よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 51: Without a Light
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Notes on this scene
Inside the bedroom, Holmes whispers that the slightest sound could destroy their plan. They must now wait in darkness until morning. He tells Watson not to light the lamp and warns him to stay awake. The two men take their places and make the final preparations for the vigil. The scene begins from this carefully established point.
Japanese in this scene
- もう一度
- もう一度 marks repetition. Watson nods a second time to confirm that he understands Holmes's warning about remaining absolutely quiet.
- それからランプの火を絞り
- それから marks the next action after they settle in: Holmes lowers the lamp and leaves the room dark.
- たまえ
- たまえ is an old-fashioned authoritative request ending. Holmes uses it with Watson while instructing him to keep the pistol ready if needed.
- 座っていなければならない
- 座っていなければならない expresses obligation: they must remain seated in darkness so no light reveals their presence through the ventilator.
Background
- oil lamp
- Country houses commonly used oil lamps. Their flames could be lowered by adjusting the wick, leaving a room almost dark without fully extinguishing the lamp.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"We must sit without light. He would see it through the ventilator."
「明かりをつけずに座っていなければならない。通風口から見られてしまうからね」
I nodded again.
私はもう一度うなずいた。
"Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the bed, and you in that chair."
「眠ってはいけない。きみの命がそれにかかっているかもしれないのだ。万一必要になったときのために、拳銃を用意しておきたまえ。私はベッドの端に座る。きみはその椅子だ」
I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table.
私はリボルバーを取り出し、テーブルの角に置いた。
Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left in darkness.
ホームズは細長い杖を持ってきており、それを自分の脇のベッドの上に置いた。その脇に、マッチ箱とろうそくの燃えさしを並べた。それからランプの火を絞り、私たちは闇の中に取り残された。