They could barely keep the traces taut, and on the down grades just managed to keep out of the way of the sled.

皮带勉强拉紧，下坡的时候只能勉勉强强地躲开追上的雪橇。

There is evidence, however, that he took to drink, and that both he and his show were on the down grade at the time of the great tragedy.

有然而，有证据表明他开始喝酒， 而且在这场大悲剧发生时， 他和他的演出都在下坡路。