柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 The silence By John galsworthy MY SISTER MABEL EDITH REYNOLDS In a car of the Naples express a mining expert was div ing into a bag for papers. The strong sunlight showed the fine wrinkles on his brown face and the shabbiness of his short, rough beard. A newspaper cutting slipped from his fingers; he picked it up, thinking: How the dickens did that get in here? It was from a colonial print of three years back; and he sat staring, as if in that forlorn slip of yellow paper he had encountered some ghost from his past These were the words he read: We hope that the setback to civilisation, the check commerce and development, in this promising centre of our colony may be but temporary; and that capital may again come to the rescue. Where one man was successful, others should surely not fail? We are conv inced that it only needs. "And the last words: "For what can be sadder than to see the forest spreading its lengthening shadows, like symbols of defeat, over the untenanted dwellings of men; and where was once the merry chatter of human voices, to pass by in the silence On an af ternoon, thirteen years before, he had been in the city of London, at one of those emporiums where mining experts perch, before fresh flights, like sea-gulls on some favourite rock. A clerk said to him: "Mr Scorrier, they are asking for you downstairs--Mr. Hemmings of the new colliery company Scorrier took up the speaking tube. "Is that you, Mr. Scorrier? I hope you are very well, sir, I am--Hemmings--I am--coming up In two minutes he appeared, Christopher Hemmings, secretary of the New Colliery Company, known in the City-behind his back--as " Down-by-the-stam"Hemmings. He grasped Scormier's hand--the gesture was deferential, yet distinguished. Too handsome, too Check: something that delays the progress of sth else or stops it from getting worse阻碍进程的事物
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 1 The Silence By John Galsworthy To MY SISTER MABEL EDITH REYNOLDS I In a car of the Naples express a mining expert was diving into a bag for papers. The strong sunlight showed the fine wrinkles on his brown face and the shabbiness of his short, rough beard. A newspaper cutting slipped from his fingers; he picked it up, thinking: 'How the dickens did that get in here?' It was from a colonial print of three years back; and he sat staring, as if in that forlorn slip of yellow paper he had encountered some ghost from his past. These were the words he read: "We hope that the setback to civilisation, the check1 to commerce and development, in this promising centre of our colony may be but temporary; and that capital may again come to the rescue. Where one man was successful, others should surely not fail? We are convinced that it only needs...." And the last words: "For what can be sadder than to see the forest spreading its lengthening shadows, like symbols of defeat, over the untenanted dwellings of men; and where was once the merry chatter of human voices, to pass by in the silence...." On an afternoon, thirteen years before, he had been in the city of London, at one of those emporiums where mining experts perch, before fresh flights, like sea-gulls on some favourite rock. A clerk said to him: "Mr. Scorrier, they are asking for you downstairs--Mr. Hemmings of the New Colliery Company." Scorrier took up the speaking tube. "Is that you, Mr. Scorrier? I hope you are very well, sir, I am--Hemmings--I am--coming up." In two minutes he appeared, Christopher Hemmings, secretary of the New Colliery Company, known in the City-behind his back--as "Down-by-the-starn" Hemmings. He grasped Scorrier's hand--the gesture was deferential, yet distinguished. Too handsome, too 1 Check: something that delays the progress of sth else or stops it from getting worse 阻碍进程的事物
柴科婷英美短篇小说103001201592 capable, too important, his figure, the cut of his iron-grey beard, and his intrusively fine eyes conveyed a continual courteous invitation to inspect their infallibilities. He stood, like a City Atlas, "with his legs apart, his coat-tails gathered in his hands, a whole globe of financial matters deftly balanced on his nose. " Look at me! he seemed to say. " It's heavy, but how easily I carry it. Not the man to let it down, Sir! I hope I see you well, Mr. Cormier, "he began. I have come round about our mine There is a question of a fresh field being opened up--between ourselves, not before it's wanted I find it difficult to get my board to take a comprehensive view. In short, the question is: Are you prepared to go out for us, and report on it? The fees will be all right. His left eye closed Things have been very--er-dicky; we are going to change our superintendent. I have got little Pippin--you know little Pippin? Scorrier murmured, with a feeling of vague resentment: "Oh yes. He's not a mining man! Hemmings replied: We think that he will do. "Do you? thought Scorrier; that's good of He had not altogether shaken off a worship he had felt for Pippin-"King"Pippin he was always called, when they had been boys at the Cambome Grammar-school. King" Pippin the boy with the bright colour, very bright hair, bright, subtle, elusive eyes, broad shoulders little stoop in the neck, and a way of mov ing it quickly like a bird; the boy who was always at the top of everything, and held his head as if looking for something further to be the top of He remembered how one day " King"Pippin had said to him in his soft way, " Young Scorrie I'll do your sums for you", and in answer to his dubious, "Is that all right? had replied, " Of course--l dont want you to get behind that beast Blake, he's not a Comishman"(the beast Blake was an Irishman not yet twelve ). He remembered, too, an occasion when "King"Pippin with two other boys fought six louts and got a licking, and how Pippin sat for half an hour afterwards, all bloody, his head in his hands, rocking to and fro, and weeping tears of motif ication; and how the next day he had sneaked off by himself, and, attacking the same gang, got frightfully mauled a second time Resentment:[心(因自卑压抑引起的)愤慨 3Mau:殴打
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 2 capable, too important, his figure, the cut of his iron-grey beard, and his intrusively fine eyes, conveyed a continual courteous invitation to inspect their infallibilities. He stood, like a City "Atlas," with his legs apart, his coat-tails gathered in his hands, a whole globe of financial matters deftly balanced on his nose. "Look at me!" he seemed to say. "It's heavy, but how easily I carry it. Not the man to let it down, Sir!" "I hope I see you well, Mr. Scorrier," he began. "I have come round about our mine. There is a question of a fresh field being opened up--between ourselves, not before it's wanted. I find it difficult to get my Board to take a comprehensive view. In short, the question is: Are you prepared to go out for us, and report on it? The fees will be all right." His left eye closed. "Things have been very--er--dicky; we are going to change our superintendent. I have got little Pippin--you know little Pippin?" Scorrier murmured, with a feeling of vague resentment2 : "Oh yes. He's not a mining man!" Hemmings replied: "We think that he will do." 'Do you?' thought Scorrier; 'that's good of you!' He had not altogether shaken off a worship he had felt for Pippin--"King" Pippin he was always called, when they had been boys at the Camborne Grammar-school. "King" Pippin! the boy with the bright colour, very bright hair, bright, subtle, elusive eyes, broad shoulders, little stoop in the neck, and a way of moving it quickly like a bird; the boy who was always at the top of everything, and held his head as if looking for something further to be the top of. He remembered how one day "King" Pippin had said to him in his soft way, "Young Scorrie, I'll do your sums for you"; and in answer to his dubious, "Is that all right?" had replied, "Of course--I don't want you to get behind that beast Blake, he's not a Cornishman" (the beast Blake was an Irishman not yet twelve). He remembered, too, an occasion when "King" Pippin with two other boys fought six louts and got a licking, and how Pippin sat for half an hour afterwards, all bloody, his head in his hands, rocking to and fro, and weeping tears of mortification; and how the next day he had sneaked off by himself, and, attacking the same gang, got frightfully mauled3 a second time. 2 Resentment: [心] （因自卑压抑引起的）愤慨 3 Maul: 殴打
柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 Thinking of these things he answered curtly: "When shall I start? Down-by-the-starn"Hemmings replied with a sort of fearful sprightlness: There 's a good fellow! I will send instructions; so glad to see you well. "Conferring on Scorrier a look--fine to the verge of vulgarity--he withdrew. Scorrier remained, seated; heavy with insignificance and vague oppression, as if he had drunk a tumbler of sweet port A week later, in company with Pippin, he was on board a liner The"King" Pippin of his school-days was now a man of forty-four. He awakened in Scorrier the uncertain wonder with which men look backward at their uncomplicated teens and staggering up and down the decks in the long Atlantic roll, he would steal glances at his companion, as if he expected to find out from them something about himself. Pippin had still King" Pippin's bright, fine hair, and dazzling streaks in his short beard; he had still a bright colour and suave voice, and what there were of wrinkles suggested only subtleties of humour and ironic sympathy. From the first, and apparently without negotiation, he had his seat at the captains table hich on the second day Scorrier too found himself translated, and had to sit, as he expressed it ruefully, "among the big-wigs During the voyage only one incident impressed itself on Scorrier's memory, and that for a disconcerting reason. In the forecastle were the usual complement of emigrants. One evening, leaning across the rail to watch them, he felt a touch on his am; and, looking round saw Pippins face and beard quivering in the lamplight. " Poor people! " he said. The idea flashed on Scorrier that he was like some fine wire sound-recording instrument Suppose he were to snap! he thought Impelled to justify this fancy, he blurted out You're a nervous chap. The way you look at those poor devils Pippin hustled him along the deck. "Come, come, you took me off my guard, "he murmured, with a sly, gentle smile, "thats not fair He found it a continual source of wonder that Pippin, at his age, should cut himself adrift from the associations and security of london life to begin a new career in a new country with dubious prospect of success. 'I always heard he was doing well all round, he thought; ' thinks he'll better himself, perhaps. He's a true Cornishman Bg-wgs:要人,大亨 s Blurt out:脱口而出
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 3 Thinking of these things he answered curtly: "When shall I start?" "Down-by-the-starn" Hemmings replied with a sort of fearful sprightliness: "There's a good fellow! I will send instructions; so glad to see you well." Conferring on Scorrier a look--fine to the verge of vulgarity--he withdrew. Scorrier remained, seated; heavy with insignificance and vague oppression, as if he had drunk a tumbler of sweet port. A week later, in company with Pippin, he was on board a liner. The "King" Pippin of his school-days was now a man of forty-four. He awakened in Scorrier the uncertain wonder with which men look backward at their uncomplicated teens; and staggering up and down the decks in the long Atlantic roll, he would steal glances at his companion, as if he expected to find out from them something about himself. Pippin had still "King" Pippin's bright, fine hair, and dazzling streaks in his short beard; he had still a bright colour and suave voice, and what there were of wrinkles suggested only subtleties of humour and ironic sympathy. From the first, and apparently without negotiation, he had his seat at the captain's table, to which on the second day Scorrier too found himself translated, and had to sit, as he expressed it ruefully, "among the big-wigs4 ." During the voyage only one incident impressed itself on Scorrier's memory, and that for a disconcerting reason. In the forecastle were the usual complement of emigrants. One evening, leaning across the rail to watch them, he felt a touch on his arm; and, looking round, saw Pippin's face and beard quivering in the lamplight. "Poor people!" he said. The idea flashed on Scorrier that he was like some fine wire sound-recording instrument. 'Suppose he were to snap!' he thought. Impelled to justify this fancy, he blurted out5 : "You're a nervous chap. The way you look at those poor devils!" Pippin hustled him along the deck. "Come, come, you took me off my guard," he murmured, with a sly, gentle smile, "that's not fair." He found it a continual source of wonder that Pippin, at his age, should cut himself adrift from the associations and security of London life to begin a new career in a new country with dubious prospect of success. 'I always heard he was doing well all round,' he thought; 'thinks he'll better himself, perhaps. He's a true Cornishman.' 4 Big-wigs: 要人，大亨 5 Blurt out: 脱口而出
柴科婷英美短篇小说103001201594 The moming of arrival at the mines was grey and cheerless; a cloud of smoke, beaten down by drizzle, clung above the forest; the wooden houses straggled dismally in the unkempt semblance of a street, against a background of endless, silent woods. An air of blank discouragement brooded over everything cranes jutted idly over empty trucks; the long jetty oozed black slime, miners with listless? faces stood in the rain; dogs fought under their very legs. On the way to the hotel they met no one busy or serene except a Chinee who was polishing a dish-cover The late superintendent, a cowed man, regaled them at lunch with his forebodings; his attitude toward the situation was like the food, which was greasy and uninspiring. Alone together once more, the two newcomers eyed each other sadly Oh dear! sighed Pippin. We must change all this, Scorrier; it will never do to go back beaten. I shall not go back beaten; you will have to carry me on my shield; "and slyly: " Too heavy, eh? Poor fellow! "Then for a long time he was silent, moving his lips as if adding up the cost Suddenly he sighed, and grasping Scorrier's arm, said: Dull, aren't I? What will you do? Put me in your report New Superintendent--sad, dull dog--not a word to throw at a cat And as if the new task were too much for him, he sank back in thought The last words he said to Scorrier that night were: "Very silent here. Its hard to believe one's here for life. But Ifeel I am. Mustn't be a coward, though and brushing his forehead, as though to clear from it a cobweb of faint thoughts, he hurried off corrier stayed on the veranda smok ing. The rain had ceased a few stars were buming dimly; even above the squalor o of the township the scent of the forests, the interminable forests, brooded. There sprang into his mind the memory of a picture from one of his childrens fairy books--the picture of a little bearded man on tiptoe, with poised head and a great sword, slashing at the castle of a giant. It reminded him of Pippin. And suddenly, even to Scorrier--whose existence was one long encounter with strange places--the unseen presence of those woods, their heavy, healthy scent, the little sounds, like squeaks from tiny toys issuing out of the gloomy silence, seemed intolerable, to be shunned, from the mere instinct Brood over:笼罩= hover over 7 Listless:= lethargic无精打采的,没有活力的 Regale sb with sth: to amuse or entertain sb with stories or jokes用…招待,款待 Veranda:走廊,游廊 l0 Squalor:肮脏,邋遢
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 4 The morning of arrival at the mines was grey and cheerless; a cloud of smoke, beaten down by drizzle, clung above the forest; the wooden houses straggled dismally in the unkempt semblance of a street, against a background of endless, silent woods. An air of blank discouragement brooded over6 everything; cranes jutted idly over empty trucks; the long jetty oozed black slime; miners with listless7 faces stood in the rain; dogs fought under their very legs. On the way to the hotel they met no one busy or serene except a Chinee who was polishing a dish-cover. The late superintendent, a cowed man, regaled8 them at lunch with his forebodings; his attitude toward the situation was like the food, which was greasy and uninspiring. Alone together once more, the two newcomers eyed each other sadly. "Oh dear!" sighed Pippin. "We must change all this, Scorrier; it will never do to go back beaten. I shall not go back beaten; you will have to carry me on my shield;" and slyly: "Too heavy, eh? Poor fellow!" Then for a long time he was silent, moving his lips as if adding up the cost. Suddenly he sighed, and grasping Scorrier's arm, said: "Dull, aren't I? What will you do? Put me in your report, 'New Superintendent--sad, dull dog--not a word to throw at a cat!'" And as if the new task were too much for him, he sank back in thought. The last words he said to Scorrier that night were: "Very silent here. It's hard to believe one's here for life. But I feel I am. Mustn't be a coward, though!" and brushing his forehead, as though to clear from it a cobweb of faint thoughts, he hurried off. Scorrier stayed on the veranda9 smoking. The rain had ceased, a few stars were burning dimly; even above the squalor10 of the township the scent of the forests, the interminable forests, brooded. There sprang into his mind the memory of a picture from one of his children's fairy books--the picture of a little bearded man on tiptoe, with poised head and a great sword, slashing at the castle of a giant. It reminded him of Pippin. And suddenly, even to Scorrier--whose existence was one long encounter with strange places--the unseen presence of those woods, their heavy, healthy scent, the little sounds, like squeaks from tiny toys, issuing out of the gloomy silence, seemed intolerable, to be shunned, from the mere instinct 6 Brood over: 笼罩= hover over 7 Listless: =lethargic 无精打采的，没有活力的 8 Regale sb with sth: to amuse or entertain sb with stories or jokes 用…招待，款待 9 Veranda: 走廊，游廊 10 Squalor: 肮脏，邋遢
柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 of self-preservation. He thought of the evening he had spent in the bosom of Down-by-the-starn"Hemmings' family, receiving his last instructions--the security of that suburban villa, its discouraging gentility; the superior acidity of the Miss Hemmings; the noble names of large contractors, of company promoters, of a peer, dragged with the lightness of gun-carriages across the conversation; the autocracy of Hemmings, rasped up here and there, by some domestic contradiction. It was all so nice and safe--as if the whole thing had been fastened to an anchor sunk beneath the pink cabbages of the drawing-room carpet Hemmings, seeing him off the premises, had said with secrecy: "Little Pippin will have a good thing. We shall make his salary L----. He'll be a great man-quite a king. Ha-ha! Scorrier shook the ashes from his pipe. 'Salary! he thought, straining his ears; 'I wouldn,'t take the place for five thousand pounds a year. And yet it's a fine country and with ironic violence he repeated, ' a dashed fine country Ten days later, having finished his report on the new mine, he stood on the jetty waitng to go abroad the steamer for home God bless you! said Pippin. Tell them they needn ' t be afraid and sometimes when you're at home think of me, eh? Scorrier, scrambling on board, had a confused memory of tears in his eyes, and a convulsive handshake It was eight years before the wheels of life carried Scorrier back to that disenchanted spot, and this time not on the business of the New Colliery Company. He went for another company with a mine some thirty miles away. Before starting, however, he visited Hemmings The secretary was surrounded by pigeon-holes and finer than ever; Scorrier blinked in the full radiance of his courtesy. a little man with eyebrows full of questions, and a grizzled beard was seated in an arm-chair by the fire "You know Mr. Booker, "said Hemmings--"one of my directors. This is Mr Scorrier, 1 The premises:(企业、机构等使用的)经营场地,生产场所。这里指 Hemmings工作的公司。 汽船 13 Convulsive:突然而无法控制的
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 5 of self-preservation. He thought of the evening he had spent in the bosom of "Down-by-the-starn" Hemmings' family, receiving his last instructions--the security of that suburban villa, its discouraging gentility; the superior acidity of the Miss Hemmings; the noble names of large contractors, of company promoters, of a peer, dragged with the lightness of gun-carriages across the conversation; the autocracy of Hemmings, rasped up here and there, by some domestic contradiction. It was all so nice and safe--as if the whole thing had been fastened to an anchor sunk beneath the pink cabbages of the drawing-room carpet! Hemmings, seeing him off the premises11, had said with secrecy: "Little Pippin will have a good thing. We shall make his salary L----. He'll be a great man-quite a king. Ha-ha!" Scorrier shook the ashes from his pipe. 'Salary!' he thought, straining his ears; 'I wouldn't take the place for five thousand pounds a year. And yet it's a fine country,' and with ironic violence he repeated, 'a dashed fine country!' Ten days later, having finished his report on the new mine, he stood on the jetty waiting to go abroad the steamer12 for home. "God bless you!" said Pippin. "Tell them they needn't be afraid; and sometimes when you're at home think of me, eh?" Scorrier, scrambling on board, had a confused memory of tears in his eyes, and a convulsive 13 handshake. II It was eight years before the wheels of life carried Scorrier back to that disenchanted spot, and this time not on the business of the New Colliery Company. He went for another company with a mine some thirty miles away. Before starting, however, he visited Hemmings. The secretary was surrounded by pigeon-holes and finer than ever; Scorrier blinked in the full radiance of his courtesy. A little man with eyebrows full of questions, and a grizzled beard, was seated in an arm-chair by the fire. "You know Mr. Booker," said Hemmings--"one of my directors. This is Mr. Scorrier, 11 The premises: （企业、机构等使用的）经营场地，生产场所。这里指 Hemmings 工作的公司。 12 Steamer: 汽船 13 Convulsive: 突然而无法控制的
柴科婷英美短篇小说103001201596 sir--who went out for us " These sentences were murmured in a way suggestive of their uncommon value. The director uncrossed his legs and bowed. Scomier also bowed, and Hemmings. leaning back slowly developed the full resources of his waistcoat So you are going out again, Scorrier, for the other side? I tell Mr. Scorrier, sir, that he is going out for the enemy. Don't find them a mine as good as you found us, there 's a good The little director asked explosively: "See our last dividend 4? Twenty per cent; eh, what? Hemmings moved a finger, as if reproving his director. "I will not disguise from you, " he murmured," that there is friction between us and--the enemy; you know our position too well--just a little too well, eh? 'anod's as good as a wink. His diplomatic eyes flattered Scorrier, who passed a hand over his bro w--and said: "Of course Pippin doesnt hit it off with them5. Between ourselves, he's a leetleb too big for his boots. You know what it is when a man in his position gets a sudden rise! Scorrier caught himself searching on the floor for a sight of Hemm ings boots he raised his eyes guiltily. The secretary continued: We don 't hear from him quite as often as we should like. in fact To his own surprise Scorrier murmured: " It's a silent place The secretary smiled. " Very good! Mr. Scorrier says, sir, it's a silent place; ha-ha! I call that very good But suddenly a secret irritation seemed to bubble in him; he burst forth almost violently: " He's no business to let it affect him; now, has he? i put it to you, Mr. Scorrier, I put it to you, sir! But Scorrier made no reply, and soon af ter took his leave: he had been asked to convey a friendly hint to Pippin that more frequent letters would be welcomed. Stand ing in the shadow 4 Dividend:红利,股息 13 Hit it off with: have a good friendly relationship with sb和某人投缘 6Lete:这里就是指lit,这里是 Hemmings说话故意拖长音,暗示强调 1 Bubble in:充溢,这里指 Mr Scorrier一下子愤怒之极 18Be/ have no business to do.无权做某事
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 6 sir--who went out for us." These sentences were murmured in a way suggestive of their uncommon value. The director uncrossed his legs, and bowed. Scorrier also bowed, and Hemmings, leaning back, slowly developed the full resources of his waistcoat. "So you are going out again, Scorrier, for the other side? I tell Mr. Scorrier, sir, that he is going out for the enemy. Don't find them a mine as good as you found us, there's a good man." The little director asked explosively: "See our last dividend14? Twenty per cent; eh, what?" Hemmings moved a finger, as if reproving his director. "I will not disguise from you," he murmured, "that there is friction between us and--the enemy; you know our position too well--just a little too well, eh? 'A nod's as good as a wink.'" His diplomatic eyes flattered Scorrier, who passed a hand over his brow--and said: "Of course." "Pippin doesn't hit it off with them15. Between ourselves, he's a leetle16 too big for his boots. You know what it is when a man in his position gets a sudden rise!" Scorrier caught himself searching on the floor for a sight of Hemmings' boots; he raised his eyes guiltily. The secretary continued: "We don't hear from him quite as often as we should like, in fact." To his own surprise Scorrier murmured: "It's a silent place!" The secretary smiled. "Very good! Mr. Scorrier says, sir, it's a silent place; ha-ha! I call that very good!" But suddenly a secret irritation seemed to bubble in17 him; he burst forth almost violently: "He's no business18 to let it affect him; now, has he? I put it to you, Mr. Scorrier, I put it to you, sir!" But Scorrier made no reply, and soon after took his leave: he had been asked to convey a friendly hint to Pippin that more frequent letters would be welcomed. Standing in the shadow 14Dividend: 红利，股息 15 Hit it off with: have a good friendly relationship with sb 和某人投缘 16 Leetle: 这里就是指 little，这里是 Hemmings 说话故意拖长音，暗示强调 17 Bubble in: 充溢，这里指 Mr. Scorrier 一下子愤怒之极 18 Be/ have no business to do: 无权做某事
柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 of the Royal Exchange, waiting to thread his way across, he thought: 'So you must have noise, must you-you've got some here, and to spare On his arrival in the new world he wired to pippin asking if he might stay with him on the way up country, and received the answer: "Be sure and come a week later he arrived(there was now a railway )and found Pippin waiting for him in a phaeton. Scorrier would not have known the place again; there was a glitter over everything as if some one had touched it with a wand. The tracks had given place to roads, running fim straight, and black between the trees under brilliant sunshine, the wooden houses were all painted; out in the gleaming harbour amongst the green of islands lay three steamers, each with a fleet of busy boats; and here and there a tiny yacht floated, like a sea-bird on the water Pippin drove his long-tailed horses furiously; his eyes brimmedzo with subtle kindness, as if according Scorrier a continual welcome. During the two days of his stay Scorrier never lost that sense of glamour. He had every opportunity for observing the grip Pippin had over every thing. The wooden doors and walls of his bungalow kept out no sounds. He listened to interviews between his host and all kinds and conditions of men. the voices of the visitors would rise at first--angry, discontented, matter-of-fact, with nasal twang, or guttural drawl; then would come the soft patter of the superintendent's feet crossing and recrossing the room Then a pause, the sound of hard breathing, and quick questions--the visitor's voice again, again the patter, and Pippins ingratiating but decisive murmurs. Presently out would come the visitor with an expression on his face which Scomier soon began to know by heart, a kind of pleased, puzzled, helpless look, which seemed to say, "Ive been done, I know--I'll give it to myself when I'm round the corner Pippin was full of wistful questions about"home. He wanted to talk of music, pictures plays, of how London looked what new streets there were, and, above all, whether Scorrier had been lately in the West Country. He talked of getting leave next winter, asked whether Scorrier thought they would"put up with him at home"; then, with the agitation which had alarmed Scorrier before, he added: "Ah! but I'm not fit for home now. One gets spoiled; it's big and silent here what should i go back to? i don' t seem to realise Thread:穿过,通行 20 Brim with:盛满,满,这里指Ppin热泪盈眶
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 7 of the Royal Exchange, waiting to thread19 his way across, he thought: 'So you must have noise, must you--you've got some here, and to spare....' On his arrival in the new world he wired to Pippin asking if he might stay with him on the way up country, and received the answer: "Be sure and come." A week later he arrived (there was now a railway) and found Pippin waiting for him in a phaeton. Scorrier would not have known the place again; there was a glitter over everything, as if some one had touched it with a wand. The tracks had given place to roads, running firm, straight, and black between the trees under brilliant sunshine; the wooden houses were all painted; out in the gleaming harbour amongst the green of islands lay three steamers, each with a fleet of busy boats; and here and there a tiny yacht floated, like a sea-bird on the water. Pippin drove his long-tailed horses furiously; his eyes brimmed20 with subtle kindness, as if according Scorrier a continual welcome. During the two days of his stay Scorrier never lost that sense of glamour. He had every opportunity for observing the grip Pippin had over everything. The wooden doors and walls of his bungalow kept out no sounds. He listened to interviews between his host and all kinds and conditions of men. The voices of the visitors would rise at first--angry, discontented, matter-of-fact, with nasal twang, or guttural drawl; then would come the soft patter of the superintendent's feet crossing and recrossing the room. Then a pause, the sound of hard breathing, and quick questions--the visitor's voice again, again the patter, and Pippin's ingratiating but decisive murmurs. Presently out would come the visitor with an expression on his face which Scorrier soon began to know by heart, a kind of pleased, puzzled, helpless look, which seemed to say, "I've been done, I know--I'll give it to myself when I'm round the corner." Pippin was full of wistful questions about "home." He wanted to talk of music, pictures, plays, of how London looked, what new streets there were, and, above all, whether Scorrier had been lately in the West Country. He talked of getting leave next winter, asked whether Scorrier thought they would "put up with him at home"; then, with the agitation which had alarmed Scorrier before, he added: "Ah! but I'm not fit for home now. One gets spoiled; it's big and silent here. What should I go back to? I don't seem to realise." 19 Thread: 穿过，通行 20 Brim with: 盛满，满，这里指 Pippin 热泪盈眶
柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 Scorrier thought of Hemmings. Tis a bit cramped there, certainly " he muttered Pippin went on as if divining his thoughts. "I suppose our friend Hemmings would call me foolish: he's above the little weaknesses of imagination, eh? Yes: its silent here Sometimes in the evening I would give my head for somebody to talk to--Hemmings would never give his head for anything, I think. But all the same, I couldn ' t face them at home Spoiled " And slyly he murmured: "What would the Board say if they could hear that? Scorrier blurted out: To tell you the truth, they complain a little of not hearing from you Pippin put out a hand, as if to push something away. "Let them try the life here! " he broke out; "it's like sitting on a live volcano--what with our friends, 'the enemy, over there the men; the American competition. I keep it going, Scorrier, but at what a cost--at what a ost! But surely--letters? Pippin only answered: " I try--I try! Scorrier felt with remorse and wonder that he had spoken the truth. The following day he left for his inspection, and while in the camp of"the enemy"much was the talk he heard of Pippin Why! "said his host, the superintendent, a little man with a face somewhat like an owls d'you know the name they've given him down in the capital-the King--good, eh? He's made them ' sit up' all along this coast. I like him well enough--good--hearted man, shocking nervous; but my people down there can't stand him at any price. Sir, he runs this colony. You'd think butter wouldn ' t melt in that mouth of his; but he always gets his way; that' s what riles em so; that and the success he's making of his mine. It puzzles me, you'd think he'd only be too glad of a quiet life a man with his nerves. But no, he' s never happy unless he's fighting something where he's got a chance to score a victory. I won' t say he likes it, but, by Jove,it seems he's got to do it. Now that's funny I'll tell you one thing, though shouldn't be a bit surprised if he broke down some day; and I'll tell you another, he added darkly, "he's sailing very near the wind, with those large contracts that he makes. i wouldn,' t care to take his risks Just let them have a strike or something that shuts them down for a spell--and mark my 2Rile:使恼火
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 8 Scorrier thought of Hemmings. "'Tis a bit cramped there, certainly," he muttered. Pippin went on as if divining his thoughts. "I suppose our friend Hemmings would call me foolish; he's above the little weaknesses of imagination, eh? Yes; it's silent here. Sometimes in the evening I would give my head for somebody to talk to--Hemmings would never give his head for anything, I think. But all the same, I couldn't face them at home. Spoiled!" And slyly he murmured: "What would the Board say if they could hear that?" Scorrier blurted out: "To tell you the truth, they complain a little of not hearing from you." Pippin put out a hand, as if to push something away. "Let them try the life here!" he broke out; "it's like sitting on a live volcano--what with our friends, 'the enemy,' over there; the men; the American competition. I keep it going, Scorrier, but at what a cost--at what a cost!" "But surely--letters?" Pippin only answered: "I try--I try!" Scorrier felt with remorse and wonder that he had spoken the truth. The following day he left for his inspection, and while in the camp of "the enemy" much was the talk he heard of Pippin. "Why!" said his host, the superintendent, a little man with a face somewhat like an owl's, "d'you know the name they've given him down in the capital--'the King'--good, eh? He's made them 'sit up' all along this coast. I like him well enough--good--hearted man, shocking nervous; but my people down there can't stand him at any price. Sir, he runs this colony. You'd think butter wouldn't melt in that mouth of his; but he always gets his way; that's what rile21s 'em so; that and the success he's making of his mine. It puzzles me; you'd think he'd only be too glad of a quiet life, a man with his nerves. But no, he's never happy unless he's fighting, something where he's got a chance to score a victory. I won't say he likes it, but, by Jove, it seems he's got to do it. Now that's funny! I'll tell you one thing, though shouldn't be a bit surprised if he broke down some day; and I'll tell you another," he added darkly, "he's sailing very near the wind, with those large contracts that he makes. I wouldn't care to take his risks. Just let them have a strike, or something that shuts them down for a spell--and mark my 21 Rile: 使恼火
柴科婷英美短篇小说103001201599 words, sir--it'll be all up with them. But "he concluded conf identically, " I wish I had his hold on the men; it's a great thing in this country. Not like home, where you can go round a corner and get another gang. You have to make the best you can out of the lot you have, you won't get another man for love or money without you ship him a few hundred miles. "And with a frown he waved his arm over the forests to indicate the barrenness of the land Scorrier finished his inspection and went on a shooting trip into the forest. His host met him on his retum. " Just look at this! "he said, holding out a telegram " Awful, isn't it? His face expressed a profound commiseration, almost ludicrously mixed with the ashamed contentment that men experience at the misfortunes of an enemy The telegram, dated the day before, ran thus"Frightful explosion New Colliery this morning, great loss of life feared Scorrier had the bewildered thought: Pippin will want me now He took leave of his host who called after him: "Youd better wait for a steamer! It's a beastly drive! Scorrier shook his head. All night, jolting along a rough track cut through the forest, he thought of Pippin. The other miseries of this calamity at present left him cold; he barely thought of the smothered men; but Pippin s struggle, his lonely struggle with this hydra-headed monster, touched him very nearly. He fell asleep and dreamed of watching Pippin slowly strangled by a snake, the agonised, kindly, ironic face peeping out between two gleaming coils was so horribly real, that he awoke. It was the moment before dawn pitch-black branches barred the sky; with every jolt of the wheels the gleams from the lamps danced. fantastic and intrusive. round ferns and tree-stems. into the cold heart of the forest For an hour or more Scorrier tried to feign sleep, and hide from the stillness, and overmastering gloom of these great woods. Then softly a whisper of noises stole forth, a stir of light, and the whole slow radiance of the moming glory. But it brought no warmth; and Scorrier wrapped himself closer in his cloak, feeling as though old age had touched him
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 9 words, sir--it'll be all up with them. But," he concluded confidentially, "I wish I had his hold on the men; it's a great thing in this country. Not like home, where you can go round a corner and get another gang. You have to make the best you can out of the lot you have; you won't, get another man for love or money without you ship him a few hundred miles." And with a frown he waved his arm over the forests to indicate the barrenness of the land. III Scorrier finished his inspection and went on a shooting trip into the forest. His host met him on his return. "Just look at this!" he said, holding out a telegram. "Awful, isn't it?" His face expressed a profound commiseration, almost ludicrously mixed with the ashamed contentment that men experience at the misfortunes of an enemy. The telegram, dated the day before, ran thus "Frightful explosion New Colliery this morning, great loss of life feared." Scorrier had the bewildered thought: 'Pippin will want me now.' He took leave of his host, who called after him: "You'd better wait for a steamer! It's a beastly drive!" Scorrier shook his head. All night, jolting along a rough track cut through the forest, he thought of Pippin. The other miseries of this calamity at present left him cold; he barely thought of the smothered men; but Pippin's struggle, his lonely struggle with this hydra-headed monster, touched him very nearly. He fell asleep and dreamed of watching Pippin slowly strangled by a snake; the agonised, kindly, ironic face peeping out between two gleaming coils was so horribly real, that he awoke. It was the moment before dawn: pitch-black branches barred the sky; with every jolt of the wheels the gleams from the lamps danced, fantastic and intrusive, round ferns and tree-stems, into the cold heart of the forest. For an hour or more Scorrier tried to feign sleep, and hide from the stillness, and overmastering gloom of these great woods. Then softly a whisper of noises stole forth, a stir of light, and the whole slow radiance of the morning glory. But it brought no warmth; and Scorrier wrapped himself closer in his cloak, feeling as though old age had touched him
柴科婷英美短篇小说10300120159 Close on noon he reached the township. Glamour seemed still to hover over it. He drove on to the mine. The winding-engine was turning, the pulley at the top of the head-gear whizzing round; nothing looked unusual. 'Some mistake! he thought. He drove to the mine buildings, alighted, and climbed to the shaft head. Instead of the usual rumbling of the trolleys, the rattle of coal discharged over the screens, there was silence. Close by, Pippin himself was standing, smirched with dirt. The cage, coming swift and silent from below, shot open its doors with a sharp rattle. Scorrier bent forward to look. There lay a dead man, with a smile on his face How many? "he whispered Pippin answered: Eighty-four brought up--forty-seven still below, and entered the man' s name in a pocket-boo An older man was taken out next; he too was smiling--there had been vouchsafed to him it seemed, a taste of more than earthly joy. The sight of those strange smiles affected Scorrier more than all the anguish or despair he had seen scored on the faces of other dead men. He asked an old miner how long Pippin had been at work. Thirty hours. Yesterday he wer below, we had to nigh carry mun up at last He's for goin'down again, but the chaps won' t lower mun; "the old man gave a sigh. "I'm waiting for my boy to come up, I am Scorrier waited too--there was fascination about those dead, smiling faces. The rescuing of these men who would never agan breathe went on and on Scorrier grew sleepy in the sun The old miner woke him, saying "Rummy stuff this here chokedamp; see, they all dies drunk "The very next to be brought up was the chief engineer. Scorrier had known him quite well, one of those Scotsmen who are bom at the age of forty and remain so all their lives. His face--the only one that wore no smile--seemed grieving that duty had deprived it of that last luxury. With wide eyes and drawn lips he had died protesting. Late in the aftemoon the old miner touched Scorriers arm, and said: There he is--there's my boy! And he departed slowly, wheeling the body on a trolley As the sun set, the gang below came up. No further search was possible till the fumes had cleared. Scomier heard one man say: " There's some we'll never get; they 've had sure
柴科婷 英美短篇小说 10300120159 10 Close on noon he reached the township. Glamour seemed still to hover over it. He drove on to the mine. The winding-engine was turning, the pulley at the top of the head-gear whizzing round; nothing looked unusual. 'Some mistake!' he thought. He drove to the mine buildings, alighted, and climbed to the shaft head. Instead of the usual rumbling of the trolleys, the rattle of coal discharged over the screens, there was silence. Close by, Pippin himself was standing, smirched with dirt. The cage, coming swift and silent from below, shot open its doors with a sharp rattle. Scorrier bent forward to look. There lay a dead man, with a smile on his face. "How many?" he whispered. Pippin answered: "Eighty-four brought up--forty-seven still below," and entered the man's name in a pocket-book. An older man was taken out next; he too was smiling--there had been vouchsafed to him, it seemed, a taste of more than earthly joy. The sight of those strange smiles affected Scorrier more than all the anguish or despair he had seen scored on the faces of other dead men. He asked an old miner how long Pippin had been at work. "Thirty hours. Yesterday he wer' below; we had to nigh carry mun up at last. He's for goin' down again, but the chaps won't lower mun;" the old man gave a sigh. "I'm waiting for my boy to come up, I am." Scorrier waited too--there was fascination about those dead, smiling faces. The rescuing of these men who would never again breathe went on and on. Scorrier grew sleepy in the sun. The old miner woke him, saying: "Rummy stuff this here chokedamp; see, they all dies drunk!" The very next to be brought up was the chief engineer. Scorrier had known him quite well, one of those Scotsmen who are born at the age of forty and remain so all their lives. His face--the only one that wore no smile--seemed grieving that duty had deprived it of that last luxury. With wide eyes and drawn lips he had died protesting. Late in the afternoon the old miner touched Scorrier's arm, and said: "There he is--there's my boy!" And he departed slowly, wheeling the body on a trolley. As the sun set, the gang below came up. No further search was possible till the fumes had cleared. Scorrier heard one man say: "There's some we'll never get; they've had sure burial