よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 17: A Vow of Secrecy
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Notes on this scene
Holmes refuses to hear the case without Watson. The visitor secures both men’s promise of secrecy for two years, describing the matter as potentially affecting European history. He excuses his mask and admits that the title he has given is not truly his. Holmes replies that he already knew.
Japanese in this scene
- さもなければ
- さもなければ means “otherwise” or “if not.” It introduces Holmes’s firm alternative: either both men hear the account, or neither does.
- 動かしかねない
- Verb stem + かねない warns that an undesirable result may occur. The visitor claims the affair could change European history.
- 存じておりました
- 存じる is a humble verb meaning “to know.” おりました gives the past of polite, humble おる; Holmes maintains formal courtesy.
Background
- Watson’s presence
- Although the client wants a private consultation, Holmes insists on Watson staying. He treats Watson as a trusted collaborator rather than merely a fellow lodger, making their relationship especially clear in this scene.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me."
私は席を立とうとしたが、ホームズは私の手首をつかんで椅子に押し戻した。「お聞きするなら二人そろってです。さもなければ、どちらもお聞きしません」と彼は言った。「私に話せることなら、何でもこの人の前で話してかまいません」
The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it may have an influence upon European history."
伯爵は広い肩をすくめた。「では、まず」と彼は言った。「二人には二年間、絶対に秘密を守ると誓ってもらわねばならない。二年たてば、この件はもう何の意味もなくなる。だが今は、ヨーロッパの歴史を動かしかねないほど重大な事柄だと言っても、言い過ぎではないのだ」
"I promise," said Holmes.
「お約束します」とホームズは言った。
"And I."
「私もお約束します」
"You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own."
「この仮面のことは許してもらいたい」と奇妙な客は続けた。「私を遣わした高貴なお方は、使いの者の素性を君たちに知られたくないとお望みなのだ。それに、すぐに打ち明けてしまうが、いま名乗った称号は、正確には私のものではない」
"I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly.
「存じておりました」とホームズはそっけなく言った。