“Certainly. (「もちろんだ) That is easily managed. (それは簡単にやれる) One other point. (別の点だが) I should much like to have a few details about this matter (僕はこの事件のいくつかの詳細について) from the lips of Jonathan Small himself. (ジョナサン・スモール自身の口から是非聞きたい) You know I like to work the details of my cases out. (君は僕が事件を詳細まで調べたいのを知っているだろう) There is no objection (異論はないだろう) to my having an unofficial interview with him, (僕が非公式に彼の話を聞く機会を持つことに) either here in my rooms or elsewhere, (この僕の部屋かどこかで) as long as he is efficiently guarded?” (彼がきちんと保護されているかぎり」)

“Well, (「まあ) you are master of the situation. (あなたが主人公ですから) I have had no proof yet of the existence of this Jonathan Small. (私にはまだそのジョナサン・スモールが存在しているかさえ確かでない) However, (しかし) if you can catch him, (もしあなたが彼を捕まえたら) I don’t see how I can refuse you an interview with him.” (あなたが彼と話をするのをどうして拒否できるでしょうか」)

“That is understood, then?” (「じゃ、それでいいんだね？」)

“Perfectly. (「完全に) Is there anything else?” (何か他には？」)

“Only that I insist upon your dining with us. (「是非、一緒に食事をして欲しいということだけだね) It will be ready in half an hour. (30分で用意できるだろう) I have oysters and a brace of grouse, (オイスターとライチョウが二羽ある) with something a little choice in white wines. (白ワインもちょっとしたものを選んである) -Watson, (ワトソン) you have never yet recognized my merits as a housekeeper.” (君はまだ僕の家政婦としての長所に気づいてないだろう」)