Английский с А. Конан Дойлем. Пиратские истории

 Right ahead was the opening of the palisades leading to the town of Kingston. Not more than a quarter of a mile off was a small sloop working out against the very slight wind. The British ensign was at her peak, and her rigging was all decorated. On her deck could be seen a dense crowd of people cheering and waving their hats, and the gleam of scarlet told that there were officers of the garrison among them.

In an instant, with the quick perception of a man of action (в одно мгновенье с проницательностью человека, /привыкшего/ действовать быстро; perception – осмысление, понимание; проницательность), Craddock saw through it all (Крэддок понял все; to see through – видеть насквозь). Sharkey, with that diabolical cunning and audacity (Шарки с дьявольской хитростью и дерзостью) which were among his main characteristics (которые были одними из главных черт его характера), was simulating the part which Craddock would himself have played (играл: «имитировал» роль, которую должен был исполнить сам Крэддок), had he come back victorious (вернись он назад с победой). It was in his honour that the salutes were firing and the flags flying (это в его честь гремели: «стреляли» салюты и развевались флаги).

 In an instant, with the quick perception of a man of action, Craddock saw through it all. Sharkey, with that diabolical cunning and audacity which were among his main characteristics, was simulating the part which Craddock would himself have played, had he come back victorious. It was in his honour that the salutes were firing and the flags flying.

It was to welcome him that this ship with the Governor, the commandant, and the chiefs of the island was approaching (приближался корабль с губернатором, комендантом и первыми лицами острова /на борту/, чтобы приветствовать его, /Крэддока/; chief – глава, правитель). In another ten minutes they would all be under the guns of the Happy Delivery (еще десять минут и они будут в пределах досягаемости пушек «Счастливого избавления»), and Sharkey would have won the greatest stake (и Шарки выиграет самую крупную ставку; to win) that ever a pirate played for yet (какую когда-либо до этого разыгрывал любой из пиратов).

“Bring him forward,” cried the pirate captain (выведите его вперед, – крикнул пиратский капитан), as Craddock appeared between the carpenter and the quartermaster (когда Крэддок /в сопровождении/ плотника и интенданта появился /на палубе/). “Keep the ports closed, but clear away the port guns (орудийные порты держать прикрытыми, откатите пушки с левого борта), and stand by for a broadside (и будьте готовы к бортовому залпу; to stand by – быть наготове). Another two cable lengths and we have them (еще два кабельтовых, и мы их достанем; length – длина; расстояние).”