Английский язык с Шерлоком Холмсом. Знак четырех (ASCII-IPA)

mediæval [medI'i:v(@)l], Ceylon [sI'lOn], elate [I'leIt]

OUR meal was a merry one. Holmes could talk exceedingly well when he chose, and that night he did choose. He appeared to be in a state of nervous exaltation. I have never known him so brilliant. He spoke on a quick succession of subjects, — on miracle-plays, on mediæval pottery, on Stradivarius violins, on the Buddhism of Ceylon, and on the war-ships of the future, — handling each as though he had made a special study of it. His bright humour marked the reaction from his black depression of the preceding days. Athelney Jones proved to be a sociable soul in his hours of relaxation, and faced his dinner with the air of a bon vivant. For myself, I felt elated at the thought that we were nearing the end of our task, and I caught something of Holmes's gayety. None of us alluded during dinner to the cause which had brought us together.

When the cloth was cleared (когда убрали со стола; cloth— ткань; скатерть; clear — очищать; освобождать), Holmes glanced at his watch (Холмс посмотрел на часы; to glance — бросить взгляд; взглянуть мельком), and filled up three glasses with port (и наполнил три бокала портвейном). "One bumper," said he, "to the success of our little expedition (бокал за успех нашей маленькой вылазки, — сказал он; expedition — экспедиция; военная операция, военная вылазка; bumper — наполненный бокал /обычно при произнесении тоста/). And now it is high time we were off (а теперь нам самое время выходить; high time — давно пора, самое время; to be off — уходить; отправляться). Have you a pistol, Watson (у вас есть револьвер, Ватсон)?"

"I have my old service-revolver in my desk (в столе у меня мой старый армейский револьвер; service — служба, занятие, работа; военная служба)."

"You had best take it, then (тогда вам лучше его взять). It is well to be prepared (лучше быть готовым ко всему: «хорошо быть готовым»). I see that the cab is at the door (я вижу, что кеб у двери). I ordered it for half-past six (я заказал его на половину седьмого)."

cloth [klOT], glance [glA:ns], pistol [pIstl]

When the cloth was cleared, Holmes glanced at his watch, and filled up three glasses with port. "One bumper," said he, "to the success of our little expedition. And now it is high time we were off. Have you a pistol, Watson?"

"I have my old service-revolver in my desk."

"You had best take it, then. It is well to be prepared. I see that the cab is at the door. I ordered it for half-past six."

It was a little past seven before we reached the Westminster wharf, and found our launch awaiting us (было начало восьмого: «немного после семи», когда мы добрались до Вестминистерского причала и обнаружили, что катер ждет нас). Holmes eyed it critically (Холмс критически его оглядел).

"Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat (тут есть что-нибудь, что отмечало бы его как полицейский)?"

"Yes, — that green lamp at the side (да, тот зеленый фонарь сбоку)."

"Then take it off (уберите его)."