Chapter II — a skirmish in the dark (Глава вторая — Стычка во тьме)

Thoroughly drenched and chilled (основательно промокшие и замерзшие; thoroughly — полностью, вполне, совершенно, совсем; основательно, тщательно), the two adventurers returned to their position in the gorse (эти двое искателей приключений вернулись на свою позицию в /зарослях/ дрока).

"I pray Heaven that Capper make good speed!" said Dick (я молю Небо, чтобы Кэппер успел: «сделал хорошую скорость»! — сказал Дик). "I vow a candle to St. Mary of Shoreby (я обещаю /поставить/ свечку Святой Марии Шорбийской) if he come before the hour (если он придет до часа: «до того, когда пробьет /новый/ час»)!"

"Y' are in a hurry, Master Dick?" asked Greensheve (вы спешите, мастер Дик? — спросил Гриншив).

"Ay, good fellow," answered Dick (да, мил человек, — ответил Дик); "for in that house lieth my lady, whom I love (ибо в этом доме находится дама, которую я люблю), and who should these be (а кто бы это был) that lie about her secretly by night (кто расположился вокруг нее тайно ночью)? Unfriends, for sure (недруги, конечно)!"

thoroughly [`TArqlI], Heaven [`hev(q)n]

Thoroughly drenched and chilled, the two adventurers returned to their position in the gorse.

"I pray Heaven that Capper make good speed!" said Dick. "I vow a candle to St. Mary of Shoreby if he come before the hour!"

"Y' are in a hurry, Master Dick?" asked Greensheve.

"Ay, good fellow," answered Dick; "for in that house lieth my lady, whom I love, and who should these be that lie about her secretly by night? Unfriends, for sure!"

"Well," returned Greensheve (ну, — ответил Гриншив), "an John come speedily (если Джон придет скоро), we shall give a good account of them (мы с ними как следует разделаемся; account — отчет). They are not two score at the outside (их нет и сорока снаружи) — I judge so by the spacing of their sentries (я сужу так по расстоянию /между/ их часовыми) — and, taken where they are (и, застигнутые /там/, где они /сейчас/), lying so widely (расположенные так широко = далеко друг от друга), one score would scatter them like sparrows (двадцать /человек/ разгонят их, как воробьев). And yet, Master Dick, an she be in Sir Daniel's power already (и все же, мастер Дик, если она уже во власти сэра Дэниела), it will little hurt (немного повредит = мало беды) that she should change into another's (если она перейдет в другие /руки/). Who should these be (чьи бы это были = в чьи руки она попадет)?"

"I do suspect the Lord of Shoreby," Dick replied (я подозреваю лорда Шорби, — ответил Дик). "When came they (когда они пришли)?"

"They began to come, Master Dick," said Greensheve (они начали приходить, мастер Дик, — сказал Гриншив), "about the time ye crossed the wall (примерно в то время, /когда/ вы перелезли через стену). I had not lain there the space of a minute (я не пролежал там и минуты; to lie — лежать; space — срок, промежуток) ere I marked the first of the knaves (прежде чем я заметил как первый из этих негодяев) crawling round the corner (выползает из-за угла)."

account [q`kaVnt], sparrow [`spxrqV], knave [neIv]

"Well," returned Greensheve, "an John come speedily, we shall give a good account of them. They are not two score at the outside — I judge so by the spacing of their sentries — and, taken where they are, lying so widely, one score would scatter them like sparrows. And yet, Master Dick, an she be in Sir Daniel's power already, it will little hurt that she should change into another's. Who should these be?"

"I do suspect the Lord of Shoreby," Dick replied. "When came they?"

"They began to come, Master Dick," said Greensheve, "about the time ye crossed the wall. I had not lain there the space of a minute ere I marked the first of the knaves crawling round the corner."

The last light had been already extinguished in the little house (последний свет был уже погашен в маленьком домике) when they were wading in the wash of the breakers (когда они брели в пене волн; wash — прибой; breaker — разрушительная волна), and it was impossible to predict (и было невозможно предсказать = предугадать) at what moment the lurking men about the garden wall (в какой момент затаившиеся люди вокруг стены сада) might make their onslaught (могли бы совершить свое нападение). Of two evils, Dick preferred the least (из двух зол Дик предпочитал меньшее). He preferred that Joanna should remain under the guardianship of Sir Daniel (он предпочитал, чтобы Джоанна оставалась под опекой сэра Дэниела) rather than pass into the clutches of Lord Shoreby (чем перейти в когти лорда Шорби); and his mind was made up (и он намеревался; to make up — наладить; to make up one’s mind — решиться), if the house should be assaulted (если на дом нападут), to come at once to the relief of the besieged (прийти сразу же на подмогу осажденным).

onslaught [`OnslLt], prefer [prI`fW], relief [rI`lJf], besieged [bI`sJGd]

The last light had been already extinguished in the little house when they were wading in the wash of the breakers, and it was impossible to predict at what moment the lurking men about the garden wall might make their onslaught. Of two evils, Dick preferred the least. He preferred that Joanna should remain under the guardianship of Sir Daniel rather than pass into the clutches of Lord Shoreby; and his mind was made up, if the house should be assaulted, to come at once to the relief of the besieged.

But the time passed (но время шло), and still there was no movement (и все еще не было никакого движения). From quarter of an hour to quarter of an hour (от четверти часа до четверти часа = каждые четверть часа) the same signal passed about the garden wall (тот же самый сигнал проходил = передавался вдоль стены сада), as if the leader desired to assure himself of the vigilance of his scattered followers (как если бы /их/ предводитель желал удостовериться в бдительности своих распределенных = стоящих на часах приверженцев); but in every other particular (но в каждой другой детали = в остальном) the neighbourhood of the little house lay undisturbed (вокруг дома все было спокойно: «округа маленького домика лежала необеспокоенная»; to lie — лежать; находиться).

assure [q`SVq], vigilance [`vIGIlqns], particular [pq`tIkjqlq]

But the time passed, and still there was no movement. From quarter of an hour to quarter of an hour the same signal passed about the garden wall, as if the leader desired to assure himself of the vigilance of his scattered followers; but in every other particular the neighbourhood of the little house lay undisturbed.

Presently Dick's reinforcements began to arrive (вскоре подкрепления Дика начали прибывать). The night was not yet old (ночь не была еще стара = до утра было далеко) before nearly a score of men crouched beside him in the gorse (прежде чем примерно двадцать человек собрались вокруг него в /зарослях/ дрока; to crouch — припасть к земле).

Separating these into two bodies (разделив их на два отряда), he took the command of the smaller himself (он сам принял командование меньшим = сам стал во главе меньшего), and entrusted the larger to the leadership of Greensheve (и доверил бóльший управлению Гриншива).

Presently Dick's reinforcements began to arrive. The night was not yet old before nearly a score of men crouched beside him in the gorse.

Separating these into two bodies, he took the command of the smaller himself, and entrusted the larger to the leadership of Greensheve.

reinforcements [rJIn`fLsmqnts], crouch [kraVC], separate (глагол) [`sep(q)reIt]

"Now, Kit," said he to this last (ну-ка, Кит, — сказал он последнему = ему /Гриншиву/), "take me your men (возьми = отведи своих людей) to the near angle of the garden wall upon the beach (к ближнему углу стены сада на берегу). Post them strongly (расставь их сильно = получше), and wait till that ye hear me falling on upon the other side (и жди, пока не услышишь, как я нападу с другой стороны; to fall on — напасть). It is those upon the sea front (это те = люди с морской стороны) that I would fain make certain of (на кого я хочу обрушиться в первую очередь: «в которых я более всего хочу удостовериться»), for there will be the leader (так как там будет предводитель). The rest will run (остальные побегут = пустятся в бегство); even let them (ну и отпустите их). And now, lads, let no man draw an arrow (и, ребята, пусть никто не пускает стрелы); ye will but hurt friends (вы лишь раните своих: «друзей»; to hurt — причинить боль; ранить). Take to the steel (беритесь за сталь = за мечи), and keep to the steel (и держитесь стали); and if we have the uppermost (и если мы одержим верх), I promise every man of you a gold noble (я обещаю каждому из вас золотой нобль) when I come to mine estate (когда я приду к своему состоянию = верну себе свое имущество)."

certain [`sWt(q)n], noble [nqVbl], estate [I`steIt]

"Now, Kit," said he to this last, "take me your men to the near angle of the garden wall upon the beach. Post them strongly, and wait till that ye hear me falling on upon the other side. It is those upon the sea front that I would fain make certain of, for there will be the leader. The rest will run; even let them. And now, lads, let no man draw an arrow; ye will but hurt friends. Take to the steel, and keep to the steel; and if we have the uppermost, I promise every man of you a gold noble when I come to mine estate."

Out of the odd collection of broken men (из странного сборища разоренных людей), thieves, murderers (воров, убийц), and ruined peasantry (и разоренного крестьянства), whom Duckworth had gathered together to serve the purposes of his revenge (которых собрал вместе Дакуорт, чтобы служить целям его мести), some of the boldest and the most experienced in war had volunteered to follow Richard Shelton (некоторые из отважнейших и самых опытных в войне вызвались пойти за Ричардом Шелтоном). The service of watching Sir Daniel's movements in the town of Shoreby (служба — наблюдать за перемещениями сэра Дэниела в городе Шорби) had from the first been irksome to their temper (с самого начала претила их характеру; irksome — раздражающий), and they had of late begun to grumble loudly (и они в последнее время начали жаловаться вслух; of late — в последнее время) and threaten to disperse (и угрожать разбежаться = что разбегутся). The prospect of a sharp encounter (перспектива резкой встречи = стычки) and possible spoils (и возможной добычи) restored them to good humour (вернула их в хорошее расположение духа), and they joyfully prepared for battle (и они весело готовились к битве).

ruined [`rHInd], peasantry [`pez(q)ntrI], experienced [Iks`pIqrIqnst], volunteer [vOlqn`tIq], encounter [In`kaVntq]

Out of the odd collection of broken men, thieves, murderers, and ruined peasantry, whom Duckworth had gathered together to serve the purposes of his revenge, some of the boldest and the most experienced in war had volunteered to follow Richard Shelton. The service of watching Sir Daniel's movements in the town of Shoreby had from the first been irksome to their temper, and they had of late begun to grumble loudly and threaten to disperse. The prospect of a sharp encounter and possible spoils restored them to good humour, and they joyfully prepared for battle.

Their long tabards thrown aside (их длинные плащи отброшенные в сторону = отбросив плащи; to throw — бросать), they appeared, some in plain green jerkins (они появились — некоторые в простых зеленых куртках; jerkin — кожаная куртка без рукавов), and some in stout leathern jacks (а некоторые — в прочных кожаных куртках); under their hoods many wore bonnets (под капюшонами многие носили береты; to wear — носить) strengthened by iron plates (укрепленные железными пластинами); and, for offensive armour (а насчет вооружения: «снаряжения для нападения»), swords, daggers (мечи, кинжалы), a few stout boar-spears (несколько крепких рогатин; boar — кабан; spear — копье), and a dozen of bright bills (и дюжина блестящих топориков), put them in a posture to engage even regular feudal troops (ставили их в положение, /когда они могли/ вступить в бой даже с регулярными отрядами феодалов; to engage — вовлекать; воен. вступать в бой). The bows, quivers (луки, колчаны), and tabards were concealed among the gorse (и плащи были спрятаны в /зарослях/ дрока), and the two bands set resolutely forward (и два отряда решительно пустились вперед; to set forward — выдвинуться, отправиться).

offensive [q`fensIv], armour [`Q:rmq], boar [bO:], engage [In`geIdZ], feudal [`fju:d(q)l], concealed [kq`si:ld], resolutely [`rez(q)lu:tli:]

Their long tabards thrown aside, they appeared, some in plain green jerkins, and some in stout leathern jacks; under their hoods many wore bonnets strengthened by iron plates; and, for offensive armour, swords, daggers, a few stout boar-spears, and a dozen of bright bills, put them in a posture to engage even regular feudal troops. The bows, quivers, and tabards were concealed among the gorse, and the two bands set resolutely forward.

Dick, when he had reached the other side of the house (Дик, когда он достиг другой стороны дома = обойдя дом), posted his six men in a line (выставил шесть своих людей строем), about twenty yards from the garden wall (примерно в двадцати ярдах от стены сада), and took position himself a few paces in front (и сам занял позицию на несколько шагов впереди). Then they all shouted with one voice (тогда они все закричали в один голос), and closed upon the enemy (и ринулись на врага).

These, lying widely scattered (те, широко разбросанные), stiff with cold (окоченевшие от холода), and taken at unawares (и застигнутые врасплох; to take — брать), sprang stupidly to their feet (вскочили на ноги глупо = безрассудно; to spring — вскочить), and stood undecided (и стали нерешительно). Before they had time to get their courage about them (прежде чем у них было время = прежде чем они успели собраться с духом: «собрать храбрость вокруг себя»), or even to form an idea of the number and mettle of their assailants (или даже составить представление о числе и храбрости своих противников; mettle — темперамент, характер; пыл, ретивость), a similar shout of onslaught sounded in their ears from the far side of the enclosure (такой же шум нападения раздался в их ушах с дальней стороны ограды; similar — подобный; похожий, сходный). Thereupon they gave themselves up for lost (после чего они сочли себя потерпевшими поражение: «сдали себя пропавшими»; to give up for lost — поставить крест на ком-то/на чем-то; thereupon — вслед за тем; вследствие того) and ran (и пустились бежать).

similar [`sImIlq]

Dick, when he had reached the other side of the house, posted his six men in a line, about twenty yards from the garden wall, and took position himself a few paces in front. Then they all shouted with one voice, and closed upon the enemy.

These, lying widely scattered, stiff with cold, and taken at unawares, sprang stupidly to their feet, and stood undecided. Before they had time to get their courage about them, or even to form an idea of the number and mettle of their assailants, a similar shout of onslaught sounded in their ears from the far side of the enclosure. Thereupon they gave themselves up for lost and ran.

In this way the two small troops of the men of the Black Arrow (таким образом два маленьких отряда людей Черной Стрелы; way — путь; способ) closed upon the sea front of the garden wall (подошли к морской стороне садовой ограды), and took a part of the strangers (и захватили часть чужаков = противников), as it were (так сказать), between two fires (между двух огней); while the whole of the remainder ran for their lives in different directions (пока все остальные: «весь остаток» бежали со всех ног в разных направлениях; to run for one’s life = бежать со всех ног: «ради жизни»), and were soon scattered in the darkness (и скоро рассеялись: «были рассеяны» во мраке).

For all that (при всем при том), the fight was but beginning (битва только начиналась). Dick's outlaws (разбойники Дика), although they had the advantage of the surprise (хотя у них было преимущество неожиданности), were still considerably outnumbered (были значительно превзойдены численно; to outnumber — численно превосходить) by the men they had surrounded (людьми, которых они окружили). The tide had flowed, in the meanwhile (вода прибывала тем временем; tide — прилив); the beach was narrowed to a strip (берег сузился до какой-то полоски); and on this wet field (и на этом мокром поле /боя/), between the surf and the garden wall (между прибоем и стеной сада; surf — прибой; буруны), there began, in the darkness (начался во мраке), a doubtful (сомнительный/неопределенный = с неясным исходом), furious, and deadly contest (яростный и смертельный бой; contest — состязание, противоборство).

stranger [`streIndZq], advantage [qd`vRntIG], surprise [sq`praIz], contest [`kOntest]

In this way the two small troops of the men of the Black Arrow closed upon the sea front of the garden wall, and took a part of the strangers, as it were, between two fires; while the whole of the remainder ran for their lives in different directions, and were soon scattered in the darkness.

For all that, the fight was but beginning. Dick's outlaws, although they had the advantage of the surprise, were still considerably outnumbered by the men they had surrounded. The tide had flowed, in the meanwhile; the beach was narrowed to a strip; and on this wet field, between the surf and the garden wall, there began, in the darkness, a doubtful, furious, and deadly contest.

The strangers were well armed (чужаки были хорошо вооружены); they fell in silence upon their assailants (они обрушились в молчании на своих врагов; to fall upon — напасть); and the affray became a series of single combats (и схватка превратилась в череду поединков; single — единичный; combat — бой). Dick, who had come first into the mellay (Дик, который первым ринулся в бой; mellay — уст. вместо melee — рукопашная схватка /франц./), was engaged by three (был атакован: «занят» тремя); the first he cut down at the first blow (первого он зарубил с первого удара; to cut down — зарубить), but the other two coming upon him, hotly (но /когда/ другие двое напали на него бешено: «жарко»), he was fain to give ground before their onset (он был готов отступить: «сдать землю» перед их натиском). One of these two was a huge fellow (один из этих двоих был огромным человеком), almost a giant for stature (почти гигант ростом), and armed with a two-handed sword (вооруженным двуручным мечом), which he brandished like a switch (которым он размахивал, как хлыстом). Against this opponent (против такого врага), with his reach of arm (с его длиной руки; reach — досягаемость) and the length and weight of his weapon (и длиной и весом его оружия), Dick and his bill were quite defenceless (Дик и его топорик были совершенно беззащитны; bill — боевой топор, у которого спереди — изогнутое крючком лезвие, сзади — выступ в виде клюва); and had the other continued to join vigorously in the attack (и если бы другой продолжил энергично присоединяться к /его/ атаке), the lad must have indubitably fallen (юноша непременно бы пал). This second man, however (этот второй, однако), less in stature and slower in his movements (меньше ростом и медлительнее в движениях), paused for a moment (помедлил немного) to peer about him in the darkness (чтобы оглянуться во тьме), and to give ear to the sounds of the battle (и прислушаться к звукам битвы).

engage [In`geIG], vigorously [`vIg(q)rqslI], stature [`stxCq]

The strangers were well armed; they fell in silence upon their assailants; and the affray became a series of single combats. Dick, who had come first into the mellay, was engaged by three; the first he cut down at the first blow, but the other two coming upon him, hotly, he was fain to give ground before their onset. One of these two was a huge fellow, almost a giant for stature, and armed with a two-handed sword, which he brandished like a switch. Against this opponent, with his reach of arm and the length and weight of his weapon, Dick and his bill were quite defenceless; and had the other continued to join vigorously in the attack, the lad must have indubitably fallen. This second man, however, less in stature and slower in his movements, paused for a moment to peer about him in the darkness, and to give ear to the sounds of the battle.

The giant still pursued his advantage (великан все еще следовал за своим преимуществом = теснил Дика, пользуясь своим преимуществом), and still Dick fled before him (и все еще Дик отступал перед ним; to flee — спасаться бегством), spying for his chance (выжидая удобного момента; to spy — выслеживать). Then the huge blade flashed and descended (вот огромное лезвие сверкнуло и опустилось), and the lad, leaping on one side (и юноша, отпрыгнув в сторону) and running in (и устремившись вперед), slashed sideways and upwards with his bill (рубанул в сторону и вверх своей алебардой). A roar of agony responded (рев агонии ответил = последовал), and, before the wounded man could raise his formidable weapon (и, прежде чем раненый человек мог поднять свое ужасное оружие), Dick, twice repeating his blow (Дик, дважды повторив свой удар), had brought him to the ground (повалил его на землю; to bring — привести).

agony [`xgqnI], wounded [`wVndId], formidable [`fLmIdqbl], weapon [`wep(q)n]

The giant still pursued his advantage, and still Dick fled before him, spying for his chance. Then the huge blade flashed and descended, and the lad, leaping on one side and running in, slashed sideways and upwards with his bill. A roar of agony responded, and, before the wounded man could raise his formidable weapon, Dick, twice repeating his blow, had brought him to the ground.

The next moment he was engaged (в следующий момент он вступил в бой: «был занят»), upon more equal terms (на более равных = справедливых условиях), with his second pursuer (со своим вторым преследователем). Here there was no great difference in size (здесь не было большого различия в размере), and though the man, fighting with sword and dagger against a bill (и хотя этот человек, бившийся мечом и кинжалом против топорика), and being wary and quick of fence (и будучи осмотрительным и ловким в обороне; fence — ограждение), had a certain superiority of arms (имел некоторое првосходство в оружии), Dick more than made it up (Дик более чем восполнял это; to make up — восполнять) by his greater agility on foot (своим бóльшим проворством: «живостью на ногах»). Neither at first gained any obvious advantage (ни один поначалу не получил какого-либо очевидного преимущества); but the older man was still insensibly profiting by the ardour of the younger (но старший незаметно пользовался пылкостью младшего) to lead him where he would (чтобы завести его, куда он хотел); and presently Dick found (и вскоре Дик обнаружил; to find — найти) that they had crossed the whole width of the beach (что они пересекли весь берег; width — ширина), and were now fighting above the knees in the spume and bubble of the breakers (и теперь бились по колено в пене и бурунах волн). Here his own superior activity was rendered useless (здесь его собственное большее проворство стало бесполезным; to render — сделать, привести в какое-то состояние); he found himself more or less at the discretion of his foe (он обнаружил себя более или менее во власти своего врага; at the discretion of — на чье-л. усмотрение); yet a little, and he had his back turned upon his own men (еще немного, и он повернулся бы спиной к своим людям: «имел спину повернутой»), and saw that this adroit and skilful adversary (и увидел, что его ловкий и умелый противник) was bent upon drawing him farther and farther away (был намерен: «склонен» увести его все дальше и дальше прочь = в море).

wary [weqrI], superiority [sHpIqrI`OrItI], agility [q`GIlItI], obvious [`ObvIqs], ardour [`Rdq], adroit [q`drOIt], adversary [`xdvqs(q)rI]

The next moment he was engaged, upon more equal terms, with his second pursuer. Here there was no great difference in size, and though the man, fighting with sword and dagger against a bill, and being wary and quick of fence, had a certain superiority of arms, Dick more than made it up by his greater agility on foot. Neither at first gained any obvious advantage; but the older man was still insensibly profiting by the ardour of the younger to lead him where he would; and presently Dick found that they had crossed the whole width of the beach, and were now fighting above the knees in the spume and bubble of the breakers. Here his own superior activity was rendered useless; he found himself more or less at the discretion of his foe; yet a little, and he had his back turned upon his own men, and saw that this adroit and skilful adversary was bent upon drawing him farther and farther away.

Dick ground his teeth (Дик скрипнул зубами; to grind — молоть, скрежетать). He determined to decide the combat instantly (он вознамерился немедленно положить конец этому бою: «решить»); and when the wash of the next wave had ebbed and left them dry (и когда вода следующей волны отступила и оставила их сухими; to leave — оставить), he rushed in (он ринулся вперед), caught a blow upon his bill (отразил удар своим топориком: «поймал»; to catch — ловить), and leaped right at the throat of his opponent (и кинулся прямо на горло своего противника = вцепился). The man went down backwards (человек упал навзничь: «назад»; to go down — упасть: «пойти вниз»), with Dick still upon the top of him (а Дик — на него; top — верх, вершина); and the next wave, speedily succeeding to the last (и следующая волна, скоро последовавшая за предыдущей), buried him below a rush of water (погребла его под наплывом воды).

While he was still submerged (пока он был все еще погружен = под водой), Dick forced his dagger from his grasp (Дик вырвал кинжал у него из рук), and rose to his feet, victorious (и встал на ноги, победивший; to rise — встать).

"Yield ye!" he said. "I give you life (сдавайтесь! — сказал он, — я дарую вам жизнь)."

opponent [q`pqVnqnt], succeed [sqk`sJd], victorious [vIk`tLrIqs]

Dick ground his teeth. He determined to decide the combat instantly; and when the wash of the next wave had ebbed and left them dry, he rushed in, caught a blow upon his bill, and leaped right at the throat of his opponent. The man went down backwards, with Dick still upon the top of him; and the next wave, speedily succeeding to the last, buried him below a rush of water.

While he was still submerged, Dick forced his dagger from his grasp, and rose to his feet, victorious.

"Yield ye!" he said. "I give you life."

"I yield me," said the other, getting to his knees (я сдаюсь, — сказал тот, вставая на колени). "Ye fight, like a young man (вы сражаетесь, как юнец), ignorantly and foolhardily (неумело и безрассудно; ignorant — невежественный; несведущий); but, by the array of the saints, ye fight bravely (но, клянусь всеми святыми, вы бьетесь отважно; array — множество, отряд)!"

Dick turned to the beach (Дик повернулся к берегу). The combat was still raging doubtfully in the night (бой все еще продолжался неопределенно в ночи = исход боя был неясен); over the hoarse roar of the breakers (поверх = на фоне хриплого рева волн) steel clanged upon steel (сталь лязгала о сталь), and cries of pain and the shout of battle resounded (и раздавались крики боли и боевые кличи).

"Lead me to your captain, youth," said the conquered knight (отведите меня к вашему капитану = командиру, юноша, — сказал побежденный рыцарь). "It is fit this butchery should cease (подобает = пора, чтобы эта бойня прекратилась; fit — подходящий, годный, пригодный; подобающий, стоящий)."

"Sir," replied Dick, "so far as these brave fellows have a captain (сэр, — ответил Дик, — поскольку у этих храбрых молодцев есть командир), the poor gentleman who here addresses you is he (скромный джентльмен, который обращается = говорит с вами — он /и есть командир/)."

"Call off your dogs, then (тогда отзовите своих псов), and I will bid my villains hold," returned the other (и я прикажу своим вилланам остановиться, — ответил тот; villain — ист. виллан, крепостной; злодей, негодяй).

array [q`reI], resound [rI`zaVnd], captain [`kxptIn], villain [`vIlqn]

"I yield me," said the other, getting to his knees. "Ye fight, like a young man, ignorantly and foolhardily; but, by the array of the saints, ye fight bravely!"

Dick turned to the beach. The combat was still raging doubtfully in the night; over the hoarse roar of the breakers steel clanged upon steel, and cries of pain and the shout of battle resounded.

"Lead me to your captain, youth," said the conquered knight. "It is fit this butchery should cease."

"Sir," replied Dick, "so far as these brave fellows have a captain, the poor gentleman who here addresses you is he."

"Call off your dogs, then, and I will bid my villains hold," returned the other.

There was something noble both in the voice and manner of his late opponent (было что-то благородное и в голосе, и в манере его недавнего противника), and Dick instantly dismissed all fears of treachery (и Дик немедленно оставил всякое опасение предательства).

"Lay down your arms, men!" cried the stranger knight (сложите оружие, друзья! — крикнул «чужой» рыцарь). "I have yielded me (я сдался), upon promise of life (/в обмен/ на обещание жизни)."

The tone of the stranger was one of absolute command (тон незнакомца был тоном приказа), and almost instantly the din and confusion of the mellay ceased (и почти немедленно грохот и неразбериха битвы прекратились).

"Lawless," cried Dick, "are ye safe (Лоулесс, — крикнул Дик, — ты цел)?"

"Ay," cried Lawless, "safe and hearty (да, — крикнул Лоулесс, — цел и невредим)."

"Light me the lantern," said Dick (зажгите фонарь, — сказал Дик).

"Is not Sir Daniel here?" inquired the knight (а здесь нет сэра Дэниела? — спросил рыцарь).

"Sir Daniel?" echoed Dick (сэра Дэниела? — повторил Дик). "Now, by the rood, I pray not (нет, клянусь крестом, я молюсь = надеюсь, что нет). It would go ill with me if he were (мне пришлось бы худо, если бы он был /здесь/)."

promise [`prOmIs]

There was something noble both in the voice and manner of his late opponent, and Dick instantly dismissed all fears of treachery.

"Lay down your arms, men!" cried the stranger knight. "I have yielded me, upon promise of life."

The tone of the stranger was one of absolute command, and almost instantly the din and confusion of the mellay ceased.

"Lawless," cried Dick, "are ye safe?"

"Ay," cried Lawless, "safe and hearty."

"Light me the lantern," said Dick.

"Is not Sir Daniel here?" inquired the knight.

"Sir Daniel?" echoed Dick. "Now, by the rood, I pray not. It would go ill with me if he were."

"Ill with YOU, fair sir?" inquired the other (ВАМ /пришлось бы/ худо, славный рыцарь? — спросил тот). "Nay, then, if ye be not of Sir Daniel's party (нет, если вы не принадлежите к партии сэра Дэниела), I profess I comprehend no longer (я признаюсь, что более /ничего/ не понимаю). Wherefore, then, fell ye upon mine ambush (зачем тогда вы напали на мою засаду = отряд)? in what quarrel, my young and very fiery friend (по какой причине, мой юный и очень вспыльчивый друг; quarrel — ссора; повод к вражде)? to what earthly purpose (для какой только цели; earthly — земной)? and, to make a clear end of questioning (и, наконец: «чтобы сделать = положить ясный конец расспросам»), to what good gentleman have I surrendered (какому доброму джентльмену я сдался)?"

But before Dick could answer (но прежде чем Дик смог ответить), a voice spoke in the darkness from close by (голос заговорил во мраке рядом). Dick could see the speaker's black and white badge (Дик увидел: «мог увидеть» черно-белую кокарду говорящего), and the respectful salute (и уважительность; salute — приветствие) which he addressed to his superior (с которой он обращался к своему командиру).

comprehend [kOmprI`hend], salute [sq`lHt], surrender [s(q)`rendq]

"Ill with YOU, fair sir?" inquired the other. "Nay, then, if ye be not of Sir Daniel's party, I profess I comprehend no longer. Wherefore, then, fell ye upon mine ambush? in what quarrel, my young and very fiery friend? to what earthly purpose? and, to make a clear end of questioning, to what good gentleman have I surrendered?"

But before Dick could answer, a voice spoke in the darkness from close by. Dick could see the speaker's black and white badge, and the respectful salute which he addressed to his superior.

"My lord," said he (милорд, — сказал он), "if these gentlemen be unfriends to Sir Daniel (если эти джентльмены — недруги сэру Дэниелу), it is pity, indeed, we should have been at blows with them (то жаль, действительно, что мы бились с ними: «были на ударах»); but it were tenfold greater (но будет еще вдесятеро более /жаль/) that either they or we should linger here (если они или мы задержимся здесь). The watchers in the house (наблюдатели в доме) — unless they be all dead or deaf (если только они все не мертвы или глухи; unless — если не) — have heard our hammering this quarter-hour agone (услышали наше сражение: «колотьбу» уже четверть часа назад); instantly they will have signalled to the town (они немедленно просигналят = дадут знать в город); and unless we be the livelier in our departure (и если мы не будем расторопнее в нашем уходе), we are like to be taken (мы, похоже, будем захвачены; like — похожий, вероятный; to take — брать), both of us (оба /отряда/ = все), by a fresh foe (свежим = новым неприятелем)."

deaf [def], signal [`sIgnql], foe [fqV]

"My lord," said he, "if these gentlemen be unfriends to Sir Daniel, it is pity, indeed, we should have been at blows with them; but it were tenfold greater that either they or we should linger here. The watchers in the house — unless they be all dead or deaf — have heard our hammering this quarter-hour agone; instantly they will have signalled to the town; and unless we be the livelier in our departure, we are like to be taken, both of us, by a fresh foe."

"Hawksley is in the right," added the lord (Хоксли прав, — добавил лорд). "How please ye, sir (как хотите, сэр)? Whither shall we march (куда мы двинемся)?"

"Nay, my lord," said Dick (нет, милорд, — сказал Дик), "go where ye will for me (идите, куда вы хотите = куда вам угодно, по мне). I do begin to suspect we have some ground of friendship (я начинаю подозревать, что у нас основание для дружбы), and if, indeed, I began our acquaintance somewhat ruggedly (и если, поистине, я начал наше знакомство несколько грубо), I would not churlishly continue (я бы не хотел /так же/ неучтиво продолжить /его/). Let us, then, separate, my lord (давайте же разделимся, милорд), you laying your right hand in mine (пожав друг другу руки: «вы, вложив правую руку в мою»); and at the hour and place that ye shall name (и в час и в месте, которые вы назовете), let us encounter and agree (давайте встретимся и столкуемся)."

"Y' are too trustful, boy," said the other (вы слишком доверчивы, юноша, — сказал тот); "but this time your trust is not misplaced (но на этот раз ваше доверие не напрасно: «не неуместно»). I will meet you at the point of day at St. Bride's Cross (я встречусь с вами в начале дня = на рассвете у Креста святой Бригитты). Come, lads, follow (идемте, ребята, следуйте /за мной/)!"

suspect [sq`spekt], acquaintance [q`kweIntqns], churlishly [`CWlISlI]

"Hawksley is in the right," added the lord. "How please ye, sir? Whither shall we march?"

"Nay, my lord," said Dick, "go where ye will for me. I do begin to suspect we have some ground of friendship, and if, indeed, I began our acquaintance somewhat ruggedly, I would not churlishly continue. Let us, then, separate, my lord, you laying your right hand in mine; and at the hour and place that ye shall name, let us encounter and agree."

"Y' are too trustful, boy," said the other; "but this time your trust is not misplaced. I will meet you at the point of day at St. Bride's Cross. Come, lads, follow!"

The strangers disappeared from the scene (незнакомцы удалились с места битвы: «исчезли с места действия/сцены») with a rapidity that seemed suspicious (с быстротой, которая показалась подозрительной); and, while the outlaws fell to the congenial task (и, пока разбойники принялись за подобающее /им/ занятие; congenial — сходный, близкий по духу; родственный; врожденный, природный) of rifling the dead bodies (обыскивать мертвые тела = мародерствовать; to rifle — обыскивать с целью грабежа), Dick made once more the circuit of the garden wall (Дик снова обошел стену сада: «сделал круг») to examine the front of the house (чтобы осмотреть фасад дома). In a little upper loophole of the roof (в маленьком, высоком, /окошке, похожим на/ бойницу в крыше) he beheld a light set (он заметил зажженный свет; to behold — видеть; to set — установить); and as it would certainly be visible in town (и, так как он наверняка был заметен из города) from the back windows of Sir Daniel's mansion (из задних окон дома сэра Дэниела; mansion — большой особняк, большой дом; дворец), he doubted not (он не сомневался) that this was the signal feared by Hawksley (что это и был сигнал, которого опасался Хоксли; to fear — бояться), and that ere long (и что скоро: «прежде, чем долго») the lances of the Knight of Tunstall would arrive upon the scene (копьеносцы Танстоллского рыцаря прибудут на место).

scene [sJn], suspicious [sqs`pISqs], congenial [kqn`GJnIql]

The strangers disappeared from the scene with a rapidity that seemed suspicious; and, while the outlaws fell to the congenial task of rifling the dead bodies, Dick made once more the circuit of the garden wall to examine the front of the house. In a little upper loophole of the roof he beheld a light set; and as it would certainly be visible in town from the back windows of Sir Daniel's mansion, he doubted not that this was the signal feared by Hawksley, and that ere long the lances of the Knight of Tunstall would arrive upon the scene.

He put his ear to the ground (он приложил ухо к земле; to put — класть), and it seemed to him (и ему показалось) as if he heard a jarring and hollow noise from townward (будто он услышал нестройный, гулкий шум со стороны города). Back to the beach he went hurrying (он поспешил назад на берег: «пошел спеша»). But the work was already done (но дело было уже сделано); the last body was disarmed (последний труп был обобран: «обезоружен») and stripped to the skin (и раздет догола: «до кожи»), and four fellows were already wading seaward (и четверо парней уже брели к морю) to commit it to the mercies of the deep (чтобы предать его на милость пучины).

townward [`taVnwqd], disarm [dI`sRm], commit [kq`mIt]

He put his ear to the ground, and it seemed to him as if he heard a jarring and hollow noise from townward. Back to the beach he went hurrying. But the work was already done; the last body was disarmed and stripped to the skin, and four fellows were already wading seaward to commit it to the mercies of the deep.

A few minutes later (несколько минут спустя), when there debauched out of the nearest lanes of Shoreby some two score horsemen (когда из ближних улочек Шорби выскочили примерно сорок всадников), hastily arrayed (поспешно снаряженные) and moving at the gallop of their steeds (и мчащиеся галопом на своих скакунах), the neighbourhood of the house beside the sea (округа = вокруг дома у моря) was entirely silent and deserted (было совершенно тихо и пусто).

Meanwhile, Dick and his men had returned to the ale-house of the Goat and Bagpipes (тем временем Дик и его люди вернулись в трактир «Козел и Волынка») to snatch some hours of sleep (чтобы перехватить несколько часов сна; to snatch — хватать, вырывать) before the morning tryst (перед утренней встречей; tryst — назначенная встреча).

tryst [trIst, traIst]

A few minutes later, when there debauched out of the nearest lanes of Shoreby some two score horsemen, hastily arrayed and moving at the gallop of their steeds, the neighbourhood of the house beside the sea was entirely silent and deserted.

Meanwhile, Dick and his men had returned to the ale-house of the Goat and Bagpipes to snatch some hours of sleep before the morning tryst.