よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 39: A Willing Accomplice
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Notes on this scene
Watson agrees to help despite possible legal consequences, trusting the purpose. Once Mrs. Turner brings food, Holmes eats and explains that they must reach Briony Lodge in two hours. Adler will return at seven. Holmes corrects her title from Miss to Mrs., acknowledging the marriage he has just witnessed.
Japanese in this scene
- ことになっても
- ことになる describes an outcome; ても concedes it: “even if it means.” Holmes asks about the consequences of helping.
- 少しもかまわない
- 少しも with a negative means “not in the least.” Watson says the risk does not trouble him at all.
- 話すとしよう
- Dictionary form + としよう announces a decision: “let us” or “I shall.” Holmes decides to talk while eating.
Background
- Mrs. Turner
- Although Mrs. Hudson is famous as the Baker Street landlady, this story once uses the name Mrs. Turner. It is sometimes taken as an authorial slip, and readers have proposed various explanations.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"I shall be delighted."
「喜んで引き受けるよ」
"You don't mind breaking the law?"
「法を破ることになってもかまわないかね？」
"Not in the least."
「少しもかまわないよ」
"Nor running a chance of arrest?"
「逮捕されるおそれがあってもかね？」
"Not in a good cause."
「正しい目的のためならね」
"Oh, the cause is excellent!"
「ああ、目的は申し分ないとも！」
"Then I am your man."
「それなら喜んで力を貸すよ」
"I was sure that I might rely on you."
「きみなら頼りになると思っていたよ」
"But what is it you wish?"
「でも、何をしてほしいんだい？」
"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."
「ターナー夫人がお盆を運んできたら、はっきり説明しよう。さて」と、おかみが用意してくれた質素な食事にがつがつと取りかかりながら彼は言った。「食べながら話すとしよう、あまり時間がないのでね。もうすぐ五時だ。二時間後には、現場にいなければならない。アイリーン嬢、いや、正しくはもう夫人だが、彼女は七時に馬車での外出から戻ってくる。私たちはブライオニー荘で彼女を待ち受けなければならない」