よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 53: A Careless Word
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Notes on this scene
Merryweather’s tap produces a hollow sound, but Holmes warns that the noise could ruin their plan. He orders the banker to sit quietly while he examines the cracks between the stones through a magnifying glass. Within seconds Holmes appears satisfied and rises from the floor.
Japanese in this scene
- 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.
- 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.”
- ながら
- Verb stem + ながら means doing two actions at the same time: “while doing….” The action after ながら is normally the main one.
- は
- は marks the topic of a sentence and can also set up a contrast with another item.
Background
- Flagstones
- Here flags is short for flagstones: broad, flat stones used for floors and pavements. It is unrelated to the word flag meaning a banner.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise.
「下からも同じことです」とメリーウェザー氏は言い、床に敷きつめた板石をステッキで叩いた。「おや、これは、まるで中ががらんどうのような音がしますぞ！」と彼は驚いて顔を上げながら言った。
"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?"
「頼むから、もう少し静かにしていただきたい！」とホームズは厳しく言った。「あなたはもう、今回の遠征の成功を丸ごと危うくしてしまいました。どうか、あそこの箱のひとつに腰を下ろして、よけいな手出しはしないでいただけませんか」
The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket.
謹厳なメリーウェザー氏は、いかにも傷ついたという顔つきで木箱にちょこんと腰かけ、その間にホームズは床にひざをつくと、ランタンと拡大鏡を手に、敷石の間のすき間を細かく調べはじめた。ほんの数秒で納得がいったらしく、彼はぱっと立ち上がり、拡大鏡をポケットにしまった。