Scene 26 · Notes

Notes　Scene 26: Precautions

Next scene: 27 Planning the Return ›Read this scene again (from the start)

Notes on this scene

Holmes explains that removing the immediate danger comes before revenge or punishment. The mystery can be investigated afterward through the law. As John prepares to leave the room, Holmes repeatedly warns him to take every possible precaution on the journey home.

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.
のであり
のであり is the formal connective form of のだ. It explains the present state and links it to what follows.
べき
べき expresses what ought to be done or what is expected: “should; ought to.”

Full text: original English and Japanese translation

"Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the guilty parties."

「今は復讐や、それに類することを考えてはいけません。それは法の力で果たせるかもしれませんが、こちらの網はこれから織るのであり、相手の網はすでに織り上がっているのです。まず考えるべきは、あなたを脅かす差し迫った危険を取り除くことです。謎を解き、罪のある者を罰するのは、その次です」

"I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall certainly do as you advise."

「ありがとうございます」と青年は立ち上がり、外套に袖を通して言った。「新しい命と希望を頂きました。必ずご忠告どおりにします」

"Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you go back?"

「一瞬も無駄にしないでください。そして何より、当面はご自身の身に気をつけてください。実際に、しかも目前に迫った危険があなたを脅かしていることに、疑う余地はないと思います。どうやってお帰りになりますか」

"By train from Waterloo."

「ウォータールーから汽車で」

"It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too closely."

「まだ九時前です。通りは人が多いでしょうから、安全であることを願っています。それでも、どれほど厳重に用心してもしすぎることはありません」

Japanese words in this scene (with English meanings; ☆ saves a word)

  • のです — the expectation is that ...; the reason is that ...; the fact is that ...; the explanation is that ...hard
  • 脅かす（おびやかす） — to intimidate; to frighten; to scare; to threaten (e.g. peace)hard
  • 立ち上がり（たちあがり） — start; beginning; build up; how well a pitcher pitches at the start of the gamehard
  • 外套（がいとう） — overcoat; cloakhard
  • 汽車（きしゃ） — steam locomotive; steam train; (long-distance) train; non-electric trainhard
  • 今（いま） — now; the present
  • 復讐（ふくしゅう） — revenge
  • それに — besides; in addition

Next scene: Planning the Return

As Holmes warns him to take care on the journey home, John explains the precautions he already has. Where does Holmes intend to begin his investigation, and how will they remain in contact? Their conversation continues before the departure while wind still sounds outside and rain strikes the windows of the room.

Next scene EnterRead this scene again