(Александр Бонапарт Каст)
I was not present at the interview (я не присутствовал на беседе) that took place between Poirot and that strange man (которая произошла между Пуаро и тем странным человеком) — Alexander Bonaparte Cust (Александром Бонапартом Кастом). Owing to his association with the police (благодаря его отношениям с полицией) and the peculiar circumstances of the case (и особыми обстоятельствами дела), Poirot had no difficulty in obtaining a Home Office[48] order (у Пуаро не было трудностей получить министерский ордер) — but that order did not extend to me (но тот ордер не распространялся на меня), and in any case (и в любом случае) it was essential (это было важно), from Poirot's point of view (с точки зрения Пуаро), that that interview should be absolutely private (что этой беседе следует быть совершенно частной) — the two men face to face (двое мужчин лицом к лицу).
difficulty ['dIfIk@ltI], Home Office ['h@Um'OfIs], absolutely ['&bs(@)lu:tlI]
I was not present at the interview that took place between Poirot and that strange man — Alexander Bonaparte Cust. Owing to his association with the police and the peculiar circumstances of the case, Poirot had no difficulty in obtaining a Home Office order — but that order did not extend to me, and in any case it was essential, from Poirot's point of view, that that interview should be absolutely private — the two men face to face.
He has given me, however (он дал мне, однако), such a detailed account of what passed between them (такой тщательный отчет того, что произошло между ними) that I set it down with as much confidence on paper (что я изложил его с такой уверенностью на бумаге; to set down — класть; записывать, письменно излагать) as though I had actually been present (как если бы я действительно /там/ присутствовал).
Mr. Cust seemed to have shrunk (мистер Каст, казалось, съежился; to shrink — уменьшаться; усыхать). His stoop was more apparent (его сутулость была более явной). His fingers plucked vaguely at his coat (его пальцы рассеянно теребили пальто; to pluck — собирать; щипать, перебирать).
For some time (некоторое время), I gather (я делаю вывод = как я понял), Poirot did not speak (Пуаро не говорил).
He sat (он сидел) and looked at the man opposite him (и смотрел на человека напротив него).
shrunk [SrVNk], pluck [plVk], coat [k@Ut]
He has given me, however, such a detailed account of what passed between them that I set it down with as much confidence on paper as though I had actually been present.
Mr. Cust seemed to have shrunk. His stoop was more apparent. His fingers plucked vaguely at his coat.
For some time, I gather, Poirot did not speak.
He sat and looked at the man opposite him.
The atmosphere became restful (обстановка стала мирной) — soothing (успокаивающей) — full of infinite leisure (полной бесконечного расслабления). It must have been a dramatic moment (это, должно быть, был драматический момент) — this meeting of the two adversaries in the long drama (эта встреча двух противников в долгой драме). In Poirot's place (на месте Пуаро) I should have felt the dramatic thrill (я бы почувствовал драматический трепет).
Poirot, however (Пуаро, однако), is nothing if not matter-of-fact (это сплошная прозаичность; matter-of-fact — основанный на фактах, сухой, прозаичный; лишенный фантазии). He was absorbed in producing a certain effect upon the man opposite him (он был поглощен тем, что производил определенное впечатление на человека напротив него).
At last he said gently (наконец он мягко сказал): "Do you know who I am (вы знаете, кто я)?"
infinite ['InfInIt], leisure ['leZ@], matter-of-fact [,m&t@r(@)v'f&kt]
The atmosphere became restful — soothing — full of infinite leisure. It must have been a dramatic moment — this meeting of the two adversaries in the long drama. In Poirot's place I should have felt the dramatic thrill.
Poirot, however, is nothing if not matter-of-fact. He was absorbed in producing a certain effect upon the man opposite him.
At last he said gently: "Do you know who I am?"
The other shook his head (другой покачал головой). "No — no — I can't say (я не могу сказать) I do (что я /знаю/). Unless you are Mr. Lucas's (только если вы не мистера Лукаса) — what do they call it (как они называют это)? — junior (помощник; junior — младший; подчиненный). Or perhaps you come from Mr. Maynard (или, может быть, вы пришли от мистера Мейнарда)?"
(Maynard & Cole were the defending solicitors («Мейнард-энд-Коул» были юристами защиты).)
His tone was polite (его тон был вежливый) but not very interested (но не очень заинтересованный). He seemed absorbed in some inner abstraction (он казался поглощенным внутренними мыслями; abstraction — абстракция; погруженность мысли, задумчивость).
"I am Hercule Poirot (я — Эркюль Пуаро) …"
Poirot said the words very gently (Пуаро сказал эти слова очень мягко) … and watched for the effect (и наблюдал за эффектом).
Mr. Cust raised his head a little (мистер Каст немного поднял голову). "Oh, yes (о, да)?"
He said it as naturally (он сказал это так естественно) as Inspector Crome might have said it (как инспектор Кроум мог бы сказать это) — but without the superciliousness (но без надменности; supercilious — высокомерный, надменный, презрительный).
solicitor [s@'lIsIt@], abstraction [&b'str&kS(@)n], superciliousness [,sju:p@'sIlI@snIs]
The other shook his head. "No — no — I can't say I do. Unless you are Mr. Lucas's — what do they call it? — junior. Or perhaps you come from Mr. Maynard?"
(Maynard & Cole were the defending solicitors.)
His tone was polite but not very interested. He seemed absorbed in some inner abstraction.
"I am Hercule Poirot …"
Poirot said the words very gently … and watched for the effect.
Mr. Cust raised his head a little. "Oh, yes?"
He said it as naturally as Inspector Crome might have said it — but without the superciliousness.
Then (затем), a minute later (минутой спустя), he repeated his remark (он повторил свое замечание). "Oh, yes?" he said (о, да?), and this time his tone was different (и на этот раз его тон был другим) — it held an awakened interest (он содержал пробудившийся интерес). He raised his head and looked at Poirot (он поднял голову и посмотрел на Пуаро).
Hercule Poirot met his gaze (Эркюль Пуаро встретил его взгляд) and nodded his own head gently once or twice (и кивнул головой один или два раза).
"Yes," he said. "I am the man (я тот человек) to whom you wrote the letters (которому вы писали ваши письма). "
At once the contact was broken (неожиданно контакт нарушился). Mr. Cust dropped his eyes (мистер Каст опустил глаза) and spoke irritably and fretfully (и заговорил раздраженно и нетерпеливо; fretful — капризный, раздражительный, нетерпеливый).
"I never wrote to you (я никогда не писал вам). Those letters weren't written by me (те письма не были написаны мною). I've said so again and again (я уже говорил так снова и снова). "
"I know," said Poirot (я знаю). "But if you did not write them (но если не вы написали их), who did (кто же написал)?"
interest ['Int@r@st], gaze [geIz], fretfully ['fretfUlI]
Then, a minute later, he repeated his remark. "Oh, yes?" he said, and this time his tone was different — it held an awakened interest. He raised his head and looked at Poirot.
Hercule Poirot met his gaze and nodded his own head gently once or twice.
"Yes," he said. "I am the man to whom you wrote the letters."
At once the contact was broken. Mr. Cust dropped his eyes and spoke irritably and fretfully.
"I never wrote to you. Those letters weren't written by me. I've said so again and again."
"I know," said Poirot. "But if you did not write them, who did?"
"An enemy (враг). I must have an enemy (у меня, должно быть, есть враг). They are all against me (они все против меня). The police (полиция) — everyone (каждый) — all against me (все против меня). It's a gigantic conspiracy (это гигантский заговор; conspiracy — секретность; тайный сговор). "
Poirot did not reply (Пуаро не ответил).
Mr. Cust said (мистер Каст сказал): "Everyone's hand has been against me (все были против меня: «рука каждого против меня») — always (всегда). "
"Even when you were a child (даже когда вы были ребенком)?"
Mr. Cust seemed to consider (мистер Каст, казалось, раздумывал). "No — no — not exactly then (не совсем тогда; exactly — точно). My mother was very fond of me (моя мать очень любила меня). But she was ambitious (но она была честолюбива) — terribly ambitious (ужасно честолюбива). That's why she gave me those ridiculous names (поэтому он дала мне эти нелепые имена). She had some absurd idea (у нее была некая абсурдная идея) that I'd cut a figure in the world (что я стану значительной мировой фигурой; to cut a /fine/ figure — производить /хорошее/ впечатление; to cut — вырезать; кроить). She was always urging me to assert myself (она всегда торопила меня утвердиться) — talking about will power (говорила о силе воли) … saying anyone could be master of his fate (говорила, что каждый может быть хозяином своей судьбы) … she said I could do anything (она говорила, что я смогу сделать что угодно)!"
gigantic [dZaI'g&ntIk], conspiracy [k@n'spaI@r@sI], ambitious [&m'bIS@s]
"An enemy. I must have an enemy. They are all against me. The police — everyone — all against me. It's a gigantic conspiracy."
Poirot did not reply.
Mr. Cust said: "Everyone's hand has been against me — always."
"Even when you were a child?"
Mr. Cust seemed to consider. "No — no — not exactly then. My mother was very fond of me. But she was ambitious — terribly ambitious. That's why she gave me those ridiculous names. She had some absurd idea that I'd cut a figure in the world. She was always urging me to assert myself — talking about will power … saying anyone could be master of his fate … she said I could do anything!"
He was silent for a minute (он молчал: «был молчалив» с минуту).
"She was quite wrong, of course (она была совершенно неправа, конечно). I realized that myself quite soon (я достаточно скоро это осознал сам). I wasn't the sort of person to get on in life (я был не тем человеком, чтобы преуспевать в жизни). I was always doing foolish things (я всегда делал глупости: «глупые вещи») — making myself look ridiculous (заставляя себя выглядеть нелепо). And I was timid (и я был застенчив) — afraid of people (боялся людей). I had a bad time at school (мне плохо приходилось в школе) — the boys found out my Christian names (мальчишки узнали мои имена) — they used to tease me about them (они, бывало, дразнили меня из-за них). I did very badly at school (я очень плохо успевал в школе) — in games (в играх) and work (и работе) and everything (и во всем). "
He shook his head (он покачал головой). "Just as well poor mother died (как раз тогда моя бедная мать умерла). She'd have been disappointed (она была разочарована) … Even when I was at the Commercial College (даже когда я был в колледже коммерции) I was stupid (я был туп) — it took me longer to learn typing and shorthand (у меня занимало дольше, чтобы научиться печатать и стенографировать; shorthand — стенография) than anyone else (чем у кого-либо еще). And yet I didn't feel stupid (и все же я не чувствовал себя тупым) — if you know what I mean (если вы знаете, что я имею в виду). "
timid ['tImId], tease [ti:z], shorthand ['SO:th&nd]
He was silent for a minute.
"She was quite wrong, of course. I realized that myself quite soon. I wasn't the sort of person to get on in life. I was always doing foolish things — making myself look ridiculous. And I was timid — afraid of people. I had a bad time at school — the boys found out my Christian names — they used to tease me about them. I did very badly at school — in games and work and everything."
He shook his head. "Just as well poor mother died. She'd have been disappointed … Even when I was at the Commercial College I was stupid — it took me longer to learn typing and shorthand than anyone else. And yet I didn't feel stupid — if you know what I mean."
He cast a sudden appealing look at the other man (он бросил неожиданный умоляющий взгляд на другого человека).
"I know what you mean," said Poirot (я знаю, что вы имеете в виду). "Go on (продолжайте). "
"It was just the feeling (это просто было чувство) that everybody else thought me stupid (что все остальные думали, что я тупой). Very paralysing (это очень обескураживающе; to paralyze — парализовывать; лишать сил). It was the same thing later in the office (все то же было и позднее, на работе/в офисе). "
"And later still in the war?" prompted Poirot (а еще позднее, на войне? — подсказал Пуаро).
Mr. Cust's face lightened up suddenly (неожиданно лицо мистера Каста просветлело). "You know," he said (вы знаете), "I enjoyed the war (я наслаждался войной). What I had of it, that was (это на самом деле так было: «что я имел из этого, это было»). I felt (я чувствовал /себя/), for the first time (в первый раз), a man like anybody else (человеком, подобным всем другим). We were all in the same box (мы были все в одинаково трудном положении; to be in a /tight/ box — быть в трудном положении: «в /тесном/ ящике»). I was as good as anyone else (я был таким же, как все: «я был так же хорош, как любой другой»). "
appealing [@'pi:lIN], paralysing ['p&r@laIzIN], prompt [prOmpt]
He cast a sudden appealing look at the other man.
"I know what you mean," said Poirot. "Go on."
"It was just the feeling that everybody else thought me stupid. Very paralysing. It was the same thing later in the office."
"And later still in the war?" prompted Poirot.
Mr. Cust's face lightened up suddenly. "You know," he said, "I enjoyed the war. What I had of it, that was. I felt, for the first time, a man like anybody else. We were all in the same box. I was as good as anyone else."
His smile faded (его улыбка померкла; to fade — вянуть, увядать).
"And then I got that wound on the head (а затем я получил то ранение в голову). Very slight (очень легкое). But they found out I had fits (но они обнаружили/выявили, что у меня были припадки) … I'd always known, of course (я всегда знал, конечно), that there were times (что были времена) when I hadn't been quite sure (когда я не был совсем уверен) what I was doing (что я делал). Lapses (провалы /памяти/), you know (вы знаете). And of course (и, конечно), once or twice I'd fallen down (раз или два я упал). But I don't really think (но я действительно не думаю) they ought to have discharged me for that (что им следовало увольнять меня из-за этого). No, I don't think it was right (я не думаю, что это было правильно). "
"And afterwards?" asked Poirot (а затем?).
fade [feId], lapse [l&ps], afterwards ['A:ft@w@dz]
His smile faded.
"And then I got that wound on the head. Very slight. But they found out I had fits … I'd always known, of course, that there were times when I hadn't been quite sure what I was doing. Lapses, you know. And of course, once or twice I'd fallen down. But I don't really think they ought to have discharged me for that. No, I don't think it was right."
"And afterwards?" asked Poirot.
"I got a place as a clerk (я получил место клерка). Of course (конечно) there was good money to be got just then (тут были хорошие деньги, /которые можно/ было получить как раз тогда). And I didn't do so badly after the war (и я не так плохо справлялся после войны). Of course (конечно), a smaller salary (меньшая зарплата) … … And — I didn't seem to get on (я как-то не преуспевал: «я не казался продвигаться»). I was always being passed over for promotion (меня всегда обходили с повышением). I wasn't going ahead enough (я не достаточно рвался вперед). It grew very difficult (становилось очень трудно; to grow) — really very difficult (действительно очень трудно) … Especially when the slump came (особенно когда начался кризис; slump — резкое или внезапное падение; кризис). To tell you the truth (по правде вам говоря), I'd got hardly enough to keep body and soul together (я получал едва ли достаточно, чтобы сводить концы с концами: «держать тело и душу вместе») (and you've got to look presentable as a clerk (а, будучи клерком, надо выглядеть представительно)) when I got the offer of this stocking job (когда я получил предложение об этой чулочной работе). A salary and commission (жалование и комиссионные)!"
Poirot said gently (Пуаро мягко сказал): "But you are aware (но вы понимаете), are you not (что вы не /работаете там/), that the firm (что фирма) who (которая) you say (/как/ вы говорите) employed you (наняла вас) deny the fact (отрицает этот факт)?"
promotion [pr@'m@US(@)n], slump [slVmp], commission [k@'mIS(@)n]
"I got a place as a clerk. Of course there was good money to be got just then. And I didn't do so badly after the war. Of course, a smaller salary … And — I didn't seem to get on. I was always being passed over for promotion. I wasn't going ahead enough. It grew very difficult — really very difficult … Especially when the slump came. To tell you the truth, I'd got hardly enough to keep body and soul together (and you've got to look presentable as a clerk) when I got the offer of this stocking job. A salary and commission!"
Poirot said gently: "But you are aware, are you not, that the firm who you say employed you deny the fact?"
Mr. Cust got excited again (мистер Каст опять разволновался). "That's because they're in the conspiracy (это потому что они в заговоре) — they must be in the conspiracy (они, должно быть, в заговоре). ''
He went on (он продолжил): "I've got written evidence (у меня есть письменные доказательства), written evidence (письменные доказательства). I've got their letters to me (у меня есть их письма ко мне), giving me instructions (дающие мне инструкции) as to what places to go (как то, в какие места ехать) and a list of people to call on (и список людей, /которых надо/ посетить). "
"Not written evidence exactly (не письменные доказательства /более/ точно) — typewritten evidence (а напечатанные доказательства). "
"It's the same thing (это одно и тоже). Naturally a big firm of wholesale manufacturers typewrite their letters (естественно, что крупная фирма оптовых производителей печатает свои письма). "
"Don't you know, Mr. Cust (вы не знаете, мистер Каст), that a typewriter can be identified (что печатная машинка может быть определена; to identify — устанавливать тождество; опознавать)? All those letters were typed by one particular machine (все те письма были напечатаны на одной определенной машине). "
instruction [In'strVkS(@)n], wholesale ['h@UlseIl], typewriter ['taIpraIt@]
Mr. Cust got excited again. "That's because they're in the conspiracy — they must be in the conspiracy.''
He went on: "I've got written evidence, written evidence. I've got their letters to me, giving me instructions as to what places to go and a list of people to call on."
"Not written evidence exactly — typewritten evidence."
"It's the same thing. Naturally a big firm of wholesale manufacturers typewrite their letters."
"Don't you know, Mr. Cust, that a typewriter can be identified? All those letters were typed by one particular machine."
"What of it (что из этого)?"
"And that machine was your own (и что эта машина была вашей собственной) — the one found in your room (той, найденной у вас в комнате). "
"It was sent me by the firm at the beginning of my job (она была послана мне компанией в начале моей работы). "
"Yes, but these letters were received afterwards (но эти письма были получены после). So it looks (так это выглядит), does it not (не так ли), as though you typed them yourself (как будто вы напечатали их сами) and posted them to yourself (и отправили их по почте самому себе)?"
"No, no! It's all part of the plot against me (это все часть заговора против меня)!"
He added suddenly (он неожиданно добавил): "Besides (кроме того), their letters would be written on the same kind of machine (их письма были бы написаны на машинке того же самого типа). "
beginning [bI'gInIN], besides [bI'saIdz], machine [m@'Si:n]
"What of it?"
"And that machine was your own — the one found in your room."
"It was sent me by the firm at the beginning of my job."
"Yes, but these letters were received afterwards. So it looks, does it not, as though you typed them yourself and posted them to yourself?"
"No, no! It's all part of the plot against me!"
He added suddenly: "Besides, their letters would be written on the same kind of machine."
"The same kind (того же типа), but not the same actual machine (но не на той же реально существующей машинке; actual — актуальный; действительный). "
Mr. Cust repeated obstinately (мистер Каст упрямо повторил): "It's a plot (это заговор; plot — заговор)!"
"And the A.B.C.'s that were found in the cupboard (и /железнодорожные справочники/ «Эй-би-си», которые были найдены в шкафу)?"
"I know nothing about them (я /не/ знаю ничего о них). I thought (я думал) they were all stockings (это все были чулки). "
"Why did you tick off the name of Mrs. Ascher in that first list of people in Andover (почему вы отметили галочкой имя миссис Эшер в первом списке людей в Эндовере)?"
"Because I decided to start with her (потому что я решил начать с нее). One must begin somewhere (нужно с чего-то начинать; somewhere — где-либо). "
"Yes that is true (да, это правда). One must begin somewhere (нужно с чего-то начинать). "
actual ['&ktSU@l], obstinately ['ObstIn@tlI], tick [tIk]
"The same kind, but not the same actual machine."
Mr. Cust repeated obstinately: "It's a plot!"
"And the A.B.C.'s that were found in the cupboard?"
"I know nothing about them. I thought they were all stockings."
"Why did you tick off the name of Mrs. Ascher in that first list of people in Andover?"
"Because I decided to start with her. One must begin somewhere."
"Yes, that is true. One must begin somewhere."
"I don't mean that!" said Mr. Cust (я не это имею в виду). "I don't mean what you mean (я не имею в виду то, что имеете в виду вы)!"
"But you know what I meant (а вы знаете, что я имел в виду)?"
Mr. Cust said nothing (мистер Каст ничего не сказал). He was trembling (он дрожал). "I didn't do it!" he said (я не делал этого). "I'm perfectly innocent (я совершенно невиновен)! It's all a mistake (это все ошибка). Why, look at that second crime (да посмотрите же на второе преступление; why — почему; /междометие/ выражает самые разнообразные эмоции в зависимости от контекста: удивление, согласие или несогласие, нетерпение и т. п.) — that Bexhill one (то, бексхиллское). I was playing dominoes at Eastbourne (я играл в домино в Истборне). You've got to admit that (вам придется признать это)!"
His voice was triumphant (его голос был торжествующим).
trembling ['tremblIN], innocent ['In(@)s@nt], triumphant [traI'Vmf@nt]
"I don't mean that!" said Mr. Cust. "I don't mean what you mean!"
"But you know what I meant?"
Mr. Cust said nothing. He was trembling. "I didn't do it!" he said. "I'm perfectly innocent! It's all a mistake. Why, look at that second crime — that Bexhill one. I was playing dominoes at Eastbourne. You've got to admit that!"
His voice was triumphant.
"Yes," said Poirot. His voice was meditative (его голос был задумчивым) — silky (вкрадчивым: «шелковым»). "But it's so easy (но так легко), isn't it (не так ли), to make a mistake of one day (сделать ошибку на один день)? And if you're an obstinate (и если вы упрямый), positive man (и самоуверенный человек), like Mr. Strange (как мистер Стрейндж), you'll never consider the possibility of having been mistaken (вы никогда не учтете возможность /того, что вы/ ошиблись). What you've said you'll stick to (что вы сказали, за то вы будете держаться). He's that kind of man (он такой человек: «он такой тип человека»). And the hotel register (и регистрационнная книга в отеле) — it's very easy to put down the wrong date (очень легко поставить неправильную дату) when you're signing it (когда вы подписываете ее) probably no one will notice it at the time (возможно, никто не заметит этого сразу). "
"I was playing dominoes that evening (я играл в домино в тот вечер)!"
"You play dominoes very well (вы играете в домино очень хорошо), I believe (я полагаю: «верю»). "
meditative ['medIt@tIv], stick [stIk], wrong [rON]
"Yes," said Poirot. His voice was meditative — silky. "But it's so easy, isn't it, to make a mistake of one day? And if you're an obstinate, positive man, like Mr. Strange, you'll never consider the possibility of hawing been mistaken. What you've said you'll stick to. He's that kind of man. And the hotel register — it's very easy to put down the wrong date when you're signing it — probably no one will notice it at the time."
"I was playing dominoes that evening!"
"You play dominoes very well, I believe."
Mr. Cust was a little flurried by this (мистер Каст был слегка взволнован этим; to flurry — волновать; будоражить). "I — I — well, I believe (я думаю) I do (я /хорошо играю/). "
"It is a very absorbing game (это очень поглощающая игра), is it not (не так ли), with a lot of skill in it (требующая большого мастерства: «с большим мастерством в ней»)?"
"Oh, there's a lot of play in it (о, /нужно/ много искусства в ней; play — игра; искусство, умение в игре) — a lot of play (много умения)! We used to play a lot in the City (мы, бывало, много играли в Сити), in the lunch hour (во время обеденного перерыва). You'd be surprised the way total strangers come together over a game of dominoes (вы были бы удивлены, насколько совершенные незнакомцы сходятся = сближаются за игрой в домино). "
He chuckled (он хохотнул). "I remember one man (я помню одного человека) — I've never forgotten him (я никогда не забуду его) because of something he told me (из-за того, что он мне сказал) — we just got talking over a cup of coffee (мы просто разговорились за чашкой кофе), and we started dominoes (и мы начали /играть/ в домино). Well, I felt after twenty minutes (я чувствовал через двадцать минут) that I'd known that man all his life (что я знал этого человека всю его жизнь). "
"What was it that he told you?" asked Poirot (что было то, что он сказал вам = и что же именно он сказал вам?).
flurry ['flVrI], chuckle [tSVkl], twenty ['twentI]
Mr. Cust was a little flurried by this. "I — I — well, I believe I do."
"It is a very absorbing game, is it not, with a lot of skill in it?"
"Oh, there's a lot of play in it — a lot of play! We used to play a lot in the City, in the lunch hour. You'd be surprised the way total strangers come together over a game of dominoes."
He chuckled. "I remember one man — I've never forgotten him because of something he told me — we just got talking over a cup of coffee, and we started dominoes. Well, I felt after twenty minutes that I'd known that man all his life."
"What was it that he told you?" asked Poirot.
Mr. Cust's face clouded over (лицо мистера Каста помрачнело; to cloud — покрываться тучами; мрачнеть). "It gave me a turn (это меня потрясло) — a nasty turn (ужасно потрясло). Talking of your fate being written in your hand (говорил о твоей судьбе, написанной на твоей руке), he was (он). And he showed me his hand (и он показал мне его руку) and the lines that showed (и линии, которые показывали) he'd have two near escapes of being drowned (он дважды едва не утонет: «у него будет два близких избегания утопания») — and he had had two near escapes (и он дважды едва не утонул). And then he looked at mine (а затем он посмотрел на мою /руку/) and he told me some amazing things (и рассказал мне несколько удивительных вещей). Said (сказал) I was going to be one of the most celebrated men in England (я буду одним из самых известных людей в Англии) before I died (прежде чем я умру). Said the whole country would be talking about me (что вся страна будет говорить обо мне). But he said (но он сказал) — he said — "
Mr. Cust broke down (мистер Каст превался) — faltered (дрогнув; to falter — спотыкаться).
"Yes?"
Poirot's gaze held a quiet magnetism (взгляд Пуаро обладал спокойной притягательностью: «содержал тихий магнетизм»). Mr. Cust looked at him (мистер Каст посмотрел на него), looked away (посмотрел в сторону), then back again (затем снова назад) like a fascinated rabbit (как кролик на удава: «как загипнотизированный кролик»; to fascinate — зачаровывать; гипнотизировать, зачаровывать взглядом)
falter ['fO:lt@], magnetism ['m&gnItIzm], fascinated ['f&sIneItId]
Mr. Cust's face clouded over. "It gave me a turn — a nasty turn. Talking of your fate being written in your hand, he was. And he showed me his hand and the lines that showed he'd have two near escapes of being drowned — and he had had two near escapes. And then he looked at mine and he told me some amazing things. Said I was going to be one of the most celebrated men in England before I died. Said the whole country would be talking about me. But he said — he said — "
Mr. Cust broke down — faltered.
"Yes?"
Poirot's gaze held a quiet magnetism. Mr. Cust looked at him, looked away, then back again like a fascinated rabbit.
"He said — he said (он сказал) — that it looked (что это выглядело) as though I might die a violent death (как будто я мог умереть ужасной смертью) — and he laughed and said (и он засмеялся и сказал): 'Almost looks (выглядит почти /так/) as though you might die on the scaffold (как будто вы можете умереть на эшафоте),' and then he laughed (а затем он засмеялся) and said that was only his joke (что это была только его шутка) …"
He was silent suddenly (неожиданно он замолчал). His eyes left Poirot's face (его взгляд оставил лицо Пуаро) — they ran from side to side (он бегал по сторонам: «из стороны в сторону») …
"My head (моя голова) — I suffer very badly with my head (я страдаю очень сильно из-за моей головы), the headaches are something cruel sometimes (головные боли иногда жестокие). And then there are times (и временами: «затем есть времена») when I don't know (когда я не знаю) — when I don't know — "
He broke down (он прервался).
Poirot leant forward (Пуаро наклонился вперед). He spoke very quietly (он говорил очень тихо) but with great assurance (но очень убедительно: «но с большой убедительностью»).
violent ['vaI@l@nt], scaffold ['sk&f(@)ld], badly ['b&dlI]
"He said — he said — that it looked as though I might die a violent death — and he laughed and said: 'Almost looks as though you might die on the scaffold,' and then he laughed and said that was only his joke …"
He was silent suddenly. His eyes left Poirot's face — they ran from side to side …
"My head — I suffer very badly with my head … the headaches are something cruel sometimes. And then there are times when I don't know — when I don't know — "
He broke down.
Poirot leant forward. He spoke very quietly but with great assurance.
"But you do know (но вы на самом деле знаете), don't you," he said (не так ли), "that you committed the murders (что вы совершили эти убийства)?''
Mr. Cust looked up (мистер Каст посмотрел вверх). His glance was quite simple and direct (его взгляд был совершенно простым и прямым). All resistance had left him (все сопротивление оставило его). He looked strangely at peace (он выглядел странно умиротворенным).
"Yes," he said. "I know."
"But (но) — I'm right (я прав), am I not (не так ли)? — you don't know why you did them (вы не знаете, почему вы совершили их)?"
Mr. Cust shook his head (мистер Каст покачал его головой).
"No," he said. "I don't (я не /знаю/). "
commit [k@'mIt], resistance [rI'zIst@ns], peace [pi:s]
"But you do know, don't you," he said, "that you committed the murders?"
Mr. Cust looked up. His glance was quite simple and direct. All resistance had left him. He looked strangely at peace.
"Yes," he said. "I know."
"But — I'm right, am I not? — you don't know why you did them?"
Mr. Cust shook his head.
"No," he said. "I don't."
XXXIV. Poirot Explains
(Пуаро объясняет)
We were sitting in a state of tense attention (мы сидели в состоянии напряженного внимания) to listen to Poirot's final explanation of the case (чтобы послушать последние объяснения Пуаро об этом деле).
"All along," he said (все это время), "I have been worried over the why of this case (я беспокоился по поводу «почему» этого дела = искал причину). Hastings said to me the other day (Гастингс сказал мне на днях) that the case was ended (что дело закончено). I replied to him (я ответил ему) that the case was the man (что это дело — это человек). The mystery was not the mystery of the murders (загадка была не в загадке убийств), but the mystery of A.B.C. (а в загадке Эй-би-си). Why did he find it necessary to commit these murders (почему он посчитал: «нашел» необходимым совершать эти преступления)? Why did he select me as his adversary (почему он выбрал меня как своего противника)?"
tense [tens], attention [@'tenS(@)n], select [sI'lekt]
We were sitting in a state of tense attention to listen to Poirot's final explanation of the case.
"All along," he said, "I have been worried over the why of this case. Hastings said to me the other day that the case was ended. I replied to him that the case was the man. The mystery was not the mystery of the murders, but the mystery of A.B.C.. Why did he find it necessary to commit these murders? Why did he select me as his adversary?"
"It is no answer (это не ответ) to say that the man was mentally unhinged (говорить, что человек был с душевным расстройством; to unhinge —выбивать из колеи, лишать душевного равновесия: «снимать с /верных/ петель»; hinge — петля /напр., дверная/). To say a man does mad things (сказать, что человек совершает сумасшедшие вещи) because he is mad (потому что он сумасшедший) is merely unintelligent and stupid (это просто неумно и тупо). A madman is as logical and reasoned in his action as a sane man (сумасшедший человек столь же логичен и разумен в своих действиях, как здоровый человек; to reason — рассуждать; аргументировать) — given his peculiar biased point of view (принимая во внимание его причудливо склоненную = необъективную точку зрения; to bias — склонять; настраивать). For example (например), if a man insists on going out (если человек настаивает на /том, что бы/ выйти) and squatting about in nothing but a loincloth (и разгуливать ни в чем, в одной лишь набедренной повязке; loin — поясница; to squat — сидеть на корточках; садиться на корточки) his conduct seems eccentric in the extreme (его поведение кажется эксцентричным в крайней степени). But once you know (но стоит вам узнать) that the man himself is firmly convinced (что сам человек твердо убежден) that he is Mahatma Gandhi[49] (что он Махатма Ганди), then his conduct becomes perfectly reasonable and logical (тогда его поведение становится совершенно разумным и логичным). "
bias ['baI@s], squat [skwOt], loincloth ['lOInklOT]
"It is no answer to say that the man was mentally unhinged. To say a man does mad things because he is mad is merely unintelligent and stupid. A madman is as logical and reasoned in his action as a sane man — given his peculiar biased point of view. For example, if a man insists on going out and squatting about in nothing but a loincloth his conduct seems eccentric in the extreme. But once you know that the man himself is firmly convinced that he is Mahatma Gandhi, then his conduct becomes perfectly reasonable and logical."
"What was necessary in this case (что было необходимо в этом деле) was to imagine a mind so constituted (это вообразить ум, устроенный так) that it was logical (чтобы было логично) and reasonable to commit four or more murders (и разумно совершить четыре или больше убийств) and to announce them beforehand by letters written to Hercule Poirot (и объявить о них заранее письмами, написанными Эркюлю Пуаро). "
"My friend, Hastings (мой друг Гастингс), will tell you (расскажет вам) that from the moment (что с того момента) I received the first letter (как я получил первое письмо) I was upset and disturbed (я был расстроен и взволнован; to upset — опрокидывать, переворачивать /о лодке, автомобиле и т. п./; upset — расстроенный, огорченный). It seemed to me at once (мне сразу показалось) that there was something very wrong about the letter (что было что-то очень неправильное относительно этого письма = что в этом письме что-то не так). "
"You were quite right," said Franklin Clarke dryly (вы были совершенно правы, — сказал Франклин Кларк сухо).
constitute ['kOnstItju:t], reasonable ['ri:z@n@bl], disturb [dIs't@:b]
"What was necessary in this case was to imagine a mind so constituted that it was logical and reasonable to commit four or more murders and to announce them beforehand by letters written to Hercule Poirot."
"My friend, Hastings, will tell you that from the moment I received the first letter I was upset and disturbed. It seemed to me at once that there was something very wrong about the letter."
"You were quite right," said Franklin Clarke dryly.
"Yes. But there (но там), at the very start (с самого начала), I made a grave error (я совершил серьезную ошибку). I permitted my feeling (я позволил моему чувству) — my very strong feeling about the letter (моему очень сильному чувству относительно письма) to remain a mere impression (остаться простым впечатлением). I treated it (я отнесся к нему) as though it had been an intuition (как будто это была интуиция). In a well-balanced (в хорошо сбалансированном), reasoning mind (рассуждающем = склонном к рассудениям уме) there is no such thing as an intuition (нет такой вещи, как интуиция) — an inspired guess (вдохновенная догадка)! You can guess (вы можете догадаться), of course (конечно) — and a guess is either right (и догадка является либо правильной) or wrong (либо неправильной). If it is right (если она правильная) you call it an intuition (вы называете ее интуицией). If it is wrong (если она неверная) you usually do not speak of it again (вы обычно снова о ней не говорите).
But what is often called an intuition is really impression (но то, что часто называют интуицией, является на самом деле впечатлением) based on logical deduction (основанном на логической дедукции) or experience (или опыте). When an expert feels (когда эксперт чувствует) that there is something wrong about a picture (что с картиной что-то не так) or a piece of furniture (или с предметом мебели) or the signature on a cheque (или с подписью на чеке) he is really basing that feeling on a host of small signs and details (он, на самом деле, основывает это чувство на группе маленьких знаков и деталей). He has no need to go into them minutely (ему нет нужды вникать в них детально/досконально) — his experience obviates that (его опыт избегает этого) — the net result is the definite impression (конечный результат является определенным впечатлением) that something is wrong (что что-то неверно). But it is not a guess (но это не догадка), it is an impression based on experience (это есть впечатление, основанное на опыте). "
deduction [dI'dVkS(@)n], intuition [,Intju(:)IS(@)n], obviate ['ObvIeIt]
"Yes. But there, at the very start, I made a grave error. I permitted my feeling — my very strong feeling about the letter to remain a mere impression. I treated it as though it had been an intuition. In a well-balanced, reasoning mind them is no such thing as an intuition — an inspired guess! You can guess, of course — and a guess is either right or wrong. If it is right you call it an intuition. If it is wrong you usually do not speak of it again.
But what is often called an intuition is really impression based on logical deduction or experience. When an expert feels that there is something wrong about a picture or a piece of furniture or the signature on a cheque he is really basing that feeling on a host of small signs and details. He has no need to go into them minutely — his experience obviates that — the net result is the definite impression that something is wrong. But it is not a guess, it is an impression based on experience."
" Eh bien(ну, так), I admit (я признаю) that I did not regard that first letter (что не рассматривал то первое письмо) in the way I should (тем образом, которым мне следовало). It just made me extremely uneasy (это просто меня крайне обеспокоило: «это просто сделало меня крайне неспокойным»). The police regarded it as a hoax (полиция рассматривала это как розыгрыш). I myself took it seriously (я сам принимал это серьезно). I was convinced (я был убежден) that a murder would take place in Andover (что убийство произойдет в Эндовере) as stated (как утверждалось). As you know (как вы знаете), a murder did take place (убийство действительно произошло). "
"There was no means at that point (не было ни единой возможности на том этапе), as I well realized (как я хорошо осознавал), of knowing who the person was (узнать, кто был этот человек) who had done the deed (который совершил этот поступок). The only course open to me was to try and understand (единственный открытый для меня путь был попытаться понять) just what kind of a person had done it (просто какого типа человек = что за человек сделал это). "
"I had certain indications (у меня были некоторые указания/знаки). The letter (письмо) — the manner of the crime (способ убийства) — the person murdered (/сам/ убитый человек). What I had to discover was (что мне нужно было выяснить, было): the motive of the crime (мотив преступления), the motive of the letter (мотив письма). "
"Publicity," suggested Clarke (известность, — предложил Кларк).
"Surely an inferiority complex covers that," added Thora Gray (несомненно, комплекс неполноценности покрывает = объясняет это, — добавила Тора Грей).
means [mi:nz], course [kO:s], indication [,IndI'keIS(@)n]
"Eh bien, I admit that I did not regard that first letter in the way I should. It just made me extremely uneasy. The police regarded it as a hoax. I myself took it seriously. I was convinced that a murder would take place in Andover as stated. As you know, a murder did take place."
"There was no means at that point, as I well realized, of knowing who the person was who had done the deed. The only course open to me was to try and understand just what kind of a person had done it."
"I had certain indications. The letter — the manner of the crime — the person murdered. What I had to discover was: the motive of the crime, the motive of the letter."
"Publicity," suggested Clarke.
"Surely an inferiority complex covers that," added Thora Gray.
"That was (это был), of course (конечно), the obvious line to take (очевидный путь, /чтобы его/ придерживаться). But why me (но почему я)? Why Hercule Poirot? Greater publicity could be ensured by sending the letters to Scotland Yard (если отправить письма в Скотланд-Ярд, можно было бы добиться большей известности: «бóльшая известность могла быть обеспечена отправлением писем в Скотланд-Ярд»). More again by sending them to a newspaper (еще бóльшая, если отправить их в газету). A newspaper might not print the first letter (газета, вероятно, не напечатала бы первое письмо), but by the time the second crime took place (но к тому моменту, когда произошло второе преступление), A.B.C. could have been assured of all the publicity (Эй-би-си мог бы быть уверен во всей известности) the press could give (которую пресса могла дать). Why, then, Hercule Poirot? Was it for some personal reason (было это по какой-то личной причине)? There was (было), discernible in the letter (заметное в письме), a slight anti-foreign bias (легкое предубеждение против иностранцев; bias — наклон; предубеждение) — but not enough to explain the matter to my satisfaction (но недостаточное, чтобы объяснить дело, /чтобы/ я был удовлетворен: «до моего удовлетворения» = удовлетворительно в моих глазах). "
ensure [In'SU@], discernible [dI's@:n@bl], anti-foreign ['&ntI'fOrIn]
"That was, of course, the obvious line to take. But why me? Why Hercule Poirot? Greater publicity could be ensured by sending the letters to Scotland Yard. More again by sending them to a newspaper. A newspaper might not print the first letter, but by the time the second crime took place, A.B.C. could have been assured of all the publicity the press could give. Why, then, Hercule Poirot? Was it for some personal reason? There was, discernible in the letter, a slight anti-foreign bias — but not enough to explain the matter to my satisfaction."
"Then the second letter arrived (затем прибыло второе письмо) — and was followed by the murder of Betty Barnard at Bexhill (и /за ним/ последовало убийство Бетти Барнард в Бексхилле). It became clear now (тут стало ясным) (what I had already suspected (что я уже подозревал)) that the murders wer