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"Well, we're bound to take you on your own terms," said the inspector;
"好，我们只好答应根据你自己的主张去做，"麦克唐纳说道。
"but when it comes to telling us to abandon the case -- why in the name of goodness should we abandon the case?"
"不过说到你叫我们放弃这件案子...那究竟是为了什么呢？"
"For the simple reason, my dear Mr. Mac, that you have not got the first idea what it is that you are investigating."
"理由很简单，我亲爱的麦克先生，因为你们首先就没有弄清楚调查对象。"
"We are investigating the murder of Mr. John Douglas of Birlstone Manor."
"我们正在调查伯尔斯通庄园约翰·道格拉斯先生的被害案。"
"Yes, yes, so you are. But don't trouble to trace the mysterious gentleman upon the bicycle. I assure you that it won't help you."
"对，对，你们的话不错。可是不要劳神去搜寻那个骑自行车的神秘先生了。我向你们保证，这不会对你们有什么帮助的。"
"Then what do you suggest that we do?"
"那么，你说我们应当怎样去做呢？"
"I will tell you exactly what to do, if you will do it."
"如果你们愿意，我就详细地告诉你们应该做些什么。"
"Well, I'm bound to say I've always found you had reason behind all your queer ways. I'll do what you advise."
"好，我不能不说，我总觉得你的那些古怪的作法是有道理的。我一定照你的意见去办。"
"And you, Mr. White Mason?"
"怀特·梅森先生，你怎么样？"
The country detective looked helplessly from one to the other. Holmes and his methods were new to him.
这个乡镇侦探茫然地看看这个，望望那个。福尔摩斯先生和他的侦探法对他来说是够陌生的了。
"Well, if it is good enough for the inspector, it is good enough for me," he said at last.
"好吧，如果警官麦克唐纳认为对，那么我当然也一样，"怀特·梅森终于说道。
"Capital!" said Holmes. "Well, then, I should recommend a nice, cheery country walk for both of you.
"好极了！"福尔摩斯说道，"好，那么我建议你们两位到乡间去畅快地散散步吧。
They tell me that the views from Birlstone Ridge over the Weald are very remarkable.
有人对我说，从伯尔斯通小山边一直到威尔德，景色非常好。
No doubt lunch could be got at some suitable hostelry; though my ignorance of the country prevents me from recommending one. In the evening, tired but happy..."
尽管我对这乡村不熟悉，不能向你们推荐一家饭馆，但我想你们一定能找到合适的饭馆吃午饭。晚上，虽然疲倦了，可是却高高兴兴..."
"Man, this is getting past a joke!" cried MacDonald, rising angrily from his chair.
"先生，您这个玩笑可真是开得过火了！"麦克唐纳生气地从椅子上站起来，大声叫道。
"Well, well, spend the day as you like," said Holmes, patting him cheerfully upon the shoulder.
"好，好，随你们的便好了，怎么消磨这一天都可以，"福尔摩斯说道，高兴地拍拍麦克唐纳的肩膀，
"Do what you like and go where you will, but meet me here before dusk without fail -- without fail, Mr. Mac."
"你们愿意做什么就做什么，愿意到哪里就到哪里，不过，务必在黄昏以前到这里来见我，务必来，麦克先生。"
"That sounds more like sanity."
"这听起来还像是个头脑清醒的人说的话。"
"All of it was excellent advice; but I don't insist, so long as you are here when I need you. But now, before we part, I want you to write a note to Mr. Barker."
"我所说的，都是极好的建议，可是我并不强迫你们接受，只要在我需要你们的时候你们在这里就行了。可是，现在，在我们分手以前，我需要你给巴克先生写一个便条。"
"Well?"
"好！"
"I'll dictate it, if you like. Ready?
"如果你愿意的话，那我就口述了。准备好了吗？
'Dear Sir: It has struck me that it is our duty to drain the moat, in the hope that we may find some...'"
'亲爱的先生，我觉得，我们有责任排净护城河的水，希望我们能找到一些...'"
"It's impossible," said the inspector. "I've made inquiry."
"这是不可能的，"麦克唐纳说道，"我已做过调查了。"
"Tut, tut! My dear sir, please do what I ask you."
"啧，啧，我亲爱的先生！写吧，请照我所说的写好了。"
"Well, go on."
"好，接着说吧。"
"'In the hope that we may find something which may bear upon our investigation.
"'希望我们能找到与我们的调查有关的什么东西。
I have made arrangements, and the workmen will be at work early to-morrow morning diverting the stream...'"
我已经安排好了。明天清早工人们就来上工，把河水引走...'"
"Impossible!"
"不可能！"
"'Diverting the stream; so I thought it best to explain matters beforehand.' Now sign that, and send it by hand about four o'clock.
"'把河水引走，所以我想最好还是预先说明一下。'现在签个名吧，四点钟左右，由专人送去。
At that hour we shall meet again in this room. Until then we may each do what we like; for I can assure you that this inquiry has come to a definite pause."
那时我们再在这间屋里见面。在见面以前，我们可以一切自便。我可以向你们保证，调查肯定可以暂停了。"
