Английский с Г. К. Честертоном. Рассказы об отце Брауне

 “I conceive that all the earthquake events of that catastrophe tumbled on top of each other rather like lumber in the minds of men such as our friend with the diary. With the dazed excitement of a dream, they found themselves falling – literally falling – into their ranks, and learned that an attack was to be led at once across the river. The general and the major, it was said, had found out something at the bridge, and there was only just time to strike for life. The major had gone back at once to call up the reserve along the road behind; it was doubtful if even with that prompt appeal help could reach them in time. But they must pass the stream that night, and seize the heights by morning. It is with the very stir and throb of that romantic nocturnal march that the diary suddenly ends.”

Father Brown had mounted ahead (отец Браун шел впереди; to mount – подниматься); for the woodland path grew smaller, steeper, and more twisted, till they felt as if they were ascending a winding staircase (лесная тропинка делалась все уже, круче и извилистей, пока им не стало казаться, что они поднимаются по винтовой лестнице). The priest’s voice came from above out of the darkness (голос священника доносился сверху из темноты).

“There was one other little and enormous thing (там упоминается еще об одной небольшой, но очень важной подробности; enormous – громадный; гигантский, обширный, огромный). When the general urged them to their chivalric charge he half drew his sword from the scabbard (когда генерал призывал их к атаке, он наполовину вытащил шпагу из ножен; to urge – гнать, подгонять, подстегивать; заставлять, побуждать; chivalry – рыцарство, благородство, отвага; to draw); and then, as if ashamed of such melodrama, thrust it back again (но потом, устыдившись такого театрального мелодраматического порыва, вдвинул ее обратно; to thrust – колоть; протыкать; засовывать; совать). The sword again, you see (опять эта шпага, как видите).”

 Father Brown had mounted ahead; for the woodland path grew smaller, steeper, and more twisted, till they felt as if they were ascending a winding staircase. The priest’s voice came from above out of the darkness.

“There was one other little and enormous thing. When the general urged them to their chivalric charge he half drew his sword from the scabbard; and then, as if ashamed of such melodrama, thrust it back again. The sword again, you see.”