Notes　Scene 17: No Cause of Death

"He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her."

「検死官は、ロイロット博士の素行が郡内で前から悪評高かったこともあり、事件を入念に調べましたが、納得のいく死因は見つけられませんでした。私の証言で、扉が内側から閉ざされていたこと、そして窓は幅の広い鉄の棒の付いた古風な鎧戸でふさがれ、その鎧戸は毎晩固定されていたことが明らかになりました。壁は丁寧にたたいて調べられ、どこもまったく堅固だと分かり、床板も念入りに調べられましたが、結果は同じでした。煙突は広いのですが、大きな留め金が四本打たれてふさがれています。ですから、姉が最期を迎えたとき、姉はたしかにひとりきりだったのです。それに、姉の体には暴力の跡もありませんでした」

"How about poison?"

「毒物の可能性は？」

"The doctors examined her for it, but without success."

「医者たちが毒を調べましたが、何も見つかりませんでした」

"What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?"

「では、そのお気の毒なお姉さんは、何で亡くなったとお考えですか？」

"It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine."

「純粋な恐怖と神経の衝撃で死んだのだと思います。何が姉を怯えさせたのかは、想像もつきませんが」