解説　場面 7「奇妙な事件」

"Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently trying to your nerves."

「その件は話さないほうがよいかもしれません。明らかに神経へこたえています」

"Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so vague that it is a question whether justice will be done."

「ああ、いえ、今はもう大丈夫です。警察には事情を話さなければなりません。ですが、ここだけの話、この傷という動かぬ証拠がなければ、警察が私の陳述を信じたら驚くでしょう。それほど異常な話で、裏づけとなる証拠もほとんどありません。それに信じてもらえたとしても、私が示せる手掛かりはあまりに曖昧で、正義が果たされるかどうかも疑わしいのです」

"Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the official police."

「なるほど！」と私は叫んだ。「解決してもらいたい問題の類なら、警察へ行く前に、私の友人シャーロック・ホームズを訪ねることを強くお勧めします」

"Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me an introduction to him?"

「ああ、その方のことは聞いています」と来客は答えた。「この件を引き受けてくださるなら大変ありがたいです。もちろん警察にも届けなければなりませんが。紹介していただけますか」

"I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself."

「もっとよいことをしましょう。私が直接お連れします」