎖はほぼ完成したと思う。」

“You have got your men?”

get (見つける) [動] obtain by effort

「犯人を見つけたのか?」

“Man, Watson, man.

「人間だ、ワトソン、人間だ。

Only one, but a very formidable person.

たった一人だが、とても手強い人物だ。

Strong as a lion—witness the blow that bent that poker!

lion (ライオン) [名] a large carnivorous mammal of the cat family that lives in Africa and Asia

ライオンのように強く、あの火かき棒を曲げた一撃を見よ!

Six foot three in height, active as a squirrel, dexterous with his fingers, finally, remarkably quick-witted, for this whole ingenious story is of his concoction.

six foot three (六フィート三インチ) [名] a height of 75 inches

squirrel (リス) [名] a small rodent with a bushy tail

dexterous (器用な) [形] skillful in using the hands or body

finger (指先) [名] one of the four long thin parts at the end of the hand

remarkably (非常に) [副] to a noticeable degree

quick-witted (機転が利く) [形] able to think and react quickly and cleverly

ingenious (巧妙な) [形] cleverly inventive or resourceful

concoction (創作) [名] something that is made by combining different things

身長六フィート三インチ、リスのように機敏で、指先が器用で、最後に、この巧妙な話はすべて彼の創作であるため、非常に機転が利く。

Yes, Watson, we have come upon the handiwork of a very remarkable individual.

come upon (遭遇する) [動] to meet or find by chance

そうだ、ワトソン、我々は非常に優れた人物の手仕事に遭遇したのだ。

And yet, in that bell-rope, he has given us a clue which should not have left us a doubt.”

bell-rope (呼び出し紐) [名] a rope used to ring a bell

それでも、あの呼び出し紐で、彼は我々に疑いを残さないはずの手がかりを与えてくれた。」

“Where was the clue?”

「手がかりはどこにあったんだ?」

“Well, if you were to pull down a bell-rope, Watson, where would you expect it to break?

pull down (引っ張る) [動] cause to move or come down by pulling

「さて、ワトソン、もし呼び出し紐を引っ張るとしたら、どこで切れると思う?

Surely at the spot where it is attached to the wire.

attach (つながっている) [動] to fasten or join one thing to another

間違いなくワイヤーにつながっている場所だろう。

Why should it break three inches from the top, as this one has done?”

なぜこれがそうであるように、上から三インチのところで切れるんだ?」

“Because it is frayed there?”

fray (擦り切れる) [動] become worn or damaged by rubbing or scraping

「そこが擦り切れているから?」

“Exactly. This end, which we can examine, is frayed.

「その通り。この端は、調べればわかるように、擦り切れている。

He was cunning enough to do that with his knife.

彼はナイフでそれをするほどずる賢かった。

But the other end is not frayed.

しかし、もう一方の端は擦り切れていない。

You could not observe that from here, but if you were on the mantelpiece you would see that it is cut clean off without any mark of fraying whatever.

clean (きれいに) [副] completely

ここからは観察できないが、もしマントルピースの上にいたら、擦り切れた跡もなくきれいに切れているのがわかるだろう。

You can reconstruct what occurred.

何が起こったか再現できる。

The man needed the rope.

男はロープが必要だった。

He would not tear it down for fear of giving the alarm by ringing the bell.

tear down (破壊する) [動] to destroy or demolish

ring the bell (ベルを鳴らす) [動] to cause a bell to sound

彼はベルを鳴らして警報を鳴らすのを恐れて、それを破壊しなかった。

What did he do?

彼は何をしたのか?

He sprang up on the mantelpiece, could not quite reach it, put his knee on the bracket—you will see the impression in the dust—and so got his knife to bear upon the cord.

cord (コード) [名] a length of thin rope

彼はマントルピースに飛び乗ったが、届かなかったので、膝をブラケットに乗せた。ほこりに跡が残っているだろう。そしてナイフでコードを切った。

I could not reach the place by at least three inches—from which I infer that he is at least three inches a bigger man than I. Look at that mark upon the seat of the oaken chair!

私は少なくとも3インチ届かなかった。そこから、彼は私より少なくとも3インチ背が高いと推測する。オークの椅子の座席にあるあの跡を見てみろ!

What is it?”

何だ?」

“Blood.”

「血だ」

“Undoubtedly it is blood.

「間違いなく血だ。

This alone puts the lady’s story out of court.

out of court (法廷で通らない) [形] not in a court of law

これだけでも、女性の話は法廷で通らない。

If she were seated on the chair when the crime was done, how comes that mark?

犯行の時に彼女が椅子に座っていたのなら、どうしてこの跡がついたのか?

No, no, she was placed in the chair after the death of her husband.

違う、違う、彼女は夫の死後椅子に座らされたのだ。

I’ll wager that the black dress shows a corresponding mark to this.

wager (賭ける) [動] risk money or something else of value on the outcome of an event

黒いドレスにこれに対応する跡がついていると賭けてもいい。

We have not yet met our Waterloo, Watson, but this is our Marengo, for it begins in defeat and ends in victory.

Waterloo (ワーテルロー) [名] a decisive defeat

Marengo (マレンゴ) [名] a decisive victory

我々はまだワーテルローには出会っていないが、ワトソン、これは我々のマレンゴだ、敗北に始まり勝利に終わるのだ。

I should like now to have a few words with the nurse, Theresa.

have a few words (少し話す) [動] have a short conversation

nurse (看護婦) [名] a person trained to care for the sick or infirm

では、看護婦のテレサと少し話したい。

We must be wary for a while, if we are to get the information which we want.”

be wary (用心深くある) [動] be cautious or careful

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

我々が欲しい情報を得るためにしばらく用心深くなければならない。」

She was an interesting person, this stern Australian nurse—taciturn, suspicious, ungracious, it took some time before Holmes’s pleasant manner and frank acceptance of all that she said thawed her into a corresponding amiability.

Australian (オーストラリア人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Australia

taciturn (無口な) [形] uncommunicative or unforthcoming in conversation

take some time (時間がかかる) [動] require a period of time

acceptance (受け入れる) [名] the action of taking something offered

thaw (溶かす) [動] cause to become soft or liquid

amiability (愛想の良さ) [名] the quality of being friendly and pleasant

彼女は興味深い人物だった、この厳しいオーストラリア人の看護婦は、無口で、疑い深く、無愛想で、ホームズの愛想の良い態度と彼女が言うことをすべて率直に受け入れる態度が彼女を相応の愛想の良さに溶かすまでにはしばらく時間がかかった。

She did not attempt to conceal her hatred for her late employer.

彼女は亡き雇い主に対する憎しみを隠そうとはしなかった。

“Yes, sir, it is true that he threw the decanter at me.

「はい、旦那様、彼が私にデカンタを投げつけたのは事実です。

I heard him call my mistress a name, and I told him that he would not dare to speak so if her brother had been there.

call a name (名指しで呼ぶ) [動] to call someone by their name

彼が私の女主人を名指しで呼ぶのを聞いて、私は彼に、もし彼女の兄がそこにいたら、彼はそう話す勇気はないだろうと言った。

Then it was that he threw it at me.

その時彼はそれを私に投げつけたのです。

He might have thrown a dozen if he had but left my bonny bird alone.

dozen (1ダース) [名] a group of twelve

彼は私の可愛い鳥を放っておけば、1ダース投げつけたかもしれない。

He was forever ill-treating her, and she too proud to complain.

forever (いつも) [副] always; at all times

ill-treat (虐待する) [動] treat badly or cruelly

彼はいつも彼女を虐待していたが、彼女は文句を言うにはプライドが高すぎた。

She will not even tell me all that he has done to her.

will not even (さえしない) [助] not even

彼女は彼が彼女にしたことをすべて私に話すことさえしない。

She never told me of those marks on her arm that you saw this morning, but I know very well that they come from a stab with a hatpin.

hatpin (帽子留めピン) [名] a long pin used to fasten a hat to the hair

彼女は今朝あなたが見た腕の跡について私に話したことは一度もないが、私はそれが帽子留めピンで刺されたものであることをよく知っている。

The sly devil—God forgive me that I should speak of him so, now that he is dead!

ずるい悪魔め、彼が死んだ今、私が彼のことをそう言うのを神よ許したまえ!

But a devil he was, if ever one walked the earth.

しかし、彼は悪魔だった、もし悪魔がこの世を歩いたことがあるなら。

He was all honey when first we met him—only eighteen months ago, and we both feel as if it were eighteen years.

eighteen months ago (18ヶ月前) [名] a period of time equal to 18 months

eighteen years (18年) [名] a period of time equal to 18 years

彼は私たちが初めて会ったときは、とても優しかった、たった18ヶ月前のことだが、私たち二人とも18年も前のことのように感じている。

She had only just arrived in London.

only just (着いたばかり) [副] very recently

彼女はロンドンに着いたばかりだった。

Yes, it was her first voyage—she had never been from home before.

そうだ、それは彼女の初めての航海だった、彼女はこれまで家から出たことがなかった。

He won her with his title and his money and his false London ways.

彼は彼の肩書きと彼のお金と彼の偽りのロンドンのやり方で彼女を勝ち取った。

If she made a mistake she has paid for it, if ever a woman did.

pay for (代償を払う) [動] suffer the consequences of

もし彼女が過ちを犯したのなら、彼女はその代償を払った、女性がそうしたように。

What month did we meet him?

私たちは彼に何月に会ったか?

Well, I tell you it was just after we arrived.

ええ、それは私たちが到着した直後だった。

We arrived in June, and it was July.

June (6月) [名] the sixth month of the year

July (7月) [名] the seventh month of the year

私たちは6月に到着し、それは7月だった。

They were married in January of last year.

January (1月) [名] the first month of the year

彼らは去年の1月に結婚した。

Yes, she is down in the morning-room again, and I have no doubt she will see you, but you must not ask too much of her, for she has gone through all that flesh and blood will stand.”

go through (経験する) [動] experience or endure

flesh and blood (肉体と血) [名] the human body

はい、彼女はまた朝の部屋に降りています、そして彼女があなたに会うことは間違いありませんが、あなたは彼女にあまり多くを求めてはいけません、なぜなら彼女は肉体と血が耐えうるすべてを経験したからです。」

Lady Brackenstall was reclining on the same couch, but looked brighter than before.

ブレッケンストール夫人は同じソファに横たわっていたが、以前より明るく見えた。

The maid had entered with us, and began once more to foment the bruise upon her mistress’s brow.

foment (温める) [動] to apply heat to

bruise (傷) [名] an injury in which the skin is not broken but is discolored by a blow or impact

mistress (愛人) [名] a woman having an extramarital sexual relationship, especially with a married man

メイドは私たちと一緒に入ってきて、もう一度彼女の愛人の額の傷を温め始めた。

“I hope,” said the lady, “that you have not come to cross-examine me again?”

cross-examine (尋問する) [動] question closely and thoroughly

「また私に尋問しに来たわけではないでしょうね?」と夫人は言った。

“No,” Holmes answered, in his gentlest voice, “I will not cause you any unnecessary trouble, Lady Brackenstall, and my whole desire is to make things easy for you, for I am convinced that you are a much-tried woman.

try (経験する) [動] to make an attempt or effort to do something

「いいえ」とホームズは最も優しい声で答えた、「私はあなたに不必要な迷惑をかけません、ブレッケンストール夫人、そして私の唯一の望みはあなたのために物事を簡単にすることです、なぜなら私はあなたが非常に試練を経験した女性であると確信しているからです。

If you will treat me as a friend and trust me, you may find that I will justify your trust.”

treat (扱う) [動] behave towards or deal with in a certain way

もしあなたが私を友人として扱い、私を信頼してくれるなら、私はあなたの信頼に応えることができるでしょう。」

“What do you want me to do?”

want (しろと言う) [動] wish or demand that

「私に何をしろと言うの?」

“To tell me the truth.”

「真実を話してください。」

“Mr. Holmes!”

「ホームズさん!」

“No, no, Lady Brackenstall—it is no use.

no (無駄) [形] not producing any useful result

「いいえ、いいえ、ブレッケンスタル夫人、無駄です。

You may have heard of any little reputation which I possess.

私の名声は多少耳にされているかもしれない。

I will stake it all on the fact that your story is an absolute fabrication.”

stake (賭ける) [動] risk a sum of money or something else of value on the outcome of an event

fabrication (作り話) [名] a lie or a false statement

私はあなたの話が完全な作り話であるという事実にすべてを賭ける。」

Mistress and maid were both staring at Holmes with pale faces and frightened eyes.

女主人とメイドはどちらも青ざめた顔と怯えた目でホームズを見つめていた。

“You are an impudent fellow!” cried Theresa.

impudent (厚かましい) [形] people who lack modesty or shame

「あなたは厚かましい男だ!」とテレサは叫んだ。

“Do you mean to say that my mistress has told a lie?”

tell a lie (嘘をつく) [動] say something that is not true

「私の女主人が嘘をついたと言うつもりですか?」

Holmes rose from his chair.

ホームズは椅子から立ち上がった。

“Have you nothing to tell me?”

have nothing to (言うことはない) [動] have no information to give

「私に言うことはないのか?」

“I have told you everything.”

「私はあなたに全てを話しました。」

“Think once more, Lady Brackenstall.

「もう一度考えてみて下さい、ブレッケンスタル夫人。

Would it not be better to be frank?”

be better (良い) [動] of a high standard; very good

率直に話す方が良いのではないですか?」

For an instant there was hesitation in her beautiful face.

一瞬、彼女の美しい顔にためらいの色が見えた。

Then some new strong thought caused it to set like a mask.

それから、何か新しい強い考えが彼女の顔を仮面のように固めた。

“I have told you all I know.”

「私は知っていることは全て話しました。」

Holmes took his hat and shrugged his shoulders.

ホームズは帽子を取って肩をすくめた。

“I am sorry,” he said, and without another word we left the room and the house.

without another word (それ以上何も言わずに) [副] without saying anything else

「申し訳ない」と彼は言い、それ以上何も言わずに私たちは部屋と家を出た。

There was a pond in the park, and to this my friend led the way.

pond (池) [名] a body of water smaller than a lake

公園には池があり、友人はそこへ案内した。

It was frozen over, but a single hole was left for the convenience of a solitary swan.

freeze over (凍る) [動] become covered with ice

convenience (便宜) [名] the quality of being easy to use or to do

solitary (一羽の) [形] being or done alone

swan (白鳥) [名] a large water bird with a long neck

池は凍っていたが、一羽の白鳥のために穴が一つ開けられていた。

Holmes gazed at it, and then passed on to the lodge gate.

pass on (歩いて行く) [動] move on; continue

ホームズはそれをじっと見つめてから、門番小屋の門まで歩いて行った。

There he scribbled a short note for Stanley Hopkins, and left it with the lodge-keeper.

short note (短いメモ) [名] a brief written message

そこで彼はスタンレー・ホプキンス宛ての短いメモを走り書きし、門番に預けた。

“It may be a hit, or it may be a miss, but we are bound to do something for friend Hopkins, just to justify this second visit,” said he.

hit (当たる) [動] come into contact with forcefully

miss (外れる) [動] fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with

bound (しなければならない) [形] obliged or required to do something

「当たるかもしれないし、外れるかもしれないが、この二度目の訪問を正当化するためにも、我々は友人ホプキンスのために何かをしなければならない」と彼は言った。

“I will not quite take him into my confidence yet.

take into one's confidence (信頼する) [動] trust someone

「まだ彼を完全に信頼するわけにはいかない。

I think our next scene of operations must be the shipping office of the Adelaide-Southampton line, which stands at the end of Pall Mall, if I remember right.

scene of operations (活動場所) [名] the place where an activity is performed

shipping office (船会社) [名] a company that provides shipping services

Adelaide-Southampton line (アデレード・サウサンプトン航路) [名] a shipping route between Adelaide and Southampton

Pall Mall (ポール・モール) [名] a street in London

私の記憶が正しければ、次の活動場所は、ポール・モールの端にあるアデレード・サウサンプトン航路の船会社になると思う。

There is a second line of steamers which connect South Australia with England, but we will draw the larger cover first.”

line (航路) [名] a route along which people or goods travel

steamer (汽船) [名] a ship that is propelled by a steam engine

connect (結ぶ) [動] join or link together

南オーストラリアとイギリスを結ぶ二番目の汽船航路もあるが、まずは大きな方から調べよう。」

Holmes’s card sent in to the manager ensured instant attention, and he was not long in acquiring all the information he needed.

send in (送る) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

ensure (対応してもらう) [動] make sure that (something) will happen or be the case

ホームズの名刺を支配人に送ると、すぐに対応してもらい、彼はすぐに必要な情報をすべて入手した。

In June of ’95, only one of their line had reached a home port.

only one (1隻しか) [名] a single person or thing

home port (母港) [名] the port where a ship is based

95年の6月には、その航路の船は1隻しか母港に到着していなかった。

It was the Rock of Gibraltar, their largest and best boat.

Rock of Gibraltar (ジブラルタル・ロック号) [名] a large limestone promontory in southern Spain

それはジブラルタル・ロック号で、その航路の最大で最高の船だった。

A reference to the passenger list showed that Miss Fraser, of Adelaide, with her maid had made the voyage in her.

passenger list (乗客名簿) [名] a list of the passengers on a ship, plane, etc.

Miss Fraser (ミス・フレイザー) [名] a woman whose name is Fraser

make (乗る) [動] travel by means of

乗客名簿を見ると、アデレードのミス・フレイザーがメイドと一緒に乗船していたことがわかった。

The boat was now somewhere south of the Suez Canal on her way to Australia.

boat (船) [名] a small vessel for travel on water

Suez Canal (スエズ運河) [名] an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea

その船は現在、オーストラリアに向かう途中でスエズ運河の南のどこかにいた。

Her officers were the same as in ’95, with one exception.

officer (船員) [名] a person who has a position of authority on a ship

船員は95年の時と同じだったが、1人だけ例外があった。

The first officer, Mr. Jack Crocker, had been made a captain and was to take charge of their new ship, the Bass Rock, sailing in two days’ time from Southampton.

first officer (一等航海士) [名] the second-highest officer on a ship

Jack Crocker (ジャック・クロッカー) [名] a person's name

take charge of (担当する) [動] be responsible for

sail (出航する) [動] travel by ship

two days (二日) [名] a period of time lasting for 48 hours

Southampton (サウサンプトン) [名] a city in southern England

一等航海士のジャック・クロッカー氏が船長に昇進し、二日後にサウサンプトンから出航する新しい船、バス・ロック号の船長を務めることになっていた。

He lived at Sydenham, but he was likely to be in that morning for instructions, if we cared to wait for him.

live (住んでいる) [動] have as one's permanent home

彼はシデナムに住んでいるが、もし彼を待つ気があるなら、その朝は指示を受けに来ている可能性が高い。

No, Mr. Holmes had no desire to see him, but would be glad to know more about his record and character.

いいえ、ホームズ氏は彼に会うつもりはありませんでしたが、彼の経歴や性格についてもっと知りたいと思っていました。

His record was magnificent.

magnificent (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or impressive

彼の経歴は素晴らしいものだった。

There was not an officer in the fleet to touch him.

fleet (艦隊) [名] a large group of ships

officer (士官) [名] a person who holds a position of authority, especially in the armed forces

touch (匹敵する) [動] be equal to or better than

艦隊には彼に匹敵する士官はいなかった。

As to his character, he was reliable on duty, but a wild, desperate fellow off the deck of his ship—hot-headed, excitable, but loyal, honest, and kind-hearted.

duty (任務) [名] a task or action that one is required to perform

desperate (無鉄砲な) [形] reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency

hot-headed (頭に血が上りやすい) [形] having a fiery temper

loyal (忠実な) [形] faithful to a person, cause, or belief

kind-hearted (心優しい) [形] having or showing a kind and sympathetic nature

性格については、任務中は頼りになるが、船の甲板を離れると荒々しく、無鉄砲な男で、頭に血が上りやすく、興奮しやすいが、忠実で、正直で、心優しい男だった。

That was the pith of the information with which Holmes left the office of the Adelaide-Southampton company.

それがホームズがアデレード・サウサンプトン会社の事務所を後にする際に得た情報の要点だった。

Thence he drove to Scotland Yard, but, instead of entering, he sat in his cab with his brows drawn down, lost in profound thought.

thence (そこから) [副] from that place

drive (向かう) [動] go or travel by car

draw down (ひそめる) [動] pull or move something to a lower position

be lost in (耽る) [動] be deeply engaged in something

そこから彼はスコットランド・ヤードに向かったが、中に入る代わりに、眉をひそめて馬車に座り、深い考えに耽った。

Finally he drove round to the Charing Cross telegraph office, sent off a message, and then, at last, we made for Baker Street once more.

drive round (回る) [動] go around something

telegraph office (電信局) [名] a building that houses a telegraph

send off (送る) [動] send something to a destination

最後に彼はチャリング・クロスの電信局に回り、メッセージを送り、そしてついに私たちは再びベーカー街に向かった。

“No, I couldn’t do it, Watson,” said he, as we reentered our room.

「いや、できなかったよ、ワトソン」と彼は部屋に戻ったときに言った。

“Once that warrant was made out, nothing on earth would save him.

once (いったん) [副] at some point in the past

make out (発行される) [動] write out or fill out

nothing (何物も) [名] not a thing; no single thing

「いったん令状が発行されれば、この世の何物も彼を救うことはできない。

Once or twice in my career I feel that I have done more real harm by my discovery of the criminal than ever he had done by his crime.

私の経歴の中で一度か二度、犯人を見つけたことで、犯人が犯した犯罪よりももっと大きな害を及ぼしたことがあるように思う。

I have learned caution now, and I had rather play tricks with the law of England than with my own conscience.

play tricks (欺く) [動] act in a way that is intended to deceive or mislead

私は今や用心深さを学び、自分の良心よりもイギリスの法律を欺く方を選んだ。

Let us know a little more before we act.”

行動する前にもう少し知ろう」

Before evening, we had a visit from Inspector Stanley Hopkins.

before evening (夕方前) [名] the time of day before evening

have a visit (訪問を受ける) [動] to be visited by someone

夕方前、スタンレー・ホプキンス警部が訪ねてきた。

Things were not going very well with him.

彼の状況はあまりよくなかった。

“I believe that you are a wizard, Mr. Holmes.

wizard (魔法使い) [名] a man who has magical powers

「私はあなたが魔法使いだと信じています、ホームズさん。

I really do sometimes think that you have powers that are not human.

私は本当に時々あなたが人間ではない力を持っていると思う。

Now, how on earth could you know that the stolen silver was at the bottom of that pond?”

stolen (盗まれた) [形] taken without permission

一体どうやって盗まれた銀があの池の底にあると分かったのですか?」

“I didn’t know it.”

「知らなかった」

“But you told me to examine it.”

「でもあなたはそれを調べるように私に言いました」

“You got it, then?”

「それなら手に入れたんだね?」

“Yes, I got it.”

「はい、手に入れました」

“I am very glad if I have helped you.”

「あなたを助けることができたならとても嬉しい」

“But you haven’t helped me.

「でもあなたは私を助けてはいない。

You have made the affair far more difficult.

far (ずっと) [副] to a great extent; much

あなたは事件をずっと難しくしてしまった。

What sort of burglars are they who steal silver and then throw it into the nearest pond?”

銀を盗んで、それを一番近い池に投げ込むなんて、どんな強盗だ?」

“It was certainly rather eccentric behaviour.

behaviour (行動) [名] the way in which one acts or conducts oneself

「確かにかなり奇妙な行動だ。

I was merely going on the idea that if the silver had been taken by persons who did not want it—who merely took it for a blind, as it were—then they would naturally be anxious to get rid of it.”

merely (ただ) [副] only

私はただ、銀がそれを欲しくない人々によって盗まれたのなら、つまり、いわば目くらましのために盗んだのなら、彼らは当然それを処分したいと思うだろうという考えを進めているだけだ。」

“But why should such an idea cross your mind?”

「しかし、なぜそんな考えが頭をよぎるのか?」

“Well, I thought it was possible.

「まあ、それはあり得ると思ったんだ。

When they came out through the French window, there was the pond with one tempting little hole in the ice, right in front of their noses.

ice (氷) [名] water in its solid form

彼らがフランス窓から出ると、目の前に池があり、氷に誘惑的な小さな穴が一つ開いていた。

Could there be a better hiding-place?”

could (だろうか) [助] used to express possibility

これ以上良い隠れ場所があるだろうか?」

“Ah, a hiding-place—that is better!” cried Stanley Hopkins.

「ああ、隠れ場所か、それはいい!」とスタンレー・ホプキンスは叫んだ。

“Yes, yes, I see it all now!

「そう、そう、今は全て分かった!

It was early, there were folk upon the roads, they were afraid of being seen with the silver, so they sank it in the pond, intending to return for it when the coast was clear.

afraid (まずい) [形] feeling fear or worry

silver (銀貨) [名] a shiny grayish-white metal that is a chemical element

まだ朝早く、道には人が出ていたので、銀貨を持っているところを見られたらまずいと思い、池に沈めて、人通りがなくなったら取りに戻るつもりだった。

Excellent, Mr. Holmes—that is better than your idea of a blind.”

blind (盲人) [名] a person who is unable to see

素晴らしい、ホームズさん、それはあなたの盲人の考えよりも良い。」

“Quite so, you have got an admirable theory.

「全くその通り、君は素晴らしい推理をした。

I have no doubt that my own ideas were quite wild, but you must admit that they have ended in discovering the silver.”

end (至る) [動] to come to a finish or conclusion

私の考えがかなり突飛なものだったことは疑いようもないが、銀貨を発見するに至ったことは認めざるを得ないだろう。」

“Yes, sir—yes. It was all your doing.

doing (おかげ) [名] something that is done or made

「はい、そうです。全てあなたのおかげです。

But I have had a bad setback.”

have (経験する) [動] experience

setback (挫折) [名] a reversal or check in progress

しかし、私はひどい挫折を経験した。」

“A setback?”

「挫折?」

“Yes, Mr. Holmes.

「そうです、ホームズさん。

The Randall gang were arrested in New York this morning.”

Randall gang (ランドール一味) [名] a group of criminals

be arrested (逮捕される) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

New York (ニューヨーク) [名] a state in the northeastern U.S.

ランドール一味は今朝ニューヨークで逮捕された。」

“Dear me, Hopkins!

「おや、ホプキンス!

That is certainly rather against your theory that they committed a murder in Kent last night.”

それは確かに彼らが昨夜ケントで殺人を犯したという君の説に反している。」

“It is fatal, Mr. Holmes—absolutely fatal.

「致命的です、ホームズさん、絶対に致命的です。

Still, there are other gangs of three besides the Randalls, or it may be some new gang of which the police have never heard.”

Randalls (ランドール) [名] a surname

それでも、ランドール以外にも三人組のギャングはいる、あるいは警察が聞いたこともない新しいギャングかもしれない。」

“Quite so, it is perfectly possible.

perfectly (十分) [副] completely; absolutely

「全くその通り、それは十分あり得る。

What, are you off?”

be off (出かける) [動] leave a place

何、出かけるのか?」

“Yes, Mr. Holmes, there is no rest for me until I have got to the bottom of the business.

「そうです、ホームズさん、この事件の真相が明らかになるまで私は休めません。

I suppose you have no hint to give me?”

私に何かヒントを与えてくれることはないでしょうね?」

“I have given you one.”

「一つは与えた。」

“Which?”

「どれ?」

“Well, I suggested a blind.”

blind (目隠し) [名] a device for screening a window

「ええと、私は目隠しを提案した。」

“But why, Mr. Holmes, why?”

「しかし、なぜ、ホームズさん、なぜ?」

“Ah, that’s the question, of course.

「ああ、もちろんそれが問題だ。

But I commend the idea to your mind.

しかし、私はその考えをあなたの心に推薦する。

You might possibly find that there was something in it.

あなたはおそらくそこに何かがあったと気づくかもしれない。

You won’t stop for dinner?

stop (食べる) [動] cease an action or activity

夕食は食べないのか?

Well, good-bye, and let us know how you get on.”

get on (どうなる) [動] to make progress

では、さようなら、そしてどうなったか知らせてください。」

Dinner was over, and the table cleared before Holmes alluded to the matter again.

clear (片付ける) [動] remove all items from

夕食が終わり、テーブルが片付けられてから、ホームズは再びその件に触れた。

He had lit his pipe and held his slippered feet to the cheerful blaze of the fire.

slipper (スリッパ) [名] a light indoor shoe with a flexible sole

cheerful (陽気な) [形] in good spirits; happy

彼はパイプに火をつけ、スリッパを履いた足を陽気な火の炎にかざしていた。

Suddenly he looked at his watch.

突然彼は時計を見た。

“I expect developments, Watson.”

「ワトソン、展開を期待している。」

“When?”

「いつ?」

“Now—within a few minutes.

「今、数分以内に。

I dare say you thought I acted rather badly to Stanley Hopkins just now?”

dare say (思う) [動] think or suppose

act (態度を取る) [動] behave in a particular manner

君は私がたった今スタンレー・ホプキンスに対してかなりひどい態度を取ったと思っただろう?」

“I trust your judgment.”

「君の判断を信頼する。」

“A very sensible reply, Watson.

sensible (賢明な) [形] based on or acting on good judgment or reason

「とても賢明な返事だ、ワトソン。

You must look at it this way: what I know is unofficial, what he knows is official.

look at (考える) [動] consider or examine

君はこう考えなければならない。私の知っていることは非公式で、彼の知っていることは公式だ。

I have the right to private judgment, but he has none.

have the right to (する権利がある) [動] be entitled to

私には私的な判断をする権利があるが、彼にはそれがない。

He must disclose all, or he is a traitor to his service.

traitor (裏切り者) [名] a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.

service (職務) [名] a job in the armed forces

彼は全てを明らかにしなければならない。さもなければ彼は職務に背く裏切り者だ。

In a doubtful case I would not put him in so painful a position, and so I reserve my information until my own mind is clear upon the matter.”

doubtful (疑わしい) [形] questionable; uncertain

painful (苦しい) [形] causing pain

reserve (保留する) [動] keep or set aside for a particular purpose

疑わしい事件では、彼をそんな苦しい立場に置きたくない。だから私は自分の心の中で事件がはっきりするまで情報を保留する。」

“But when will that be?”

will (なる) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

「でもそれはいつになるんだ?」

“The time has come.

「その時が来た。

You will now be present at the last scene of a remarkable little drama.”

drama (ドラマ) [名] a play for theater, radio, or television

君は今、注目すべき小さなドラマの最後の場面に立ち会うことになる。」

There was a sound upon the stairs, and our door was opened to admit as fine a specimen of manhood as ever passed through it.

manhood (男性) [名] the state or period of being a man

階段に音がして、我々のドアが開き、これまでにこの部屋を通った中で最も立派な男性が入ってきた。

He was a very tall young man, golden-moustached, blue-eyed, with a skin which had been burned by tropical suns, and a springy step, which showed that the huge frame was as active as it was strong.

very tall (非常に背の高い) [形] of great height

golden-moustached (金色の口ひげを生やした) [形] having a mustache of a golden color

tropical sun (熱帯の太陽) [名] the sun in the tropics

springy step (弾むような足取り) [名] a step that is springy

huge frame (巨大な体格) [名] a body that is huge

strong (強靭な) [形] having great physical power

彼は非常に背の高い若い男で、金色の口ひげを生やし、青い目をしており、肌は熱帯の太陽に焼かれ、弾むような足取りは、その巨大な体格が強靭であると同時に活動的であることを示していた。

He closed the door behind him, and then he stood with clenched hands and heaving breast, choking down some overmastering emotion.

clench (握り締める) [動] close or open the hand tightly

choke (押し殺す) [動] stop or prevent the normal breathing of

彼は後ろのドアを閉め、それから手を握り締め、胸を上下させながら立ち、何か抑えきれない感情を押し殺した。

“Sit down, Captain Crocker.

Captain Crocker (クロッカー船長) [名] a captain of a ship

「座ってください、クロッカー船長。

You got my telegram?”

私の電報は受け取りましたか?」

Our visitor sank into an armchair

sink (腰を下ろす) [動] move into a lower position

訪問者は肘掛け椅子に腰を下ろした。

and looked from one to the other of us with questioning eyes.

one (私たち) [代] the speaker and at least one other person

other (私たち) [代] the speaker and at least one other person

questioning (疑問の) [形] expressing a question

そして、疑問の目を私たちに向けた。

“I got your telegram, and I came at the hour you said.

「電報を受け取りました。指定された時間に参りました。

I heard that you had been down to the office.

be down to (いらっしゃる) [動] be present at

事務所にいらっしゃったと聞きました。

There was no getting away from you.

get away (逃れる) [動] to manage to escape or avoid something

あなたから逃れることはできなかった。

Let’s hear the worst.

let's (~しよう) [動] a suggestion to do something

最悪の状況を聞こう。

What are you going to do with me?

私をどうするつもり?

Arrest me?

私を逮捕するつもり?

Speak out, man!

speak out (はっきり言う) [動] express your opinion or feelings openly and strongly

はっきり言いなさい!

You can’t sit there and play with me like a cat with a mouse.”

play (弄ぶ) [動] engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

mouse (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent which typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail

そこに座って、猫がネズミを弄ぶように私を弄ぶことはできない。」

“Give him a cigar,” said Holmes.

「彼に葉巻を渡して」とホームズは言った。

“Bite on that, Captain Crocker, and don’t let your nerves run away with you.

bite (噛む) [動] cut or tear with the teeth

run away (逃げる) [動] leave a place or situation in a hurry

「それを噛んで、クロッカー船長、そして神経を落ち着かせてください。

I should not sit here smoking with you if I thought that you were a common criminal, you may be sure of that.

sure (確かめる) [形] confident in what you think or know

私があなたを普通の犯罪者だと思っていたなら、私はここであなたと煙草を吸いながら座っていないでしょう、あなたはそれを確かめても良い。

Be frank with me and we may do some good.

do some good (何か良いことをする) [動] do something that is beneficial

私に率直に話してくれれば、何か良いことができるかもしれない。

Play tricks with me, and I’ll crush you.”

crush (粉砕する) [動] destroy or defeat completely

私を騙そうとしたら、あなたを粉砕する。」

“What do you wish me to do?”

「私に何を望むのか?」

“To give me a true account of all that happened at the Abbey Grange last night—a true account, mind you, with nothing added and nothing taken off.

「昨夜アビー・グランジで起こったすべてのことを真実に語ることだ、何も付け加えたり、何も取り除いたりせずに真実を語ることだ。

I know so much already that if you go one inch off the straight, I’ll blow this police whistle from my window and the affair goes out of my hands forever.”

know so much (多くのことを知っている) [動] have knowledge or information about

go one inch off (一歩でも外れる) [動] deviate from

straight (真実) [名] the quality or state of being straight

police whistle (警察の笛) [名] a whistle used by the police

go out of (離れる) [動] leave or depart from

私はすでに多くのことを知っているので、もしあなたが真実から一歩でも外れたら、私はこの警察の笛を窓から吹き、この事件は永遠に私の手から離れることになる。」

The sailor thought for a little.

船員は少し考えた。

Then he struck his leg with his great sunburned hand.

それから彼は日焼けした大きな手で自分の足を叩いた。

“I’ll chance it,” he cried.

chance (やってみる) [動] take a risk or gamble

「やってみよう」と彼は叫んだ。

“I believe you are a man of your word, and a white man, and I’ll tell you the whole story.

word (約束) [名] a promise or assurance

white (白人) [形] of or belonging to a human group having light-colored skin

「あなたは約束を守る人で、白人だと信じているので、全部話そう。

But one thing I will say first.

one thing (一つ) [名] a single item

でも、まず一つ言いたいことがある。

So far as I am concerned, I regret nothing and I fear nothing, and I would do it all again and be proud of the job.

regret (後悔する) [動] feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done)

do it all again (すべてやり直す) [動] do something again

be proud of (誇りに思う) [動] be pleased about something that you have done, something that you own, or someone that you know

私に関する限り、私は何も後悔していないし、何も恐れていないし、私はそれをすべてやり直して、その仕事を誇りに思うだろう。

Damn the beast, if he had as many lives as a cat, he would owe them all to me!

damn (畜生め) [動] curse

beast (畜生) [名] an animal

as many as (九つ) [副] the same number as

あの畜生め、もし猫のように命が九つあったとしても、全部私に借りがあるんだ!

But it’s the lady, Mary—Mary Fraser—for never will I call her by that accursed name.

Mary (メアリー) [名] a female given name

Fraser (フレイザー) [名] a surname of English and Scottish origin

accursed (呪われた) [形] under a curse; doomed

しかし、それは女性、メアリー、メアリー・フレイザー、私は決して彼女をその呪われた名前で呼ぶことはない。

When I think of getting her into trouble, I who would give my life just to bring one smile to her dear face, it’s that that turns my soul into water.

get into trouble (困らせる) [動] get into a difficult or unpleasant situation

give one's life (命を捧げる) [動] die for a cause

bring a smile (微笑みをもたらす) [動] make someone smile

turn into water (水に変える) [動] change into water

彼女を困らせることを考えると、私は彼女の愛する顔に一つ微笑みをもたらすためだけに私の命を捧げるだろう、それは私の魂を水に変える。

And yet—and yet—what less could I do?

what less (何ができるだろうか) [名] what else

それでも、それでも、私は何ができるだろうか?

I’ll tell you my story, gentlemen, and then I’ll ask you, as man to man, what less could I do?

皆さん、私の話をしましょう、そして、私は皆さんに尋ねます、男として、私は何ができるでしょうか?

“I must go back a bit.

「少し戻らなければならない。

You seem to know everything, so I expect that you know that I met her when she was a passenger and I was first officer of the Rock of Gibraltar.

seem to (~のようだ) [助] appear to be

passenger (乗客) [名] a person who is traveling in a vehicle

officer (将校) [名] a person holding a position of authority, especially in the armed forces

あなたはすべてを知っているようですので、彼女が乗客で私がジブラルタルの岩の最初の将校だったときに私が彼女に会ったことを知っていると思います。

From the first day I met her, she was the only woman to me.

彼女に会った最初の日から、彼女は私にとって唯一の女性でした。

Every day of that voyage I loved her more, and many a time since have I kneeled down in the darkness of the night watch and kissed the deck of that ship because I knew her dear feet had trod it.

many a time (何度も) [名] on many occasions

kneel down (ひざまずく) [動] go down on one's knees

night watch (夜警) [名] a person who guards or patrols at night

deck (甲板) [名] a floorlike surface on a ship

その航海の毎日、私は彼女をもっと愛し、それ以来何度も夜警の暗闇の中でひざまずき、彼女の愛する足がそれを踏んだことを知っていたので、その船の甲板にキスをしました。

She was never engaged to me.

be engaged to (婚約する) [動] be formally promised to be married to

彼女は私と婚約したことは一度もなかった。

She treated me as fairly as ever a woman treated a man.

彼女は女性が男性に接するのと同じくらい公平に私に接した。

I have no complaint to make.

have no complaint (不満はない) [動] be satisfied with something

make (言う) [動] say or express something

私には不満はない。

It was all love on my side, and all good comradeship and friendship on hers.

comradeship (仲間意識) [名] a feeling of friendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together

friendship (友情) [名] the emotions or conduct of friends

それは私の側ではすべて愛であり、彼女の側ではすべて良い仲間意識と友情だった。

When we parted she was a free woman, but I could never again be a free man.

私たちが別れた時、彼女は自由な女性だったが、私は二度と自由な男性にはなれなかった。

“Next time I came back from sea, I heard of her marriage.

next time (次に) [副] on the next occasion

sea (海) [名] a large expanse of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and surrounding its land masses

「次に私が海から戻ったとき、私は彼女の結婚を聞いた。

Well, why shouldn’t she marry whom she liked?

彼女が好きな人と結婚してはいけない理由があるだろうか?

Title and money—who could carry them better than she?

better (うまく) [副] to a higher standard or more effectively

肩書きとお金、彼女以上にそれをうまく扱える人がいるだろうか?

She was born for all that is beautiful and dainty.

dainty (優雅な) [形] of delicate beauty or form

彼女は美しく優雅なもののために生まれてきた。

I didn’t grieve over her marriage.

私は彼女の結婚を悲しむことはなかった。

I was not such a selfish hound as that.

selfish (自分勝手な) [形] concerned chiefly with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others

私はそこまで自分勝手な犬ではなかった。

I just rejoiced that good luck had come her way, and that she had not thrown herself away on a penniless sailor.

good luck (幸運) [名] success or good fortune

throw oneself away (身を投げ出す) [動] to give oneself up to something

penniless (無一文の) [形] having no money

私はただ彼女に幸運が訪れたことを喜び、彼女が無一文の船乗りに身を投げ出さなかったことを喜んだ。

That’s how I loved Mary Fraser.

that's how (それが~だ) [副] that is the way

それが私がメアリー・フレイザーを愛した方法だ。

“Well, I never thought to see her again, but last voyage I was promoted, and the new boat was not yet launched, so I had to wait for a couple of months with my people at Sydenham.

promote (昇進する) [動] move into a higher position

launch (進水する) [動] set (a boat) afloat

「さて、私は彼女に再び会うとは思っていなかったが、最後の航海で私は昇進し、新しい船はまだ進水していなかったので、私はシドナムで私の仲間と数ヶ月待たなければならなかった。

One day out in a country lane I met Theresa Wright, her old maid.

old maid (老女中) [名] a woman who has never married

ある日、田舎道で彼女の老女中テレサ・ライトに会った。

She told me all about her, about him, about everything.

彼女は彼女のこと、彼のこと、全てを私に話してくれた。

I tell you, gentlemen, it nearly drove me mad.

drive (狂いそうになる) [動] cause to go or move

皆さん、私はほとんど狂いそうになった。

This drunken hound, that he should dare to raise his hand to her, whose boots he was not worthy to lick!

この酔っ払い犬め、彼女に手を上げようとは、彼女のブーツをなめる価値もないのに!

I met Theresa again.

私はテレサに再会した。

Then I met Mary herself—and met her again.

それから私はメアリー本人に会い、また会った。

Then she would meet me no more.

それから彼女は私に会おうとしなくなった。

But the other day I had a notice that I was to start on my voyage within a week, and I determined that I would see her once before I left.

the other day (先日) [名] a few days ago

have a notice (通知を受ける) [動] be informed of something

start on (出発する) [動] begin a journey

within a week (一週間以内に) [副] in less than a week

しかし、先日、私は一週間以内に出航するという通知を受け、出発前に一度彼女に会おうと決心した。

Theresa was always my friend, for she loved Mary and hated this villain almost as much as I did.

テレサはいつも私の味方だった。彼女はメアリーを愛し、この悪党を私と同じくらい憎んでいたからだ。

From her I learned the ways of the house.

彼女から私は家の様子を聞いた。

Mary used to sit up reading in her own little room downstairs.

メアリーは階下の自分の小さな部屋で本を読んで座っていた。

I crept round there last night and scratched at the window.

creep round (忍び回る) [動] move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being seen or heard

scratch (ひっかく) [動] make a mark or wound by scraping or tearing the skin with a sharp or rough object

私は昨夜そこを忍び回り、窓をひっかいた。

At first she would not open to me, but in her heart I know that now she loves me, and she could not leave me in the frosty night.

最初は彼女は私に開けようとしなかったが、彼女の心の中で私は彼女が今私を愛していることを知っている、そして彼女は霜の降りた夜に私を置き去りにすることができなかった。

She whispered to me to come round to the big front window, and I found it open before me, so as to let me into the dining-room.

let (入れる) [動] allow to enter

彼女は私に大きな正面の窓に来るようにささやき、私はそれが私の目の前で開いているのを見つけ、私を食堂に入れてくれた。

Again I heard from her own lips things that made my blood boil, and again I cursed this brute who mishandled the woman I loved.

boil (沸騰させる) [動] reach or cause to reach the temperature at which a liquid turns to a vapor

curse (呪う) [動] use a word or phrase that is considered rude or offensive

mishandle (虐待する) [動] deal with or manage in a clumsy, awkward, or inefficient way

私は再び彼女自身の唇から私の血を沸騰させるようなことを聞き、そして再び私は愛する女性を虐待したこの野蛮人を呪った。

Well, gentlemen, I was standing with her just inside the window, in all innocence, as God is my judge, when he rushed like a madman into the room, called her the vilest name that a man could use to a woman, and welted her across the face with the stick he had in his hand.

innocence (無邪気) [名] the state of being not guilty of a crime or other wrong

judge (裁判官) [名] a public official who decides cases brought before a court of law

ええ、皆さん、私は彼女と窓のすぐ内側に、神が私の裁判官であるように、無邪気に立っていました、彼が狂人のように部屋に駆け込んできたとき、彼女を男が女性に使うことができる最も卑劣な名前で呼び、彼が手に持っていた棒で彼女の顔を殴りました。

I had sprung for the poker, and it was a fair fight between us.

fair (公正な) [形] just or impartial; in accordance with rules or standards

私は火かき棒に飛びつきました、そしてそれは私たちの間の公正な戦いでした。

See here, on my arm, where his first blow fell.

ほら、私の腕に、彼の最初の一撃が当たった場所を見てください。

Then it was my turn, and I went through him as if he had been a rotten pumpkin.

go through (突き刺す) [動] pierce or penetrate

rotten (腐った) [形] decayed or putrid

pumpkin (カボチャ) [名] a large round orange fruit with a thick rind and numerous seeds

それから私の番が来て、私は彼が腐ったカボチャであるかのように彼を突き刺した。

Do you think I was sorry?

私が後悔したと思いますか?

Not I!

not (いいえ) [副] a negative word

いいえ!

It was his life or mine, but far more than that, it was his life or hers, for how could I leave her in the power of this madman?

his life or mine (彼の命か私の命か) [名] a situation in which one person must die in order for the other to live

far more than that (それよりもはるかに) [副] to a much greater extent than that

his life or hers (彼の命か彼女の命か) [名] a situation in which one person must die in order for the other to live

how could I leave her (私は彼女を委ねておくことができなかった) [動] I was not able to leave her

in the power of (力に) [名] under the control of

それは彼の命か私の命かだったが、それよりもはるかに、それは彼の命か彼女の命かだった、なぜなら、私は彼女をこの狂人の力に委ねておくことができなかったからだ。

That was how I killed him.

それが私が彼を殺した方法だ。

Was I wrong?

私は間違っていただろうか?

Well, then, what would either of you gentlemen have done, if you had been in my position?

have done (しただろうか) [動] perform or complete

had been (だったら) [動] be in a specified state or condition

my (私の) [限] belonging to or connected with the speaker

では、もしあなた方が私の立場だったら、どうしただろうか?

“She had screamed when he struck her, and that brought old Theresa down from the room above.

bring down (降ろす) [動] to cause to come or go down

「彼が彼女を殴ったとき、彼女は悲鳴を上げ、それが老テレサを上の部屋から降ろした。

There was a bottle of wine on the sideboard, and I opened it and poured a little between Mary’s lips, for she was half dead with shock.

サイドボードにワインの瓶があったので、私はそれを開けて、メアリーの唇の間に少し注いだ。彼女はショックで半分死んでいたからだ。

Then I took a drop myself.

take a drop (一口飲む) [動] drink a small amount of liquid

それから私も一口飲んだ。

Theresa was as cool as ice, and it was her plot as much as mine.

テレサは氷のように冷静で、それは私と同じくらい彼女の計画だった。

We must make it appear that burglars had done the thing.

make it appear (見せかける) [動] make it seem

泥棒がやったように見せかけなければならない。

Theresa kept on repeating our story to her mistress, while I swarmed up and cut the rope of the bell.

swarm up (よじ登る) [動] climb up quickly and with difficulty

テレサは私たちの話を彼女の愛人に繰り返し続け、その間に私はよじ登ってベルのロープを切った。

Then I lashed her in her chair, and frayed out the end of the rope to make it look natural, else they would wonder how in the world a burglar could have got up there to cut it.

fray (ほぐす) [動] become worn or tattered at the edge

get up (登る) [動] move to a higher position

それから私は彼女を椅子に縛り付け、ロープの端をほぐして自然に見えるようにした。さもなければ、泥棒がどうやってそこまで登って切ったのか不思議に思うだろう。

Then I gathered up a few plates and pots of silver, to carry out the idea of the robbery, and there I left them, with orders to give the alarm when I had a quarter of an hour’s start.

gather up (集める) [動] collect or bring together

carry out (実行する) [動] perform or complete

それから私は強盗の考えを実行するために銀の皿と鍋をいくつか集め、私が15分出発したときに警報を鳴らすように命令して、そこに残した。

I dropped the silver into the pond, and made off for Sydenham, feeling that for once in my life I had done a real good night’s work.

make off (向かう) [動] leave quickly

Sydenham (シデナム) [名] a district in south London

私は銀を池に落とし、シデナムに向かった。人生で一度だけ、本当に良い夜の仕事をしたと感じた。

And that’s the truth and the whole truth, Mr. Holmes, if it costs me my neck.”

cost (失う) [動] cause the loss of

それが真実であり、すべて真実です、ホームズさん、たとえ首を吊るされることになっても。」

Holmes smoked for some time in silence.

ホームズはしばらく黙って煙草を吸っていた。

Then he crossed the room, and shook our visitor by the hand.

shake (握手する) [動] grasp and move (someone's hand) up and down, typically as a greeting or farewell

それから彼は部屋を横切り、訪問者と握手した。

“That’s what I think,” said he.

be what (である) [動] be the same as

「それが私の考えだ」と彼は言った。

“I know that every word is true, for you have hardly said a word which I did not know.

every word (一言一句) [名] all of the words

「私は一言一句が真実だと知っている、なぜなら君は私が知らないことをほとんど何も言わなかったからだ。

No one but an acrobat or a sailor could have got up to that bell-rope from the bracket, and no one but a sailor could have made the knots with which the cord was fastened to the chair.

acrobat (曲芸師) [名] a performer of acrobatic feats

曲芸師か船乗り以外には誰もあのベルロープにブラケットから登ることはできなかったし、船乗り以外には誰も紐を椅子に固定する結び目を作ることができなかった。

Only once had this lady been brought into contact with sailors, and that was on her voyage, and it was someone of her own class of life, since she was trying hard to shield him, and so showing that she loved him.

only once (一度だけ) [副] on one occasion only

bring into contact (接触させる) [動] cause to interact or come together

この女性は一度だけ船乗りと接触したことがあり、それは彼女の航海中のことだった。そしてそれは彼女自身の階級の誰かだった。なぜなら彼女は彼を守ろうと懸命に努力していたし、彼を愛していることを示していたからだ。

You see how easy it was for me to lay my hands upon you when once I had started upon the right trail.”

lay one's hands upon (手を置く) [動] to touch or hold something

trail (道) [名] a path or track made by the passage of people, animals, or vehicles

一度正しい道を歩み始めれば、私があなたに手を置くのがいかに簡単だったかおわかりでしょう。」

“I thought the police never could have seen through our dodge.”

see through (見抜く) [動] perceive the true nature of

dodge (策略) [名] a clever trick or stratagem

「警察は私たちの策略を見抜けないと思っていました。」

“And the police haven’t, nor will they, to the best of my belief.

haven't (しなかった) [助] have not

will (だろう) [助] expressing the future tense

「そして、私の信じる限り、警察はそうしなかったし、そうすることもないだろう。

Now, look here, Captain Crocker, this is a very serious matter, though I am willing to admit that you acted under the most extreme provocation to which any man could be subjected.

Captain Crocker (クロッカー大佐) [名] a military officer in charge of a company, battery, or similar unit

extreme (極端な) [形] very great in degree

provocation (挑発) [名] the action of provoking someone or something

さて、ここを見てください、クロッカー大佐、これは非常に深刻な問題ですが、私はあなたがどんな人間にも起こりうる最も極端な挑発のもとで行動したことを認めたいと思います。

I am not sure that in defence of your own life your action will not be pronounced legitimate.

in defence of (守るために) [前] in support of

legitimate (合法) [形] conforming to the law or to rules

自分の命を守るためにあなたの行動が合法であると宣告されないかどうかはわからない。

However, that is for a British jury to decide.

しかし、それはイギリスの陪審員が決めることだ。

Meanwhile I have so much sympathy for you that, if you choose to disappear in the next twenty-four hours, I will promise you that no one will hinder you.”

その間、私はあなたにとても同情しているので、もしあなたが次の24時間以内に姿を消すことを選んだら、誰もあなたを邪魔しないことを約束します。」

“And then it will all come out?”

「そして、すべてが明らかになるのか?」

“Certainly it will come out.”

「確かに明らかになるだろう。」

The sailor flushed with anger.

船員は怒りで顔を赤らめた。

“What sort of proposal is that to make a man?

proposal (提案) [名] a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion

「それはどんな提案だ?

I know enough of law to understand that Mary would be held as accomplice.

know enough of (十分に知っている) [動] have knowledge of

be held as (として拘束される) [動] be kept in custody

私はメアリーが共犯者として拘束されることを理解するのに十分な法律を知っている。

Do you think I would leave her alone to face the music while I slunk away?

face the music (責任を負う) [動] to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions

slink away (逃げ出す) [動] to move away quietly and slowly, as if trying not to be seen or heard

私が逃げ出す一方で彼女を一人にして責任を負わせると思うか?

No, sir, let them do their worst upon me, but for heaven’s sake, Mr. Holmes, find some way of keeping my poor Mary out of the courts.”

for heaven's sake (天にかけて) [間] an expression of surprise, annoyance, or impatience

いいえ、彼らに私に最悪のことをさせましょう、しかし、天にかけて、ホームズさん、私の哀れなメアリーを法廷から遠ざける方法を見つけてください。」

Holmes for a second time held out his hand to the sailor.

for a second time (二度目に) [副] for the second time

ホームズは二度目に船員に手を差し出した。

“I was only testing you, and you ring true every time.

ring true (真実を語る) [動] to seem to be true or genuine

「私はただあなたを試していただけで、あなたは毎回真実を語っている。

Well, it is a great responsibility that I take upon myself, but I have given Hopkins an excellent hint and if he can’t avail himself of it I can do no more.

take upon oneself (引き受ける) [動] to take responsibility for something

no more (これ以上ない) [副] not any more; no longer

まあ、私が引き受けるのは大きな責任だが、私はホプキンスに素晴らしいヒントを与えたし、彼がそれを利用できないなら、私にできることはこれ以上ない。

See here, Captain Crocker, we’ll do this in due form of law.

see here (見てください) [動] look at this

due form of law (法に従って) [名] in accordance with the law

見てください、クロッカー船長、私たちはこれを法に従って行います。

You are the prisoner.

あなたは囚人だ。

Watson, you are a British jury, and I never met a man who was more eminently fitted to represent one.

represent (代表する) [動] be a symbol or a specimen of

ワトソン、君はイギリスの陪審員だ、そして私は陪審員を代表するのにこれほど適した人に会ったことがない。

I am the judge.

私は裁判官だ。

Now, gentleman of the jury, you have heard the evidence.

さて、陪審員の皆さん、証拠を聞きましたね。

Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?”

not guilty (無罪) [形] not having committed a crime

囚人を有罪とするか無罪とするか?」

“Not guilty, my lord,” said I.

my lord (裁判長) [名] a title used to address a judge

「無罪です、裁判長」と私は言った。

“Vox populi, vox Dei.

Vox populi, vox Dei. (民の声は神の声) [名] a Latin phrase meaning "the voice of the people is the voice of God"

「民の声は神の声。

You are acquitted, Captain Crocker.

acquit (無罪にする) [動] free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty

無罪です、クロッカー船長。

So long as the law does not find some other victim you are safe from me.

法律が他の犠牲者を見つけない限り、あなたは私から安全です。

Come back to this lady in a year, and may her future and yours justify us in the judgment which we have pronounced this night!”

一年後にこの女性の所に戻って来なさい、そして彼女の未来とあなたの未来が、今夜私たちが下した判断を正当化しますように!」

THE ADVENTURE OF THE SECOND STAIN

第二のしみの冒険

I had intended “The Adventure of the Abbey Grange” to be the last of those exploits of my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, which I should ever communicate to the public.

The Adventure of the Abbey Grange (アビー・グレンジの冒険) [名] a short story by Arthur Conan Doyle

私は「アビー・グレンジの冒険」を、私の友人シャーロック・ホームズの功績の最後として、私が公衆に伝えるべきものと考えていた。

This resolution of mine was not due to any lack of material, since I have notes of many hundreds of cases to which I have never alluded, nor was it caused by any waning interest on the part of my readers in the singular personality and unique methods of this remarkable man.

allude (言及する) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

wane (低下) [動] decrease in size, amount, or intensity

私のこの決意は、私がこれまで言及したことのない何百もの事件の記録を持っているので、材料不足によるものでもなければ、この注目すべき人物の独特な個性と独自の方法に対する読者の関心の低下によるものでもなかった。

The real reason lay in the reluctance which Mr. Holmes has shown to the continued publication of his experiences.

reluctance (消極的な態度) [名] unwillingness to do something

本当の理由は、ホームズ氏が彼の経験の継続的な出版に対して示した消極的な態度にあった。

So long as he was in actual professional practice the records of his successes were of some practical value to him, but since he has definitely retired from London and betaken himself to study and bee-farming on the Sussex Downs, notoriety has become hateful to him, and he has peremptorily requested that his wishes in this matter should be strictly observed.

practice (行う) [動] carry out or perform

Sussex Downs (サセックス・ダウンズ) [名] a chalk escarpment in south-east England

hateful (忌まわしい) [形] deserving strong dislike or hatred

request (要求する) [動] ask for something formally or politely

peremptorily (断固として) [副] in a way that does not allow contradiction or refusal

彼が実際に職業として探偵業を行っていた間は、彼の成功の記録は彼にとってある程度実用的な価値があったが、彼はロンドンから完全に引退し、サセックス・ダウンズで研究と養蜂に専念するようになってからは、名声は彼にとって忌まわしいものとなり、彼はこの件に関して彼の希望を厳守するよう断固として要求した。

It was only upon my representing to him that I had given a promise that “The Adventure of the Second Stain” should be published when the times were ripe, and pointing out to him that it is only appropriate that this long series of episodes should culminate in the most important international case which he has ever been called upon to handle, that I at last succeeded in obtaining his consent that a carefully guarded account of the incident should at last be laid before the public.

represent (告げる) [動] to state or express in words

publish (出版する) [動] to prepare and issue for public distribution, especially for sale

ripe (熟した) [形] (of fruit or grain) ready to be eaten or harvested

appropriate (適切) [形] suitable or proper in the circumstances

international (国際的な) [形] existing, occurring, or carried on between two or more nations

consent (同意) [名] permission for something to happen or agreement to do something

guard (守る) [動] to protect from danger, harm, or loss

私が彼に「第二のしみの冒険」を時が熟した時に出版すると約束したことを告げ、この長い一連のエピソードが彼がこれまでに扱った中で最も重要な国際的な事件で最高潮に達することが唯一適切であることを指摘して、ようやく私はこの事件の慎重に守られた記録をようやく公衆の前に公開するという彼の同意を得ることに成功した。

If in telling the story I seem to be somewhat vague in certain details, the public will readily understand that there is an excellent reason for my reticence.

物語を語る上で、私が細部にわたってやや曖昧に見えるとしても、私の沈黙には十分な理由があることを皆さんはすぐに理解されるだろう。

It was, then, in a year, and even in a decade, that shall be nameless, that upon one Tuesday morning in autumn we found two visitors of European fame within the walls of our humble room in Baker Street.

in a year (ある年) [名] a period of 365 or 366 days

in a decade (ある十年) [名] a period of ten years

shall be nameless (名を伏せておく) [動] will not be mentioned

upon one Tuesday morning (ある火曜日の朝) [名] the morning of a Tuesday

in autumn (秋に) [名] the season between summer and winter

two visitors (二人の訪問客) [名] two people who visit

of European fame (ヨーロッパで名の知れた) [形] famous in Europe

within the walls of (の中で) [名] inside

our humble room (私たちの粗末な部屋) [名] our modest room

in Baker Street (ベーカー街の) [名] a street in London

ある年、いや、ある十年の、名を伏せておくが、秋のある火曜日の朝、ベーカー街の私たちの粗末な部屋に、ヨーロッパで名の知れた二人の訪問客が訪れた。

The one, austere, high-nosed, eagle-eyed, and dominant, was none other than the illustrious Lord Bellinger, twice Premier of Britain.

high-nosed (鼻の高い) [形] having a high nose

eagle-eyed (鷲のような目の) [形] having keen eyesight

dominant (威圧的な) [形] exercising the most influence or control

Lord Bellinger (ベリンジャー卿) [名] a British peer

Premier of Britain (英国首相) [名] the head of government of the United Kingdom

一人は、厳格で、鼻が高く、鷲のような目で、威圧的な態度で、二度も英国首相を務めた著名なベリンジャー卿だった。

The other, dark, clear-cut, and elegant, hardly yet of middle age, and endowed with every beauty of body and of mind, was the Right Honourable Trelawney Hope, Secretary for European Affairs, and the most rising statesman in the country.

the other (もう一人) [名] the remaining one of two or more people or things

clear-cut (彫りが深い) [形] having clearly defined features

elegant (優雅な) [形] graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

hardly yet (まだ~ない) [副] not even close to

middle age (中年) [名] the period of life from about 45 to 65

beauty (美しさ) [名] a combination of qualities that pleases the aesthetic senses

right honourable (閣下) [形] a title given to certain high officials in the United Kingdom

Trelawney Hope (トレローニー・ホープ) [名] a character in the story

Secretary for European Affairs (ヨーロッパ問題担当大臣) [名] a member of the British government responsible for relations with the European Union

the most rising (最も有望な) [形] having the greatest potential for success

もう一人は、浅黒く、彫りが深く、優雅で、まだ中年にも達していないが、肉体と精神のあらゆる美しさを備えた、ヨーロッパ問題担当大臣で、国内で最も有望な政治家であるトレローニー・ホープ閣下だった。

They sat side by side upon our paper-littered settee, and it was easy to see from their worn and anxious faces that it was business of the most pressing importance which had brought them.

side by side (並んで) [副] next to each other

paper-littered (紙が散らかった) [形] covered with paper

worn (疲れ切った) [形] showing the effects of wear or use

二人は紙が散らかった長椅子に並んで座り、疲れ切った不安そうな顔から、彼らを連れてきたのは最も差し迫った重要な用件であることが容易にわかった。

The Premier’s thin, blue-veined hands were clasped tightly over the ivory head of his umbrella, and his gaunt, ascetic face looked gloomily from Holmes to me.

Premier (首相) [名] the head of a government

blue-veined (青い静脈が浮き出た) [形] having blue veins

tightly (ぎゅっと) [副] firmly or closely

head (柄) [名] the part of a tool or weapon that is held in the hand

gloomily (陰気な) [副] in a dark or depressing way

首相の青い静脈が浮き出た細い手は、象牙の柄の傘をぎゅっと握りしめ、やせ細った禁欲的な顔は、ホームズから私へと陰気な視線を向けた。

The European Secretary pulled nervously at his moustache and fidgeted with the seals of his watch-chain.

European Secretary (ヨーロッパ問題担当大臣) [名] the head of the European Department of the British government

pull (ひっぱる) [動] exert force on (someone or something) so as to move or try to move them toward oneself or away from oneself

ヨーロッパ問題担当大臣は神経質そうに口ひげをひっぱったり、時計の鎖の印章をもてあそんだりした。

“When I discovered my loss, Mr. Holmes, which was at eight o’clock this morning, I at once informed the Prime Minister.

inform (報告する) [動] give (someone) information about something

「ホームズさん、私が紛失に気づいたのは今朝の八時で、すぐに首相に報告しました。

It was at his suggestion that we have both come to you.”

at one's suggestion (~の提案で) [名] on the advice or recommendation of someone

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

二人でここに来たのは首相の提案です」

“Have you informed the police?”

「警察には連絡しましたか?」

“No, sir,” said the Prime Minister, with the quick, decisive manner for which he was famous.

Prime Minister (首相) [名] the head of the government in a country with a parliamentary system

decisive (決断力のある) [形] having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively

「いいえ」と首相は、彼の有名な素早い決断力のある態度で答えた。

“We have not done so, nor is it possible that we should do so.

「そうはしておりませんし、そうすることもできません。

To inform the police must, in the long run, mean to inform the public.

long run (長い目) [名] a period of time in which all factors of production and costs can be varied

public (国民) [名] the people of a country or area as a whole

警察に知らせることは、長い目で見れば、国民に知らせることを意味する。

This is what we particularly desire to avoid.”

これが我々が特に避けたいことです。」

“And why, sir?”

「なぜですか?」

“Because the document in question is of such immense importance that its publication might very easily—I might almost say probably—lead to European complications of the utmost moment.

in question (問題の) [形] being discussed or referred to

immense (非常に) [形] very great in size, amount, or degree

publication (公表) [名] the act of publishing something

complication (複雑な問題) [名] a circumstance that complicates something; a difficulty

「問題の文書は非常に重要なので、その公表は非常に簡単に、おそらくと言ってもいいが、ヨーロッパの複雑な問題につながる可能性があるからです。

It is not too much to say that peace or war may hang upon the issue.

war (戦争) [名] a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state

hang upon (かかっている) [動] depend on

平和か戦争かがこの問題にかかっていると言ってもいいでしょう。

Unless its recovery can be attended with the utmost secrecy, then it may as well not be recovered at all, for all that is aimed at by those who have taken it is that its contents should be generally known.”

recovery (回収) [名] the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost

attend (行われない) [動] be present at

secrecy (秘密) [名] the condition of being kept or done in secret

aim (目的) [名] a purpose or intention

generally (世間に) [副] in most cases; usually

回収が極秘に行われない限り、回収されない方がましです。なぜなら、それを盗んだ者の目的は、その内容を世間に知らしめることだからです。」

“I understand. Now, Mr. Trelawney Hope, I should be much obliged if you would tell me exactly the circumstances under which this document disappeared.”

「分かりました。では、トレローニー・ホープさん、この文書が消えた状況を正確に教えていただければ幸いです。」

“That can be done in a very few words, Mr. Holmes.

very few (ごくわずかな) [形] a very small number of

「それはごく簡単にできます、ホームズさん。

The letter—for it was a letter from a foreign potentate—was received six days ago.

foreign (外国の) [形] of or relating to a country other than one's own

potentate (君主) [名] a monarch or ruler

six days ago (六日前) [名] six days before the present time

その手紙は、外国の君主からの手紙だったのだが、六日前に受け取った。

It was of such importance that I have never left it in my safe, but have taken it across each evening to my house in Whitehall Terrace, and kept it in my bedroom in a locked despatch-box.

such (とても) [形] of a degree or kind indicated

despatch-box (書類箱) [名] a box for holding documents

それはとても重要なものだったので、私はそれを金庫に残しておくことはせず、毎晩ホワイトホール・テラスの自宅に持ち帰り、寝室の鍵のかかった書類箱に保管していた。

It was there last night.

昨夜はそこにあった。

Of that I am certain.

of that (そのことは) [名] that thing

そのことは確かだ。

I actually opened the box while I was dressing for dinner and saw the document inside.

夕食の支度をしている間に箱を開けて、中に書類があるのを見た。

This morning it was gone.

be gone (なくなる) [動] be no longer present or in existence

今朝はなくなっていた。

The despatch-box had stood beside the glass upon my dressing-table all night.

dressing-table (化粧台) [名] a table with a mirror, at which one sits while dressing

書類箱は私の化粧台の鏡の横に一晩中置いてあった。

I am a light sleeper, and so is my wife.

light sleeper (眠りが浅い) [名] a person who is easily woken up

so (同じだ) [副] in the same way

私は眠りが浅く、妻も同じだ。

We are both prepared to swear that no one could have entered the room during the night.

私たちは二人とも、夜中に誰も部屋に入らなかったと誓う用意がある。

And yet I repeat that the paper is gone.”

それでも、私はその書類がなくなったと繰り返す。」

“What time did you dine?”

what time (何時) [名] the time of day

「何時に食事をした?」

“Half-past seven.”

half-past seven (七時半) [名] 30 minutes after 7 o'clock

「七時半」

“How long was it before you went to bed?”

「寝るまでどれくらいかかった?」

“My wife had gone to the theatre.

「妻は劇場に行っていた。

I waited up for her.

wait up (待つ) [動] stay up and wait for someone

私は彼女を待っていた。

It was half-past eleven before we went to our room.”

half-past eleven (十一時半) [名] 30 minutes after 11 o'clock

私たちが部屋に行くのは十一時半だった。」

“Then for four hours the despatch-box had lain unguarded?”

for four hours (四時間も) [副] for the duration of four hours

lie unguarded (放置される) [動] be left without being guarded

「それなら四時間も書類箱は放置されていたのか?」

“No one is ever permitted to enter that room save the house-maid in the morning, and my valet, or my wife’s maid, during the rest of the day.

house-maid (女中) [名] a woman employed in a house on domestic duties

「朝は女中、それ以外の時間は私の従者か妻の女中以外は誰もその部屋に入ることを許されていない。

They are both trusty servants who have been with us for some time.

trusty (信頼できる) [形] reliable and dependable

彼らは二人とも長く仕えてくれている信頼できる召使だ。

Besides, neither of them could possibly have known that there was anything more valuable than the ordinary departmental papers in my despatch-box.”

departmental (省の) [形] of or relating to a department

それに、私の書類箱に普通の省の書類よりも価値のあるものが入っていることを彼らのどちらも知らなかったはずだ。」

“Who did know of the existence of that letter?”

「その手紙の存在を知っていたのは誰だ?」

“No one in the house.”

「この家の誰も知らない。」

“Surely your wife knew?”

「奥さんは知っていただろう?」

“No, sir. I had said nothing to my wife until I missed the paper this morning.”

「いいえ、違います。今朝、書類がなくなったことに気づくまで、妻には何も言いませんでした。」

The Premier nodded approvingly.

首相は承認するようにうなずいた。

“I have long known, sir, how high is your sense of public duty,” said he.

public duty (公務) [名] a duty that is owed to the public

「私は長い間、あなたの公務に対する意識の高さを知っていました」と彼は言った。

“I am convinced that in the case of a secret of this importance it would rise superior to the most intimate domestic ties.”

superior (優先される) [形] higher in rank, status, or quality

intimate (親密な) [形] very close or familiar

tie (絆) [名] a bond or connection between people

「私は、この重要な秘密の場合には、それが最も親密な家庭の絆よりも優先されるだろうと確信しています。」

The European Secretary bowed.

欧州大臣はお辞儀をした。

“You do me no more than justice, sir.

no more than (以上) [副] not more than; only

「あなたは私に正義以上のことはしません。

Until this morning I have never breathed one word to my wife upon this matter.”

breathe (口にする) [動] say or utter

今朝まで、私はこの件について妻に一言も口にしたことはありません。」

“Could she have guessed?”

could (できたでしょうか) [助] have the ability or opportunity to do something

「彼女は推測できたでしょうか?」

“No, Mr. Holmes, she could not have guessed—nor could anyone have guessed.”

could not have guessed (推測できなかったでしょう) [動] to form an opinion or make a judgment about something without having all the facts

have guessed (推測できなかったでしょう) [動] to form an opinion or make a judgment about something without having all the facts

「いいえ、ホームズさん、彼女は推測できなかったでしょうし、誰も推測できなかったでしょう。」

“Have you lost any documents before?”

lose (紛失する) [動] be unable to find

「以前に書類を紛失したことがありますか?」

“No, sir.”

「いいえ、ありません。」

“Who is there in England who did know of the existence of this letter?”

「イギリスでこの手紙の存在を知っている人は誰ですか?」

“Each member of the Cabinet was informed of it yesterday, but the pledge of secrecy which attends every Cabinet meeting was increased by the solemn warning which was given by the Prime Minister.

Cabinet (内閣) [名] the executive body of a government

pledge (誓約) [名] a solemn promise or undertaking

Cabinet meeting (内閣会議) [名] a meeting of the members of a cabinet

warning (警告) [名] a statement or event that indicates a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation

「昨日、内閣の各メンバーに通知されましたが、内閣会議に出席する秘密保持の誓約は、首相による厳粛な警告によって強化されました。

Good heavens, to think that within a few hours I should myself have lost it!”

数時間のうちに私もそれを失っていたはずだと思うと、良かったよ。

His handsome face was distorted with a spasm of despair, and his hands tore at his hair.

distort (歪む) [動] pull or twist out of shape

彼のハンサムな顔は絶望の痙攣で歪み、彼の手は髪の毛を掻きむしった。

For a moment we caught a glimpse of the natural man, impulsive, ardent, keenly sensitive.

for a moment (一瞬) [名] a very short period of time

impulsive (衝動的) [形] acting or done without forethought or planning

ardent (熱烈な) [形] very enthusiastic or passionate

一瞬、私たちは衝動的で熱烈で鋭敏な自然人の姿を垣間見た。

The next the aristocratic mask was replaced, and the gentle voice had returned.

aristocratic (貴族の) [形] belonging to or having the characteristics of the aristocracy

次の瞬間には貴族の仮面が戻り、穏やかな声に戻った。

“Besides the members of the Cabinet there are two, or possibly three, departmental officials who know of the letter.

besides (以外に) [前] in addition to; other than

「内閣のメンバー以外に、その手紙を知っている省庁の役人が2人、あるいは3人いる。

No one else in England, Mr. Holmes, I assure you.”

no one else (他に誰もいない) [名] no other person

イギリスには他に誰もいない、ホームズさん、保証する。」

“But abroad?”

abroad (海外) [副] in or to a foreign country

「しかし、海外では?」

“I believe that no one abroad has seen it save the man who wrote it.

「海外では、それを書いた人間以外は誰も見ていないと思う。

I am well convinced that his Ministers—that the usual official channels have not been employed.”

彼の大臣たち、つまり通常の公式ルートでは使われていないと確信している。」

Holmes considered for some little time.

ホームズはしばらく考えた。

“Now, sir, I must ask you more particularly what this document is, and why its disappearance should have such momentous consequences?”

disappearance (紛失) [名] the state of having disappeared

「では、この文書がどんなもので、なぜそれが紛失すると重大な結果を招くのか、もっと詳しくお聞かせ願いたい。」

The two statesmen exchanged a quick glance

二人の政治家は素早く視線を交わした。

and the Premier’s shaggy eyebrows gathered in a frown.

shaggy (毛深い) [形] having a lot of hair

gather (しかめる) [動] come together

そして首相の毛深い眉がしかめ面になった。

“Mr. Holmes, the envelope is a long, thin one of pale blue colour.

pale blue (水色) [名] a light shade of blue

「ホームズさん、封筒は長くて薄い水色のものです。

There is a seal of red wax stamped with a crouching lion.

red wax (赤い蝋) [名] a type of wax that is red in color

stamp (押してある) [動] to mark with a stamp

crouching lion (うずくまるライオン) [名] a lion that is in a crouching position

赤い蝋で封印してあり、うずくまるライオンの印が押してあります。

It is addressed in large, bold handwriting to——”

handwriting (筆跡) [名] writing done with a pen or pencil

bold (太い) [形] having a strong or vivid appearance

大きくて太い筆跡で宛名が書かれています」

“I fear, sir,” said Holmes, “that, interesting and indeed essential as these details are, my inquiries must go more to the root of things.

root (根源) [名] the cause or source of something

「恐れ入りますが」とホームズは言った、「これらの詳細は興味深く、また確かに重要ですが、私の調査はもっと物事の根源に迫らなければなりません。

What was the letter?”

手紙には何が書いてあったのですか?」

“That is a State secret of the utmost importance, and I fear that I cannot tell you, nor do I see that it is necessary.

State secret (国家機密) [名] a secret of the state

utmost importance (極めて重要) [名] the highest importance

I fear that (残念ながら) [動] I am sorry to say that

I cannot tell you (お話しすることはできません) [動] I am not able to tell you

I do not see that (その必要性も感じません) [動] I do not feel that

「それは極めて重要な国家機密であり、残念ながらお話しすることはできませんし、またその必要性も感じません。

If by the aid of the powers which you are said to possess you can find such an envelope as I describe with its enclosure, you will have deserved well of your country, and earned any reward which it lies in our power to bestow.”

by the aid of (の助けを借りて) [前] with the help of

enclosure (中身) [名] something that is enclosed in a letter

もしあなたがお持ちだと言われる能力の助けを借りて、私が説明した封筒とその中身を見つけることができれば、あなたは国に貢献したことになり、私たちが授与できるあらゆる報酬を受けるに値するでしょう」

Sherlock Holmes rose with a smile.

シャーロック・ホームズは微笑みながら立ち上がった。

“You are two of the most busy men in the country,” said he, “and in my own small way I have also a good many calls upon me.

call (用事) [名] a reason or need to go somewhere or to do something

「あなた方はこの国で最も忙しいお二人です」と彼は言った。「私もまた、自分なりに多くの用事があります。

I regret exceedingly that I cannot help you in this matter, and any continuation of this interview would be a waste of time.”

regret (残念に思う) [動] feel sad or disappointed about something

continuation (継続) [名] the action of carrying something on over a period of time

waste (無駄) [名] an act or instance of using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

この件ではお役に立てず、大変申し訳ありませんが、この面談を続けても時間の無駄でしょう」

The Premier sprang to his feet with that quick, fierce gleam of his deep-set eyes before which a Cabinet has cowered.

首相は、内閣が恐れおののく、あの深く落ち窪んだ目の素早い激しい輝きを放ちながら、立ち上がった。

“I am not accustomed, sir,” he began, but mastered his anger and resumed his seat.

be accustomed (慣れている) [動] be used to something

begin (言い始める) [動] start to do or say something

resume (着く) [動] begin again

「私は慣れていません、旦那」と彼は言い始めたが、怒りを抑えて席に着いた。

For a minute or more we all sat in silence.

for a minute (一分間) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

or more (以上) [副] more than

一分以上、私たちは皆黙って座っていた。

Then the old statesman shrugged his shoulders.

それから老政治家は肩をすくめた。

“We must accept your terms, Mr. Holmes.

「私たちはあなたの条件を受け入れざるを得ません、ホームズさん。

No doubt you are right, and it is unreasonable for us to expect you to act unless we give you our entire confidence.”

unreasonable (無理な) [形] not guided by or based on good sense

間違いなくあなたは正しいし、私たちがあなたに全幅の信頼を置かなければ、あなたが行動してくれると期待するのは無理なことです。」

“I agree with you,” said the younger statesman.

「私はあなたに同意します」と若い政治家は言った。

“Then I will tell you, relying entirely upon your honour and that of your colleague, Dr. Watson.

rely (頼る) [動] depend on

「では、あなたとあなたの同僚のワトソン博士の名誉に全面的に頼って、お話ししましょう。

I may appeal to your patriotism also, for I could not imagine a greater misfortune for the country than that this affair should come out.”

patriotism (愛国心) [名] love of one's country

私はあなたの愛国心にも訴えかけるかもしれません、なぜならこの事件が明るみに出ること以上に国にとって大きな不幸を想像することはできないからです。」

“You may safely trust us.”

safely (安心して) [副] without risk of danger, injury, or loss

「安心して私たちを信頼して下さい。」

“The letter, then, is from a certain foreign potentate who has been ruffled by some recent Colonial developments of this country.

ruffle (悩ます) [動] disturb or discompose

Colonial (植民地の) [形] of or relating to a colony or colonies

「では、その手紙は、この国の最近の植民地の発展に悩まされているある外国の君主からのものです。

It has been written hurriedly and upon his own responsibility entirely.

hurriedly (急いで) [副] in a hurried manner

それは急いで書かれ、彼自身の責任で書かれています。

Inquiries have shown that his Ministers know nothing of the matter.

調査によると、彼の大臣はその件について何も知らないことが分かりました。

At the same time it is couched in so unfortunate a manner, and certain phrases in it are of so provocative a character, that its publication would undoubtedly lead to a most dangerous state of feeling in this country.

couch (表現する) [動] to express in words

phrase (フレーズ) [名] a small group of words forming a unit

provocative (挑発的な) [形] tending to provoke

同時に、それは非常に不幸な方法で表現されており、その中の特定のフレーズは非常に挑発的な性格を持っているので、その出版は間違いなくこの国で最も危険な感情の状態につながるでしょう。

There would be such a ferment, sir, that I do not hesitate to say that within a week of the publication of that letter this country would be involved in a great war.”

ferment (騒動) [名] a state of great excitement or agitation

そのような騒動が起こるでしょう、その手紙の出版から一週間以内にこの国は大戦争に巻き込まれると私はためらうことなく言います。」

Holmes wrote a name upon a slip of paper and handed it to the Premier.

ホームズは紙に名前を書いて首相に渡した。

“Exactly. It was he.

「その通り。彼だった。

And it is this letter—this letter which may well mean the expenditure of a thousand millions and the lives of a hundred thousand men—which has become lost in this unaccountable fashion.”

expenditure (支出) [名] the action of spending money

lost (失われる) [動] be unable to find

unaccountable (説明のつかない) [形] unable to be explained or accounted for

そして、この手紙、つまり10億の支出と10万人の命を意味するかもしれないこの手紙が、この説明のつかない方法で失われてしまったのです。」

“Have you informed the sender?”

「送り主に知らせましたか?」

“Yes, sir, a cipher telegram has been despatched.”

despatch (送る) [動] send off to a destination or for a purpose

「はい、暗号電報を送りました。」

“Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter.”

publication (公開) [名] the act of making something public

「おそらく彼は手紙の公開を望んでいるのでしょう。」

“No, sir, we have strong reason to believe that he already understands that he has acted in an indiscreet and hot-headed manner.

「いいえ、彼はすでに自分が軽率で短気な行動をとったことを理解していると信じるに足る強い理由があります。

It would be a greater blow to him and to his country than to us if this letter were to come out.”

come out (公表される) [動] be made public

この手紙が公表されれば、我々よりも彼と彼の国にとって大きな打撃となるでしょう。」

“If this is so, whose interest is it that the letter should come out?

「そうであれば、手紙が公表されることで誰が利益を得るのか?

Why should anyone desire to steal it or to publish it?”

なぜ誰かがそれを盗んだり、公表したりしたいと思うのか?」

“There, Mr. Holmes, you take me into regions of high international politics.

region (領域) [名] an area or division of a country, the world, or the universe

「ホームズさん、あなたは私を国際政治の領域に連れて行こうとしている。

But if you consider the European situation you will have no difficulty in perceiving the motive.

European (ヨーロッパの) [形] of or relating to Europe or its people

しかし、ヨーロッパの状況を考えれば、動機を理解するのは難しくないだろう。

The whole of Europe is an armed camp.

armed (武装した) [形] having or carrying a weapon or weapons

camp (キャンプ) [名] a place with temporary accommodations of huts, tents, or other structures

ヨーロッパ全体が武装したキャンプだ。

There is a double league which makes a fair balance of military power.

double league (二重の同盟) [名] a union of two groups or organizations

fair balance (公正なバランス) [名] a state of equilibrium or equipoise

military power (軍事力) [名] the ability of a country to fight a war

軍事力の公正なバランスを保つ二重の同盟がある。

Great Britain holds the scales.

Great Britain (イギリス) [名] an island in the North Atlantic off the north coast of continental Europe

イギリスが天秤を握っている。

If Britain were driven into war with one confederacy, it would assure the supremacy of the other confederacy, whether they joined in the war or not.

be driven into (突入する) [動] be forced to enter

confederacy (同盟) [名] a union of states or other organizations

supremacy (優位性) [名] the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status

もしイギリスが一方と同盟を結んで戦争に突入すれば、もう一方の同盟は戦争に参加するかどうかにかかわらず、その優位性が保証される。

Do you follow?”

理解できるか?」

“Very clearly. It is then the interest of the enemies of this potentate to secure and publish this letter, so as to make a breach between his country and ours?”

secure (入手する) [動] obtain by care, effort, or force

breach (亀裂) [名] an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct

「とてもよく分かります。すると、この権力者の敵は、この手紙を入手して公表し、彼の国と我が国の間に亀裂を生じさせることが利益になるわけだ?」

“Yes, sir.”

「はい、そうです。」

“And to whom would this document be sent if it fell into the hands of an enemy?”

fall into the hands of (手に渡る) [動] come into the possession of

「そして、この文書が敵の手に渡った場合、誰に送られるだろうか?」

“To any of the great Chancelleries of Europe.

「ヨーロッパのいずれかの大使館に送られるでしょう。

It is probably speeding on its way thither at the present instant as fast as steam can take it.”

speed (急ぐ) [動] move or cause to move quickly

steam (蒸気) [名] water in the form of an invisible gas or vapor

take (許す) [動] allow or permit

おそらく、蒸気機関の許す限りの速さで、今もそこに向かっているでしょう。」

Mr. Trelawney Hope dropped his head on his chest and groaned aloud.

chest (胸) [名] the upper front part of the human body

トレローニー・ホープ氏は頭を胸に落とし、大声でうめいた。

The Premier placed his hand kindly upon his shoulder.

首相は優しく彼の肩に手を置いた。

“It is your misfortune, my dear fellow.

「それは君の不幸だ、友よ。

No one can blame you.

誰も君を責めることはできない。

There is no precaution which you have neglected.

neglect (怠る) [動] fail to care for properly

君が怠った予防策はない。

Now, Mr. Holmes, you are in full possession of the facts.

in full possession of (すべて把握した) [動] to have complete knowledge or understanding of something

これで、ホームズさん、あなたは事実をすべて把握した。

What course do you recommend?”

course (方針) [名] a plan of action

どんな方針を勧めますか?」

Holmes shook his head mournfully.

mournfully (悲しげに) [副] in a sad manner

ホームズは悲しげに頭を振った。

“You think, sir, that unless this document is recovered there will be war?”

「この文書が回収されない限り戦争が起こるとお考えですか?」

“I think it is very probable.”

「非常にありうると思います。」

“Then, sir, prepare for war.”

「では、戦争の準備をしてください。」

“That is a hard saying, Mr. Holmes.”

「それは厳しい言葉ですね、ホームズさん。」

“Consider the facts, sir.

consider (考慮する) [動] think carefully about

「事実を考慮してください。

It is inconceivable that it was taken after eleven-thirty at night, since I understand that Mr. Hope and his wife were both in the room from that hour until the loss was found out.

eleven-thirty (十一時半) [名] the time 11:30

Mr. Hope (ホープ氏) [名] the husband of Mrs. Hope

find out (発覚する) [動] to discover or notice something

夜の十一時半以降に盗まれたとは考えられない。なぜなら、ホープ氏とその妻は、その時間から紛失が発覚するまで部屋にいたはずだからだ。

It was taken, then, yesterday evening between seven-thirty and eleven-thirty, probably near the earlier hour, since whoever took it evidently knew that it was there and would naturally secure it as early as possible.

yesterday evening (昨日の夕方) [名] the evening of the day before today

seven-thirty (七時半) [名] half past seven

earlier hour (早い時間帯) [名] a time that is earlier than the present time

as early as possible (できるだけ早く) [副] at the earliest possible time

だとすれば、昨日の夕方七時半から十一時半の間に盗まれたことになる。おそらく、早い時間帯だろう。盗んだ者は、それがそこにあることを知っていたに違いないし、当然、できるだけ早く手に入れようとしただろうからだ。

Now, sir, if a document of this importance were taken at that hour, where can it be now?

さて、もしこの重要な書類がその時間帯に盗まれたとしたら、今どこにあるだろうか?

No one has any reason to retain it.

have any reason (理由がある) [動] have a cause or explanation for something

retain (保持する) [動] keep in one's possession

誰もそれを保持する理由はない。

It has been passed rapidly on to those who need it.

それを必要とする者に素早く渡されたはずだ。

What chance have we now to overtake or even to trace it?

それを追いかけたり、足跡をたどったりするチャンスはどれほどあるだろうか?

It is beyond our reach.”

beyond (超えて) [前] at or to the further side of

我々の手の届く範囲を超えている。」

The Prime Minister rose from the settee.

首相は長椅子から立ち上がった。

“What you say is perfectly logical, Mr. Holmes.

「あなたの言うことは全く論理的だ、ホームズさん。

I feel that the matter is indeed out of our hands.”

out of (手に負えない) [前] beyond the control or reach of

事態は確かに我々の手に負えないと感じている。」

“Let us presume, for argument’s sake, that the document was taken by the maid or by the valet——”

for argument's sake (議論のために) [副] for the sake of argument

「議論のために、書類がメイドか従者に盗まれたと仮定しよう。」

“They are both old and tried servants.”

tried (信頼できる) [形] tested and proved to be good or true

「彼らは二人とも古くからの信頼できる使用人だ。」

“I understand you to say that your room is on the second floor, that there is no entrance from without, and that from within no one could go up unobserved.

within (内側) [名] the inner part

unobserved (気づかれない) [形] not observed

「あなたの部屋は二階にあり、外から入口はなく、内側から誰も気づかれずに上がることはできないとあなたが言うのは理解できる。

It must, then, be somebody in the house who has taken it.

then (だとすれば) [副] in that case; in such a case

somebody (誰か) [名] some person

だとすれば、それを盗んだのは家の中の誰かであるに違いない。

To whom would the thief take it?

泥棒はそれを誰に持っていくだろうか?

To one of several international spies and secret agents, whose names are tolerably familiar to me.

secret agent (秘密工作員) [名] a person employed by a state or political organization to carry out espionage or sabotage

私にはかなりおなじみの国際的なスパイや秘密工作員の誰かのところだろう。

There are three who may be said to be the heads of their profession.

その道のトップと言える人物が三人いる。

I will begin my research by going round and finding if each of them is at his post.

go round (調べる) [動] to move or travel around something

私はまず、彼らがそれぞれ自分の持ち場にいるのかを調べることから始めよう。

If one is missing—especially if he has disappeared since last night—we will have some indication as to where the document has gone.”

have some indication (何らかの手がかりが得られる) [動] have some idea or knowledge of

もし誰かが行方不明なら、特に昨夜から姿を消しているなら、その文書がどこに行ったかについて何らかの手がかりが得られるだろう。」

“Why should he be missing?” asked the European Secretary.

「なぜ彼が行方不明になるのか?」とヨーロッパ担当大臣は尋ねた。

“He would take the letter to an Embassy in London, as likely as not.”

「彼は手紙をロンドンの大使館に持っていくだろう。」

“I fancy not. These agents work independently, and their relations with the Embassies are often strained.”

fancy (思わない) [動] imagine or believe something to be the case

embassy (大使館) [名] the official office of a diplomat

「そうは思わない。これらの工作員は独立して活動しており、大使館との関係はしばしば緊張している。」

The Prime Minister nodded his acquiescence.

首相は黙ってうなずいた。

“I believe you are right, Mr. Holmes.

「あなたの言う通りだと思う、ホームズさん。

He would take so valuable a prize to headquarters with his own hands.

take (運ぶ) [動] carry or transport

prize (獲物) [名] something that is won as a reward for success or achievement

彼はそのような貴重な獲物を自分の手で本部に運ぶだろう。

I think that your course of action is an excellent one.

あなたの行動方針は素晴らしいと思う。

Meanwhile, Hope, we cannot neglect all our other duties on account of this one misfortune.

一方で、ホープ、この一つの不幸のために他のすべての義務を怠ることはできない。

Should there be any fresh developments during the day we shall communicate with you, and you will no doubt let us know the results of your own inquiries.”

should there be (あれば) [条] if there is

during the day (日中) [名] the time of day when it is light

日中に何か新しい進展があれば、私たちはあなたと連絡を取り、あなたは間違いなくあなた自身の調査結果を私たちに知らせてくれるでしょう。」

The two statesmen bowed and walked gravely from the room.

二人の政治家はお辞儀をして、部屋から厳かに歩いていった。

When our illustrious visitors had departed Holmes lit his pipe in silence and sat for some time lost in the deepest thought.

私たちの著名な訪問者が去った後、ホームズは黙ってパイプに火をつけ、しばらくの間、深い考えに耽って座っていた。

I had opened the morning paper and was immersed in a sensational crime which had occurred in London the night before, when my friend gave an exclamation, sprang to his feet, and laid his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.

immerse (夢中になる) [動] involve oneself deeply in

give an exclamation (叫び声を上げる) [動] cry out

私は朝刊を開き、前夜ロンドンで起こったセンセーショナルな犯罪に夢中になっていたが、その時友人が叫び声を上げ、飛び起きて、パイプをマントルピースの上に置いた。

“Yes,” said he, “there is no better way of approaching it.

「そうですね」と彼は言った、「それに近づくより良い方法はありません。

The situation is desperate, but not hopeless.

状況は絶望的だが、希望がないわけではない。

Even now, if we could be sure which of them has taken it, it is just possible that it has not yet passed out of his hands.

just possible (可能性がある) [形] possible but not certain

pass out of (離れる) [動] leave or go away from

今でも、どちらがそれを取ったか確信が持てれば、まだ彼の手から離れていない可能性がある。

After all, it is a question of money with these fellows, and I have the British treasury behind me.

treasury (財務省) [名] the department of a government responsible for collecting and managing the national revenue

結局のところ、それはこれらの仲間とのお金の問題であり、私は私の後ろにイギリスの財務省を持っている。

If it’s on the market I’ll buy it—if it means another penny on the income-tax.

on the market (市場に出回っている) [形] available for purchase

income-tax (所得税) [名] a tax on the income of individuals or businesses

それが市場に出回っているなら、私はそれを買うだろうーそれが所得税にもう一ペニーを意味するとしても。

It is conceivable that the fellow might hold it back to see what bids come from this side before he tries his luck on the other.

hold back (差し控える) [動] refrain from doing something

bid (入札) [名] an offer to buy something at a stated price

彼が他の側で運を試す前に、この側からどんな入札があるかを見るために、彼がそれを差し控えるかもしれないことは考えられる。

There are only those three capable of playing so bold a game—there are Oberstein, La Rothiere, and Eduardo Lucas.

playing (プレイする) [動] engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

Oberstein (オバースタイン) [名] a town in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

La Rothiere (ラ・ロティエール) [名] a commune in the Aube department in north-central France

Eduardo Lucas (エドゥアルド・ルーカス) [名] a character in the story "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle

そのような大胆なゲームをプレイできる能力があるのは、オバースタイン、ラ・ロティエール、エドゥアルド・ルーカスの3人だけだ。

I will see each of them.”

私は彼らそれぞれに会うつもりだ。」

I glanced at my morning paper.

私は朝刊をちらっと見た。

“Is that Eduardo Lucas of Godolphin Street?”

Godolphin Street (ゴドルフィン街) [名] a street in London

「それはゴドルフィン街のエドゥアルド・ルーカスですか?」

“Yes.”

「そうです。」

“You will not see him.”

will (できない) [助] expressing willingness, intention, or ability

「彼に会うことはできない。」

“Why not?”

why not (なぜ) [副] for what reason; for what purpose

「なぜ?」

“He was murdered in his house last night.”

「彼は昨夜自宅で殺害された。」

My friend has so often astonished me in the course of our adventures that it was with a sense of exultation that I realized how completely I had astonished him.

sense (念) [名] a feeling or impression

exultation (歓喜) [名] great happiness or triumph

私の友人は、これまでの冒険の中で何度も私を驚かせてきたので、私が彼をどれほど驚かせたかを悟ったときには、歓喜の念を抱いた。

He stared in amazement, and then snatched the paper from my hands.

snatch (ひったくる) [動] seize or grab suddenly or forcibly

彼は驚いて見つめ、それから私の手から紙をひったくった。

This was the paragraph which I had been engaged in reading when he rose from his chair:

彼が椅子から立ち上がったとき、私が読んでいた段落はこうだった。

MURDER IN WESTMINSTER

ウェストミンスターでの殺人

A crime of mysterious character was committed last night at 16, Godolphin Street, one of the old-fashioned and secluded rows of eighteenth century houses which lie between the river and the Abbey, almost in the shadow of the great Tower of the Houses of Parliament.

eighteenth century (18世紀) [名] the period from 1701 to 1800

river (川) [名] a large natural stream of water

Houses of Parliament (国会議事堂) [名] the building in London where the British Parliament meets

昨夜、ゴドルフィン街16番地で謎の犯罪が起こった。ゴドルフィン街は、川と修道院の間にあり、国会議事堂の大塔の影に隠れるように建つ、18世紀の古風で人里離れた家並みの1つである。

This small but select mansion has been inhabited for some years by Mr. Eduardo Lucas, well-known in society circles both on account of his charming personality and because he has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the best amateur tenors in the country.

select (上品な) [形] carefully chosen

mansion (邸宅) [名] a large, impressive house

society circle (社交界) [名] a group of people who meet regularly for social activities

well-deserved (当然の) [形] worthy of being given or received

tenor (テノール) [名] the highest natural adult male voice

この小さいながらも上品な邸宅には、エドゥアルド・ルーカス氏が数年間住んでいた。彼は、その魅力的な人柄と、国内で最も優れたアマチュアテノールの一人であるという評判の良さから、社交界でよく知られていた。

Mr. Lucas is an unmarried man, thirty-four years of age, and his establishment consists of Mrs. Pringle, an elderly housekeeper, and of Mitton, his valet.

Mr. Lucas (ルーカス氏) [名] a man

unmarried (独身) [形] not married

thirty-four years of age (三十四歳) [名] the age of thirty-four

Mrs. Pringle (プリングル夫人) [名] a woman

Mitton (ミットン) [名] a man

ルーカス氏は三十四歳の独身男性で、年配の家政婦のプリングル夫人と従者のミットンが住み込みで働いていた。

The former retires early and sleeps at the top of the house.

the former (前者) [名] the first of two things mentioned

前者は早めに引退し、家の一番上で寝ている。

The valet was out for the evening, visiting a friend at Hammersmith.

従者は夕方、ハマースミスの友人を訪ねて外出していた。

From ten o’clock onward Mr. Lucas had the house to himself.

onward (以降) [副] from a particular time on

have to oneself (独り占めする) [動] have something all to oneself

十時以降、ルーカス氏は家を独り占めしていた。

What occurred during that time has not yet transpired, but at a quarter to twelve Police-constable Barrett, passing along Godolphin Street observed that the door of No. 16 was ajar.

transpire (明らかになる) [動] become known

quarter (十五分) [名] a period of three months

Police-constable (警察巡査) [名] a police officer of the lowest rank

Barrett (バレット) [名] a surname

pass (通りかかる) [動] go past

ajar (半開き) [形] slightly open

その間に何が起こったのかはまだ明らかになっていないのだが、十二時十五分前、ゴドルフィン街を通りかかった警察巡査バレットは、十六番地の扉が半開きになっているのに気づいた。

He knocked, but received no answer.

彼はノックしたが、返事はなかった。

Perceiving a light in the front room, he advanced into the passage and again knocked, but without reply.

彼は正面の部屋に明かりがついているのに気づき、通路を進んで再びノックしたが、返事はなかった。

He then pushed open the door and entered.

そこで彼はドアを押し開けて中に入った。

The room was in a state of wild disorder, the furniture being all swept to one side, and one chair lying on its back in the centre.

wild disorder (ひどく乱れた状態) [名] a state of great confusion or untidiness

one chair (一脚の椅子) [名] a seat with a back and usually four legs

部屋はひどく乱れた状態で、家具はすべて片側に寄せられ、一脚の椅子が真ん中に仰向けに倒れていた。

Beside this chair, and still grasping one of its legs, lay the unfortunate tenant of the house.

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

この椅子の横に、まだその脚の1本を握りしめたまま、その家の不幸な住人が横たわっていた。

He had been stabbed to the heart and must have died instantly.

彼は心臓を刺されて即死したに違いなかった。

The knife with which the crime had been committed was a curved Indian dagger, plucked down from a trophy of Oriental arms which adorned one of the walls.

Indian (インドの) [形] of or relating to India or its people

dagger (短剣) [名] a short, sharp knife with a pointed blade

pluck down (取り外す) [動] remove or detach

trophy (トロフィー) [名] a cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize

Oriental (東洋の) [形] of or relating to the Orient

arm (武器) [名] a means of offense or defense

犯行に使用されたナイフは、壁の1つを飾っていた東洋の武器のトロフィーから取り外された、曲がったインドの短剣だった。

Robbery does not appear to have been the motive of the crime, for there had been no attempt to remove the valuable contents of the room.

強盗が犯行の動機だったようには見えなかった、というのも部屋の貴重な中身を持ち去ろうとした形跡がなかったからだ。

Mr. Eduardo Lucas was so well-known and popular that his violent and mysterious fate will arouse painful interest and intense sympathy in a widespread circle of friends.

mysterious (謎めいた) [形] difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify

arouse (呼び起こす) [動] evoke or awaken

エドゥアルド・ルーカス氏は非常に有名で人気があったため、彼の暴力的で謎めいた運命は、広範囲の友人たちの間で痛ましい関心と強い同情を呼び起こすだろう。

“Well, Watson, what do you make of this?” asked Holmes, after a long pause.

「さて、ワトソン、君はこれをどう思う?」と長い沈黙の後でホームズが尋ねた。

“It is an amazing coincidence.”

「驚くべき偶然だ」

“A coincidence! Here is one of the three men whom we had named as possible actors in this drama, and he meets a violent death during the very hours when we know that that drama was being enacted.

「偶然! ここに、この劇の出演者の可能性があると我々が名指しした三人の男の一人がいる。そして彼は、我々がその劇が上演されていたと知っているまさにその時間帯に、暴力的な死を迎えている。

The odds are enormous against its being coincidence.

odds (可能性) [名] the probability that one thing is so or will happen rather than another

enormous (非常に低い) [形] very large or great

それが偶然である可能性は非常に低い。

No figures could express them.

どんな数字もそれを表現することはできない。

No, my dear Watson, the two events are connected—must be connected.

connect (つながっている) [動] to join or fasten together

いや、ワトソン君、この二つの事件はつながっている、つながっているに違いない。

It is for us to find the connection.”

我々はそのつながりを見つけなければならない。」

“But now the official police must know all.”

「しかし、今や警察はすべてを知っているに違いない。」

“Not at all. They know all they see at Godolphin Street. They know—and shall know—nothing of Whitehall Terrace. Only we know of both events, and can trace the relation between them.

Whitehall Terrace (ホワイトホールテラス) [名] a street in London

「全然違う。彼らはゴドルフィン街で見たことをすべて知っている。彼らはホワイトホールテラスについては何も知らないし、知ることもないだろう。我々だけが両方の事件を知っており、それらの関係をたどることができる。

There is one obvious point which would, in any case, have turned my suspicions against Lucas. Godolphin Street, Westminster, is only a few minutes’ walk from Whitehall Terrace.

Lucas (ルーカス) [名] a male given name

いずれにせよ、私の疑いをルーカスに向けさせる明白な点が一つある。ウェストミンスターのゴドルフィン街はホワイトホールテラスから徒歩数分のところにある。

The other secret agents whom I have named live in the extreme West End. It was easier, therefore, for Lucas than for the others to establish a connection or receive a message from the European Secretary’s household—a small thing, and yet where events are compressed into a few hours it may prove essential.

extreme (端) [名] the furthest point or limit

West End (ウェストエンド) [名] the western part of central London

easier (容易だった) [形] able to be achieved with little effort

others (他の者) [名] the remaining one or ones of two or more people or things

prove (重要なことかもしれない) [動] demonstrate the truth or existence of by evidence or argument

私が名を挙げた他の秘密工作員はウェストエンドの端に住んでいる。それゆえ、ルーカスは他の者よりもヨーロッパ担当大臣の家庭と連絡を取ったり、メッセージを受け取ったりすることが容易だった。些細なことだが、事件が数時間に圧縮されている場合には重要なことかもしれない。

Halloa! what have we here?”

おい! これは何だ?」

Mrs. Hudson had appeared with a lady’s card upon her salver.

salver (盆) [名] a tray, usually made of silver, used for presenting letters, cards, or other small articles

ハドソン夫人が盆に載せた女性の名刺を持って現れた。

Holmes glanced at it, raised his eyebrows, and handed it over to me.

hand over (手渡す) [動] give something to someone

ホームズはそれをちらっと見て、眉を上げ、私に手渡した。

“Ask Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope if she will be kind enough to step up,” said he.

Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope (ヒルダ・トレローニー・ホープ夫人) [名] a woman of high social position

kind (ご足労) [形] helpful and generous

step up (願えないか) [動] come forward; present oneself

「ヒルダ・トレローニー・ホープ夫人に、ご足労願えないかお尋ねしてくれ」と彼は言った。

A moment later our modest apartment, already so distinguished that morning, was further honoured by the entrance of the most lovely woman in London.

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

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

distinguished (名誉な) [形] marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence

honoured (光栄な) [形] regarded with great respect

the most lovely woman (最も美しい女性) [名] the woman who is the most beautiful

in London (ロンドンで) [前] within the bounds of London

一瞬後、その朝すでにとても名誉なことに、私たちの質素なアパートは、ロンドンで最も美しい女性の入室によってさらに光栄なこととなった。

I had often heard of the beauty of the youngest daughter of the Duke of Belminster, but no description of it, and no contemplation of colourless photographs, had prepared me for the subtle, delicate charm and the beautiful colouring of that exquisite head.

Duke of Belminster (ベルミンスター公爵) [名] a peer of the United Kingdom

youngest daughter (末娘) [名] the youngest daughter of a family

no description (説明もない) [名] a statement or account giving the characteristics, qualities, or details of someone or something

no contemplation (熟考もない) [名] the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time

colourless (無色の) [形] without colour

subtle (微妙な) [形] so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe

colouring (色彩) [名] the natural colour of a person's skin, hair, and eyes

exquisite (絶妙な) [形] extremely beautiful or delicate

私はベルミンスター公爵の末娘の美しさをよく耳にしていたが、その説明も、無色の写真も、その絶妙な頭の微妙で繊細な魅力と美しい色彩を私に予期させていなかった。

And yet as we saw it that autumn morning, it was not its beauty which would be the first thing to impress the observer.

impress (印象づける) [動] affect strongly or deeply

それでも、その秋の朝に私たちが見たように、観察者に最初に印象づけられるのは、その美しさではなかった。

The cheek was lovely but it was paled with emotion, the eyes were bright but it was the brightness of fever, the sensitive mouth was tight and drawn in an effort after self-command.

fever (熱) [名] a body temperature above the normal range

tight (引き締まる) [形] held or tied together, or held in position, firmly

頬は美しかったが、感情で青ざめ、目は輝いていたが、それは熱の輝きであり、敏感な口は自己制御の努力で引き締まっていた。

Terror—not beauty—was what sprang first to the eye as our fair visitor stood framed for an instant in the open door.

美しさではなく恐怖が、私たちの美しい訪問者が開いたドアに一瞬立ったときに最初に目に飛び込んできたものだった。

“Has my husband been here, Mr. Holmes?”

「私の夫はここに来ましたか、ホームズさん?」

“Yes, madam, he has been here.”

「はい、奥様、彼はここに来ました」

“Mr. Holmes. I implore you not to tell him that I came here.”

「ホームズさん、私がここに来たことを彼に言わないようにお願いします」

Holmes bowed coldly, and motioned the lady to a chair.

motion (勧める) [動] direct or command with a gesture

ホームズは冷たくお辞儀をし、女性に椅子を勧めた。

“Your ladyship places me in a very delicate position.

ladyship (奥様) [名] a title used to address a woman of high social rank

「奥様は私を非常に微妙な立場に置きますね。

I beg that you will sit down and tell me what you desire, but I fear that I cannot make any unconditional promise.”

座って、何を望んでいるのかを話してください。しかし、無条件の約束はできないかもしれません」

She swept across the room and seated herself with her back to the window.

sweep (横切る) [動] move or cause to move quickly and smoothly

彼女は部屋を横切り、窓に背を向けて座った。

It was a queenly presence—tall, graceful, and intensely womanly.

intensely (とても) [副] to a high degree; extremely

女王のような存在感だった。背が高く、優雅で、とても女性的だった。

“Mr. Holmes,” she said—and her white-gloved hands clasped and unclasped as she spoke—“I will speak frankly to you in the hopes that it may induce you to speak frankly in return.

white-gloved (白い手袋をはめた) [形] wearing white gloves

「ホームズさん」と彼女は言った。話している間、白い手袋をはめた手を握ったり開いたりしていた。「私はあなたに率直に話します。そうすれば、あなたも率直に話してくれることを期待しています。

There is complete confidence between my husband and me on all matters save one.

夫と私の間には、1つを除いてすべての事柄について完全な信頼関係があります。

That one is politics.

that one (それは) [代] the one that is mentioned

politics (政治) [名] the activities associated with the governance of a country or area

それは政治です。

On this his lips are sealed.

on this (このことについては) [副] about this

seal (閉ざす) [動] fasten or close securely

このことについては彼は口を閉ざしています。

He tells me nothing.

彼は何も教えてくれません。

Now, I am aware that there was a most deplorable occurrence in our house last night.

most deplorable (最も悲惨な) [形] deserving strong condemnation

さて、私は昨夜、私たちの家で最も悲惨な出来事があったことを知っています。

I know that a paper has disappeared.

disappear (なくなる) [動] cease to exist or be visible

書類がなくなったことは知っています。

But because the matter is political my husband refuses to take me into his complete confidence.

しかし、この問題は政治的なものなので、夫は私を完全に信頼することを拒否しています。

Now it is essential—essential, I say—that I should thoroughly understand it.

さて、私がそれを完全に理解することが不可欠です。

You are the only other person, save only these politicians, who knows the true facts.

politician (政治家) [名] a person who is involved in politics

true fact (真実) [名] something that is true

あなたは、これらの政治家を除いて、真実を知っている唯一の人物です。

I beg you then, Mr. Holmes, to tell me exactly what has happened and what it will lead to.

ホームズさん、何が起こったのか、そしてそれが何につながるのかを正確に教えてください。

Tell me all, Mr. Holmes.

ホームズさん、すべてを教えてください。

Let no regard for your client’s interests keep you silent, for I assure you that his interests, if he would only see it, would be best served by taking me into his complete confidence.

regard (配慮) [名] a feeling of respect and affection

keep silent (沈黙を守る) [動] not say anything

依頼人の利益を守るために沈黙を守る必要はありません。彼の利益は、彼がそれを理解さえすれば、私を完全に信頼することで最もよく守られると保証します。

What was this paper which was stolen?”

be stolen (盗まれる) [動] be taken from someone without their permission

盗まれたこの書類は何だったのか?」

“Madam, what you ask me is really impossible.”

「奥様、私に求められていることは本当に不可能です」

She groaned and sank her face in her hands.

彼女はうめき声を上げ、顔を両手で覆った。

“You must see that this is so, madam.

「奥様、これが事実だとお分かりでしょう。

If your husband thinks fit to keep you in the dark over this matter, is it for me, who has only learned the true facts under the pledge of professional secrecy, to tell what he has withheld?

keep in the dark (隠しておく) [動] to not tell someone about something

think fit (適当だと考える) [動] to consider something to be appropriate or suitable

withhold (隠す) [動] to hold back or keep from doing something

もしあなたのご主人がこの件についてあなたに隠しておくのが適当だと考えるなら、職業上の守秘義務の誓いのもとで真実を知っただけの私が、彼が隠していることを話すわけにはいかない。

It is not fair to ask it.

それを尋ねるのは公平ではない。

It is him whom you must ask.”

it is (~である) [動] used to say that something is the case

あなたは彼に尋ねなければならない。」

“I have asked him.

「私は彼に尋ねた。

I come to you as a last resource.

resource (頼みの綱) [名] a source of supply or support

私は最後の頼みの綱としてあなたを訪ねてきたのです。

But without your telling me anything definite, Mr. Holmes, you may do a great service if you would enlighten me on one point.”

do a great service (大きな貢献をする) [動] be of great help or assistance

enlighten (啓発する) [動] give greater knowledge and understanding to

one point (1点) [名] a single item or detail

しかし、ホームズさん、私に何かはっきりしたことを言わなくても、1点だけ私を啓発してくれるなら、あなたは大きな貢献をしてくれるかもしれない。」

“What is it, madam?”

「それは何ですか、奥様?」

“Is my husband’s political career likely to suffer through this incident?”

political career (政治家としてのキャリア) [名] the series of jobs that a person has in politics

「私の夫の政治家としてのキャリアはこの事件で傷つくでしょうか?」

“Well, madam, unless it is set right it may certainly have a very unfortunate effect.”

set right (正す) [動] to make right or correct

have an effect (影響を与える) [動] to cause a change in something

「ええ、奥様、それが正されない限り、確かに非常に不幸な影響を与えるかもしれません。」

“Ah!”

「ああ!」

She drew in her breath sharply as one whose doubts are resolved.

sharply (鋭く) [副] in a sharp manner

彼女は疑念が解決した人のように鋭く息を吸い込んだ。

“One more question, Mr. Holmes.

「もう一つ質問があります、ホームズさん。

From an expression which my husband dropped in the first shock of this disaster I understood that terrible public consequences might arise from the loss of this document.”

drop (漏らす) [動] let fall or be let fall

expression (言葉) [名] a word or phrase

consequence (影響) [名] a result or effect of an action or condition

この災難の最初の衝撃で夫が漏らした言葉から、私はこの文書の紛失によって恐ろしい公的影響が生じるかもしれないと理解しました。」

“If he said so, I certainly cannot deny it.”

「彼がそう言ったのなら、私は確かにそれを否定することはできない。」

“Of what nature are they?”

of what nature (どんな性質のもの) [名] of what kind or type

「それはどんな性質のものですか?」

“Nay, madam, there again you ask me more than I can possibly answer.”

nay (いいえ) [副] no

「いいえ、奥様、またしても私が答えられる以上の質問をなさっています。」

“Then I will take up no more of your time.

「では、これ以上あなたの時間をとらせません。

I cannot blame you, Mr. Holmes, for having refused to speak more freely, and you on your side will not, I am sure, think the worse of me because I desire, even against his will, to share my husband’s anxieties.

refuse (拒む) [動] indicate unwillingness to accept or consider something

against one's will (意思に反して) [副] unwillingly

ホームズさん、あなたがもっと自由に話すことを拒んだことを私は責めることはできませんし、あなたも、私が夫の意思に反してでも夫の不安を分かち合いたいと思っているからといって、私を悪く思うことはないでしょう。

Once more I beg that you will say nothing of my visit.”

もう一度、私の訪問については何も言わないでください。」

She looked back at us from the door, and I had a last impression of that beautiful haunted face, the startled eyes, and the drawn mouth.

haunted (悩める) [形] having or showing signs of mental anguish or worry

startle (驚かす) [動] cause to feel sudden shock or alarm

彼女はドアから私たちを振り返り、私はその美しい悩める顔、驚いた目、引きつった口の最後の印象を抱いた。

Then she was gone.

be gone (去る) [動] leave a place

それから彼女は去った。

“Now, Watson, the fair sex is your department,” said Holmes, with a smile, when the dwindling frou-frou of skirts had ended in the slam of the front door.

fair sex (女性) [名] women considered as a group

department (専門) [名] a specialized division of a large organization

dwindling (遠ざかる) [形] gradually decreasing in size, amount, or value

frou-frou (衣擦れ) [名] a rustling or swishing sound, as of a woman's skirts

スカートの衣擦れの音が遠ざかり、玄関のドアが閉まる音が聞こえると、「さて、ワトソン、女性は君の専門だ」とホームズは笑顔で言った。

“What was the fair lady’s game?

「この美しい女性のゲームは何だったのか?

What did she really want?”

彼女は本当に何を望んでいたのか?」

“Surely her own statement is clear and her anxiety very natural.”

「確かに彼女自身の説明は明確で、彼女の不安はとても自然なものだ。」

“Hum! Think of her appearance, Watson—her manner, her suppressed excitement, her restlessness, her tenacity in asking questions.

restlessness (落ち着きのなさ) [名] a state of being unable to relax or be still

tenacity (粘り強さ) [名] the quality or state of being able to grip something firmly

「ふむ! 彼女の外見、態度、抑えた興奮、落ち着きのなさ、質問する時の粘り強さを考えてみるといい。

Remember that she comes of a caste who do not lightly show emotion.”

come of (出身である) [動] be the result of

caste (階級) [名] a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or wealth

lightly (軽々しく) [副] in a manner lacking in seriousness or importance

彼女は軽々しく感情を表に出さない階級の出身だということを思い出せ。」

“She was certainly much moved.”

「彼女は確かにとても動揺していた。」

“Remember also the curious earnestness with which she assured us that it was best for her husband that she should know all.

「彼女が全てを知ることが夫にとって一番良いことだと我々に請け合った奇妙な熱心さも思い出せ。

What did she mean by that?

彼女はあれはどういうつもりだったのか?

And you must have observed, Watson, how she manœuvred to have the light at her back.

そしてワトソン、彼女が光を背にするように動いたのを君は見ていたはずだ。

She did not wish us to read her expression.”

彼女は我々に自分の表情を読まれることを望まなかったのだ。」

“Yes, she chose the one chair in the room.”

「そう、彼女は部屋にある椅子を一つ選んだ。」

“And yet the motives of women are so inscrutable.

「それでも女性の動機は不可解だ。

You remember the woman at Margate whom I suspected for the same reason.

Margate (マーゲート) [名] a seaside town in Kent, England

君は私が同じ理由で疑ったマーゲートの女性を覚えているだろう。

No powder on her nose—that proved to be the correct solution.

no powder (粉がついていない) [名] a dry substance consisting of very small particles

彼女の鼻に粉がついていない、それが正しい解決策だと証明された。

How can you build on such a quicksand?

quicksand (流砂) [名] a mixture of sand and water that looks solid but behaves as a liquid

そのような流砂の上にどうやって建てられるのか?

Their most trivial action may mean volumes, or their most extraordinary conduct may depend upon a hairpin or a curling tongs.

volume (多くの) [名] a large amount or number

hairpin (ヘアピン) [名] a U-shaped piece of wire that is used for holding the hair in position

curling tongs (カーリングトング) [名] a tool used for curling hair

彼女たちの最も些細な行動が多くの意味を持つかもしれないし、彼女たちの最も異常な行動がヘアピンやカーリングトングに依存しているかもしれない。

Good-morning, Watson.”

おはよう、ワトソン。」

“You are off?”

「出かけるのか?」

“Yes, I will while away the morning at Godolphin Street with our friends of the regular establishment.

regular establishment (常連) [名] a person who frequents a place

「ああ、午前中はゴドルフィン街の常連の友人と過ごすつもりだ。

With Eduardo Lucas lies the solution of our problem, though I must admit that I have not an inkling as to what form it may take.

エドゥアルド・ルーカスに我々の問題の解決策があるが、それがどんな形をとるかについては全く見当がつかない。

It is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts.

in advance of (先立って) [副] before

theorize (理論を立てる) [動] form a theory about something

事実に先立って理論を立てるのは重大な間違いだ。

Do you stay on guard, my good Watson, and receive any fresh visitors.

stay on guard (見張りをする) [動] be careful and prepared to deal with possible danger

ワトソン君、君は見張りをして、新しい訪問者を迎えてくれ。

I’ll join you at lunch if I am able.”

できれば昼食に加わろう」

All that day and the next and the next Holmes was in a mood which his friends would call taciturn, and others morose.

all that day (その日) [名] the day in question

the next (次の日) [名] the day after the day in question

その日も、次の日も、その次の日も、ホームズは友人なら無口、他人なら不機嫌と呼ぶような気分だった。

He ran out and ran in, smoked incessantly, played snatches on his violin, sank into reveries, devoured sandwiches at irregular hours, and hardly answered the casual questions which I put to him.

run out (走り回る) [動] run around

run in (走り回る) [動] run around

snatch (バイオリン) [名] a small piece of something

sink (ふける) [動] become absorbed in thought

reverie (空想) [名] a state of being pleasantly lost in thought

devour (貪る) [動] eat up greedily

sandwich (サンドイッチ) [名] two pieces of bread with a filling between them

casual (何気ない) [形] relaxed and unconcerned

彼は走り回り、絶えず煙草を吸い、バイオリンを弾き、空想にふけり、不規則な時間にサンドイッチを貪り、私が彼に投げかけた何気ない質問にはほとんど答えなかった。

It was evident to me that things were not going well with him or his quest.

go well (うまくいく) [動] proceed or fare well

彼や彼の探求がうまくいっていないことは私には明らかだった。

He would say nothing of the case, and it was from the papers that I learned the particulars of the inquest, and the arrest with the subsequent release of John Mitton, the valet of the deceased.

John Mitton (ジョン・ミトン) [名] the valet of the deceased

deceased (故人) [名] a dead person

彼は事件については何も語らず、私が検死の詳細や、逮捕された後に釈放された故人の従者ジョン・ミトンのことを知ったのは新聞からだった。

The coroner’s jury brought in the obvious Wilful Murder, but the parties remained as unknown as ever.

coroner's jury (検死官の陪審員) [名] a jury that inquires into the cause of a death

bring in (する) [動] to introduce or establish

wilful murder (故意の殺人) [名] the unlawful killing of another human being with intent to kill

party (犯人) [名] a person or group of people who are involved in a situation or event

remain (不明のままだった) [動] to stay in the same place or condition

検死官の陪審員は明らかに故意の殺人だとしたが、犯人は相変わらず不明のままだった。

No motive was suggested.

動機は示唆されなかった。

The room was full of articles of value, but none had been taken.

部屋には高価な品物がいっぱいあったが、何も盗まれていなかった。

The dead man’s papers had not been tampered with.

死んだ男の書類は改ざんされていなかった。

They were carefully examined, and showed that he was a keen student of international politics, an indefatigable gossip, a remarkable linguist, and an untiring letter writer.

international politics (国際政治) [名] the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations

indefatigable (飽くことのない) [形] not easily exhausted

linguist (言語学者) [名] a person who studies or has knowledge of linguistics

untiring (飽くことのない) [形] not easily exhausted

それらは注意深く調べられ、彼が国際政治の熱心な研究者であり、飽くことのない噂話好きで、優れた言語学者であり、飽くことのない手紙書きであることを示した。

He had been on intimate terms with the leading politicians of several countries.

be on intimate terms with (親密な関係にある) [動] be very friendly with

leading (主要な) [形] most important

彼はいくつかの国の主要な政治家と親密な関係にあった。

But nothing sensational was discovered among the documents which filled his drawers.

しかし、彼の引き出しを埋め尽くした書類の中には、センセーショナルなものは何も発見されなかった。

As to his relations with women, they appeared to have been promiscuous but superficial.

superficial (表面的な) [形] of or relating to the surface

女性との関係については、無差別だが表面的なものだったようだ。

He had many acquaintances among them, but few friends, and no one whom he loved.

acquaintance (知り合い) [名] a person one knows but with whom one is not intimate

彼には多くの知り合いがいたが、友人は少なく、愛する人はいなかった。

His habits were regular, his conduct inoffensive.

regular (規則正しい) [形] done or happening frequently

inoffensive (悪くない) [形] not causing offense or annoyance

彼の習慣は規則正しく、行儀も悪くなかった。

His death was an absolute mystery and likely to remain so.

彼の死は完全な謎であり、今後も謎のままだろう。

As to the arrest of John Mitton, the valet, it was a council of despair as an alternative to absolute inaction.

inaction (不履行) [名] the state of not doing something that should be done

従者のジョン・ミトンの逮捕については、絶対に何もしないよりはましだという絶望的な判断だった。

But no case could be sustained against him.

no case (何も) [名] not a single thing

be sustained (立証される) [動] be proved or confirmed

しかし、彼に対しては何も立証できなかった。

He had visited friends in Hammersmith that night.

彼はその夜ハマースミスの友人を訪ねていた。

The alibi was complete.

alibi (アリバイ) [名] a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place

アリバイは完璧だった。

It is true that he started home at an hour which should have brought him to Westminster before the time when the crime was discovered, but his own explanation that he had walked part of the way seemed probable enough in view of the fineness of the night.

view (考える) [動] consider or regard in a particular way

fineness (天候の良さ) [名] the quality of being fine

彼が家を出た時間から考えると、犯行が発覚する前にウェストミンスターに着いていたはずだが、道の一部を歩いたという彼自身の説明は、夜の天候の良さから考えると十分に信憑性があるように思われた。

He had actually arrived at twelve o’clock, and appeared to be overwhelmed by the unexpected tragedy.

彼は実際には12時に到着し、予期せぬ悲劇に圧倒されているようだった。

He had always been on good terms with his master.

be on good terms with (仲が良い) [動] have a good relationship with

彼はいつも主人と仲が良かった。

Several of the dead man’s possessions—notably a small case of razors—had been found in the valet’s boxes, but he explained that they had been presents from the deceased, and the housekeeper was able to corroborate the story.

possession (持ち物) [名] something that you own

notably (特に) [副] especially

razor (カミソリ) [名] a bladed tool used to remove unwanted hair from the face or body

死んだ男の持ち物がいくつか、特にカミソリの小さなケースが従者の箱の中に見つかったが、彼はそれらは故人からのプレゼントだったと説明し、家政婦はその話を裏付けることができた。

Mitton had been in Lucas’s employment for three years.

be in employment (雇われている) [動] have a job

ミットンはルーカスに3年間雇われていた。

It was noticeable that Lucas did not take Mitton on the Continent with him.

noticeable (注目に値する) [形] worthy of attention

Continent (大陸) [名] a large land mass on Earth

ルーカスがミットンを大陸に連れて行かなかったことは注目に値する。

Sometimes he visited Paris for three months on end, but Mitton was left in charge of the Godolphin Street house.

Paris (パリ) [名] the capital of France

three months (3ヶ月) [名] a period of time

on end (も) [副] continuously

be left in charge of (任される) [動] be given the responsibility for

彼は時々3ヶ月もパリを訪れたが、ミットンはゴドルフィン街の家を任されていた。

As to the housekeeper, she had heard nothing on the night of the crime.

家政婦は、犯行の夜には何も聞いていなかった。

If her master had a visitor he had himself admitted him.

admit (招き入れる) [動] allow to enter

主人に訪問客があったら、主人が自分で招き入れていた。

So for three mornings the mystery remained, so far as I could follow it in the papers.

私が新聞で追跡できる限り、三日間謎は謎のままだった。

If Holmes knew more, he kept his own counsel, but, as he told me that Inspector Lestrade had taken him into his confidence in the case, I knew that he was in close touch with every development.

keep one's own counsel (自分の考えを秘密にする) [動] not reveal one's thoughts or intentions

be in close touch with (密接に触れている) [動] be in frequent or regular communication with

ホームズがもっと知っているなら、彼は自分の考えを秘密にしていたが、彼が私にレストレード警部がこの事件で彼を信頼していると言ったので、私は彼があらゆる進展に密接に触れていることを知っていた。

Upon the fourth day there appeared a long telegram from Paris which seemed to solve the whole question.

fourth day (四日目) [名] the day after the third day

long telegram (長い電報) [名] a long message sent by telegraph

四日目に、パリから長い電報が届き、問題はすべて解決したように思われた。

A discovery has just been made by the Parisian police (said the Daily Telegraph) which raises the veil which hung round the tragic fate of Mr. Eduardo Lucas, who met his death by violence last Monday night at Godolphin Street, Westminster.

Parisian (パリ) [形] of or relating to Paris

パリ警察は、先週の月曜日の夜、ウェストミンスターのゴドルフィン街で暴力によって死んだエドゥアルド・ルーカス氏の悲劇的な運命を覆い隠していたベールを持ち上げる発見をしたばかりだ(デイリー・テレグラフ)。

Our readers will remember that the deceased gentleman was found stabbed in his room, and that some suspicion attached to his valet, but that the case broke down on an alibi.

deceased (亡くなった) [形] no longer living

stab (刺殺) [動] wound or kill someone with a knife or other pointed weapon

attach (かかる) [動] join or connect

break down (決裂する) [動] fail to function

読者の皆さんは、亡くなった紳士が自分の部屋で刺殺されているのが発見され、従者に疑いがかかったが、アリバイが成立せずに事件が決裂したことを覚えているだろう。

Yesterday a lady, who has been known as Mme. Henri Fournaye, occupying a small villa in the Rue Austerlitz, was reported to the authorities by her servants as being insane.

Mme. (夫人) [名] a French title of courtesy for a married woman

Henri Fournaye (アンリ・フルネイ) [名] a French name

occupy (住む) [動] live in

authority (当局) [名] the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

insane (狂っている) [形] in or into a state of mind which prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction

昨日、オーステルリッツ街の小さな別荘に住むアンリ・フルネイ夫人として知られる女性が、使用人から狂っていると当局に通報された。

An examination showed she had indeed developed mania of a dangerous and permanent form.

develop (発症する) [動] come to have or be affected by

mania (狂気) [名] a mental illness characterized by periods of great excitement or euphoria

permanent (永続的な) [形] lasting forever

検査の結果、彼女は確かに危険で永続的な形の狂気を発症していることがわかった。

On inquiry, the police have discovered that Mme. Henri Fournaye only returned from a journey to London on Tuesday last, and there is evidence to connect her with the crime at Westminster.

on inquiry (調べで) [名] an official examination of the facts about a situation, crime, etc.

警察の調べで、アンリ・フルネイ夫人は先週の火曜日にロンドン旅行から帰国したばかりで、ウェストミンスターでの犯罪と彼女を結びつける証拠があることがわかった。

A comparison of photographs has proved conclusively that M. Henri Fournaye and Eduardo Lucas were really one and the same person, and that the deceased had for some reason lived a double life in London and Paris.

comparison (比較) [名] the act of comparing

conclusively (決定的に) [副] in a way that leaves no doubt

one and the same (同一) [形] being one thing and no other

for some reason (何らかの理由で) [副] for a reason that is not known or stated

double life (二重生活) [名] a life in which a person has two different identities or lifestyles

写真を比較した結果、アンリ・フルネイ氏とエドゥアルド・ルーカス氏は実際には同一人物であり、故人は何らかの理由でロンドンとパリで二重生活を送っていたことが決定的に証明された。

Mme. Fournaye, who is of Creole origin, is of an extremely excitable nature, and has suffered in the past from attacks of jealousy which have amounted to frenzy.

Fournaye (フルネイ) [名] a surname

Creole (クレオール) [名] a person of mixed European and black descent

origin (出身) [名] the place where something comes from

suffer (悩む) [動] experience something bad

クレオール出身のフルネイ夫人は、非常に興奮しやすい性格で、過去には狂乱に至るほどの嫉妬の発作に悩まされていた。

It is conjectured that it was in one of these that she committed the terrible crime which has caused such a sensation in London.

彼女がロンドンでこのようなセンセーションを巻き起こした恐ろしい犯罪を犯したのは、そのうちの1つであったと推測されている。

Her movements upon the Monday night have not yet been traced, but it is undoubted that a woman answering to her description attracted much attention at Charing Cross Station on Tuesday morning by the wildness of her appearance and the violence of her gestures.

undoubted (疑う余地のない) [形] certain; definite

attract (注目を集める) [動] draw to oneself or itself

wildness (荒々しさ) [名] the quality of being wild

月曜日の夜の彼女の行動はまだ追跡されていないが、彼女の説明に答える女性が火曜日の朝、チャリング・クロス駅で彼女の外見の荒々しさと身振りの激しさによって多くの注目を集めたことは間違いない。

It is probable, therefore, that the crime was either committed when insane, or that its immediate effect was to drive the unhappy woman out of her mind.

immediate (直接的な) [形] occurring or done without delay

したがって、犯罪は狂気の時に犯されたか、その直接的な影響が不幸な女性を狂わせた可能性がある。

At present she is unable to give any coherent account of the past, and the doctors hold out no hopes of the reestablishment of her reason.

coherent (首尾一貫した) [形] logically consistent

reestablishment (回復) [名] the act of reestablishing something

reason (理性) [名] the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic

現在、彼女は過去について首尾一貫した説明をすることができず、医師たちは彼女の理性が回復する見込みはないと考えている。

There is evidence that a woman, who might have been Mme. Fournaye, was seen for some hours upon Monday night watching the house in Godolphin Street.

might have been (かもしれない) [助] used to express a possibility in the past

月曜日の夜、ゴドルフィン街の家を監視している女性が数時間見られたという証拠がある。

“What do you think of that, Holmes?”

「どう思う、ホームズ?」

I had read the account aloud to him, while he finished his breakfast.

私は彼が朝食を終えるまで、彼にその記事を声を出して読んでいた。

“My dear Watson,” said he, as he rose from the table and paced up and down the room, “You are most long-suffering, but if I have told you nothing in the last three days, it is because there is nothing to tell.

long-suffering (辛抱強い) [形] enduring pain, trouble, or provocation long and patiently

the last three days (この三日間) [名] the three days immediately before the present time

「ワトソン君」彼はテーブルから立ち上がり、部屋を行ったり来たりしながら言った。「君は本当に辛抱強いが、この三日間何も話さなかったのは、話すことがなかったからだ。

Even now this report from Paris does not help us much.”

今でもパリからのこの報告は、あまり役に立たない。」

“Surely it is final as regards the man’s death.”

as regards (に関する限り) [前] in relation to; with regard to

「確かに、男の死に関する限り、それは最終的だ。」

“The man’s death is a mere incident—a trivial episode—in comparison with our real task, which is to trace this document and save a European catastrophe.

「この男の死は、この文書をたどってヨーロッパの大惨事を救うという我々の本当の仕事と比べれば、単なる事件、些細なエピソードに過ぎない。

Only one important thing has happened in the last three days, and that is that nothing has happened.

last three days (この三日間) [名] the three days immediately before the present time

この三日間でたった一つ重要なことが起こった、それは何も起こらなかったということだ。

I get reports almost hourly from the government, and it is certain that nowhere in Europe is there any sign of trouble.

私は政府からほぼ一時間ごとに報告を受けているが、ヨーロッパのどこにもトラブルの兆候はないことは確かだ。

Now, if this letter were loose—no, it can’t be loose—but if it isn’t loose, where can it be?

さて、もしこの手紙がバラバラだったら、いや、バラバラなはずはないが、もしバラバラでなければ、どこにあるだろうか?

Who has it?

誰が持っている?

Why is it held back?

なぜ隠されているのか?

That’s the question that beats in my brain like a hammer.

hammer (ハンマー) [名] a tool with a heavy metal head and a handle, used for breaking things or driving nails into wood

それが私の脳みそをハンマーのように打ち付ける疑問だ。

Was it, indeed, a coincidence that Lucas should meet his death on the night when the letter disappeared?

手紙が消えた夜にルーカスが死んだのは、本当に偶然だったのか?

Did the letter ever reach him?

手紙は彼の手に渡ったのだろうか?

If so, why is it not among his papers?

if so (もしそうなら) [接] if that is the case

もしそうなら、なぜ彼の書類の中にないのか?

Did this mad wife of his carry it off with her?

carry off (持ち去る) [動] take away

彼の狂った妻が持ち去ったのか?

If so, is it in her house in Paris?

もしそうなら、パリの彼女の家にあるのだろうか?

How could I search for it without the French police having their suspicions aroused?

フランス警察に疑われずにどうやって探せばいいのか?

It is a case, my dear Watson, where the law is as dangerous to us as the criminals are.

ワトソン君、これは法律が犯罪者と同じくらい我々にとって危険な事件だ。

Every man’s hand is against us, and yet the interests at stake are colossal.

every man's hand (誰もが) [名] all people

stake (巨大だ) [名] a large amount of money that you risk losing in a game, race, or business deal

誰もが我々に敵対しているが、それでも利害関係は巨大だ。

Should I bring it to a successful conclusion, it will certainly represent the crowning glory of my career.

bring to a conclusion (解決する) [動] to bring to an end

crowning glory (最高の栄誉) [名] the most successful achievement in a series of achievements

私がこの事件を無事に解決できたら、間違いなく私のキャリアの最高の栄誉となるだろう。

Ah, here is my latest from the front!”

front (戦線) [名] the line of battle between opposing forces

ああ、これが私の最新の戦線からの報告だ!」

He glanced hurriedly at the note which had been handed in.

彼は手渡されたメモを急いでちらっと見た。

“Halloa! Lestrade seems to have observed something of interest.

interest (興味深い) [形] holding or catching the attention

「やあ! レストレードは何かを興味深いものを観察したようだ。

Put on your hat, Watson, and we will stroll down together to Westminster.”

put on (かぶる) [動] place on one's head

帽子をかぶって、ワトソン、一緒にウェストミンスターまで散歩しよう。」

It was my first visit to the scene of the crime—a high, dingy, narrow-chested house, prim, formal, and solid, like the century which gave it birth.

dingy (薄汚れた) [形] dark and unpleasant

prim (上品な) [形] excessively proper or correct

formal (形式的な) [形] done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette

私が初めて犯行現場を訪れたのは、高く、薄汚れた、狭い胸の家で、それを生み出した世紀のように、上品で、形式的で、堅固なものだった。

Lestrade’s bulldog features gazed out at us from the front window, and he greeted us warmly when a big constable had opened the door and let us in.

bulldog (ブルドッグ) [名] a sturdy, heavily built dog with a large head and powerful jaws

レストレードはブルドッグのような顔で正面の窓から私たちを見つめ、大きな巡査がドアを開けて私たちを入れると、彼は私たちを暖かく迎えてくれた。

The room into which we were shown was that in which the crime had been committed, but no trace of it now remained save an ugly, irregular stain upon the carpet.

save (残っている) [動] keep from harm, injury, or loss

ugly (醜い) [形] unpleasant to look at

私たちが案内された部屋は、犯罪が行われた部屋だったが、カーペットの上に醜い不規則な染みが残っている以外、その痕跡は残っていなかった。

This carpet was a small square drugget in the centre of the room, surrounded by a broad expanse of beautiful, old-fashioned wood-flooring in square blocks, highly polished.

drugget (ドラッグ) [名] a coarse woven fabric used as a floor covering

wood-flooring (木の床) [名] a floor made of wood

square block (四角いブロック) [名] a block with four equal sides and four right angles

highly (高度に) [副] to a great degree

このカーペットは部屋の中央にある小さな正方形のドラッグで、四角いブロックの美しい昔ながらの木の床が広く広がり、高度に磨かれていた。

Over the fireplace was a magnificent trophy of weapons, one of which had been used on that tragic night.

暖炉の上には武器の壮大なトロフィーがあり、そのうちの1つはその悲劇的な夜に使用されていた。

In the window was a sumptuous writing-desk, and every detail of the apartment, the pictures, the rugs, and the hangings, all pointed to a taste which was luxurious to the verge of effeminacy.

sumptuous (豪華な) [形] extremely costly, rich, or magnificent

writing-desk (ライティングデスク) [名] a desk with a flat or sloped surface and typically drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work

every detail (細部) [名] an individual fact or item

rug (敷物) [名] a piece of thick, heavy fabric, often with a pile or nap, used to cover all or part of a floor

hanging (掛け布団) [名] a piece of fabric that is hung on a wall or from a ceiling

taste (趣味) [名] a person's ability to judge what is of good quality

luxurious (贅沢な) [形] extremely comfortable or elegant

verge (境界) [名] the point at which something begins or ends

窓際には豪華なライティングデスクがあり、部屋の細部、絵、敷物、掛け布団など、すべてが女々しさの境界まで贅沢な趣味を示していた。

“Seen the Paris news?” asked Lestrade.

「パリのニュースを見たか?」とレストレード氏は尋ねた。

Holmes nodded.

ホームズはうなずいた。

“Our French friends seem to have touched the spot this time.

「我々のフランスの友人たちは、今回はその場所に触れたようだ。

No doubt it’s just as they say.

they say (彼らが言う) [動] people say

間違いなく彼らが言う通りだ。

She knocked at the door—surprise visit, I guess, for he kept his life in water-tight compartments—he let her in, couldn’t keep her in the street.

knock at the door (ドアをノックする) [動] knock on the door

surprise visit (突然の訪問) [名] a visit that is not expected

keep one's life in water-tight compartments (自分の生活を水密区画に保つ) [動] keep one's life private

let someone in (中に入れた) [動] allow someone to enter

keep someone in the street (道端に置いておく) [動] leave someone outside

彼女はドアをノックした。彼は自分の生活を水密区画に保っていたので、突然の訪問だったと思う。彼は彼女を中に入れた。彼女を道端に置いておくわけにはいかなかった。

She told him how she had traced him, reproached him.

彼女は彼にどうやって彼を探し出したかを話し、彼を非難した。

One thing led to another, and then with that dagger so handy the end soon came.

one thing (一つのこと) [名] an unspecified thing

handy (手近な) [形] convenient to handle or use

一つのことが別のことにつながり、そしてその短剣がとても手近にあったため、すぐに終わりが来た。

It wasn’t all done in an instant, though, for these chairs were all swept over yonder, and he had one in his hand as if he had tried to hold her off with it.

sweep (押し流す) [動] move or carry away with a broom or brush

yonder (あちら) [副] over there; at a distance

hold off (遠ざける) [動] keep at a distance

しかし、すべてが一瞬で行われたわけではない。これらの椅子はすべてあちらに押し流され、彼は彼女を遠ざけようとしたかのように椅子を手に持っていた。

We’ve got it all clear as if we had seen it.”

まるで見たようにすべてがはっきりした。」

Holmes raised his eyebrows.

ホームズは眉を上げた。

“And yet you have sent for me?”

「それでも私を呼んだのか?」

“Ah, yes, that’s another matter—a mere trifle, but the sort of thing you take an interest in—queer, you know, and what you might call freakish.

take an interest in (興味を持つ) [動] be interested in

freakish (奇抜な) [形] very unusual or strange

「ああ、そう、それは別の問題だ。単なる些細なことだが、君が興味を持つようなことだ。奇妙で、君が奇抜と呼ぶようなものだ。

It has nothing to do with the main fact—can’t have, on the face of it.”

main fact (主な事実) [名] the most important fact

on the face of it (表面上) [副] as it appears or is presented

主な事実とは関係がない。表面上は関係がない。」

“What is it, then?”

「では、それは何だ?」

“Well, you know, after a crime of this sort we are very careful to keep things in their position.

「そう、君も知っているように、この種の犯罪の後、我々は物事をその位置に保つように非常に注意している。

Nothing has been moved.

be moved (動かされる) [動] be changed in position or place

何も動かされていない。

Officer in charge here day and night.

in charge (担当する) [形] having the responsibility for or control of something

担当官が昼夜を問わずここにいる。

This morning, as the man was buried and the investigation over—so far as this room is concerned—we thought we could tidy up a bit.

as (ので) [接] because

be buried (埋葬される) [動] be interred

over (終わる) [動] be finished

be concerned (関わる) [動] be involved

tidy up (片付ける) [動] make neat, clean, or orderly

今朝、男が埋葬され、捜査が終わったので、この部屋に関する限り、少し片付けてもいいと思った。

This carpet.

このカーペット。

You see, it is not fastened down, only just laid there.

fasten down (固定する) [動] to make something secure or fixed

lay (敷く) [動] to put something down on a surface

ご覧の通り、固定されておらず、ただそこに敷かれているだけだ。

We had occasion to raise it.

have occasion to (機会がある) [動] have a chance to

我々はそれを上げる機会があった。

We found——”

我々は見つけた——」

“Yes? You found——”

「はい? あなたは見つけた——」

Holmes’s face grew tense with anxiety.

grow tense (緊張する) [動] become tense

ホームズの顔は不安で緊張した。

“Well, I’m sure you would never guess in a hundred years what we did find.

a hundred years (百年) [名] a period of 100 years

「ええ、我々が何を見つけたか、百年経ってもあなたは推測できないでしょう。

You see that stain on the carpet?

カーペットのあの染みを見たか?

Well, a great deal must have soaked through, must it not?”

soak through (染み込む) [動] to pass through or penetrate something by soaking

ええ、かなりの量が染み込んだに違いない、そうでしょう?」

“Undoubtedly it must.”

「間違いなくそうだろう。」

“Well, you will be surprised to hear that there is no stain on the white woodwork to correspond.”

「ええ、あなたは驚くでしょうが、白い木工品にはそれに相当する染みはないのです。」

“No stain! But there must——”

「染みがない! しかし、あるはずだ——」

“Yes, so you would say.

「ええ、そう言うでしょう。

But the fact remains that there isn’t.”

isn't (そうではない) [動] is not

しかし、事実はそうではないということです。」

He took the corner of the carpet in his hand and, turning it over, he showed that it was indeed as he said.

彼はカーペットの角を手に取って、それをひっくり返して、確かに彼が言った通りであることを示した。

“But the under side is as stained as the upper.

under side (下側) [名] the lower part of something

upper (上側) [名] the higher part of something

「しかし、下側は上側と同じくらい汚れている。

It must have left a mark.”

leave a mark (跡が残る) [動] to have a lasting impression or effect

跡が残っているはずだ。」

Lestrade chuckled with delight at having puzzled the famous expert.

レストレードは有名な専門家を困惑させたことに喜んでくすくす笑った。

“Now, I’ll show you the explanation.

「では、説明しよう。

There is a second stain, but it does not correspond with the other.

二つ目の染みがあるのだが、それはもう一つとは一致しない。

See for yourself.”

自分で確かめろ。」

As he spoke he turned over another portion of the carpet, and there, sure enough, was a great crimson spill upon the square white facing of the old-fashioned floor.

as (言いながら) [接] while or when

spill (染み) [名] a small amount of liquid that has been accidentally spilt

facing (表面) [名] a layer of material covering the front of a building

彼はそう言いながらカーペットの別の部分をめくると、そこには確かに、古風な床の白い正方形の表面に大きな真紅の染みがあった。

“What do you make of that, Mr. Holmes?”

「これをどう思われますか、ホームズさん?」

“Why, it is simple enough.

「何、それは簡単なことだ。

The two stains did correspond, but the carpet has been turned round.

二つの染みは確かに一致していたが、カーペットが回転させられたのだ。

As it was square and unfastened it was easily done.”

unfasten (固定されていない) [動] to release from a fastening

正方形で固定されていなかったので、簡単にできたのだ。」

“The official police don’t need you, Mr. Holmes, to tell them that the carpet must have been turned round.

turn round (回転させる) [動] cause to move in a circular motion

「ホームズさん、警察はカーペットが回転させられたに違いないと言われるまでもなく、そのことは分かっています。

That’s clear enough, for the stains lie above each other—if you lay it over this way.

lay (重ねる) [動] put or place (something) on top of something else

それは十分に明らかだ、染みが互いに重なり合っているからだ、もしこのように重ねれば。

But what I want to know is, who shifted the carpet, and why?”

shift (動かす) [動] change position, direction, or place

しかし私が知りたいのは、誰がカーペットを動かしたのか、そしてなぜかだ。」

I could see from Holmes’s rigid face that he was vibrating with inward excitement.

ホームズの硬い顔から、彼が内心興奮で震えているのが分かった。

“Look here, Lestrade,” said he, “has that constable in the passage been in charge of the place all the time?”

in charge of (担当する) [動] have the responsibility for

「おい、レストレード」と彼は言った、「廊下にいるあの巡査はずっとこの場所を担当していたのか?」

“Yes, he has.”

has (ずっとだ) [助] used with the past participle of a verb to form the present perfect tense

「そうだ、ずっとだ。」

“Well, take my advice.

take (聞く) [動] to accept or follow

「では、私の忠告を聞きたまえ。

Examine him carefully.

彼を注意深く調べてみろ。

Don’t do it before us.

私たちの前ではするな。

We’ll wait here.

私たちはここで待つ。

You take him into the back room.

back room (奥の部屋) [名] a room at the back of a building

彼を奥の部屋に連れて行け。

You’ll be more likely to get a confession out of him alone.

一人で彼から自白を得る可能性が高い。

Ask him how he dared to admit people and leave them alone in this room.

彼に、よくもこの部屋に人を入れて一人にしたな、と尋ねろ。

Don’t ask him if he has done it.

彼にそれをしたかどうか尋ねるな。

Take it for granted.

それを当然のことと見なせ。

Tell him you know someone has been here.

誰かがここにいたことを知っていると彼に言え。

Press him.

press (問い詰める) [動] to try to get an answer or some information from someone

彼を問い詰めろ。

Tell him that a full confession is his only chance of forgiveness.

full (全て) [形] complete; entire

全てを告白することが許される唯一の機会だと彼に言え。

Do exactly what I tell you!”

私の言う通りにしろ!」

“By George, if he knows I’ll have it out of him!” cried Lestrade.

have it out of (聞き出す) [動] to get information from someone, often by force or threats

「おいおい、もし彼が知っていたら、私は彼から聞き出すぞ!」とレストレードは叫んだ。

He darted into the hall, and a few moments later his bullying voice sounded from the back room.

a few moments later (数分後) [副] a short time afterwards

bullying (威圧的な) [形] using superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants

sound (聞こえる) [動] be audible

彼は玄関に飛び込み、数分後、彼の威圧的な声が奥の部屋から聞こえた。

“Now, Watson, now!” cried Holmes with frenzied eagerness.

frenzied (狂った) [形] wildly excited or agitated

「今だ、ワトソン、今だ!」とホームズは狂ったように叫んだ。

All the demoniacal force of the man masked behind that listless manner burst out in a paroxysm of energy.

demoniacal (悪魔的な) [形] of or like a demon

mask (隠す) [動] cover the face with a mask

burst out (爆発する) [動] break or cause to break suddenly and violently

あの無気力な態度の背後に隠された男の悪魔的な力が、エネルギーの発作となって爆発した。

He tore the drugget from the floor, and in an instant was down on his hands and knees clawing at each of the squares of wood beneath it.

beneath (下) [前] below or under

彼は床から敷物をはぎ取り、一瞬のうちに手と膝をついて、その下の木の四角い板を一つ一つ引っ掻いた。

One turned sideways as he dug his nails into the edge of it.

turn sideways (横向きになる) [動] change orientation so that the side is facing forward

nail (爪) [名] the thin, horny plate on the upper end of each finger and toe

彼がその端に爪を立てると、一つが横向きになった。

It hinged back like the lid of a box.

hinge (開く) [動] turn on or as if on a hinge

lid (蓋) [名] a removable or hinged cover for closing the opening of a container

それは箱の蓋のように後ろに開いた。

A small black cavity opened beneath it.

cavity (空洞) [名] a hollow place in a solid object

その下に小さな黒い空洞が開いた。

Holmes plunged his eager hand into it and drew it out with a bitter snarl of anger and disappointment.

plunge (突っ込む) [動] thrust or throw oneself or something into

ホームズは熱心な手をその中に突っ込み、怒りと失望の苦々しい唸り声を上げながら引き出した。

It was empty.

空だった。

“Quick, Watson, quick!

「早く、ワトソン、早く!

Get it back again!”

get back (取り戻す) [動] regain possession of

取り戻せ!」

The wooden lid was replaced, and the drugget had only just been drawn straight when Lestrade’s voice was heard in the passage.

wooden lid (木の蓋) [名] a lid made of wood

draw straight (真っ直ぐに引っ張る) [動] pull into a straight line

木の蓋が元に戻され、敷物がちょうど真っ直ぐに引っ張られた時、通路でレストレード警部の声が聞こえた。

He found Holmes leaning languidly against the mantelpiece, resigned and patient, endeavouring to conceal his irrepressible yawns.

languidly (ぐったりと) [副] in a slow and relaxed way

resign (あきらめる) [動] voluntarily leave a job, post, or position

irrepressible (抑えきれない) [形] too strong to be controlled or restrained

yawn (あくび) [名] an involuntary opening of the mouth and taking a deep breath due to tiredness or boredom

彼はホームズがマントルピースにもたれかかり、あきらめて忍耐強く、抑えきれないあくびを隠そうとしているのを見つけた。

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Holmes, I can see that you are bored to death with the whole affair.

「お待たせしてすみません、ホームズさん、この事件に飽き飽きしているのは分かります。

Well, he has confessed, all right.

ええ、彼は白状しました。

Come in here, MacPherson.

MacPherson (マクファーソン) [名] a Scottish surname

マクファーソン、ここへ来てくれ。

Let these gentlemen hear of your most inexcusable conduct.”

inexcusable (許しがたい) [形] too bad to be excused or tolerated

君の許しがたい行為をこの方々に聞かせてくれ」

The big constable, very hot and penitent, sidled into the room.

hot (暑苦しい) [形] having a high temperature

penitent (後悔した) [形] feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done something wrong

sidle (横歩きに入る) [動] move or walk in a furtive or stealthy manner

大柄な巡査は、とても暑苦しく、後悔した様子で、部屋に横歩きに入った。

“I meant no harm, sir, I’m sure.

「悪気はなかったんです、旦那。

The young woman came to the door last evening—mistook the house, she did.

come to the door (ドアまで来る) [動] arrive at the door

last evening (昨日の夕方) [名] the evening of the previous day

昨日の夕方、若い女性がドアまで来ました。家を間違えたんです。

And then we got talking.

そして、私たちは話し始めた。

It’s lonesome, when you’re on duty here all day.”

on duty (勤務中) [形] at work; on the job

一日中ここで勤務していると、寂しいんです。」

“Well, what happened then?”

「それで、その後どうなったんだ?」

“She wanted to see where the crime was done—had read about it in the papers, she said.

done (行われた) [動] performed or accomplished

「彼女は犯罪が行われた場所を見たかったんです。新聞で読んだそうです。

She was a very respectable, well-spoken young woman, sir, and I saw no harm in letting her have a peep.

well-spoken (言葉遣いが丁寧な) [形] speaking in a polite or educated way

彼女はとても上品で、言葉遣いも丁寧な若い女性でしたので、ちょっと覗かせても差し支えないだろうと思いました。

When she saw that mark on the carpet, down she dropped on the floor, and lay as if she were dead.

彼女はカーペットの上のあの跡を見ると、床に倒れ、死んだように横たわりました。

I ran to the back and got some water, but I could not bring her to.

bring to (正気に戻す) [動] restore to consciousness

私は裏に走って水を汲んできましたが、彼女を正気に戻すことはできませんでした。

Then I went round the corner to the Ivy Plant for some brandy, and by the time I had brought it back the young woman had recovered and was off—ashamed of herself, I daresay, and dared not face me.”

go round the corner (角を曲がる) [動] turn a corner

Ivy Plant (アイビー・プラント) [名] a pub

be off (立ち去る) [動] leave

ashamed of (恥じる) [動] be embarrassed or ashamed about

face (顔を合わせる) [動] look in the direction of

それから私は角を曲がってアイビー・プラントまでブランデーを買いに行きましたが、私がそれを持ち帰るまでに若い女性は回復して立ち去っていました。恐らく自分を恥じて、私と顔を合わせる勇気がなかったのでしょう」

“How about moving that drugget?”

how about (どうだろう) [句] what do you think of

「あの敷物を動かしたらどうだろう?」

“Well, sir, it was a bit rumpled, certainly, when I came back.

「ええ、確かに私が戻ってきた時には少ししわくちゃになっていました。

You see, she fell on it and it lies on a polished floor with nothing to keep it in place.

fall on (倒れる) [動] to drop or collapse to the ground

lie on (置いてある) [動] to be in or assume a resting position on a surface

polished floor (磨かれた床) [名] a floor that has been polished

keep in place (固定する) [動] to hold or keep something in a particular position

彼女はその上に倒れたのです。敷物は磨かれた床の上に置いてあって、固定するものは何もありませんでした。

I straightened it out afterwards.”

straighten out (直す) [動] make or become straight

その後私はそれを直しました」

“It’s a lesson to you that you can’t deceive me, Constable MacPherson,” said Lestrade, with dignity.

Constable MacPherson (巡査マクファーソン) [名] a police officer

「私を欺くことはできないということを学んだだろう、巡査マクファーソン」とレストレードは威厳をもって言った。

“No doubt you thought that your breach of duty could never be discovered, and yet a mere glance at that drugget was enough to convince me that someone had been admitted to the room.

breach of duty (義務違反) [名] failure to fulfill a legal obligation

「君は自分の義務違反が決して発覚しないと思ったに違いない。しかし、あの敷物を一目見ただけで、誰かが部屋に入れられたことを確信するのに十分だった。

It’s lucky for you, my man, that nothing is missing, or you would find yourself in Queer Street.

Queer Street (窮地) [名] a difficult situation

君にとって幸運なことに、何も盗まれていない。さもなければ君は窮地に立たされていただろう。

I’m sorry to have called you down over such a petty business, Mr. Holmes, but I thought the point of the second stain not corresponding with the first would interest you.”

call down (呼び立てる) [動] summon to come down

business (こと) [名] a task or an action that needs to be done

ホームズさん、こんな些細なことでお呼び立てして申し訳ありませんが、二つ目の染みが一つ目と一致しない点に興味を持たれるかと思いました」

“Certainly, it was most interesting.

「確かに、とても興味深かった。

Has this woman only been here once, constable?”

この女性は一度しかここに来なかったのか、巡査?」

“Yes, sir, only once.”

「はい、一度だけです」

“Who was she?”

「彼女は誰だった?」

“Don’t know the name, sir.

「名前は知りません。

Was answering an advertisement about typewriting and came to the wrong number—very pleasant, genteel young woman, sir.”

answer (応募する) [動] reply to

typewriting (タイプライター) [名] a machine with keys that can be pressed to produce letters on paper

タイプライターの広告に応募して間違った番号に来たようです。とても感じの良い上品な若い女性でした」

“Tall? Handsome?”

「背は? 美人?」

“Yes, sir, she was a well-grown young woman.

well-grown (背の高い) [形] tall

「はい、背の高い若い女性でした。

I suppose you might say she was handsome.

美人と言ってもいいと思います。

Perhaps some would say she was very handsome.

とても美人と言う人もいるかもしれません。

‘Oh, officer, do let me have a peep!’ says she.

「お巡りさん、ちょっと覗かせてくださいな」と彼女は言った。

She had pretty, coaxing ways, as you might say, and I thought there was no harm in letting her just put her head through the door.”

coaxing (甘え上手) [形] using persuasion or flattery to achieve something

彼女は、いわば、可愛らしく、甘え上手で、私は彼女がドアから頭を突っ込むのを許しても害はないだろうと思った。」

“How was she dressed?”

be dressed (服装をする) [動] to be wearing clothes

「彼女はどんな服装をしていましたか?」

“Quiet, sir— a long mantle down to her feet.”

「静かです、旦那様。足元まで届く長いマントを着ていました。」

“What time was it?”

「何時でしたか?」

“It was just growing dusk at the time.

dusk (夕暮れ) [名] the time of day when it is becoming dark

「ちょうど夕暮れ時でした。

They were lighting the lamps as I came back with the brandy.”

light (ともす) [動] cause to burn or shine

私がブランデーを持って戻ったときにはランプに火をともしていました。」

“Very good,” said Holmes.

「とても良い」とホームズは言った。

“Come, Watson, I think that we have more important work elsewhere.”

「さあ、ワトソン、我々にはもっと重要な仕事があると思う。」

As we left the house Lestrade remained in the front room, while the repentant constable opened the door to let us out.

front room (居間) [名] a room in the front of a house

我々が家を出るとき、レストレードは居間に残り、後悔した巡査が我々を送り出すためにドアを開けた。

Holmes turned on the step and held up something in his hand.

turn on (振り返る) [動] change direction suddenly

ホームズは階段の上で振り返り、手に何かを掲げた。

The constable stared intently.

巡査は熱心に見つめた。

“Good Lord, sir!” he cried, with amazement on his face.

「おや、旦那!」彼は驚いた顔で叫んだ。

Holmes put his finger on his lips, replaced his hand in his breast pocket, and burst out laughing as we turned down the street.

put one's finger on (指を当てる) [動] to touch something with one's finger

burst out laughing (大笑いする) [動] to suddenly start laughing loudly

ホームズは唇に指を当て、手を胸ポケットに戻し、我々が通りを曲がると大笑いした。

“Excellent!” said he.

「素晴らしい!」と彼は言った。

“Come, friend Watson, the curtain rings up for the last act.

ring up (開く) [動] call (someone) on the telephone

「来い、友よワトソン、最後の幕が開く。

You will be relieved to hear that there will be no war, that the Right Honourable Trelawney Hope will suffer no setback in his brilliant career, that the indiscreet Sovereign will receive no punishment for his indiscretion, that the Prime Minister will have no European complication to deal with, and that with a little tact and management upon our part nobody will be a penny the worse for what might have been a very ugly incident.”

Sovereign (君主) [名] a supreme ruler, especially a monarch

punishment (罰) [名] a penalty imposed for a crime or other offense

tact (機転) [名] adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

management (対処) [名] the process of dealing with or controlling things or people

nobody (誰も) [代] no person; no one

a penny (一銭) [名] a small amount of money

the worse (損をする) [形] more serious or severe

戦争は起こらない、トレローニー・ホープ閣下は輝かしい経歴に傷がつくことはない、軽率な君主は軽率さに対する罰を受けない、首相はヨーロッパの複雑な問題に対処する必要がなくなる、そして我々が少し機転を利かせて対処すれば、非常に醜い事件になる可能性があったにもかかわらず、誰も一銭も損をしないということを聞いて安心するだろう。」

My mind filled with admiration for this extraordinary man.

私の心はこの非凡な男への賞賛でいっぱいになった。

“You have solved it!”

「解決したんだ!」

I cried.

私は叫んだ。

“Hardly that, Watson.

「そうは思えないな、ワトソン。

There are some points which are as dark as ever.

as dark as ever (相変わらず不明な) [形] still not understood or known

相変わらず不明な点もある。

But we have so much that it will be our own fault if we cannot get the rest.

so much (これだけ) [副] to such a great extent

しかし、これだけの情報があれば、残りの情報も得られなければ我々の責任だ。

We will go straight to Whitehall Terrace and bring the matter to a head.”

go straight to (直行する) [動] go directly to

bring to a head (解決する) [動] cause to reach a crisis or a decisive point

ホワイトホール・テラスに直行して、この件を解決しよう。」

When we arrived at the residence of the European Secretary it was for Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope that Sherlock Holmes inquired.

inquire (面会を求める) [動] ask for information

ヨーロッパ担当大臣の住居に着くと、シャーロック・ホームズはヒルダ・トレローニー・ホープ夫人に面会を求めた。

We were shown into the morning-room.

be shown into (通される) [動] be led or guided into

私たちは朝食室に通された。

“Mr. Holmes!” said the lady, and her face was pink with her indignation.

pink (赤らむ) [形] of a color intermediate between red and white

「ホームズさん!」と夫人は言った。顔は憤慨で赤らんでいた。

“This is surely most unfair and ungenerous upon your part.

unfair (不公平な) [形] not just or impartial

ungenerous (卑劣な) [形] not generous; stingy

「これは確かにあなたの側の最も不公平で卑劣な行為です。

I desired, as I have explained, to keep my visit to you a secret, lest my husband should think that I was intruding into his affairs.

説明したように、私は夫が私が彼の仕事に干渉していると考えないように、あなたへの訪問を秘密にしておきたかったのです。

And yet you compromise me by coming here and so showing that there are business relations between us.”

compromise (危険にさらす) [動] expose to danger

business relation (仕事上の関係) [名] a connection between people or organizations that do business with each other

それなのにあなたはここに来て、私たちの間に仕事上の関係があることを示すことで、私を危険にさらしたのです。」

“Unfortunately, madam, I had no possible alternative.

have no alternative (他に選択肢がない) [動] have no other choice

「残念ながら、奥様、私には他に選択肢がありませんでした。

I have been commissioned to recover this immensely important paper.

commission (依頼する) [動] give an order for or authorize the production of

immensely (非常に) [副] to a great degree or extent

私はこの非常に重要な書類を取り戻すよう依頼されました。

I must therefore ask you, madam, to be kind enough to place it in my hands.”

ですから、奥様、それを私の手に渡していただくようお願いしなければなりません。」

The lady sprang to her feet, with the colour all dashed in an instant from her beautiful face.

dash (引く) [動] move or cause to move with great speed

女性は立ち上がり、その美しい顔から一瞬で血の気が引いた。

Her eyes glazed—she tottered—I thought that she would faint.

glaze (うつろになる) [動] to become glassy or dull

彼女の目はうつろになり、よろめき、私は彼女が気絶すると思った。

Then with a grand effort she rallied from the shock, and a supreme astonishment and indignation chased every other expression from her features.

grand (必死の) [形] very impressive or imposing

rally (立ち直る) [動] recover or cause to recover

supreme (この上ない) [形] highest in rank or authority

chase (追い払う) [動] cause to go away

それから彼女は必死の努力でショックから立ち直り、驚きと憤りが彼女の顔から他のあらゆる表情を追い払った。

“You—you insult me, Mr. Holmes.”

insult (侮辱する) [動] speak to or treat with disrespect or scornfully

「あなたは、私を侮辱しています、ホームズさん。」

“Come, come, madam, it is useless.

useless (無駄) [形] not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome

「さあ、さあ、奥様、無駄ですよ。

Give up the letter.”

give up (渡す) [動] hand over; surrender

手紙を渡してください。」

She darted to the bell.

彼女はベルに飛びついた。

“The butler shall show you out.”

「執事があなた方をお送りします。」

“Do not ring, Lady Hilda.

「呼び出しのベルを鳴らさないでください、ヒルダ様。

If you do, then all my earnest efforts to avoid a scandal will be frustrated.

もしそうすれば、スキャンダルを避けるための私の真剣な努力はすべて無駄になります。

Give up the letter and all will be set right.

set right (解決する) [動] put in order; correct

手紙を渡せばすべてが解決する。

If you will work with me I can arrange everything.

work with (協力する) [動] act together with another or others

私と協力してくれるなら、すべて手配できる。

If you work against me I must expose you.”

work against (反対する) [動] be in opposition to

私に反対するなら、あなたを暴露せざるを得ない。」

She stood grandly defiant, a queenly figure, her eyes fixed upon his as if she would read his very soul.

grandly (堂々と) [副] in a grand manner

彼女は女王のような姿で堂々と反抗的に立ち、彼の魂を読み取るかのように彼を見つめていた。

Her hand was on the bell, but she had forborne to ring it.

forbear (控える) [動] refrain from doing something

彼女の手はベルの上にあったが、彼女はそれを鳴らすのを控えていた。

“You are trying to frighten me.

「あなたは私を怖がらせようとしている。

It is not a very manly thing, Mr. Holmes, to come here and browbeat a woman.

browbeat (脅迫する) [動] intimidate or subjugate by overbearing and arrogant behavior

ホームズさん、ここに来て女性を脅迫するなんて、あまり男らしいことではありませんね。

You say that you know something.

あなたは何かを知っていると言う。

What is it that you know?”

あなたは何を知っているんですか?」

“Pray sit down, madam.

「どうぞお座りください、奥様。

You will hurt yourself there if you fall.

落ちたら怪我をします。

I will not speak until you sit down.

あなたが座るまで私は話しません。

Thank you.”

ありがとうございます。」

“I give you five minutes, Mr. Holmes.”

「ホームズさん、5分差し上げます。」

“One is enough, Lady Hilda.

Lady Hilda (ヒルダ婦人) [名] a woman of noble rank

「ヒルダ婦人、1分で十分です。

I know of your visit to Eduardo Lucas, of your giving him this document, of your ingenious return to the room last night, and of the manner in which you took the letter from the hiding-place under the carpet.”

あなたがエドゥアルド・ルーカスを訪ねたこと、彼にこの文書を渡したこと、昨夜巧妙に部屋に戻ったこと、そしてカーペットの下の隠し場所から手紙を取り出した方法を知っている。」

She stared at him with an ashen face and gulped twice before she could speak.

ashen (青ざめた) [形] very pale

gulp (飲み込む) [動] swallow greedily or in large amounts

彼女は青ざめた顔で彼を見つめ、二度つばを飲み込んでからやっと話すことができた。

“You are mad, Mr. Holmes—you are mad!” she cried, at last.

「ホームズさん、あなたは狂っているよ、狂っているんです!」と彼女はついに叫んだ。

He drew a small piece of cardboard from his pocket.

cardboard (厚紙) [名] a thin, stiff material made from paper

彼はポケットから小さな厚紙を取り出した。

It was the face of a woman cut out of a portrait.

cut out (切り取る) [動] remove by cutting

portrait (肖像画) [名] a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders

それは肖像画から切り取られた女性の顔だった。

“I have carried this because I thought it might be useful,” said he.

「役に立つかもしれないと思ってこれを持ってきた」と彼は言った。

“The policeman has recognized it.”

「警官はそれを認識した」

She gave a gasp, and her head dropped back in the chair.

give (呑む) [動] make a particular sound

gasp (息) [名] a short, quick breath

彼女は息を呑み、頭を椅子に落とした。

“Come, Lady Hilda.

Lady Hilda (ヒルダ夫人) [名] the wife of a lord

「さあ、ヒルダ夫人。

You have the letter.

あなたは手紙を持っている。

The matter may still be adjusted.

be adjusted (調整できる) [動] be changed to achieve a desired result

問題はまだ調整できるかもしれない。

I have no desire to bring trouble to you.

have no desire (たくない) [動] not want to do something

bring (かける) [動] cause to come or occur

私はあなたに迷惑をかけたくない。

My duty ends when I have returned the lost letter to your husband.

私の義務は、紛失した手紙をあなたの夫に返却したときに終わる。

Take my advice and be frank with me.

be frank (率直に話す) [動] be honest and direct in speech or writing

私の忠告を聞いて、私に率直に話してくれ。

It is your only chance.”

それがあなたの唯一のチャンスだ。」

Her courage was admirable.

彼女の勇気は立派だった。

Even now she would not own defeat.

own (認める) [動] to admit to or acknowledge

今でも彼女は敗北を認めようとしなかった。

“I tell you again, Mr. Holmes, that you are under some absurd illusion.”

illusion (幻想) [名] a false or misleading perception of reality

「ホームズさん、もう一度言いますが、あなたは何かばかげた幻想を抱いています。」

Holmes rose from his chair.

ホームズは椅子から立ち上がった。

“I am sorry for you, Lady Hilda.

be sorry for (気の毒に思う) [動] feel regret or guilt for

「ヒルダ夫人、あなたには気の毒に思います。

I have done my best for you.

私はあなたのために最善を尽くしました。

I can see that it is all in vain.”

すべてが無駄であることは分かります。」

He rang the bell.

彼はベルを鳴らした。

The butler entered.

執事が入った。

“Is Mr. Trelawney Hope at home?”

at home (在宅) [形] in one's house

「トレローニー・ホープさんはご在宅ですか?」

“He will be home, sir, at a quarter to one.”

be home (帰宅する) [動] arrive at one's home

quarter (15分) [名] one of four equal parts

「彼は1時15分には帰宅します。」

Holmes glanced at his watch.

ホームズは時計をちらっと見た。

“Still a quarter of an hour,” said he.

「まだ15分ある」と彼は言った。

“Very good, I shall wait.”

「とても良い、私は待つ」

The butler had hardly closed the door behind him when Lady Hilda was down on her knees at Holmes’s feet, her hands outstretched, her beautiful face upturned and wet with her tears.

down on her knees (ひざまずく) [動] go down on one's knees

feet (足元) [名] the end of the leg below the ankle

upturned (上に向ける) [形] turned upwards

執事が彼の後ろのドアを閉めるや否や、ヒルダ夫人はホームズの足元にひざまずき、両手を差し出し、美しい顔を上に向け、涙で濡れていた。

“Oh, spare me, Mr. Holmes! Spare me!” she pleaded, in a frenzy of supplication.

spare (許す) [動] refrain from harming or destroying

frenzy (狂ったように) [名] a state of wild excitement or uncontrolled emotion

supplication (懇願) [名] a humble request for help or mercy

「ああ、私を許して、ホームズさん! 私を許して!」彼女は狂ったように懇願した。

“For heaven’s sake, don’t tell him! I love him so!

「天にかけて、彼に言わないで! 私は彼をとても愛している!

I would not bring one shadow on his life, and this I know would break his noble heart.”

私は彼の人生に影を落としたくないし、これが彼の高貴な心を打ち砕くことはわかっている。」

Holmes raised the lady.

ホームズは女性を起こした。

“I am thankful, madam, that you have come to your senses even at this last moment!

thankful (感謝する) [形] grateful

come to one's senses (正気に戻る) [動] to become sane or rational again

last moment (最後の瞬間) [名] the final moment

「奥様、この最後の瞬間にでも正気に戻ってくださって感謝します!

There is not an instant to lose.

一刻の猶予もない。

Where is the letter?”

手紙はどこにある?」

She darted across to a writing-desk, unlocked it, and drew out a long blue envelope.

彼女は書き物机に駆け寄り、鍵を開けて、長い青い封筒を取り出した。

“Here it is, Mr. Holmes.

「これがそうです、ホームズさん。

Would to heaven I had never seen it!”

would to heaven (~ならよかったのに) [慣] I wish that

これを目にすることがなければよかったのに!」

“How can we return it?” Holmes muttered.

mutter (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

「どうやって返せばいい?」ホームズはつぶやいた。

“Quick, quick, we must think of some way!

some way (何か方法) [名] a method or manner of doing something

「早く、早く、何か方法を考えないと!

Where is the despatch-box?”

despatch-box (公文書箱) [名] a box for carrying official documents

公文書箱はどこ?」

“Still in his bedroom.”

「まだ彼の寝室にある。」

“What a stroke of luck!

stroke (巡り合わせ) [名] a sudden event

luck (幸運) [名] success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions

「なんて幸運な巡り合わせだ!

Quick, madam, bring it here!”

早く、奥様、ここに持ってきて!」

A moment later she had appeared with a red flat box in her hand.

a moment later (すぐに) [副] a short time afterwards

すぐに彼女は手に赤い平たい箱を持って現れた。

“How did you open it before?

「以前はどうやって開けたんだ?

You have a duplicate key?

合鍵を持っているのか?

Yes, of course you have.

ああ、もちろん持っているな。

Open it!”

開けろ!」

From out of her bosom Lady Hilda had drawn a small key.

ヒルダ婦人は胸から小さな鍵を取り出した。

The box flew open.

箱が開いた。

It was stuffed with papers.

be stuffed with (いっぱいである) [動] be filled with something

箱は書類でいっぱいだった。

Holmes thrust the blue envelope deep down into the heart of them, between the leaves of some other document.

heart (中心) [名] the central or innermost part of something

leaf (葉) [名] a flattened structure of a plant that is typically green and blade-like

ホームズは青い封筒を他の書類の葉の間に押し込んだ。

The box was shut, locked, and returned to the bedroom.

箱は閉じられ、鍵をかけられ、寝室に戻された。

“Now we are ready for him,” said Holmes.

be ready for (準備が整う) [動] be prepared for

「これで彼を迎える準備が整った」とホームズは言った。

“We have still ten minutes.

ten minutes (10分) [名] a period of time equal to 600 seconds

「まだ10分ある。

I am going far to screen you, Lady Hilda.

screen (守る) [動] protect from something harmful or unpleasant

私はあなたを守るために遠くへ行くつもりだ、ヒルダ夫人。

In return you will spend the time in telling me frankly the real meaning of this extraordinary affair.”

in return (その代わり) [副] as a return for something

その代わり、あなたはこの異常な事件の本当の意味を率直に話すことに時間を費やすことになる。」

“Mr. Holmes, I will tell you everything,” cried the lady.

「ホームズさん、全てをお話しします」と女性は叫んだ。

“Oh, Mr. Holmes, I would cut off my right hand before I gave him a moment of sorrow!

cut off (切り落とす) [動] remove by cutting

「ああ、ホームズさん、彼に悲しみを与えるくらいなら右手を切り落とします!

There is no woman in all London who loves her husband as I do, and yet if he knew how I have acted—how I have been compelled to act—he would never forgive me.

ロンドン中に私ほど夫を愛している女性はいない、それでももし彼が私の行動を知っていたら、私が行動を強いられたことを知っていたら、彼は私を決して許さないだろう。

For his own honour stands so high that he could not forget or pardon a lapse in another.

pardon (許す) [動] excuse or forgive

lapse (過ち) [名] a slight error or mistake

彼自身の名誉は非常に高く、彼は他人の過ちを忘れたり許したりすることはできない。

Help me, Mr. Holmes!

助けてください、ホームズさん!

My happiness, his happiness, our very lives are at stake!”

私の幸せ、彼の幸せ、私たちの命がかかっているのです!」

“Quick, madam, the time grows short!”

「早く、奥様、時間が迫っています!」

“It was a letter of mine, Mr. Holmes, an indiscreet letter written before my marriage—a foolish letter, a letter of an impulsive, loving girl.

「それは私の手紙でした、ホームズさん、結婚前に書いた軽率な手紙です、愚かな手紙、衝動的で愛情深い少女の手紙です。

I meant no harm, and yet he would have thought it criminal.

悪気はなかったのですが、彼はそれを犯罪だと思ったでしょう。

Had he read that letter his confidence would have been forever destroyed.

destroy (失う) [動] to cause (something) to cease to exist or to be in a usable condition

もし彼がその手紙を読んだら、彼の信頼は永遠に失われていたでしょう。

It is years since I wrote it.

書いてから何年も経っています。

I had thought that the whole matter was forgotten.

全部忘れられたと思っていました。

Then at last I heard from this man, Lucas, that it had passed into his hands, and that he would lay it before my husband.

hear from (~から聞く) [動] receive a message from

pass into (~の手に渡る) [動] be given to

lay before (~の前に差し出す) [動] present to

そしてついに、この男ルーカスから、それが彼の手に渡り、夫の前に差し出すと聞いたのです。

I implored his mercy.

私は彼の慈悲を懇願した。

He said that he would return my letter if I would bring him a certain document which he described in my husband’s despatch-box.

彼は、私が夫の書類箱にあると彼が説明したある書類を持ってきたら、私の手紙を返すと言いました。

He had some spy in the office who had told him of its existence.

have some spy (スパイを潜り込ませる) [動] have a spy in a place

彼は事務所にスパイを潜り込ませていて、その存在を知らされていたのです。

He assured me that no harm could come to my husband.

彼は私の夫に害が及ぶことはないと保証した。

Put yourself in my position, Mr. Holmes!

put oneself in (立場になって考える) [動] imagine oneself in the place of another

私の立場になって考えてみてください、ホームズさん!

What was I to do?”

私はどうしたらよかったのでしょう?」

“Take your husband into your confidence.”

「ご主人に打ち明けなさい」

“I could not, Mr. Holmes, I could not!

「できません、ホームズさん、できません!

On the one side seemed certain ruin, on the other, terrible as it seemed to take my husband’s paper, still in a matter of politics I could not understand the consequences, while in a matter of love and trust they were only too clear to me.

on the one side (一方では) [副] on the one hand

on the other (他方では) [副] on the other hand

certain (確実な) [形] sure to happen

一方では確実な破滅が見え、他方では、夫の書類を盗むのはひどいことだとは思ったが、政治問題ではその結果を理解できなかったし、愛と信頼の問題では、私にはそれがあまりにもはっきりと見えていた。

I did it, Mr. Holmes!

私がやりました、ホームズさん!

I took an impression of his key.

take an impression (型を取る) [動] make a copy of a key by pressing it into a soft material

私は彼の鍵の型を取った。

This man, Lucas, furnished a duplicate.

this man (この男) [名] the man being referred to

この男、ルーカスが複製を用意した。

I opened his despatch-box, took the paper, and conveyed it to Godolphin Street.”

私は彼の書類箱を開け、書類を取り出し、ゴドルフィン街に運んだ。」

“What happened there, madam?”

「そこで何が起こったのですか、奥様?」

“I tapped at the door as agreed. Lucas opened it.

「私は打ち合わせ通りにドアをノックした。ルーカスが開けた。

I followed him into his room, leaving the hall door ajar behind me, for I feared to be alone with the man.

私は彼の後について部屋に入ったが、彼と二人きりになるのが怖かったので、後ろのホールのドアは半開きのままにしておいた。

I remember that there was a woman outside as I entered.

私が入ったとき、外に女性がいたのを覚えている。

Our business was soon done.

私たちの仕事はすぐに終わった。

He had my letter on his desk, I handed him the document.

彼は私の手紙を机の上に置いていたので、私は彼にその書類を手渡した。

He gave me the letter.

彼は私に手紙をくれた。

At this instant there was a sound at the door.

この瞬間、ドアから音がした。

There were steps in the passage.

通路に足音がした。

Lucas quickly turned back the drugget, thrust the document into some hiding-place there, and covered it over.

turn back (めくる) [動] fold or turn over

thrust (隠す) [動] push or drive with force

cover (覆い隠す) [動] put something over or in front of something else

ルーカスは素早く敷物をめくり、書類をそこに隠し、覆い隠した。

“What happened after that is like some fearful dream.

like (ようだ) [前] similar to; having the same characteristics or qualities as

「その後に起こったことは恐ろしい夢のようだ。

I have a vision of a dark, frantic face, of a woman’s voice, which screamed in French, ‘My waiting is not in vain.

French (フランス語) [名] the Romance language of France

wait (待ち) [名] the action of waiting

暗く、狂った顔、フランス語で叫ぶ女性の声が見える。「私の待ちは徒労ではなかった。

At last, at last I have found you with her!’

ついに、ついにあなたと彼女を見つけた!」

There was a savage struggle.

激しい争いがあった。

I saw him with a chair in his hand, a knife gleamed in hers.

彼が椅子を手にしているのを見たし、彼女の手にはナイフが光っていた。

I rushed from the horrible scene, ran from the house, and only next morning in the paper did I learn the dreadful result.

私は恐ろしい場面から逃げ出し、家から走り去り、翌朝の新聞で恐ろしい結果を知った。

That night I was happy, for I had my letter, and I had not seen yet what the future would bring.

その夜、私は手紙を受け取ったので幸せだったし、未来がどうなるかはまだ見ていなかった。

“It was the next morning that I realized that I had only exchanged one trouble for another.

the next morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after the present day

「翌朝、私はただ一つのトラブルを別のトラブルと交換しただけだということに気づいた。

My husband’s anguish at the loss of his paper went to my heart.

anguish (苦悩) [名] severe mental or physical pain or suffering

go to one's heart (心を打つ) [動] to affect one emotionally

夫の論文紛失の苦悩は私の心を打った。

I could hardly prevent myself from there and then kneeling down at his feet and telling him what I had done.

私はそこで彼の足元にひざまずき、自分のしたことを告白するのを必死に堪えた。

But that again would mean a confession of the past.

しかし、それはまた過去の告白を意味するだろう。

I came to you that morning in order to understand the full enormity of my offence.

enormity (重大さ) [名] the great or extreme seriousness of something

offence (罪) [名] a crime or other illegal act

私は自分の犯した罪の重大さを理解するために、その朝あなたを訪ねたのです。

From the instant that I grasped it my whole mind was turned to the one thought of getting back my husband’s paper.

turn to (集中する) [動] to give one's attention to

paper (論文) [名] a scholarly article

それを理解した瞬間から、私の心は夫の論文を取り戻すことだけに集中した。

It must still be where Lucas had placed it, for it was concealed before this dreadful woman entered the room.

それはまだルーカスが置いた場所にあるはずだ、なぜならこの恐ろしい女性が部屋に入る前に隠されていたからだ。

If it had not been for her coming, I should not have known where his hiding-place was.

if it had not been for (もし~でなければ) [接] if it were not for

彼女が来なければ、私は彼の隠れ場所がどこにあるか知らなかっただろう。

How was I to get into the room?

どうやって部屋に入るのか?

For two days I watched the place, but the door was never left open.

for two days (二日間) [名] a period of two days

leave open (開け放たれる) [動] not close or shut

二日間私はその場所を見張ったが、ドアは決して開け放たれることはなかった。

Last night I made a last attempt.

昨夜私は最後の試みをした。

What I did and how I succeeded, you have already learned.

私が何をしたか、どのように成功したかは、あなたはすでに知っている。

I brought the paper back with me, and thought of destroying it, since I could see no way of returning it without confessing my guilt to my husband.

私はその書類を持ち帰り、それを破棄することを考えた。夫に罪を告白せずにそれを返す方法が思いつかなかったからだ。

Heavens, I hear his step upon the stair!”

ああ、階段を上がってくる足音が聞こえる!」

The European Secretary burst excitedly into the room.

excitedly (興奮して) [副] in a very enthusiastic way

ヨーロッパ担当大臣が興奮して部屋に飛び込んできた。

“Any news, Mr. Holmes, any news?” he cried.

「何かニュースは、ホームズさん、何かニュースは?」と彼は叫んだ。

“I have some hopes.”

「多少の希望はあります。」

“Ah, thank heaven!” His face became radiant.

「ああ、天に感謝!」彼の顔は輝いた。

“The Prime Minister is lunching with me.

「首相が私と昼食を共にする。

May he share your hopes?

share (話す) [動] tell or communicate

彼にあなたの希望を話しても?

He has nerves of steel, and yet I know that he has hardly slept since this terrible event.

have nerves of steel (鋼鉄の神経の持ち主) [動] be very brave

彼は鋼鉄の神経の持ち主だが、それでもこの恐ろしい事件以来ほとんど眠っていないことを私は知っている。

Jacobs, will you ask the Prime Minister to come up?

Jacobs (ジェイコブス) [名] a surname

come up (上がってもらう) [動] move to a higher position

ジェイコブス、首相に上がってもらうよう頼んでくれるか?

As to you, dear, I fear that this is a matter of politics.

あなたに関して言えば、これは政治の問題だと私は恐れている。

We will join you in a few minutes in the dining-room.”

a few minutes (数分後) [名] a short period of time

私たちは数分後に食堂であなたと合流します。」

The Prime Minister’s manner was subdued, but I could see by the gleam of his eyes and the twitchings of his bony hands that he shared the excitement of his young colleague.

subdued (落ち着いた) [形] quiet and rather sad

bony (骨張った) [形] having a lot of bones

twitching (震え) [名] a small, quick, involuntary movement

首相の態度は落ち着いていたが、彼の目の輝きと骨張った手の震えから、彼が若い同僚の興奮を共有していることがわかった。

“I understand that you have something to report, Mr. Holmes?”

have something to (ことがある) [動] have something that needs to be done

「報告したいことがあると聞いているが、ホームズさん?」

“Purely negative as yet,” my friend answered.

negative (否定的) [形] expressing denial or refusal

as yet (今のところ) [副] up to this time; so far

「今のところ全く否定的だ」と友人は答えた。

“I have inquired at every point where it might be, and I am sure that there is no danger to be apprehended.”

apprehend (逮捕する) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture

「私はあり得るあらゆる点について調査したが、逮捕される危険はないと確信している。」

“But that is not enough, Mr. Holmes.

「しかし、それでは十分ではありません、ホームズさん。

We cannot live forever on such a volcano.

volcano (火山) [名] a mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are being or have been erupted from the earth's crust

我々はそのような火山の上に永遠に住むことはできない。

We must have something definite.”

我々は何か確実なものを得なければならない。」

“I am in hopes of getting it.

be in hopes of (望んでいる) [動] to want or wish for something

「私はそれを得たいと望んでいる。

That is why I am here.

why (理由) [名] the reason or cause for which something is done or happens

それが私がここにいる理由だ。

The more I think of the matter the more convinced I am that the letter has never left this house.”

この件について考えれば考えるほど、手紙がこの屋敷から出ていないという確信が強くなる。」

“Mr. Holmes!”

「ホームズさん!」

“If it had it would certainly have been public by now.”

by now (今頃) [副] at this time; now

「もしそうなら、今頃は間違いなく公になっているだろう。」

“But why should anyone take it in order to keep it in his house?”

「しかし、誰が自分の家に保管するためにそれを盗むだろうか?」

“I am not convinced that anyone did take it.”

「誰かがそれを盗んだとは確信できない。」

“Then how could it leave the despatch-box?”

「では、どうやって書類箱から出たんだ?」

“I am not convinced that it ever did leave the despatch-box.”

「それが書類箱から出たとは確信できない。」

“Mr. Holmes, this joking is very ill-timed.

joking (冗談) [名] something said or done for amusement and not seriously

ill-timed (間が悪い) [形] happening at an inappropriate time

「ホームズさん、この冗談は非常に間が悪い。

You have my assurance that it left the box.”

have assurance (保証する) [動] to be certain of the truth of something

それが箱から出たことは私が保証する。」

“Have you examined the box since Tuesday morning?”

「火曜日の朝から箱を調べましたか?」

“No. It was not necessary.”

「いいえ。必要ありませんでした。」

“You may conceivably have overlooked it.”

「見落とした可能性もあります。」

“Impossible, I say.”

「ありえない。」

“But I am not convinced of it.

「しかし、私はそうは思わない。

I have known such things to happen.

such (そういう) [形] of that kind

そういうことが起こるのは知っている。

I presume there are other papers there.

そこには他の書類もあると思う。

Well, it may have got mixed with them.”

get mixed (混ざる) [動] be combined or blended together

それに混ざってしまったのかもしれない。」

“It was on the top.”

on the top (一番上) [名] the highest position or rank

「それは一番上にあった。」

“Someone may have shaken the box and displaced it.”

displace (位置が変わる) [動] move or cause to move from the usual or proper place

「誰かが箱を揺らして位置が変わったのかもしれない。」

“No, no, I had everything out.”

everything (全部) [名] all the things

out (取り出す) [動] to take something from inside something else

「いいえ、いいえ、私は全部取り出しました。」

“Surely it is easily decided, Hope,” said the Premier.

「それは簡単に決まるだろう、ホープ」と首相は言った。

“Let us have the despatch-box brought in.”

bring in (持ってくる) [動] cause to come or go into a place

「公文書箱を持ってこさせよう。」

The Secretary rang the bell.

秘書官はベルを鳴らした。

“Jacobs, bring down my despatch-box.

bring down (持ってくる) [動] cause to come or go to a lower place

「ジェイコブス、私の公文書箱を持ってきてくれ。

This is a farcical waste of time, but still, if nothing else will satisfy you, it shall be done.

waste of time (時間の無駄) [名] a situation in which you do not use your time in a useful or effective way

nothing else (他に何も) [名] no other thing

shall be done (そうしよう) [動] will be done

これは時間の無駄だが、それでも、他に何もあなたを満足させられないのであれば、そうしよう。

Thank you, Jacobs, put it here.

ありがとう、ジェイコブス、ここに置いてくれ。

I have always had the key on my watch-chain.

私はいつも時計の鎖に鍵を掛けていた。

Here are the papers, you see.

ほら、書類はここにある。

Letter from Lord Merrow, report from Sir Charles Hardy, memorandum from Belgrade, note on the Russo-German grain taxes, letter from Madrid, note from Lord Flowers——Good heavens!

memorandum (覚書) [名] a written message that is sent from one person or department in an organization to another

メロウ卿からの手紙、チャールズ・ハーディ卿からの報告書、ベオグラードからの覚書、ロシア・ドイツの穀物税に関するメモ、マドリードからの手紙、フラワーズ卿からのメモ——なんてことだ!

what is this?

これは何だ?

Lord Bellinger! Lord Bellinger!”

ベリンジャー卿! ベリンジャー卿!」

The Premier snatched the blue envelope from his hand.

首相は彼の手から青い封筒をひったくった。

“Yes, it is it—and the letter is intact.

intact (手つかず) [形] not damaged or impaired in any way

「そうです、これです——そして手紙は手つかずです。

Hope, I congratulate you.”

ホープ、おめでとう。」

“Thank you! Thank you! What a weight from my heart.

「ありがとう! ありがとう! なんて心の重荷が取れたことでしょう。

But this is inconceivable—impossible.

しかしこれは考えられない——ありえない。

Mr. Holmes, you are a wizard, a sorcerer!

sorcerer (魔術師) [名] a man who has magical powers

ホームズさん、あなたは魔法使い、魔術師です!

How did you know it was there?”

そこにあったことをどうやって知ったのですか?」

“Because I knew it was nowhere else.”

「なぜなら、それが他のどこにもないことを知っていたからだ。」

“I cannot believe my eyes!”

「自分の目が信じられない!」

He ran wildly to the door.

彼は狂ったようにドアまで走った。

“Where is my wife?

「妻はどこだ?

I must tell her that all is well.

彼女にすべてがうまくいっていると伝えなければならない。

Hilda! Hilda!” we heard his voice on the stairs.

Hilda (ヒルダ) [名] a female given name

ヒルダ! ヒルダ!」と彼の声が階段で聞こえた。

The Premier looked at Holmes with twinkling eyes.

twinkling (きらきらと輝く) [形] shining or glittering with a flickering light

首相はきらきらと輝く目でホームズを見た。

“Come, sir,” said he.

「来てください、旦那」と彼は言った。

“There is more in this than meets the eye.

meet the eye (目に見える) [動] be immediately apparent

「この事件には目に見える以上のものがある。

How came the letter back in the box?”

手紙はどうして箱に戻ったんだ?」

Holmes turned away smiling from the keen scrutiny of those wonderful eyes.

scrutiny (観察) [名] critical observation or examination

ホームズはその素晴らしい目の鋭い観察から笑顔で背を向けた。

“We also have our diplomatic secrets,” said he and, picking up his hat, he turned to the door.

diplomatic (外交上の) [形] of or relating to diplomacy

「我々にも外交上の秘密がある」と彼は言い、帽子を取ってドアの方へ向いた。