皮漏斗之谜（10）（在线收听）

As I gazed the three men stood up and said something, but I could distinguish no words, though I was aware that it was the central one who was speaking. They then swept out of the room, followed by the two men with the papers. At the same instant several rough-looking fellows in stout jerkins came bustling in and removed first the red carpet, and then the boards which formed the dais, so as to entirely clear the room. When this screen was removed I saw some singular articles of furniture behind it. One looked like a bed with wooden rollers at each end, and a winch handle to regulate its length. Another was a wooden horse. There were several other curious objects, and a number of swinging cords which played over pulleys. It was not unlike a modern gymnasium.

When the room had been cleared there appeared a new figure upon the scene. This was a tall, thin person clad in black, with a gaunt and austere face. The aspect of the man made me shudder. His clothes were all shining with grease and mottled with stains. He bore himself with a slow and impressive dignity, as if he took command of all things from the instant of his entrance. In spite of his rude appearance and sordid dress, it was now his business, his room, his to command. He carried a coil of light ropes over his left forearm. The lady looked him up and down with a searching glance, but her expression was unchanged. It was confident—even defiant. But it was very different with the priest. His face was ghastly white, and I saw the moisture glisten and run on his high, sloping forehead. He threw up his hands in prayer and he stooped continually to mutter frantic words in the lady’s ear.

这时，三个人站起来，说了些话，我听不出说的是什么，但可以看出是中间那个人在说。然后他们大摇大摆走出房间两个提公文包的人跟在他们后面，同时，几名身穿短衣的壮汉匆匆进来，先是把红地毯搬开，又把台子撤掉，房间空了许多。这时我看见另外一些物件被搬进来。一个像床，两头各有一副木制滚筒，滚筒上带有曲柄。还有一个是木马。还有另外几件奇怪的东西，以及一些滑轮和绳索。简直有点像现代体育馆的设施。

当一切安排就绪，房间里出现了一个新人物。此人又高又瘦，穿着黑衣服，面容憔悴而严厉。这人的样子令我不寒而栗。他的衣服油光闪闪，污渍斑斑。举止简慢而尊贵，仿佛从他进入房间那一刻就凌驾于这里的一切之上。尽管他外表粗俗，衣服航脏，但这里的一切都属于他，他是至高无上的。他把一卷软绳挂在左臂上。那女子上下打量着他，表情无动于衷。这是自信，甚至可以说是挑衅。可那位牧师就不一样了，他的脸色死人般苍白，高高的额头上汗珠闪动。他举起双手祷告，不时弯腰在女子耳边紧张地咕哝着。