よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 62: The Handcuffs
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Notes on this scene
Holmes acknowledges the originality of Clay’s Red-Headed League scheme. As Jones fastens the handcuffs, Clay claims royal blood and orders the officer not to touch him with dirty hands. He also demands respectful forms of address, preserving his grand manners even under arrest.
Japanese in this scene
- かもしれない
- かもしれない means “might; may.” It marks a possibility rather than a firm conclusion and is less certain than でしょう or だろう.
- 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.
- のだ
- のだ adds explanation or emphasis, similar to “the fact is…” or “it is that….” In polite speech it becomes のです or んです.
- は
- は marks the topic of a sentence and can also set up a contrast with another item.
Background
- Royal blood
- John Clay boasts of a ducal grandfather and an education at Eton and Oxford. Even in handcuffs, he tries to preserve the manners and privileges of an aristocrat.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and effective."
「それはこちらも同じだ」とホームズは答えた。「赤毛を使ったきみの思いつきは、じつに斬新で効果的だった」
"You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the derbies."
「相棒とはじきにまた会えるさ」とジョーンズが言った。「穴に潜り込む早さじゃ、あいつのほうが私より上だったがな。さあ、手錠をかけるあいだ、手を出していろ」
"I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please.'"
「その汚い手で私に触らないでいただきたい」と、手首に手錠ががちゃりとはめられるなか、捕らわれた男は言った。「ご存じないかもしれないが、私の体には王族の血が流れているのだ。それから、私に話しかけるときは、いつも『旦那様』と『どうか』を忘れずにつけていただこう」