《综合英语》课程教学资源Ⅰ_39572_课程资源_现代大学英语1_Unit 4_The Thirty-Nine Steps

G股漏 The Thirty-Nine Steps 三十九级台阶 简介 理查德哈内走回他伦教的公寓，感到百无聊赖。他想，在英格兰好像什么令人激动 的事情也不 也许他该回非洲去。然而， 那天晚上来 一位叫斯卡德尔的客人 给他讲了 个离奇的故事 一周以后，哈内卧在苏格兰荒原的石楠丛中，饥肠辘辘，筋疲力尽。一架小飞机在 他头项的蓝 上低空盘旋。 哈内 不动地躺着 希望谢天谢地飞机不要发现他 琢磨着口袋里斯卡德尔的黑色小笔记本。斯卡德尔在笔记本里记着“黑石” ,这个神秘 的黑石是谁呢？那个“三十九级台阶”又怎么那么重要？六月十五日伦敦会出什么事？ 而斯卡德尔已经被害，哈内的敌人在苏格兰的山山岭岭日夜追捕他，他必须自己据 清这是为什么。如果他的敌人抓住他，就会把他杀掉 约翰巴肯(1875一1940)：苏格兰作家，政治家，曾任加拿大总督.他有许多著作 最有名的是 甲杏 内系列惊险小说， 其中包括《三十 L级台阶》 该书写于 后改编成著名导演希区科克执导的电影。 1 The man who died 1 The man who died three bad,thepeople were dull,and the amusements ofLondon seemed as exciting as a glass of cold water.'Richard Hannay,'Itold myself,'you have made a mistake,andyou had better do something about it." It made me angry when I thought of the years I had spent inAfrica.I had spent those ohbe hoeicy me to Br and endin g the est of ny life the vas And so here thir evenyears healthy,withenough money to have a good time,andbored to death That eve ng I wer out to dinner and sat reading then spapers afterv ope rolides, the Greek Prime Minister.He seem ed to be an h est man butsome people in Europe hated him.However,manypeople in Britain liked him,and onenewspaper said that he was the only man who could prevent a war starting.Iremember wondering if 第1页共69页 htp:/www.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

The Thirty-Nine Steps 三十九级台阶 简 介 理查德·哈内走回他伦敦的公寓，感到百无聊赖。他想，在英格兰好像什么令人激动 的事情也不曾发生过。也许他该回非洲去。然而，那天晚上来了一位叫斯卡德尔的客人， 给他讲了一个离奇的故事。 一周以后，哈内卧在苏格兰荒原的石楠丛中，饥肠辘辘，筋疲力尽。一架小飞机在 他头顶的蓝天上低空盘旋。哈内一动不动地躺着，希望谢天谢地飞机不要发现他，同时 琢磨着口袋里斯卡德尔的黑色小笔记本。斯卡德尔在笔记本里记着“黑石”，这个神秘 的黑石是谁呢？那个“三十九级台阶”又怎么那么重要？六月十五日伦敦会出什么事？ 而斯卡德尔已经被害，哈内的敌人在苏格兰的山山岭岭日夜追捕他，他必须自己搞 清这是为什么。如果他的敌人抓住他，就会把他杀掉. 约翰·巴肯（1875—1940）：苏格兰作家，政治家，曾任加拿大总督。他有许多著作 最有名的是理查德·哈内系列惊险小说，其中包括《三十九级台阶》，该书写于一九一五 年，后改编成著名导演希区科克执导的电影。 1 The man who died 1 The man who died I returned to my flat at about three o'clock on that Mayafternoon very unhappy with life. I has been back in Britain for three monthsand I was already bored. The weather was bad，thepeople were dull，and the amusements ofLondon seemed as exciting as a glass of cold water.'Richard Hannay，'Itold myself，'you have made a mistake，andyou had better do something about it.' It made me angry when I thought of the years I had spent inAfrica. I had spent those years working very hard and making money. Not a lotof money，but enough for me. I had leftScotland when I was six years old，and Ihad never been home since. For years I had dreamt of coming home to Britainand spending the rest of my life there，butI was disappointed with the place after the first week. And so here I was，thirty-sevenyears old，healthy，withenough money to have a good time，andbored to death. That evening I went out to dinner and sat reading thenewspapers afterwards. They were full of the troubles in south-east Europe，andthere was a long report about Karolides，theGreek Prime Minister. He seemed to be an honest man，butsome people in Europe hated him. However，manypeople in Britain liked him，and onenewspaper said that he was the only man who could prevent a war starting. Iremember wondering if 第 1 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

I could get a job in south-east Europe:itmight be a lot less boring than life in London As I walked home that night Britain n ore day.If nothing interesting happened woudtake the next boat back to Africa My flat was in a big new building in langham place.Therewas a doorman at the buteach flat was separate, puting he key into door when a man appeared no with its ownfront door.I was jus xtto me.He was thin brownbeard and smal 1,very bright eyes.Irecognized him as the man who lived in a flat on the top floor of thebuilding.We had spoken once or twice on the stairs. Can I speak to you?'heasked.'May I come in fo r a minute?'His was shaking a I opened the door and we went in Is the door locked? 'heasked,and quickly locked it himself. 'I'm ye 'It'c er ude of me.But I'm angerous and youl who would understand.IfIexplai me I'Il list 'Isaid tin rried by this strang man's ehaviou There was a table with drinks on it next to him, andhe took a large whisky for himself.He drank it quickly,andthen put the glass down so violently that it broke 'I'm sorry,'he said.'I'm a little nervous tonight.You see, atthis moment I'm dead. sat it my pipe 'How does it feel?'lasked.I was now almost sure that the man was mad. He smiled.'I'm not mad-yet.Listen,I'vebeen watching you,and I guess thatyou're not easily frightened.I'm going to tell you my story.I need help verybadly,and I want to know if you're theright man to ask. Tell me story 'Isai ell you if I can helpyou It was an extraordinary story.I didn't understand all ofit.and i had to ask a lot o questions. His name was Franklin P.Scudder and he was an American,buthe had been in south-east Europe for several years.By accident.hehad discovered a group of people who were workin etly to sh Eu ards a war.The eopl re clever. anddar Some d ange the otherssimply wanted to make a lot of money,andthere is always money to be made 第2页共69 http:/www.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读

I could get a job in south-east Europe；itmight be a lot less boring than life in London. As I walked home that night，Idecided to give Britain one more day. If nothing interesting happened，Iwould take the next boat back to Africa. My flat was in a big new building in Langham Place. Therewas a doorman at the entrance to the building，buteach flat was separate，with its ownfront door. I was just putting the key into my door when a man appeared nextto me. He was thin，with a short brownbeard and small，very bright eyes. Irecognized him as the man who lived in a flat on the top floor of thebuilding. We had spoken once or twice on the stairs. 'Can I speak to you？'heasked. 'May I come in for a minute？'Hisvoice was shaking a little. I opened the door and we went in. 'Is the door locked？'heasked，and quickly locked it himself. 'I'm very sorry，'hesaid to me. 'It's very rude of me. But I'm in a dangerous corner and youlooked like the kind of man who would understand. If I explain，willyou help me？' 'I'll listen to you，'Isaid. 'That's all I promise. 'I was getting worried by this strange man'sbehaviour. There was a table with drinks on it next to him，andhe took a large whisky for himself. He drank it quickly，andthen put the glass down so violently that it broke. 'I'm sorry，'he said.'I'm a little nervous tonight. You see，atthis moment I'm dead. ' I sat down in an armchair and lit my pipe. 'How does it feel？'Iasked. I was now almost sure that the man was mad. He smiled. 'I'm not mad-yet. Listen，I'vebeen watching you，and I guess thatyou're not easily frightened. I'm going to tell you my story. I need help verybadly，and I want to know if you're theright man to ask. ' 'Tell me your story，'Isaid，'and I'll tell you if I can helpyou. ' It was an extraordinary story. I didn't understand all ofit，and I had to ask a lot of questions，buthere it is： His name was Franklin P. Scudder and he was an American，buthe had been in south-east Europe for several years. By accident，hehad discovered a group of people who were working secretly to push Europetowards a war. These people were clever，anddangerous. Some of them wanted to change the world through war； otherssimply wanted to make a lot of money，andthere is always money to be made 第 2 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股8漏 from a war.Their plan was to get Russia andGermany at war with each other. 'I want to stop them, 'Scuddertold me 'and if I can stay alive foranother month, think I can. 'I thought you were already dead,'Isaid. 'I'll tell you about that in a minute,'heanswered.'But first,do you know whoConstantine Karolides is? "The Greek Prime Minister.I've just been reading about himin today's newspapers. 'Right.He's the only man who can stop the war.He'sintelligent,he's honest,andhe knows what's going on-and so his enemies plan to kill him.I ha ow.That was very dangerous for me,sol had to They can'tki because he has toomany guards.Buton the istof une he's comngtoLondon fora big meeting,andhis enemies plan to kill him here. 'You can warn him,'Isaid.'He'll stay at home. "That's what his enemies want.If he doesn't come,they'llwin,because he's the only man whounderstands the whole problem and who can stop the war happening. Why don't you go to the British police?'Isaid. no g en butthey wouldn't stop the derer will be and put the blame on the governments in Vienna and Berlin.It willall be lies,of course,buteverybody will be ready to believe it.But none of this will happen iffranklin P.Scudder is here in London on the 15th of June. I was beginning to like this strange little man.I gave himanother whisky and asked him why he thought that he was now in danger himself e mouthful of whi ne to London by astrange route-through Paris Hamburg,Norway,andscotland.I changed my name in every country,andwhen I got to London,I thought I wassafe.But yesterday I realized that they're still following me.There's a manwatching this building and last night somebody put a card under my door.On itwas the name of the man I fear most in the world. 'So I decided I had to die.Then they would stop lookingfor me.I got a dead body-it's easy to get one in London,ifyou know how-and I had the body brought to my flat in a large suitcase.Thebody was the right age,but the face wasdifferent from mine.I dressed it in my clothes and shot it in the fa y own gun.My servant will find me when he arrives in the e'llcal the police. whisky bote room.Thepolice will think I drank too much and then killed myself.He paused.Iwatchec from the window until I saw you come home,andthen came down the stairs to meet 第3页共69页 htp:/www.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

from a war. Their plan was to get Russia andGermany at war with each other. 'I want to stop them，'Scuddertold me，'and if I can stay alive foranother month，I think I can. ' 'I thought you were already dead，'Isaid. 'I'll tell you about that in a minute，'heanswered. 'But first，do you know whoConstantine Karolides is？' 'The Greek Prime Minister. I've just been reading about himin today's newspapers. ' 'Right. He's the only man who can stop the war. He'sintelligent，he's honest，andhe knows what's going on-and so his enemies plan to kill him. I havediscovered how. That was very dangerous for me，soI had to disappear. They can't kill Karolides in Greece because he has toomany guards. But on the 15th of June he's coming to London for a big meeting，andhis enemies plan to kill him here. ' 'You can warn him，'Isaid. 'He'll stay at home. ' 'That's what his enemies want. If he doesn't come，they'llwin，because he's the only man whounderstands the whole problem and who can stop the war happening. ' 'Why don't you go to the British police？'Isaid. 'No good. They could bring in five hundred policemen，butthey wouldn't stop the murder. The murderer will be caught，andhe'll talk and put the blame on the governments in Vienna and Berlin. It willall be lies，of course，buteverybody will be ready to believe it. But none of this will happen ifFranklin P. Scudder is here in London on the 15th of June. ' I was beginning to like this strange little man. I gave himanother whisky and asked him why he thought that he was now in danger himself. He took a large mouthful of whisky. 'I came to London by astrange route-through Paris，Hamburg，Norway，andScotland. I changed my name in every country，andwhen I got to London，I thought I wassafe. But yesterday I realized that they're still following me. There's a manwatching this building and last night somebody put a card under my door. On itwas the name of the man I fear most in the world. 'So I decided I had to die. Then they would stop lookingfor me. I got a dead body-it's easy to get one in London，ifyou know how-and I had the body brought to my flat in a large suitcase. Thebody was the right age，but the face wasdifferent from mine. I dressed it in my clothes and shot it in the face withmy own gun. My servant will find me when he arrives in the morning and he'llcall the police. I've left a lot of empty whisky bottles in my room. Thepolice will think I drank too much and then killed myself. 'He paused. 'Iwatched from the window until I saw you come home，andthen came down the stairs to meet 第 3 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股英福 you. and murder me,why didn't he tell asimpler story? 'Right.'Isaid.Trust you for tonight I'lock Just oneword, Mr Scudder.Ibe eve you're honest, Ishould warn you that Iknow how to use a gun. name,sir, When I next saw him,halfan hour later,I didn't recognize him atfirst.Only the bright eyes were the same.His beard was gone,andhis hair was completely different.He kedandhesn asesAnd he no longer spoke like ar 'Mr Scudder-'I cried. 'Not Mr Scudder,heanswered.'Captain Theophilus Digby of the British Army. Please remember that. I made him a bed in my study, andthen went to bed myself,happier than Ihad been for the past month.Interesting things did happen sometimes,evenin London. The next morning when my servant Paddock arrived,lintroduced him to Captain R d a at about lun the told me that the nan in fla self I went up tothe top floor,had a few words with thepolice,and was able to report to Scudderthat his plan had been successful.The police believed that the dead man wasScudder,and that he had killed himself.Scudder was very pleased. For rthe first two days in my flat hewas very calm,and spent all his timereading and smoking,and writing in alittle black notebook.But after that he became more restless and nervous.Itwas not his own danger that he worried about,butthe success of his plan to prevent the murder of Karolides.One night he wasvery serious. 'Listen,Hannay.hesaid.'I thinkI must tell you some more about this business. would hate toget killed without leaving someone else to carry on with my plan. Ididn't lis en very carefully.I was intereste inScudder's adventure but I wasn't London.He also mentioned a woman called Julia Czechenyi.He talked about aBlack Stone 第4页共69页 htp:/ww.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

you. ' It was the strangest of stories. However，inmy experience，the most extraordinarystories are often the true ones. And if the man just wanted to get into myflat and murder me，why didn't he tell asimpler story？ 'Right，'I said. 'I'lltrust you for tonight. I'll lock you in this room and keep the key. Just oneword，Mr Scudder. I believe you're honest，butif you're not，I should warn you that Iknow how to use a gun. ' 'Certainly，'heanswered，jumping up. 'I'm afraid I don'tknow your name，sir，butI would like to thank you. And could I use your bathroom？' When I next saw him，halfan hour later，I didn't recognize him atfirst. Only the bright eyes were the same. His beard was gone，andhis hair was completely different. He walked like a soldier，andhe was wearing glasses. And he no longer spoke like an American. 'Mr Scudder—'I cried. 'Not Mr Scudder，'heanswered. 'Captain Theophilus Digby of the British Army. Please remember that.' I made him a bed in my study，andthen went to bed myself，happier than Ihad been for the past month. Interesting things did happen sometimes，evenin London. * * * The next morning when my servant Paddock arrived，Iintroduced him to Captain Digby. I explained that the Captain was an importantman in the army，but he had been workingtoo hard and needed rest and quiet. Then I went out，leavingthem both in the flat. When I returned at about lunchtime，thedoorman told me that the gentleman in flat 15 had killed himself. I went up tothe top floor，had a few words with thepolice，and was able to report to Scudderthat his plan had been successful. The police believed that the dead man wasScudder，and that he had killed himself.Scudder was very pleased. For the first two days in my flat，hewas very calm，and spent all his timereading and smoking，and writing in alittle black notebook. But after that he became more restless and nervous. Itwas not his own danger that he worried about，butthe success of his plan to prevent the murder of Karolides. One night he wasvery serious. 'Listen，Hannay，'hesaid. 'I think I must tell you some more about this business. I would hate toget killed without leaving someone else to carry on with my plan. ' I didn't listen very carefully. I was interested inScudder's adventures，but I wasn't veryinterested in politics. I remember that he said Karolides was only in dangerin London. He also mentioned a woman called Julia Czechenyi. He talked about aBlack Stone 第 4 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股8漏 and a man who lisped when he spoke.And he described another man,perhapsthe most dangerous of them all-an old man with a young voice who could hoodhis eyes like a hawk The next evening I had to go out.I was meeting a man I hadknown in Africa for dinner.When I returned to the flat,Iwas surprised to see that the light in the study was out.I wondered ifScudder had gone to bed early.I turned on the light,butthere was nobody there.Then I saw something in the corner that made my bloodturn cold. Scudder was lying on his back.There was a long knifethrough his heart,pinning him to thefloor. 1死人 五月的那个下午三点来钟我回到寓所，过得很不开心。回到英国三个月，我己经厌 烦了。伦敦的气候糟糕，人也没劲，各种娱乐好像没味的白水一杯。我暗暗对自己说： “理查德哈内，这回你错了，最好想办法改过吧。 想到在非洲的岁月我就有气。我呆了那么多年，拼命干活挣钱。现在钱虽然不多，但 足够我用的。自从六岁我离开苏格兰就再也没回过家。那么多年我一直梦想回英国老家来 度我的余生，然而才回来一周，就对这个地方大失所望。眼前的情况是，本人三十七岁， 身体健康，有足够的钱享受，但无聊得要死。 那天晚上我出去吃饭，然后坐在那儿读报纸。报纸上报道的都是关于东南欧的动乱 其中有一篇关于希腊首相卡罗里德斯的长篇报道。这个人看来是个实在人，可是欧洲 些人却讨厌他。可是也有些英国人喜欢他，有一家报纸说只有他能防止战争爆发。我记得 我当时琢磨能否在东南欧找个工作那里大概绝不会像伦敦的生活这样无聊 当晚回家的时候我下定决心在英国再呆一天便走人。如果没有什么叫人感兴趣的事 我就乘下一班船回非洲去。 我的寓所在兰厄姆一幢新大楼里。大楼的入口处有个看门人，但每个寓所各自独立 都有个前门。我刚刚把钥匙插进锁孔，突然见旁边有个人。他身材瘦削，留者褐色的短胡 眼睛不大却很有光彩。我认出他就住在这幢大楼的顶楼。在楼梯上我们说过一两次话 “可以和您说句话吗？”他问道。“我可以进去呆一会儿吗？”他的声音有点儿发 我打开门，我们进了屋。 “门锁上了吗？”他问我，随后自己赶快把门锁上。 “很抱歉，”他对我说， “我这样做很失礼，我现在身处险境，您看着是个明白人。 如果我讲出来您能帮我吗？” “我会听您说的，”我答道，“目前就能答应这么多。”这个陌生人的举止让我不 安。 在他身旁的桌子上放着饮料，他给自己倒了一大杯威士忌。他一饮而尽，然后把材 第5页共69页 htp:/小wnw.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

and a man who lisped when he spoke. And he described another man，perhapsthe most dangerous of them all-an old man with a young voice who could hoodhis eyes like a hawk. The next evening I had to go out. I was meeting a man I hadknown in Africa for dinner. When I returned to the flat，Iwas surprised to see that the light in the study was out. I wondered ifScudder had gone to bed early. I turned on the light，butthere was nobody there. Then I saw something in the corner that made my bloodturn cold. Scudder was lying on his back. There was a long knifethrough his heart，pinning him to thefloor. 1 死人 五月的那个下午三点来钟我回到寓所，过得很不开心。回到英国三个月，我已经厌 烦了。伦敦的气候糟糕，人也没劲，各种娱乐好像没味的白水一杯。我暗暗对自己说： “理查德·哈内，这回你错了，最好想办法改过吧。” 想到在非洲的岁月我就有气。我呆了那么多年，拼命干活挣钱。现在钱虽然不多，但 足够我用的。自从六岁我离开苏格兰就再也没回过家。那么多年我一直梦想回英国老家来 度我的余生，然而才回来一周，就对这个地方大失所望。眼前的情况是，本人三十七岁， 身体健康，有足够的钱享受，但无聊得要死。 那天晚上我出去吃饭，然后坐在那儿读报纸。报纸上报道的都是关于东南欧的动乱， 其中有一篇关于希腊首相卡罗里德斯的长篇报道。这个人看来是个实在人，可是欧洲一 些人却讨厌他。可是也有些英国人喜欢他，有一家报纸说只有他能防止战争爆发。我记得 我当时琢磨能否在东南欧找个工作；那里大概绝不会像伦敦的生活这样无聊。 当晚回家的时候我下定决心在英国再呆一天便走人。如果没有什么叫人感兴趣的事， 我就乘下一班船回非洲去。 我的寓所在兰厄姆一幢新大楼里。大楼的入口处有个看门人，但每个寓所各自独立， 都有个前门。我刚刚把钥匙插进锁孔，突然见旁边有个人。他身材瘦削，留着褐色的短胡 子，眼睛不大却很有光彩。我认出他就住在这幢大楼的顶楼。在楼梯上我们说过一两次话 “可以和您说句话吗？”他问道。“我可以进去呆一会儿吗？”他的声音有点儿发 颤。 我打开门，我们进了屋。 “门锁上了吗？”他问我，随后自己赶快把门锁上。 “很抱歉，”他对我说，“我这样做很失礼，我现在身处险境，您看着是个明白人。 如果我讲出来您能帮我吗？” “我会听您说的，”我答道，“目前就能答应这么多。”这个陌生人的举止让我不 安。 在他身旁的桌子上放着饮料，他给自己倒了一大杯威士忌。他一饮而尽，然后把杯 第 5 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

Gn股英漏 子重重一放，力量太大，以致于杯子打破了。 “对不起，”他说， “今天晚上我有点儿紧张。您看，现在我已死了。” 我在扶手椅上坐下来，点着烟斗。 “死是什么感觉？”我问他。当时我差不多肯定这人是个疯子。 他笑了。“我没有疯一一还没有。请听我说，我一直在观察您，我猜您不那么容易被 吓住。我想给您讲讲我的事。我极需帮助，并且想知道我是否求对了人。” “那就说说吧，”我说，“然后我才能告诉您我是否能帮您的忙。” 他的故事非同一般，我并不全明白，不得不问好多问题，下面就是他的故事 他叫富兰克林P斯卡德尔，是个美国人，已经在东南欧呆了几年。他偶然发现一伙 人正在密谋把欧洲推向战争。这伙人狡猾而险恶。有的想通过战争改变世界，有的想发财 打仗总是能发财的。他们计划唆使俄国与德国互相打起来。 “我想制止他们，”斯卡德尔对我说，“如果我能多活一个月，我想我能做到。” 我说：“我原以为您己经死了。” m。,“过一会儿再谈这件事，”他说，“首先，您知道康斯坦丁：卡罗里德斯是谁 “是希腊的首相。我刚刚在今天的报纸上读到他的消息。” “对。他是唯一能制止这场战争的人。他精明诚实 ,了解现状 一所以他的敌人就打 算把他于掉。我已经发现他们用什么方法。对我来说这就很危险了，所以我必须躲起米， 在希腊他们杀不了卡罗里德斯，因为他有许多卫士。但是他准备在六月十五日来伦敦参 加一个大会，他的敌人要在这儿把他干掉。” 我说：“您可以事先告诉他。他就会呆在家里了。” “他的敌人就要他这样。假如他不来，他们就赢了，因为只有他才了解问题的全部， 才能制止战争爆发。 “那您为什么不去找英国警察？”我问。 “没有用。他们会带来五百名警察，但也不能阻止这次谋杀。动手杀人的会被抓住 他也会招供，但会把责任都推到维也纳和柏林政府的头上。那自然都是谎话，但是人们 会马上相信这套。然而，如果富兰克林P斯卡德尔六月十五日在伦敦，这种事就绝不会 发生。” 我逐渐开始喜欢这个小个子陌生人。我又给他倒了一杯威士忌，问为什么他认为自 己处于危险之中。 他喝了一大口威士忌。“我是通过一条人们不熟悉的路线一一穿过巴黎、汉堡、挪威 第6页共69页 htp:/小wnw.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

子重重一放，力量太大，以致于杯子打破了。 “对不起，”他说，“今天晚上我有点儿紧张。您看，现在我已死了。” 我在扶手椅上坐下来，点着烟斗。 “死是什么感觉？”我问他。当时我差不多肯定这人是个疯子。 他笑了。“我没有疯——还没有。请听我说，我一直在观察您，我猜您不那么容易被 吓住。我想给您讲讲我的事。我极需帮助，并且想知道我是否求对了人。” “那就说说吧，”我说，“然后我才能告诉您我是否能帮您的忙。” 他的故事非同一般，我并不全明白，不得不问好多问题，下面就是他的故事。 他叫富兰克林·P·斯卡德尔，是个美国人，已经在东南欧呆了几年。他偶然发现一伙 人正在密谋把欧洲推向战争。这伙人狡猾而险恶。有的想通过战争改变世界，有的想发财 打仗总是能发财的。他们计划唆使俄国与德国互相打起来。 “我想制止他们，”斯卡德尔对我说，“如果我能多活一个月，我想我能做到。” 我说：“我原以为您已经死了。” “过一会儿再谈这件事，”他说，“首先，您知道康斯坦丁·卡罗里德斯是谁 吗？” “是希腊的首相。我刚刚在今天的报纸上读到他的消息。” “对。他是唯一能制止这场战争的人。他精明诚实，了解现状——所以他的敌人就打 算把他干掉。我已经发现他们用什么方法。对我来说这就很危险了，所以我必须躲起来。 在希腊他们杀不了卡罗里德斯，因为他有许多卫士。但是他准备在六月十五日来伦敦参 加一个大会，他的敌人要在这儿把他干掉。” 我说：“您可以事先告诉他。他就会呆在家里了。” “他的敌人就要他这样。假如他不来，他们就赢了，因为只有他才了解问题的全部， 才能制止战争爆发。” “那您为什么不去找英国警察？”我问。 “没有用。他们会带来五百名警察，但也不能阻止这次谋杀。动手杀人的会被抓住， 他也会招供，但会把责任都推到维也纳和柏林政府的头上。那自然都是谎话，但是人们 会马上相信这套。然而，如果富兰克林·P·斯卡德尔六月十五日在伦敦，这种事就绝不会 发生。” 我逐渐开始喜欢这个小个子陌生人。我又给他倒了一杯威士忌，问为什么他认为自 己处于危险之中。 他喝了一大口威士忌。“我是通过一条人们不熟悉的路线——穿过巴黎、汉堡、挪威 第 6 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股漏 和苏格兰来伦敦的。每到一个国家我就更名改姓，到了伦敦，我觉得安全了。可是昨天我 发现他们仍然在跟踪我。有个人监视着这座大楼而且昨天晚上不知道是谁把一张名片塞 到门下面。名片上的名字是这个世界上我最惧怕的人。 “所以我下决心必须死掉。这样他们就会不再找我。我搞到一具死厂 一在伦敦只要 你知道门路，搞个死尸并不难一一然后我用一个大衣箱把死尸弄到房间。那个死人和我 年纪相符，只是面貌和我不同。我给他穿上我的衣裳，拿枪朝他脸上开了几枪。等早晨我 的仆人来了会发现我而且会报警。我在房间留下了许多空威士忌酒瓶。警察会以为我饮酒 过度自己送了命 他停了 一下 “我从窗户向外观察， 一直看到您回家，然后我才 下楼来见您。 这个故事真是奇中之奇。然而根据我的经历，最奇怪的故事往往是真事。而且，假定 这个人进到我房间想害我，为什么他不讲简单一点呢？ “好吧，”我说，“今晚我就相信您这一回好了。我把您锁在这间屋里，我拿着钥 匙。斯卡德尔先生，听我说一句话。我相信您是个诚实人，但是如果您不诚实，我可警告 您，我也知道枪怎么用。 “那是自然，”他回答着，激动得跳了起来。“先生，恐怕我还不知道您叫什么， 但我要感谢您。我能使用您的浴室吗？ 半个小时以后，我再见到他，乍一看都认不出来了。只有那双炯炯发光的眼睛依然 如旧。胡子不见了，头发也与刚才完全不同。走起路来像个军人，戴着一副眼镜。说话也 不再像美国人了。 “斯卡德尔先生一一”我叫了起来 不是斯卡德尔先生，”他回答说，“英国陆军上尉西奥费乐司迪格比。请记住这 个名字 我在书房给他铺了一张床，然后就自己回去睡觉，感到一个月来从没这么高兴过。 刺激的事有时到底碰得上，甚至在伦敦也一样。 第二天早晨我的仆人帕多克来了，我把迪格比上尉介绍给他。我说上尉在军队是个 重要人物，他工作得太辛苦了需要休息和安静。然后我就出门去，把他们俩留在房里。大 克高收时整保交东合东酒纸点西防的作结自茶不光产是产德黎等是 自杀的。斯卡德尔听了很高兴 他在我寓所住的前两天神态非常平静，一直在读书，吸烟，在一个黑色的小笔记本 上写东西。然而此后他变得坐卧不宁，惴惴不安。他愁的不是自己的危险，而是他制止谋 杀卡罗里德斯的计划能否成功。一天晚上他神色非常严肃， “听我说，哈内，”他对我说，“我觉得这件事我得多给您讲点。如果我来不及托 付给别人继续执行我的计划就被杀掉，会遗恨无穷的。 我不甚认真地听着：因为我对斯卡德尔的冒险故事感兴趣，而对政治无所谓。我记得 第7页共69页 htp:/ww.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

和苏格兰来伦敦的。每到一个国家我就更名改姓，到了伦敦，我觉得安全了。可是昨天我 发现他们仍然在跟踪我。有个人监视着这座大楼而且昨天晚上不知道是谁把一张名片塞 到门下面。名片上的名字是这个世界上我最惧怕的人。 “所以我下决心必须死掉。这样他们就会不再找我。我搞到一具死尸——在伦敦只要 你知道门路，搞个死尸并不难——然后我用一个大衣箱把死尸弄到房间。那个死人和我 年纪相符，只是面貌和我不同。我给他穿上我的衣裳，拿枪朝他脸上开了几枪。等早晨我 的仆人来了会发现我而且会报警。我在房间留下了许多空威士忌酒瓶。警察会以为我饮酒 过度，自己送了命。”他停了一下，“我从窗户向外观察，一直看到您回家，然后我才 下楼来见您。” 这个故事真是奇中之奇。然而根据我的经历，最奇怪的故事往往是真事。而且，假定 这个人进到我房间想害我，为什么他不讲简单一点呢？ “好吧，”我说，“今晚我就相信您这一回好了。我把您锁在这间屋里，我拿着钥 匙。斯卡德尔先生，听我说一句话。我相信您是个诚实人，但是如果您不诚实，我可警告 您，我也知道枪怎么用。” “那是自然，”他回答着，激动得跳了起来。“先生，恐怕我还不知道您叫什么， 但我要感谢您。我能使用您的浴室吗？” 半个小时以后，我再见到他，乍一看都认不出来了。只有那双炯炯发光的眼睛依然 如旧。胡子不见了，头发也与刚才完全不同。走起路来像个军人，戴着一副眼镜。说话也 不再像美国人了。 “斯卡德尔先生——”我叫了起来。 “不是斯卡德尔先生，”他回答说，“英国陆军上尉西奥费乐司·迪格比。请记住这 个名字。” 我在书房给他铺了一张床，然后就自己回去睡觉，感到一个月来从没这么高兴过。 刺激的事有时到底碰得上，甚至在伦敦也一样。 第二天早晨我的仆人帕多克来了，我把迪格比上尉介绍给他。我说上尉在军队是个 重要人物，他工作得太辛苦了需要休息和安静。然后我就出门去，把他们俩留在房里。大 约午饭时我回来，看门人告诉我住在十五号房的先生自杀了。我上了顶楼，和警察谈了 几句，就回来告诉斯卡德尔他的计划成功了。警察相信那个死尸就是斯卡德尔，而且是 自杀的。斯卡德尔听了很高兴。 他在我寓所住的前两天神态非常平静，一直在读书，吸烟，在一个黑色的小笔记本 上写东西。然而此后他变得坐卧不宁，惴惴不安。他愁的不是自己的危险，而是他制止谋 杀卡罗里德斯的计划能否成功。一天晚上他神色非常严肃。 “听我说，哈内，”他对我说，“我觉得这件事我得多给您讲点。如果我来不及托 付给别人继续执行我的计划就被杀掉，会遗恨无穷的。” 我不甚认真地听着。因为我对斯卡德尔的冒险故事感兴趣，而对政治无所谓。我记得 第 7 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股8漏 他说过卡罗里德斯只有在伦敦才有危险。我还记得他提过一个叫朱莉娅采奇尼的女人。 他谈过一个叫黑石的人和一个说话口齿不清的人。他还绘声绘色地说起另外一个人，这 个人可能最为险恶 一个说话声音像年轻人，像猫头鹰似地眯着眼睛的老人。 第二天晚上我得出去一下，去见一个在非洲的熟人，并一块吃顿饭。我回到寓所时 吃惊地看到书房的灯关掉了。我想斯卡德尔是不是早早睡觉了。打开灯，但一个人也没有 后来看到墙角处有个什么东西，吓得我浑身冰凉。 斯卡德尔仰面朝天躺着。一把长刀贯穿心脏，把他钉在地板上 2 The milkman starts his travels 2 The milkman starts his travels Isat downinan ace with its staring eyes wastoo much for me,so tableclothand covered it.Then I took the whisky bottle and drank several mouthfuls.Ihad seen men die violently before.I had killed a few myself in the Matabelewar:but this was different.After a fewmore minutes I managed to calm myself down a little.I looked at my was halfpast ten.I se rched the flat arefully,butthere was nobody Then locked s and windows By this time I was beginning to think more clearly.Itlooked bad for me-that was clear.It was now ertain that Scudder's story astrue enemies had found hir e of his he -the proof was ying been in my andther msr h ad told hs rm So thee to die.Itmight be that night,or the next day,orthe day after,but it was sure to happen. Then I thought of another problem.I could call the policenow,or go to bed and wait for Paddock todiscover the body and call them in the morning.But what would the 地 real f and to help me.Pe s that was pa art of theplan.An English safe plac e for me Even if the police did believe my story,Iwould still be helping Scudder's enemies chw what th story wast respo ible forcontinuing his work.I hate to see a good man beaten,andif I carried on in Scudder's place,themurderers might not win. I decided I must disappear,andrema Then I must co had told me more,andthat I had listened more carefully to what he had told me.There was a riskthat the government would not believe me,butit was my best chance.Perhaps 第8页共69页 htp:/小wnw.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

他说过卡罗里德斯只有在伦敦才有危险。我还记得他提过一个叫朱莉娅·采奇尼的女人。 他谈过一个叫黑石的人和一个说话口齿不清的人。他还绘声绘色地说起另外一个人，这 个人可能最为险恶——一个说话声音像年轻人，像猫头鹰似地眯着眼睛的老人。 第二天晚上我得出去一下，去见一个在非洲的熟人，并一块吃顿饭。我回到寓所时 吃惊地看到书房的灯关掉了。我想斯卡德尔是不是早早睡觉了。打开灯，但一个人也没有 后来看到墙角处有个什么东西，吓得我浑身冰凉。 斯卡德尔仰面朝天躺着。一把长刀贯穿心脏，把他钉在地板上。 2 The milkman starts his travels 2 The milkman starts his travels I sat down in an armchair and felt very sick. After aboutfive minutes I started shaking. The poor white face with its staring eyes wastoo much for me，so I got a tableclothand covered it. Then I took the whisky bottle and drank several mouthfuls. Ihad seen men die violently before. I had killed a few myself in the Matabelewar；but this was different. After a fewmore minutes I managed to calm myself down a little. I looked at my watch andsaw that it was halfpast ten. I searched the flat carefully，butthere was nobody there. Then I locked the doors and windows. By this time I was beginning to think more clearly. Itlooked bad for me-that was clear. It was now certain that Scudder's story wastrue-the proof was lying under the tablecloth. His enemies had found him andmade sure of his silence. But he had been in my flat for four days，andthey must think he had told his story to me. So I would be the next to die. Itmight be that night，or the next day，orthe day after，but it was sure to happen. Then I thought of another problem. I could call the policenow，or go to bed and wait for Paddock todiscover the body and call them in the morning. But what would the policethink？What story would I tell them aboutScudder？I had lied to Paddock about him，andmy story would be hard to believe. They would arrest me for murder，andI had no real friends in England to help me. Perhaps that was part of theplan. An English prison would be a safe place for me until the 15th of June. Even if the police did believe my story，Iwould still be helping Scudder's enemies. Karolides would stay at home，whichwas what they wanted. Scudder's death had made me certain that his story wastrue；now I felt responsible forcontinuing his work. I hate to see a good man beaten，andif I carried on in Scudder's place，themurderers might not win. I decided I must disappear，andremain hidden until just before the 15th of June. Then I must contact somegovernment people and tell them Scudder's story. I wished he had told me more，andthat I had listened more carefully to what he had told me. There was a riskthat the government would not believe me，butit was my best chance. Perhaps 第 8 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

G股漏 more evidence would appear which would help meto make my story believable. It was now the 24th of May police,whowould want me for Scudder's murder.There was going to be a chase,and,surprisingly,Iwas almost happy about this.I did not want to sit in one place and wait.If Icould move,the situation did not seem sobad. I wondered if Scudder had any papers which would give memore information about his business.I lifted off the table-cloth and searchedhim.There were only a few coins in his trouser pockets.There was no sign ofthe little black notebook.I supposed his murderer had taken that. When I turned from the body,Inoticed that all the cupboards were open.Scudder had been a very careful man,andalways kept the place tidy.Someone had been something,andperhaps for the notebook.I went round the nat that everything hadbee rched-the insides of books,cupboards,boxes, soScudder eventhe pockets of my clothes.There was no sign of the notebook 's enemies had probably found it in the end Then I got out a map of Britain.My plan was to find s ewild country.I was used t Afri and Iwould feel trapped in the city. I thought Scot would probably be best,becausemy family came from Scotland and I could pretend to be a Scotsman easily Theother possibility was to be a german tourist:myfather had worked with Germans and I had spoken German often as a boy.But itwould probably be better to be a Scotsman in Scotland.I decided to go toGalloway,which,fromthe map,seemed to be the neares wildpart of Scotland. In the railway timetable I found a train from London atseven-ten in the alh ate o The asl was in that Scudder's enemies watching the building.I had a good idea wentto bed, and slept for two hours I got up at four o'clock.The first light of a sun morning was in the sky and the birds weresta ng to s cod for ng g.I put on me oldclothes which Iu son pushed anot ther shirt and a toothb ush had taken a lot ofmoney out of the bank in case Scudder needed it,sol took that as well Then I cut my long moustache as short as possible young man with a veryshort moustache,and he wore a whitecoat.He was my only chance. I had a breakfast of biscuits and whisky and by the time Ihad finished it was about six 第9页共69页 htp:/ww.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读网

more evidence would appear which would help meto make my story believable. It was now the 24th of May，soI had twenty days of hiding. Two groups of people would be looking formeScudder's enemies，who would want tokill me，and the police，whowould want me for Scudder's murder. There was going to be a chase，and，surprisingly，Iwas almost happy about this. I did not want to sit in one place and wait. If Icould move，the situation did not seem sobad. I wondered if Scudder had any papers which would give memore information about his business. I lifted off the table-cloth and searchedhim. There were only a few coins in his trouser pockets. There was no sign ofthe little black notebook. I supposed his murderer had taken that. When I turned from the body，Inoticed that all the cupboards were open. Scudder had been a very careful man，andalways kept the place tidy. Someone had been searching for something，andperhaps for the notebook. I went round the flat and found that everything hadbeen searched-the insides of books，cupboards，boxes，eventhe pockets of my clothes. There was no sign of the notebook，soScudder's enemies had probably found it in the end. Then I got out a map of Britain. My plan was to find somewild country. I was used to Africa，and Iwould feel trapped in the city. I thought Scotland would probably be best，becausemy family came from Scotland and I could pretend to be a Scotsman easily. Theother possibility was to be a German tourist；myfather had worked with Germans and I had spoken German often as a boy. But itwould probably be better to be a Scotsman in Scotland. I decided to go toGalloway，which，fromthe map，seemed to be the nearest wildpart of Scotland. In the railway timetable I found a train from London atseven-ten in the morning，which would getme to Galloway in the late afternoon. The problem was getting to the station，asI was certain that Scudder's enemies were watching the building. I thoughtabout this problem，had a good idea，wentto bed，and slept for two hours. I got up at four o'clock. The first light of a summermorning was in the sky and the birds were starting to sing. I put on some oldclothes which I used for country walking and some strong walking boots. Ipushed another shirt and a toothbrush into my pockets. I had taken a lot ofmoney out of the bank in case Scudder needed it，soI took that as well. Then I cut my long moustache as short as possible. Paddock arrived every morning at seven-thirty. But at abouttwenty to seven I knew the milkman would come；thenoise of the milk bottles usually woke me up. He was a young man with a veryshort moustache，and he wore a whitecoat. He was my only chance. I had a breakfast of biscuits and whisky and by the time Ihad finished it was about six 第 9 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网

o'clock.I got my pipe and started to fill itfrom my tobacco jar.As I put my fingers into the tobacco Itouched something hard, and pulled outScudder's little black book. This seemed a good sign. I lifted the cloth and looked atScudder's peaceful face Goodbye,myfriend I said 'I'mgoing to do my best for you.Wish me good luck. Six-thi ed. the nsix-forty but still the an did me Wht oh why wasth h morning t e had to he At fourteen minutes to seven I heard him lonened the doorauickly and he jumped a bit when he saw Come in a moment,'Isaid,and we went back into the hall.'Ican see you're a mar who likes a bit of fun.Can you help me?Lendme your hat and coat for a minute and you can have this. He looked at the money in and and smiled. What do youwant my clothes for 'he asked. 'It's a ga exp ain now but towin I've got to be a milkman for ten minutes.You'll be a bit late,butyou'll get the money for your time. All right！he put on his blue hat and yhite coat up the empty milk bottles shut my doorand went downstairs whistling At ught th manwalking slowly towards m As h passed helooked up at a window in the hous opposite andl saw a face look back at him crossed the stree and the street.As dropped the hat coatand milk oottles behind a wal I heard achurch clock: It was seven o'clock could t was ust tenDast seven when I reached th olatform.I hac no tme to buy a ticket thetrain was already moving.I lumped into the last carriage 我坐在扶手椅上 感到很恶心。五分钟后开始颜栗。 我受不了那张可怜的、惨白的胎 和直瞪蹬的眼睛，因此 。食了 一块桌布把它盖起来。然后抄起威士忌酒瓶喝了几口。以前 我见过暴死的，在麦特比尔战 也 手杀过几个 但这同却右所不同 又过了几分 细地把寓所 没发现 直到此刻我才开始比较冷静地思考。情况对我不不 。斯卡德尔所言肯定 第10页共69页 http://wnww.en8848.com.cn/原版英语阅读

o'clock. I got my pipe and started to fill itfrom my tobacco jar. As I put my fingers into the tobacco，Itouched something hard，and pulled outScudder's little black book. This seemed a good sign. I lifted the cloth and looked atScudder's peaceful face. 'Goodbye，myfriend，'I said；'I'mgoing to do my best for you. Wish me good luck. ' Six-thirty passed，thensix-forty，but still the milkman did notcome. Why，oh why，wasthis the morning he had to be late？ At fourteen minutes to seven I heard him. I opened the doorquickly，and he jumped a bit when he sawme. 'Come in a moment，'Isaid，and we went back into the hall. 'Ican see you're a man who likes a bit of fun. Can you help me？Lendme your hat and coat for a minute and you can have this. ' He looked at the money in my hand and smiled. 'What do youwant my clothes for？'he asked. 'It's a game，'I said.'I haven't time to explain now，but towin I've got to be a milkman for ten minutes. You'll be a bit late，butyou'll get the money for your time. ' 'All right！'he said.'I like a game myself. Here you are. ' I put on his blue hat and white coat，pickedup the empty milk bottles，shut my doorand went downstairs，whistling. At first I thought the street was empty. Then I saw a manwalking slowly towards me. As he passed，helooked up at a window in the house opposite，andI saw a face look back at him. I crossed the street，stillwhistling，and then turned down a littleside street. As I dropped the hat，coatand milk bottles behind a wall，I heard achurch clock；it was seven o'clock. I ran to the station as fast as I could. It was just tenpast seven when I reached the platform. I had no time to buy a ticket；thetrain was already moving. I jumped into the last carriage. 2 送奶员开始旅行 我坐在扶手椅上，感到很恶心。五分钟后开始颤栗。我受不了那张可怜的、惨白的脸 和直瞪蹬的眼睛，因此，拿了一块桌布把它盖起来。然后抄起威士忌酒瓶喝了几口。以前 我见过暴死的，在麦特比尔战争中也亲手杀过几个人；但这回却有所不同。又过了几分 钟我才使自己稍微平静一点。看了看表，是十点半。我仔细地把寓所搜查了一遍，没发现 什么人。然后就把门窗都锁起来。 直到此刻我才开始比较冷静地思考。情况对我不利——这很显然。斯卡德尔所言肯定 第 10 页 共 69 页 http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原版英语阅读网