よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 35: What the Assistant Looks Like
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Notes on this scene
Spaulding is small, strong, quick, and clean-shaven despite being about thirty. A splash of acid has left a white mark on his forehead. Holmes becomes excited and correctly asks whether the assistant’s ears are pierced, a detail Wilson says Spaulding attributes to a childhood encounter with a gypsy.
Japanese in this scene
- 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.
- という
- という connects quoted words, a name, or an idea to the noun that follows. Depending on context, it can mean “called,” “that,” or “the idea that.”
- というのは
- というのは introduces a topic for definition or explanation: “as for what is called…” or “the reason is….”
- ため
- ため can mean “for the purpose of” or “because of.” A following action usually signals purpose, while a completed fact before it often gives a cause.
Background
- The historical word “gipsy”
- The story uses an older term for Romani people that is now often considered offensive; “Roma” or “Romani” is preferred today. A pierced ear was an unusual and memorable feature for a Victorian man.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"At half wages, in fact."
「しかも、給金は半分でだね」
"Yes."
「そうです」
"What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?"
「どんな男かね、そのヴィンセント・スポールディングというのは？」
"Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead."
「小柄で、がっしりした体つきで、動きがとてもすばしこくて、もう三十にはなるのに、顔にひげが一本もありません。額には、酸がはねた白い跡があります」
Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?"
ホームズはひどく興奮した様子で、椅子の上で身を起こした。「やはりそうか」と彼は言った。「彼の耳に、耳輪をつけるための穴が開いているのに気づいたことはあるかね？」
"Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was a lad."
「ええ、ありますよ。子どものころにジプシーに開けてもらったんだと言っていました」