Notes　Scene 12: Out in the Street

It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was once confined in the cab my mission was practically accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and burst into a hearty fit of laughter.

シャーロック・ホームズの頼みは断りにくかった。いつも実に明確で、静かながら人を従わせる態度で持ち出されるからだった。もっとも、ホイットニーを馬車に収めさえすれば私の役目はほぼ果たせるし、その先は、友人にとって日常ともいうべき奇妙な冒険に付き合えるのだから、これ以上の望みはなかった。数分のうちに手紙を書き、ホイットニーの勘定を払い、馬車へ連れ出し、暗闇の中を送られていくのを見届けた。ほどなく、アヘン窟からよぼよぼの人影が現れ、私はシャーロック・ホームズと通りを歩いていた。通りを二つ行く間、彼は背を曲げ、おぼつかない足取りで歩いた。それから素早く周りを見回すと、体を伸ばして盛んに笑い出した。

"I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical views."

「ワトソン」と彼は言った。「きみは、私がコカイン注射や、医者としてありがたい意見を聞かせてくれるほかの小さな弱点に加えて、アヘンまで始めたと思っているんだろう」

"I was certainly surprised to find you there."

「確かに、あそこで会ったときには驚いたよ」

"But not more so than I to find you."

「だが、私がきみを見つけた驚きほどではないさ」

"I came to find a friend."

「私は友人を捜しに来たんだ」

"And I to find an enemy."

「私は敵を捜しに来た」

"An enemy?"

「敵だって」