9 Ένας σπασμένος κρίκος στην αλυσίδα (2) 9 A Broken Link in the Chain (2) 9 Um elo quebrado na corrente (2)

Επρόκειτο ξεκάθαρα για δουλειά του Χολμς. It was clearly Holmes' work. Era claramente o trabalho de Holmes. Η διεύθυνση της οδού Μπέϊκερ αρκούσε για να το αποδείξει. The Baker Street address was enough to prove it. A morada de Baker Street era suficiente para o provar. Μου φάνηκε σχετικά εφευρετικό επειδή ίσως να διαβαζόταν από τους φυγάδες δίχως να το εκλάβουν ως κάτι περισσότερο από την φυσιολογική ανησυχία της γυναίκας για τον αγνοούμενο σύζυγο της. I found it relatively inventive because it might have been read by the fugitives without them taking it as anything more than a woman's normal concern for her missing husband. Achei que era bastante inventiva porque podia ser lida pelos fugitivos sem que eles a interpretassem como algo mais do que a preocupação normal da mulher com o seu marido desaparecido.

Ήταν μια μακριά μέρα. It was a long day. Foi um dia longo. Κάθε φορά που ένας χτύπος ερχόταν από την πόρτα ή ένα κοφτό βήμα περνούσε στο δρόμο, φανταζόμουν πως ήταν είτε ο Χολμς που επέστρεφε είτε μια απάντηση στην αγγελία του. Every time there was a knock at the door or a sharp step in the street, I imagined it was either Holmes returning or an answer to his advertisement. Sempre que batiam à porta ou passavam passos bruscos na rua, imaginava que era Holmes a regressar ou uma resposta ao seu anúncio. Επιχείρησα να διαβάσω, όμως οι σκέψεις μου θα πλανιόντουσαν στην αλλόκοτη υπόθεση μας και στο παράφωνο και κακοποιό δίδυμο τους οποίους καταδιώκαμε. I tried to read, but my thoughts would wander to our strange case and the dissonant and abusive duo we were chasing. Tentei ler, mas os meus pensamentos vagueavam para o nosso caso bizarro e para a dupla dissonante e vil que estávamos a perseguir. Θα μπορούσε να υπάρχει, αναρωτήθηκα, κάποιο ριζικό σφάλμα στο συλλογισμό του συντρόφου μου; Μήπως είχε υποπέσει σε κάποια τεράστια αυταπάτη; Δεν υπήρχε περίπτωση πως το εύστροφο κι όλο υποθέσεις μυαλό του να είχε χτίσει αυτή την αχαλίνωτη θεωρία σε εσφαλμένες βάσεις; Δεν τον είχα δει να κάνει λάθος, και όμως ακόμη κι ο πλέον οξύνους αναλυτής ίσως περιστασιακά να πλανιόταν. Could there be, I wondered, some fundamental error in my partner's reasoning? Had he fallen for some massive delusion? Was it not possible that his quick and conjectural mind had built this rampant theory on faulty foundations? I had not seen him make a mistake, and yet even the sharpest analyst might occasionally err. Perguntei-me se não haveria uma falha radical no raciocínio do meu companheiro... Não teria ele caído num vasto delírio... Não haveria a possibilidade de a sua mente perspicaz e presunçosa ter construído esta teoria desenfreada sobre alicerces falsos... Não o tinha visto cometer um erro e, no entanto, mesmo o analista mais perspicaz pode ocasionalmente errar. Υπήρχε πιθανότητα, σκέφτηκα, να υποπέσει σε πλάνη μέσω της υπερ-εκλέπτυνσης της λογικής του —η προτίμηση του για μια δυσδιάκριτη και παράδοξη εξήγηση όταν είχε μια απλούστερη και πλέον κοινή εύκαιρη. There was a possibility, I thought, that he had fallen into error through the over-sophistication of his logic—his preference for an obscure and paradoxical explanation when he had a simpler and now common opportunity. Havia a possibilidade, pensei eu, de ele estar a ser iludido pelo seu excesso de refinamento da lógica - a sua preferência por uma explicação obscura e paradoxal quando tinha à mão uma mais simples e mais comum. Ωστόσο, από την άλλη πλευρά, είχα κι ο ίδιος δει τα πειστήρια, και είχα ακούσει τα τεκμήρια των συμπερασμών του. Yet, on the other hand, I myself had seen the persuasions, and heard the evidence of his conclusions. Mas, por outro lado, eu próprio tinha visto as provas e tinha ouvido as provas das suas conclusões. Όταν αναπολούσα την μακριά αλυσίδα των αλλόκοτων περιστάσεων, πολλές από αυτές επουσιώδεις από μόνες τους αλλά στο σύνολο τους δείχνοντας προς την ίδια κατεύθυνση, δεν μπορούσα να αποκρύψω από τον εαυτό μου πως ακόμη κι αν η εξήγηση του Χολμς ήταν εσφαλμένη η πραγματική θεωρία έπρεπε να είναι εξίσου ακραία και εκπληκτική. When I recalled the long chain of strange circumstances, many of them insignificant in themselves but altogether pointing in the same direction, I could not conceal from myself that even if Holmes's explanation were wrong the real theory must be equally extreme and amazing. Quando reflecti sobre a longa cadeia de circunstâncias bizarras, muitas delas insignificantes em si mesmas, mas todas apontando na mesma direção, não consegui esconder de mim próprio que, mesmo que a explicação de Holmes estivesse errada, a verdadeira teoria devia ser igualmente extrema e surpreendente.

Στις τρεις το απόγευμα ακούστηκε ένα ηχηρό κουδούνισμα από την πόρτα, μια αυταρχική φωνή στην είσοδο, και, προς έκπληξη μου, ουδείς άλλος από τον κ. Άθελνυ Τζόουνς συνοδεύθηκε σε εμένα. At three in the afternoon there was a resounding knock at the door, an imperious voice at the entrance, and, to my surprise, none other than Mr. Athelney Jones attended me. Às três horas da tarde tocaram à porta, uma voz autoritária entrou e, para minha surpresa, ninguém menos que o Sr. Athelney Jones me acompanhou. Εξαιρετικά αλλαγμένος ήταν, ωστόσο, από τον απότομο και δεξιοτέχνη διδάκτορα της κοινής λογικής που είχε αναλάβει την υπόθεση με τέτοια αυτοπεποίθηση στο Άνω Νόργουντ. He was remarkably changed, however, from the sharp and skilful doctor of common sense who had undertaken the case with such confidence at Upper Norwood. No entanto, estava extremamente diferente do médico de bom senso, perspicaz e magistral, que tinha abraçado a causa com tanta confiança em Upper Norwood. Η έκφραση του ήταν βαριά, κι η συμπεριφορά του πειθήνια και μάλλον μεταμελημένη. His expression was grave, and his demeanor docile and rather contrite. A sua expressão era pesada, e o seu comportamento submisso e bastante contrito.

«Καλημέρα, κύριε, καλημέρα,» είπε. «Ο κ. Σέρλοκ Χολμς έχει βγει, όπως αντιλαμβάνομαι.» "Mr. Sherlock Holmes is out, I understand." "O Sr. Sherlock Holmes está fora, segundo sei."

«Ναι, και δεν γνωρίζω μετά βεβαιότητας το πότε θα επιστρέψει. “Yes, and I don't know for sure when he will be back. "Sim, e não sei ao certo quando é que ele vai regressar. Μα ίσως θα θέλατε να περιμένετε. But you might want to wait. Mas talvez queiras esperar. Πάρτε αυτή την καρέκλα και δοκιμάστε ένα από τα πούρα αυτά.» Take that chair and try one of these cigars.” Pega nesta cadeira e experimenta um destes charutos".

«Σας ευχαριστώ, δεν θα με πείραζε,» είπε, σκουπίζοντας το πρόσωπο του με ένα κόκκινο φουλάρι. "Thank you, I wouldn't mind," he said, wiping his face with a red scarf. "Obrigado, não me importava", disse ele, limpando a cara com um lenço vermelho.

«Και ένα ουίσκι με σόδα;» "¿Y un whisky con soda?" "E um whisky com soda?"

«Καλά, μισό ποτήρι. "Bem, meio copo. Κάνει πολύ ζέστη αυτή την περίοδο, κι έχω πολλά που με απασχολούν και με βασανίζουν. It is very hot at this time, and I have many things that occupy and torment me. Está muito calor neste momento e tenho muito em que pensar e muitas coisas que me estão a incomodar. Γνωρίζετε την θεωρία μου σχετικά με την υπόθεση του Νόργουντ;» Do you know my theory about the Norwood affair?' Conheces a minha teoria sobre o caso Norwood?"

«Θυμάμαι πως εκφράσατε κάποια.» "I remember you expressing some." "Lembro-me de ter expressado um pouco."

«Λοιπόν, υποχρεώθηκα να την αναθεωρήσω. “Well, I was forced to revise it. "Bem, fui obrigado a revê-lo. Είχα το δίχτυ μου τραβηγμένο σφιχτά γύρω από τον κ. Σόλτο, όταν πουφ και βγήκε μέσα από μια τρύπα καταμεσής του. I had my net drawn tight around Mr. Solto when he poofed out through a hole in his middle. Eu tinha a minha rede bem apertada à volta do Sr. Solto quando ele fez um puf e saiu por um buraco no meio da rede. Κατόρθωσε να αποδείξει ένα άλλοθι το οποίο ήταν ακλόνητο. He managed to establish an alibi which was unshakable. Conseguiu provar que tinha um álibi sólido. Από την ώρα που άφησε το δωμάτιο του αδελφού του δεν έμεινε στιγμή απαρατήρητος από κάποιους. From the time he left his brother's room, he never went unnoticed by anyone. Desde o momento em que saiu do quarto do irmão, não passou despercebido a algumas pessoas. Έτσι δεν μπορούσε να είναι εκείνος που σκαρφάλωσε πάνω από στέγες και καταπακτές. So he couldn't be the one who climbed over roofs and hatches. Portanto, não podia ser aquele que trepava pelos telhados e pelos alçapões. Πρόκειται για μια ιδιαίτερα σκοτεινή υπόθεση και η επαγγελματική μου αναγνώριση διακυβεύεται. This is a particularly dark case and my professional recognition is at stake. Trata-se de um caso muito obscuro e o meu reconhecimento profissional está em causa. Θα ήμουν ευγνώμων για κάποια βοήθεια.» I would appreciate some help.” Ficaria muito grato se me ajudassem".

«Όλοι χρειαζόμαστε βοήθεια μερικές φορές,» είπα. "We all need help sometimes," I said. "Todos nós precisamos de ajuda às vezes", disse eu.

«Ο φίλος σας, ο κ. Σέρλοκ Χολμς, είναι υπέροχος άνθρωπος, κύριε,» είπε με βραχνή κι εμπιστευτική φωνή. "Your friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, is a wonderful man, sir," he said in a hoarse and confiding voice. "O seu amigo, o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, é um homem maravilhoso, senhor", disse ele numa voz rouca e confidencial. «Πρόκειται για άνθρωπο αξεπέραστο. "This is an unsurpassed man. "Este é um homem de carácter inigualável. Γνώριζα πως ο συγκεκριμένος νεαρός εμπλεκόταν σε αρκετές υποθέσεις, μα ποτέ δεν συνάντησα υπόθεση επί της οποίας να μην μπορεί να ρίξει κάποιο φως. I knew that this young man was involved in several cases, but I never met a case on which he could not shed some light. Eu sabia que este jovem em particular estava envolvido em vários casos, mas nunca encontrei um caso sobre o qual ele não pudesse lançar alguma luz. Δεν έχει τυποποιημένες μεθόδους κι είναι κομμάτι βιαστικός ίσως στο να κινείται αιφνίδια σε θεωρίες, αλλά, γενικώς, πιστεύω πως θα γινόταν ένας πολλά υποσχόμενος αξιωματικός, και δεν με νοιάζει ποιος το ξέρει. He has no set methods, and is perhaps a bit hasty in jumping into theories, but, on the whole, I think he would make a promising officer, and I don't care who knows it. Não tem métodos padronizados e é talvez um pouco precipitado ao avançar subitamente para as teorias, mas, de um modo geral, penso que seria um oficial promissor, e não me interessa quem o saiba. Έλαβα ένα τηλεγράφημα από εκείνον σήμερα το πρωί, εκ του οποίου αντιλαμβάνομαι πως έχει κάποια ένδειξη σχετικά με την υπόθεση Σόλτο. I received a telegram from him this morning, from which I understand that he has some clue about the Solto affair. Recebi um telegrama dele esta manhã, segundo o qual ele tem alguma pista sobre o caso Solto. Ορίστε το μήνυμα του.» Here is his message.”

Έβγαλε το τηλεγράφημα από την τσέπη του και μου το παρέδωσε. He took the telegram out of his pocket and handed it to me. Tirou o telegrama do bolso e entregou-mo. Είχε σημανθεί από το Πόπλαρ στις οχτώ η ώρα. It was marked by Poplar at eight o'clock. Foi marcado pela Poplar às oito horas.

Πήγαινε στην οδό Μπέϊκερ αμέσως [έλεγε]. Go to Baker Street at once [he said]. Vai para Baker Street imediatamente [dizia ele]. Αν δεν έχω επιστρέψει, περίμενε με. If I'm not back, wait for me. Se eu não voltar, esperem por mim. Είμαι πολύ κοντά στα ίχνη της συμμορίας Σόλτο. I am very close to the tracks of the Solto gang. Estou muito perto do rasto do bando Solto. Μπορείς να μας ακολουθήσεις απόψε αν θέλεις να βρίσκεσαι στον τερματισμό. You can follow us tonight if you want to be at the finish line. Podem juntar-se a nós esta noite se quiserem estar na meta.

«Καλό ακούγεται. "It sounds good. "Parece-me bem. Προφανώς ξαναβρήκε την μυρωδιά,» είπα. He's obviously got the smell back,” I said. Parece que ele redescobriu o cheiro", disse eu.

«Αχά, τότε είχε σφάλει κι εκείνος επίσης,» αναφώνησε ο Τζόουνς με προφανή ικανοποίηση. "Ah, then he was wrong too," Jones exclaimed with obvious satisfaction. "Aha, então ele também estava errado", exclamou Jones com evidente satisfação. «Ακόμη κι οι καλύτεροι από μας παραπλανούνται μερικές φορές. "Even the best of us go astray sometimes. "Até os melhores de nós são por vezes enganados. Φυσικά ίσως να αποδειχθεί λάθος όμως αποτελεί καθήκον μου ως όργανο του νόμου να μην επιτρέψω στην ευκαιρία να ξεγλιστρήσει. Of course it may turn out to be wrong but it is my duty as a law enforcement officer not to allow the opportunity to slip away. É claro que pode vir a revelar-se errado, mas é meu dever, enquanto agente da lei, não deixar escapar a oportunidade. Μα κάποιος είναι στην πόρτα. But someone is at the door. Mas está alguém à porta. Ίσως να είναι εκείνος.» Maybe it's him." Talvez seja ele".

Ένα βαρύ βήμα ακούστηκε να ανεβαίνει τις σκάλες, με ένα βαρύ αγκομαχητό σαν από κάποιον που είχε σοβαρότατη ανάγκη να πάρει μια ανάσα. A heavy step was heard coming up the stairs, with a heavy gasp as of someone in dire need of a breath. Ouviu-se um passo pesado a subir as escadas, com um suspiro pesado como o de alguém que precisa urgentemente de respirar. Στάθηκε μια δυο φορές, σαν η ανάβαση να ήταν υπερβολική για αυτόν, μα τελικά πέρασε την πόρτα μας κι εισήλθε. He stopped a couple of times, as if the climb was too much for him, but finally he passed our door and entered. Το παρουσιαστικό του ανταποκρινόταν στους ήχους τους οποίους είχαμε ακούσει. His presentation corresponded to the sounds we had heard. A sua aparência correspondia aos sons que tínhamos ouvido. Ήταν ένας ηλικιωμένος, ντυμένος με ναυτική περιβολή, με μια παλιά πατατούκα κουμπωμένη ως το λαιμό. He was an old man, dressed in a sailor's outfit, with an old potato cap buttoned up to his neck. Era um homem velho, vestido com trajes navais, com uma velha batata frita abotoada até ao pescoço. Η πλάτη του ήταν κυρτωμένη τα γόνατα του έτρεμαν, και η ανάσα του ήταν επώδυνα ασθματική. His back was bent his knees were shaking, and his breathing was painfully asthmatic. As suas costas estavam arqueadas, os seus joelhos tremiam e a sua respiração era dolorosamente difícil. Καθώς έγερνε πάνω σε ένα παχύ δρύινο ρόπαλο οι ώμοι του ανεβοκατέβαιναν από την προσπάθεια να τραβήξει αέρα στα πνευμόνια του. As he leaned on a thick oak club his shoulders heaved as he tried to draw air into his lungs. Ao apoiar-se num grosso taco de carvalho, os seus ombros pesavam com o esforço de puxar o ar para os pulmões. Είχε ένα χρωματιστό φουλάρι γύρω από το πηγούνι του, και ελάχιστα διέκρινα το πρόσωπο του εκτός από ένα ζευγάρια έντονων μαύρων ματιών, σκεπασμένων από θαμνώδη λευκά φρύδια και μακριές γκρίζες φαβορίτες. He had a colored scarf around his chin, and I could make out little of his face except a pair of intense black eyes, covered by bushy white eyebrows and long gray sideburns. Tinha um lenço colorido à volta do queixo e eu mal conseguia distinguir o seu rosto, exceto um par de olhos negros e intensos, cobertos por sobrancelhas brancas e espessas e longas patilhas cinzentas. Από κάθε άποψη μου έδωσε την εντύπωση ενός αξιοσέβαστου καπετάνιου που είχε περάσει χρόνους φτώχιας. In all respects he gave me the impression of a respectable captain who had been through times of poverty. Em todos os aspectos, deu-me a impressão de um capitão respeitável que tinha passado por anos de pobreza.

«Τι τρέχει, άνθρωπε μου;» ρώτησα. "What's up, man?" I asked.

Κοίταξε ολόγυρα του με τον αργό μεθοδικό τρόπο της ηλικίας. He looked around in the slow methodical manner of age. Olhou à sua volta, com a lentidão metódica da idade.

«Είναι ο κ. Σέρλοκ Χολμς εδώ;» είπε. "O Sr. Sherlock Holmes está cá?", disse ele.

«Όχι, ωστόσο τον αντικαθιστώ. “No, however I am replacing him. "Não, mas estou a substituí-lo. Μπορείς να μου αναφέρεις κάθε μήνυμα που έχεις για εκείνον.» You can report to me any message you have for him.”

«Έπρεπε να το αναφέρω στον ίδιο αυτοπροσώπως,» είπε. "I had to report it to him in person," he said. "Tive de o denunciar pessoalmente", disse.

«Μα σου λέω πως τον αντικαθιστώ. "But I'm telling you that I'm replacing him. "Mas estou a dizer-vos que o vou substituir. Έχει να κάνει με την βάρκα του Μορντεκάϊ Σμιθ;» Does it have anything to do with Mordecai Smith's boat?'

«Ναι. "Sim. Γνωρίζω που βρίσκεται. I know where it is. Και γνωρίζω που βρίσκονται οι άντρες που αναζητά. And I know where the men she's looking for are. Και γνωρίζω που βρίσκεται ο θησαυρός. Τα ξέρω όλα.» I know everything."

«Τότε πες μου, και θα του τα μεταφέρω.» "Then tell me, and I'll convey them to him." "Então diz-me, e eu transmito-lho."

«Σε εκείνον πρέπει να μιλήσω,» επανέλαβε με την οξύθυμη επιμονή κάποιου πολύ γέρου. "I must speak to him," he repeated with the irritable insistence of a very old man. "É com ele que tenho de falar", repetiu com a insistência petulante de alguém muito velho.

«Τότε, θα πρέπει να τον περιμένεις.» "Then you'll have to wait for him."

«Όχι, όχι, δεν θα χάσω μια ολόκληρη μέρα για να ευχαριστήσω κανέναν. “No, no, I won't waste a whole day to please anyone. "Não, não, não vou perder um dia inteiro a agradecer a ninguém. Αν ο κ. Χολμς δεν είναι εδώ, τότε ο κ. Χολμς πρέπει να τα μάθει μόνος του. If Mr. Holmes is not here, then Mr. Holmes must find out for himself. Se o Sr. Holmes não está aqui, então o Sr. Holmes terá de o descobrir por si próprio. Δεν νοιάζομαι για το βλέμμα κανενός σας, και δεν θα βγάλω λέξη.» I don't care about any of your looks, and I won't say a word.” Não me importo com a cara de nenhum de vós e não direi uma palavra".

Σύρθηκε προς την πόρτα, μα ο Άθελνυ Τζόουνς μπήκε μπροστά του. He crept to the door, but Athelney Jones stepped in before him. Rastejou até à porta, mas Athelney Jones meteu-se à sua frente.

«Στάσου μια στιγμή, φίλε μου,» είπε. "Wait a moment, my friend," he said. «Έχεις σημαντικές πληροφορίες, και δεν επιτρέπεται να φύγεις. “You have important information, and you are not allowed to leave. "Têm informações importantes e não estão autorizados a sair. Θα σε κρατήσουμε είτε το θέλεις είτε όχι, ως ότου ο φίλος μας επιστρέψει.» We will hold you whether you like it or not, until our friend returns.” Ficaremos convosco, quer queiram quer não, até o nosso amigo regressar".

Ο γέρος έκανε να τρέξει προς την πόρτα, μα, καθώς ο Άθελνυ Τζόουνς έβαλε την φαρδιά πλάτη του πάνω της, αναγνώρισε τη ματαιότητα της αντίστασης. The old man made a run for the door, but, as Athelney Jones put his broad back against it, he recognized the futility of resistance. O velhote tentou correr para a porta, mas, quando Athelney Jones lhe deu as costas, reconheceu a inutilidade da resistência.

«Ωραία συμπεριφορά κι αυτή!» φώναξε, χτυπώντας το ραβδί του. "Nice behavior too!" he shouted, tapping his wand. "E que bela atitude!", gritou, batendo com a varinha. «Έρχομαι ‘δώ να συναντήσω ένα κύριο, κι εσείς οι δυο, που ποτέ δεν ματα-είδα στην ζωή μου, μ' αρπάζετε και μου συμπεριφέρεστε μ' αυτό τον τρόπο!» "I come here to meet a gentleman, and you two, whom I have never seen in my life, seize me and treat me thus!" "Venho aqui para me encontrar com um cavalheiro e vocês dois, que nunca vi na vida, agarram-me e tratam-me assim!"

«Δεν θα σου πέσει άσχημα,» είπα. "You won't mind," I said. "Não é mau para ti", disse eu. «Θα σε ανταμείψουμε για την απώλεια του χρόνου σου. “We will reward you for wasting your time. "Recompensar-vos-emos pela perda do vosso tempo. Κάθισε εκεί στον καναπέ, και δεν θα χρειαστεί να περιμένεις πολύ.» Sit there on the couch, and you won't have to wait long." Senta-te aí no sofá e não terás de esperar muito tempo".

Προχώρησε αρκετά βαρύθυμα και κάθισε με το πρόσωπο του να αναπαύεται στα χέρια του. He walked over rather gingerly and sat down with his face resting in his hands. Caminhou com bastante dificuldade e sentou-se com o rosto apoiado nas mãos. Ο Τζόουνς κι εγώ συνεχίσαμε τα πούρα και την κουβέντα μας. Jones and I continued our cigars and conversation. O Jones e eu continuámos os nossos charutos e a nossa conversa. Ξάφνου, όμως, η φωνή του Χολμς επενέβη. Suddenly, however, Holmes's voice intervened. De repente, porém, a voz de Holmes interveio.

«Πιστεύω πως θα μπορούσατε να μου προσφέρετε κι εμένα ένα πούρο,» είπε. "I think you could offer me a cigar as well," he said. "Creio que também me podia oferecer um charuto", disse ele.

Και οι δυο μας ξαφνιαστήκαμε στις θέσεις μας. We both startled in our seats. Ficámos os dois assustados nos nossos lugares. Εκεί καθόταν ο Χολμς κοντά μας αποπνέοντας μια ήρεμη θυμηδία. There sat Holmes near us, exuding a calm timidity. Holmes sentou-se perto de nós, exalando uma reminiscência tranquila.

«Χολμς!» αναφώνησα. "Holmes!" I exclaimed. «Εσύ εδώ! "Tu aqui! Μα που είναι ο γέρος;» But where is the old man?' Mas onde está o velhote?

«Ορίστε ο γέρος,» είπε, κρατώντας τον σωρό των λευκών μαλλιών. "Here's the old man," he said, holding the pile of white hair. "Aqui está o velhote", disse ele, segurando o monte de cabelos brancos. «Να ‘τος — περούκα, φαβορίτες, φρύδια, κι όλα. “Here he is—wig, sideburns, eyebrows, and all. "Ali está ele - peruca, patilhas, sobrancelhas e tudo. Φαντάστηκα πως η μεταμφίεση μου ήταν καλή, αλλά ούτε καν ανέμενα πως θα άντεχε μια τέτοια δοκιμασία.» I thought my disguise was good, but I didn't even expect it to stand up to such an ordeal." Pensava que o meu disfarce era bom, mas não estava à espera que resistisse a tal teste".

«Αχά, μπαγαπόντη!» φώναξε ο Τζόουνς, αφάνταστα ικανοποιημένος. "Aha, bummer!" cried Jones, unimaginably satisfied. "Aha, seu malandro!" gritou Jones, inimaginavelmente satisfeito. «Θα γινόσουν ηθοποιός και σπάνιος μάλιστα. "You would become an actor and a rare one at that. "Ia ser ator e um ator raro. Είχες το κατάλληλο βήχα του πτωχοκομείου, και εκείνα τα αδύναμα πόδια σου αξίζουν ένα δεκάλιρο τη βδομάδα. You had a proper workhouse cough, and those weak legs of yours are worth a penny a week. Tiveste uma tosse de trabalho a sério e essas tuas pernas fracas merecem dez libras por semana. Νομίζω πως γνώρισα την λάμψη του ματιού σου, όμως. I think I met the twinkle in your eye, though. Mas acho que já conheci o brilho dos teus olhos. Δεν μας γλίτωσες τόσο εύκολα, ξέρεις.» You didn't spare us that easily, you know." Não nos safaste assim tão facilmente, sabias?

«Δούλεψα όλη μέρα υπό αυτήν την αμφίεση,» είπε, ανάβοντας το πούρο του. "I worked all day under this guise," he said, lighting his cigar. «Βλέπετε, αρκετοί από τις εγκληματικές τάξεις αρχίζουν να με γνωρίζουν — ιδιαίτερα αφότου ο φίλος ανέλαβε να εκδώσει ορισμένες από τις υποθέσεις μου: έτσι ώστε να μπορώ να βγω στο μονοπάτι του πολέμου μόνο υπό κάποια απλοϊκή μεταμφίεση σαν κι αυτή. “You see, quite a few of the criminal classes are beginning to know me—especially since the friend undertook to issue some of my cases: so that I can only go out on the warpath under some simple disguise like this. "É que alguns criminosos começam a conhecer-me, sobretudo depois de o amigo ter publicado alguns dos meus casos, pelo que só posso sair para a guerra com um simples disfarce como este. Έλαβες το τηλεγράφημα μου;» Did you receive my telegram?' Recebeste o meu telegrama?"

«Ναι, αυτό ήταν που μ' έφερε εδώ.» "Yeah, that's what brought me here." "Sim, foi isso que me trouxe aqui".

«Πως πάει η υπόθεση σου;» "Como está a correr o teu caso?"

«Όλα κατέληξαν στο κενό. "Everything came to nothing. "Não deu em nada. Αναγκάστηκα να απελευθερώσω δυο από τους κρατουμένους, και δεν υπάρχουν αποδείξεις ενάντια στους άλλους δυο.» I was forced to release two of the prisoners, and there is no evidence against the other two.” Tive de libertar dois dos prisioneiros e não há provas contra os outros dois".

«Δεν πειράζει. "Does not matter. "Não faz mal. Θα σου προσφέρουμε δυο άλλους στη θέση αυτών. We will offer you two others in their place. Oferecemos-lhe dois outros no seu lugar. Όμως πρέπει να τεθείς υπό τις διαταγές μου. But you must come under my orders. Mas tens de ficar sob o meu comando. Μπορείς να λάβεις όλη την επίσημη αναγνώριση, αλλά θα πρέπει να ενεργήσεις στα πλαίσια που θα σου υποδείξω. You can receive all the official recognition, but you will have to act within the framework that I will indicate to you. Podem obter todo o reconhecimento oficial, mas têm de atuar dentro do quadro que vou indicar. Είμαστε σύμφωνοι;»

«Απολύτως, αν θα με βοηθήσεις με αυτούς τους ανθρώπους.» "Absolutely, if you will help me with these people." "Sem dúvida, se me ajudares com estas pessoas."

«Λοιπόν, τότε, καταρχήν θα ήθελα, ένα γρήγορο αστυνομικό σκάφος — μια ατμάκατο — να βρίσκεται στο Ουεστμίνστερ Σταίρς στις επτά.» "Well, then, in the first place, I would like a fast police boat—a steamer—to be at Westminster Stairs at seven o'clock." "Bem, então, antes de mais, gostaria que um barco rápido da polícia - um barco a vapor - estivesse em Westminster Stires às sete horas."

«Εύκολα κανονίζεται. "Easy to arrange. "É fácil de organizar. Πάντοτε υπάρχει ένα εκεί τριγύρω, όμως μπορώ να πάω απέναντι και να το εξασφαλίσω.» There's always one around, but I can go across and get it." Há sempre um por ali, mas eu posso atravessar e protegê-lo".

«Τότε θα ήθελα δυο αφοσιωμένους άντρες σε περίπτωση αντίστασης.» "Then I'd like two dedicated men in case of resistance." "Então gostaria de ter dois homens leais para o caso de haver resistência."

«Θα βρίσκονται δυο ή τρεις στο σκάφος. "There will be two or three in the boat. Τι άλλο;»

«Όταν πιάσουμε τους άντρες θα βρούμε τον θησαυρό. “When we catch the men we will find the treasure. "Quando apanharmos os homens, encontraremos o tesouro. Πιστεύω πως θα ευχαριστούσε ιδιαίτερα τον φίλο μου να μεταφέρει το κουτί στην νεαρή δεσποινίδα στην οποία ο μισός δικαιωματικά ανήκει. I believe it would greatly please my friend to convey the box to the young miss to whom half rightfully belongs. Penso que o meu amigo teria gostado muito de levar a caixa à jovem a quem metade dela pertence por direito. Ας είναι η πρώτη που θα το ανοίξει. Let her be the first to open it. Ela que seja a primeira a abrir. Ε, Γουώτσον;» Hã, Watson?"

«Θα μου ήταν ιδιαιτέρως ευχάριστο.» "I would be very pleased."

«Μια κάπως ασυνίθηστη διαδικασία,» είπε ο Τζόουνς, κουνώντας το κεφάλι του. "A bit of an unusual procedure," Jones said, shaking his head. "Um processo algo inconsistente", disse Jones, abanando a cabeça. «Ωστόσο, η όλη κατάσταση ήταν ασυνήθιστη, και υποθέτω πως πρέπει να κάνουμε τα στραβά μάτια. “However, the whole situation was unusual, and I suppose we should turn a blind eye. "No entanto, toda a situação foi invulgar e acho que temos de olhar para o outro lado. Ο θησαυρός κατόπιν οφείλεται να παραδοθεί στις αρχές μέχρι το πέρας της επίσημης έρευνας.» The treasure is then due to be handed over to the authorities pending the completion of the official investigation." O tesouro deverá então ser entregue às autoridades enquanto se aguarda o resultado da investigação oficial."

«Φυσικά. "Of course. Κανονίζεται εύκολα. Easily arranged. Ένα ακόμη σημείο. One more point. Mais um ponto. Θα ήθελα να πάρω μερικές λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με το ζήτημα από τα χείλη του ίδιου του Τζόναθαν Σμολ. I would like to get some details on the matter from the lips of Jonathan Small himself. Gostaria de obter alguns pormenores sobre o assunto da boca do próprio Jonathan Small. Ξέρεις μου αρέσει να επεξεργάζομαι τις λεπτομέρειες των υποθέσεων μου. You know I like to work out the details of my cases. Sabe que gosto de trabalhar os pormenores dos meus casos. Δεν υπάρχει αντίρρηση να έχω μια ανεπίσημη ανάκριση μαζί του, είτε εδώ στο διαμέρισμα μου είτε κάπου αλλού, εφόσον θα είναι επαρκώς φρουρούμενος;» Is there no objection to having an informal interrogation with him, either here in my apartment or somewhere else, as long as he is adequately guarded?' Não se opõe a que se faça um interrogatório informal com ele, aqui no meu apartamento ou noutro local, desde que ele esteja devidamente vigiado?"

«Λοιπόν, είσαι ο άρχον της υπόθεσης. “Well, you're the boss of the case. "Bem, tu és o dono do caso. Δεν έχω καμία απόδειξη ακόμη περί της ύπαρξης αυτού του Τζόναθαν Σμολ. I have no proof yet of the existence of this Jonathan Small. Ainda não tenho provas da existência deste Jonathan Small. Ωστόσο, αν κατορθώσεις και τον πιάσεις, δεν βλέπω πως μπορώ να σου αρνηθώ μια συζήτηση μαζί του.» However, if you succeed in catching him, I don't see how I can refuse you a conversation with him.'' No entanto, se o conseguires apanhar, não vejo como te posso recusar uma conversa com ele".

«Είναι κατανοητό, λοιπόν;» "Is that understandable then?" "Está entendido, então?"

«Απολύτως. Υπάρχει κάτι άλλο;» Há mais alguma coisa?"

«Μόνο το ότι επιμένω να δειπνήσεις μαζί μας. “Only that I insist you dine with us. "Só que insisto que jante connosco. Θα είναι έτοιμο σε μισή ώρα. Estará pronto em meia hora. Έχω στρείδια και κάνα δυο αγριόγαλους, με μια μικρή επιλογή σε λευκά κρασιά. I have oysters and a couple of wild turkeys, with a small selection of white wines. Comi ostras e um par de galos silvestres, com uma pequena seleção de vinhos brancos. — Γουώτσον, δεν έχεις γνωρίσει ακόμη τα προσόντα μου ως νοικοκύρη.» "Watson, you have not yet met my qualifications as a householder." - Watson, ainda não preencheu os meus requisitos de senhorio".