The Night Skulkers

(Ночные крадуны = кто крадется в ночи)

It was the stealthy opening of a door which awakened the Cimmerian (это /было/ скрытное открывание двери, /которое/ разбудило Конана = Конана разбудил звук осторожно открываемой двери). He did not awake as civilized men do, drowsy and drugged and stupid (он не проснулся как /это/ делают цивилизованные люди, вялые, затороможенные и бестолковые; to drug — оказывать воздействие, подобное наркотическому, на кого-л.; притуплять (чувства, эмоции и т. д.); drug — медикамент(ы), снадобье, лекарственный препарат). He awoke instantly, with a clear mind (он проснулся мгновенно, с чистым разумом), recognizing the sound that had interruped his sleep (узнав звук, который прервал его сон). Lying there tensely in the dark he saw the outer door slowly open (лежа там напряженно в темноте, он увидел, /как/ медленно открывается наружная дверь). In a widening crack of starlit sky he saw framed a great black bulk, broad, stooping shoulders (в расширяющейся трещине освещенного звездами неба он увидел, заключенную в рамку /дверного проема/ огромную черную тушу с широкими покатыми плечами), and a misshapen head blocked out against the stars (и бесформенной головой, грубо набросанной против звезд = грубое очертание на фоне звезд; to block out — набрасывать вчерне).

stealthy ['stelTI], stupid ['stju:pId], open ['qupqn]

It was the stealthy opening of a door which awakened the Cimmerian. He did not awake as civilized men do, drowsy and drugged and stupid. He awoke instantly, with a clear mind, recognizing the sound that had interruped his sleep. Lying there tensely in the dark he saw the outer door slowly open. In a widening crack of starlit sky he saw framed a great black bulk, broad, stooping shoulders, and a misshapen head blocked out against the stars.

Conan felt the skin crawl between his shoulders (Конан почувствовал, /как/ по коже между лопаток[52] поползли мурашки; to crawl — бежать (о мурашках)). He had bolted that door securely (он надежно закрыл ту дверь на засов). How could it be opening now, save by supernatural agency (как могла бы она открываться сейчас, кроме как сверхъестественным действием = воздействием сверхъестественных сил)? And how could a human being possess a head like that outlined against the stars (и как мог человек обладать такой головой, очерченной на фоне звезд)? All the tales he had heard in the Zuagir tents of devils and goblins came back (все легенды, /которые/ он слышал в зуагирских палатках о демонах и гоблинах, вернулись) to bead his flesh with clammy sweat (/чтобы/ покрыть его тело капельками липкого пота; to bead — покрывать капельками; bead — шарик (с просверленным сквозным отверстием), бусина, бисерина; капля (расплавленного металла, пота на лице и т. п.)). Now the monster slid noiselessly into the room, with a crouching posture and a shambling gait (теперь монстр проскользнул бесшумно в комнату с согнутой осанкой = ссутулившись и с неуклюжей шаркающей походкой); and a familiar scent assailed the Cimmerian's nostrils (и знакомый запах атаковал ноздри киммерийца), but did not reassure him (но не успокоил / утешил его), since Zuagir legendry represented demons as smelling like that (так как зуагирские легенды представляли демонов, как пахнущих так = пахнущими так).

between [bI'twi:n], securely [sI'kjuqlI], agency ['eIGqnsI]

Conan felt the skin crawl between his shoulders. He had bolted that door securely. How could it be opening now, save by supernatural agency? And how could a human being possess a head like that outlined against the stars? All the tales he had heard in the Zuagir tents of devils and goblins came back to bead his flesh with clammy sweat. Now the monster slid noiselessly into the room, with a crouching posture and a shambling gait; and a familiar scent assailed the Cimmerian's nostrils, but did not reassure him, since Zuagir legendry represented demons as smelling like that.

Noiselessly Conan coiled his long legs under him (бесшумно Конан подобрал свои длинные ноги под себя); his naked sword was in his right hand (его обнаженный меч был в его правой руке), and when he struck it was as suddenly and murderously as a tiger lunging out of the dark (и когда он ударил, это было так внезапно и смертельно, как тигр, набрасывающийся из темноты). Not even a demon could have avoided that catapulting charge (даже демон /не/ мог бы избежать этой катапультирующей = стремительной атаки). His sword met and clove through flesh and bone, and something went heavily to the floor with a strangling cry (его меч встретил и рассек плоть и кость, и что-то пошло = упало на пол с захлебывающимся криком; to cleave — рассекать, расколоть, разрезать). Conan crouched in the dark above it, sword dripping in his hand (Конан согнулся в темноте над ним /с/ мечом, /с которого капала кровь/ в его руке; to drip — капать, стекать). Devil or beast or man, the thing was dead there on the floor (демон или зверь или человек, существо было мертвым там на полу). He sensed death as any wild thing senses it (он чувствовал смерть, как любой дикое существо чувствует ее). He glared through the half-open door into the starlit court beyond (он посмотрел через полуоткрытую дверь в освещенный звездами двор снаружи). The gate stood open, but the court was empty (ворота стояли открытые, но двор был пуст).

clove [klquv], beyond [bI'jOnd], empty ['emptI]

Noiselessly Conan coiled his long legs under him; his naked sword was in his right hand, and when he struck it was as suddenly and murderously as a tiger lunging out of the dark. Not even a demon could have avoided that catapulting charge. His sword met and clove through flesh and bone, and something went heavily to the floor with a strangling cry. Conan crouched in the dark above it, sword dripping in his hand. Devil or beast or man, the thing was dead there on the floor. He sensed death as any wild thing senses it. He glared through the half-open door into the starlit court beyond. The gate stood open, but the court was empty.

Conan shut the door but did not bolt it (Конан запер дверь, но не закрыл ее на засов). Groping in the darkness he found the lamp and lighted it (пошарив в темноте, он нашел лампу и зажег ее). There was enough oil in it to burn for a minute or so (в ней было достаточно масла /чтобы гореть/ на минуту или около того). An instant later he was bending over the figure that sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood (мгновение спустя он склонялся над фигурой, которая растянулась на полу в луже крови).

minute ['mInIt], figure ['fIgq], blood [blAd]

Conan shut the door but did not bolt it. Groping in the darkness he found the lamp and lighted it. There was enough oil in it to burn for a minute or so. An instant later he was bending over the figure that sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood.

It was a gigantic black man, naked but for a loin cloth (это был гигантский чернокожий, обнаженный за исключением набедренной повязки). One hand still grasped a knotty-headed bludgeon (одна рука все еще сжимала сучковатую дубинку). The fellow's kinky wool was built up into hornlike spindles with twigs and dried mud (курчавые волосы парня были выстроены в роговидные стержни с = с помощью прутиков и высушенной глины). This barbaric coiffure had given the head its misshapen appearance in the starlight (эта варварская прическа придала /его/ голове ее бесформенный вид в звездном свете). Provided with a clue to the riddle, Conan pushed back the thick red lips and grunted as he stared down at teeth filed to points (обеспеченный ключом к загадке = разгадке, Конан раздвинул толстые красные губы и ругнулся, когда он посмотрел на зубы, заточенные до острия).

bludgeon ['blAGqn], appearance [q'pIqrqns], clue [klu:]

It was a gigantic black man, naked but for a loin cloth. One hand still grasped a knotty-headed bludgeon. The fellow's kinky wool was built up into hornlike spindles with twigs and dried mud. This barbaric coiffure had given the head its misshapen appearance in the starlight. Provided with a clue to the riddle, Conan pushed back the thick red lips and grunted as he stared down at teeth filed to points.

He understood now the mystery of the strangers who had disappeared from the house of Aram Baksh (он понял теперь тайну чужеземцев, которые пропадали из дома Арама Бахша; to understand — понимать); the riddle of the black drum thrumming out there beyond the palm groves (загадку черного барабана, бубнящего там за пальмовыми рощами), and of that pit of charred bones — that pit where strange meat might be roasted under the stars (и той ямы с обугленными костями — той ямы, где, возможно, жарили под звездами необычное мясо; might — возможно, вероятно — обозначает в сочетании с инфинитивом вероятность), while black beasts squatted about to glut a hideous hunger (когда черные звери сидели на корточках вокруг, /чтобы/ утолить мерзкий голод). The man on the floor was a cannibal slave from Darfar (мужчина на полу был рабом-людоедом из Дарфара).

mystery ['mIstqrI], might [maIt], star [stR]

He understood now the mystery of the strangers who had disappeared from the house of Aram Baksh; the riddle of the black drum thrumming out there beyond the palm groves, and of that pit of charred bones — that pit where strange meat might be roasted under the stars, while black beasts squatted about to glut a hideous hunger. The man on the floor was a cannibal slave from Darfar.

There were many of his kind in the city (в городе было много его типа = его брата). Cannibalism was not tolerated openly in Zamboula (каннибализм не был разрешен: «терпим» открыто в Замбуле). But Conan knew now why people locked themselves in so securely at night (но Конан знал теперь, почему люди запирались на замки внутри = в домах так надежно ночью), and why even beggars shunned the open alley and doorless ruins (и почему даже нищие опасались открытой аллеи и развалин без дверей). He grunted in disgust as he visualized brutish black shadows skulking up and down the nighted streets (он выругался в отвращении, когда он мысленно увидел зверские черные тени, крадущиеся там и сям по ночным улицам), seeking human prey (ищущих человеческую добычу = в качестве добычи людей) — and such men as Aram Baksh to open the doors to them (и такие люди, как Арам Бахш, открывают им двери). The innkeeper was not a demon; he was worse (содержатель гостиницы был не демон, он был хуже). The slaves from Darfar were notorious thieves (рабы из Дарфара были известными ворами; notorious — пользующийся дурной славой; печально известный; отъявленный); there was no doubt that some of their pilfered loot found its way into the hands of Aram Baksh (не было сомнения, что некоторая из их добычи попадала в руки Арама Бахша; to find its way — попасть). And in return he sold them human flesh (а в обмен он продавал им человеческое мясо).

were [wq:], ruin ['ru:In], notorious [nqu'tO:rIqs]

There were many of his kind in the city. Cannibalism was not tolerated openly in Zamboula. But Conan knew now why people locked themselves in so securely at night, and why even beggars shunned the open alley and doorless ruins. He grunted in disgust as he visualized brutish black shadows skulking up and down the nighted streets, seeking human prey — and such men as Aram Baksh to open the doors to them. The innkeeper was not a demon; he was worse. The slaves from Darfar were notorious thieves; there was no doubt that some of their pilfered loot found its way into the hands of Aram Baksh. And in return he sold them human flesh.

Conan blew out the light, stepped to the door and opened it (Конан задул свет, шагнул к двери и открыл ее), and ran his hand over the ornaments on the outer side (и провел своей рукой по украшениям на внешней стороне). One of them was movable and worked the bolt inside (одно из них было подвижным и втягивало засов = открывало внутренний засов). The room was a trap to catch human prey like rabbits (комната была западней, /чтобы/ ловить человеческую добычу как кроликов). But this time, instead of a rabbit, it had caught a saber-toothed tiger (но /на/ этот раз вместо кролика она поймала саблезубого тигра; to catch — ловить, поймать).

outer ['autq], movable ['mu:vqbl], human ['hju:mqn]

Conan blew out the light, stepped to the door and opened it, and ran his hand over the ornaments on the outer side. One of them was movable and worked the bolt inside. The room was a trap to catch human prey like rabbits. But this time, instead of a rabbit, it had caught a saber-toothed tiger.

Conan returned to the other door, lifted the bolt, and pressed against it (Конан вернулся к другой двери, поднял засов и надавил на нее). It was immovable, and he remembered the bolt on the other side (она была неподвижна, и он вспомнил засов на другой стороне). Aram was taking no chances either with his victims or the men with whom he dealt (Арам не рисковал ни со своими жертвами, ни с людьми, с которыми он имел дела). Buckling on his sword belt, the Cimmerian strode out into the court, closing the door behind him (застегнув свой пояс с мечом, киммериец вышел во двор, закрывая дверь за собой). He had no intention of delaying the settlement of his reckoning with Aram Baksh (он не имел намерения = не намеревался откладывать сведение /своих/ счетов с Арамом Бахшем). He wondered how many poor devils had been bludgeoned in their sleep (он удивился, сколько бедных парней были ударены дубинкой = получили удар дубинкой в /их/ сне) and dragged out of that room and down the road that ran through the shadowed palm groves to the roasting pit (и были вытащены = их вытащили из той комнаты и /потянули/ по дороге, которая бежала через тенистые пальмовые рощи к яме для /изготовления/ жаркого; to roast — жарить(ся); печь(ся) (особ. в духовке или на открытом огне)).

other ['ADq], press [pres], against [q'genst]

Conan returned to the other door, lifted the bolt, and pressed against it. It was immovable, and he remembered the bolt on the other side. Aram was taking no chances either with his victims or the men with whom he dealt. Buckling on his sword belt, the Cimmerian strode out into the court, closing the door behind him. He had no intention of delaying the settlement of his reckoning with Aram Baksh. He wondered how many poor devils had been bludgeoned in their sleep and dragged out of that room and down the road that ran through the shadowed palm groves to the roasting pit.

He halted in the court (он остановился во дворе). The drum was still muttering (барабан все еще бубнил), and he caught the reflection of a leaping red glare through the groves (и он поймал отражение скачущего красного зарева сквозь рощи). Cannibalism was more than a perverted appetite with the black men of Darfar (каннибализм был более, чем извращенная склонность у черных людей Дарфара); it was an integral element of their ghastly cult (это был неотъемлемый элемент их отвратительного культа). The black vultures were already in conclave (черные стервятники были уже на сборище). But whatever flesh filled their bellies that night, it would not be his (но какая бы плоть /ни/ наполнила их животы в эту ночь, /но/ это будет не его /мясо/).

reflection [rI'flekSn], element ['elImqnt], ghastly ['gRstlI]

He halted in the court. The drum was still muttering, and he caught the reflection of a leaping red glare through the groves. Cannibalism was more than a perverted appetite with the black men of Darfar; it was an integral element of their ghastly cult. The black vultures were already in conclave. But whatever flesh filled their bellies that night, it would not be his.

To reach Aram Baksh, he must climb one of the walls which separated the small enclosure from the main compound (/чтобы/ добраться до Арама Бахша, он должен взобраться по одной из стен, которые отделяли небольшое огороженное место от главного строения). They were high, meant to keep out the man-eaters (они были высокие, предназначенные для того, чтобы удержать снаружи = не впустить людоедов); but Conan was no swamp-bred black man (но Конан был не выросшим на болотах чернокожим); his thews had been steeled in boyhood on the sheer cliffs of his native hills (его мышцы были закалены = закалились в отрочестве на отвесных утесах его родных холмов). He was standing at the foot of the nearer wall when a cry echoed under the trees (он стоял у подножия ближней стены, когда крик отдался эхом под деревьями).

climb [klaIm], meant [ment], sheer [SIq]

To reach Aram Baksh, he must climb one of the walls which separated the small enclosure from the main compound. They were high, meant to keep out the man-eaters; but Conan was no swamp-bred black man; his thews had been steeled in boyhood on the sheer cliffs of his native hills. He was standing at the foot of the nearer wall when a cry echoed under the trees.

In an instant Conan was crouching at the gate, glaring down the road (через миг Конан пригнулся = стоял пригнувшись у ворот, глядя на дорогу). The sound had come from the shadows of the huts across the road (звук донесся из теней от хижин через дорогу). He heard a frantic choking and gurgling such as might result from a desperate attempt to shriek (он услышал яростное удушье и бульканье = звуки неистового удушья и бульканья, такие, которые могли бы возникнуть от отчаянной попытки закричать), with a black hand fastened over the victim's mouth (с черной рукой, перехватившей горло жертвы). A close-knit clump of figures emerged from the shadows beyond the huts (тесно сбившаяся группа фигур появилась из теней за хижинами) and started down the road — three huge black men carrying a slender, struggling figure between them (и отправилась по дороге — три огромных негра, несущие тонкую, отбивающуюся фигурку между ними). Conan caught the glimmer of pale limbs writhing in the starlight (Конан уловил = разглядел мерцание бледных конечностей, извивающихся в звездном свете), even as, with a convulsive wrench, the captive slipped from the grasp of the brutal fingers and came flying up the road (как раз когда судорожным рывком пленник выскользнул из хватки жестоких пальцев и полетел по дороге), a supple young woman, naked as the day she was born (гибкая молодая женщина, нагая как /в тот/ день, /когда/ она родилась; to be born — родиться, быть рожденным). Conan saw her plainly before she ran out of the road and into the shadows between the huts (Конан видел ее отчетливо, прежде чем он убежала с дороги /и/ в тень между хижинами). The blacks were at her heels, and back in the shadows the figures merged and an intolerable scream of anguish and horror rang out (черные были = шли по /ее/ пятам, и позади в тенях фигуры исчезли, и раздался невыносимый визг боли и ужаса; to ring out — прозвучать, раздаться).

sound [saund], come [kAm], fasten [fRsn]

In an instant Conan was crouching at the gate, glaring down the road. The sound had come from the shadows of the huts across the road. He heard a frantic choking and gurgling such as might result from a desperate attempt to shriek, with a black hand fastened over the victim's mouth. A close-knit clump of figures emerged from the shadows beyond the huts and started down the road — three huge black men carrying a slender, struggling figure between them. Conan caught the glimmer of pale limbs writhing in the starlight, even as, with a convulsive wrench, the captive slipped from the grasp of the brutal fingers and came flying up the road, a supple young woman, naked as the day she was born. Conan saw her plainly before she ran out of the road and into the shadows between the huts. The blacks were at her heels, and back in the shadows the figures merged and an intolerable scream of anguish and horror rang out.

Stirred to red rage by the ghoulishness of the episode, Conan raced across the road (вызванный до красного гнева = доведенный до белого каления мерзостью эпизода, Конан помчался через дорогу; to stir (up) smb’s rage — вызывать (чей-л.) гнев).

Neither victim nor abductors were aware of his presence (ни жертва, ни похитители /не/ заметили его присутствия) until the soft swish of the dust about his feet brought them about (пока мягкое шуршание пыли у его ног /не/ вызвало их = не заставило их обратить внимание /на его присутствие/); and then he was almost upon them, coming with the gusty fury of a hill wind (а потом он был почти на них = почти нагнал их, придя = налетев с бурной яростью ветра холмов = горного ветра; to be aware of — знать, сознавать, отдавать себе полный отчет в). Two of the blacks turned to meet him, lifting their bludgeons (двое /из/ черных повернулись, /чтобы/ встретить его, поднимая своих дубинки). But they failed to estimate properly the speed at which he was coming (но им не удалось оценить надлежащим образом скорости, с которой он шел = несся). One of them was down, disemboweled, before he could strike (один из них был внизу = упал, выпотрошенный, прежде чем он смог ударить), and wheeling catlike, Conan evaded the stroke of the other's cudgel and lashed in a whistling counter-cut (и, извернувшись по-кошачьи, Конан избежал удара дубины другого = второго, и хлестнул свистящим контрударом). The black's head flew into the air (голова черного = негра взлетела в воздух; to fly — летать); the headless body took three staggering steps, spurting blood and clawing horribly at the air with groping hands (безголовое тело взяло = сделало три нетвердых шага, брызгая кровью и цепляясь жутко за воздух шарящими руками), and then slumped to the dust (а потом рухнуло в пыль).

presence ['prezqns], about [q'baut], properly ['prOpqlI]

Stirred to red rage by the ghoulishness of the episode, Conan raced across the road.

Neither victim nor abductors were aware of his presence until the soft swish of the dust about his feet brought them about; and then he was almost upon them, coming with the gusty fury of a hill wind. Two of the blacks turned to meet him, lifting their bludgeons. But they failed to estimate properly the speed at which he was coming. One of them was down, disemboweled, before he could strike, and wheeling catlike, Conan evaded the stroke of the other's cudgel and lashed in a whistling counter-cut. The black's head flew into the air; the headless body took three staggering steps, spurting blood and clawing horribly at the air with groping hands, and then slumped to the dust.

The remaining cannibal gave back with a strangled yell, hurling his captive from him (оставшийся каннибал подался назад с подавленным воплем, отшвырнув свою пленницу от себя). She tripped and rolled in the dust (она упала и покатилась в пыль), and the black fled in panic toward the city (а негр побежал в панике к городу; to flee — убегать, спасаться бегством). Conan was at his heels (Конан последовал за ним; to be at one’s heels — следовать за кем-либо). Fear winged the black feet (страх подгонял черные ноги), but before they reached the easternmost hut (но прежде чем он достиг самой восточной хижины), he sensed death at his back, and bellowed like an ox in the slaughter yards (он ощутил смерть спиной и заревел, как бык на скотобойне; to wing — окрылять, ускорять, подгонять; to slaughter — забивать, резать (скот)).

captive ['kxptIv], death [deT], slaughter ['slO:tq]

The remaining cannibal gave back with a strangled yell, hurling his captive from him. She tripped and rolled in the dust, and the black fled in panic toward the city. Conan was at his heels. Fear winged the black feet, but before they reached the easternmost hut, he sensed death at his back, and bellowed like an ox in the slaughter yards.

"Black dog of Hell (черная собака ада = проклятая черная собака)!" Conan drove his sword between the dusky shoulders with such vengeful fury (Конан вогнал свой меч между темных лопаток с такой мстительной яростью) that the broad blade stood out half its length from the black breast (что широкий клинок вышел на половину своей длины из черной груди; to stand — стоять). With a choking cry the black stumbled headlong (с давящимся криком черный рухнул головой вперед), and Conan braced his feet and dragged out his sword as his victim fell (а Конан напряг /свои/ ноги и вытащил свой меч, когда его жертва упала = при падении жертвы).

half [hRf], length [leNT], sword [sO:d]

"Black dog of Hell!" Conan drove his sword between the dusky shoulders with such vengeful fury that the broad blade stood out half its length from the black breast. With a choking cry the black stumbled headlong, and Conan braced his feet and dragged out his sword as his victim fell.

Only the breeze disturbed the leaves (только бриз тревожил листья). Conan shook his head as a lion shakes its mane (Конан тряхнул /своей/ головой, как лев трясет своей гривой) and growled his unsatiated blood lust (и зарычал от неутоленной жажды крови). But no more shapes slunk from the shadows, and before the huts the starlit road stretched empty (однако из теней больше не крались фигуры, и перед хижинами освещенная звездами дорога тянулась пустая = тянулась пустая, освещенная звездами дорога; to slink — красться). He whirled at the quick patter of feet behind him (он обернулся при быстром топоте ног позади него), but it was only the girl, rushing to throw herself on him and clasp his neck in a desperate grasp (но это была лишь девушка, несшаяся, /чтобы/ броситься на него и сжать его шею в отчаянных объятиях), frantic from terror of the abominable fate she had just escaped (неистовых от ужаса /перед/ гнусной участью, которой она только что избежала).

"Easy, girl," he grunted (полегче, девушка, — проворчал он). "You're all right (с тобой все в порядке). How did they catch you (как они тебя поймали)?"

lion ['laIqn], girl [gq:l], throw [Trqu]

Only the breeze disturbed the leaves. Conan shook his head as a lion shakes its mane and growled his unsatiated blood lust. But no more shapes slunk from the shadows, and before the huts the starlit road stretched empty. He whirled at the quick patter of feet behind him, but it was only the girl, rushing to throw herself on him and clasp his neck in a desperate grasp, frantic from terror of the abominable fate she had just escaped.

"Easy, girl," he grunted. "You're all right. How did they catch you?"

She sobbed something unintelligible (она прорыдала что-то неразборчивое). He forgot all about Aram Baksh as he scrutinized her by the light of the stars (он забыл все об Араме Бахше, когда он рассмотрел ее при свете звезд). She was white, though a very definite brunette (она была белая, хотя ярко выраженная брюнетка), obviously one of Zamboula's many mixed breeds (очевидно одна из многих смешанных рас Замбулы). She was tall, with a slender, supple form, as he was in a good position to observe (она была высокая, со стройными гибкими формами, так как он был в удобном положении для наблюдения). Admiration burned in his fierce eyes as he looked down on her splendid bosom and her lithe limbs (восхищение загорелось в его страстных глазах, когда он посмотрел сверху на ее роскошную грудь и ее гибкие конечности = руки), which still quivered from fright and exertion (которые еще дрожали от страха и напряжения / усилия). He passed an arm around her flexible waist and said, reassuringly: "Stop shaking, wench; you're safe enough (он просунул руку вокруг ее гибкой талии = он обнял ее рукой за талию и сказал обнадеживающе: перестань трястись, девушка, ты в достаточной безопасности)."

though [Dqu], observe [qb'zq:v], waist [weIst]

She sobbed something unintelligible. He forgot all about Aram Baksh as he scrutinized her by the light of the stars. She was white, though a very definite brunette, obviously one of Zamboula's many mixed breeds. She was tall, with a slender, supple form, as he was in a good position to observe. Admiration burned in his fierce eyes as he looked down on her splendid bosom and her lithe limbs, which still quivered from fright and exertion. He passed an arm around her flexible waist and said, reassuringly: "Stop shaking, wench; you're safe enough."

His touch seemed to restore her shaken sanity (его касание, казалось, восстановил ее потрясенный рассудок). She tossed back her thick, glossy locks and cast a fearful glance over her shoulder (она отбросила назад ее густые блестящие пряди и бросила испуганный взгляд через его плечо), while she pressed closer to the Cimmerian as if seeking security in the contact (в то время как она прижалась ближе к киммерийцу, как будто ища безопасности в соприкосновении).

"They caught me in the streets," she muttered, shuddering (они поймали меня на улице, — тихо сказала она, содрогнувшись). "Lying in wait, beneath a dark arch — black men, like great, hulking apes (лежащие = поджидающие в засаде, под темной аркой — черные люди = негры, как огромные массивные обезьяны)! Set have mercy on me (пощади меня Сет[53]; to have mercy on — щадить, жалеть кого-л.; mercy — пощада, милосердие)! I shall dream of it (мне будет сниться это)!"

"What were you doing out on the streets this time of night (что ты делала снаружи на улице /в/ это время ночи = ночное время)?" he inquired, fascinated by the satiny feel of her sleek skin under his questing fingers (спросил он, очарованный атласным ощущением /от прикосновения к/ ее гладкой коже под его ищущими пальцами).

She raked back her hair and stared blankly up into his face (она расчесала назад /рукой/ /свои/ волосы = провела рукой по волосам, отбрасывая их назад и посмотрела ему прямо в лицо). She did not seem aware of his caresses (она, казалось, не замечала его ласк).

touch [tAC], sanity ['sxnItI], closer [klqusq]

His touch seemed to restore her shaken sanity. She tossed back her thick, glossy locks and cast a fearful glance over her shoulder, while she pressed closer to the Cimmerian as if seeking security in the contact.

"They caught me in the streets," she muttered, shuddering. "Lying in wait, beneath a dark arch — black men, like great, hulking apes! Set have mercy on me! I shall dream of it!"

"What were you doing out on the streets this time of night?" he inquired, fascinated by the satiny feel of her sleek skin under his questing fingers.

She raked back her hair and stared blankly up into his face. She did not seem aware of his caresses.

"My lover," she said (мой любовник, — сказала она; to say — сказать). "My lover drove me into the streets (мой любовник выгнал меня на улицу; to drive — гнать). He went mad and tried to kill me (он сошел с ума и пытался убить меня; to go mad — сойти с ума). As I fled from him I was seized by those beasts (когда я убежала от него, я была схвачена теми тварями; to flee — бежать, спасаться бегством)."

"Beauty like yours might drive a man mad (/такая/ красота, как твоя могла бы свести мужчину с ума)," quoth Conan, running his fingers experimentally through the glossy tresses (промолвил Конан, пробегая /своими/ пальцами в порядке опыта по блестящим распущенным волосам; quoth — промолвил, сказал — употребляется в 1-м и 3-м лице прош. вр. с постпозитивным субъектом).

She shook her head, like one emerging from a daze (она тряхнула /своей/ головой, как человек, отходящий от изумления). She no longer trembled, and her voice was steady (она больше не дрожала, а ее голос был ровным).

"It was the spite of a priest — of Totrasmek, the high priest of Hanuman, who desires me for himself — the dog (это была озлобленность жреца — Тотрасмека, верховного жреца Ханумана, который желает меня для себя — собака)!"

"No need to curse him for that," grinned Conan (нет нужды проклинать его за это, — ухмыльнулся Конан). "The old hyena has better taste than I thought (старая гиена имеет = у старой гиены вкус лучше, чем я думал)."

She ignored the bluff compliment (она проигнорировала грубоватый комплимент; to ignore — игнорировать, пренебрегать, не придавать значения). She was regaining her poise swiftly (она быстро восстанавливала /свое/ самообладание).

said [sed], beast [bi:st], taste [teIst]

"My lover," she said. "My lover drove me into the streets. He went mad and tried to kill me. As I fled from him I was seized by those beasts."

"Beauty like yours might drive a man mad," quoth Conan, running his fingers experimentally through the glossy tresses.

She shook her head, like one emerging from a daze. She no longer trembled, and her voice was steady.

"It was the spite of a priest — of Totrasmek, the high priest of Hanuman, who desires me for himself — the dog!"

"No need to curse him for that," grinned Conan. "The old hyena has better taste than I thought."

She ignored the bluff compliment. She was regaining her poise swiftly.

"My lover is a — a young Turanian soldier (мой любовник — молодой туранский солдат). To spite me, Totrasmek gave him a drug that drove him mad (/чтобы/ досадить мне, Тотрасмек дал ему снадобье, которое свело его с ума). Tonight he snatched up a sword and came at me to slay me in his madness (сегодня вечером он схватил меч и набросился на меня, чтобы убить меня в своем безумии), but I fled from him into the streets (но я убежала от него на улицу). The Negroes seized me and brought me to this — whatwas that(негры схватили меня и привели меня к этому — что это было; to bring — приносить, приводить)?"

Conan had already moved (Конан уже двигался). Soundlessly as a shadow he drew her behind the nearest hut (бесшумно, как тень, он затащил ее за ближайшую хижину), beneath the straggling palms (под растущие беспорядочно пальмы). They stood in tense stillness (они стояли в напряженной тишине), while the low muttering both had heard grew louder until voices were distinguishable (в то время как низкое бормотание, /которое/ оба услышали, становилось громче, пока не были = стали различимы голоса). A group of Negroes, some nine or ten, were coming along the road from the direction of the city (группа негров, около девяти-десяти, шли по дороге от направления города = от города). The girl clutched Conan's arm and he felt the terrified quivering of her supple body against his (девушка схватила руку Конана, и он почувствовал испуганную дрожь ее гибкого тела /прижавшегося/ к нему).

drew [dru:], both [bquT], already [O:l'redI]

"My lover is a — a young Turanian soldier. To spite me, Totrasmek gave him a drug that drove him mad. Tonight he snatched up a sword and came at me to slay me in his madness, but I fled from him into the streets. The Negroes seized me and brought me to this — what was that? "

Conan had already moved. Soundlessly as a shadow he drew her behind the nearest hut, beneath the straggling palms. They stood in tense stillness, while the low muttering both had heard grew louder until voices were distinguishable. A group of Negroes, some nine or ten, were coming along the road from the direction of the city. The girl clutched Conan's arm and he felt the terrified quivering of her supple body against his.

Now they could understand the gutturals of the black men (теперь они могли понять гортанные звуки черных).

"Our brothers are already assembled at the pit," said one (наши братья уже собрались у ямы, — сказал один). "We have had no luck (нам не повезло: «мы имели никакой удачи»). I hope they have enough for us (я надеюсь, они имеют достаточно для нас = у них хватит для нас)."

"Aram promised us a man," muttered another, and Conan mentally promised Aram something (Арам обещал нам мужчину, — проворчал другой, и Конан мысленно пообещал Араму кое-что).

"Aram keeps his word," grunted yet another (Арам держит свое слово, — пробурчал еще один). "Many a man we have taken from his tavern (много людей мы взяли из его таверны). But we pay him well (но мы платим ему хорошо). I myself have given him ten bales of silk I stole from my master (я сам дал ему десять тюков шелка, /которые/ я украл у моего хозяина). It was good silk, by Set (это был хороший шелк, /клянусь/ Сетом)!"

luck [lAk], could [kVd], word [wq:d]

Now they could understand the gutturals of the black men.

"Our brothers are already assembled at the pit," said one. "We have had no luck. I hope they have enough for us."

"Aram promised us a man," muttered another, and Conan mentally promised Aram something.

"Aram keeps his word," grunted yet another. "Many a man we have taken from his tavern. But we pay him well. I myself have given him ten bales of silk I stole from my master. It was good silk, by Set!"

The blacks shuffled past (черные прошаркали мимо), bare splay feet scuffing up the dust (поднимая пыль босыми косолапыми ногами), and their voices dwindled down the road (и их голоса замирали дальше по дороге; to dwindle — сокращаться, уменьшаться, убывать, истощаться).

"Well for us those corpses are lying behind these huts," muttered Conan (хорошо для нас, /что/ те трупы лежат за этими хижинами, — пробормотал Конан). "If they look in Aram's death room they'll find another (если они заглянут в комнату смерти Арама, они найдут еще одного). Let's begone (давай убираться; begone — прочь!, убирайся!)."

"Yes, let us hasten!" begged the girl, almost hysterical again (да, давай поспешим! — умоляла девушка, почти в истерике снова). "My lover is wandering somewhere in the streets alone (мой любовник бродит где-то по улицам один). The Negroes may take him (негры могут взять его)."

"A devil of a custom this is (хорошенький обычай /это/)!" growled Conan, as he led the way toward the city (взревел Конан, когда он возглавил путь к городу), paralleling the road but keeping behind the huts and straggling trees (идя параллельно дороге, но держась за хижинами и беспорядочно растущими деревьями; to straggle — быть беспорядочно разбросанным). "Why don't the citizens clean out these black dogs (почему горожане не устранят этих черных собак)?"

past [pRst], find [faInd], room [ru:m]

The blacks shuffled past, bare splay feet scuffing up the dust, and their voices dwindled down the road.

"Well for us those corpses are lying behind these huts," muttered Conan. "If they look in Aram's death room they'll find another. Let's begone."

"Yes, let us hasten!" begged the girl, almost hysterical again. "My lover is wandering somewhere in the streets alone. The Negroes may take him."

"A devil of a custom this is!" growled Conan, as he led the way toward the city, paralleling the road but keeping behind the huts and straggling trees. "Why don't the citizens clean out these black dogs?"

"They are valuable slaves," murmured the girl (они ценные рабы; value — стоимость, ценность). "There are so many of them that might revolt if they were denied the flesh for which they lust (есть так много их них, которые, возможно, восстали, если бы им отказали в мясе, которого они сильно желают). The people of Zamboula know they skulk the streets at night (люди Замбулы знаю, /что/ они крадутся по улицам ночами), and all are careful to remain within locked doors (и все осторожны, /чтобы/ оставаться = и остаются за запертыми дверями), except when something unforseen happens, as it did to me (за исключением /того/, когда случается нечто непредвиденное, как это делало = случилось со мной). The blacks prey on anything they can catch, but they seldom catch anybody but strangers (черные охотятся на все, /что/ они могут поймать, но они редко ловят кого-нибудь кроме иноземцев). The people of Zamboula are not concerned with the strangers that pass through the city (людям Замбулы нет дела до чужеземцев, которые проезжают через город; to be concerned with — беспокоиться о чем-л., быть озабоченными чем-л.).

valuable ['vxljuqbl], careful ['kFqfVl], skulk [skAlk]

"They are valuable slaves," murmured the girl. "There are so many of them that might revolt if they were denied the flesh for which they lust. The people of Zamboula know they skulk the streets at night, and all are careful to remain within locked doors, except when something unforseen happens, as it did to me. The blacks prey on anything they can catch, but they seldom catch anybody but strangers. The people of Zamboula are not concerned with the strangers that pass through the city.

"Such men as Aram Baksh sell these strangers to the blacks (такие люди, как Арам Бахш, продают чужеземцев черным). He would not dare attempt such a thing with a citizen (он бы не осмелился попробовать /сотворить/ такую вещь = такое с горожанином)."

Conan spat in disgust (Конан сплюнул в отвращении; to spit), and a moment later led his companion out into the road which was becoming a street (а секунду спустя вывел свою спутницу на дорогу, которая становилась улицей), with still, unlighted houses on each side (с тихими неосвещенными домами на каждой стороне = по обеим сторонам). Slinking in the shadows was not congenial to his nature (красться в тени было неподобающим его натуре).

"Where did you want to go?" he asked (куда ты хотела идти? — спросил он). The girl did not seem to object to his arm around her waist (девушка, казалась, не возражает его руке вокруг ее талии = чтобы его рука обнимала ее за талию).

would [wVd], citizen ['sItIzn], congenial [kqn'Gi:njql]

"Such men as Aram Baksh sell these strangers to the blacks. He would not dare attempt such a thing with a citizen."

Conan spat in disgust, and a moment later led his companion out into the road which was becoming a street, with still, unlighted houses on each side. Slinking in the shadows was not congenial to his nature.

"Where did you want to go?" he asked. The girl did not seem to object to his arm around her waist.

"To my house, to rouse my servants," she answered (в мой дом, поднять моих слуг, — ответила она). "To bid them search for my lover (приказать им разыскать моего любовника). I do not wish the city — the priests — anyone — to know of his madness (я не желаю, /чтобы/ город — жрецы — кто-либо — знал о его безумстве). He — he is a young officer with a promising future (он молодой офицер с многообещающим будущим; to promise — обещать). Perhaps we can drive this madness from him if we can find him (возможно, мы сможем вывести это сумасшествие из него, если /мы/ сможем найти его)."

"If we find him?" rumbled Conan (если мы найдем его? — прогремел Конан). "What makes you think I want to spend the night scouring the streets for a lunatic (что заставляет тебя думать = с чего ты взяла, /что/ я хочу провести ночь, обыскивая улицы ради лунатика)?"

servant ['sq:vqnt], answer [Rnsq], search [sq:C]

"To my house, to rouse my servants," she answered. "To bid them search for my lover. I do not wish the city — the priests — anyone — to know of his madness. He — he is a young officer with a promising future. Perhaps we can drive this madness from him if we can find him."

"If we find him?" rumbled Conan. "What makes you think I want to spend the night scouring the streets for a lunatic?"

She cast a quick glance into his face, and properly interpreted the gleam in his blue eyes (она бросила быстрый взгляд на его лицо и надлежащим образом истолковала огонь в его голубых глазах; to cast — бросать). Any woman could have known that he would follow her wherever she led — for a while, at least (любая женщина могла бы узнать, что он будет следовать за ней, куда бы она ни повела — по крайней мере, некоторое время; to lead — вести). But being a woman, she concealed her knowledge of that fact (но будучи женщиной, она скрыла /ее/ знание этого факта).

"Please," she began with a hint of tears in her voice, "I have no one else to ask for help — you have been kind — (пожалуйста, — начала она с намеком слез = со слезами в /ее/ голосе, — я имею никого больше, /чтобы/ попросить о помощи = мне некого больше просить о помощи — ты был добр)"

"All right!" he grunted (хорошо! — пробурчал он). "All right (хорошо)! What's the young reprobate's name (какое есть имя = как зовут молодого шельмеца; reprobate — негодяй, подлец, распутник)?"

glance [glRns], interpret [In'tq:prIt], tear [tIq]

She cast a quick glance into his face, and properly interpreted the gleam in his blue eyes. Any woman could have known that he would follow her wherever she led — for a while, at least. But being a woman, she concealed her knowledge of that fact.

"Please," she began with a hint of tears in her voice, "I have no one else to ask for help — you have been kind —"

"All right!" he grunted. "All right! What's the young reprobate's name?"

"Why — Alafdhal (ну, Алафдал). I am Zabibi, a dancing-girl (я Забиби, танцовщица). I have danced often before the satrap, Jungir Khan, and his mistress Nafertari, and before all the lords and royal ladies of Zamboula (я танцевала часто перед сатрапом Джунгир Ханом и его госпожой Нафертари, и перед всеми властителями и дамами королевской крови Замбулы). Totrasmek desired me and, because I repulsed him, he made me the innocent tool of his vengeance against Alafdhal (Тотрасмек возжелал меня, и так как я оттолкнула его, он сделал меня невинным орудием его мести Алафдалу). I asked a love potion of Totrasmek, not suspecting the depth of his guile and hate (я попросила любовный напиток у Тотрасмека, не подозревая о глубине его коварства и ненависти). He gave me a drug to mix with my lover's wine (он дал мне снадобье, /чтобы/ подмешать его к вину моего любовника), and he swore that when Alafdhal drank it, he would love me even more madly than ever and grant my every wish (и он поклялся, что когда Алафдал выпьет его, он полюбит меня еще более безумно, чем когда-либо и удовлетворит мое каждое желание). I mixed the drug secretly with my lover's wine (я тайно подмешала снадобье к вину моего любовника). But having drunk, my lover went raving mad and things came about as I have told you (но выпив, мой любовник впал в бредовое безумие, и дела произошли = все произошло /так/, как я рассказала тебе). Curse Totrasmek, the hybrid snake — ahhh (будь проклят Тотрасмек, помесь змеи — аххх)!"

often [Ofn], because [bI'kOz], grant [grRnt]

"Why — Alafdhal. I am Zabibi, a dancing-girl. I have danced often before the satrap, Jungir Khan, and his mistress Nafertari, and before all the lords and royal ladies of Zamboula. Totrasmek desired me and, because I repulsed him, he made me the innocent tool of his vengeance against Alafdhal. I asked a love potion of Totrasmek, not suspecting the depth of his guile and hate. He gave me a drug to mix with my lover's wine, and he swore that when Alafdhal drank it, he would love me even more madly than ever and grant my every wish. I mixed the drug secretly with my lover's wine. But having drunk, my lover went raving mad and things came about as I have told you. Curse Totrasmek, the hybrid snake — ahhh!"

She caught his arm convulsively and both stopped short (она судорожно поймала его руку, и оба резко остановились). They had come into a district of shops and stalls, all deserted and unlighted (они вошли в район лавок и ларьков, совершенно пустой и неосвещенный = темный; all — весь, совсем, совершенно), for the hour was late (потому что час был поздний). They were passing an alley, and in its mouth a man was standing, motionless and silent (они проходили через аллею, а в ее входе = в начале ее стоял мужчина, неподвижный и безмолвный). His head was lowered (его голова была опущена), but Conan caught the weird gleam of eery eyes regarding them unblinkingly (но Конан заметил странный блеск жутких глаз, разглядывающих их, не мигая). His skin crawled, not with fear of the sword in the man's hand (у него по коже побежали мурашки не от страха перед мечом в руке мужчины), but because of the uncanny suggestion of his posture and silence (а из-за зловещего предположения в отношении его позы и молчания). They suggested madness (они предполагали безумие). Conan pushed the girl aside and drew his sword (Конан оттолкнул девушку в сторону и вытащил свой меч).

caught [kO:t], hour ['auq], silent ['saIlqnt]

She caught his arm convulsively and both stopped short. They had come into a district of shops and stalls, all deserted and unlighted, for the hour was late. They were passing an alley, and in its mouth a man was standing, motionless and silent. His head was lowered, but Conan caught the wierd gleam of eery eyes regarding them unblinkingly. His skin crawled, not with fear of the sword in the man's hand, but because of the uncanny suggestion of his posture and silence. They suggested madness. Conan pushed the girl aside and drew his sword.

"Don't kill him!" she begged (не убивай его! — умоляла она). "In the name of Set, do not slay him (во имя Сета не убивай его)! You are strong — overpower him (ты сильный — одолей его)!"

"We'll see," he muttered, grasping his sword in his right hand and clenching his left into a mallet-like fist (/мы/ посмотрим, — проворчал он, зажимая свой меч в /его/ правой руке и сжимая свою левую в молотоподобный кулак = кулак-молот).

He took a wary step toward the alley — and with a horrible moaning laugh the Tauranian charged (он сделал осторожный шаг в сторону аллеи — и со страшным стонущим смехом тауранец напал). As he came he swung his sword, rising on his toes (когда он подходил, он размахивал своим мечом, поднимаясь на носки) as he put all the power of his body behind the blows (когда он вкладывал = вкладывая всю силу своего тела за = в удары; to put — класть, вкладывать). Sparks flashed blue (искры вспыхнули голубым = вспыхнули голубые искры) as Conan parried the blade (когда Конан парировал клинок), and the next instant the madman was stretched senseless in the dust from a thundering buffet of Conan's left fist (и в следующее мгновение безумец распростерся без чувств в пыли от оглушающего удара левого кулака Конана).

grasp [grRsp], toe [tqu], power ['pauq]

"Don't kill him!" she begged. "In the name of Set, do not slay him! You are strong — overpower him!"

"We'll see," he muttered, grasping his sword in his right hand and clenching his left into a mallet-like fist.

He took a wary step toward the alley — and with a horrible moaning laugh the Tauranian charged. As he came he swung his sword, rising on his toes as he put all the power of his body behind the blows. Sparks flashed blue as Conan parried the blade, and the next instant the madman was stretched senseless in the dust from a thundering buffet of Conan's left fist.

The girl ran forward (девушка выбежала вперед; to run forward — выбежать вперед).

"Oh, he is not — he is not — (о, он не — он не…)"

Conan bent swiftly, turned the man on his side (Конан быстро наклонился, перевернул мужчину на /его/ бок), and ran quick fingers over him (и пробежал быстрыми пальцами по нему = быстро ощупал его пальцами).

"He's not hurt much," he grunted (он не очень ушиблен, — пробормотал он). "Bleeding at the nose, but anybody's likely to do that (кровотечение у = из носа, но у любого пойдет: «кто угодно будет вероятно делать это»), after a clout on the jaw (после затрещины в челюсть; clout — сильный удар, затрещина). He'll come to after a bit, and maybe his mind will be right (он придет в себя через некоторое время, и, возможно, его разум будет в порядке). In the meantime I'll tie his wrists with his sword belt — so (тем временем я свяжу его запястья его поясом для меча — вот так). Now where do you wnt me to take him (теперь куда ты хочешь, чтобы я отнес его: «куда ты хочешь меня отнести его»)?"

forward ['fO:wqd], hurt [hq:t], jaw [GO:]

The girl ran forward.

"Oh, he is not — he is not —"

Conan bent swiftly, turned the man on his side, and ran quick fingers over him.

"He's not hurt much," he grunted. "Bleeding at the nose, but anybody's likely to do that, after a clout on the jaw. He'll come to after a bit, and maybe his mind will be right. In the meantime I'll tie his wrists with his sword belt — so. Now where do you want me to take him?"

"Wait (подожди)!" She knelt beside the senseless figure, seized the bound hands, and scanned them avidly (она встала на колени возле бесчувственной фигуры, схватила связанные руки и жадно осмотрела их). Then, shaking her head as if in baffled disappointment, she rose (затем тряхнув /своей/ головой, словно в недоуменном разочаровании, она поднялась). She came close to the giant Cimmerian and laid her slender hands on his arching breast (она подошла близко к гигантскому киммерийцу и положила свои тонкие руки на его аркоподобную = выпуклую грудь). Her dark eyes, like wet black jewels in the starlight, gazed up into his (ее темные глаза, как сырые черные драгоценные камни в свете звезд, пристально всмотрелись /вверх/ в его /глаза/).

"You are a man (ты мужчина)! Help me (помоги мне)! Totrasmek must die (Тотрасмек должен умереть)! Slay him for me (убей его ради меня)!"

"And put my neck into a Turanian noose?" he grunted (и сунуть мою шею в туранскую петлю? — проворчал он).

knelt [nelt], seize [si:z], jewel ['Gu:ql]

"Wait!" She knelt beside the senseless figure, seized the bound hands, and scanned them avidly. Then, shaking her head as if in baffled disappointment, she rose. She came close to the giant Cimmerian and laid her slender hands on his arching breast. Her dark eyes, like wet black jewels in the starlight, gazed up into his.

"You are a man! Help me! Totrasmek must die! Slay him for me!"

"And put my neck into a Turanian noose?" he grunted.

"Nay!" The slender arms, strong as pliant steel, were around his corded neck (нет! — тонкие руки, сильные как гибкая сталь, были вокруг его узловатой шеи). Her supple body throbbed against his (ее податливое тело пульсировало рядом с его = прижавшись к его телу). "The Hyrkanians have no love for Totrasmek (гирканийцы не имеют = не испытывают любви к Тотрасмеку). The priests of Set fear him (жрецы Сета боятся его). He is a mongrel, who rules men by fear and superstition (он полукровка, который правит людьми с помощью страха и суеверия). I worship Set, and the Turanians bow to Erlik, but Totrasmek sacrifices to Hanuman the accursed (я поклоняюсь Сету, а тауранцы кланяются Эрлику, однако Тотрасмек приносит жертвы Хануману проклятому)! The Turanian lords fear his black arts and his power over the hybrid popularion, and they hate him (туранская знать боится его черной магии и его власти над разноплеменным населением). Even Jungir Khan and his mistress Nafertari fear and hate him (даже Джунгир Хан и его госпожа Нафертари боятся и ненавидят его). If he were slain in his temple at night, they would not seek his slayer very closely (если бы он был убит в своем храме ночью, они бы не искали его убийцу очень тщательно; to slay — убивать, уничтожать, лишать жизни)."

love [lAv], rule [ru:l], hybrid ['haIbrId]

"Nay!" The slender arms, strong as pliant steel, were around his corded neck. Her supple body throbbed against his. "The Hyrkanians have no love for Totrasmek. The priests of Set fear him. He is a mongrel, who rules men by fear and superstition. I worship Set, and the Turanians bow to Erlik, but Totrasmek sacrifices to Hanuman the accursed! The Turanian lords fear his black arts and his power over the hybrid popularion, and they hate him. Even Jungir Khan and his mistress Nafertari fear and hate him. If he were slain in his temple at night, they would not seek his slayer very closely."

"And what of his magic?" rumbled the Cimmerian (а что насчет его магии? — прогрохотал киммериец).

"You are a fighting man," she answered (ты боец, — ответила она; to fight — сражаться, драться). "To risk your life is part of your profession (рисковать своей жизнью /есть/ часть твоей профессии)."

"For a price," he admitted (за цену = плату, — признал он).

"There will be a price!" she breathed, rising on tiptoes, to gaze into his eyes (будет плата! — прошептала она, поднимаясь на цыпочки, /чтобы/ заглянуть в его глаза).

The nearness of her vibrant body drove a flame through his veins (близость ее трепещущего тела, погнала огонь по его венам). The perfume of her breath mounted to his brain (аромат ее дыхания ударил в /его/ голову). But as his arms closed about her supple figure she avoided them with a lithe movement (но когда его руки сомкнулись на ее гибкой фигурке, она ускользнула /от/ них гибким движением), saying: "Wait! First serve me in this matter (сказав: погоди! Сначала послужи мне в этом деле)."

"Name your price (назови свою цену)." He spoke with some difficulty (он говорил с /неким/ трудом).

breath [breT], mount [maunt], spoke [spquk]

"And what of his magic?" rumbled the Cimmerian.

"You are a fighting man," she answered. "To risk your life is part of your profession."

"For a price," he admitted.

"There will be a price!" she breathed, rising on tiptoes, to gaze into his eyes.

The nearness of her vibrant body drove a flame through his veins. The perfume of her breath mounted to his brain. But as his arms closed about her supple figure she avoided them with a lithe movement, saying: "Wait! First serve me in this matter."

"Name your price." He spoke with some difficulty.

"Pick up my lover," she directed, and the Cimmerian stooped and swung the tall form easily to his broad shoulder (подними моего любовника, — приказала она, и киммериец нагнулся и забросил высокую фигуру легко на свое широкое плечо). At the moment he felt as if he could have toppled over Jungir Khan's palace with equal ease (в этот момент он почувствовал себя /так/, словно /он/ мог бы опрокинуть дворец Джунгир Хана с равной легкостью). The girl murmured an endearment to the unconscious man (девушка прошептала нежность бессознательному мужчине), and there was no hypocrisy in her attitude (и /не/ было никакого лицемерия в ее отношении). She obviously loved Alafdhal sincerely (она очевидно любила Алафдала искренне). Whatever business arrangement she made with Conan would have no bearing on her relationship with Alafdhal (какое бы деловое соглашение она не заключила с Конаном, /оно/ бы никак не повлияло на ее отношения с Алафдалом; to have a bearing on — влиять на, иметь отношение к). Women are more practical about these things than men (женщины более практичны в этих делах, чем мужчины).

tall [tO:l], easily ['i:zIlI], equal ['i:kwql]

"Pick up my lover," she directed, and the Cimmerian stooped and swung the tall form easily to his broad shoulder. At the moment he felt as if he could have toppled over Jungir Khan's palace with equal ease. The girl murmured an endearment to the unconscious man, and there was no hypocrisy in her attitude. She obviously loved Alafdhal sincerely. Whatever business arrangement she made with Conan would have no bearing on her relationship with Alafdhal. Women are more practical about these things than men.

"Follow me (иди за мной)!" She hurried along the street, while the Cimmerian strode easily after her (она поспешила по улице, в то время как киммериец шагал легко за ней), in no way discomforted by his limp burden (никоим образом не стесненный своей безвольной ношей). He kept a wary eye out for black shadows skulking under arches but saw nothing suspicious (он осторожно высматривал черные тени, крадущиеся под арками, но /не/ увидел ничего подозрительного; to keep an eye — присматривать, следить). Doubtless the men of Darfar were all gathered at the roasting pit (несомненно, все люди из Дарфара собрались у ямы для поджаривания; doubt — сомнение). The girl turned down a narrow side street and presently knocked cautiously at an arched door (девушка свернула в боковую улочку и теперь постучала осторожно в дверь под аркой).

wary ['wFqrI], doubtless ['dautlIs], saw [sO:]

"Follow me!" She hurried along the street, while the Cimmerian strode easily after her, in no way discomforted by his limp burden. He kept a wary eye out for black shadows skulking under arches but saw nothing suspicious. Doubtless the men of Darfar were all gathered at the roasting pit. The girl turned down a narrow side street and presently knocked cautiously at an arched door.

Almost instantly a wicket opened in the upper panel and a black face glanced out (почти мгновенно открылось окошечко в верхней секции /двери/, и черное лицо выглянуло наружу). She bent close to the opening, whispering swiftly (она склонилась близко к отверстию, быстро прошептав /что-то/). Bolts creaked in their sockets, and the door opened (засовы скрипнули в их гнездах, и дверь открылась). A giant black man stood framed against the soft glow of a copper lamp (гигантский негр стоял /в рамке/ на фоне мягкого света медной лампы). A quick glance showed Conan the man was not from Darfar (быстрый взгляд показал Конану, /что/ мужчина был не из Дарфара). His teeth were unfiled and his kinky hair was cropped close to his skull (его зубы не были обточены, а его курчавые волосы были пострижены коротко: «близко к его черепу»). He was from the Wadai (он был из Вадая).

giant ['GaIqnt], teeth [ti:T], was [wOz]

Дата добавления: 2015-07-17