よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 4: The Evening Bell
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Notes on this scene
A late bell interrupts the two men on the stormy night. Watson wonders whether the caller is a friend or a client, while Holmes reasons that only serious business would bring someone out in such weather. Footsteps approach, and Holmes prepares the visitor’s chair.
Japanese in this scene
- おや
- おや is used here as interjection. In this context it means “oh.”
- 友人
- 友人 is used here as noun. In this context it means “friend.”
- 見上げて
- 見上げて is the て-form of 見上げる, “to look up.” It connects that action with what the speaker does or says next.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?"
「おや」と私は友人を見上げて言った。「今のは確かに呼び鈴だったね。今夜、いったい誰が来るんだろう。きみの友人か何かかな」
"Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage visitors."
「きみ以外には一人もいないよ」と彼は答えた。「私は訪問客を歓迎しないからね」
"A client, then?"
「それなら依頼人か」
"If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more likely to be some crony of the landlady's."
「だとすれば重大な事件だ。この天気、この時刻に人を外へ連れ出すのは、それほどの用事しかない。だが、下宿のおかみの親しい知り合いが来た可能性の方が高いと思うね」
Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit.
しかしホームズの推測は外れ、廊下で足音がして、扉を軽くたたく音がした。彼は長い腕を伸ばし、ランプを自分から遠ざけ、新たな客が座るはずの空いた椅子の方へ向けた。
"Come in!" said he.
「どうぞ」と彼は言った。