よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 1: The Red-Haired Client
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Notes on this scene
Watson arrives at Baker Street while Holmes is deep in conversation with a stout, red-haired gentleman. When Watson starts to leave, Holmes stops him and brings him into the consultation. He then introduces Watson to Mr. Wilson as a dependable partner who has helped him in many successful cases.
Japanese in this scene
- てくれる
- Verb + てくれる says that someone performs an action for the speaker or the speaker’s group. It presents the act as a welcome favor.
- ている
- The 〜ている form can show an action in progress, a continuing condition, or the present result of a completed action. The surrounding context selects the meaning.
- ような
- ような links a comparison or example to a following noun: “like; such as.” It is the noun-modifying form corresponding to ように.
- はず
- はず expresses an expectation based on evidence or circumstances: “should; be expected to.” It is stronger than a simple guess but not a guarantee.
Background
- Red hair
- Red hair is relatively common in Scotland and Ireland but remained unusual and conspicuous in England. In Victorian society it could attract teasing, so turning it into an advantage makes the League’s offer sound especially strange.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.
去年の秋のある日、友人のシャーロック・ホームズ氏を訪ねると、彼は燃えるような赤毛の、ひどく太って赤ら顔をした年配の紳士と話し込んでいた。邪魔をしたことを詫びて引き下がろうとすると、ホームズは私をいきなり部屋の中へ引っぱり込み、私の背後でドアを閉めた。
"You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson," he said cordially.
「ワトソン、これ以上ないほどいい時に来てくれたね」と彼は愛想よく言った。
"I was afraid that you were engaged."
「取り込み中じゃないかと思ったんだが」
"So I am. Very much so."
「そのとおり、取り込み中さ。それも大いにね」
"Then I can wait in the next room."
「それなら隣の部屋で待っているよ」
"Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also."
「その必要はまったくない。ウィルソンさん、こちらの紳士は、私がうまく解決した事件の多くで相棒として手を貸してくれた人でね、あなたの件でもきっと大いに役立ってくれるはずだ」
The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes.
太った紳士は椅子から半ば腰を浮かせてひょいと会釈し、肉に埋もれた小さな目で、探るような視線をすばやくちらりと向けた。