CHAPTER 28 IN WHICH PASSEPARTOUT DOES NOT SUCCEED IN MAKING ANYBODY LISTEN TO REASON. 第二十八章 所有人都不愿倾听路路通的解释
The train, on leaving Great Salt Lake at Ogden, passed northward for an hour as far as Weber River, having completed nearly nine hundred miles from San Francisco. From this point it took an easterly direction towards the jagged Wahsatch Mountains. It was in the section included between this range and the Rocky Mountains that the American engineers found the most formidable difficulties in laying the road, and that the government granted a subsidy of forty-eight thousand dollars per mile, instead of sixteen thousand allowed for the work done the plains. But the engineers, instead of violating nature, avoided its difficulties by winding around, instead of penetrating the rocks. One tunnel only, fourteen thousand feet in length, was pierced in order to arrive at the great basin.
火车离开了奥格登的盐湖城，向北行驶1小时，到达韦伯河。从离开旧金山到现在，火车已经行驶了将近900英里。火车从这里向东，朝蜿蜒的瓦萨琪山脉驶去。美国火车司机正是在瓦萨琪山脉和落基山脉之间遇到了道路铺设中最大的困难。因此政府拨放了每英里48,000美元的资助，而平原作业时只需每英里16,000美元。但火车司机们并没有改变自然地势，而是绕弯路避开了困难，而不是穿透岩石。他们只是打通一条长14,000英尺的隧道以便到达大盆地。
The track up to this time had reached its highest elevation at the Great Salt Lake. From this point it described a long curve, descending towards Bitter Creek Valley, to rise again to the dividing ridge of the waters between the Atlantic and the Pacific. There were many creeks in this mountainous region, and it was necessary to cross Muddy Creek, Green Creek and others, upon culverts.
铁轨在盐湖城已经到达最高点。从这里出发，铁路会呈一个长曲线状，先向下到苦溪山谷，再向上到达大西洋和太平洋的分水岭。这个山区有很多河流，所以铁路必须穿越涵洞上面的泥水河、绿水河以及别的河流。
Passepartout grew more and more impatient as they went on, while Fix longed to get out of this difficult region, and was more anxious than Phileas Fogg himself to be beyond the danger of delays and accidents, and set foot on English soil.
路路通在他们前进的过程中越来越没有耐心了。菲克斯希望赶紧走出这片艰难地带，他比菲利斯·福格本人更急于踏上英国的土地，生怕有什么耽搁或出什么意外。
At ten oclock at night the train, stopped at Fort Bridger station, and twenty minutes later entered Wyoming Territory, following the valley of Bitter Creek throughout. The next day, December 7th, they stopped for a quarter of an hour at Green River station. Snow had fallen abundantly during the night, but, being mixed with rain, it had half melted, and did not interrupt their progress. The bad weather, however, annoyed Passepartout; for the accumulation of snow, by blocking the wheels of the cars, would certainly have been fatal to Mr Foggs tour.
晚上10点钟，火车停在布里杰堡车站，20分钟后进入怀俄明地区，沿着苦溪山谷前进。第二天，12月7号，他们在绿水河车站停留了15分钟。夜晚突然下起了大雪，但是因为还夹着雨，雪已经融化了一半，不会影响他们的行程。然而，对于这糟糕的天气，路路通很生气，因为积雪挡住了车轮，肯定会对福格先生的旅行不利。
What an idea! he said to himself. Why did my master make this journey in winter? Couldnt he have waited for the good season to increase his chances?’
“什么想法啊！”他自言自语道，“我的主人为什么要在冬天旅行？等到好点的季节不是更可能成功吗？”
While the worthy Frenchman was absorbed in the state of the sky and the depression of the temperature, Aouda was experiencing fears from a totally different cause.
当这个忠实的法国人担心天气状况和下降的温度时，艾娥达却在为另外一件事感到恐慌。
Several passengers had got off at Green Fiver, and were walking up and down the platforms; and among these Aouda recognized Colonel Stamp Proctor, the same who had so grossly insulted Phileas Fogg at the San Francisco meeting. Not wishing to be recognized, the young woman drew back from the window, feeling much alarm at her discovery. She was attached to the man who, however coldly, gave her daily evidences of the most absolute devotion. She did not comprehend, perhaps, the depth of the sentiment with which her protector inspired her, which she called gratitude, but which, though she was unconscious of it, was really more than that. Her heart sank within her when she recognized the man whom Mr Fogg desired, sooner or later, to call to account for his conduct. Chance alone, it was clear, had brought Colonel Proctor on this train; but there he was, and it was necessary, at all hazards, that Phileas Fogg should not perceive his adversary.
几个乘客在绿水河下了车，正来来回回地在站台上走动。艾娥达认出了人群中的斯坦普·普罗克特上校，就是曾经在旧金山集会中极大侮辱了菲利斯·福格的那个人。这位年轻的女士不希望自己被对方认出来，就从窗户边退回来，她对自己的这个发现感到非常惊恐。她很关心福格先生。无论他外表多么冷酷，但他每天都在无微不至地照顾着她。她也许不明白自己的保护者激起她心中多深的感情，她将这种感情称之为感激。但她没有意识到，这种感情实际上不仅是感激。当她认出普罗克特上校时，她的心顿时沉了下去。福格先生迟早要找这个人算账。显然，普罗克特上校乘坐这列火车，纯属巧合。但是他已经在这里了，因此，无论如何都不能让菲利斯·福格发现他的对头。
Aouda seized a moment when Mr Fogg was asleep to tell Fix and Passepartout whom she had seen.
艾娥达趁着福格先生睡觉时，把她看到普罗克特上校的事告诉了菲克斯和路路通。
That Proctor on this train! cried Fix. Well, reassure yourself, madam: before he settles with Mr Fogg, he has got to deal with me! It seems to me that I was the more insulted of the two.’
“那个上校在这辆火车上！”菲克斯喊道，“好了，请放心，夫人，如果他要对付福格先生，就必须得先应付我！在我看来，我可比福格先生受的侮辱更多。”
And besides, added Passepartout, Ill take charge of him, colonel as he is.’
“此外，”路路通补充道，“我也会制服他，尽管他是个上校。”
Mr Fix, resumed Aouda, Mr Fogg will allow no one to avenge him. He said that he would come back to America to find this man. Should he perceive Colonel Proctor, we could not prevent a collision which might have terrible results. He must not see him.
“菲克斯先生，”艾娥达继续说，“福格先生不会允许任何人为他报仇。他说他会回美国找这个人算账。如果他发现了普罗克特上校，我们将无法阻止他们发生冲突，而这可能会有十分严重的后果。决不能让福格先生看到他。”
You are right, madam, replied Fix, a meeting between them might ruin all. Whether he were victorious or beaten, Mr Fogg would be delayed, and—’
“你是对的，夫人，”菲克斯回答道，“他们要是碰了面，一切就都完了。无论福格先生胜利还是失败，他都会被耽搁，而且——”
And, added Passepartout, that would play the game of the gentlemen of the Reform Club. In four days we shall be in New York. Well, if my master does not leave this car during those four days, we may hope that chance will not bring him face to face with this confounded American. We must, if possible, prevent his stirring out of it.
“而且，”路路通补充道，“那将对改良俱乐部的绅士们有利。4天后我们就要到纽约了。好了，如果我的主人在4天中不离开这节车厢，他就有可能不和这个讨厌的美国人正面接触。如果可能的话，我们必须阻止他走出车厢，以免惹麻烦。”
The conversation dropped. Mr Fogg had just woken up, and was looking out of the window. Soon after Passepartout, without being heard by his master or Aouda, whispered to the detective, Would you really fight for him?
谈话停止了。福格先生已经醒了，正朝窗外看。不久，路路通没有让他的主人或艾娥达听到，轻声对侦探说：“你真的会为福格先生打架吗？”
I would do anything, replied Fix, in a tone which betrayed determined will, to get him back living to Europe!
“为了让他回到欧洲，我可以做任何事。”菲克斯回答说，语气中透着坚定。
Passepartout felt something like a shudder shoot through his frame, but his confidence in his master remained unbroken.
路路通觉得身上似乎打了个冷颤，但他对其主人的信心依然没有动摇。
Was there any means of detaining Mr Fogg in the car, to avoid a meeting between him and the colonel? It ought not to be a difficult task, since that gentleman was naturally sedentary and little curious. The detective, at least, seemed to have found a way; for, after a few moments, he said to Mr Fogg, These are long and slow hours, sir, that we are passing on the railway.
有什么方法能让福格先生呆在车厢里、不和那个上校碰面吗？这个任务并不算很难，因为这位绅士天生爱静，几乎没什么好奇心。至少，看起来侦探已经找到一种方法。过了一会儿，他对福格先生说：“先生，一直都坐在火车上，时间可过得真慢啊。”
Yes, replied Mr Fogg, but they pass.
“是的，”菲利斯·福格回答道，“但总会过去的。”
You were in the habit of playing whist, resumed Fix, on the steamers.
“您在船上的时候常玩惠斯特牌。”菲克斯继续说。
Yes; but it would be difficult to do so here. I have neither cards nor partners.
“是的，但在这里就很难玩了。我既没有牌也没有牌友。”
Oh, but we can easily buy some cards, for they are sold on all the American trains. And as for partners, if madam plays—’
“哦，但我们能很容易买到牌，因为所有的美国火车上都卖这种牌。至于牌友，如果夫人玩的话——”
Certainly, sir, Aouda quickly replied, I understand whist. It is part of an English education.
“当然，先生。”艾娥达很快回答道，“我会玩惠斯特牌。这是英国教育的一部分。”
I myself have some pretensions to playing a good game. Well, here are three of us, and a dummy—’
“我自认为能玩得很好。好了，现在有我们三个了，还空着一位——”
As you please, sir, replied Phileas Fogg, heartily glad to resume his favourite pastime—even on the railway.
“先生，如果您愿意，咱们就开始吧。”菲利斯·福格回答说，能玩自己最喜爱的惠斯特牌，他也由衷地高兴——即使是在火车上。
Passepartout was despatched in search of the steward, and soon returned with two packs of cards, some pins, counters, and a shelf covered with cloth.
路路通出去找乘务员，很快就带回来两副牌、一些筹码、计数器和一张盖着桌布的架子。
The game commenced. Aouda, understood whist sufficiently well, and even received some compliments on her playing from Mr Fogg. As for the detective, he was simply an adept, and worthy of being matched against his present opponent.
游戏开始了。艾娥达惠斯特牌打得很好，甚至连福格先生都对她打牌的技艺大加赞扬。至于侦探，他真是位高手，足以和福格先生相匹敌。
Now, thought Passepartout, weve got him. He wont budge.’
路路通想：“现在，我们总算是拖住他了。他不会走动了。”
At eleven in the morning the train had reached the dividing ridge of the waters at Bridger Pass, seven thousand five hundred and twenty-four feet above the level of the sea, one of the highest points attained by the track in crossing the Rocky Mountains. After going about two hundred miles, the travellers at last found themselves on one of those vast plains which extend to the Atlantic, and which nature has made so propitious for laying the iron road.
上午11点，火车到达布里杰堡的分水岭，这里海拔7524英尺，是铁路穿越落基山脉时达到的最高点之一。火车行驶约200英里后，旅客们终于到了向大西洋延伸的一片广袤平原上。在这里铺设铁路，自然条件十分有利。
On the declivity of the Atlantic basin the first streams, branches of the North Platte River, already appeared. The whole northern and eastern horizon was bounded by the immense semicircular curtain which is formed by the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, the highest being Laramie Peak. Between this and the railway extended vast plains, plentifully irrigated. On the right rose the lower spurs of the mountainous mass which extends southward to the sources of the Arkansas River, one of the great tributaries of the Missouri.
在大西洋盆地的斜坡上，第一次出现了一些河流，那是北普拉特河的支流。整个北部和东部的地平线都被巨大的半圆形帷幕覆盖起来。这帷幕其实是落基山脉南面的群山形成的，最高处是拉勒米峰。在这群山与铁路之间延伸着广袤的平原，江河纵横，使平原得以充分灌溉。铁路右边矗立着较低的群山山峦。群山向南延伸到达密苏里河的一条巨大的支流，阿肯色河的发源地。
At half-past twelve the travellers caught sight for an instant of Fort Halleck, which commands that section; and in a few more hours the Rocky Mountains were crossed. There was reason to hope, then, that no accident would mark the journey through this difficult country. The snow had ceased falling, and the air became crisp and cold. Large birds, frightened by the locomotive, rose and flew off in the distance. No wild beast appeared on the plain. It was a desert in its vast nakedness.
12点半，旅客们看到了统领整个地区的哈利克堡。又过了几小时后，火车穿越了落基山脉。那么，人们有理由希望可以安全地穿越这一艰难地区了。雪已经停了，天气变得极其寒冷。大鸟们受到了火车的惊吓，起身飞到了远处。平原上没有出现任何野兽。那是一片空旷的荒原。
After a comfortable breakfast, served in the car, Mr Fogg and his partners had just resumed whist, when a violent whistling was heard, and the train stopped. Passepartout put his head out of the door, but saw nothing to cause the delay; no station was in view.
福格先生和他的牌友们在车厢里享用了可口的早餐之后，继续玩着惠斯特牌。就在这时，人们听到一声巨大的汽笛声，火车停了下来。路路通将脑袋探出门外，却没有看到任何阻碍火车的东西，也看不到任何车站。
Aouda and Fix feared that Mr Fogg might take it into his head to get out; but that gentleman contented himself with saying to his servant, See what is the matter.
艾娥达和菲克斯担心福格先生可能会下车，但这位绅士只是高兴地对他的仆人说：“去看看是怎么回事。”
Passepartout rushed out of the car. Thirty or forty passengers had already descended, amongst them Colonel Stamp proctor.
路路通冲出了车厢。三四十位乘客都下了车，斯坦普·普罗克特上校也在其中。
The train had stopped before a red signal which blocked the way. The engineer and conductor were talking excitedly with a signal-man, whom the station-master at Medicine Bow, the next stopping place, had sent on before. The passengers drew around and took part in the discussion, in which Colonel Proctor, with his insolent manner, was conspicuous.
火车在一个禁止通行的红色信号前停了下来。火车司机和列车长正与一名信号工激烈地争论着。信号工是下一站梅迪西湾的站长之前派来的。乘客们在四周围着，加入到了争论中。普罗克特上校就在其中，他举止傲慢，非常显眼。
Passepartout, joining the group, heard the signalman say, No! you cant pass. The bridge at Medicine Bow is shaky, and would not bear the weight of the train.’
路路通加入到人群中，听到信号工说：“不！你们不能通过。梅迪西湾的桥摇摇欲坠，无法承受火车的重量。”
This was a suspension-bridge thrown over some rapids, about a mile from the place where they now were. According to the signal-man, it was in a ruinous condition, several of the iron wires being broken; and it was impossible to risk the passage. He did not in any way exaggerate the condition of the bridge. It may be taken for granted that, rash as the Americans usually are, when they are prudent there is good reason for it.
这座桥是激流上悬着的一座吊桥，距离他们目前的位置约1英里。据信号工说，这座桥就要倒塌了，上面几条铁锁已经断了，不可能冒险通过。他一点都没有夸大那座桥的状况。可以理所当然地认为，尽管美国人通常比较鲁莽，但当他们谨慎的时候，理由也会相当充分。
Passepartout, not daring to apprise his master of what he heard, listened with set teeth, immovable as a statue.
路路通不敢告诉主人自己所听到的事。他像雕像一样一动不动，咬着牙听别人争论。
Hum! cried Colonel Proctor but we are not going to stay here, I imagine, and take root in the snow?
“嘿！”普罗克特上校喊道,“难道我们要在这里呆着，在雪里扎根？”
Colonel, replied the conductor, we have telegraphed to Omaha for a train, but it is not likely that it will reach Medicine Bow in less than six hours.”
“上校，”列车长回答说，“我们已经给奥马哈发电报要了一辆火车，但这辆火车到达梅迪西湾至少要6个小时。”
Six hours! cried Passepartout.
“6个小时！”路路通喊道。
Certainly, returned the conductor. Besides, it will take us as long as that to reach Medicine Bow on foot.
“当然。”列车长回答道，“再说，我们就是步行到梅迪西湾，也得用同样长的时间。”
But it is only a mile from here, said one of the passengers.
“但梅迪西湾离这里只有1英里呀。”一位乘客说道。
Yes, but its on the other side of the river.’
“是的，但它在河对岸。”
And cant we cross that in a boat? asked the colonel.
“可我们不能坐船过河吗？”上校问。
Thats impossible. The creek is swelled by the rains. It is a rapid, and we shall have to make a circuit of ten miles to the north to find a ford.’
“那不可能。因为下雨，河水已经涨起来了。那是个激流，我们只能绕行10英里去北面找一个浅滩。”
The colonel launched a volley of oaths, denouncing the railway company and the conductor; and Passepartout, who was furious, was not disinclined to make common cause with him. Here was an obstacle, indeed, which all his masters bank-notes could not remove.
上校开始一阵咒骂，斥责铁路公司和列车长。路路通也非常生气，差点就和那上校一起上阵了。这的确是个障碍，即使拿出他主人所有的钞票，也无法解决。
There was a general disappointment among the passengers, who, without reckoning the delay, saw themselves compelled to trudge fifteen miles over a plain covered with snow. They grumbled and protested, and would certainly have thus attracted Phileas Foggs attention if he had not been completely absorbed in his game.
乘客们都非常失望，就算不考虑耽搁的时间，也得在冰雪覆盖的平原上艰难跋涉15英里。他们嘟囔着，抗议着。要不是菲利斯·福格在专心玩惠斯特牌，这些喊叫声肯定会引起他的注意。
Passepartout found that he could not avoid telling his master what had occurred, and, with hanging head he was turning towards the car, when the engineer—a true Yankee, named Forster—called out, Gentlemen, perhaps there is a way, after all, to get over.
路路通觉得必须将所发生的事情告诉主人。于是，他耷拉着脑袋，走向车厢。就在这时，火车司机——一个真正的美国人，名叫福斯特——大声喊道：“先生们，也许有一种办法可以通过。”
On the bridge? asked a passenger.
“走桥上？”一位乘客问。
On the bridge.
“走桥上。”
With our train?
“坐着火车？”
With our train.
“坐着火车。”
Passepartout stopped short, and eagerly listened to the engineer.
路路通突然停下，急切地想听火车司机说话。
But the bridge is unsafe, urged the conductor.
“但桥不安全。”列车长力劝道。
No matter, replied Forster, I think that by putting on the very highest speed we might have a chance of getting over.
“没事，”福斯特回答说，“我想将列车开到最大速度，我们也许可能过去。”
The devil! muttered Passepartout.
“天哪！”路路通嘟囔道。
But a number of the passengers were at once attracted by the engineers proposal, and Colonel Proctor was especially delighted, and found the plan a very feasible one. He told stories about engineers leaping their trains over rivers without bridges, by putting on full steam; and many of those present avowed themselves of the engineers mind.
但许多乘客立刻就为火车司机的建议所吸引，普罗克特上校尤为高兴，认为这个计划非常可行。他讲了些故事，说有些火车司机通过把火车开到全速来飞跃没有桥梁的河流。于是那些在场的人有许多都同意火车司机的想法。
We have fifty chances out of a hundred of getting over, said one.
“我们有50%的几率可以过去。”一个人说。
Eighty! Ninety!
“80%！90%!”
Passepartout was astounded, and, though ready to attempt anything to get over Medicine Creek, thought the experiment proposed a little too American. Besides, thought he, theres a still more simple way, and it does not even occur to any of these people! “Sir, said he aloud to one of the passengers, the engineers plan seems to me a little dangerous, but—’
路路通惊呆了。尽管他也想以一切手段渡过梅迪西河，却认为火车司机提出的这个实验方案未免有点太冒险了。另外，他想，有一种更加简单的方式，可这些人中甚至没有一个人会想到。“先生，”路路通大声对一名乘客说，“火车司机的计划在我看来有点危险，但——”
Eighty chances! replied the passenger, turning his back on him.
“80%的可能性！”那名乘客回答道，转身走了。
I know it, said Passepartout, turning to another passenger, but a simple idea—’
“我知道，”路路通说着，转向另一名乘客，“一种简单的想法——”
Ideas are no use, returned the American, shrugging his shoulders, as the engineer assures us that we can pass.
“想法没用，”那位美国人耸了耸肩，回答说，“因为火车司机会确保我们通过。”
Doubtless, urged Passepartout, we can pass, but perhaps it would be more prudent—’
“毫无疑问，”路路通极力劝说着，“我们可以通过，但更谨慎些的话，也许可以——”
What! Prudent! cried Colonel Proctor, whom this word seemed to excite prodigiously. At full speed, dont you see, at full speed!’
“什么！谨慎！”普罗克特上校喊道，这话显然大大激怒了他，“以全速，你不明白吗，以全速！”
I know—I see, repeated Passepartout, but it would be, if not more prudent, since that word displeases you, at least more natural—’
“我知道——我明白，”路路通重复道，“如果‘更加谨慎’这句话让您不高兴，那我至少可以说更为自然吧——”
Who! What! Whats the matter with this fellow? cried several.
“这是谁呀！说什么呢！这家伙怎么回事？”几个人喊道。
The poor fellow did not know to whom to address himself.
这个可怜的家伙，不知道该对谁说话了。
Are you afraid? asked Colonel Proctor.
“你害怕了吗？”普罗克特上校问。
I afraid! Very well; I will show these people that a Frenchman can be as American as they!
“我害怕！很好，我会让这些人看看，法国人也可以像美国人一样敢于冒险！”
All aboard! cried the conductor.
“全部上车！”列车长喊道。
Yes, all aboard! repeated Passepartout, and immediately. But they cant prevent me from thinking that it would be more natural for us to cross the bridge on foot, and let the train come after!’
“是的，全部上车！”路路通马上重复道。“但他们不能阻止我有自己的想法，对我们来说，旅客们先步行过桥，火车随后再过去，这才是更合理的！”
But no one heard this sage reflection, nor would anyone have acknowledged its justice. The passengers resumed their places in the cars. Passepartout took his seat without telling what had passed. The whist-players were quite absorbed in their game.
但没有人听到这位圣人的想法，也没有任何人承认这个想法合理。乘客们重新回到车厢里，坐到自己的的座位上。路路通坐下来，却没有说所发生的事情。惠斯特牌友们正专心致志地打着牌。
The locomotive whistled vigorously; the engineer, reversing the steam, backed the train for nearly a mile—retiring, like a jumper, in order to take a longer leap. Then, with another whistle, he began to move forward; the train increased its speed, and soon its rapidity became frightful; a prolonged screech issued from the locomotive; the piston worked up and down twenty strokes to the second. They perceived that the whole train, rushing on at the rate of a hundred miles an hour, hardly bore upon the rails at all.
火车头发出响亮的汽笛声。火车司机打开汽门，将火车后退了近1英里——就像一名跳远者一样，退后是为了跳得更远。然后，随着另一声汽笛声，火车开始前进。火车不断加速，很快它的速度大得可怕，只听得火车头发出一声长长的呼啸声，活塞每秒钟来回运动20次。他们看到整列火车以每小时100英里的速度疾驰着，简直快挨不到铁轨了。
And they passed over! It was like a flash. No one saw the bridge. The train leaped, so to speak, from one bank to the other, and the engineer could not stop it until it had gone five miles beyond the station. But scarcely had the train passed the river, when the bridge, completely ruined, fell with a crash into the rapids of Medicine Bow.
他们通过了！这真像一道闪电。没有人看到那座桥。可以说，火车从岸的一边飞到了另一边，直到火车越过车站5英里后，火车司机才将它停下来。但火车刚一过了河，桥就完全坍塌，随着一声巨响掉进了梅迪西湾的激流中。
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