巴斯克威尔的猎犬 梅利琵宅邸的主人斯台普吞（8）（在线收听）

　　We had come to a point where a narrow grassy path struck off from the road and wound awayacross the moor. A steep, boulder-sprinkled hill lay upon the right which had in bygone days beencut into a granite quarry. The face which was turned towards us formed a dark cliff, with ferns andbrambles growing in its niches. From over a distant rise there floated a gray plume of smoke.

　　我们走过了一条狭窄多草的由大道斜岔出去的小路， 曲折迂回地穿过沼地。 右侧是陡峭的乱石密布的小山， 多年前已被开成了 花岗岩采石场； 向着我们的一面是暗色的崖壁， 隙罅里长着羊齿植物和荆棘； 在远处的山坡上， 浮动着一抹灰色的烟雾。

　　"A moderate walk along this moor-path brings us to Merripit House," said he. "Perhaps youwill spare an hour that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to my sister."“顺着这条沼地小径慢慢走一会儿， 就能到梅利琵了 ， ” 他说道，“也许您能匀出一小时的时间来吧， 我很愿意把您介绍给我的妹妹。”

　　My first thought was that I should be by Sir Henry's side. But then I remembered the pile ofpapers and bills with which his study table was littered. It was certain that I could not help withthose. And Holmes had expressly said that I should study the neighbours upon the moor. Iaccepted Stapleton's invitation, and we turned together down the path.

　　我首先想到我应当陪伴着亨利爵士， 可是随后又想起了那一堆满满地堆在他书桌上的文件和证券， 当然在这些事情上我是无法帮他忙的， 而且福尔摩斯还曾特意地说过， 我应当对沼地上的邻人们加以考察， 因此我就接受了斯台普吞的邀请， 一起转上了小路。