よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 22: Seeking the Police
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Notes on this scene
The police dismiss John’s account as a practical joke followed by unrelated accidents. An officer has been sent to guard the house, but he remains there instead of accompanying John. Holmes reacts angrily to the authorities’ failure to recognize the danger.
Japanese in this scene
- ている
- The 〜ている form can show an action in progress, a continuing state, or the result of a completed action. The surrounding sentence decides which meaning applies.
- べき
- べき expresses what ought to be done or what is expected: “should; ought to.”
- ですが
- ですが connects a statement with a contrast or qualification, much like “but” or “however,” while keeping a polite tone.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the warnings."
「ですが、私の話を笑みを浮かべて聞いていました。捜査官は、手紙は全部悪ふざけで、親族の死は陪審の言うとおり本当の事故であり、警告とは結びつけるべきでないと考えているに違いありません」
Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible imbecility!" he cried.
ホームズは握り締めた両手を宙で振った。「信じられない愚かさだ」と彼は叫んだ。
"They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the house with me."
「もっとも、警官を一人つけてはくれました。私と一緒に屋敷にいてよいことになっています」
"Has he come with you to-night?"
「今夜は同行していますか」
"No. His orders were to stay in the house."
「いいえ。家にとどまるよう命じられています」
Again Holmes raved in the air.
ホームズは再び宙に向かって怒りの声を上げた。