Interest [`IntrIst], ancient [`eInS(q)nt], brilliant [`brIljqnt]

George pretended a lack of interest. "Looks like we was gonna have fun."

The swamper stood up from his box. "Know what I think?" George did not answer. "Well, I think Curley's married... a tart."

"He ain't the first," said George. "There's plenty done that."

The old man moved toward the door, and his ancient dog lifted his head and peered about, and then got painfully to his feet to follow. "I gotta be settin' out the wash basins for the guys. The teams'll be in before long. You guys gonna buck barley?"

"Yeah."

"You won't tell Curley nothing I said?"

"Hell no."

"Well, you look her over, mister. You see if she ain't a tart." He stepped out the door into the brilliant sunshine.

George laid down his cards thoughtfully (Джордж задумчиво раскладывал карты; to lay (laid)), turned his piles of three (переворачивая стопки из трех /карт/). He built four clubs on his ace pile (он положил трефовую четверку на стопку с тузом; to build (built) on — пристраивать; надстраивать). The sun square was on the floor now (на полу лежал квадрат солнечного света), and the flies whipped through it like sparks (и мухи метались в нем, как искорки; to whip — хлестать; вбежать, влететь). A sound of jingling harness (звук позвякивающей упряжи) and the croak of heavy-laden axles (и скрип осей тяжело груженых /повозок/; croak — карканье; хриплый звук) sounded from outside (донеслись: «прозвучали» снаружи). From the distance came a clear call (издалека донесся звонкий крик; clear — светлый; звонкий). "Stable buck — ooh, sta-able buck (конюх, эй, конюх)!" And then (и затем), "Where the hell is that God damn nigger (где черти носят этого черномазого)?"

George stared at his solitaire lay (Джордж пристально всматривался в расклад пасьянса), and then he flounced the cards together (потом резким движением смешал карты «вместе»; flounce — резкое движение, рывок; to flounce — бросаться, метаться; резко двигаться) and turned around to Lennie (и повернулся к Ленни). Lennie was lying down on the bunk watching him (Ленни лежал на койке и смотрел на него).

"Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни)! This here ain't no setup (неладно здесь; setup — осанка; удобная ситуация). I'm scared (я /начинаю/ опасаться: «я напуган»). You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy (у тебя могут быть проблемы с этим Кудряшом). I seen that kind before (видал я таких и раньше). He was kinda feelin' you out (он вроде прощупывал тебя; to feel out — выяснять чье-л. мнение). He figures he's got you scared (думает, что напугал тебя; to figure — изображать; считать, полагать) and he's gonna take a sock at you (и будет тебя бить; sock — носок; удар, битье) the first chance he gets (при первом же случае, «который он получит»)."

Lennie's eyes were frightened (в глазах у Ленни показался страх: «его глаза были испуганными»). "I don't want no trouble (я не хочу неприятностей)," he said plaintively (сказал он жалобно; plaintive — печальный; жалобный). "Don't let him sock me, George (не позволяй ему бить меня, Джордж)."

floor [flL], harness [`hRnIs], scared [skeqd]

George laid down his cards thoughtfully, turned his piles of three. He built four clubs on his ace pile. The sun square was on the floor now, and the flies whipped through it like sparks. A sound of jingling harness and the croak of heavy-laden axles sounded from outside. From the distance came a clear call. "Stable buck — ooh, sta-able buck!" And then, "Where the hell is that God damn nigger?"

George stared at his solitaire lay, and then he flounced the cards together and turned around to Lennie. Lennie was lying down on the bunk watching him.

"Look, Lennie! This here ain't no setup. I'm scared. You gonna have trouble with that Curley guy. I seen that kind before. He was kinda feelin' you out. He figures he's got you scared and he's gonna take a sock at you the first chance he gets."

Lennie's eyes were frightened. "I don't want no trouble," he said plaintively. "Don't let him sock me, George."

George got up and went over to Lennie's bunk (Джордж встал, подошел к койке Ленни) and sat down on it (и сел на нее; to sit (sat)). "I hate that kinda bastard (я ненавижу = терпеть не могу таких уродов)," he said. "I seen plenty of 'em (я их много повидал). Like the old guy says (как сказал этот старикан), Curley don't take no chances (Кудряш ничем не рискует; chance — случай; риск). He always wins (он всегда в выигрыше)." He thought for a moment. "If he tangles with you, Lennie (если он будет тебя задирать), we're gonna get the can (нам придется уйти; to get the can — прекратить/ся/; уволить/ся/ /амер. сленг/). Don't make no mistake about that (не сделай ошибки «насчет этого»). He's the boss's son (он — хозяйский сын). Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни). You try to keep away from him, will you (попытайся держаться от него подальше, уразумел; to keep away — не подпускать; остерегаться)? Don't never speak to him (никогда не разговаривай с ним). If he comes in here (если он зайдет сюда) you move clear to the other side of the room (спокойно уйди в другую часть: «сторону» комнаты). Will you do that, Lennie (ты так сделаешь)?"

"I don't want no trouble (я не хочу никаких неприятностей)," Lennie mourned (заскулил Ленни; to mourn — скорбеть; оплакивать). "I never done nothing to him (я никогда ему ничего не делал)."

"Well, that won't do you no good (ну, это тебе не поможет: «не сделает ничего доброго») if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter (если Кудряш захочет показать себя боксером: «убедить себя, что он боксер»; to plug — затыкать; убеждаться, проникаться идеей /амер. сленг/). Just don't have nothing to do with him (просто ничего не делай с ним = держись подальше). Will you remember (ты запомнишь)?"

"Sure, George. I ain't gonna say a word (конечно, Джордж, я не скажу ни слова)."

bastard [`bxstqd], clear [klIq], mourn [mLn]

George got up and went over to Lennie's bunk and sat down on it. "I hate that kinda bastard," he said. "I seen plenty of 'em. Like the old guy says, Curley don't take no chances. He always wins." He thought for a moment. "If he tangles with you, Lennie, we're gonna get the can. Don't make no mistake about that. He's the boss's son. Look, Lennie. You try to keep away from him, will you? Don't never speak to him. If he comes in here you move clear to the other side of the room. Will you do that, Lennie?"

"I don't want no trouble," Lennie mourned. "I never done nothing to him."

"Well, that won't do you no good if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter. Just don't have nothing to do with him. Will you remember?"

"Sure, George. I ain't gonna say a word."

The sound of the approaching grain teams was louder (звук приближающейся зерновой бригады /становился/ громче), thud of big hooves on hard ground (стук больших копыт по твердой земле; thud — шквал; стук), drag of brakes (скрип тормозов; drag — волочение; медленное, тяжелое, сталкивающееся с препятствиями движение) and the jingle of trace chains (и звяканье упряжи: «цепей, соединяющих животных в упряжке»). Men were calling back and forth from the teams (люди из бригады перекликались: «кричали назад и вперед»). George, sitting on the bunk beside Lennie (Джордж, сидящий на койке рядом с Ленни), frowned as he thought (в раздумьях нахмурился). Lennie asked timidly (Ленни робко спросил), "You ain't mad, George (ты не злишься, Джордж; mad — сумасшедший, ненормальный; бешеный; разг. раздраженный; рассерженный, рассвирепевший)?"

"I ain't mad at you (я не на тебя злюсь). I'm mad at this here Curley bastard (я злюсь на этого ублюдка Кудряша). I hoped we was gonna get a little stake together (я надеялся, что мы тут немного заработаем вместе) — maybe a hundred dollars (может, сотню долларов)." His tone grew decisive (его тон стал решительным; to grow (grew; grown)). "You keep away from Curley, Lennie (держись от Кудряша подальше, Ленни)."

"Sure I will, George (конечно, буду, Джордж). I won't say a word (я не скажу ни слова)."

"Don't let him pull you in (не позволяй ему втянуть тебя /в драку/) — but — if the son-of-a-bitch socks you (но, если этот сучий сын ударит тебя) — let 'im have it (дай ему: «пусть он это получит»)."

"Let 'im have what, George (что дать, Джордж)?"

"Never mind, never mind (не важно; never mind — ничего, не беспокойся; не обращай внимания /обычно употребляется в повелительной форме/). I'll tell you when (я тебе скажу когда). I hate that kind of a guy (не выношу этот тип людей; to hate — ненавидеть; не любить). Look, Lennie (послушай, Ленни), if you get in any kind of trouble (если ты попадешь в какую-нибудь неприятность), you remember what I told you to do (помнишь, что я говорил тебе делать)?"

Lennie raised up on his elbow (Ленни приподнялся на локте). His face contorted with thought (его лицо исказилось/перекосилось от мысли = от напряжения). Then his eyes moved sadly to George's face (затем его взгляд грустно переместился на лицо Джорджа). "If I get in any trouble (если у меня будут неприятности), you ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits (ты не позволишь мне ухаживать за кроликами)."

"That's not what I meant (это не то, что я имел в виду; to mean (meant)). You remember where we slep' last night (помнишь, где мы спали последнюю ночь)? Down by the river (внизу, у реки)?"

"Yeah. I remember (да, я помню). Oh, sure I remember (о, конечно, я помню)! I go there an' hide in the brush (я /должен/ пойти туда и спрятаться в зарослях)."

"Hide till I come for you (прячься, пока я не приду за тобой). Don't let nobody see you (и чтобы никто тебя не увидел). Hide in the brush by the river (спрячься в зарослях у реки). Say that over (повтори еще раз; over — над; снова, еще раз)."

"Hide in the brush by the river (спрятаться в зарослях у реки), down in the brush by the river (в зарослях у самой реки)."

"If you get in trouble (если ты попадешь в беду)."

"If I get in trouble (если я попаду в беду)."

frown [fraun], timidly [`tImIdlI], meant [ment]

The sound of the approaching grain teams was louder, thud of big hooves on hard ground, drag of brakes and the jingle of trace chains. Men were calling back and forth from the teams. George, sitting on the bunk beside Lennie, frowned as he thought. Lennie asked timidly, "You ain't mad, George?"

"I ain't mad at you. I'm mad at this here Curley bastard. I hoped we was gonna get a little stake together — maybe a hundred dollars." His tone grew decisive. "You keep away from Curley, Lennie."

"Sure I will, George. I won't say a word."

"Don't let him pull you in — but — if the son-of-a-bitch socks you — let 'im have it."

"Let 'im have what, George?"

"Never mind, never mind. I'll tell you when. I hate that kind of a guy. Look, Lennie, if you get in any kind of trouble, you remember what I told you to do?"

Lennie raised up on his elbow. His face contorted with thought. Then his eyes moved sadly to George's face. "If I get in any trouble, you ain't gonna let me tend the rabbits."

"That's not what I meant. You remember where we slep' last night? Down by the river?"

"Yeah. I remember. Oh, sure I remember! I go there an' hide in the brush."

"Hide till I come for you. Don't let nobody see you. Hide in the brush by the river. Say that over."

"Hide in the brush by the river, down in the brush by the river."

"If you get in trouble."

"If I get in trouble."

A brake screeched outside (снаружи заскрипели тормоза). A call came (раздался крик; to come (came; come)), "Stable — buck. Oh! Sta-able buck (конюх, эй, конюх)."

George said, "Say it over to yourself, Lennie (повторяй это про себя), so you won't forget it (и ты этого не забудешь)."

Both men glanced up (оба посмотрели вверх), for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off (потому как прямоугольник солнечного света в дверном проеме пропал; to cut off — прерывать; отключать). A girl was standing there looking in (там стояла девушка и заглядывала внутрь). She had full, rouged lips (у нее были полные, накрашенные губы; rouge — румяна; губная помада) and wide-spaced eyes (и широко поставленные глаза; wide — широкий; space — пространство), heavily made up (/она была/ сильно накрашена; heavy — тяжелый; интенсивный; makeup — макияж; to make up — пополнять, возмещать, компенсировать; наверстывать; гримировать/ся/; подкраситься, подмазаться). Her fingernails were red (ее ногти были /ярко/-красные). Her hair hung in little rolled clusters (ее волосы висели мелкими закрученными локонами; to hang (hung); cluster — пучок; гроздь), like sausages (похожими на колбаски). She wore a cotton house dress (она носила = на ней было домашнее платье из хлопка) and red mules (и красные комнатные тапочки), on the insteps of which were little bouquets (на которых спереди были маленькие букетики; instep — подъем ноги) of red ostrich feathers (из красных страусовых перьев). "I'm lookin' for Curley," she said (я ищу Кудряша, — сказала она). Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality (голос ее был какой-то ломкий и чуть в нос; nasal — носовой; гнусавый; quality — качество; свойство, особенность).

George looked away from her (Джордж глянул в сторону) and then back (затем назад = опять на нее). "He was in here a minute ago (он был здесь /всего/ минуту назад), but he went (но он ушел; to go (went; gone))."

bouquets [bu(:)`keI], ostrich [`OstrIC], nasal [neIz(q)l]

A brake screeched outside. A call came, "Stable — buck. Oh! Sta-able buck."

George said, "Say it over to yourself, Lennie, so you won't forget it."

Both men glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off. A girl was standing there looking in. She had full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages. She wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of red ostrich feathers. "I'm lookin' for Curley," she said. Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality.

George looked away from her and then back. "He was in here a minute ago, but he went."

"Oh!" She put her hands behind her back (она заложила руки за спину) and leaned against the door frame (и прислонилась к дверному косяку) so that her body was thrown forward (так, что ее тело подалось вперед; to throw (threw; thrown) — бросать/ся/). "You're the new fellas (вы те новенькие; fellas = fellows — парень /разг./) that just come, ain't ya (что недавно пришли, верно)?"

"Yeah (верно)."

Lennie's eyes moved down over her body (взгляд Ленни скользнул вниз по ее телу), and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie (и хотя, казалось, она не смотрит на Ленни) she bridled a little (она слегка напряглась/приосанилась; to bridle — взнуздывать). She looked at her fingernails (она посмотрела на свои ногти). "Sometimes Curley's in here (иногда Кудряш бывает здесь)," she explained (объяснила она).

George said brusquely (Джордж сказал резко; brusque — отрывистый, резкий; бесцеремонный). "Well he ain't now (ну, а сейчас его нет)."

"If he ain't (если его нет), I guess I better look some place else (думаю, мне лучше поискать его в другом месте)," she said playfully (сказала она игриво).

Lennie watched her, fascinated (Ленни очарованно глядел на нее; to fascinate — очаровывать, пленять). George said, "If I see him (если я его увижу), I'll pass the word you was looking for him (я передам, что вы его искали; word — слово; сообщение)."

She smiled archly and twitched her body (она лукаво улыбнулась и повела: «передернула» телом). "Nobody can't blame a person for lookin' (никто не может осуждать человека за то, что он ищет/смотрит /здесь игра слов/; to blame — порицать, осуждать)," she said. There were footsteps behind her (позади нее /послышались/ шаги), going by (/кто-то/ подходил). She turned her head (она повернула голову). "Hi, Slim," she said (привет, Ловкий, — сказала она).

Slim's voice came through the door (голос Ловкого донесся из-за двери). "Hi, Good-lookin' (привет, симпатюля; good — хороший; приятный; look — взгляд; внешность)."

"I'm tryin' to find Curley, Slim (я пытаюсь найти Кудряша, Ловкий)."

"Well, you ain't tryin' very hard (а ты не слишком стараешься). I seen him goin' in your house (я видел, как он входил в ваш дом)."

bridle [braIdl], fingernails [`fINgqneIl], brusquely [`brusklI]

"Oh!" She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward. "You're the new fellas that just come, ain't ya?"

"Yeah."

Lennie's eyes moved down over her body, and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie she bridled a little. She looked at her fingernails. "Sometimes Curley's in here," she explained.

George said brusquely. "Well he ain't now."

"If he ain't, I guess I better look some place else," she said playfully.

Lennie watched her, fascinated. George said, "If I see him, I'll pass the word you was looking for him."

She smiled archly and twitched her body. "Nobody can't blame a person for lookin'," she said. There were footsteps behind her, going by. She turned her head. "Hi, Slim," she said.

Slim's voice came through the door. "Hi, Good-lookin'."

"I'm tryin' to find Curley, Slim."

"Well, you ain't tryin' very hard. I seen him goin' in your house."

She was suddenly apprehensive (внезапно она забеспокоилась; apprehensive — напуганный; испытывающий тревогу; to apprehend — понимать, постигать, разгадывать, схватывать; предчувствовать /что-л. дурное/, ожидать /несчастья/, опасаться). "'Bye, boys (пока, ребятки)," she called into the bunkhouse (крикнула она в барак), and she hurried away (и поспешила прочь).

George looked around at Lennie (Джордж взглянул на Ленни). "Jesus, what a tramp (Боже, что за шалава; tramp — проститутка /сленг/)," he said. "So that's what Curley picks for a wife (так вот какую подобрал себе жену Кудряш)."

"She's purty (она хорошенькая; purty = pretty)," said Lennie defensively (сказал Ленни в ее защиту: «защищающе»; defense — оборона; defensive — оборонительный; оборонный; защищающий, защитный).

"Yeah, and she's sure hidin' it (да, хотя и очень это скрывает; sure — употребляется для усиления). Curley got his work ahead of him (работа Кудряша прямо перед ним = у Кудряша еще будут с ней проблемы). Bet she'd clear out for twenty bucks (держу пари, что она бы и за двадцать баксов пошла; to clear out — очищать; внезапно уйти, уехать /разг./)."

Lennie still stared at the doorway (Ленни все еще смотрел на дверь) where she had been (где она стояла: «была»). "Gosh, she was purty (ух, какая она хорошенькая; gosh — Боже!; черт возьми!)." He smiled admiringly (он восхищенно улыбнулся; to admire — восторгаться). George looked quickly down at him (Джордж бросил быстрый взгляд на него) and then he took him by an ear and shook him (а затем взял «его» за ухо и дернул; to shake (shook; shaken) — трясти).

apprehensive ["xprI`hensIv], call [kLl], admiringly [qd`maIqrINlI]

She was suddenly apprehensive. "'Bye, boys," she called into the bunkhouse, and she hurried away.

George looked around at Lennie. "Jesus, what a tramp," he said. "So that's what Curley picks for a wife."

"She's purty," said Lennie defensively.

"Yeah, and she's sure hidin' it. Curley got his work ahead of him. Bet she'd clear out for twenty bucks."

Lennie still stared at the doorway where she had been. "Gosh, she was purty." He smiled admiringly. George looked quickly down at him and then he took him by an ear and shook him.

"Listen to me, you crazy bastard (слушай меня ты, полоумный болван)," he said fiercely (сказал он злобно; fierce — жестокий, свирепый). "Don't you even take a look at that bitch (даже глядеть на эту суку /не смей/). I don't care what she says (мне плевать, что она говорит) and what she does (и что делает). I seen 'em poison before (видал я таких и раньше; poison — яд, отрава), but I never seen (но я никогда не видел) no piece of jail bait (шалавы, из-за которой можно сесть в тюрьму; jail — тюрьма; bait — наживка) worse than her (хуже, чем она). You leave her be (держись от нее подальше: «оставь ее быть»)."

Lennie tried to disengage his ear (Ленни попытался освободить ухо). "I never done nothing, George (но я ничего не делал)."

"No, you never (не делал, верно). But when she was standin' in the doorway (но когда она стояла в дверях) showin' her legs (демонстрируя свои ноги), you wasn't lookin' the other way, neither (ты ведь не посмотрел в другую сторону)."

"I never meant no harm, George (я не замышлял ничего дурного, Джордж; to mean (meant) — иметь в виду; думать). Honest I never (честно, не замышлял)."

"Well, you keep away from her (так вот, держись от нее подальше), cause she's a rattrap (потому что она — это западня: «крысоловка»; rat — крыса; trap — ловушка, капкан) if I ever seen one (если я их когда видал = какие только могут быть). You let Curley take the rap (пусть Кудряш отдувается; to take the rap — отвечать за ошибку /сленг/). He let himself in for it (сам виноват: «позволил себе влипнуть»; in for it — влипнуть, попасть /разг./). Glove fulla vaseline (перчатка, полная вазелина; fulla = full of)," George said disgustedly (сказал Джордж с отвращением; disgust — отвращение, омерзение; to disgust — внушать отвращение). "An' I bet he's eatin' raw eggs (бьюсь об заклад, что он ест сырые яйца) and writin' to the patent medicine houses (и выписывает патентованные лекарства разных фирм; house — дом; какая-л. организация)."

Lennie cried out suddenly (вдруг Ленни выкрикнул) — "I don't like this place, George (мне не нравится это место, Джордж). This ain't no good place (это нехорошее место). I wanna get outa here (я хочу уйти отсюда)."

"We gotta keep it (нам придется потерпеть; to keep — хранить; оставить себе) till we get a stake (пока денег не получим). We can't help it, Lennie (ничего не поделаешь, Ленни). We'll get out jus' as soon as we can (мы уйдем, как только сможем). I don't like it no better than you do (мне нравится здесь не больше, чем тебе)." He went back to the table (он вернулся к столу; to go (went; gone) back — возвращаться) and set out a new solitaire hand (и разложил новый пасьянс; hand — рука; партия, кон /в некоторых играх/). "No, I don't like it (нет, не нравится)," he said. "For two bits I'd shove out of here (я бы в два счета убрался отсюда; two bits — монета в 25 центов /амер./; for two bits — немедленно). If we can get jus' a few dollars in the poke (если бы у нас было всего несколько долларов в кошельке; poke — разг. бумажник; to poke — совать, пихать) we'll shove off (мы убрались бы /отсюда/) and go up the American River and pan gold (и пошли бы вверх по Американ-ривер и мыли бы золото; American River — р. Американ; в середине XIX в. на ее берегах возник важный район добычи золота; pan — кастрюля; лоток; to pan — мыть золото). We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there (мы могли делать там пару долларов в день), and we might hit a pocket (и могли бы накопить: «набить карман»)."

fiercely [`fIqslI], disengage [dIsIn`geIG], patent [`peIt(q)nt]

"Listen to me, you crazy bastard," he said fiercely. "Don't you even take a look at that bitch. I don't care what she says and what she does. I seen 'em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her. You leave her be."

Lennie tried to disengage his ear. "I never done nothing, George."

"No, you never. But when she was standin' in the doorway showin' her legs, you wasn't lookin' the other way, neither."

"I never meant no harm, George. Honest I never."

"Well, you keep away from her, cause she's a rattrap if I ever seen one. You let Curley take the rap. He let himself in for it. Glove fulla vaseline," George said disgustedly. "An' I bet he's eatin' raw eggs and writin' to the patent medicine houses."

Lennie cried out suddenly — "I don't like this place, George. This ain't no good place. I wanna get outa here."

"We gotta keep it till we get a stake. We can't help it, Lennie. We'll get out jus' as soon as we can. I don't like it no better than you do." He went back to the table and set out a new solitaire hand. "No, I don't like it," he said. "For two bits I'd shove out of here. If we can get jus' a few dollars in the poke we'll shove off and go up the American River and pan gold. We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there, and we might hit a pocket."

Lennie leaned eagerly toward him (Ленни живо наклонился к нему; eager — страстно желающий; энергичный). "Le's go, George (давай уйдем, Джордж). Le's get outa here (давай уйдем отсюда; outa = out of). It's mean here (здесь плохо; mean — неприятный, противный; придирчивый, недоброжелательный)."

"We gotta stay (нам нужно остаться)," George said shortly (коротко сказал Джордж). "Shut up now (а теперь заткнись). The guys'll be comin' in (парни идут сюда)."

From the washroom nearby (из умывальной, /располагавшейся/ неподалеку) came the sound of running water (донесся звук бегущей воды) and rattling basins (и стучащих тазов; to rattle — трещать, грохотать; греметь /посудой, ключами и т. п./). George studied the cards (Джордж уткнулся в: «изучал» карты). "Maybe we oughtta wash up (может, нам следует умыться; oughtta = ought to)," he said. "But we ain't done nothing to get dirty (но мы ничего не делали, /чтобы/ испачкаться; dirty — грязный, запачканный; dirt — грязь)."

toward [`tquqd], shortly [`SLtlI], dirty [`dWtI]

Lennie leaned eagerly toward him. "Le's go, George. Le's get outa here. It's mean here."

"We gotta stay," George said shortly. "Shut up now. The guys'll be comin' in."

From the washroom nearby came the sound of running water and rattling basins. George studied the cards. "Maybe we oughtta wash up," he said. "But we ain't done nothing to get dirty."

A tall man stood in the doorway (высокий человек стоял в дверях; to stand (stood)). He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm (под мышкой он держал измятую ковбойскую шляпу; to crush — давить; мять) while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back (в то время как он зачесывал назад свои длинные черные влажные волосы). Like the others (как и другие) he wore blue jeans (он носил синие джинсы) and a short denim jacket (и короткую хлопчатобумажную куртку). When he had finished combing his hair (когда он закончил причесывать волосы) he moved into the room (он вошел в комнату), and he moved with a majesty (он двигался с достоинством) achieved only by royalty (присущим только членами королевской семьи; to achieve — достигать; royal — королевский) and master craftsmen (и старшим работникам; master — главный; старший). He was a jerkline skinner (он был старшим погонщиком), the prince of the ranch (завидная должность на ранчо; prince — князь, принц; выдающаяся личность), capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules (способный управлять десятью, шестнадцатью, даже двадцатью мулами) with a single line to the leaders (/поставленными/ в одну упряжь с вожаками). He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt (он мог убить муху на крупе коренного; wheeler — коренной /мул, запрягаемый в оглоблю/; butt — бочка; круп /лошади/) with a bull whip (кнутом погонщика «быков») without touching the mule (не коснувшись мула). There was a gravity in his manner (в его поведении была = сквозила величественность) and a quiet so profound (и такое глубокое спокойствие; profound — сильный, глубокий; чрезвычайный) that all talk stopped when he spoke (что прекращались все разговоры, когда он /начинал/ говорить; to speak (spoke; spoken)). His authority was so great (его авторитет был столь велик) that his word was taken on any subject (что его слова = суждения принимались /без возражений/), be it politics or love (/заходила ли речь/ о политике или о любви). This was Slim, the jerkline skinner (это был Ловкий, главный возчик). His hatchet face was ageless (его продолговатое лицо не имело возраста; hatchet — топор; age — возраст). He might have been thirty-five or fifty (ему могло быть как тридцать пять, так и пятьдесят). His ear heard more than was said to him (его уши слышали больше, чем ему было сказано; to hear (heard)), and his slow speech had overtones (и в его медленной речи /сквозил/ подтекст) not of thought (не от /особо развитого/ мышления; thought — мысль; мышление), but of understanding beyond thought (а от понимания, /находящегося/ вне мышления). His hands, large and lean (его руки, большие и худощавые), were as delicate in their action (были такими же аккуратными в действии) as those of a temple dancer (как у /индийского/ танцора: «танцующего в храмах»).

straight [streIt], master [`mRstq], authority [L`TOrItI]

A tall man stood in the doorway. He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back. Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket. When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt with a bull whip without touching the mule. There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. This was Slim, the jerkline skinner. His hatchet face was ageless. He might have been thirty-five or fifty. His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.

He smoothed out his crushed hat (он разгладил свою мятую шляпу), creased it in the middle (заломил ее посередине; crease — складка; загиб; to crease — мять, загибать) and put it on (и надел; to put (put) on — надевать). He looked kindly at the two in the bunkhouse (он добродушно посмотрел на двоих /незнакомцев/ в бараке). "It's brighter'n a bitch outside (чертовски светло снаружи; bitch — самка /животного/, сука; служит как усиление /груб./; brighter'n a bitch = brighter than a bitch)," he said gently (сказал он мягко). "Can't hardly see nothing in here (ничего здесь не могу разглядеть). You the new guys (это вы новенькие)?"

"Just come (только что пришли)," said George.

"Gonna buck barley (будете грузить ячмень)?"

"That's what the boss says (так говорит хозяин)."

Slim sat down on a box (Ловкий сел на ящик) across the table from George (за стол напротив Джорджа). He studied the solitaire hand (он внимательно посмотрел: «изучил» расклад пасьянса) that was upside down to him (что был к нему вверх ногами). "Hope you get on my team (надеюсь, вы попадете ко мне в бригаду)," he said. His voice was very gentle (его голос звучал мягко; gentle — знатный; мягкий, добрый). "I gotta pair of punks on my team (в моей бригаде есть пара придурков; punk — чепуха; бродяга, никчемный человек /разг./) that don't know a barley bag from a blue ball (которые не знают = не могут отличить мешок с ячменем от венерической болезни; blue balls — гонорея: «голубые яйца» /груб. сленг/). You guys ever bucked any barley (вы, ребятки, грузили когда-нибудь ячень)?"

"Hell, yes (а как же, да)," said George. "I ain't nothing to scream about (мне похвастаться нечем; to scream about — хвастаться; бахвалиться /разг./), but that big bastard there (но вон тот здоровяк) can put up more grain alone (один может поднять = погрузить больше зерна) than most pairs can (чем иные могут вдвоем; pair — пара; партнеры)."

smooth [smHD], crease [krJs], alone [q`lqun]

He smoothed out his crushed hat, creased it in the middle and put it on. He looked kindly at the two in the bunkhouse. "It's brighter'n a bitch outside," he said gently. "Can't hardly see nothing in here. You the new guys?"

"Just come," said George.

"Gonna buck barley?"

"That's what the boss says."

Slim sat down on a box across the table from George. He studied the solitaire hand that was upside down to him. "Hope you get on my team," he said. His voice was very gentle. "I gotta pair of punks on my team that don't know a barley bag from a blue ball. You guys ever bucked any barley?"

"Hell, yes," said George. "I ain't nothing to scream about, but that big bastard there can put up more grain alone than most pairs can."

Lennie, who had been following the conversation (Ленни, который следил за разговором) back and forth with his eyes (/переводя взгляд/ с одного на другого: «назад и вперед»), smiled complacently at the compliment (самодовольно улыбнулся комплименту; complacent — самодовольный). Slim looked approvingly at George (Ловкий одобрительно посмотрел на Джорджа) for having given the compliment (за сделанный комплимент). He leaned over the table (он наклонился над столом) and snapped the corner of a loose card (и щелкнул уголком карты; loose card — младшая карта). "You guys travel around together (вы вместе путешествуете)?" His tone was friendly (его тон был дружеский). It invited confidence without demanding it (он приглашал = располагал к доверию, не будучи назойливым; to demand — требовать, настаивать).

"Sure," said George (верно, — сказал Джордж). "We kinda look after each other (мы в некотором смысле заботимся друг о друге; kinda = kind of)." He indicated Lennie with his thumb (он указал на Ленни большим пальцем). "He ain't bright (он не шибко соображает; bright — яркий; блестящий; сообразительный). Hell of a good worker, though (хотя работяга каких поискать). Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright (славный малый, но туповат). I've knew him for a long time (я давно его знаю)."

Slim looked through George and beyond him (Ловкий посмотрел сквозь Джорджа куда-то ему за спину; behind — позади; назад). "Ain't many guys travel around together (не многие путешествуют вместе)," he mused (он /ненадолго/ задумался; to muse — погружаться в размышления). "I don't know why (я не знаю почему). Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world (может, все в целом проклятом мире) is scared of each other (боятся друг друга)."

"It's a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know (много приятнее путешествовать с человеком, которого знаешь)," said George.

complacently [kqm`pleIsntlI], confidence [`kOnfIdqns], muse [mjHz]

Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment. Slim looked approvingly at George for having given the compliment. He leaned over the table and snapped the corner of a loose card. "You guys travel around together?" His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it.

"Sure," said George. "We kinda look after each other." He indicated Lennie with his thumb. "He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker, though. Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright. I've knew him for a long time."

Slim looked through George and beyond him. "Ain't many guys travel around together," he mused. "I don't know why. Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other."

"It's a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know," said George.

A powerful, big-stomached man (крепкий, с большим животом человек) came into the bunkhouse (вошел в барак). His head still dripped water (с головы его еще капала вода) from the scrubbing and dousing (после умывания; to scrub — мыть; оттирать; to douse — окунаться /в воду/). "Hi, Slim," he said (привет, Ловкий, — сказал он), and then stopped (затем остановился) and stared at George and Lennie (и уставился на Джорджа и Ленни).

"These guys jus' come (эти ребята только что прибыли)," said Slim by way of introduction (сказал Ловкий, как бы представляя их; introduction — официальное представление).

"Glad ta meet ya (рад познакомиться с вами: «встретить вас»; ta = to)," the big man said (сказал здоровяк). "My name's Carlson (меня зовут Карлсон)."

"I'm George Milton (я — Джордж Милтон). This here's Lennie Small (а вот это —Ленни Смолл)."

"Glad ta meet ya (рад познакомиться; ya = you)," Carlson said again (повторил Карлсон). "He ain't very small (а он не очень то мал; small — маленький)." He chuckled softly at his joke (и тихонько захихикал своей шутке). "Ain't small at all (вообще не маленький)," he repeated (повторил он). "Meant to ask you, Slim (хотел спросить тебя, Ловкий; to mean (meant) — намереваться) — how's your bitch (как твоя собака/сука)? I seen she wasn't (я видел, что ее не было) under your wagon this morning (сегодня утром под твоей повозкой; wagon — вагон; телега, повозка)."

"She slang her pups last night (она ощенилась: «выбросила своих щенков» прошлой ночью; to sling (slang/slung; slung))," said Slim. "Nine of 'em (девять /щенков/). I drowned four of 'em right off (четверых я сразу же утопил). She couldn't feed that many (она не смогла бы выкормить так много)."

"Got five left, huh (/выходит/ пятеро осталось, а)?"

"Yeah, five. I kept the biggest (да, пятеро, я оставил самых больших)."

"What kinda dogs you think they're gonna be (что за собаки, /какой породы/ они, как думаешь)?"

"I dunno («я» не знаю; dunno = don’t know /сленг/)," said Slim. "Some kinda shepherds, I guess (что-то вроде овчарок, я думаю). That's the most kind I seen around here (их больше всего я видел тут) when she was in heat (когда у нее была течка; heat — жара; течка /у животных/)."

stomach [`stAmqk], dousing [`dausIN], shepherd [`Sepqd]

A powerful, big-stomached man came into the bunkhouse. His head still dripped water from the scrubbing and dousing. "Hi, Slim," he said, and then stopped and stared at George and Lennie.

"These guys jus' come," said Slim by way of introduction.

"Glad ta meet ya," the big man said. "My name's Carlson."

"I'm George Milton. This here's Lennie Small."

"Glad ta meet ya," Carlson said again. "He ain't very small." He chuckled softly at his joke. "Ain't small at all," he repeated. "Meant to ask you, Slim — how's your bitch? I seen she wasn't under your wagon this morning."

"She slang her pups last night," said Slim. "Nine of 'em. I drowned four of 'em right off. She couldn't feed that many."

"Got five left, huh?"

"Yeah, five. I kept the biggest."

"What kinda dogs you think they're gonna be?"

"I dunno," said Slim. "Some kinda shepherds, I guess. That's the most kind I seen around here when she was in heat."

Carlson went on (Карлсон продолжал), "Got five pups, huh (пять щенков, стало быть). Gonna keep all of 'em (всех собираешься оставить)?"

"I dunno (не знаю). Have to keep 'em a while (придется пока оставить всех) so they can drink Lulu's milk (чтоб они могли попить молоко Лулу)."

Carlson said thoughtfully (Карлсон сказал задумчиво), "Well, looka here, Slim (хорошо, послушай: «взгляни», Ловкий). I been thinkin' (я /вот чего/ думаю). That dog of Candy's is so God damn old (пес Кэнди настолько старый) he can't hardly walk (едва и ходить-то может). Stinks like hell, too (и еще воняет, как дьявол: «как ад»). Ever' time he comes into the bunk house (каждый раз как он входит в барак) I can smell him for two, three days (я слышу запах два или три дня). Why'n't you get Candy (почему бы тебе не убедить Кэнди; to get — получать; убеждать) to shoot his old dog (пристрелить его старого пса) and give him one of the pups to raise up (и не дать ему одного из щенков на воспитание; to raise up — поднять; вырастить)? I can smell that dog a mile away (я за милю слышу запах этого пса). Got no teeth (зубов нет), damn near blind (почти слепой), can't eat (есть не может). Candy feeds him milk (Кэнди его молоком поит: «кормит»). He can't chew nothing else (ничто другое он жевать не может)."

George had been staring intently at Slim (Джордж пристально посмотрел на Ловкого; intent — сконцентрированный /на чем-л./, направленный /на что-л./; внимательный, пристальный /о взгляде/). Suddenly a triangle began to ring outside (внезапно снаружи начали бить в треугольник: «треугольник начал звенеть»; triangle — треугольник /ударный инструмент/), slowly at first (сперва медленно), and then faster and faster (а потом быстрее и быстрее) until the beat of it disappeared into one ringing sound (пока удары не слились в один звенящий звук; to disappear — исчезать; теряться). It stopped as suddenly (прекратилось это так же внезапно) as it had started (как и началось).

"There she goes," said Carlson (ну вот, пожалуйста; there someone goes — вот видишь; вот это дело; ну что, опять /устойчивое экспрессивное словосочетание в амер. разг. речи/).

Outside, there was a burst of voices (снаружи донесся гул голосов; burst — взрыв; всплеск /эмоций/) as a group of men went by (когда мимо прошла группа мужчин).

walk [wLk], blind [blaInd], sound [saund]

Carlson went on, "Got five pups, huh. Gonna keep all of 'em?"

"I dunno. Have to keep 'em a while so they can drink Lulu's milk."

Carlson said thoughtfully, "Well, looka here, Slim. I been thinkin'. That dog of Candy's is so God damn old he can't hardly walk. Stinks like hell, too. Ever' time he comes into the bunk house I can smell him for two, three days. Why'n't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? I can smell that dog a mile away. Got no teeth, damn near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else."

George had been staring intently at Slim. Suddenly a triangle began to ring outside, slowly at first, and then faster and faster until the beat of it disappeared into one ringing sound. It stopped as suddenly as it had started.

"There she goes," said Carlson.

Outside, there was a burst of voices as a group of men went by.

Slim stood up slowly and with dignity (Ловкий поднялся медленно и с достоинством). "You guys better come on (вам, ребята, лучше поспешить; to come on — отправляться /куда-л./; спешить /повелит./) while they's still something to eat (пока там еще что-то осталось поесть; they’s = there is /простореч./). Won't be nothing left in a couple of minutes (через пару минут ничего не останется; to leave (left))."

Carlson stepped back (Карлсон отступил назад) to let Slim precede him (чтобы дать Ловкому пройти первому; to precede — быть впереди; предшествовать), and then the two of them went out the door (и затем они оба вышли за дверь).

Lennie was watching George excitedly (Ленни возбужденно смотрел на Джорджа; to excite — побуждать; возбуждать). George rumpled his cards (Джордж смешал карты; to rumple — приводить в беспорядок) into a messy pile (в «беспорядочную» кучу). "Yeah!" George said (да, — сказал Джордж), "I heard him, Lennie (я слышал «его», Ленни). I'll ask him (я его попрошу)."

"A brown and white one (коричневого с белым)," Lennie cried excitedly (выкрикнул Ленни возбужденно).

"Come on. Le's get dinner (пошли обедать: «получим обед»). I don't know whether he got a brown and white one (но я не знаю, есть ли у него коричневый с белым)."

Lennie didn't move from his bunk (Ленни не двинулся с места: «со своей койки»). "You ask him right away, George (попроси его прямо сейчас, Джордж), so he won't kill no more of 'em (чтобы он больше ни одного из них не утопил: «не убил»)."

"Sure. Come on now (конечно, а сейчас пошли), get up on your feet (поднимайся «на ноги»)."

dignity [`dIgnItI], precede [prI(:)`sJd], excitedly [Ik`saItIdlI]

Slim stood up slowly and with dignity. "You guys better come on while they's still something to eat. Won't be nothing left in a couple of minutes."

Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door.

Lennie was watching George excitedly. George rumpled his cards into a messy pile. "Yeah!" George said, "I heard him, Lennie. I'll ask him."

"A brown and white one," Lennie cried excitedly.

"Come on. Le's get dinner. I don't know whether he got a brown and white one."

Lennie didn't move from his bunk. "You ask him right away, George, so he won't kill no more of 'em."

"Sure. Come on now, get up on your feet."

Lennie rolled off his bunk and stood up (Ленни скатился с койки и встал), and the two of them started for the door (и они вдвоем направились к двери; to start — начинать; отправляться). Just as they reached it (как только они достигли ее = подошли к ней), Curley bounced in (/в барак/ влетел Кудряш; to bounce — подпрыгивать; вламываться).

"You seen a girl around here (вы видели здесь неподалеку девушку)?" he demanded angrily (спросил он злобно; to demand — требовать; спрашивать; anger — гнев; раздражение).

George said coldly (Джордж сказал холодно). "'Bout half an hour ago maybe (/может/, с полчаса назад; ‘bout = about)."

"Well what the hell was she doin' (а какого черта она /тут/ делала)?"

George stood still (Джордж продолжал стоять), watching the angry little man (и смотреть на разъяренного коротышку). He said insultingly (он дерзко ответил; insult — оскорбление; дерзость), "She said — she was lookin' for you (она сказала, что тебя ищет)."

Curley seemed really to see George for the first time (казалось, Кудряш видит Джорджа впервые). His eyes flashed over George (быстрым взглядом смерив Джорджа; flash — вспышка; to flash — сверкать; быстро пронестись), took in his height (оценил его рост; to take (took; taken) in — принимать; осматривать /амер./), measured his reach (измерил расстояние; reach — предел досягаемости), looked at his trim middle (посмотрел на его телосложение; trim — подрезка; внешний вид; middle — середина). "Well, which way'd she go (хорошо, куда: «по которому пути» она пошла; which way'd she go = which way did she go)?" he demanded at last (спросил он наконец).

"I dunno," said George (не знаю, — сказал Джордж). "I didn' watch her go (я не следил за ней)."

Curley scowled at him (Кудряш бросил на него сердитый взгляд), and turning, hurried out the door (и, развернувшись, поспешил наружу: «за дверь»).

half [hRf], insultingly [In`sAltINlI], measure [`meZq]

Lennie rolled off his bunk and stood up, and the two of them started for the door. Just as they reached it, Curley bounced in.

"You seen a girl around here?" he demanded angrily.

George said coldly. "'Bout half an hour ago maybe."

"Well what the hell was she doin'?"

George stood still, watching the angry little man. He said insultingly, "She said — she was lookin' for you."

Curley seemed really to see George for the first time. His eyes flashed over George, took in his height, measured his reach, looked at his trim middle. "Well, which way'd she go?" he demanded at last.

"I dunno," said George. "I didn' watch her go."

Curley scowled at him, and turning, hurried out the door.

George said, "Ya know, Lennie (Джордж сказал: знаешь, Ленни), I'm scared I'm gonna tangle with that bastard myself (боюсь, мне придется самому разобраться с этим гадом; to tangle — запутывать/ся/; бороться/связываться). I hate his guts (ненавижу его; guts — кишки). Jesus Christ (Господи Иисусе)! Come on (пойдем). They won't be a damn thing left to eat (а то нам ничего не достанется: «поесть»)."

They went out the door (они вышли за дверь). The sunshine lay in a thin line under the window (солнечный свет тонкой линией лежал под окном). From a distance there could be heard a rattle of dishes (издалека был слышен стук тарелок).

After a moment the ancient dog (через мгновение старый пес) walked lamely in through the open door (хромая, вошел в открытую дверь). He gazed about with mild, half-blind eyes (он поглядел вокруг спокойными, наполовину слепыми глазами; mild — кроткий/спокойный). He sniffed (он принюхался), and then lay down (а потом улегся) and put his head between his paws (положив голову между лап). Curley popped into the doorway again (внезапно в дверях снова появился Кудряш; to pop — хлопать; неожиданно появляться) and stood looking into the room (и остановился, всматриваясь /вглубь/ комнаты). The dog raised his head (пес поднял голову), but when Curley jerked out (но когда Кудряш выскочил), the grizzled head sank to the floor again (поседелая голова снова опустилась на пол; to sink (sank; sunk)).

tangle [`txNglq], heard [hWd], mild [maIld]

George said, "Ya know, Lennie, I'm scared I'm gonna tangle with that bastard myself. I hate his guts. Jesus Christ! Come on. They won't be a damn thing left to eat."

They went out the door. The sunshine lay in a thin line under the window. From a distance there could be heard a rattle of dishes.

After a moment the ancient dog walked lamely in through the open door. He gazed about with mild, half-blind eyes. He sniffed, and then lay down and put his head between his paws. Curley popped into the doorway again and stood looking into the room. The dog raised his head, but when Curley jerked out, the grizzled head sank to the floor again.

THREE (глава третья)

Although there was evening brightness (хотя вечерний свет; brightness — яркость; блеск) showing through the windows of the bunkhouse (/еще/ попадал в барак сквозь окно; to show through — проступать, просвечивать), inside it was dusk (внутри /царил/ полумрак; dusk — сумерки). Through the open door came the thuds (через открытую дверь доносился стук) and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game (и случайные звенящие звуки, /сопровождающие/ игру в подкову), and now and then the sound of voices (и время от времени звук = шум голосов) raised in approval or derision (поднимаемый = звучащий /в знак/ одобрения или насмешки).

Slim and George came into the darkening bunkhouse together (Ловкий и Джордж вместе вошли в темный барак). Slim reached up over the card table (Ловкий через карточный стол потянулся) and turned on the tin-shaded electric light (и включил электрическую лампочку: «электричество», в абажуре, сделанном из жестянки; to turn on — включать; tin — олово; жестяная консервная банка; shade — тень; колпак, абажур). Instantly the table was brilliant with light (мгновенно стол залило светом: «стол стал сверкающим от света»), and the cone of the shade threw its brightness straight downward (и конус абажура отбрасывал /поток/ яркого света прямо вниз; to throw (threw; thrown) — бросать; отбрасывать), leaving the corners of the bunkhouse still in dusk (оставляя по углам барака полумрак). Slim sat down on a box (Ловкий сел на ящик) and George took his place opposite (а Джордж занял место напротив).

approval [q`prHv(q)l], derision [dI`rIZ(q)n], opposite [`OpqzIt]

Although there was evening brightness showing through the windows of the bunkhouse, inside it was dusk. Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound of voices raised in approval or derision.

Slim and George came into the darkening bunkhouse together. Slim reached up over the card table and turned on the tin-shaded electric light. Instantly the table was brilliant with light, and the cone of the shade threw its brightness straight downward, leaving the corners of the bunkhouse still in dusk. Slim sat down on a box and George took his place opposite.

"It wasn't nothing," said Slim (пустяки: «это было ничто», — сказал Ловкий). "I would of had to drowned most of 'em anyways (мне все равно пришлось бы большинство из них утопить). No need to thank me about that (не стоит меня благодарить за это)."

George said, "It wasn't much to you, maybe (Джордж сказал: возможно, для тебя это и не много /значит/), but it was a hell of a lot to him (но это чертовски важно: «много» для него). Jesus Christ, I don't know how we're gonna get him to sleep in here (Господи, я не знаю, как мы заставим его спать здесь). He'll want to sleep right out in the barn with 'em (он /ведь/ захочет спать прямо там, на конюшне, вместе с ними; barn — амбар, сарай; конюшня /амер./). We'll have trouble (нам придется поволноваться; trouble — беспокойство, тревога) keepin' him from getting right in the box with them pups (/чтоб/ удержать его от /попыток/ залезть прямо в ящик к щенкам; to keep from — удерживать)."

"It wasn't nothing," Slim repeated (пустяки, — повторил Ловкий). "Say, you sure was right about him (послушай, а ты был прав насчет него; say = I say — послушай). Maybe he ain't bright (может, умом он и не блещет), but I never seen such a worker (но я никогда не видал такого работника). He damn near killed his partner buckin' barley (черт, он чуть не уморил своего напарника при погрузке ячменя). There ain't nobody can keep up with him (никто не может поспеть за ним; to keep up — держаться бодро; продолжать). God awmighty (всесильный Боже; awmighty = almighty), I never seen such a strong guy (я никогда не видал такого сильного парня)."

about [q`baut], barn [bRn], worker [`wWkq]

"It wasn't nothing," said Slim. "I would of had to drowned most of 'em anyways. No need to thank me about that."

George said, "It wasn't much to you, maybe, but it was a hell of a lot to him. Jesus Christ, I don't know how we're gonna get him to sleep in here. He'll want to sleep right out in the barn with 'em. We'll have trouble keepin' him from getting right in the box with them pups."

"It wasn't nothing," Slim repeated. "Say, you sure was right about him. Maybe he ain't bright, but I never seen such a worker. He damn near killed his partner buckin' barley. There ain't nobody can keep up with him. God awmighty, I never seen such a strong guy."

George spoke proudly (Джордж заговорил с гордостью). "Jus' tell Lennie what to do (только скажи Ленни чего делать) an' he'll do it (и он это сделает) if it don't take no figuring (если не требуется соображать). He can't think of nothing to do himself (сам он ничего не придумает, что делать = инициативы от него не дождешься), but he sure can take orders (но приказы он выполняет беспрекословно: «но, конечно, он может брать приказы»)."

There was a clang of horseshoe on iron stake outside (снаружи послышался звон подковы /от удара/ о железную стойку) and a little cheer of voices (и негромкие одобрительные возгласы).

Slim moved back slightly (Ловкий слегка отодвинулся «назад») so the light was not on his face (так, что лицо его не было освещено). "Funny how you an' him string along together (странно, что вы с ним всегда вместе; funny — забавный, смешной; странный; to string along with — идти, ехать с кем-л.; быть преданным кому-л.)." It was Slim's calm invitation to confidence (этим Ловкий ненавязчиво приглашал к доверительной /беседе/; calm — спокойный, невозмутимый).

"What's funny about it (а что тут странного)?" George demanded defensively (спросил Джордж, /сразу/ насторожившись; defensive — оборона).

"Oh, I dunno (ну, я не знаю; I dunno = I don’t know). Hardly none of the guys ever travel together (почти никто и никогда не путешествует вместе; hardly — едва ли). I hardly never seen (я почти никогда не видал) two guys travel together (чтобы двое путешествовали вместе). You know how the hands are (сам знаешь, какие бывают работники; hand — рука; работник), they just come in (они просто приходят) and get their bunk (и получают койку) and work a month (и работают месяц), and then they quit (потом увольняются) and go out alone (и уходят поодиночке). Never seem to give a damn about nobody (им наплевать на кого-то другого; to give a damn — наплевать). It jus' seems kinda funny (и /поэтому/ кажется в некоторой степени странным) a cuckoo like him (/что такой/ чокнутый, как он; cuckoo — кукушка; сумасшедший, чокнутый /разг./) and a smart little guy like you (и умница, как ты; smart — сильный, резкий; сообразительный) travelin' together (путешествуют вместе)."

"He ain't no cuckoo (он не чокнутый)," said George. "He's dumb as hell (он глуп как пробка; dumb — немой; глупый, тупой), but he ain't crazy (но он не сумасшедший). An' I ain't so bright neither (да и я не такой умник), or I wouldn't be buckin' barley (иначе не грузил бы ячмень) for my fifty and found (за мои полсотни плюс харчи; found — снабженный всем необходимым). If I was bright (будь я умнее), if I was even a little bit smart (или даже просто немного сообразительнее), I'd have my own little place (у меня было бы собственное маленькое хозяйство), an' I'd be bringin' in my own crops (и я собирал бы собственный урожай; to bring in — вносить; собирать /урожай/; crops — зерновые), 'stead of doin' all the work (вместо того, чтоб делать всю работу; ‘stead = instead) and not getting what comes up outa the ground (и не пожинать плоды /своего труда/; to come up — подниматься; всходить, прорастать; ground — земля)." George fell silent (Джордж замолчал; to fall (fell; fallen) — падать; становиться, перейти в определенное состояние /употребляется как глагол-связка/). He wanted to talk (ему хотелось поговорить). Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him (Ловкий и не поощрял, и не препятствовал этому). He just sat back (он просто сидел, /откинувшись/ назад) quiet and receptive (молчаливый и внимательный; reception — восприятие).

horseshoe [`hLsSH] или [`hLSSH], cuckoo [`kukH], quiet [`kwaIqt]

George spoke proudly. "Jus' tell Lennie what to do an' he'll do it if it don't take no figuring. He can't think of nothing to do himself, but he sure can take orders."

There was a clang of horseshoe on iron stake outside and a little cheer of voices.

Slim moved back slightly so the light was not on his face. "Funny how you an' him string along together." It was Slim's calm invitation to confidence.

"What's funny about it?" George demanded defensively.

"Oh, I dunno. Hardly none of the guys ever travel together. I hardly never seen two guys travel together. You know how the hands are, they just come in and get their bunk and work a month, and then they quit and go out alone. Never seem to give a damn about nobody. It jus' seems kinda funny a cuckoo like him and a smart little guy like you travelin' together."

"He ain't no cuckoo," said George. "He's dumb as hell, but he ain't crazy. An' I ain't so bright neither, or I wouldn't be buckin' barley for my fifty and found. If I was bright, if I was even a little bit smart, I'd have my own little place, an' I'd be bringin' in my own crops, 'stead of doin' all the work and not getting what comes up outa the ground." George fell silent. He wanted to talk. Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him. He just sat back quiet and receptive.

"It ain't so funny (ничего тут странного нет), him an' me goin' aroun' together (что он и я везде вместе ходим)," George said at last (наконец сказал Джордж). "Him and me was both born in Auburn (и он и я, оба родились в Оберне). I knowed his Aunt Clara (я знал его тетку Клару; knowed = knew /неграм./). She took him when he was a baby (она взяла его еще младенцем) and raised him up (и воспитала его). When his Aunt Clara died (когда его тетка Клара померла), Lennie just come along with me out workin' (Ленни стал ходить со мной на работу; to come along — сопровождать). Got kinda used to each other after a little while (а потом мы привыкли друг к другу; to get used to — привыкать)."

"Umm," said Slim (угу, — сказал Ловкий).

George looked over at Slim (Джордж поглядел на Ловкого) and saw the calm Godlike eyes (и увидел спокойные, как у Бога, глаза), fastened on him (устремленные на него; to fasten — прикреплять; устремлять /взгляд/). "Funny," said George (странно, — сказал Джордж). "I used to have a hell of a lot of fun with 'im (я над ним частенько издевался; to have fun — веселиться). Used to play jokes on 'im (не раз сыграл с ним /злые/ шутки; used to — вспомогательный глагол для обозначения регулярных действий в прошлом) 'cause he was too dumb (потому как он слишком глуп) to take care of 'imself (чтобы постоять за себя: «позаботиться о себе»). But he was too dumb even to know (но он слишком глуп даже для того, чтобы понять) he had a joke played on him (что над ним смеются). I had fun (/вот/ я и забавлялся). Made me seem God damn smart alongside of him (это позволяло мне казаться чертовски умным в сравнении: «рядом» с ним). Why he'd do any damn thing I tol' him (а он все делал, что бы я ему ни говорил; tol’ = told; to tell (told)). If I tol' him to walk over a cliff (если бы сказал залезть на гору; cliff — обрыв; утес), over he'd go (он полез бы). That wasn't so damn much fun after a while (а потом это уже не казалось таким смешным). He never got mad about it, neither (он никогда не злился). I've beat the hell outa him (я лупасил его), and he coulda bust every bone in my body (и он мог бы переломать мне все кости: «любую косточку в моем теле»; to bust — сломать) jus' with his han's (просто /голыми/ руками), but he never lifted a finger against me (но он пальца никогда против меня не поднимал)." George's voice was taking on the tone of confession (в голосе Джорджа появились нотки: «голос Джорджа принял тон» раскаянья). "Tell you what made me stop that (знаешь, что меня заставило прекратить это = почему я перестал насмехаться). One day a bunch of guys was standin' around up on the Sacramento River (как-то раз компания парней стояла на берегу Сакраменто). I was feelin' pretty smart (я почувствовал себя шибко остроумным). I turns to Lennie and says (я поворачиваюсь к Ленни и говорю), 'Jump in (прыгай в /реку/).' An' he jumps (и он прыгает). Couldn't swim a stroke (а он и одного гребка не может /сделать/; stroke — удар; единичное действие, проявление какого-либо явления). He damn near drowned (он почти уж захлебнулся: «утонул») before we could get him (прежде чем мы смогли достать его). An' he was so damn nice to me (и он был чертовски признателен мне) for pullin' him out (за то, что его вытащили). Clean forgot (начисто забыл) I told him to jump in (/что это/ я сказал ему прыгать). Well, I ain't done nothing like that no more (и больше я ничего подобного не делаю)."

aunt [Rnt], dumb [dAm], more [mL]

"It ain't so funny, him an' me goin' aroun' together," George said at last. "Him and me was both born in Auburn. I knowed his Aunt Clara. She took him when he was a baby and raised him up. When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come along with me out workin'. Got kinda used to each other after a little while."

"Umm," said Slim.

George looked over at Slim and saw the calm, Godlike eyes fastened on him. "Funny," said George. "I used to have a hell of a lot of fun with 'im. Used to play jokes on 'im 'cause he was too dumb to take care of 'imself. But he was too dumb even to know he had a joke played on him. I had fun. Made me seem God damn smart alongside of him. Why he'd do any damn thing I tol' him. If I tol' him to walk over a cliff, over he'd go. That wasn't so damn much fun after a while. He never got mad about it, neither. I've beat the hell outa him, and he coulda bust every bone in my body jus' with his han's, but he never lifted a finger against me." George's voice was taking on the tone of confession. "Tell you what made me stop that. One day a bunch of guys was standin' around up on the Sacramento River. I was feelin' pretty smart. I turns to Lennie and says, 'Jump in.' An' he jumps. Couldn't swim a stroke. He damn near drowned before we could get him. An' he was so damn nice to me for pullin' him out. Clean forgot I told him to jump in. Well, I ain't done nothing like that no more."

"He's a nice fella (он хороший парень)," said Slim. "Guy don't need no sense to be a nice fella (чтобы быть добрым, не нужно иметь /много/ ума). Seems to me sometimes (иногда мне сдается) it jus' works the other way around (это срабатывает наоборот). Take a real smart guy (возьми действительно сообразительного парня) and he ain't hardly ever a nice fella (и он едва ли будет добрым человеком)."

George stacked the scattered cards (Джордж собрал в кучу разбросанные карты) and began to lay out his solitaire hand (и стал раскладывать свой пасьянс; to begin (began; begun)). The shoes thudded on the ground outside (снаружи «по земле» простучали каблуки; shoes — туфли; каблуки). At the windows the light of the evening (в окнах вечерний свет) still made the window squares bright (все еще делал квадраты окон светлыми = обозначил светлые квадраты окон).

"I ain't got no people (у меня нет родственников; people — народ; родственники)," George said. "I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone (видал я парней, что ходят с ранчо на ранчо в одиночку). That ain't no good (это нехорошо). They don't have no fun (у них нет радостей: «развлечений»). After a long time they get mean (спустя некоторое время они опускаются: «становятся жалкими»). They get wantin' to fight all the time (постоянно лезут в драку: «хотят драться»)."

"Yeah, they get mean," Slim agreed (да, они опускаются, — согласился Ловкий). "They get so (доходит до того: «они становятся такими») they don't want to talk to nobody (что не хотят ни с кем разговаривать)."

real [rIql], thud [TAd], agreed [q`grJ]

"He's a nice fella," said Slim. "Guy don't need no sense to be a nice fella. Seems to me sometimes it jus' works the other way around. Take a real smart guy and he ain't hardly ever a nice fella."

George stacked the scattered cards and began to lay out his solitaire hand. The shoes thudded on the ground outside. At the windows the light of the evening still made the window squares bright.

"I ain't got no people," George said. "I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all the time."

"Yeah, they get mean," Slim agreed. "They get so they don't want to talk to nobody."

"'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time (конечно, Ленни — это чертовски большая неприятность в большинстве случаев)," said George. "But you get used to goin' around with a guy (но ты привыкаешь к парню) an' you can't get rid of him (и /уже/ не можешь без него: «от него избавиться»)."

"He ain't mean," said Slim (он не злой, — сказал Ловкий). "I can see Lennie ain't a bit mean (я вижу, что он совершенно не злой)."

"'Course he ain't mean (конечно, он не злой). But he gets in trouble alla time (но он всегда попадает в неприятности) because he's so God damn dumb (потому что чертовски глуп). Like what happened in Weed (как, /например/, было: «произошло» в Уиде) —" He stopped (он замолчал), stopped in the middle of turning over a card (и замер, наполовину перевернув карту). He looked alarmed (выглядел он встревоженным) and peered over at Slim (и /он/ пристально посмотрел на Ловкого; to peer — вглядываться). "You wouldn't tell nobody (ты никому не расскажешь)?"

"What'd he do in Weed (что он натворил: «сделал» в Уиде)?" Slim asked calmly (спокойно спросил Ловкий).

"You wouldn' tell (ты не расскажешь)?... No, 'course you wouldn' (нет, конечно, не /расскажешь/)."

"What'd he do in Weed (так что он сделал в Уиде)?" Slim asked again (снова спросил Ловкий).

nuisance [njHsns], alarmed [q`lRmd], nobody [`nqub(q)dI]

"'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time," said George. "But you get used to goin' around with a guy an' you can't get rid of him."

"He ain't mean," said Slim. "I can see Lennie ain't a bit mean."

"'Course he ain't mean. But he gets in trouble alla time because he's so God damn dumb. Like what happened in Weed-" He stopped, stopped in the middle of turning over a card. He looked alarmed and peered over at Slim. "You wouldn't tell nobody?"

"What'd he do in Weed?" Slim asked calmly.

"You wouldn' tell?... No, 'course you wouldn'."

"What'd he do in Weed?" Slim asked again.

"Well, he seen this girl in a red dress (ну, увидал эту девчонку в красном платье). Dumb bastard like he is (такой идиот, как он), he wants to touch ever'thing he likes (хочет потрогать все, что ему понравится). Just wants to feel it (просто хочет попробовать на ощупь). So he reaches out to feel this red dress (и вот, он протянул руку пощупать красное платье) an' the girl lets out a squawk (а девчонка как завизжит; to let out — выпускать; издавать /звук/; squawk — крик, вопль; визг), and that gets Lennie all mixed up (и от этого Ленни перепугался; to mix up — перестать соображать /разг./), and he holds on (и он /ее/ схватил; to hold on — держать/ся/) 'cause that's the only thing (потому как это — единственная вещь) he can think to do (до которой он может додуматься). Well, this girl squawks and squawks (а девица все визжит и визжит). I was jus' a little bit off (я ненадолго отлучился), and I heard all the yellin' (и я слышал все эти вопли; to yell — вопить, кричать), so I comes running (и вот, я прибегаю), an' by that time Lennie's so scared (и к этому времени Ленни /уже/ так напуган) all he can think to do (что все, до чего он додумался) is jus' hold on (это держать /ее еще крепче/). I socked him over the head with a fence picket (я ударил его прямо по башке штакетиной от изгороди) to make him let go (чтоб заставить его отпустить /девчонку/). He was so scairt (он был так напуган; scairt = scared /простореч./) he couldn't let go of that dress (что не мог отпустить платье). And he's so God damn strong, you know (а насколько он силен, ты знаешь)."

Slim's eyes were level and unwinking (Ловкий смотрел спокойно, не моргая). He nodded very slowly (он очень медленно кивнул). "So what happens (и что произошло /потом/)?"

touch [tAC], fence [fens], unwinking [`An`wINkIN]

"Well, he seen this girl in a red dress. Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever'thing he likes. Just wants to feel it. So he reaches out to feel this red dress an' the girl lets out a squawk, and that gets Lennie all mixed up, and he holds on 'cause that's the only thing he can think to do. Well, this girl squawks and squawks. I was jus' a little bit off, and I heard all the yellin', so I comes running, an' by that time Lennie's so scared all he can think to do is jus' hold on. I socked him over the head with a fence picket to make him let go. He was so scairt he couldn't let go of that dress. And he's so God damn strong, you know."

Slim's eyes were level and unwinking. He nodded very slowly. "So what happens?"

George carefully built his line of solitaire cards (Джордж аккуратно выложил: «построил» карты пасьянса в линию). "Well, that girl rabbits in (ну, девчонка делает ноги; to rabbit — дать деру /разг./) an' tells the law she been raped (и рассказывает копам, что ее изнасиловали; law — закон; the law — полиция /разг./). The guys in Weed start a party out (ребята в Уиде собирают толпу; to start out — собираться сделать что-л.; взбудоражить; party — группа, компания) to lynch Lennie (чтобы линчевать Ленни). So we sit in a irrigation ditch under water (и вот, мы сидим в оросительной канаве) all the rest of that day (весь остаток дня). Got on'y our heads sticking outa water (только головы торчат из воды; on'y = only; to stick out — высовываться; торчать), an' up under the grass (и над травой) that sticks out from the side of the ditch (что растет: «торчит» по краю канавы). An' that night we scrammed outa there (и в ту ночь мы оттуда смылись; to scram — сматываться; проваливать)."

Slim sat in silence for a moment (мгновение Ловкий сидел молча). "Didn't hurt the girl none, huh (а он не причинил ей вреда = ничего ей не сделал, а; hurt — рана, травма)?" he asked finally (наконец спросил он).

"Hell, no (черт, нет). He just scared her (он ее просто напугал). I'd be scared too if he grabbed me (я бы тоже перепугался, схвати он меня). But he never hurt her (но он ничего ей не сделал). He jus' wanted to touch that red dress (он просто хотел потрогать красное платье), like he wants to pet them pups all the time (также, как все время хочет погладить щенков)."

"He ain't mean," said Slim (он не злой, — сказал Ловкий). "I can tell a mean guy a mile off (злого я могу вычислить за милю; to tell off — отбирать; отсчитывать)."

"'Course he ain't (конечно, он не /злой/), and he'll do any damn thing I (и он сделает любую ерунду, которую я…) —"

Lennie came in through the door (в дверь вошел Ленни). He wore his blue denim coat (он носил = на нем была его джинсовая куртка) over his shoulders like a cape (наброшенная на плечи, как накидка), and he walked hunched way over (и шел он выгнувшись /вперед/; to hunch — толкать; сгибаться).

"Hi, Lennie," said George (привет, Ленни, — сказал Джордж). "How you like the pup now (ну, нравится тебе щенок)?"

Lennie said breathlessly (Ленни ответил не дыша), "He's brown an' white (он коричневый с белым) jus' like I wanted (точно как я хотел)." He went directly to his bunk (он направился прямиком к своей койке) and lay down (лег /на нее/) and turned his face to the wall (повернулся лицом к стене) and drew up his knees (и подтянул колени; to draw (drew; drawn)).

carefully [`keqflI], lynch [lInC], hurt [hWt]

George carefully built his line of solitaire cards. "Well, that girl rabbits in an' tells the law she been raped. The guys in Weed start a party out to lynch Lennie. So we sit in a irrigation ditch under water all the rest of that day. Got on'y our heads sticking outa water, an' up under the grass that sticks out from the side of the ditch. An' that night we scrammed outa there."

Slim sat in silence for a moment. "Didn't hurt the girl none, huh?" he asked finally.

"Hell, no. He just scared her. I'd be scared too if he grabbed me. But he never hurt her. He jus' wanted to touch that red dress, like he wants to pet them pups all the time."

"He ain't mean," said Slim. "I can tell a mean guy a mile off."

"'Course he ain't, and he'll do any damn thing I —"

Lennie came in through the door. He wore his blue denim coat over his shoulders like a cape, and he walked hunched way over.

"Hi, Lennie," said George. "How you like the pup now?"

Lennie said breathlessly, "He's brown an' white jus' like I wanted." He went directly to his bunk and lay down and turned his face to the wall and drew up his knees.

George put down his cards very deliberately (Джордж положил карты на стол очень медленно). "Lennie," he said sharply (Ленни, — сказал он резко).

Lennie twisted his neck (Ленни изогнул шею) and looked over his shoulder (и посмотрел через плечо). "Huh? What you want, George (да, чего ты хочешь, Джордж)?"

"I tol' you (я говорил тебе) you couldn't bring that pup in here (ты не можешь приносить сюда щенка)."

"What pup, George (какого щенка, Джордж)? I ain't got no pup (нет у меня никакого щенка)."

George went quickly to him (Джордж быстро подошел к нему), grabbed him by the shoulder (схватил за плечо) and rolled him over (и перевернул). He reached down (протянул руку) and picked the tiny puppy (и достал крошечного щенка) from where Lennie had been concealing it against his stomach (которого Ленни спрятал возле живота).

Lennie sat up quickly (Ленни быстро сел). "Give 'um to me, George (отдай мне его, Джордж; ‘um = him)."

George said, "You get right up an' take this pup back to the nest (ступай и верни щенка на место; nest — гнездо). He's gotta sleep with his mother (он должен спать со своей матерью). You want to kill him (ты хочешь убить его)? Just born last night (/он/ только прошлой ночью родился) an' you take him out of the nest (а ты /уже/ забираешь его от матери: «из гнезда»). You take him back (/или/ ты положишь его назад) or I'll tell Slim not to let you have him (или я скажу Ловкому, чтоб забрал его назад: «не позволял тебе иметь его»)."

Lennie held out his hands pleadingly (Ленни умоляюще протянул руки; to plead — защищать подсудимого; умолять, просить). "Give 'um to me, George (дай мне его, Джордж; ‘um = him /диал./). I'll take 'um back (я отнесу его назад). I didn't mean no harm, George (я не думал причинить ему вреда, Джордж). Honest I didn't (честно, /не думал/). I jus' wanted to pet 'um a little (я просто хотел погладить его немного; jus’ = just /разг./)."

George handed the pup to him (Джордж протянул ему щенка). "Awright. You get him back there quick (ладно, быстро отнеси его назад), and don't you take him out no more (и не смей больше брать оттуда). You'll kill him, the first thing you know (ты убьешь его и не заметишь: «первая вещь, которую узнаешь»)." Lennie fairly scuttled out of the room (Ленни поспешно выскочил из комнаты; fairly — красиво; должным образом; to scuttle — разрушать; удирать).

deliberately [dI`lIb(q)rItlI], conceal [kqn`sJl], scuttle [skAtl]

George put down his cards very deliberately. "Lennie," he said sharply.

Lennie twisted his neck and looked over his shoulder. "Huh? What you want, George?"

"I tol' you you couldn't bring that pup in here."

"What pup, George? I ain't got no pup."

George went quickly to him, grabbed him by the shoulder and rolled him over. He reached down and picked the tiny puppy from where Lennie had been concealing it against his stomach.

Lennie sat up quickly. "Give 'um to me, George."

George said, "You get right up an' take this pup back to the nest. He's gotta sleep with his mother. You want to kill him? Just born last night an' you take him out of the nest. You take him back or I'll tell Slim not to let you have him."

Lennie held out his hands pleadingly. "Give 'um to me, George. I'll take 'um back. I didn't mean no harm, George. Honest I didn't. I jus' wanted to pet 'um a little."

George handed the pup to him. "Awright. You get him back there quick, and don't you take him out no more. You'll kill him, the first thing you know." Lennie fairly scuttled out of the room.

Slim had not moved (Ловкий не двинулся /с места/). His calm eyes followed Lennie out the door (он посмотрел Ленни вслед: «его взгляд последовал за Ленни за дверь»). "Jesus," he said (Боже, — сказал он). "He's jus' like a kid, ain't he (он совсем как ребенок, верно)?"

"Sure he's jes' like a kid (конечно, совсем как ребенок; jes’ = just /диал./). There ain't no more harm in him (вреда в нем не больше) than a kid neither (чем в ребенке), except he's so strong (за исключением того, что он так силен). I bet (бьюсь об заклад) he won't come in here to sleep tonight (сегодня ночью он спать сюда не придет). He'd sleep right alongside that box in the barn (он /уляжется/ спать прямо возле того ящика на конюшне). Well — let 'im (ну и ладно; 'im = him /разг./). He ain't doin' no harm out there (он не причинит никакого вреда там)."

It was almost dark outside now (снаружи почти стемнело). Old Candy, the swamper (старый Кэнди, уборщик), came in and went to his bunk (вошел и подошел к своей койке), and behind him struggled his old dog (а позади ковылял его старый пес). "Hello, Slim. Hello, George (привет, Ловкий, привет, Джордж). Didn't neither of you play horseshoes (никто из вас не играл в подкову)?"

"I don't like to play ever' night (мне не нравится играть каждый вечер)," said Slim.

Candy went on (Кэнди продолжал), "Either you guys got a slug of whisky (у вас ни у кого, ребята, нет = не найдется глотка виски; slug — бездельник; глоток спиртного /амер. сленг/)? I gotta gut ache (у меня /что-то/ живот болит)."

"I ain't," said Slim (у меня нет, — сказал Ловкий). "I'd drink it myself if I had (я бы и сам выпил, если бы было), an' I ain't got a gut ache neither (хотя у меня и не болит живот)."

"Gotta bad gut ache (живот сильно болит; bad — плохой; сильный /о боли, холоде и т.д./)," said Candy. "Them God damn turnips give it to me (всё из-за проклятой репы: «проклятая репа дала это мне»). I knowed they was going to (я знал = предчувствовал, что так будет; knowed = knew /неграм./) before I ever eat 'em (перед тем как есть ее)."

except [Ik`sept], almost [`Llmqust], turnip [`tWnIp]

Slim had not moved. His calm eyes followed Lennie out the door. "Jesus," he said. "He's jus' like a kid, ain't he?"

"Sure he's jes' like a kid. There ain't no more harm in him than a kid neither, except he's so strong. I bet he won't come in here to sleep tonight. He'd sleep right alongside that box in the barn. Well — let 'im. He ain't doin' no harm out there."