Всадник без головы / The Headless Horseman

The structure was in shadow, a little retired among the trees; as if the site had been chosen with a view to concealment. It could have been seen but by one passing along the bank of the stream; and then only with the observer directly in front of it. Its rude style of architecture, and russet hue, contributed still further to its inconspicuousness.

The house was a mere cabin – with only a single aperture, the door – if we except the flue of a chimney. The doorway had a door, a light framework of wood, with a horse-skin stretched over it.

In the rear was an open shed, around this was a small enclosure.

A still more extensive enclosure, extended rearward from the cabin, terminating against the bluff. Its turf tracked and torn by numerous hoof-prints told of its use: a “corral”[15] for wild horses – mustangs.

The interior of the hut was not without some show of neatness and comfort. The sheeting of mustang-skins covered the walls. The furniture consisted of a bed, a couple of stools and a rude table. Something like a second sleeping place appeared in a remote corner.

What was least to be expected in such a place, was a shelf containing about a score of books, with pens, ink, and also a newspaper lying upon the table.

Further proofs of civilization presented themselves in the shape of a large leathern portmanteau, a double-barrelled gun, a drinking cup, a hunter’s horn, and a dog-call.

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Примечания

1

train – обоз

2

carriole – легкий крытый экипаж

3

the ten of spades – пиковая десятка

4

half-score – десять

5

blood-bay – гнедой

6

rancher – хозяин ранчо

7

a man of heroic mould – герой девичьих грез

8

creole – креолка (потомок выходцев из Франции, Испании или Португалии, рожденный в одном из бывших владений этих стран в Америке)

9

cypress – кипарис

10

pink of perfection – верх совершенства

11

norther – сильный северный ветер

12

Cimmerian darkness – непроглядный мрак

13

mustanger – охотник за дикими лошадьми (мустангами)

14

Satan himself, astride a Tartarean steed – сам сатана верхом на адском коне

15

corral – загон для скота