The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

As Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

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Copyright

Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, de Arthur Conan Doyle, publicado originalmente em 1892.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1892.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 1988.

Brasil

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle

Primeira publicação: 1892

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Sobre este livro

As Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes é uma coletânea de doze contos que apresentam o detetive Sherlock Holmes e seu amigo Dr. John Watson. Ambientados na Londres vitoriana do final do século XIX, os contos são narrados por Watson e descrevem uma série de casos intrigantes que Holmes resolve usando sua notável capacidade de observação e dedução. A coletânea abre com "Um Escândalo na Boêmia", onde Holmes enfrenta a astuta Irene Adler, uma mulher que o supera. Outros contos incluem "A Liga dos Cabeças Vermelhas", um esquema bizarro envolvendo uma organização misteriosa; "A Aventura da Faixa Malhada", um mistério mortal sobre a morte de uma jovem; e "Os Cinco Caroços de Laranja", que envolve uma sociedade secreta e uma série de assassinatos. Ao longo das histórias, Holmes confronta vários criminosos, desde chantagistas astutos até assassinos implacáveis, enquanto Watson oferece uma perspectiva leal e muitas vezes maravilhada. O tom é intelectual e cheio de suspense, combinando raciocínio lógico com atmosferas vitorianas. O conflito central frequentemente opõe a inteligência de Holmes aos motivos ocultos e segredos do coração humano. Embora cada conto seja independente, eles coletivamente mostram os métodos de Holmes e seu compromisso com a justiça, muitas vezes corrigindo injustiças sociais. A coletânea evita revelar os desfechos finais dos casos, mantendo um ar de mistério. Os leitores são atraídos para o mundo das ruas londrinas enevoadas, clientes misteriosos e as aventuras da dupla icônica, experimentando a emoção da dedução sem saber as soluções até o fim.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

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Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

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Reading Comprehension B1

2 - A Scandal in Bohemia — I

3 - A Scandal in Bohemia — II

4 - A Scandal in Bohemia — III

5 - The Redheaded League

A Scandal in Bohemia — I

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes always thought of Irene Adler as "the woman." He rarely used another name for her. For him, she was more important than any other woman. Holmes did not love Irene Adler. He did not like emotions, especially love, because they made his clear, logical mind less effective. He was a very good thinker and observer, like a machine. But he believed that being in love would be a mistake for him. He often made fun of feelings, saying they were useful for understanding other people but not for himself. Strong emotions were like dirt in a precise tool or a crack in a lens; they would disturb his thinking. Still, Irene Adler was the only woman who was special to him, even though she was now dead and her memory was not completely clear.

Pt/En I had not seen much of Holmes recently. My marriage had made us busy with our own lives. I was happy in my new home and had many things to do. Holmes, however, disliked social events and preferred to stay in our Baker Street rooms. He spent his time reading or sometimes used cocaine, then worked with great energy. He was still very interested in solving crimes. He used his great intelligence and observation skills to find clues and solve mysteries that the police could not solve. I sometimes heard about his work, like a case in Odessa or a mystery involving the Atkinson brothers in Trincomalee. He also completed a difficult job for the royal family of Holland. But apart from these news stories, I knew little about my old friend.

Pt/En One night, March 20, 1888, I was coming back from visiting a patient. My work was now in general practice. My path took me past Baker Street. I remembered the house where I had lived and where some difficult events had happened before. I really wanted to see Holmes again and find out what he was doing with his amazing skills. His rooms were bright. I saw his tall, thin shape move behind the window curtain. He was walking quickly back and forth in his room, with his head down and hands behind his back. I knew Holmes well, so I could tell he was working on a case. He had stopped dreaming from his drug use and was focused on a new problem. I rang the bell, and I was invited up to his rooms.

Pt/En Holmes was not very friendly or talkative, but I think he was happy to see me. Without saying much, he looked at me kindly. He gestured for me to sit in an armchair, offered me his cigars, and pointed to a drink cabinet and a soda maker. Then he stood by the fire and looked at me carefully, in his usual thoughtful way.

Pt/En Holmes commented that marriage seemed to suit me. He said he thought I had gained about seven and a half pounds since he last saw me.

Pt/En Watson answered that the number was seven.

Pt/En Holmes thought Watson had not guessed the number correctly. He also noticed that Watson was working as a doctor again, and Watson had not told him about it.

Pt/En Watson asked Holmes how he knew these things.

Pt/En Holmes explained that he could see and guess things. He asked Watson how he knew that Watson had been very wet recently and had a clumsy servant girl.

Pt/En Watson told Holmes that he was amazing. He said that he had walked in the country on Thursday and got very dirty, but he had changed his clothes. Watson also said his servant, Mary Jane, was careless and his wife had told her to leave, but he did not understand how Holmes knew these things.

Pt/En He laughed quietly to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together.

Pt/En He explained that it was very simple. He saw six cuts on the inside of the left shoe, near the sole. He said these cuts were made by someone carelessly scraping off dried mud. This led him to guess that the person had been out in bad weather and had a difficult time cleaning their boots. He also guessed the person was a doctor because they smelled of iodoform, had a mark on their finger from silver nitrate, and carried a stethoscope hidden in their hat.

Pt/En I laughed because he made his deductions seem so easy. I told him that when he explained his reasons, it always seemed very simple, but I could not figure it out myself until he told me how. I also said that I thought my eyes were as good as his.

Pt/En He agreed and lit a cigarette, sitting down in a chair. He told me that I could see things, but I did not observe them carefully. He gave an example, asking if I had often seen the stairs leading to the room.

Pt/En I answered that I had seen them many times.

Pt/En Sherlock asked how many times.

Pt/En The other person answered that it happened some hundreds of times.

Pt/En Sherlock then asked for the exact number.

Pt/En The person replied that they did not know the number.

Pt/En Sherlock explained that he knew there were seventeen steps because he had seen and observed them. He mentioned that the other person had seen things but not observed them. Sherlock then showed the person a piece of pink paper that had arrived by post and asked them to read it aloud.

Pt/En The note had no date, name, or address.

Pt/En The note said that a gentleman would visit that night at a quarter to eight. He wanted to talk about a very important matter. People had told him that Sherlock Holmes could be trusted with serious issues because of his work for important European families. The note asked Holmes to be in his room at that time and to not be surprised if the visitor wore a mask.

Pt/En The narrator said that this was a mystery and asked Holmes what he thought it meant.

Pt/En Holmes replied that he did not have enough information yet. He explained that it was a mistake to form ideas before having facts, because people might start changing facts to fit their ideas. He then asked the narrator what he could understand from the note itself.

Pt/En The narrator carefully looked at the handwriting and the paper the note was written on.

Pt/En I said that the person who wrote it was probably rich. I explained that this kind of paper was very expensive, costing at least half a crown for a packet. I also said the paper felt very strong and stiff.

Pt/En Holmes agreed that the paper was peculiar. He told me it was not an English paper and asked me to hold it up to the light.

Pt/En When I held the paper up to the light, I saw a large E with a small g, and a large G with a small t woven into the paper.

Pt/En Holmes asked me what I thought about the letters.

Pt/En I answered that it was likely the name of the maker, or at least their monogram.

Pt/En Sherlock explained the meaning of the letters on the paper. He said that 'G' with a small 't' stood for 'Gesellschaft', which is German for 'Company', and 'P' meant 'Papier'. He then looked up 'Eg.' in a book and found 'Egria', a place in Bohemia, which was known for making paper. Sherlock was very pleased with this information.

Pt/En The narrator stated that the paper was made in Bohemia.

Pt/En Sherlock agreed that the paper was from Bohemia and said the writer of the note was German because of the way the sentence was written. He concluded that the person was German, wrote on Bohemian paper, and wore a mask. Sherlock then said that the person was arriving soon to answer their questions.

Pt/En As Sherlock finished speaking, they heard horses' hooves and wheels on the street, followed by the sound of the doorbell. Sherlock whistled.

Pt/En Sherlock commented that the sound suggested two horses were used. He looked out the window and saw a carriage with two fine horses, noting that they were expensive. He told Watson that this case must involve money.

Pt/En Watson told Holmes that he thought it would be better if he left.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson not to leave. He said he needed Watson to stay because the situation looked interesting and it would be a shame to miss it.

Pt/En Watson asked Holmes about his client.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson not to worry about the client. He said he might need Watson's help, and the client might too. He told Watson to sit down and pay attention because the client was arriving.

Pt/En A slow, heavy sound of footsteps was heard on the stairs and in the hallway. The steps stopped just outside the door, and then there was a loud, strong knock.

Pt/En Holmes told the person to come in.

Pt/En A very tall man, over six and a half feet, entered. He looked very strong. His clothes were expensive and colourful, which might seem too much for England. He wore a dark coat with fur trim and a blue cloak lined with red silk. His boots were also tall and furry. He carried a hat and wore a black mask over the top part of his face. His lower face showed he was a determined person, with a strong chin and a thick lip.

Pt/En The man asked in a deep, rough voice with a German accent if Holmes had received his note. He reminded Holmes that he had said he would visit. He looked at Holmes and Watson, seeming unsure who to speak to.

Pt/En Holmes invited the man to sit down. He introduced Dr. Watson as his friend and helper. Holmes then asked the man who he was.

Pt/En The man said he could be called Count Von Kramm, a nobleman from Bohemia. He believed that Dr. Watson was an honourable and discreet man, and that he could be trusted with a very important matter. He added that if not, he would prefer to speak to Holmes alone.

Pt/En The narrator tried to leave, but Holmes stopped him and told him to sit down. Holmes said that the visitor could say anything to him in front of the narrator.

Pt/En The Count moved his shoulders and said he had to start by making them both promise to keep a secret for two years. He explained that after that time, the problem would not be important, but now it was very serious and could affect European history.

Pt/En Holmes promised to keep the secret.

Pt/En The narrator also promised.

Pt/En The visitor asked them to excuse his mask. He explained that the important person who sent him wanted his agent to be unknown. He also admitted that the name he had used was not his real name.

Pt/En Holmes said in a dry way that he already knew about it.

Pt/En The situation was very sensitive. They needed to be careful to stop a big scandal that could harm a royal family in Europe. To be clear, the problem involved the important House of Ormstein, who were the kings of Bohemia.

Pt/En Holmes murmured that he also knew that, then he sat back in his armchair and closed his eyes.

Pt/En Their visitor looked with some surprise at the relaxed figure of Holmes, who had probably been described to him as the smartest and most active detective in Europe. Holmes slowly opened his eyes again and looked impatiently at his very tall client.

Pt/En He remarked that if his Majesty told him his problem, he would be able to help him better.

Pt/En The man stood up quickly and walked around the room because he was very worried. He took off his mask in a way that showed he was desperate and threw it on the floor. He said that he was the King and asked why he should hide it.

Pt/En Holmes replied, asking why he should hide it. He explained that he knew the man was Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, the Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the King of Bohemia.

Pt/En The visitor sat down again and explained that he was not used to doing such important business himself. However, the matter was very sensitive, so he could not give it to someone else without that person having power over him. He had travelled secretly from Prague to ask for Holmes's help.

Pt/En Holmes told him to ask his questions, closing his eyes again.

Pt/En The King began to explain the situation. He said that about five years ago, when he was visiting Warsaw for a long time, he met a famous adventuress named Irene Adler. He thought Holmes would know her name.

Pt/En Holmes asked Watson to look up information in his index without opening his eyes. Holmes had used a system for organizing notes about people and subjects for many years, which made it easy for him to find details quickly. In this case, the information about the woman was filed between notes about a rabbi and a naval officer who had written about deep-sea fish.

Pt/En Holmes looked at the information. He saw that the woman was born in New Jersey in 1858. She was a contralto singer who performed at La Scala and was a lead singer at the Imperial Opera in Warsaw. She had retired from singing and was now living in London. Holmes understood that the King had been involved with this woman, had written her some letters that could cause problems, and now wanted to get them back.

Pt/En The King confirmed that Holmes understood correctly, but asked how he knew.

Pt/En Holmes asked if there had been a secret marriage.

Pt/En The King replied that there had not been a marriage.

Pt/En Sherlock asked if there were any legal papers or certificates.

Pt/En The person answered that there were none.

Pt/En Sherlock said he did not understand. He asked how the young woman could prove the letters were real if she used them for blackmail or other reasons.

Pt/En The person replied that the writing on the letters was proof.

Pt/En Sherlock dismissed this, saying it could be a forgery.

Pt/En He said it was his private notepaper.

Pt/En He explained that it had been stolen.

Pt/En He also mentioned his own seal.

Pt/En He added that the seal had been copied.

Pt/En Finally, he spoke about his photograph.

Pt/En It was bought.

Pt/En He said that they were both in the photograph.

Pt/En The speaker expressed worry, saying it was very bad. They told His Majesty that he had made a mistake.

Pt/En He explained that he had been mad, or insane.

Pt/En The speaker stated that His Majesty had seriously put himself in a difficult position.

Pt/En He explained that he was the Crown Prince when he was younger and is now thirty years old.

Pt/En He stated that the item must be found.

Pt/En They reported that they had tried to get it but had failed.

Pt/En He told the King that he must pay for it and buy it.

Pt/En He said that the woman would not sell it.

Pt/En It was stolen, then.

Pt/En He explained that five attempts had been made. He had paid burglars to search her house twice. Once, they changed her luggage when she travelled. She had also been stopped or attacked twice. But there was no success.

Pt/En There was no sign of it?

Pt/En Absolutely none.

Pt/En Holmes laughed. He said it was a very interesting little problem.

Pt/En The King replied sadly that it was a very serious problem for him.

Pt/En Sherlock asked if it was very serious and what the woman planned to do with the photograph.

Pt/En The King explained that she planned to ruin him.

Pt/En Sherlock asked how she would do that.

Pt/En The King told Sherlock that he was about to get married.

Pt/En The speaker said that they had heard this.

Pt/En The person mentioned Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, who was the King of Scandinavia's second daughter. They explained that her family had very strict rules and that she was a very delicate person. They added that if there was any doubt about their actions, the matter would be finished.

Pt/En The speaker asked about Irene Adler.

Pt/En The speaker explained that Irene Adler threatened to send the photograph and was sure she would do it. They said that she had a strong will, like steel, and the appearance of a beautiful woman. They also stated that she would do anything to stop them from marrying another woman.

Pt/En The speaker asked if they were sure that Irene Adler had not sent the photograph yet.

Pt/En He was sure.

Pt/En He asked why.

Pt/En He explained that she had promised to send it on the day the engagement was officially announced, which would be the following Monday.

Pt/En Holmes yawned and said they still had three days, which was lucky because he had other important things to do. He asked if the King would stay in London for now.

Pt/En The King replied that he would certainly stay and would be found at the Langham hotel, using the name Count Von Kramm.

Pt/En He said he would write to let me know about their progress.

Pt/En The other person asked him to do so and said they would be very anxious.

Pt/En Then, he asked about money.

Pt/En The other person replied that they had full authority to spend whatever was needed.

Pt/En He asked if this was absolutely true.

Pt/En The King told Holmes that he would give one of his kingdom's areas to get the photograph.

Pt/En Holmes asked about money for the current costs.

Pt/En The King took a heavy leather bag from under his cloak and put it on the table.

Pt/En He said that the bag contained three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes.

Pt/En Holmes wrote a receipt in his notebook and gave it to the King.

Pt/En He asked for Mademoiselle's address.

Pt/En The address was Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood.

Pt/En Holmes wrote this down. He then asked if the photograph was a cabinet size.

Pt/En The person confirmed that it was.

Pt/En Holmes said good night to the King, hoping for good news soon. He also told Watson to visit him the next afternoon at three o'clock to discuss the matter.

A Scandal in Bohemia — II

Pt/En At three o'clock, I arrived at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady told me he had left the house early that morning. I decided to wait for him. I was already very interested in his investigation. Although this case was not as strange or frightening as others I have written about, the client's high social position made it a special case. I enjoyed watching Holmes's clever way of understanding situations and his sharp thinking. He was so good at solving difficult mysteries. I was so used to his success that I never thought he could fail.

Pt/En It was almost four o'clock when the door opened. A man walked in who looked like a drunk groom. He was untidy, with side whiskers, a red face, and dirty clothes. I was used to my friend's skill in using disguises, but I had to look twice to be sure it was him. He nodded and went into the bedroom. Five minutes later, he came out dressed in a smart tweed suit, looking respectable again. He put his hands in his pockets, stretched his legs in front of the fire, and laughed loudly for a while.

Pt/En He exclaimed that it was very funny. Then he coughed and laughed again until he was too weak to move and had to lean back in his chair.

Pt/En I asked him what was so funny.

Pt/En He replied that it was very amusing and that I would never guess how he had spent his morning or what he had finally done.

Pt/En He guessed that the person had been watching Miss Irene Adler's habits and her house.

Pt/En The person explained that the next part was unusual. He had left his home that morning dressed as an unemployed groom. He found Briony Lodge, a small house with a garden. He looked at the house carefully from all sides. He noticed the front door had a Chubb lock and the sitting-room windows were long and easy to open. He saw that the passage window could be reached from the roof of the coach-house.

Pt/En He then walked down the street and found a stable yard next to the garden wall. He helped the stable workers with the horses. In return, he got some money, a drink, tobacco, and a lot of information about Miss Adler and other people in the area, even though he was not interested in them.

Pt/En The speaker asked what was known about Irene Adler.

Pt/En He was told that Irene Adler was very popular and beautiful. She lived quietly, sang at concerts, and went out for a drive every day from five to seven in the evening. She had one main male visitor, a Mr. Godfrey Norton, who was dark, handsome, and visited her often. The speaker learned this from cab drivers who knew Mr. Norton. After hearing this, the speaker walked near Briony Lodge again to plan his next steps.

Pt/En The narrator thought that Godfrey Norton was an important person in this situation. He was a lawyer, which seemed worrying. The narrator wondered about his connection to the woman and why he visited so often. He questioned if she was his client, his friend, or his lover. If she was his client, she might have given him the photograph. If she was his lover, it was less likely. The answer to this question would decide if the narrator should continue watching her or investigate the lawyer. The narrator explained that these details were important for understanding the situation.

Pt/En The narrator replied that he was watching them carefully.

Pt/En While the narrator was thinking, a cab arrived at Briony Lodge. A handsome, dark man with a moustache got out. He seemed to be in a hurry. He told the driver to wait and quickly entered the house, acting like he belonged there. The narrator thought this was the man he had heard about.

Pt/En The man stayed inside for about thirty minutes. The narrator saw him through the windows, walking and talking excitedly. He could not see the woman. Then, the man came out, looking even more worried. He checked his watch and told the cab driver to drive very fast to two places: Gross & Hankey in Regent Street, and then the Church of St. Monica. He promised extra money if they arrived quickly.

Pt/En The cab drove away. As the narrator wondered if he should follow, a small carriage arrived. Before it even stopped, the woman quickly got into it. The narrator only saw her for a moment, but she was a very beautiful woman.

Pt/En A woman told John to go to the Church of St. Monica. She said she would give him half a sovereign if he arrived in twenty minutes.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes thought this was a good opportunity. He was deciding whether to run or hide behind a carriage when a cab arrived. The driver looked at him because he seemed poor, but Holmes got in quickly. He told the driver to go to the Church of St. Monica and offered half a sovereign if they arrived in twenty minutes. It was almost twelve o'clock, and Holmes understood what was happening.

Pt/En Holmes's driver went very fast, but other people arrived at the church before them. When Holmes got there, the cab and another carriage were already outside the church. He paid the driver and went inside. Only two people and a clergyman were there, standing near the altar. They seemed to be talking. Holmes walked in quietly. Suddenly, the three people turned to him, and Godfrey Norton ran towards him.

Pt/En Godfrey Norton was happy to see Holmes and said, "Thank God. You will help. Come!"

Pt/En Holmes asked what was happening.

Pt/En Someone urged him to hurry, saying there were only three minutes left, or the event would not be legal.

Pt/En He explained that he was quickly taken to the altar and found himself saying words he was told, and agreeing to things he did not know about. He helped to marry Irene Adler to Godfrey Norton. It happened very fast. The man thanked him, and the woman was also there. The priest smiled at him. He felt it was a very strange situation. He started laughing because he remembered it. He said there was a problem with their marriage license, and the priest would not marry them without a witness. His sudden appearance helped the groom, who did not have to find a best man. The bride gave him a coin, and he planned to keep it to remember the day.

Pt/En He said that this was a surprising situation and asked what happened next.

Pt/En He explained that his plans were in danger because the couple might leave quickly, and he would have to act fast. However, at the church, they went in different directions. The man returned to the Temple, and the woman went home. She told him she would drive in the park at five o'clock as usual. He did not hear anything more. They drove away separately, and he went to make his own plans.

Pt/En He asked what those plans were.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes asked for some cold beef and a glass of beer. He said he had been too busy to eat and would be even busier later that evening. He also told Doctor Watson that he would need his help.

Pt/En Doctor Watson replied that he would be happy to help.

Pt/En Holmes then asked if Doctor Watson minded breaking the law.

Pt/En Doctor Watson said he did not mind at all.

Pt/En Holmes then asked if he minded the chance of being arrested.

Pt/En He said that it was not for a good reason.

Pt/En She replied that the reason was excellent.

Pt/En He agreed to help.

Pt/En She told him that she was sure she could trust him.

Pt/En He asked what she wanted.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that he would explain everything after Mrs. Turner brought the food. He started eating the simple meal the landlady had prepared and said he needed to talk about the plan while he ate because he had little time. It was almost five o'clock, and they had to be at the location in two hours. He mentioned that Miss Irene, or Madame, would return from her drive at seven, and they needed to be at Briony Lodge to meet her.

Pt/En Watson asked what would happen next.

Pt/En Holmes replied that Watson should let him handle it, as he had already planned what would happen. He stressed that Watson must not get involved, no matter what happened, and asked if he understood.

Pt/En Watson asked if he was supposed to stay out of it.

Pt/En Holmes confirmed that Watson should do nothing at all. He thought there might be a small problem, but Watson should not join in. Holmes explained that he would be brought into the house, and about four or five minutes later, the sitting-room window would open. Watson was to stand very close to that open window.

Pt/En He said yes.

Pt/En He told the person to watch him, as he would be visible.

Pt/En He said yes again.

Pt/En He explained that when he raised his hand, the other person should throw something into the room and shout "fire". He asked if this was clear.

Pt/En The person answered that they understood completely.

Pt/En Holmes took a long, cigar-shaped object from his pocket. He explained that it was a simple smoke-rocket, easy to light. He told the person that their job was only to use this device. When they shouted "fire", many people would hear. Then, they should walk to the end of the street, and Holmes would meet them there in ten minutes. He asked if he had explained everything clearly.

Pt/En The person confirmed their instructions: they were to stay neutral, go near the window, watch Holmes, and throw the object in at the signal. After that, they should shout "fire" and wait for Holmes at the street corner.

Pt/En Holmes agreed that this was correct.

Pt/En The person assured Holmes that he could completely trust them.

Pt/En Holmes said that was excellent and thought it was time for him to get ready for the new part he had to play.

Pt/En Holmes changed his clothes and pretended to be a kind and simple religious man. He looked very different, with a black hat, loose trousers, and a white tie. He also changed his expression and how he acted. The text suggests he was a very good actor, but he chose to use his skills for solving crimes instead.

Pt/En It was almost dark when Watson and Holmes arrived at Serpentine Avenue. They waited outside Briony Lodge for someone to come. The house looked like Watson had imagined it from Holmes's description. The street was surprisingly busy for a quiet area. There were groups of men smoking, a man with a grinding wheel, two soldiers talking to a nurse, and some young men smoking cigars.

Pt/En Holmes explained that the marriage made things simpler. He said the photograph was now a dangerous thing for two people. The woman would not want her new husband, Mr. Godfrey Norton, to see it, just as their client did not want his princess to see it. Holmes then asked where they could find the photograph.

Pt/En Watson agreed that finding it was the main problem.

Pt/En Holmes thought it was unlikely the woman had the photograph with her. He said it was too big to hide easily in her clothes. He also knew that the King might try to stop her and search her. Because two attempts to search her had already happened, Holmes was sure she was not carrying it.

Pt/En Sherlock asked where the item was.

Pt/En He thought it was not with her banker or lawyer. He explained that women often keep secrets themselves. He believed she would keep the item safe in her own house because she needed it soon and could not risk someone else handling it or being influenced.

Pt/En Watson mentioned that the house had been burgled twice.

Pt/En Sherlock dismissed this, saying the burglars did not know how to search properly.

Pt/En Watson then asked how Sherlock planned to search.

Pt/En He stated that he would not look.

Pt/En He asked what he should do next.

Pt/En He said he would make her show him.

Pt/En The other person thought she would refuse.

Pt/En He explained that she would not be able to refuse. He heard a carriage arrive and said it was hers. He then told the other person to follow his orders exactly.

Pt/En A smart carriage arrived at Briony Lodge. Two men started fighting over who would open the door for money. Soldiers and another man joined the fight, arguing and hitting each other. A lady got out of the carriage, and she was in the middle of the fight. Sherlock Holmes tried to protect her. Holmes was hit and fell to the ground, bleeding from his face. The fighters ran away. Other people came to help the lady and the injured man. Irene Adler stood at the top of the steps, looking back at the street.

Pt/En The lady asked if the man was badly hurt.

Pt/En Some people shouted that he was dead.

Pt/En Another person said he was still alive but would die before he could reach the hospital.

Pt/En A woman said Holmes was brave because he stopped a group of robbers from taking the lady's purse and watch. She noticed he was breathing again.

Pt/En Someone asked if they could bring the man inside because he could not stay in the street.

Pt/En The woman said yes and told them to bring the man into the sitting-room, where there was a comfortable sofa. She showed them the way.

Pt/En The man was slowly carried into the house and placed in the main room. From the window, I watched. I could see Holmes on the sofa. I felt ashamed because the woman was kind to the man I was helping to trick. But I knew I had to continue helping Holmes. I decided we were not hurting her, only stopping her from hurting someone else.

Pt/En Holmes sat up and seemed to need fresh air. A maid opened the window. I threw a smoke bomb into the room and shouted "Fire!" The people outside also shouted "Fire!" Smoke filled the room. I saw people running. Holmes then said it was a false alarm. I left the noisy crowd and met Holmes. We walked away quickly and quietly.

Pt/En Holmes told me that I had done very well and that everything was fine.

Pt/En He asked if the person had the photograph.

Pt/En The person answered that they knew where it was.

Pt/En He then asked how the person found out.

Pt/En The person explained that the woman had shown them, as they had predicted she would.

Pt/En He said that he still did not understand.

Pt/En He said he did not want to make a mystery and explained it was very simple. He asked if I had seen that everyone in the street was helping him, as they were all ready for the plan that evening.

Pt/En I said I had already thought that.

Pt/En He explained that when the noise started, he had some red paint in his hand. He ran forward, fell down, and put his hand on his face to look like a sad, hurt person. He mentioned it was an old trick.

Pt/En I told him I could also understand that.

Pt/En He continued, saying they carried him inside because she had to. He was taken to her sitting-room, which was the room he suspected. He thought it was either that room or her bedroom and wanted to see which. They put him on a couch. He asked for air, so they had to open the window, and that was when I had my chance.

Pt/En Watson asked Sherlock how that had helped him.

Pt/En Sherlock explained that it was very important. He said that when a woman believes her house is burning, she immediately tries to save what she loves most. He had used this idea before. He knew that the woman they were looking for would try to save the photograph because it was the most important thing in her house. Sherlock had arranged for a fire alarm. The smoke and noise were very frightening. The woman reacted as he expected. She ran to get the photograph, which was hidden behind a panel near a bell. Sherlock saw her take it out a little. When he told her it was a false alarm, she put the photograph back, looked at a rocket, and left the room. Sherlock then left the house. He decided not to try and get the photograph immediately because the coachman was watching him closely. He thought it was safer to wait, as acting too quickly could spoil everything.

Pt/En Watson asked what they would do next.

Pt/En Sherlock said their search was almost finished. He planned to visit the King the next day and invited Watson to join them. He explained that they would wait in the sitting-room for the lady. However, when she arrived, neither they nor the photograph might be there. Sherlock thought it would be good for the King to get the photograph back himself.

Pt/En Watson asked when Sherlock would call.

Pt/En Holmes said they would meet at eight in the morning. He explained that she would not be awake then, so they would have time to act. He also said they needed to be quick because her marriage could change her life and habits a lot. He decided he must send a message to the King right away.

Pt/En They arrived at Baker Street and stopped at the door. As Holmes was looking for his key in his pockets, a person walking by spoke.

Pt/En The person said, "Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes."

Pt/En There were other people on the street, but the voice seemed to come from a thin young man in a long coat who had just walked past quickly.

Pt/En Holmes looked down the dark street and said he thought he had heard that voice before. He wondered who it could have been.

A Scandal in Bohemia — III

Pt/En The narrator stayed at Baker Street. The next morning, while he and Sherlock Holmes were eating breakfast, the King of Bohemia suddenly entered their room.

Pt/En The King was very excited. He grabbed Sherlock Holmes by his shoulders and looked into his face, asking if he had found what he was looking for.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes replied that he had not found it yet.

Pt/En The King then asked if Holmes had hope of finding it.

Pt/En Holmes confirmed that he did have hope.

Pt/En Holmes said he was very eager to go and told Watson to come.

Pt/En Holmes said they needed a taxi.

Pt/En Watson replied that his own carriage was waiting.

Pt/En Holmes thought this would make things easier. They went downstairs and started walking again towards Briony Lodge.

Pt/En Holmes mentioned that Irene Adler was married.

Pt/En Holmes asked when she had married.

Pt/En She answered that it was yesterday.

Pt/En Holmes then asked who she had married.

Pt/En She replied that she had married an English lawyer named Norton.

Pt/En Holmes remarked that she could not love him.

Pt/En He hoped that she did.

Pt/En The other person asked why he had that hope.

Pt/En He explained that this hope would stop any future problems for the King. If the lady loved her husband, she would not love the King. If she did not love the King, she would not stop his plan.

Pt/En The King agreed it was true. He then said he wished the lady had been from his own social class, thinking she would have been a great queen. He became quiet again until they arrived at Serpentine Avenue.

Pt/En The door of Briony Lodge was open. An older woman stood on the steps and watched them get out of the carriage with a look that seemed to mock them.

Pt/En She asked if he was Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Pt/En Holmes confirmed that he was Mr. Holmes. He looked at her, surprised and confused.

Pt/En The woman said her employer had told her he might visit. She added that her employer had left England that morning with her husband, travelling to the Continent by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes was shocked and surprised. He asked if she meant that the woman had left England.

Pt/En The woman replied that she would never return.

Pt/En The King asked in a rough voice about the papers and said that everything was lost.

Pt/En Holmes said they would see and went into the drawing-room with the King and Watson. The room was messy, as if someone had searched it quickly. Holmes found a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler. The letter was for Sherlock Holmes and was from her.

Pt/En Irene Adler wrote to Sherlock Holmes. She said he had tricked her very well and she did not suspect anything until the fire alarm. She had been warned about him and knew he might be hired by the King. Even when she became suspicious, she found it hard to believe he was bad, especially since he acted like a kind old clergyman. She explained that she was an actress and often wore men's clothes. She sent her coachman to watch Holmes, then changed into her walking clothes and left as he departed.

Pt/En Irene Adler followed Holmes to his door to be sure he was interested in her. She then said goodnight and went to see her husband.

Pt/En Irene Adler wrote that she and her husband decided to run away from Holmes. She told him the room would be empty when he called the next day. She also said that the King could have the photograph, as she loved someone better than him. She kept the photograph only to protect herself from the King. She was leaving a photograph for the King and signed off her letter to Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Pt/En The letter ended with a polite closing.

Pt/En The writer signed her name as Irene Norton, who was previously known as Adler.

Pt/En After reading the letter, the King of Bohemia exclaimed how wonderful the woman was. He reminded them that she was very fast and determined. He thought she would have been a great queen and felt it was a shame she was not of his social rank.

Pt/En Holmes replied that, based on what he had seen, the lady was indeed on a very different level from the King. He expressed regret that he could not complete the King's task successfully.

Pt/En The King disagreed, saying that the situation was very successful. He was sure that the woman would keep her promise. He believed the photograph was now completely safe, as if it had been destroyed.

Pt/En The King said he was happy to hear that.

Pt/En The King felt very thankful and asked how he could reward Holmes. He took an emerald snake ring from his finger and showed it to Holmes.

Pt/En Holmes replied that the King had something he would value even more.

Pt/En The King said Holmes only needed to name it.

Pt/En Holmes asked for the photograph.

Pt/En The King looked at him, very surprised.

Pt/En He shouted about Irene's photograph and said he would give it to him if he wanted it.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes thanked the King and said there was nothing more to do. He said goodbye and left with Watson without looking at the King's hand.

Pt/En This event almost caused a big problem for the kingdom of Bohemia. A woman's cleverness had stopped Mr. Sherlock Holmes's best plans. Holmes used to joke about how clever women were, but he did not do it anymore. He always spoke of Irene Adler with respect, calling her 'the woman'.

The Redheaded League

Pt/En One day last autumn, Watson visited his friend Mr. Sherlock Holmes. He found Holmes talking with a very fat, red-faced old man who had bright red hair. Watson said he was sorry to disturb them and was going to leave, but Holmes quickly pulled him into the room and shut the door.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that he had arrived at a very good time. He spoke in a friendly way.

Pt/En Watson said he was afraid Holmes was busy.

Pt/En Holmes replied that he was indeed very busy.

Pt/En Watson offered to wait in the next room.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson that Mr. Wilson was his partner and helper in many successful cases. He was sure Mr. Wilson would also be very useful for this case.

Pt/En The fat man stood up a little and nodded to say hello. He looked quickly with a question in his small eyes, which were surrounded by fat.

Pt/En Holmes told him to sit on the sofa. Holmes sat back in his armchair, putting his fingers together, which he often did when thinking seriously. He told Watson that he knew Watson liked strange and unusual things, not like normal, boring life. Holmes said Watson showed this by writing about and sometimes making his own adventures sound more exciting.

Pt/En The narrator said that he found Holmes's cases very interesting.

Pt/En Holmes reminded Watson that he had said recently, before they looked at the simple problem of Miss Mary Sutherland, that strange events and unusual situations come from real life. He said life is more surprising than anything people can imagine.

Pt/En The narrator admitted that he had doubted this idea.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Dr. Watson that he must agree with him, or he would give him too many facts. Holmes explained that Mr. Jabez Wilson had visited him that morning with a story that promised to be very unusual. Holmes mentioned that the strangest things often happen with smaller crimes, or sometimes when it is not clear if a crime has happened. He asked Mr. Wilson to tell his story again, both for Dr. Watson, who had not heard the beginning, and because the story was so peculiar that Holmes wanted every detail. Holmes admitted that, unlike other cases, the facts of this one seemed unique.

Pt/En The client, Mr. Jabez Wilson, looked proud. He took a dirty, wrinkled newspaper from his coat. As he looked at the advertisements, Dr. Watson watched him carefully, trying to learn about him from his clothes and appearance.

Pt/En Dr. Watson did not learn much from looking at the man. He seemed like a normal, ordinary British shopkeeper: fat, self-important, and slow. He wore grey trousers, a black coat that was not very clean, and a dull waistcoat with a heavy brass chain and a metal ornament. A worn top hat and a faded brown overcoat with a velvet collar were on a chair nearby. The only remarkable things about him were his bright red hair and his unhappy, discontented face.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes saw that Dr. Watson was looking at the man and smiled. He told Watson that he could only guess a few things about the visitor: that he had done physical work before, that he used snuff, that he was a Freemason, that he had been to China, and that he had written a lot recently. Holmes said he could not find out anything else.

Pt/En Mr. Jabez Wilson quickly sat up in his chair. He pointed at the newspaper with his finger, but he looked at Sherlock Holmes.

Pt/En The man asked Mr. Holmes how he knew about his manual work. He also asked how he knew he had been a ship's carpenter.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes explained that he saw it on the man's hands. His right hand was bigger than his left because he had used it more for work.

Pt/En The man then asked about the snuff and Freemasonry.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes said he would not explain how he knew about the Freemasonry. He added that the man wore a Freemason symbol, which was not allowed by the rules.

Pt/En The man said, "Of course, I forgot that." He then asked about the writing.

Pt/En Holmes asked about the very shiny right cuff and the smooth patch on the left elbow where Mr. Wilson rested it on the desk.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson then asked about China.

Pt/En Holmes explained that the fish tattoo above Mr. Wilson's right wrist could only have been done in China. He mentioned that the way the fish scales were colored pink was a special technique from China. He also noted that seeing a Chinese coin on Mr. Wilson's watch chain made the conclusion even simpler.

Pt/En Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed loudly. He said that he first thought Holmes had done something very clever, but now he saw there was nothing special about it.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson that he thought he made a mistake by explaining too much. He said that if he explained everything, his reputation might suffer. He then asked Mr. Wilson if he could find the advertisement.

Pt/En Holmes said he had found it. He pointed to a part of a newspaper column with his finger and told the narrator to read it, saying it was what started everything.

Pt/En The narrator took the paper and read the words written there.

Pt/En The announcement was from the Redheaded League. It said that because of a gift from Ezekiah Hopkins, there was a job available. The job paid £4 a week for very easy work. It was for men with red hair, who were healthy, mentally well, and over twenty-one years old. They had to go in person to the offices of the League on Monday at eleven o'clock to apply.

Pt/En After reading the strange announcement twice, the narrator asked what it meant.

Pt/En Holmes laughed because he was happy. He said the advertisement was unusual. Then he asked Mr. Wilson to tell them about himself, his family, and how the advertisement had changed his life. Holmes also asked the narrator, the Doctor, to write down the newspaper and the date of the advertisement.

Pt/En Holmes said that the newspaper was The Morning Chronicle from April 27, 1890, which was two months before.

Pt/En Holmes said "Very good" and asked Mr. Wilson to continue.

Pt/En Jabez Wilson explained that he had a small pawnbroker business near the City. He said it was not very successful lately and only provided him with enough money to live. He used to have two assistants, but now he only has one. He could barely pay him, but the assistant was willing to work for half pay to learn the business.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes asked for the name of this helpful young man.

Pt/En Wilson replied that the assistant's name was Vincent Spaulding. He added that Spaulding was not very young and his age was difficult to guess. Wilson thought he was a very smart assistant and knew Spaulding could find a better job with higher pay. However, Wilson felt that if Spaulding was happy, he should not give him other ideas.

Pt/En Holmes asked why Mr. Wilson was so lucky to have an employee who worked for a normal price. He said that this was not common for employers nowadays and that Mr. Wilson's assistant was as interesting as the advertisement.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson said his assistant had faults. He spent too much time taking photos with his camera instead of learning. He would then go to the cellar to develop his pictures. Mr. Wilson said this was his main fault, but overall he was a good worker with no bad habits.

Pt/En Holmes asked if the assistant was still working for him.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson confirmed that his assistant was still there. He also had a young girl who did simple cooking and cleaning. Mr. Wilson was a widower with no children, so only the three of them lived there. They lived simply, paid their bills, and had a place to live.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson explained that the advertisement was the first thing that caused them trouble. He said that Spaulding came to his office eight weeks before with the newspaper and said something.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson said that he wished he was a man with red hair.

Pt/En The narrator asked him why he wished that.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson explained that there was another job open in the League of Redheaded Men. He said it was worth a lot of money and that there were more jobs than men. He thought if his hair was red, he could easily get the job and the money.

Pt/En The narrator asked what the job was. He explained that he stayed at home a lot because his business came to him. He did not know much about what was happening outside and liked to hear news.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson asked the narrator if he had never heard of the League of Redheaded Men.

Pt/En The person answered "Never."

Pt/En The speaker wondered why, as the other person was able to apply for one of the available jobs.

Pt/En The narrator asked how much the jobs were worth.

Pt/En The speaker explained that the jobs paid about two hundred pounds a year. They also said the work was easy and would not stop someone from doing other things.

Pt/En This made the narrator very interested because his business had not been good for several years, and the extra money would have been very useful.

Pt/En The narrator asked the other person to tell him everything about the situation.

Pt/En The man showed the advertisement and explained that the Redheaded League had a job opening. He said the League was started by a rich American named Ezekiah Hopkins, who had red hair and liked other redheaded men. When Hopkins died, he left his money to be used to give good jobs to men with red hair. The man heard that the job paid well and did not require much work.

Pt/En The narrator asked if many redheaded men would apply for the job.

Pt/En The man answered that not as many men would apply as the narrator thought. He explained that the job was only for men living in London and that they had to be adults. He also mentioned that the man's hair had to be a very bright red, not light or dark red. He suggested that applying might not be worth the effort for just a few hundred pounds.

Pt/En The narrator thought his own hair was a good colour and that he had a good chance. He decided that Vincent Spaulding, who seemed to know a lot, could be helpful. So, he told Spaulding to close the shop for the day and go with him. Spaulding was happy to take a break, and they went to the address from the advertisement.

Pt/En The narrator told Mr. Holmes that he had never seen such a sight. Many men with red hair had come to the city because of an advertisement. Fleet Street was full of these people, and it looked very crowded. He was surprised by how many redheaded people there were in the country. They had hair of many different red colours. He felt like giving up when he saw the crowd, but Mr. Spaulding helped him. Spaulding pushed and pulled to get him through the crowd and up to the office steps. People were going up and down the stairs. They managed to get through the crowd and entered the office.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes said that the client's experience was very interesting. He asked him to continue his story.

Pt/En Inside the office, there were only a few chairs and a table. Behind the table sat a small man with even redder hair than the narrator. This man spoke to each person who came in and always found a reason to say they were not suitable. It was not easy to get a job there. However, when it was the narrator's turn, the man was nicer to him than to others. He closed the door for a private talk.

Pt/En The narrator's assistant introduced him, saying that Mr. Jabez Wilson was ready to take a job in the League.

Pt/En The other man replied that Mr. Wilson was perfect for the job and had all the necessary qualities. He looked at the narrator's hair for a long time, which made him feel shy. Then, the man suddenly shook his hand and congratulated him warmly on getting the job.

Pt/En Holmes said it was not fair to wait, but he needed to check carefully. He pulled Mr. Wilson's hair to make sure he was not wearing a wig or makeup, as they had been tricked before. Then, Holmes shouted from the window that the job was taken. People below were disappointed and left.

Pt/En A man named Mr. Duncan Ross said he was one of the people who received money from the fund. He asked Mr. Wilson if he was married and had children.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson said that he was not married.

Pt/En The man looked sad when he heard this.

Pt/En The man said it was very serious. He was sorry Mr. Wilson was not married because the fund was also for helping redheads have families. He thought it was very unlucky.

Pt/En The speaker became worried because he thought he would not get the job. But after thinking for a few minutes, Mr. Holmes told him it would be fine.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes explained that this problem might be very serious for someone else. However, they would make an exception for a man with hair like his. He then asked when the speaker could start his new job.

Pt/En The speaker replied that it was a little difficult because he already had a business.

Pt/En Vincent Spaulding told him not to worry about his current business. He said he would be able to look after it for him.

Pt/En The speaker asked what the working hours would be.

Pt/En The time was ten minutes before two o'clock.

Pt/En The man explained that a pawnbroker's work is usually done in the evenings, especially before payday. He said he would like to earn some money in the mornings. He also mentioned that his assistant was reliable and could handle any tasks that came up.

Pt/En The narrator agreed that this would be good for him and asked about the pay.

Pt/En The pay offered was £4 per week.

Pt/En The narrator then asked about the work itself.

Pt/En The job was only in name.

Pt/En The person asked what "only in name" meant.

Pt/En He explained that the person had to stay in the office or building all the time. If they left, they would lose the job forever. The will clearly stated that leaving the office during that time meant not following the rules.

Pt/En The speaker said it was only four hours a day and he did not plan to leave.

Pt/En Mr. Duncan Ross replied that no excuses, like sickness or business, would be accepted. He warned that if the person did not stay, they would lose their position.

Pt/En He asked about the job.

Pt/En The job was to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica. He needed to bring his own ink and pens, but a table and chair were provided. He was asked if he would be ready to start the next day.

Pt/En He answered that he would be ready.

Pt/En The man said goodbye to Mr. Jabez Wilson and congratulated him again on getting the important job. Mr. Wilson left feeling very happy about his good luck.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson thought about the job all day. By the evening, he felt sad again because he was sure it was a trick or a fraud, but he did not understand why. It seemed too strange that someone would make such a will or pay so much money for copying the Encyclopedia Britannica. His assistant, Vincent Spaulding, tried to make him feel better. By bedtime, Mr. Wilson had convinced himself it was not real. However, the next morning, he decided to go anyway. He bought ink, a pen, and paper, and went to Pope’s Court.

Pt/En The narrator was surprised and happy to find everything ready. Mr. Duncan Ross was there to help him start his work. He began by writing the letter A. Mr. Ross checked on him occasionally. At two o'clock, Mr. Ross said goodbye, praised the amount written, and locked the office door.

Pt/En This continued day after day. On Saturday, the manager paid him four gold coins for his week's work. This happened again the next week and the week after. He arrived at ten every morning and left at two every afternoon. Mr. Duncan Ross started visiting less often, sometimes only once in the morning, and then not at all. However, the narrator never dared to leave the room because he did not want to lose this good job.

Pt/En Eight weeks passed like this. He had written a lot about topics starting with A, such as Abbots, Archery, Armour, Architecture, and Attica. He hoped to start writing about B soon. He had used a lot of paper and filled a shelf with his writings. Then, suddenly, the whole job ended.

Pt/En The narrator asked if the job had ended.

Pt/En Yes, it ended this morning. He went to work at ten o'clock as usual, but the door was shut and locked. There was a small cardboard sign on the door, which he showed to Sherlock Holmes to read.

Pt/En He showed a piece of white cardboard. It was about the size of a notepaper and had writing on it.

Pt/En The writing said that the Redheaded League was finished. It was dated October 9, 1890.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes and I looked at the short message and the sad face of the man who brought it. We found the situation so funny that we both laughed loudly.

Pt/En Our client became angry and his red hair seemed to get redder. He said he did not think it was funny and that he would go somewhere else if they only laughed at him.

Pt/En Holmes stopped him from standing up and told him he would not miss his case for anything. He said it was very unusual and a little funny. He asked what the client did when he found the card on his door.

Pt/En Jabez Wilson was very surprised and confused. He did not know what to do. He asked other offices, but they did not know anything. Then, he asked his landlord, who was an accountant. Jabez Wilson asked his landlord about the Redheaded League. The landlord said he had never heard of it. He also said he did not know the name Mr. Duncan Ross.

Pt/En Jabez Wilson then mentioned the gentleman who lived at number 4.

Pt/En The landlord asked if Jabez Wilson meant the redheaded man.

Pt/En Jabez Wilson confirmed that he did.

Pt/En The landlord explained that the man's name was William Morris. He was a solicitor who was using his room temporarily. He had moved out the day before.

Pt/En The man asked where he could find the person.

Pt/En He was told that the person was at his new office at 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.

Pt/En When the man went to that address, he found a factory that made artificial kneecaps. Nobody there had heard of Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.

Pt/En Holmes asked what he did next.

Pt/En The man went home and asked his assistant for advice, but the assistant could not help. He only suggested waiting for a letter. The man felt this was not enough, as he did not want to lose the job without trying. He had heard that Holmes helped people in need, so he came to see him.

Pt/En Holmes told Mr. Wilson that he had acted very wisely. He said the case was very unusual and he would be happy to look into it. Holmes thought that based on what Mr. Wilson had told him, there could be more serious problems connected to the case than it first appeared.

Pt/En Mr. Jabez Wilson replied that the problems were indeed serious. He explained that he had lost four pounds every week.

Pt/En Holmes remarked that, as far as Mr. Wilson was personally concerned, he did not see any reason for him to complain about the strange league. Holmes understood that Mr. Wilson had actually gained about £30 and learned a lot about many subjects, especially those starting with the letter A. He said Mr. Wilson had lost nothing from the league.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson said that he had not lost anything, but he wanted to find out who the people were and what their plan was in playing this trick on him. He thought it was an expensive joke for them because it cost them thirty-two pounds.

Pt/En Holmes said they would try to explain these things for Mr. Wilson. He asked Mr. Wilson a couple of questions, starting with how long his assistant, who first told him about the advertisement, had worked for him.

Pt/En The speaker said it was about a month.

Pt/En Someone asked how he arrived.

Pt/En The answer was that he came because of an advertisement.

Pt/En Someone asked if he was the only person who applied.

Pt/En The speaker replied that there were twelve applicants.

Pt/En He asked why they had chosen that person.

Pt/En They answered that the person was useful and worked for a low price.

Pt/En They added that he worked for half his usual pay.

Pt/En They confirmed this.

Pt/En He then asked what this Vincent Spaulding was like.

Pt/En The man was small and strong. He moved very quickly. He had no hair on his face, but he was about thirty years old. There was a white mark from acid on his forehead.

Pt/En Holmes became very excited. He said he had thought this might be true. He asked if the listener had noticed that the man's ears had holes for earrings.

Pt/En The listener confirmed that he had seen the holes. He explained that the man had told him a gipsy (a traveller) had made the holes when he was a boy.

Pt/En Holmes thought deeply about this. He then asked if the man was still with the listener.

Pt/En The listener replied that he had only just left the man.

Pt/En Holmes asked Mr. Wilson if his business had been managed while he was away.

Pt/En Mr. Wilson replied that everything was fine and that his shop was usually not very busy in the mornings.

Pt/En Holmes told Mr. Wilson that he would give him his opinion in a day or two, and that he hoped to have a conclusion by Monday, as it was Saturday.

Pt/En After Mr. Wilson left, Holmes asked Watson what he thought about the situation.

Pt/En Watson honestly answered that he did not understand it and thought it was a very strange matter.

Pt/En Holmes explained that strange things are usually not very mysterious. He said that normal, ordinary crimes are the most difficult to solve, like a common face that is hard to remember. He added that he must deal with this case quickly.

Pt/En I asked Holmes what he planned to do.

Pt/En He replied that he was going to smoke. He said it was a problem that needed about three pipes to think about and asked me not to speak to him for fifty minutes. He sat down, closed his eyes, and held his pipe. I thought he had fallen asleep, but then he suddenly stood up, as if he had decided something, and put his pipe on the shelf.

Pt/En He then mentioned that Sarasate was playing music at St. James's Hall that afternoon. He asked me, Watson, if my patients could let me go for a few hours.

Pt/En I told him I had nothing to do that day and that my work as a doctor was not usually very busy.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson to put on his hat and come. He said they would go through the City first and eat lunch on the way. Holmes mentioned he liked German music more than Italian or French music because it helped him think. He wanted to think, so he asked Watson to come with him.

Pt/En They took the Underground train to Aldersgate and then walked to Saxe-Coburg Square. This was the place where the strange story they heard that morning happened. It was a small, old, and not very nice area with four rows of dirty brick houses. These houses looked out onto a small, fenced garden with poor grass and sad-looking bushes. The air was dirty from smoke. On a corner house, three gold balls and a brown sign with "Jabez Wilson" written in white letters showed where their client, the redheaded man, had his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of the building. He looked at everything carefully, with his eyes shining. He walked slowly up and down the street, looking closely at the houses. Finally, he went back to the pawnshop. He hit the pavement with his stick a few times, then knocked on the door. A young, clean-shaven man opened it quickly and invited Holmes inside.

Pt/En Holmes thanked the man and said he only wanted to ask how to get to the Strand from there.

Pt/En The assistant quickly answered, "Third street on the right, then the fourth on the left," and closed the door.

Pt/En As they walked away, Holmes said that the assistant was a very clever person. He thought the assistant was one of the four smartest men in London, and maybe even the third smartest for being so brave. Holmes mentioned he had known about the assistant before.

Pt/En I said that Mr. Wilson's assistant seemed important to the mystery of the Redheaded League. I was sure Holmes had asked for directions just to see the assistant.

Pt/En Holmes replied that it was not the assistant.

Pt/En I asked what it was then.

Pt/En Holmes answered that it was the knees of the assistant's trousers.

Pt/En I then asked Holmes what he had seen.

Pt/En Holmes said that was what he expected to see.

Pt/En Holmes asked Watson why he had hit the pavement.

Pt/En Holmes told the doctor that it was a time for watching, not talking. He explained they were like spies in a place they did not know well. They knew about Saxe-Coburg Square, and now they should explore the areas behind it.

Pt/En The street they entered after turning from Saxe-Coburg Square was very different. It was a main road with lots of traffic going in both directions. Many people were walking quickly on the paths. It was hard to believe that this busy street with nice shops was next to the quiet, old square they had just left.

Pt/En Holmes looked along the street and said he wanted to remember the order of the buildings. He enjoyed knowing London well. He listed the shops: Mortimer’s the tobacconist, a newspaper shop, the City and Suburban Bank, a Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage builders. He then told the Doctor that their work was finished and it was time for fun. He wanted to eat a sandwich and drink coffee, and then go home to play his violin, where everything was nice and peaceful, and there were no clients with confusing problems.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes was a very good musician. He could play music well and also write his own songs. For the whole afternoon, he sat happily in the theatre, listening to the music. He moved his long, thin fingers to the rhythm. His face looked calm and his eyes were dreamy. This was very different from his usual self as a clever detective who solved difficult cases. Sometimes, Holmes was very thoughtful and poetic, and other times he was extremely focused and smart. His energy changed a lot. He could go from being very relaxed to working very hard. The narrator knew that Holmes was most dangerous when he had spent many days resting and thinking, reading his books. Then, he would suddenly want to solve a new mystery. His smart thinking would become like a special feeling, and people who didn't know him well thought he was strange. When the narrator saw Holmes enjoying the music that afternoon, he felt that trouble might be coming for the people Holmes was investigating.

Pt/En As they left the theatre, Holmes said to the narrator that he probably wanted to go home.

Pt/En The narrator agreed, saying it would be a good idea to go home.

Pt/En Holmes also mentioned that he had some work to do that would take several hours. He added that the case in Coburg Square was important.

Pt/En The narrator asked why the case was important.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that a serious crime was being planned. He believed they could stop it in time. He also said that Saturday made things more difficult and that he would need Watson's help that night.

Pt/En Watson asked Holmes what time he meant.

Pt/En Holmes replied that ten o'clock would be early enough.

Pt/En Watson agreed to be at Baker Street at ten.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson that there might be some danger and asked him to bring his army revolver. Then, Holmes quickly left and disappeared into the crowd.

Pt/En The narrator felt he was not as clever as Sherlock Holmes. Holmes understood everything about a case, but the narrator was still confused. As he travelled home, he thought about the strange story of the redheaded man and Holmes's instructions. Holmes had told him to be ready for a dangerous man and to go out at night. The narrator could not understand what was happening and decided to wait for Holmes to explain.

Pt/En It was 9:15 PM when the narrator left home. He went to Baker Street. Two taxis were waiting outside. When he entered Holmes's room, he heard voices. Holmes was talking with two men. One was Peter Jones from the police. The other was a thin, sad man in a smart coat and hat.

Pt/En Holmes said their group was complete. He put on his coat and picked up his walking stick. Holmes introduced the narrator to Mr. Merryweather, saying he would join them on their adventure that night.

Pt/En Peter Jones told the narrator that they were working together again. He said that Holmes was good at starting investigations and needed someone to help him finish them.

Pt/En Mr. Merryweather said sadly that he hoped their search would not end with finding something useless, like a wild goose.

Pt/En A police agent told a man that he could trust Mr. Holmes. He said that Holmes had his own special ways of working, which were a bit too strange, but that he was a good detective. The agent added that Holmes had been very close to solving difficult cases, like the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, sometimes better than the police.

Pt/En The stranger agreed with Mr. Jones, saying it was fine if he thought so. However, he admitted he missed his card game. He explained it was the first Saturday night in 27 years that he had not played his game.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Mr. Merryweather that he would play for a higher amount of money tonight than ever before, and that the game would be more exciting. Holmes said the stake for Mr. Merryweather would be about £30,000, and for Jones, it would be catching the man they wanted.

Original English Text

2 - A Scandal in Bohemia — I

3 - A Scandal in Bohemia — II

4 - A Scandal in Bohemia — III

5 - The Redheaded League

A Scandal in Bohemia — I

PT To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They were admirable things for the observer—excellent for drawing the veil from men’s motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory.

PT I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of my former friend and companion.

PT One night—it was on the twentieth of March, 1888—I was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which had formerly been in part my own.

PT His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular introspective fashion.

PT “Wedlock suits you,” he remarked. “I think, Watson, that you have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you.”

PT “Seven!” I answered.

PT “Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not tell me that you intended to go into harness.”

PT “Then, how do you know?”

PT “I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl?”

PT “My dear Holmes,” said I, “this is too much. You would certainly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can’t imagine how you deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it out.”

PT He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together.

PT “It is simplicity itself,” said he; “my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.”

PT I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his process of deduction. “When I hear you give your reasons,” I remarked, “the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours.”

PT “Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

PT “Frequently.”

PT “How often?”

PT “Well, some hundreds of times.”

PT “Then how many are there?”

PT “How many? I don’t know.”

PT “Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted notepaper which had been lying open upon the table. “It came by the last post,” said he. “Read it aloud.”

PT The note was undated, and without either signature or address.

PT “There will call upon you tonight, at a quarter to eight o’clock,” it said, “a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask.”

PT “This is indeed a mystery,” I remarked. “What do you imagine that it means?”

PT “I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. What do you deduce from it?”

PT I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was written.

PT “The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. “Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly strong and stiff.”

PT “Peculiar—that is the very word,” said Holmes. “It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to the light.”

PT I did so, and saw a large E with a small g, a P, and a large G with a small t woven into the texture of the paper.

PT “What do you make of that?” asked Holmes.

PT “The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather.”

PT “Not at all. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. “Eglow, Eglonitz—here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking country—in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette.

PT “The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said.

PT “Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence—‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. It is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts.”

PT As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses’ hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bell. Holmes whistled.

PT “A pair, by the sound,” said he. “Yes,” he continued, glancing out of the window. “A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There’s money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else.”

PT “I think that I had better go, Holmes.”

PT “Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to miss it.”

PT “But your client—”

PT “Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best attention.”

PT A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was a loud and authoritative tap.

PT “Come in!” said Holmes.

PT A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy.

PT “You had my note?” he asked with a deep harsh voice and a strongly marked German accent. “I told you that I would call.” He looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address.

PT “Pray take a seat,” said Holmes. “This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?”

PT “You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate with you alone.”

PT I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. “It is both, or none,” said he. “You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me.”

PT The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. “Then I must begin,” said he, “by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it may have an influence upon European history.”

PT “I promise,” said Holmes.

PT “And I.”

PT “You will excuse this mask,” continued our strange visitor. “The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own.”

PT “I was aware of it,” said Holmes dryly.

PT “The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.”

PT “I was also aware of that,” murmured Holmes, settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes.

PT Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client.

PT “If your Majesty would condescend to state your case,” he remarked, “I should be better able to advise you.”

PT The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. “You are right,” he cried; “I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal it?”

PT “Why, indeed?” murmured Holmes. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.”

PT “But you can understand,” said our strange visitor, sitting down once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, “you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you.”

PT “Then, pray consult,” said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more.

PT “The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you.”

PT “Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor,” murmured Holmes without opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes.

PT “Let me see!” said Holmes. “Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858. Contralto—hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw—yes! Retired from operatic stage—ha! Living in London—quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back.”

PT “Precisely so. But how—”

PT “Was there a secret marriage?”

PT “None.”

PT “No legal papers or certificates?”

PT “None.”

PT “Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?”

PT “There is the writing.”

PT “Pooh, pooh! Forgery.”

PT “My private notepaper.”

PT “Stolen.”

PT “My own seal.”

PT “Imitated.”

PT “My photograph.”

PT “Bought.”

PT “We were both in the photograph.”

PT “Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion.”

PT “I was mad—insane.”

PT “You have compromised yourself seriously.”

PT “I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now.”

PT “It must be recovered.”

PT “We have tried and failed.”

PT “Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought.”

PT “She will not sell.”

PT “Stolen, then.”

PT “Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice she has been waylaid. There has been no result.”

PT “No sign of it?”

PT “Absolutely none.”

PT Holmes laughed. “It is quite a pretty little problem,” said he.

PT “But a very serious one to me,” returned the King reproachfully.

PT “Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the photograph?”

PT “To ruin me.”

PT “But how?”

PT “I am about to be married.”

PT “So I have heard.”

PT “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end.”

PT “And Irene Adler?”

PT “Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go—none.”

PT “You are sure that she has not sent it yet?”

PT “I am sure.”

PT “And why?”

PT “Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday.”

PT “Oh, then we have three days yet,” said Holmes with a yawn. “That is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present?”

PT “Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.”

PT “Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress.”

PT “Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.”

PT “Then, as to money?”

PT “You have carte blanche.”

PT “Absolutely?”

PT “I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph.”

PT “And for present expenses?”

PT The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and laid it on the table.

PT “There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes,” he said.

PT Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his notebook and handed it to him.

PT “And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

PT “Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.”

PT Holmes took a note of it. “One other question,” said he. “Was the photograph a cabinet?”

PT “It was.”

PT “Then, good night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good night, Watson,” he added, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. “If you will be good enough to call tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you.”

A Scandal in Bohemia — II

PT At three o’clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o’clock in the morning. I sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head.

PT It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend’s amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes.

PT “Well, really!” he cried, and then he choked and laughed again until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair.

PT “What is it?”

PT “It’s quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing.”

PT “I can’t imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler.”

PT “Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however. I left the house a little after eight o’clock this morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without noting anything else of interest.

PT “I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.”

PT “And what of Irene Adler?” I asked.

PT “Oh, she has turned all the men’s heads down in that part. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign.

PT “This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman’s chambers in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the situation.”

PT “I am following you closely,” I answered.

PT “I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached—evidently the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home.

PT “He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes!’

PT “Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. It hadn’t pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for.

PT “ ‘The Church of St. Monica, John,’ she cried, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’

PT “This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could object. ‘The Church of St. Monica,’ said I, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’ It was twenty-five minutes to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind.

PT “My cabby drove fast. I don’t think I ever drove faster, but the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me.

PT “ ‘Thank God,’ he cried. ‘You’ll do. Come! Come!’

PT “ ‘What then?’ I asked.

PT “ ‘Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won’t be legal.’

PT “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to wear it on my watch chain in memory of the occasion.”

PT “This is a very unexpected turn of affairs,” said I; “and what then?”

PT “Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house. ‘I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,’ she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own arrangements.”

PT “Which are?”

PT “Some cold beef and a glass of beer,” he answered, ringing the bell. “I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation.”

PT “I shall be delighted.”

PT “You don’t mind breaking the law?”

PT “Not in the least.”

PT “Nor running a chance of arrest?”

PT “Not in a good cause.”

PT “Oh, the cause is excellent!”

PT “Then I am your man.”

PT “I was sure that I might rely on you.”

PT “But what is it you wish?”

PT “When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you. Now,” he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.”

PT “And what then?”

PT “You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere, come what may. You understand?”

PT “I am to be neutral?”

PT “To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to that open window.”

PT “Yes.”

PT “You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you.”

PT “Yes.”

PT “And when I raise my hand—so—you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me?”

PT “Entirely.”

PT “It is nothing very formidable,” he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket. “It is an ordinary plumber’s smoke-rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?”

PT “I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street.”

PT “Precisely.”

PT “Then you may entirely rely on me.”

PT “That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role I have to play.”

PT He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.

PT It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes’ succinct description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths.

PT “You see,” remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, “this marriage rather simplifies matters. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question is, where are we to find the photograph?”

PT “Where, indeed?”

PT “It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman’s dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her.”

PT “Where, then?”

PT “Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house.”

PT “But it has twice been burgled.”

PT “Pshaw! They did not know how to look.”

PT “But how will you look?”

PT “I will not look.”

PT “What then?”

PT “I will get her to show me.”

PT “But she will refuse.”

PT “She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter.”

PT As he spoke the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but, just as he reached her, he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street.

PT “Is the poor gentleman much hurt?” she asked.

PT “He is dead,” cried several voices.

PT “No, no, there’s life in him!” shouted another. “But he’ll be gone before you can get him to hospital.”

PT “He’s a brave fellow,” said a woman. “They would have had the lady’s purse and watch if it hadn’t been for him. They were a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he’s breathing now.”

PT “He can’t lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?”

PT “Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sofa. This way, please!”

PT Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but preventing her from injuring another.

PT Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill—gentlemen, ostlers, and servant maids—joined in a general shriek of “Fire!” Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend’s arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road.

PT “You did it very nicely, Doctor,” he remarked. “Nothing could have been better. It is all right.”

PT “You have the photograph?”

PT “I know where it is.”

PT “And how did you find out?”

PT “She showed me, as I told you she would.”

PT “I am still in the dark.”

PT “I do not wish to make a mystery,” said he, laughing. “The matter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening.”

PT “I guessed as much.”

PT “Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick.”

PT “That also I could fathom.”

PT “Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your chance.”

PT “How did that help you?”

PT “It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to me that our lady of today had nothing in the house more precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a glimpse of it as she half drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all.”

PT “And now?” I asked.

PT “Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King tomorrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands.”

PT “And when will you call?”

PT “At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without delay.”

PT We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said:

PT “Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

PT There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by.

PT “I’ve heard that voice before,” said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. “Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been.”

A Scandal in Bohemia — III

PT I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room.

PT “You have really got it!” he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face.

PT “Not yet.”

PT “But you have hopes?”

PT “I have hopes.”

PT “Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone.”

PT “We must have a cab.”

PT “No, my brougham is waiting.”

PT “Then that will simplify matters.” We descended and started off once more for Briony Lodge.

PT “Irene Adler is married,” remarked Holmes.

PT “Married! When?”

PT “Yesterday.”

PT “But to whom?”

PT “To an English lawyer named Norton.”

PT “But she could not love him.”

PT “I am in hopes that she does.”

PT “And why in hopes?”

PT “Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty’s plan.”

PT “It is true. And yet—! Well! I wish she had been of my own station! What a queen she would have made!” He relapsed into a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue.

PT The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham.

PT “Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?” said she.

PT “I am Mr. Holmes,” answered my companion, looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze.

PT “Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.”

PT “What!” Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and surprise. “Do you mean that she has left England?”

PT “Never to return.”

PT “And the papers?” asked the King hoarsely. “All is lost.”

PT “We shall see.” He pushed past the servant and rushed into the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Holmes rushed at the bellpull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for.” My friend tore it open, and we all three read it together. It was dated at midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way:

PT “My Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes—You really did it very well. You took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had been told that, if the King employed an agent, it would certainly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, got into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you departed.

PT “Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good night, and started for the Temple to see my husband.

PT “We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call tomorrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,

PT “Very truly yours,

PT “Irene Norton, née Adler.”

PT “What a woman—oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. “Did I not tell you how quick and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?”

PT “From what I have seen of the lady, she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. “I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion.”

PT “On the contrary, my dear sir,” cried the King; “nothing could be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire.”

PT “I am glad to hear your Majesty say so.”

PT “I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward you. This ring—” He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand.

PT “Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly,” said Holmes.

PT “You have but to name it.”

PT “This photograph!”

PT The King stared at him in amazement.

PT “Irene’s photograph!” he cried. “Certainly, if you wish it.”

PT “I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers.

PT And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.

The Redheaded League

PT I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.

PT “You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson,” he said cordially.

PT “I was afraid that you were engaged.”

PT “So I am. Very much so.”

PT “Then I can wait in the next room.”

PT “Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also.”

PT The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes.

PT “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. “I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.”

PT “Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me,” I observed.

PT “You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.”

PT “A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting.”

PT “You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have heard, it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique.”

PT The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.

PT I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.

PT Sherlock Holmes’ quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. “Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.”

PT Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion.

PT “How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?” he asked. “How did you know, for example, that I did manual labour. It’s as true as gospel, for I began as a ship’s carpenter.”

PT “Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more developed.”

PT “Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?”

PT “I won’t insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you use an arc-and-compass breastpin.”

PT “Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?”

PT “What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?”

PT “Well, but China?”

PT “The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes’ scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter becomes even more simple.”

PT Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. “Well, I never!” said he. “I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that there was nothing in it after all.”

PT “I begin to think, Watson,” said Holmes, “that I make a mistake in explaining. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?”

PT “Yes, I have got it now,” he answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column. “Here it is. This is what began it all. You just read it for yourself, sir.”

PT I took the paper from him and read as follows:

PT “To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. All redheaded men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o’clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.”

PT “What on earth does this mean?” I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement.

PT Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. “It is a little off the beaten track, isn’t it?” said he. “And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date.”

PT “It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.”

PT “Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”

PT “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. It’s not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business.”

PT “What is the name of this obliging youth?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

PT “His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he’s not such a youth, either. It’s hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?”

PT “Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employee who comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don’t know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement.”

PT “Oh, he has his faults, too,” said Mr. Wilson. “Never was such a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault, but on the whole he’s a good worker. There’s no vice in him.”

PT “He is still with you, I presume?”

PT “Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean—that’s all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts, if we do nothing more.

PT “The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says:

PT “ ‘I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a redheaded man.’

PT “ ‘Why that?’ I asks.

PT “ ‘Why,’ says he, ‘here’s another vacancy on the League of the Redheaded Men. It’s worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits’ end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here’s a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.’

PT “ ‘Why, what is it, then?’ I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my foot over the doormat. In that way I didn’t know much of what was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news.

PT “ ‘Have you never heard of the League of the Redheaded Men?’ he asked with his eyes open.

PT “ ‘Never.’

PT “ ‘Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies.’

PT “ ‘And what are they worth?’ I asked.

PT “ ‘Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one’s other occupations.’

PT “Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for the business has not been over good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.

PT “ ‘Tell me all about it,’ said I.

PT “ ‘Well,’ said he, showing me the advertisement, ‘you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself redheaded, and he had a great sympathy for all redheaded men; so, when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to do.’

PT “ ‘But,’ said I, ‘there would be millions of redheaded men who would apply.’

PT “ ‘Not so many as you might think,’ he answered. ‘You see it is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds.’

PT “Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement.

PT “I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. I should not have thought there were so many in the whole country as were brought together by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they were—straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.”

PT “Your experience has been a most entertaining one,” remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. “Pray continue your very interesting statement.”

PT “There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might have a private word with us.

PT “ ‘This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,’ said my assistant, ‘and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.’

PT “ ‘And he is admirably suited for it,’ the other answered. ‘He has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success.

PT “ ‘It would be injustice to hesitate,’ said he. ‘You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.’ With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain. ‘There is water in your eyes,’ said he as he released me. ‘I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax which would disgust you with human nature.’ He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager.

PT “ ‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?’

PT “I answered that I had not.

PT “His face fell immediately.

PT “ ‘Dear me!’ he said gravely, ‘that is very serious indeed! I am sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well as for their maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor.’

PT “My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for a few minutes he said that it would be all right.

PT “ ‘In the case of another,’ said he, ‘the objection might be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties?’

PT “ ‘Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,’ said I.

PT “ ‘Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. ‘I should be able to look after that for you.’

PT “ ‘What would be the hours?’ I asked.

PT “ ‘Ten to two.’

PT “Now a pawnbroker’s business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before payday; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and that he would see to anything that turned up.

PT “ ‘That would suit me very well,’ said I. ‘And the pay?’

PT “ ‘Is £4 a week.’

PT “ ‘And the work?’

PT “ ‘Is purely nominal.’

PT “ ‘What do you call purely nominal?’

PT “ ‘Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You don’t comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time.’

PT “ ‘It’s only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,’ said I.

PT “ ‘No excuse will avail,’ said Mr. Duncan Ross; ‘neither sickness nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose your billet.’

PT “ ‘And the work?’

PT “ ‘Is to copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica. There is the first volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be ready tomorrow?’

PT “ ‘Certainly,’ I answered.

PT “ ‘Then, goodbye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate enough to gain.’ He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased at my own good fortune.

PT “Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court.

PT “Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o’clock he bade me good day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me.

PT “This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week’s work. It was the same next week, and the same the week after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the loss of it.

PT “Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole business came to an end.”

PT “To an end?”

PT “Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself.”

PT He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper. It read in this fashion:

PT The Redheaded League is dissolved. October 9, 1890.

PT Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter.

PT “I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. “If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere.”

PT “No, no,” cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen. “I really wouldn’t miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the door?”

PT “I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant living on the ground floor, and I asked him if he could tell me what had become of the Redheaded League. He said that he had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him.

PT “ ‘Well,’ said I, ‘the gentleman at No. 4.’

PT “ ‘What, the redheaded man?’

PT “ ‘Yes.’

PT “ ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.’

PT “ ‘Where could I find him?’

PT “ ‘Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul’s.’

PT “I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial kneecaps, and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.”

PT “And what did you do then?” asked Holmes.

PT “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right away to you.”

PT “And you did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear.”

PT “Grave enough!” said Mr. Jabez Wilson. “Why, I have lost four pound a week.”

PT “As far as you are personally concerned,” remarked Holmes, “I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some £30, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them.”

PT “No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and what their object was in playing this prank—if it was a prank—upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cost them two and thirty pounds.”

PT “We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement—how long had he been with you?”

PT “About a month then.”

PT “How did he come?”

PT “In answer to an advertisement.”

PT “Was he the only applicant?”

PT “No, I had a dozen.”

PT “Why did you pick him?”

PT “Because he was handy and would come cheap.”

PT “At half wages, in fact.”

PT “Yes.”

PT “What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?”

PT “Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he’s not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead.”

PT Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. “I thought as much,” said he. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?”

PT “Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was a lad.”

PT “Hum!” said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. “He is still with you?”

PT “Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him.”

PT “And has your business been attended to in your absence?”

PT “Nothing to complain of, sir. There’s never very much to do of a morning.”

PT “That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. Today is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion.”

PT “Well, Watson,” said Holmes when our visitor had left us, “what do you make of it all?”

PT “I make nothing of it,” I answered frankly. “It is a most mysterious business.”

PT “As a rule,” said Holmes, “the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this matter.”

PT “What are you going to do, then?” I asked.

PT “To smoke,” he answered. “It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won’t speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.

PT “Sarasate plays at the St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he remarked. “What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you for a few hours?”

PT “I have nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing.”

PT “Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!”

PT We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with “Jabez Wilson” in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our redheaded client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in.

PT “Thank you,” said Holmes, “I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand.”

PT “Third right, fourth left,” answered the assistant promptly, closing the door.

PT “Smart fellow, that,” observed Holmes as we walked away. “He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before.”

PT “Evidently,” said I, “Mr. Wilson’s assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Redheaded League. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him.”

PT “Not him.”

PT “What then?”

PT “The knees of his trousers.”

PT “And what did you see?”

PT “What I expected to see.”

PT “Why did you beat the pavement?”

PT “My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy’s country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it.”

PT The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted.

PT “Let me see,” said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line, “I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Doctor, we’ve done our work, so it’s time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to vex us with their conundrums.”

PT My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James’s Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down.

PT “You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor,” he remarked as we emerged.

PT “Yes, it would be as well.”

PT “And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious.”

PT “Why serious?”

PT “A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help tonight.”

PT “At what time?”

PT “Ten will be early enough.”

PT “I shall be at Baker Street at ten.”

PT “Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd.

PT I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man—a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.

PT It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.

PT “Ha! Our party is complete,” said Holmes, buttoning up his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. “Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tonight’s adventure.”

PT “We’re hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see,” said Jones in his consequential way. “Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down.”

PT “I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase,” observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily.

PT “You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir,” said the police agent loftily. “He has his own little methods, which are, if he won’t mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force.”

PT “Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right,” said the stranger with deference. “Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber.”

PT “I think you will find,” said Sherlock Holmes, “that you will play for a higher stake tonight than you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some £30,000; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands.”

Versão em Português

2 - Um Escândalo na Boêmia — I

3 - Um Escândalo na Boêmia — II

4 - Um Escândalo na Boêmia — III

5 - A Liga dos Ruivos

Um Escândalo na Boêmia — I

En Sherlock Holmes sempre se referia a Irene Adler como a mulher. Raramente a chamava por outro nome, pois ela se destacava acima de todas as outras mulheres aos seus olhos. Não era que ele sentisse amor por ela; na verdade, ele não gostava de emoções, especialmente o amor, porque elas perturbavam sua mente fria, precisa e bem equilibrada. Ele era a máquina de raciocinar e observar mais perfeita que o mundo já conhecera, mas como amante ele teria estado em uma posição falsa. Ele só falava das paixões suaves com zombaria. Elas eram úteis para observadores que queriam entender os motivos das pessoas, mas para um raciocinador treinado, emoções fortes introduziriam um fator perturbador que poderia lançar dúvida sobre todos os seus resultados mentais. Areia em um instrumento sensível ou uma rachadura em uma lente de alta potência não seriam mais perturbadoras do que uma emoção forte em uma natureza como a dele. No entanto, para ele havia apenas uma mulher: a falecida Irene Adler, de memória duvidosa e questionável.

En Eu tinha visto pouco de Holmes ultimamente porque meu casamento nos havia separado. Minha felicidade completa e os interesses centrados no lar de um homem que acabara de se tornar mestre de seu próprio estabelecimento absorviam toda a minha atenção. Holmes, que detestava a sociedade com toda a sua alma boêmia, permanecia em nossa hospedaria na Baker Street, enterrado em seus livros antigos, alternando entre cocaína e ambição, sonolência e energia feroz. Ele ainda era profundamente atraído pelo estudo do crime, usando suas imensas faculdades e extraordinários poderes de observação para seguir pistas e resolver mistérios abandonados pela polícia oficial. De vez em quando, eu ouvia relatos vagos de seus feitos: sua convocação a Odessa pelo assassinato de Trepoff, sua elucidação da trágica história dos irmãos Atkinson em Trincomalee e sua missão delicada para a família real da Holanda. Além dessas notícias de jornal, eu sabia pouco do meu antigo amigo e companheiro.

En Uma noite, 20 de março de 1888, eu estava voltando de uma visita a um paciente, pois havia retornado à prática geral. Meu caminho me levou pela Baker Street. Ao passar pela porta familiar, que eu sempre associava ao meu namoro e aos incidentes sombrios do Estudo em Vermelho, fui tomado por um forte desejo de ver Holmes novamente e descobrir como ele estava usando seus poderes extraordinários. Seus aposentos estavam bem iluminados e, ao levantar os olhos, vi sua figura alta e magra passar duas vezes em silhueta contra a cortina. Ele caminhava rapidamente e com entusiasmo, com a cabeça baixa e as mãos cruzadas atrás das costas. Conhecendo seus humores e hábitos, entendi que ele estava trabalhando novamente, saído de seus sonhos induzidos por drogas e no encalço de um novo problema. Toquei a campainha e fui levado ao cômodo que antes havia sido parcialmente meu.

En Seu comportamento não era efusivo; raramente o era. Mas acho que ele ficou feliz em me ver. Quase sem dizer uma palavra, mas com um olhar gentil, ele me indicou uma poltrona, ofereceu-me sua caixa de charutos e apontou para um armário de bebidas e um sifão no canto. Então ele ficou em frente à lareira e me examinou de sua maneira peculiar e introspectiva.

En Ele observou que o casamento me caía bem, e acrescentou que acreditava que eu tinha ganhado sete libras e meia desde que me vira pela última vez.

En Watson respondeu que era sete.

En Holmes pensou que Watson poderia ter adivinhado um pouco mais. Ele também notou que Watson havia retornado à prática médica, um fato que Watson não havia revelado.

En Watson perguntou a Holmes como ele sabia dessas coisas.

En Holmes explicou que ele via e deduzia. Ele então apontou que Watson havia se molhado muito recentemente e tinha uma empregada desajeitada.

En Watson expressou espanto e disse que Holmes teria sido queimado em uma época anterior. Ele confirmou que havia feito uma caminhada no campo na quinta-feira e voltado muito enlameado, mas como havia trocado de roupa, não conseguia ver como Holmes deduziu isso. Ele acrescentou que Mary Jane era impossível e sua esposa a havia dispensado, mas ainda assim não conseguia entender o raciocínio de Holmes.

En Ele riu suavemente e esfregou as mãos longas e nervosas uma na outra.

En Ele explicou que era bastante simples. Os cortes na parte interna do sapato esquerdo, visíveis à luz do fogo, indicavam que alguém havia raspado descuidadamente a lama da sola. Com isso, ele deduziu que a pessoa havia estado fora em mau tempo e que a bota havia sido limpa de forma grosseira por um criado. Além disso, o cheiro de iodoform, uma marca de nitrato de prata no dedo indicador direito e o volume na cartola onde um estetoscópio estava escondido mostravam que o cavalheiro era um médico.

En Eu ri de como ele explicava seu raciocínio com facilidade. Observei que quando ele dava suas razões, tudo parecia ridiculamente simples, e eu sentia que poderia fazer o mesmo, mas sempre ficava confuso até ele explicar. Ainda assim, acreditava que meus olhos eram tão bons quanto os dele.

En Ele concordou, acendeu um cigarro e se acomodou numa poltrona. Disse que eu via, mas não observava, deixando clara a distinção. Deu um exemplo: eu havia visto frequentemente a escada que levava do hall ao quarto.

En Respondi que os tinha visto com frequência.

En Sherlock Holmes perguntou sobre a frequência do evento.

En O homem respondeu que havia ocorrido várias centenas de vezes.

En Sherlock então pediu um número preciso.

En O homem admitiu que não sabia a contagem exata.

En Sherlock Holmes destacou que a diferença entre ver e observar era fundamental; ele sabia que havia dezessete degraus porque os havia observado. Ele então entregou ao seu companheiro uma carta grossa com tom rosado que havia chegado pelo correio e pediu que ele a lesse em voz alta.

En O bilhete não tinha data, assinatura ou endereço.

En O bilhete afirmava que um cavalheiro visitaria naquela noite às quinze para as oito para consultar Holmes sobre um assunto de grande importância. Mencionava que os serviços recentes de Holmes a uma casa real europeia tinham provado que ele era confiável para assuntos de extrema importância. O bilhete pedia a Holmes que estivesse em seu quarto naquela hora e que não se ofendesse se o visitante usasse uma máscara.

En O narrador observou que era um mistério e perguntou a Holmes o que ele achava que significava.

En Holmes respondeu que ainda não tinha dados e que era um grande erro teorizar antes de ter dados, pois alguém pode inconscientemente distorcer os fatos para se adequarem às teorias, em vez de ajustar as teorias aos fatos. Ele então perguntou ao narrador o que ele poderia deduzir do próprio bilhete.

En Examinei cuidadosamente a caligrafia e o papel no qual estava escrito.

En Tentei seguir o raciocínio do meu companheiro e comentei que o escritor provavelmente era abastado, já que tal papel custava nada menos que meia coroa por pacote e era notavelmente resistente e firme.

En Holmes confirmou que peculiar era a palavra perfeita e afirmou que o papel não era inglês; em seguida, instruiu-me a segurá-lo contra a luz.

En Eu obedeci e observei um E grande com um g pequeno, um P e um G grande com um t pequeno tecidos na fibra do papel.

En Holmes pediu minha interpretação das marcas.

En Respondi que era provavelmente o nome do fabricante, ou mais precisamente seu monograma.

En Sherlock explicou que o G com um t minúsculo significava 'Gesellschaft', a palavra alemã para 'Companhia', uma contração comum como 'Co.' A letra P representava 'Papier'. Ele então consultou um gazeteiro continental e encontrou 'Egria' na Boêmia, uma região de língua alemã perto de Carlsbad, conhecida por suas fábricas de vidro e moinhos de papel. Ele ficou encantado com essa descoberta.

En Watson observou que o papel devia ter sido feito na Boêmia.

En Holmes concordou e apontou que o escritor era alemão, observando a estrutura incomum da frase. Ele concluiu que o homem escrevia em papel boêmio e escolhia usar uma máscara. Ele então anunciou que seu visitante estava prestes a chegar e responderia a todas as perguntas.

En Assim que Holmes terminou de falar, ouviram o som agudo de cascos de cavalos e rodas de carruagem raspando contra o meio-fio, seguido pela campainha. Holmes deu um assobio baixo.

En Pelo som, Holmes julgou que havia dois cavalos. Ele olhou para fora e viu uma carruagem elegante com um par de lindos animais, cada um valendo cento e cinquenta guinéus. Ele comentou com Watson que aquele caso certamente envolvia dinheiro.

En Watson observou a Holmes que talvez fosse prudente que ele se retirasse.

En Holmes insistiu que Watson ficasse, declarando que estava perdido sem seu Boswell. Ele acrescentou que o assunto prometia ser intrigante e que seria uma pena perdê-lo.

En Watson começou a mencionar o cliente, mas Holmes o interrompeu.

En Holmes descartou a preocupação de Watson com o cliente, explicando que talvez precisasse da ajuda de Watson — e o cliente também. À medida que o cliente se aproximava, Holmes instruiu Watson a sentar-se e prestar total atenção ao assunto.

En Ouviu-se um passo lento e deliberado nas escadas e ao longo do corredor, parando bem do lado de fora da porta. Seguiu-se uma batida alta e autoritária.

En Holmes convidou a pessoa a entrar.

En Um homem muito alto, com mais de um metro e noventa de altura, entrou na sala. Ele era fortemente constituído, com peito e membros como os de Hércules. Suas roupas eram ricas a ponto de, na Inglaterra, serem consideradas quase vulgares. Grossas tiras de pele de astracã decoravam as mangas e a frente de seu casaco trespassado. Uma capa azul-escura forrada de seda cor de fogo pendia de seus ombros, presa no pescoço por um broche com uma única berilo flamejante. Suas botas iam até a metade da panturrilha e eram adornadas com pele marrom rica, completando uma impressão de luxo bárbaro. Ele carregava um chapéu de abas largas e usava uma máscara preta na parte superior do rosto, que parecia ter ajustado naquele instante, pois sua mão ainda estava levantada. A parte inferior do rosto revelava um homem de caráter forte, com um lábio grosso e caído e um queixo longo e reto que sugeria uma determinação beirando a obstinação.

En Com uma voz profunda e áspera, com forte sotaque alemão, ele perguntou se Holmes havia recebido seu bilhete, acrescentando que havia dito que viria. Ele olhou de um para o outro, aparentemente incerto a quem se dirigir.

En Holmes o convidou a sentar-se, apresentou o Dr. Watson como seu amigo e colega que às vezes o ajudava, e perguntou a quem tinha a honra de se dirigir.

En Ele respondeu que Holmes poderia tratá-lo como Conde Von Kramm, um nobre boêmio. Ele expressou sua crença de que o Dr. Watson era um homem de honra e discrição em quem se podia confiar um assunto da mais alta importância. Caso contrário, ele preferiria se comunicar apenas com Holmes.

En Holmes impediu o narrador de sair, insistindo que ele podia falar livremente na presença do visitante. Ele afirmou que o visitante podia dizer qualquer coisa a ele na presença do narrador.

En O Conde deu de ombros e explicou que precisava começar exigindo que ambos os homens mantivessem sigilo absoluto por dois anos. Após esse período, o assunto perderia sua importância; atualmente, seu significado poderia afetar a história europeia.

En Holmes deu sua promessa.

En O narrador também concordou.

En O visitante pediu desculpas pela máscara, explicando que a pessoa importante que o empregava queria que seu agente permanecesse não identificado. Ele admitiu que o nome que havia usado não era o seu verdadeiro.

En Holmes respondeu secamente que ele já estava ciente desse fato.

En O assunto era extremamente delicado, e todos os cuidados eram necessários para evitar o que poderia se tornar um grande escândalo, que comprometeria seriamente uma família real europeia. Em termos claros, a questão envolvia a ilustre Casa de Ormstein, os reis hereditários da Boêmia.

En Holmes murmurou que ele também sabia disso, e se acomodou em sua poltrona, fechando os olhos.

En O visitante olhou com evidente surpresa para a figura indolente e relaxada do homem que lhe havia sido descrito como o raciocinador mais perspicaz e o agente mais enérgico da Europa. Holmes lentamente reabriu os olhos e lançou um olhar impaciente para seu imponente cliente.

En Ele comentou que se Sua Majestade fosse tão gentil a ponto de expor seu caso, ele estaria mais apto a aconselhá-lo.

En O homem saltou da cadeira e andou pela sala em grande agitação. Em um gesto desesperado, arrancou a máscara e a jogou no chão, admitindo que era o Rei e perguntando por que deveria tentar escondê-lo.

En Holmes respondeu calmamente que sabia desde o início que estava falando com Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, o Grão-Duque de Cassel-Felstein e Rei hereditário da Boêmia.

En Sentando-se novamente e enxugando a testa, o visitante explicou que não estava acostumado a lidar pessoalmente com tais assuntos, mas a situação era tão delicada que ele não poderia confiá-la a um agente sem dar a essa pessoa poder sobre ele. Portanto, ele veio secretamente de Praga para buscar o conselho de Holmes.

En Holmes fechou os olhos novamente e o convidou a prosseguir com sua consulta.

En O Rei começou afirmando que os fatos eram simples: cerca de cinco anos antes, durante uma longa estadia em Varsóvia, ele havia conhecido a famosa aventureira Irene Adler, um nome que Holmes certamente reconheceria.

En Holmes, sem abrir os olhos, pediu a Watson que consultasse seu índice. Por anos, Holmes havia organizado todas as suas anotações sobre pessoas e eventos, de modo que podia fornecer rapidamente informações sobre quase qualquer assunto. Naquele índice, Watson encontrou a biografia da mulher colocada entre a de um rabino hebreu e a de um comandante de estado-maior que escreveu sobre peixes de águas profundas.

En Holmes examinou a entrada e observou os detalhes da mulher: nascida em Nova Jersey em 1858, uma cantora contralto que se apresentou no La Scala e foi a cantora principal na Ópera Imperial de Varsóvia. Ela havia se aposentado dos palcos e agora morava em Londres. Holmes então afirmou que o Rei havia se envolvido com essa jovem, havia escrito algumas cartas comprometedoras para ela e agora desejava recuperá-las.

En O Rei concordou que Holmes havia resumido com precisão a situação, mas perguntou como Holmes havia chegado a saber desses detalhes.

En Holmes perguntou se havia havido um casamento secreto entre o Rei e a mulher.

En O Rei respondeu que não havia havido casamento.

En Ele perguntou se havia algum documento legal ou certificado.

En A resposta foi que não havia nenhum.

En Sherlock expressou confusão, perguntando como a jovem poderia provar a autenticidade das cartas se ela as usasse para chantagem ou outros fins.

En O rei respondeu que a própria caligrafia serviria como prova.

En Holmes zombou, sugerindo que tal escrita poderia ser falsificada.

En Ele afirmou que o item em questão era seu papel de carta particular.

En Ele então explicou que o papel de carta havia sido roubado.

En Ele prosseguiu mencionando que seu próprio selo estava envolvido.

En Ele acrescentou que o selo havia sido imitado.

En Finalmente, ele se referiu à sua fotografia.

En Ele confirmou que havia sido comprado.

En Ele reconheceu que ambos estavam na fotografia.

En O interlocutor expressou consternação, comentando que era muito grave e que Sua Majestade havia de fato cometido uma indiscrição.

En Ele confessou que havia sido louco — completamente insano.

En O interlocutor observou que Sua Majestade havia se comprometido seriamente.

En Ele explicou que ele havia sido o Príncipe Herdeiro naquela época, jovem, e agora ele tinha apenas trinta anos.

En Ele enfatizou que o item tinha que ser recuperado.

En Eles admitiram que haviam tentado a recuperação, mas não tiveram sucesso.

En Ele insistiu que o Rei tinha que pagar por isso e que tinha que ser comprado.

En Ele afirmou que ela não concordaria em vendê-lo.

En Então, deve ter sido roubado.

En Cinco tentativas haviam sido feitas. Duas vezes, ladrões contratados por ele reviraram a casa dela. Uma vez, desviaram a bagagem dela durante uma viagem. Duas vezes, ela foi emboscada. No entanto, todos os esforços falharam.

En Ele perguntou se algum vestígio havia sido encontrado.

En Não havia absolutamente nenhum.

En Holmes riu e comentou que era um probleminha bem interessante.

En O Rei disse de forma repreensiva que era um assunto muito sério para ele.

En Ele perguntou se era muito sério e quis saber o que ela pretendia fazer com a fotografia.

En O Rei respondeu que ela planejava arruiná-lo.

En Holmes perguntou como ela conseguiria fazer isso.

En O Rei disse que estava prestes a se casar.

En Ele reconheceu que já tinha ouvido aquilo antes.

En Ele explicou que Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen era a segunda filha do Rei da Escandinávia. Ele observou que a família dela possuía princípios rígidos e que ela própria era extremamente delicada. Ele acrescentou que qualquer sombra de dúvida sobre sua conduta encerraria o assunto.

En Ele então perguntou sobre Irene Adler.

En Ele afirmou que Irene Adler ameaçou enviar a fotografia e que ele tinha certeza de que ela o faria. Ele a descreveu como tendo uma alma de aço, o rosto de uma bela mulher e a mente de um homem resoluto. Ele disse que, ao invés de vê-lo casar com outra mulher, não haveria limites que ela não ultrapassasse.

En Ele perguntou se eles tinham certeza de que ela ainda não a havia enviado.

En Ele afirmou que tinha certeza.

En Ele indagou a razão.

En Ele explicou que ela havia prometido enviá-lo no dia em que o noivado fosse proclamado publicamente, o que seria na segunda-feira seguinte.

En Holmes bocejou e comentou que ainda tinham três dias, o que era afortunado, pois ele tinha vários assuntos urgentes para tratar. Ele perguntou se Sua Majestade permaneceria em Londres por enquanto.

En O rei respondeu que certamente ficaria e poderia ser encontrado no Langham sob o pseudônimo Conde Von Kramm.

En Ele disse que escreveria para me informar como eles estavam progredindo.

En Ele pediu que ele o fizesse e disse que ficaria muito ansioso.

En Ele então perguntou sobre o dinheiro.

En Ele respondeu que tinha total autoridade para gastar o que fosse necessário.

En Ele perguntou se aquilo era absolutamente certo.

En O Rei declarou a Holmes que sacrificaria uma das províncias de seu reino para obter aquela fotografia.

En Holmes perguntou sobre fundos para despesas imediatas.

En O Rei retirou uma pesada bolsa de couro camurça debaixo de sua capa e colocou-a sobre a mesa.

En Ele explicou que a bolsa continha trezentas libras em ouro e setecentas em notas.

En Holmes escreveu rapidamente um recibo em uma página de seu caderno e o entregou ao Rei.

En Ele perguntou pelo endereço de Mademoiselle.

En Ele respondeu que o endereço era Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood.

En Holmes anotou o endereço e então perguntou se a fotografia era do tamanho cabinet.

En Ele confirmou que era.

En Holmes desejou boa noite ao rei, expressando sua esperança de boas notícias em breve, e então disse boa noite a Watson enquanto a carruagem real se afastava. Ele pediu a Watson que viesse na tarde seguinte às três horas para discutir o assunto.

Um Escândalo na Boêmia — II

En Precisamente às três horas, cheguei à Baker Street, mas Holmes ainda não havia retornado. A senhoria informou-me que ele havia saído de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã. Decidi esperá-lo, por mais que demorasse. Já estava profundamente envolvido em sua investigação, pois embora ela não tivesse as características sombrias e estranhas dos dois crimes que registrara anteriormente, a natureza do caso e o elevado status de seu cliente lhe conferiam um caráter único. De fato, além da investigação em si, havia algo na magistral compreensão da situação por Holmes e em seu raciocínio agudo e incisivo que me dava prazer estudar seus métodos e acompanhar as maneiras rápidas e sutis com que ele desvendava os mistérios mais complexos. Eu estava tão acostumado ao seu constante sucesso que a possibilidade de fracasso havia deixado de me ocorrer.

En Eram quase quatro horas quando a porta se abriu e um homem que parecia um cocheiro bêbado entrou. Ele estava desleixado, com suíças, rosto vermelho e roupas surradas. Embora estivesse acostumado à notável habilidade do meu amigo com disfarces, precisei olhar três vezes para ter certeza de que era ele. Ele acenou com a cabeça e desapareceu no quarto, reaparecendo cinco minutos depois vestindo um terno de tweed, com a aparência tão respeitável de sempre. Colocou as mãos nos bolsos, esticou as pernas em direção ao fogo e riu alegremente por alguns minutos.

En Ele exclamou que era realmente muito engraçado, então engasgou e riu novamente até ter que se recostar na cadeira, fraco e sem forças.

En Perguntei a ele o que havia acontecido.

En Ele respondeu que era bastante divertido e que eu jamais adivinharia como ele havia passado a manhã ou o que acabara fazendo.

En O falante disse que não conseguia imaginar. Ele supôs que o ouvinte estava observando os hábitos de Miss Irene Adler e possivelmente sua casa.

En Ele concordou que a parte seguinte era bastante incomum. Em seguida, explicou que havia saído de casa um pouco depois das oito daquela manhã disfarçado de cavalariço desempregado. Observou que existe um forte vínculo entre os amantes de cavalos e que, fingindo ser um deles, poderia aprender tudo. Logo encontrou a Briony Lodge, que descreveu como uma pequena vila com um jardim nos fundos, construída rente à estrada na frente, com dois andares. A porta tinha uma fechadura Chubb. A grande sala de estar à direita era bem mobiliada, com janelas compridas que quase chegavam ao chão e aquelas tolas travas de janela inglesas que até uma criança poderia abrir. Atrás, nada era notável, exceto que a janela do corredor poderia ser alcançada do topo da cocheira. Ele contornou a casa e examinou-a atentamente de todos os ângulos, mas não encontrou mais nada de interessante.

En Ele então passeou pela rua e, como havia antecipado, descobriu uma cocheira em uma viela que corria ao longo de um lado do jardim. Ele ajudou os tratadores a esfregar os cavalos e, em troca, recebeu uma pequena quantia em dinheiro, um copo de meio a meio, duas porções de fumo forte e todas as informações que pudesse desejar sobre Miss Adler — sem mencionar as histórias de vida de meia dúzia de outras pessoas na vizinhança, pelas quais não tinha o menor interesse, mas foi forçado a ouvir.

En Então perguntei o que havia acontecido com Irene Adler.

En O orador soube que Irene Adler era extremamente popular e considerada a mulher mais elegante daquela área. Ela levava uma vida tranquila, se apresentava em concertos e saía para um passeio diário de carro das cinco às sete da noite, voltando precisamente às sete para o jantar. Raramente saía, exceto para seus compromissos de canto. Ela tinha apenas um visitante homem, o Sr. Godfrey Norton, do Inner Temple, que era moreno, bonito e arrojado. Ele a visitava pelo menos uma vez por dia, geralmente duas. O orador obteve essas informações de taxistas que haviam levado o Sr. Norton para casa muitas vezes e o conheciam bem. Depois de ouvir seus relatos, ele caminhou de um lado para o outro perto de Briony Lodge, ponderando seu plano de ação.

En Ele considerou que Godfrey Norton era claramente importante. Como advogado, seu envolvimento parecia preocupante. Ele se perguntou sobre a relação entre Norton e a mulher: ela era sua cliente, sua amiga ou sua amante? Se fosse cliente, ela poderia ter lhe dado a fotografia; se amante, era menos provável. Essa questão determinaria se ele deveria continuar observando-a ou mudar sua investigação para o escritório de Norton. Ele reconheceu que esses detalhes poderiam parecer tediosos, mas eram necessários para entender a situação.

En Ele disse que estava acompanhando o raciocínio de perto.

En Enquanto ele ainda pensava, um cabriolé chegou a Briony Lodge. Um homem muito bonito, moreno, de nariz aquilino e bigode saltou. Ele parecia estar com muita pressa, disse ao motorista para esperar e rapidamente passou pela criada, entrando na casa como se estivesse totalmente à vontade. Aparentemente, era o homem sobre quem ele ouvira falar.

En Ele ficou dentro de casa por cerca de meia hora. Através das janelas, o narrador podia vê-lo andando de um lado para o outro e falando animadamente, agitando os braços. Ele não conseguia ver a mulher. Quando ele saiu, parecia ainda mais agitado. Ele tirou um relógio de ouro, olhou para ele e então gritou para o motorista ir primeiro à Gross & Hankey na Regent Street, depois à Igreja de Santa Mônica, prometendo meia guinéu se fizessem isso em vinte minutos.

En O cabriolé partiu. O narrador estava considerando se deveria segui-lo quando uma elegante pequena landau subiu o beco, o cocheiro meio vestido e a correia do arreio pendurada. Antes de parar completamente, a mulher saiu correndo pela porta do saguão e pulou dentro. Ele apenas vislumbrou, mas ela era uma mulher adorável, com um rosto pelo qual um homem morreria.

En Ela gritou para John, dizendo a ele que fosse para a Igreja de Santa Mônica e prometendo meio soberano se ele chegasse lá em vinte minutos.

En Holmes achou que a situação era boa demais para deixar escapar. Ele estava decidindo se corria atrás deles ou se escondia atrás da landau dela quando um táxi apareceu. O motorista olhou duas vezes para sua aparência surrada, mas Holmes entrou antes que ele pudesse objetar. Ele disse ao motorista para ir à Igreja de Santa Mônica e ofereceu meio soberano se chegassem em vinte minutos. Era vinte e cinco para as doze, e o propósito estava claro.

En O motorista dirigiu muito rápido, mais rápido do que Holmes jamais experimentara, mas os outros já estavam lá. Quando ele chegou, o táxi e a landau com cavalos fumegantes estavam em frente à porta. Ele pagou o motorista e entrou apressado na igreja. Lá dentro, não havia ninguém exceto os dois que ele tinha seguido e um clérigo de sobrepeliz, que parecia discutir com eles. Todos estavam de pé, próximos, diante do altar. Holmes caminhou lentamente pela nave lateral, fingindo ser um visitante ocioso. De repente, para sua surpresa, os três no altar se viraram para encará-lo, e Godfrey Norton correu em sua direção o mais rápido que pôde.

En Godfrey Norton exclamou de alívio, agradecendo a Deus e dizendo que Holmes serviria, instando-o a vir rapidamente.

En Holmes perguntou o que estava acontecendo então.

En Alguém instou uma pessoa a se apressar, dizendo que restavam apenas três minutos, caso contrário não seria legal.

En Ele explicou que foi rapidamente levado ao altar e se viu repetindo palavras sussurradas para ele e concordando com coisas que não entendia. Ele ajudou a casar Irene Adler com Godfrey Norton. Aconteceu muito rápido. O homem agradeceu, e a mulher também estava lá. O padre sorriu para ele. Ele sentiu que era uma situação muito estranha e riu da lembrança. Houve um problema com a licença de casamento deles; o padre se recusou a casá-los sem uma testemunha. A aparição repentina dele salvou o noivo de ter que encontrar um padrinho. A noiva lhe deu uma moeda, que ele planejou guardar como lembrança.

En Ele observou que isso foi um desenvolvimento muito surpreendente e perguntou o que aconteceu depois.

En Ele viu seus planos em sério perigo, pois parecia que o casal poderia partir imediatamente, exigindo ação rápida. No entanto, na igreja eles se separaram — o homem voltou de carro para o Templo, e a mulher foi para casa. Ela disse a ele que iria passear de carro no parque às cinco como de costume. Ele não ouviu mais nada. Eles foram embora em direções diferentes, e ele foi fazer seus próprios preparativos.

En Ele perguntou quais eram esses planos.

En Holmes pediu carne fria e cerveja, explicando que estava muito ocupado para comer e esperava estar ainda mais ocupado naquela noite. Em seguida, pediu a ajuda do Doutor Watson.

En Watson expressou sua disposição em cooperar.

En Holmes perguntou se Watson tinha alguma objeção em quebrar a lei.

En Watson respondeu que não tinha nenhuma objeção.

En Holmes perguntou ainda se o risco de ser preso era aceitável para ele.

En Ele afirmou que não era uma causa nobre.

En Ela exclamou que a causa era realmente excelente.

En Ele declarou que era o homem certo para a tarefa.

En Ela expressou confiança de que poderia contar com ele.

En Ele perguntou o que ela desejava.

En Holmes afirmou que esclareceria a situação assim que a Sra. Turner servisse a refeição. Ele começou a comer a comida simples fornecida pela sua senhoria, explicando que tinha pouco tempo e precisava discutir o plano enquanto comia. Eram quase cinco horas; eles tinham que estar no local em duas horas. Irene Adler, ou melhor, Madame, voltaria do seu passeio de carruagem às sete, então eles precisavam estar na Briony Lodge para encontrá-la.

En Watson perguntou o que aconteceria a seguir.

En Holmes respondeu que Watson deveria deixar isso com ele, pois ele já havia planejado os eventos. Ele insistiu em um ponto: Watson não deveria interferir, independentemente do que acontecesse, e perguntou se ele entendia.

En Watson perguntou se era esperado que ele permanecesse neutro.

En Holmes confirmou que Watson não deveria fazer absolutamente nada. Provavelmente haveria uma pequena perturbação, mas Watson não deveria se envolver. Tudo terminaria com Holmes sendo levado para dentro da casa. Quatro ou cinco minutos depois, a janela da sala de estar se abriria, e Watson deveria se posicionar perto daquela janela aberta.

En Ele respondeu afirmativamente.

En Ele instruiu o outro a observá-lo, explicando que estaria visível.

En Ele concordou mais uma vez.

En Ele então explicou que, quando levantasse a mão, o outro deveria jogar o objeto que ele lhe deu no quarto e, ao mesmo tempo, gritar que havia fogo. Ele perguntou se aquilo estava totalmente claro.

En Ele confirmou que entendeu completamente.

En Ele explicou que não era particularmente perigoso; ele tirou do bolso um objeto longo em forma de charuto e descreveu-o como um foguete de fumaça comum de encanador, equipado com tampas nas duas extremidades para que acendesse sozinho. A tarefa se limitava a isso: quando eles gritassem 'fogo', muitas pessoas repetiriam o grito, e então eles deveriam caminhar até o fim da rua, onde ele os encontraria novamente em dez minutos. Ele perguntou se havia sido claro.

En O ouvinte confirmou suas instruções: eles deveriam permanecer neutros, chegar perto da janela, observar Holmes e, ao sinal, jogar o objeto para dentro, então gritar 'fogo' e esperar na esquina da rua.

En Holmes respondeu que isso estava exatamente correto.

En O ouvinte assegurou a Holmes que eles poderiam ser totalmente confiáveis.

En Holmes disse que aquilo era excelente e achou que estava quase na hora de ele se preparar para o novo papel que teria que desempenhar.

En Holmes foi para seu quarto e saiu alguns minutos depois disfarçado como um clérigo amigável e simples. Ele usava um chapéu preto largo, calças folgadas, uma gravata branca e tinha um sorriso simpático com um olhar de gentil curiosidade. Nenhum ator teria igualado sua transformação. Não eram apenas suas roupas que mudavam; sua expressão, maneiras e até mesmo todo o seu caráter pareciam se adaptar a cada novo papel. Holmes tinha talento para ter sido um grande ator no palco, mas escolheu se tornar um especialista em crimes.

En Eles saíram da Baker Street às seis e quinze e chegaram à Serpentine Avenue dez minutos antes da hora marcada. Já estava escurecendo, e os lampiões estavam sendo acesos enquanto eles caminhavam para cima e para baixo em frente a Briony Lodge, esperando pela moradora. A casa correspondia à descrição que Holmes havia dado, mas a rua estava mais movimentada do que Watson esperava. Para um bairro tranquilo, estava surpreendentemente animada. Havia homens malvestidos fumando e rindo, um amolador de facas com sua roda, dois soldados flertando com uma enfermeira e vários jovens bem-vestidos passeando com charutos.

En Enquanto andavam de um lado para o outro em frente à casa, Holmes comentou que o recente casamento tornava a tarefa mais fácil. A fotografia havia se tornado uma arma de dois gumes: a mulher provavelmente não gostaria que seu novo marido, Sr. Godfrey Norton, a visse, assim como o cliente não queria que sua princesa a visse. A principal questão agora era onde encontrá-la.

En Watson simplesmente concordou que a questão da localização era crucial.

En Holmes raciocinou que era muito improvável que ela carregasse a fotografia consigo. Era uma foto de tamanho médio, grande demais para ser escondida facilmente nas roupas de uma mulher. Ele também salientou que o Rei era capaz de mandar parar e revistá-la; de fato, duas tentativas desse tipo já haviam sido feitas. Portanto, eles podiam presumir que ela não a tinha consigo.

En Holmes então perguntou onde o item estava.

En Holmes argumentou que a fotografia não estava com o banqueiro ou advogado dela. Ele explicou que as mulheres preferem guardar segredos elas mesmas, então ela a esconderia em sua própria casa, onde poderia acessá-la rapidamente e evitar pressão política.

En Watson observou que a casa já havia sido arrombada duas vezes.

En Holmes descartou a objeção, afirmando que os ladrões não sabiam onde procurar.

En Watson então perguntou como Holmes pretendia conduzir sua busca.

En Ele declarou que não olharia.

En Ele perguntou o que deveria fazer então.

En Ele disse que a persuadiria a mostrar a ele.

En A outra pessoa expressou dúvida de que ela concordaria.

En Ele afirmou que ela seria incapaz de recusar. Ele ouviu o barulho das rodas — era a carruagem dela. Então ele instruiu seu companheiro a seguir suas ordens exatamente.

En À medida que a carruagem se aproximava, suas luzes laterais brilhavam ao redor da curva da avenida. Era uma pequena e elegante landau que parou ruidosamente diante da porta de Briony Lodge. Quando parou, um dos homens ociosos na esquina correu para abrir a porta, esperando ganhar uma moeda, mas foi empurrado por outro vadio que tinha a mesma intenção. Uma discussão violenta estourou, e os dois guardas se juntaram, tomando partido de um dos desocupados, enquanto o amolador de tesouras argumentava com igual veemência do outro lado. Um golpe foi dado, e num instante a senhora, que acabara de descer da carruagem, estava no meio de um grupo de homens furiosos brigando selvagemente com punhos e bastões. Holmes correu para a multidão para proteger a senhora, mas ao alcançá-la, ele gritou e caiu no chão, com sangue escorrendo pelo rosto. Com sua queda, os guardas fugiram em uma direção e os desocupados na outra, enquanto várias pessoas bem vestidas que haviam assistido à confusão sem participar se aproximaram para ajudar a senhora e socorrer o homem ferido. Irene Adler, como ainda a chamarei, subiu rapidamente os degraus, mas no topo ela parou, sua figura esplêndida recortada contra as luzes do saguão, olhando para trás, para a rua.

En Ela perguntou se o pobre cavalheiro estava muito ferido.

En Várias vozes gritaram que ele estava morto.

En Outra pessoa gritou que ele ainda estava vivo, mas que morreria antes que pudessem levá-lo ao hospital.

En Uma mulher comentou que Holmes era um sujeito corajoso, pois sem ele a gangue teria levado a bolsa e o relógio da senhora. Ela acrescentou que ele estava respirando agora.

En Alguém perguntou se poderiam trazer o homem para dentro, já que ele não podia continuar deitado na rua.

En Ela concordou e instruiu-os a trazer o homem para a sala de estar, onde havia um sofá confortável, e mostrou-lhes o caminho.

En O homem foi carregado solenemente para dentro de Briony Lodge e colocado no sofá da sala principal. Do meu posto na janela, observei enquanto Holmes estava deitado ali. Senti profunda vergonha por conspirar contra uma mulher tão graciosa, mas não pude abandonar o plano de Holmes. Enrijeci-me e preparei o foguete de fumaça, convencendo-me de que estávamos apenas impedindo-a de prejudicar outra pessoa.

En Holmes sentou-se e fez um gesto pedindo ar. Uma criada abriu a janela. Ao seu sinal, joguei o foguete no quarto e gritei 'Fogo!' A multidão lá fora pegou o grito. A fumaça encheu o quarto, e vi pessoas correndo. Holmes então declarou que era um alarme falso. Passei pela multidão e o encontrei alguns minutos depois. Caminhamos rápida e silenciosamente até chegarmos a uma rua tranquila que levava à Edgeware Road.

En Holmes elogiou o médico, dizendo que ele havia se saído muito bem e que tudo estava certo.

En Ele perguntou se eles tinham a fotografia.

En Ele respondeu que sabia sua localização.

En Ele então perguntou como eles a haviam descoberto.

En Ele explicou que ela havia revelado a ele, exatamente como ele havia previsto.

En Ele admitiu que ainda não entendia.

En Ele riu e disse que não queria tornar o assunto misterioso. Explicou que o caso era muito simples. Ele presumiu que eu havia notado que todos na rua eram cúmplices, pois todos haviam sido contratados para a noite.

En Respondi que já havia adivinhado isso.

En Ele explicou que, quando a confusão começou, ele tinha um pouco de tinta vermelha úmida na palma da mão. Ele avançou, caiu, colocou a mão no rosto e se transformou em uma visão lamentável. Ele acrescentou que era um truque antigo.

En Eu disse que também havia conseguido entender isso.

En Ele continuou dizendo que o carregaram para dentro porque ela não teve escolha a não ser deixá-lo entrar. Ele foi levado para a sala de estar dela, que era exatamente o cômodo que ele suspeitava. Ficava entre aquela sala e o quarto dela, e ele estava determinado a descobrir qual era. Colocaram-no em um sofá, ele fez um gesto de que precisava de ar, então eles tiveram que abrir a janela, e isso me deu a oportunidade que eu precisava.

En Watson perguntou a Sherlock como aquilo o havia ajudado.

En Sherlock respondeu que aquilo havia sido crucial. Ele explicou que, quando uma mulher acredita que sua casa está pegando fogo, seu impulso natural é correr para o que ela mais valoriza. Esse instinto avassalador o havia servido bem em casos anteriores, como o Escândalo da Substituição de Darlington e o caso do Castelo Arnsworth. Uma mulher casada agarraria seu filho, enquanto uma solteira pegaria sua caixa de joias. Ele havia concluído que a senhora em questão valorizava a fotografia acima de tudo, então ela correria para protegê-la. O alarme de incêndio foi perfeitamente executado; a fumaça e os gritos foram suficientes para abalar até os nervos mais fortes, e ela respondeu exatamente como ele havia previsto. A fotografia estava escondida em um nicho atrás de um painel deslizante acima da campainha direita. Ela correu para ela, e ele a viu quando ela a puxou parcialmente. Quando ele anunciou que era um alarme falso, ela a recolocou, olhou para o foguete e saiu da sala. Ele então se levantou, pediu desculpas e escapou. Ele considerou pegar a fotografia imediatamente, mas decidiu esperar porque o cocheiro o observava atentamente; agir com muita pressa poderia arruinar tudo.

En Watson perguntou o que fariam em seguida.

En Sherlock disse que a busca estava praticamente encerrada. Ele pretendia visitar o Rei no dia seguinte e convidou Watson para se juntar a eles. Eles seriam levados à sala de estar para esperar a senhora, mas era provável que ela não encontrasse nem eles nem a fotografia. Ele achou que seria uma satisfação para o Rei recuperar a fotografia ele mesmo.

En Watson perguntou quando ele iria visitá-lo.

En Holmes disse que eles se encontrariam às oito da manhã porque ela ainda estaria dormindo, dando-lhes uma oportunidade clara. Ele enfatizou a necessidade de rapidez, já que o casamento dela poderia alterar completamente sua vida diária. Então decidiu enviar um telegrama ao Rei imediatamente.

En Eles chegaram à Baker Street e pararam em frente à porta. Enquanto Holmes procurava a chave nos bolsos, um transeunte falou com eles.

En O estranho desejou boa noite a Holmes.

En Embora houvesse várias pessoas na calçada, a saudação parecia vir de um jovem esbelto usando um sobretudo que tinha passado correndo.

En Holmes olhou para a rua mal iluminada e observou que tinha reconhecido aquela voz. Ele se perguntou quem diabos poderia ter sido.

Um Escândalo na Boêmia — III

En O narrador ficou na Baker Street naquela noite. Na manhã seguinte, enquanto ele e Sherlock Holmes tomavam café da manhã, o Rei da Boêmia entrou repentinamente no cômodo.

En O Rei exclamou empolgado, agarrando Holmes pelos ombros e examinando seu rosto cheio de expectativa.

En Holmes respondeu que ainda não a tinha encontrado.

En O Rei então perguntou se Holmes tinha alguma esperança de sucesso.

En Holmes confirmou que realmente tinha esperança.

En Holmes disse que estava impaciente para ir e instou seu companheiro a acompanhá-lo.

En Holmes insistiu que eles precisavam de um táxi.

En Watson respondeu que sua própria carruagem já estava esperando.

En Holmes comentou que isso simplificaria as coisas, e eles desceram as escadas e partiram novamente para Briony Lodge.

En Holmes observou que Irene Adler era casada.

En Holmes perguntou a ela quando ela havia se casado.

En Ela respondeu que havia sido no dia anterior.

En Holmes então perguntou com quem ela havia se casado.

En Ela disse a ele que havia se casado com um advogado inglês chamado Norton.

En Holmes comentou que ela não poderia amá-lo.

En Ele expressou sua esperança de que ela amava o marido.

En O outro perguntou por que ele tinha essa esperança.

En Ele explicou que, se a senhora amasse o marido, ela não amaria o rei e, consequentemente, não teria motivo para interferir nos planos de Sua Majestade. Isso pouparia o rei de qualquer aborrecimento futuro.

En O rei reconheceu a verdade disso, mas desejou melancolicamente que ela tivesse sido de sua própria classe, acreditando que ela teria sido uma rainha magnífica. Então ele caiu em um silêncio pensativo que durou até chegarem à Serpentine Avenue.

En A porta de Briony Lodge estava aberta, e uma senhora idosa os observava dos degraus com um olhar sardônico enquanto desciam da carruagem.

En Ela perguntou se ele era o Sr. Sherlock Holmes.

En Ele confirmou que era o Sr. Holmes, olhando para ela com uma expressão questionadora e bastante surpresa.

En Ela confirmou que sua patroa havia dito que Holmes poderia visitá-la e então acrescentou que ela havia partido naquela manhã com o marido, pegando o trem das 5:15 de Charing Cross para o Continente.

En Holmes cambaleou para trás, pálido de desgosto e surpresa, e perguntou se ela queria dizer que a mulher havia deixado a Inglaterra.

En Ela respondeu que a mulher nunca voltaria.

En O Rei perguntou roucamente sobre os papéis e disse que tudo estava perdido.

En Holmes disse que eles veriam. Ele passou pelo criado e entrou na sala de estar com o rei e Watson. A sala estava desordenada, com móveis espalhados e gavetas abertas, como se a mulher tivesse revistado tudo rapidamente antes de partir. Holmes foi até o cordão da campainha, abriu uma pequena veneziana e retirou uma fotografia e uma carta. A fotografia mostrava Irene Adler em um vestido de noite. A carta era endereçada a Sherlock Holmes, para ser deixada até que fosse solicitada. Holmes a abriu, e os três a leram juntos. Tinha sido escrita à meia-noite da noite anterior.

En Irene Adler escreveu para Sherlock Holmes, reconhecendo que ele a enganara completamente até o alarme de incêndio. Ela havia sido avisada sobre ele meses antes e sabia que ele poderia ser o agente do Rei. Apesar de suas suspeitas, ela achava difícil acreditar que ele pudesse ser desonesto, especialmente porque ele se apresentara como um bondoso velho clérigo. Ela explicou que, sendo atriz, estava acostumada a usar roupas masculinas e muitas vezes aproveitava a liberdade que isso lhe dava. Ela enviara seu cocheiro para vigiar Holmes, depois trocou rapidamente para suas roupas de saída e partiu assim que ele saiu.

En Irene Adler seguiu Holmes até sua porta, confirmando que ela era realmente de interesse para o famoso detetive. Então, de forma bastante imprudente, ela lhe desejou boa noite e partiu para o Temple para ver o marido.

En Irene Adler escreveu para Sherlock Holmes explicando que ela e seu marido haviam decidido fugir de um oponente tão formidável, então ele encontraria a casa vazia quando a visitasse no dia seguinte. Ela o assegurou que o Rei poderia ficar tranquilo em relação à fotografia, pois ela amava e era amada por um homem melhor que o Rei. Ela afirmou que o Rei poderia agir sem qualquer impedimento da parte dela, já que ele a havia prejudicado cruelmente. Ela guardou a fotografia apenas para se proteger e para ter uma arma contra quaisquer ações futuras que o Rei pudesse tomar. Ela deixou uma fotografia que o Rei poderia desejar possuir, e ela se despediu como sua querida amiga.

En A carta foi assinada com um encerramento formal e educado.

En A carta trazia a assinatura de Irene Norton, anteriormente conhecida como Adler.

En Após ler a carta, o Rei da Boêmia elogiou a rapidez e a determinação da senhora, lamentando que ela não fosse de nascimento real, pois teria sido uma rainha admirável.

En Holmes observou friamente que a senhora parecia estar em um nível muito superior ao do Rei, e expressou pesar por não ter conseguido um resultado mais bem-sucedido para Sua Majestade.

En O Rei discordou, afirmando que o resultado foi totalmente bem-sucedido. Ele declarou que a palavra da mulher era inviolável e que a fotografia estava tão segura como se tivesse sido queimada.

En Holmes disse que ficou feliz em ouvir o rei dizer isso.

En O rei expressou sua profunda gratidão e perguntou a Holmes como poderia ser recompensado. Em seguida, tirou um anel de cobra de esmeralda do dedo e o ofereceu na palma da mão aberta.

En Holmes disse que o rei possuía algo que ele valorizaria ainda mais.

En O rei disse a Holmes que ele só precisava nomeá-lo.

En Holmes indicou que a fotografia era o que ele queria.

En O rei olhou para ele, profundamente espantado.

En Ele exclamou sobre a fotografia de Irene e concordou em entregá-la se desejado.

En Holmes agradeceu ao rei, afirmou que não havia mais nada a fazer, desejou-lhe bom dia, fez uma reverência e saiu com Watson sem reconhecer a mão estendida do rei.

En Foi assim que um grande escândalo quase afetou o reino da Boêmia e como a astúcia de uma mulher derrotou os melhores planos de Holmes. Ele costumava brincar sobre a inteligência das mulheres, mas não o fazia mais. Ele sempre se referia a Irene Adler respeitosamente como 'a mulher'.

A Liga dos Ruivos

En Um dia de outono, Watson visitou Holmes e o encontrou em conversa profunda com um cavalheiro idoso, corpulento, de rosto vermelho e cabelo ruivo brilhante. Watson pediu desculpas pela intromissão e estava prestes a sair, mas Holmes rapidamente o puxou para dentro da sala e fechou a porta.

En Holmes disse calorosamente a Watson que ele havia chegado em um momento ideal.

En Watson expressou sua preocupação de que Holmes pudesse estar ocupado.

En Holmes confirmou que ele estava de fato extremamente ocupado.

En Watson se ofereceu para esperar na sala adjacente.

En Holmes tranquilizou Watson dizendo que o Sr. Wilson era seu colaborador em muitos casos bem-sucedidos e certamente seria útil neste também.

En O cavalheiro corpulento levantou-se ligeiramente e fez um aceno de saudação, lançando um olhar rápido e interrogativo de seus pequenos olhos cercados de gordura.

En Holmes convidou-o a sentar-se no sofá, depois recostou-se em sua poltrona e juntou as pontas dos dedos, como costumava fazer quando estava em um estado de reflexão. Ele disse que sabia que Watson compartilhava seu gosto pelo estranho e não convencional, e que Watson havia demonstrado isso ao registrar com entusiasmo e talvez até embelezar muitas das aventuras de Holmes.

En Watson respondeu que os casos de Holmes tinham sido de fato extremamente interessantes para ele.

En Holmes lembrou Watson de que ele havia dito recentemente, antes de enfrentarem o simples problema da Srta. Mary Sutherland, que para efeitos incomuns e extraordinários deve-se recorrer à própria vida, que é sempre mais ousada do que qualquer produto da imaginação.

En Watson admitiu que havia tomado a liberdade de duvidar dessa proposição.

En Sherlock Holmes disse ao Dr. Watson que ele precisava concordar com ele, caso contrário continuaria acrescentando fatos até que a razão de Watson se rompesse. Holmes explicou que o Sr. Jabez Wilson o visitara naquela manhã com uma história que prometia ser uma das mais incomuns que ele ouvira em algum tempo. Ele observou que as coisas mais estranhas e únicas estavam frequentemente ligadas a crimes menores, ou às vezes a casos em que era incerto se algum crime havia sido cometido. Pelo que ouvira até então, Holmes não conseguia determinar se o caso atual envolvia um crime, mas a sequência de eventos era certamente uma das mais singulares que ele já ouvira. Ele pediu ao Sr. Wilson que gentilmente recontasse sua história, não apenas porque o Dr. Watson não ouvira o início, mas também porque a natureza peculiar do conto o deixava ansioso para ter todos os detalhes possíveis da boca de Wilson. Normalmente, após ouvir uma ligeira indicação dos eventos, Holmes podia se guiar por milhares de casos semelhantes em sua memória, mas nesta ocasião foi forçado a admitir que os fatos pareciam únicos.

En O corpulento cliente inflou o peito com um ar de orgulho e tirou um jornal sujo e amassado do bolso interno do seu sobretudo. Enquanto ele examinava a coluna de anúncios, com a cabeça inclinada para a frente e o jornal achatado sobre o joelho, eu observei bem o homem e tentei, à maneira do meu companheiro, ler as indicações apresentadas por suas roupas ou aparência.

En Eu não obtive muito com minha inspeção, no entanto. Nosso visitante tinha todas as características de um comerciante britânico comum e mediano: obeso, pomposo e lento. Ele usava calças largas de xadrez pastor cinza, um fraque preto não muito limpo, desabotoado na frente, e um colete cinza-escuro com uma pesada corrente Albert de latão e um ornamento de metal quadrado furado pendurado. Uma cartola gasta e um sobretudo marrom desbotado com uma gola de veludo enrugado estavam sobre uma cadeira ao lado dele. No geral, não havia nada de notável no homem, exceto sua cabeça ruiva flamejante e a expressão de extremo desgosto e descontentamento em seu rosto.

En O olhar rápido de Sherlock Holmes notou minha ocupação, e ele balançou a cabeça com um sorriso ao ver meus olhares questionadores. Ele disse que, além dos fatos óbvios de que o homem havia trabalhado manualmente em algum momento, que usava rapé, que era maçom, que estivera na China e que escrevera bastante ultimamente, não conseguia deduzir mais nada.

En O Sr. Jabez Wilson ergueu-se na cadeira, com o dedo indicador sobre o papel, mas os olhos em meu companheiro.

En O homem expressou espanto com as deduções do Sr. Holmes, especialmente como Holmes sabia que ele havia feito trabalho manual, e confirmou que realmente havia começado como carpinteiro naval.

En O Sr. Holmes explicou que as mãos do homem revelavam a informação; sua mão direita era visivelmente maior que a esquerda, resultado de anos de trabalho manual que haviam desenvolvido mais os músculos daquele lado.

En O homem então perguntou como Holmes sabia sobre seu uso de rapé e sua filiação aos Maçons.

En O Sr. Holmes recusou-se a explicar seu raciocínio, dizendo que não insultaria a inteligência do homem, mas observou que o homem estava usando um alfinete de peito com um desenho de arco e compasso, o que era contra as regras rígidas dos Maçons.

En O homem reconheceu que havia deixado passar aquela pista, e então perguntou como Holmes havia deduzido a questão da escrita.

En Holmes apontou que o punho direito estava muito brilhante por cinco polegadas, e o esquerdo tinha uma mancha lisa perto do cotovelo onde o Sr. Wilson o apoiava na mesa, perguntando o que mais poderia ser indicado por isso.

En O Sr. Wilson então perguntou sobre a China, questionando como aquilo era relevante.

En Holmes explicou que a tatuagem de peixe acima do pulso direito do Sr. Wilson devia ter sido feita na China, pois a coloração rosa delicada das escamas era uma técnica chinesa única. Ele acrescentou que ver uma moeda chinesa na corrente do relógio tornava a conclusão ainda mais direta, observando que havia estudado marcas de tatuagem e até contribuído para a literatura sobre o assunto.

En O Sr. Jabez Wilson riu gostosamente, comentando que a princípio pensara que Holmes havia feito algo inteligente, mas agora percebia que não havia nada de notável nisso, afinal.

En Holmes comentou com Watson que temia estar cometendo um erro ao explicar tudo, já que revelar seus métodos poderia prejudicar sua reputação. Ele então perguntou ao Sr. Wilson se ele poderia encontrar o anúncio.

En Holmes anunciou que havia localizado o item, apontando com seu dedo grosso e vermelho para o meio de uma coluna. Ele indicou que era o ponto de partida de todo o caso e convidou o narrador a lê-lo pessoalmente.

En O narrador pegou o jornal de Holmes e prosseguiu para ler o conteúdo.

En O anúncio era dirigido à Liga dos Ruivos, afirmando que, devido ao legado do falecido Ezekiah Hopkins de Lebanon, Pensilvânia, havia uma nova vaga aberta para um membro da Liga, oferecendo um salário de quatro libras por semana por serviços essencialmente nominais. Os requisitos incluíam cabelo ruivo, saúde física e mental, e idade superior a vinte e um anos. Os candidatos deveriam comparecer pessoalmente na sede da Liga na segunda-feira às onze horas.

En Depois de ler duas vezes o estranho anúncio, o narrador exclamou perplexo, perguntando o que aquilo poderia significar.

En Holmes riu baixinho e se remexeu na cadeira, um sinal de seu bom humor. Ele comentou que o anúncio era incomum. Em seguida, instruiu o Sr. Wilson a começar do início e descrever a si mesmo, sua casa e como o anúncio havia afetado sua situação. Holmes também pediu ao médico que anotasse o nome do jornal e a data.

En Holmes observou que o jornal era The Morning Chronicle de 27 de abril de 1890, o que era apenas dois meses antes.

En Holmes expressou aprovação e pediu ao Sr. Wilson que continuasse com sua história.

En Jabez Wilson, enxugando a testa, explicou que administrava um pequeno negócio de penhores na Praça Coburg, perto da City. Não era uma operação grande e, recentemente, só lhe rendia o suficiente para viver. Costumava empregar dois assistentes, mas agora tinha apenas um, e tinha dificuldade para pagá-lo, embora o assistente estivesse disposto a trabalhar por metade do salário para aprender o ofício.

En Sherlock Holmes perguntou qual era o nome desse jovem prestativo.

En Wilson respondeu que o nome de seu assistente era Vincent Spaulding, e ele não era particularmente jovem; sua idade era difícil de determinar. Wilson admitiu que não poderia desejar um assistente mais inteligente e sabia que Spaulding poderia encontrar melhor remuneração em outro lugar, mas, como Spaulding parecia satisfeito, Wilson não via motivo para sugerir o contrário.

En Holmes comentou que o Sr. Wilson tinha muita sorte de ter um funcionário que trabalhava por menos do que o salário habitual, o que era incomum para empregadores naquela época. Ele acrescentou que talvez o assistente fosse tão notável quanto o próprio anúncio.

En O Sr. Wilson admitiu que seu assistente tinha seus defeitos, especialmente sua obsessão por fotografia. Em vez de focar no autodesenvolvimento, ele tirava fotos constantemente e depois corria para o porão para revelá-las. Embora esse fosse seu principal defeito, o Sr. Wilson o considerava um bom trabalhador no geral, sem maus hábitos.

En Holmes perguntou se o assistente ainda estava empregado pelo Sr. Wilson.

En O Sr. Wilson confirmou que o assistente ainda trabalhava para ele. Ele explicou que, além do assistente, havia uma garota de quatorze anos que cuidava da cozinha simples e da limpeza. Como viúvo sem filhos, os três viviam juntos tranquilamente, conseguindo manter uma casa e pagar suas contas, mesmo que não fizessem muito mais.

En O Sr. Wilson afirmou que o anúncio havia sido a primeira perturbação. Ele lembrou que Spaulding havia entrado no escritório oito semanas atrás, carregando o próprio jornal na mão, e tinha falado com ele.

En O Sr. Wilson expressou um forte desejo de ser um homem ruivo.

En Perguntei por que ele se sentia assim.

En O Sr. Wilson explicou que outra vaga havia surgido na Liga dos Homens Ruivos, uma posição que valia uma quantia considerável. Ele comentou que havia mais vagas do que candidatos, então os curadores estavam com dificuldades para administrar os fundos. Se ao menos seu cabelo fosse ruivo, ele poderia entrar em uma situação confortável.

En Perguntei o que o cargo implicava. Expliquei que era caseiro, pois meu trabalho vinha até mim em vez de exigir que eu saísse, então muitas vezes ficava dentro de casa por semanas. Consequentemente, não estava familiarizado com os eventos externos e sempre apreciava uma notícia.

En O Sr. Wilson perguntou, com os olhos arregalados, se eu nunca tinha ouvido falar da Liga dos Homens Ruivos.

En O homem respondeu que nunca havia feito isso.

En O interlocutor expressou surpresa, destacando que a outra pessoa era elegível para uma das vagas.

En Eu perguntei quanto valiam os cargos.

En Ele explicou que o salário era de apenas algumas centenas de libras por ano, o trabalho era leve e não interferiria muito com outras ocupações.

En Isso naturalmente chamou minha atenção, pois meu negócio estava passando por dificuldades há alguns anos e duzentas libras extras teriam sido muito úteis.

En O narrador solicitou um relato completo do assunto.

En Ele mostrou o anúncio e explicou que a Liga dos Ruivos tinha uma vaga. Segundo ele, a Liga havia sido fundada por um milionário americano excêntrico chamado Ezekiah Hopkins, que era ruivo e simpatizava com outros homens ruivos. Ao morrer, sua fortuna foi confiada a curadores que deveriam usar os juros para proporcionar posições confortáveis para homens ruivos. O salário era excelente, com muito pouco trabalho exigido.

En O narrador objetou que haveria incontáveis candidatos.

En Ele respondeu que o número seria menor do que o esperado, já que a oportunidade era limitada a londrinos adultos com um tom específico de cabelo ruivo brilhante. Ele acrescentou que o cabelo do Sr. Wilson poderia se qualificar, mas talvez não valesse a pena o incômodo por algumas centenas de libras.

En Wilson notou que seu próprio cabelo era de um vermelho intenso e acreditava ter tanta chance quanto qualquer um. Como Vincent Spaulding parecia conhecedor, Wilson pediu que ele fechasse a loja por um dia e o acompanhasse ao endereço do anúncio. Spaulding ficou feliz com o feriado, então eles fecharam o negócio e partiram.

En O cliente disse a Holmes que nunca tinha visto tal cena. Homens de todos os tons de cabelo ruivo tinham vindo de todas as direções em resposta ao anúncio. A Fleet Street estava lotada de pessoas ruivas, e a Pope's Court parecia uma barraca de frutas. Ele ficou surpreso que existiam tantas em todo o país. Elas tinham cabelos de várias cores, mas poucas tinham o tom vívido de chama. Quando viu a multidão, quis desistir, mas Spaulding insistiu. Spaulding conseguiu empurrá-lo e puxá-lo através da multidão até os degraus do escritório. Havia uma corrente dupla nas escadas, alguns subindo esperançosos, outros descendo desanimados. Eles se enfiaram e logo se encontraram no escritório.

En Holmes comentou que a experiência do cliente era altamente divertida e pediu que ele continuasse sua declaração interessante.

En O escritório continha apenas algumas cadeiras de madeira e uma mesa. Atrás da mesa estava sentado um homem pequeno com cabelo ainda mais ruivo que o do narrador. Ele falava com cada candidato e sempre encontrava algum defeito para desqualificá-los. Conseguir o cargo parecia difícil. No entanto, quando chegou a vez deles, o homem foi muito mais favorável ao narrador do que aos outros e fechou a porta para uma conversa particular.

En O assistente apresentou o narrador como Sr. Jabez Wilson, que estava disposto a preencher uma vaga na Liga.

En O outro homem respondeu que ele era admiravelmente adequado e tinha todos os requisitos. Ele recuou, inclinou a cabeça e olhou para o cabelo do narrador, fazendo-o sentir-se envergonhado. Então, de repente, avançou, apertou sua mão e o parabenizou calorosamente pelo sucesso.

En Ele disse que seria injusto hesitar, mas precisava tomar precauções. Agarrou o cabelo de Wilson com as duas mãos e puxou até que Wilson gritasse de dor. Depois de soltá-lo, notou que seus olhos estavam lacrimejando e que tudo parecia normal. Explicou que precisavam ter cuidado porque haviam sido enganados duas vezes por perucas e uma vez por maquiagem, e que poderia contar histórias de cera de sapateiro que enojariam qualquer um com a natureza humana. Então, foi até a janela e gritou bem alto que a vaga estava preenchida. Um gemido de decepção veio de baixo, e a multidão se dispersou em todas as direções até que não restassem ruivos exceto o próprio Wilson e o gerente.

En Meu nome é Sr. Duncan Ross, ele disse, e sou um dos pensionistas do fundo deixado por nosso nobre benfeitor. Em seguida, perguntou a Wilson se ele era casado e tinha família.

En Wilson respondeu que não.

En Seu rosto imediatamente se desanimou.

En Ele disse gravemente que isso era muito sério, e que lamentava ouvir aquilo. O fundo, claro, era para a propagação e disseminação dos ruivos, bem como para sua manutenção, então era extremamente infeliz que Wilson fosse solteiro.

En A expressão do narrador caiu, pensando que não conseguiria o cargo afinal. No entanto, após alguns minutos de consideração, o outro homem garantiu-lhe que tudo ficaria bem.

En Ele explicou que, para outra pessoa, a objeção poderia arruinar a chance, mas abririam uma exceção para um homem com cabelo tão notável. Então perguntou quando o narrador poderia começar o novo trabalho.

En O narrador respondeu que era um pouco inconveniente porque ele já possuía um negócio.

En Vincent Spaulding disse-lhe para não se preocupar com isso, pois ele poderia administrar o negócio atual do narrador por ele.

En O narrador perguntou sobre o horário de trabalho.

En Eram dez para as duas.

En Ele disse a Holmes que os penhoristas fazem a maior parte dos negócios à noite, especialmente nas noites de quinta e sexta, pouco antes do dia de pagamento, então seria muito conveniente para ele ganhar algum dinheiro extra pela manhã. Ele acrescentou que seu assistente era um homem confiável que cuidaria de qualquer imprevisto.

En Ele disse que isso lhe serviria muito bem e perguntou sobre o pagamento.

En Ele lhe ofereceu quatro libras por semana.

En Ele então perguntou sobre a natureza do trabalho.

En Ele disse que o cargo era puramente nominal.

En Ele perguntou o que significava puramente nominal.

En Ele explicou que a pessoa deveria permanecer no escritório ou no prédio o tempo todo; sair significaria perder o cargo para sempre. O testamento era bastante claro quanto a isso.

En Ele respondeu que eram apenas quatro horas por dia e que não pensaria em sair.

En O Sr. Duncan Ross insistiu que nenhuma desculpa, fosse doença ou negócio, seria aceita; a pessoa deveria ficar ou perderia o cargo.

En Ele perguntou sobre o trabalho.

En A tarefa era copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. O primeiro volume estava em uma prensa. Ele tinha que fornecer sua própria tinta, canetas e papel mata-borrão, embora uma mesa e uma cadeira fossem fornecidas. Perguntaram se ele estaria pronto até o dia seguinte.

En Ele respondeu que certamente estaria pronto.

En O homem se despediu e o parabenizou novamente pela posição afortunada. Ele o acompanhou até a porta com uma reverência, e Wilson foi para casa com seu assistente, tomado de alegria pela sua boa sorte.

En Wilson pensou no assunto o dia todo, mas à noite se sentiu deprimido novamente, tendo se convencido de que era algum grande embuste ou fraude, embora não pudesse imaginar o objetivo. Parecia inacreditável que alguém fizesse tal testamento ou pagasse tanto por copiar a enciclopédia. Vincent Spaulding tentou animá-lo, mas na hora de dormir Wilson já havia se convencido do contrário. No entanto, pela manhã, ele decidiu ir de qualquer maneira. Comprou um vidro de tinta de um centavo, uma pena e sete folhas de papel, e partiu para o Tribunal de Pope.

En Para sua surpresa e alegria, tudo estava perfeitamente arrumado. O Sr. Duncan Ross estava presente para garantir que ele começasse corretamente, iniciando-o na letra A antes de sair. No entanto, Ross retornava periodicamente para verificar seu progresso. Às duas horas, ele se despediu do narrador, elogiou a quantidade que havia escrito e trancou a porta do escritório atrás de si.

En Esse padrão continuou dia após dia. Aos sábados, o gerente pagava-lhe quatro soberanos de ouro pelo trabalho da semana. O mesmo aconteceu nas semanas seguintes. Todas as manhãs ele chegava às dez e saía às duas. Gradualmente, o Sr. Duncan Ross começou a visitar com menos frequência, até não aparecer mais. No entanto, o narrador nunca ousava deixar a sala, incerto de quando Ross poderia voltar. A posição era tão vantajosa e adequava-se tão bem a ele que ele não correria o risco de perdê-la.

En Assim, oito semanas se passaram. Ele havia escrito extensivamente sobre tópicos começando com A, como Abades, Arco e Flecha, Armadura, Arquitetura e Ática, e esperava com diligência passar em breve para os B's. Isso lhe custou quantidades significativas de papel almaço, e ele quase encheu uma prateleira com seus escritos. Então, sem aviso, todo o empreendimento chegou ao fim.

En O narrador perguntou se realmente havia terminado.

En De fato, havia terminado naquela mesma manhã. Ele tinha ido trabalhar como de costume às dez horas, apenas para encontrar a porta fechada e trancada. Um pequeno quadrado de papelão foi pregado no painel com um tachinha. Ele o produziu e convidou Holmes a lê-lo por si mesmo.

En Ele mostrou um pedaço de papelão branco, aproximadamente do tamanho de uma folha de papel de carta, com o seguinte texto escrito.

En Anunciava que a Liga dos Ruivos havia sido dissolvida e estava datada de 9 de outubro de 1890.

En Sherlock Holmes e eu examinamos o breve aviso e a expressão infeliz do homem que o trouxera; o absurdo da situação tornou-se tão avassalador que ambos caímos na gargalhada.

En Nosso cliente exclamou que não via nada de engraçado no assunto, seu rosto ficando vermelho até a raiz de seu cabelo flamejante. Ele declarou que, se não podíamos fazer mais do que zombar dele, levaria seu problema para outro lugar.

En Holmes rapidamente o empurrou de volta para a cadeira da qual ele começara a se levantar, insistindo que não abandonaria o caso por nada — era deliciosamente incomum. No entanto, admitiu que havia um aspecto ligeiramente cômico nisso. Ele então perguntou que ações o cliente havia tomado ao descobrir o cartão em sua porta.

En Wilson ficou surpreso e incerto sobre seu próximo passo. Ele perguntou em escritórios vizinhos, mas ninguém conseguiu fornecer nenhuma informação. Por fim, ele se aproximou de seu senhorio, um contador que morava no térreo, e perguntou o que havia acontecido com a Liga dos Cabeças Ruivas. O senhorio respondeu que nunca tinha ouvido falar de tal organização. Wilson então perguntou sobre o Sr. Duncan Ross, mas o senhorio disse que o nome não lhe era familiar.

En Wilson então mencionou o cavalheiro que morava no número quatro.

En O senhorio perguntou se ele se referia ao homem ruivo.

En Wilson confirmou que sim.

En O senhorio explicou que o nome do homem era William Morris, um advogado que estava usando o quarto temporariamente até que suas novas instalações ficassem prontas. Ele havia desocupado no dia anterior.

En Ele perguntou onde poderia encontrar o homem.

En Disseram-lhe que a pessoa estava em seu novo escritório na 17 King Edward Street, perto da St. Paul's.

En Quando ele chegou ao endereço, encontrou uma fábrica de rótulas artificiais; ninguém lá tinha ouvido falar do Sr. William Morris nem do Sr. Duncan Ross.

En Holmes perguntou o que ele fez em seguida.

En Ele foi para casa e pediu conselhos ao seu assistente, mas o assistente apenas sugeriu esperar por uma carta. Não querendo perder o cargo sem luta, ele veio diretamente a Holmes, tendo ouvido que Holmes dava conselhos aos necessitados.

En Holmes disse ao Sr. Wilson que ele havia agido com muita sabedoria. Ele considerava o caso extremamente incomum e ficaria feliz em investigá-lo. Pelo que o Sr. Wilson havia descrito, Holmes pensou que poderia haver consequências mais sérias envolvidas do que inicialmente parecia óbvio.

En O Sr. Jabez Wilson concordou que a situação era realmente grave, apontando que ele vinha perdendo quatro libras por semana.

En Holmes observou que, pessoalmente, o Sr. Wilson não tinha motivos para reclamar da estranha liga. Na verdade, Holmes entendeu que o Sr. Wilson havia ganhado cerca de trinta libras e adquirido conhecimento detalhado sobre vários tópicos começando com a letra A. Ele concluiu que o Sr. Wilson não havia perdido nada com a liga.

En O Sr. Wilson admitiu que não havia perdido nada, mas queria descobrir as identidades dos envolvidos e entender o propósito deles ao pregar essa peça nele, se é que era mesmo uma peça. Ele observou que tinha sido uma brincadeira cara para eles, custando trinta e duas libras.

En Holmes garantiu ao Sr. Wilson que eles tentariam esclarecer esses assuntos. Em seguida, fez algumas perguntas, começando por quanto tempo o assistente do Sr. Wilson, que havia primeiro apontado o anúncio, estava trabalhando para ele.

En Ele disse que fazia cerca de um mês.

En Alguém perguntou como ele havia chegado.

En Ele respondeu que havia vindo em resposta a um anúncio.

En Alguém perguntou se ele havia sido o único candidato.

En Ele respondeu que havia uma dúzia de candidatos.

En Ele perguntou por que eles haviam escolhido aquele homem em particular.

En Eles responderam que ele era conveniente e trabalharia por um salário baixo.

En Eles acrescentaram que ele trabalhava por metade do pagamento usual.

En Eles confirmaram que isso estava correto.

En Ele então perguntou como era Vincent Spaulding.

En O homem era pequeno e robusto, com movimentos rápidos. Tinha cerca de trinta anos e não tinha pelos faciais. Uma marca branca de ácido era visível em sua testa.

En Holmes sentou-se animadamente, afirmando que suspeitava disso. Ele então perguntou se o ouvinte tinha notado que as orelhas do homem eram furadas para brincos.

En O ouvinte confirmou isso, explicando que o homem dissera que uma cigana furou suas orelhas quando ele era menino.

En Holmes murmurou pensativamente enquanto se recostava. Ele então perguntou se o homem ainda estava a serviço do ouvinte.

En O ouvinte respondeu que o homem realmente ainda estava lá, pois ele acabara de deixá-lo.

En Holmes perguntou se o negócio do Sr. Wilson havia sido cuidado durante sua ausência.

En O Sr. Wilson garantiu que estava tudo bem, acrescentando que raramente havia muito movimento pela manhã.

En Holmes disse ao Sr. Wilson que daria sua opinião em um ou dois dias e, como era sábado, esperava chegar a uma conclusão até segunda-feira.

En Depois que o visitante foi embora, Holmes perguntou a Watson o que ele achava de todo o caso.

En Watson respondeu francamente que não entendia nada daquilo e considerava o assunto muito misterioso.

En Holmes observou que, como princípio geral, as coisas mais estranhas muitas vezes acabam sendo as menos misteriosas. Ele notou que são os crimes comuns e banais que apresentam verdadeiros enigmas, assim como um rosto comum é o mais difícil de reconhecer. Ele acrescentou que precisava agir rapidamente neste caso.

En Perguntei a Holmes o que ele pretendia fazer em seguida.

En Holmes respondeu que fumaria, explicando que era um problema que exigia três cachimbadas de reflexão, e pediu para não ser perturbado por cinquenta minutos. Ele se acomodou na cadeira, encolhendo os joelhos perto do nariz, e ficou sentado com os olhos fechados, com o cachimbo projetando-se como o bico de um pássaro. Pensei que ele tivesse adormecido, e eu mesmo estava cochilando, quando ele se levantou bruscamente, como se tivesse tomado uma decisão, e colocou o cachimbo na prateleira da lareira.

En Holmes mencionou que o violinista Sarasate estava se apresentando no St. James's Hall naquela tarde. Ele perguntou a Watson se seus pacientes poderiam ficar sem ele por algumas horas.

En Respondi que não tinha obrigações naquele dia, pois minha prática médica raramente era exigente.

En Holmes disse a Watson para colocar o chapéu e acompanhá-lo. Ele planejava passar pela City primeiro e almoçar no caminho. Observou que o programa do concerto incluía muita música alemã, que ele preferia à italiana ou francesa. A música alemã, segundo ele, era introspectiva, e ele sentia necessidade de introspecção. Incentivou Watson a vir junto.

En Eles viajaram de metrô até Aldersgate e depois caminharam até a Praça Saxe-Coburg, o cenário da estranha história que tinham ouvido naquela manhã. Era um lugar pequeno e modesto, com quatro fileiras de casas de tijolos de dois andares, sujas, ao redor de um pequeno jardim cercado. O jardim tinha grama cheia de ervas daninhas e alguns arbustos de louro desbotados, lutando contra a atmosfera enfumaçada. Em uma casa de esquina, três bolas douradas e uma placa marrom com 'Jabez Wilson' em letras brancas marcavam a loja de penhores onde seu cliente ruivo trabalhava. Sherlock Holmes parou em frente ao prédio, inclinou a cabeça e o examinou minuciosamente, com os olhos brilhando. Em seguida, caminhou lentamente para cima e para baixo na rua, ainda observando atentamente as casas. Finalmente, voltou à loja de penhores, bateu no pavimento com a bengala duas ou três vezes e bateu na porta. Um jovem de aparência esperta e barbeado abriu-a instantaneamente e convidou Holmes para entrar.

En Holmes agradeceu ao jovem e disse que só queria perguntar como chegar dali ao Strand.

En O assistente respondeu prontamente que era a terceira rua à direita e depois a quarta à esquerda, e fechou a porta.

En Enquanto se afastavam, Holmes observou que o assistente era um sujeito esperto. Em seu julgamento, ele era o quarto homem mais inteligente de Londres e, em termos de ousadia, poderia até ser considerado o terceiro. Holmes acrescentou que já sabia algo sobre ele antes.

En Apontei que o assistente do Sr. Wilson parecia desempenhar um papel fundamental no mistério da Liga dos Cabeças Vermelhas. Eu estava certo de que Holmes havia pedido informações apenas para observar o homem.

En Holmes respondeu que não era o assistente em quem ele estava interessado.

En Insisti para que ele me desse uma explicação.

En Holmes respondeu que estava se referindo aos joelhos das calças do assistente.

En Então perguntei o que ele havia observado.

En Holmes respondeu que era exatamente o que ele tinha previsto ver.

En Holmes perguntou por que Watson havia andado para cima e para baixo na calçada.

En Holmes disse ao médico que este era um momento para observação, não para conversa. Ele explicou que eles estavam como espiões em território hostil, e como já sabiam algo sobre a Praça Saxe-Coburg, deveriam agora examinar as áreas atrás dela.

En A rua na qual eles viraram a partir da tranquila Praça Saxe-Coburg era notavelmente diferente. Era uma estrada principal que levava o tráfego da cidade para o norte e oeste, lotada com uma maré dupla de veículos e pedestres. Era difícil acreditar que a fileira de lojas elegantes e imponentes estabelecimentos comerciais ficava nos fundos da praça desbotada e parada que eles tinham acabado de deixar.

En Holmes ficou na esquina, examinando a fileira de prédios, e comentou que desejava memorizar a ordem das casas; conhecer Londres exatamente era um hobby seu. Ele listou a tabacaria Mortimer's, a pequena loja de jornais, a filial Coburg do Banco City and Suburban, o Restaurante Vegetariano e o depósito de carruagens de McFarlane, que levava ao próximo quarteirão. Ele então disse ao médico que o trabalho estava feito, então era hora de algum prazer: um sanduíche e uma xícara de café, e então para a terra dos violinos, onde tudo é doçura, delicadeza e harmonia, sem clientes ruivos perturbando-os com enigmas.

En Meu amigo era um músico apaixonado. Ele não era apenas um intérprete habilidoso, mas também um compositor de talento incomum. Passou a tarde inteira sentado na plateia, perfeitamente feliz, movendo suavemente seus dedos longos e finos no ritmo da música. Seu rosto mostrava um sorriso gentil, e seus olhos estavam sonhadores e relaxados. Isso era completamente diferente do Holmes que eu conhecia como detetive: implacável, perspicaz e rápido para agir. Seu caráter tinha dois lados que se alternavam. Sua extrema precisão e perspicácia pareciam ser uma reação contra o humor poético e pensativo que às vezes o dominava. Sua natureza oscilava entre profunda preguiça e energia intensa. Como eu bem sabia, ele nunca era mais perigoso do que quando passava dias descansando em sua poltrona, tocando música ou estudando livros antigos. Então, de repente, o desejo de caçar tomava conta, e seu raciocínio brilhante se tornava quase como intuição, de modo que as pessoas não familiarizadas com seus métodos olhavam para ele estranhamente, como se possuísse conhecimento além dos humanos comuns. Quando o vi tão absorto na música no St. James's Hall naquela tarde, senti que um mau tempo estava chegando para aqueles que ele decidira perseguir.

En Ao saírem, Holmes comentou que o médico provavelmente queria ir para casa.

En O médico concordou que seria uma boa ideia.

En Holmes acrescentou que tinha alguns negócios que levariam várias horas, e que o assunto na Praça Coburg era sério.

En O médico perguntou por que era sério.

En Holmes disse a Watson que um crime grave estava sendo planejado. Ele estava confiante de que poderiam impedi-lo, mas o fato de ser sábado tornava as coisas mais complicadas. Ele disse que precisaria da ajuda de Watson naquela noite.

En Watson perguntou a Holmes que horas ele queria dizer.

En Holmes respondeu que dez horas seria cedo o suficiente.

En Watson concordou em encontrar Holmes na Baker Street às dez.

En Holmes avisou Watson que poderia haver algum perigo e pediu que ele trouxesse seu revólver do exército. Ele então acenou, virou-se e desapareceu rapidamente na multidão.

En O narrador sentia que não era tão inteligente quanto as outras pessoas, mas, ao lidar com Sherlock Holmes, sempre se sentia particularmente estúpido. Ele tinha ouvido as mesmas coisas que Holmes ouvira e visto as mesmas coisas, ainda assim Holmes claramente entendia não apenas o que havia acontecido, mas também o que estava prestes a acontecer, enquanto o narrador permanecia confuso com todo o assunto. Enquanto dirigia para casa em Kensington, ele pensou em tudo, desde a estranha história do copista ruivo da enciclopédia até a visita à Praça Saxe-Coburg e as palavras ameaçadoras que Holmes havia dito na despedida. Ele se perguntou sobre o que era a expedição noturna e por que precisava estar armado. Para onde estavam indo e o que deveriam fazer? Holmes havia insinuado que o assistente do penhorista, de rosto liso, era um homem perigoso que poderia estar jogando um jogo profundo. O narrador tentou entender, mas desistiu em desespero, decidindo esperar até que a noite trouxesse uma explicação.

En Às nove e quinze o narrador saiu de casa, atravessou o Parque e seguiu pela Oxford Street até a Baker Street. Duas carruagens de aluguel estavam esperando na porta e, ao entrar no corredor, ouviu vozes no andar de cima. Quando entrou na sala, encontrou Holmes em animada conversa com dois homens. Ele reconheceu um deles como Peter Jones, o agente oficial da polícia, e o outro era um homem alto, magro e de semblante triste, com um chapéu muito brilhante e um sobretudo formal opressivamente respeitável.

En Holmes declarou que seu grupo estava completo, abotoando sua jaqueta de lã e pegando seu pesado chicote de caça do cabide. Ele lembrou Watson de que conhecia o Sr. Jones, da Scotland Yard, e então apresentou o Sr. Merryweather, que seria seu companheiro na aventura daquela noite.

En Jones observou de maneira autoconfiante que estavam caçando em duplas novamente, e chamou Holmes de um homem maravilhoso para iniciar uma perseguição, acrescentando que tudo o que Holmes precisava era de um cão velho para ajudá-lo a fazer a caçada.

En O Sr. Merryweather expressou sombriamente sua esperança de que a perseguição não se revelasse uma caça ao ganso selvagem.

En O agente de polícia afirmou que o homem podia confiar consideravelmente no Sr. Holmes, observando que, embora seus métodos fossem um tanto teóricos e fantásticos, ele possuía as qualidades de um detetive. Ele acrescentou que, em várias ocasiões, como nos casos do assassinato Sholto e do tesouro de Agra, Holmes havia se mostrado mais preciso do que a força policial oficial.

En O estranho concordou com deferência com o Sr. Jones, embora tenha admitido que lamentava não ter participado de sua partida habitual de cartas. Ele comentou que era a primeira noite de sábado em vinte e sete anos que ele não jogava sua partida.

En Sherlock Holmes sugeriu que o homem se veria jogando por uma aposta mais alta naquela noite do que nunca, e que o jogo se mostraria mais emocionante. Ele especificou que, para o Sr. Merryweather, a aposta seria de cerca de £30.000, e para Jones, seria a captura do homem que ele procurava.

A Scandal in Bohemia — I

Português

Sherlock Holmes sempre se referia a Irene Adler como a mulher. Raramente a chamava por outro nome, pois ela se destacava acima de todas as outras mulheres aos seus olhos. Não era que ele sentisse amor por ela; na verdade, ele não gostava de emoções, especialmente o amor, porque elas perturbavam sua mente fria, precisa e bem equilibrada. Ele era a máquina de raciocinar e observar mais perfeita que o mundo já conhecera, mas como amante ele teria estado em uma posição falsa. Ele só falava das paixões suaves com zombaria. Elas eram úteis para observadores que queriam entender os motivos das pessoas, mas para um raciocinador treinado, emoções fortes introduziriam um fator perturbador que poderia lançar dúvida sobre todos os seus resultados mentais. Areia em um instrumento sensível ou uma rachadura em uma lente de alta potência não seriam mais perturbadoras do que uma emoção forte em uma natureza como a dele. No entanto, para ele havia apenas uma mulher: a falecida Irene Adler, de memória duvidosa e questionável.

Original English

To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They were admirable things for the observer—excellent for drawing the veil from men’s motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory.

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Português

Eu tinha visto pouco de Holmes ultimamente porque meu casamento nos havia separado. Minha felicidade completa e os interesses centrados no lar de um homem que acabara de se tornar mestre de seu próprio estabelecimento absorviam toda a minha atenção. Holmes, que detestava a sociedade com toda a sua alma boêmia, permanecia em nossa hospedaria na Baker Street, enterrado em seus livros antigos, alternando entre cocaína e ambição, sonolência e energia feroz. Ele ainda era profundamente atraído pelo estudo do crime, usando suas imensas faculdades e extraordinários poderes de observação para seguir pistas e resolver mistérios abandonados pela polícia oficial. De vez em quando, eu ouvia relatos vagos de seus feitos: sua convocação a Odessa pelo assassinato de Trepoff, sua elucidação da trágica história dos irmãos Atkinson em Trincomalee e sua missão delicada para a família real da Holanda. Além dessas notícias de jornal, eu sabia pouco do meu antigo amigo e companheiro.

Original English

I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of my former friend and companion.

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Português

Uma noite, 20 de março de 1888, eu estava voltando de uma visita a um paciente, pois havia retornado à prática geral. Meu caminho me levou pela Baker Street. Ao passar pela porta familiar, que eu sempre associava ao meu namoro e aos incidentes sombrios do Estudo em Vermelho, fui tomado por um forte desejo de ver Holmes novamente e descobrir como ele estava usando seus poderes extraordinários. Seus aposentos estavam bem iluminados e, ao levantar os olhos, vi sua figura alta e magra passar duas vezes em silhueta contra a cortina. Ele caminhava rapidamente e com entusiasmo, com a cabeça baixa e as mãos cruzadas atrás das costas. Conhecendo seus humores e hábitos, entendi que ele estava trabalhando novamente, saído de seus sonhos induzidos por drogas e no encalço de um novo problema. Toquei a campainha e fui levado ao cômodo que antes havia sido parcialmente meu.

Original English

One night—it was on the twentieth of March, 1888—I was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which had formerly been in part my own.

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Português

Seu comportamento não era efusivo; raramente o era. Mas acho que ele ficou feliz em me ver. Quase sem dizer uma palavra, mas com um olhar gentil, ele me indicou uma poltrona, ofereceu-me sua caixa de charutos e apontou para um armário de bebidas e um sifão no canto. Então ele ficou em frente à lareira e me examinou de sua maneira peculiar e introspectiva.

Original English

His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular introspective fashion.

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Português

Ele observou que o casamento me caía bem, e acrescentou que acreditava que eu tinha ganhado sete libras e meia desde que me vira pela última vez.

Original English

“Wedlock suits you,” he remarked. “I think, Watson, that you have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you.”

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Português

Watson respondeu que era sete.

Original English

“Seven!” I answered.

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Português

Holmes pensou que Watson poderia ter adivinhado um pouco mais. Ele também notou que Watson havia retornado à prática médica, um fato que Watson não havia revelado.

Original English

“Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not tell me that you intended to go into harness.”

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Português

Watson perguntou a Holmes como ele sabia dessas coisas.

Original English

“Then, how do you know?”

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Português

Holmes explicou que ele via e deduzia. Ele então apontou que Watson havia se molhado muito recentemente e tinha uma empregada desajeitada.

Original English

“I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl?”

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Português

Watson expressou espanto e disse que Holmes teria sido queimado em uma época anterior. Ele confirmou que havia feito uma caminhada no campo na quinta-feira e voltado muito enlameado, mas como havia trocado de roupa, não conseguia ver como Holmes deduziu isso. Ele acrescentou que Mary Jane era impossível e sua esposa a havia dispensado, mas ainda assim não conseguia entender o raciocínio de Holmes.

Original English

“My dear Holmes,” said I, “this is too much. You would certainly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can’t imagine how you deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it out.”

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Português

Ele riu suavemente e esfregou as mãos longas e nervosas uma na outra.

Original English

He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands together.

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Português

Ele explicou que era bastante simples. Os cortes na parte interna do sapato esquerdo, visíveis à luz do fogo, indicavam que alguém havia raspado descuidadamente a lama da sola. Com isso, ele deduziu que a pessoa havia estado fora em mau tempo e que a bota havia sido limpa de forma grosseira por um criado. Além disso, o cheiro de iodoform, uma marca de nitrato de prata no dedo indicador direito e o volume na cartola onde um estetoscópio estava escondido mostravam que o cavalheiro era um médico.

Original English

“It is simplicity itself,” said he; “my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.”

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Português

Eu ri de como ele explicava seu raciocínio com facilidade. Observei que quando ele dava suas razões, tudo parecia ridiculamente simples, e eu sentia que poderia fazer o mesmo, mas sempre ficava confuso até ele explicar. Ainda assim, acreditava que meus olhos eram tão bons quanto os dele.

Original English

I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his process of deduction. “When I hear you give your reasons,” I remarked, “the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good as yours.”

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Português

Ele concordou, acendeu um cigarro e se acomodou numa poltrona. Disse que eu via, mas não observava, deixando clara a distinção. Deu um exemplo: eu havia visto frequentemente a escada que levava do hall ao quarto.

Original English

“Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”

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Português

Respondi que os tinha visto com frequência.

Original English

“Frequently.”

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Português

Sherlock Holmes perguntou sobre a frequência do evento.

Original English

“How often?”

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Português

O homem respondeu que havia ocorrido várias centenas de vezes.

Original English

“Well, some hundreds of times.”

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Português

Sherlock então pediu um número preciso.

Original English

“Then how many are there?”

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Português

O homem admitiu que não sabia a contagem exata.

Original English

“How many? I don’t know.”

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Português

Sherlock Holmes destacou que a diferença entre ver e observar era fundamental; ele sabia que havia dezessete degraus porque os havia observado. Ele então entregou ao seu companheiro uma carta grossa com tom rosado que havia chegado pelo correio e pediu que ele a lesse em voz alta.

Original English

“Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted notepaper which had been lying open upon the table. “It came by the last post,” said he. “Read it aloud.”

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Português

O bilhete não tinha data, assinatura ou endereço.

Original English

The note was undated, and without either signature or address.

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Português

O bilhete afirmava que um cavalheiro visitaria naquela noite às quinze para as oito para consultar Holmes sobre um assunto de grande importância. Mencionava que os serviços recentes de Holmes a uma casa real europeia tinham provado que ele era confiável para assuntos de extrema importância. O bilhete pedia a Holmes que estivesse em seu quarto naquela hora e que não se ofendesse se o visitante usasse uma máscara.

Original English

“There will call upon you tonight, at a quarter to eight o’clock,” it said, “a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask.”

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Português

O narrador observou que era um mistério e perguntou a Holmes o que ele achava que significava.

Original English

“This is indeed a mystery,” I remarked. “What do you imagine that it means?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que ainda não tinha dados e que era um grande erro teorizar antes de ter dados, pois alguém pode inconscientemente distorcer os fatos para se adequarem às teorias, em vez de ajustar as teorias aos fatos. Ele então perguntou ao narrador o que ele poderia deduzir do próprio bilhete.

Original English

“I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. What do you deduce from it?”

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Português

Examinei cuidadosamente a caligrafia e o papel no qual estava escrito.

Original English

I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was written.

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Português

Tentei seguir o raciocínio do meu companheiro e comentei que o escritor provavelmente era abastado, já que tal papel custava nada menos que meia coroa por pacote e era notavelmente resistente e firme.

Original English

“The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. “Such paper could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly strong and stiff.”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que peculiar era a palavra perfeita e afirmou que o papel não era inglês; em seguida, instruiu-me a segurá-lo contra a luz.

Original English

“Peculiar—that is the very word,” said Holmes. “It is not an English paper at all. Hold it up to the light.”

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Português

Eu obedeci e observei um E grande com um g pequeno, um P e um G grande com um t pequeno tecidos na fibra do papel.

Original English

I did so, and saw a large E with a small g, a P, and a large G with a small t woven into the texture of the paper.

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Português

Holmes pediu minha interpretação das marcas.

Original English

“What do you make of that?” asked Holmes.

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Português

Respondi que era provavelmente o nome do fabricante, ou mais precisamente seu monograma.

Original English

“The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather.”

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Português

Sherlock explicou que o G com um t minúsculo significava 'Gesellschaft', a palavra alemã para 'Companhia', uma contração comum como 'Co.' A letra P representava 'Papier'. Ele então consultou um gazeteiro continental e encontrou 'Egria' na Boêmia, uma região de língua alemã perto de Carlsbad, conhecida por suas fábricas de vidro e moinhos de papel. Ele ficou encantado com essa descoberta.

Original English

“Not at all. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. “Eglow, Eglonitz—here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking country—in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette.

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Português

Watson observou que o papel devia ter sido feito na Boêmia.

Original English

“The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said.

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Português

Holmes concordou e apontou que o escritor era alemão, observando a estrutura incomum da frase. Ele concluiu que o homem escrevia em papel boêmio e escolhia usar uma máscara. Ele então anunciou que seu visitante estava prestes a chegar e responderia a todas as perguntas.

Original English

“Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence—‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. It is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts.”

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Português

Assim que Holmes terminou de falar, ouviram o som agudo de cascos de cavalos e rodas de carruagem raspando contra o meio-fio, seguido pela campainha. Holmes deu um assobio baixo.

Original English

As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses’ hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bell. Holmes whistled.

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Português

Pelo som, Holmes julgou que havia dois cavalos. Ele olhou para fora e viu uma carruagem elegante com um par de lindos animais, cada um valendo cento e cinquenta guinéus. Ele comentou com Watson que aquele caso certamente envolvia dinheiro.

Original English

“A pair, by the sound,” said he. “Yes,” he continued, glancing out of the window. “A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There’s money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else.”

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Português

Watson observou a Holmes que talvez fosse prudente que ele se retirasse.

Original English

“I think that I had better go, Holmes.”

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Português

Holmes insistiu que Watson ficasse, declarando que estava perdido sem seu Boswell. Ele acrescentou que o assunto prometia ser intrigante e que seria uma pena perdê-lo.

Original English

“Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to miss it.”

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Português

Watson começou a mencionar o cliente, mas Holmes o interrompeu.

Original English

“But your client—”

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Português

Holmes descartou a preocupação de Watson com o cliente, explicando que talvez precisasse da ajuda de Watson — e o cliente também. À medida que o cliente se aproximava, Holmes instruiu Watson a sentar-se e prestar total atenção ao assunto.

Original English

“Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best attention.”

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Português

Ouviu-se um passo lento e deliberado nas escadas e ao longo do corredor, parando bem do lado de fora da porta. Seguiu-se uma batida alta e autoritária.

Original English

A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was a loud and authoritative tap.

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Português

Holmes convidou a pessoa a entrar.

Original English

“Come in!” said Holmes.

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Português

Um homem muito alto, com mais de um metro e noventa de altura, entrou na sala. Ele era fortemente constituído, com peito e membros como os de Hércules. Suas roupas eram ricas a ponto de, na Inglaterra, serem consideradas quase vulgares. Grossas tiras de pele de astracã decoravam as mangas e a frente de seu casaco trespassado. Uma capa azul-escura forrada de seda cor de fogo pendia de seus ombros, presa no pescoço por um broche com uma única berilo flamejante. Suas botas iam até a metade da panturrilha e eram adornadas com pele marrom rica, completando uma impressão de luxo bárbaro. Ele carregava um chapéu de abas largas e usava uma máscara preta na parte superior do rosto, que parecia ter ajustado naquele instante, pois sua mão ainda estava levantada. A parte inferior do rosto revelava um homem de caráter forte, com um lábio grosso e caído e um queixo longo e reto que sugeria uma determinação beirando a obstinação.

Original English

A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy.

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Português

Com uma voz profunda e áspera, com forte sotaque alemão, ele perguntou se Holmes havia recebido seu bilhete, acrescentando que havia dito que viria. Ele olhou de um para o outro, aparentemente incerto a quem se dirigir.

Original English

“You had my note?” he asked with a deep harsh voice and a strongly marked German accent. “I told you that I would call.” He looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address.

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Português

Holmes o convidou a sentar-se, apresentou o Dr. Watson como seu amigo e colega que às vezes o ajudava, e perguntou a quem tinha a honra de se dirigir.

Original English

“Pray take a seat,” said Holmes. “This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que Holmes poderia tratá-lo como Conde Von Kramm, um nobre boêmio. Ele expressou sua crença de que o Dr. Watson era um homem de honra e discrição em quem se podia confiar um assunto da mais alta importância. Caso contrário, ele preferiria se comunicar apenas com Holmes.

Original English

“You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate with you alone.”

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Português

Holmes impediu o narrador de sair, insistindo que ele podia falar livremente na presença do visitante. Ele afirmou que o visitante podia dizer qualquer coisa a ele na presença do narrador.

Original English

I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me back into my chair. “It is both, or none,” said he. “You may say before this gentleman anything which you may say to me.”

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Português

O Conde deu de ombros e explicou que precisava começar exigindo que ambos os homens mantivessem sigilo absoluto por dois anos. Após esse período, o assunto perderia sua importância; atualmente, seu significado poderia afetar a história europeia.

Original English

The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. “Then I must begin,” said he, “by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it may have an influence upon European history.”

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Português

Holmes deu sua promessa.

Original English

“I promise,” said Holmes.

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Português

O narrador também concordou.

Original English

“And I.”

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Português

O visitante pediu desculpas pela máscara, explicando que a pessoa importante que o empregava queria que seu agente permanecesse não identificado. Ele admitiu que o nome que havia usado não era o seu verdadeiro.

Original English

“You will excuse this mask,” continued our strange visitor. “The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have just called myself is not exactly my own.”

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Português

Holmes respondeu secamente que ele já estava ciente desse fato.

Original English

“I was aware of it,” said Holmes dryly.

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Português

O assunto era extremamente delicado, e todos os cuidados eram necessários para evitar o que poderia se tornar um grande escândalo, que comprometeria seriamente uma família real europeia. Em termos claros, a questão envolvia a ilustre Casa de Ormstein, os reis hereditários da Boêmia.

Original English

“The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.”

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Português

Holmes murmurou que ele também sabia disso, e se acomodou em sua poltrona, fechando os olhos.

Original English

“I was also aware of that,” murmured Holmes, settling himself down in his armchair and closing his eyes.

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Português

O visitante olhou com evidente surpresa para a figura indolente e relaxada do homem que lhe havia sido descrito como o raciocinador mais perspicaz e o agente mais enérgico da Europa. Holmes lentamente reabriu os olhos e lançou um olhar impaciente para seu imponente cliente.

Original English

Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client.

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Português

Ele comentou que se Sua Majestade fosse tão gentil a ponto de expor seu caso, ele estaria mais apto a aconselhá-lo.

Original English

“If your Majesty would condescend to state your case,” he remarked, “I should be better able to advise you.”

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Português

O homem saltou da cadeira e andou pela sala em grande agitação. Em um gesto desesperado, arrancou a máscara e a jogou no chão, admitindo que era o Rei e perguntando por que deveria tentar escondê-lo.

Original English

The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. “You are right,” he cried; “I am the King. Why should I attempt to conceal it?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu calmamente que sabia desde o início que estava falando com Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, o Grão-Duque de Cassel-Felstein e Rei hereditário da Boêmia.

Original English

“Why, indeed?” murmured Holmes. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.”

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Português

Sentando-se novamente e enxugando a testa, o visitante explicou que não estava acostumado a lidar pessoalmente com tais assuntos, mas a situação era tão delicada que ele não poderia confiá-la a um agente sem dar a essa pessoa poder sobre ele. Portanto, ele veio secretamente de Praga para buscar o conselho de Holmes.

Original English

“But you can understand,” said our strange visitor, sitting down once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, “you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you.”

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Português

Holmes fechou os olhos novamente e o convidou a prosseguir com sua consulta.

Original English

“Then, pray consult,” said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more.

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Português

O Rei começou afirmando que os fatos eram simples: cerca de cinco anos antes, durante uma longa estadia em Varsóvia, ele havia conhecido a famosa aventureira Irene Adler, um nome que Holmes certamente reconheceria.

Original English

“The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you.”

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Português

Holmes, sem abrir os olhos, pediu a Watson que consultasse seu índice. Por anos, Holmes havia organizado todas as suas anotações sobre pessoas e eventos, de modo que podia fornecer rapidamente informações sobre quase qualquer assunto. Naquele índice, Watson encontrou a biografia da mulher colocada entre a de um rabino hebreu e a de um comandante de estado-maior que escreveu sobre peixes de águas profundas.

Original English

“Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor,” murmured Holmes without opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes.

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Português

Holmes examinou a entrada e observou os detalhes da mulher: nascida em Nova Jersey em 1858, uma cantora contralto que se apresentou no La Scala e foi a cantora principal na Ópera Imperial de Varsóvia. Ela havia se aposentado dos palcos e agora morava em Londres. Holmes então afirmou que o Rei havia se envolvido com essa jovem, havia escrito algumas cartas comprometedoras para ela e agora desejava recuperá-las.

Original English

“Let me see!” said Holmes. “Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year 1858. Contralto—hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw—yes! Retired from operatic stage—ha! Living in London—quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back.”

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Português

O Rei concordou que Holmes havia resumido com precisão a situação, mas perguntou como Holmes havia chegado a saber desses detalhes.

Original English

“Precisely so. But how—”

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Português

Holmes perguntou se havia havido um casamento secreto entre o Rei e a mulher.

Original English

“Was there a secret marriage?”

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Português

O Rei respondeu que não havia havido casamento.

Original English

“None.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se havia algum documento legal ou certificado.

Original English

“No legal papers or certificates?”

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Português

A resposta foi que não havia nenhum.

Original English

“None.”

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Português

Sherlock expressou confusão, perguntando como a jovem poderia provar a autenticidade das cartas se ela as usasse para chantagem ou outros fins.

Original English

“Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?”

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Português

O rei respondeu que a própria caligrafia serviria como prova.

Original English

“There is the writing.”

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Português

Holmes zombou, sugerindo que tal escrita poderia ser falsificada.

Original English

“Pooh, pooh! Forgery.”

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Português

Ele afirmou que o item em questão era seu papel de carta particular.

Original English

“My private notepaper.”

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Português

Ele então explicou que o papel de carta havia sido roubado.

Original English

“Stolen.”

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Português

Ele prosseguiu mencionando que seu próprio selo estava envolvido.

Original English

“My own seal.”

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Português

Ele acrescentou que o selo havia sido imitado.

Original English

“Imitated.”

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Português

Finalmente, ele se referiu à sua fotografia.

Original English

“My photograph.”

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Português

Ele confirmou que havia sido comprado.

Original English

“Bought.”

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Português

Ele reconheceu que ambos estavam na fotografia.

Original English

“We were both in the photograph.”

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Português

O interlocutor expressou consternação, comentando que era muito grave e que Sua Majestade havia de fato cometido uma indiscrição.

Original English

“Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion.”

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Português

Ele confessou que havia sido louco — completamente insano.

Original English

“I was mad—insane.”

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Português

O interlocutor observou que Sua Majestade havia se comprometido seriamente.

Original English

“You have compromised yourself seriously.”

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Português

Ele explicou que ele havia sido o Príncipe Herdeiro naquela época, jovem, e agora ele tinha apenas trinta anos.

Original English

“I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now.”

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Português

Ele enfatizou que o item tinha que ser recuperado.

Original English

“It must be recovered.”

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Português

Eles admitiram que haviam tentado a recuperação, mas não tiveram sucesso.

Original English

“We have tried and failed.”

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Português

Ele insistiu que o Rei tinha que pagar por isso e que tinha que ser comprado.

Original English

“Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought.”

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Português

Ele afirmou que ela não concordaria em vendê-lo.

Original English

“She will not sell.”

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Português

Então, deve ter sido roubado.

Original English

“Stolen, then.”

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Português

Cinco tentativas haviam sido feitas. Duas vezes, ladrões contratados por ele reviraram a casa dela. Uma vez, desviaram a bagagem dela durante uma viagem. Duas vezes, ela foi emboscada. No entanto, todos os esforços falharam.

Original English

“Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice she has been waylaid. There has been no result.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se algum vestígio havia sido encontrado.

Original English

“No sign of it?”

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Português

Não havia absolutamente nenhum.

Original English

“Absolutely none.”

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Português

Holmes riu e comentou que era um probleminha bem interessante.

Original English

Holmes laughed. “It is quite a pretty little problem,” said he.

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Português

O Rei disse de forma repreensiva que era um assunto muito sério para ele.

Original English

“But a very serious one to me,” returned the King reproachfully.

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Português

Ele perguntou se era muito sério e quis saber o que ela pretendia fazer com a fotografia.

Original English

“Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the photograph?”

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Português

O Rei respondeu que ela planejava arruiná-lo.

Original English

“To ruin me.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou como ela conseguiria fazer isso.

Original English

“But how?”

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Português

O Rei disse que estava prestes a se casar.

Original English

“I am about to be married.”

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Português

Ele reconheceu que já tinha ouvido aquilo antes.

Original English

“So I have heard.”

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Português

Ele explicou que Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen era a segunda filha do Rei da Escandinávia. Ele observou que a família dela possuía princípios rígidos e que ela própria era extremamente delicada. Ele acrescentou que qualquer sombra de dúvida sobre sua conduta encerraria o assunto.

Original English

“To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end.”

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Português

Ele então perguntou sobre Irene Adler.

Original English

“And Irene Adler?”

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Português

Ele afirmou que Irene Adler ameaçou enviar a fotografia e que ele tinha certeza de que ela o faria. Ele a descreveu como tendo uma alma de aço, o rosto de uma bela mulher e a mente de um homem resoluto. Ele disse que, ao invés de vê-lo casar com outra mulher, não haveria limites que ela não ultrapassasse.

Original English

“Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not go—none.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se eles tinham certeza de que ela ainda não a havia enviado.

Original English

“You are sure that she has not sent it yet?”

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Português

Ele afirmou que tinha certeza.

Original English

“I am sure.”

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Português

Ele indagou a razão.

Original English

“And why?”

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Português

Ele explicou que ela havia prometido enviá-lo no dia em que o noivado fosse proclamado publicamente, o que seria na segunda-feira seguinte.

Original English

“Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday.”

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Português

Holmes bocejou e comentou que ainda tinham três dias, o que era afortunado, pois ele tinha vários assuntos urgentes para tratar. Ele perguntou se Sua Majestade permaneceria em Londres por enquanto.

Original English

“Oh, then we have three days yet,” said Holmes with a yawn. “That is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present?”

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Português

O rei respondeu que certamente ficaria e poderia ser encontrado no Langham sob o pseudônimo Conde Von Kramm.

Original English

“Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.”

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Português

Ele disse que escreveria para me informar como eles estavam progredindo.

Original English

“Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress.”

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Português

Ele pediu que ele o fizesse e disse que ficaria muito ansioso.

Original English

“Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.”

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Português

Ele então perguntou sobre o dinheiro.

Original English

“Then, as to money?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que tinha total autoridade para gastar o que fosse necessário.

Original English

“You have carte blanche.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se aquilo era absolutamente certo.

Original English

“Absolutely?”

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Português

O Rei declarou a Holmes que sacrificaria uma das províncias de seu reino para obter aquela fotografia.

Original English

“I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou sobre fundos para despesas imediatas.

Original English

“And for present expenses?”

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Português

O Rei retirou uma pesada bolsa de couro camurça debaixo de sua capa e colocou-a sobre a mesa.

Original English

The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and laid it on the table.

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Português

Ele explicou que a bolsa continha trezentas libras em ouro e setecentas em notas.

Original English

“There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes,” he said.

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Português

Holmes escreveu rapidamente um recibo em uma página de seu caderno e o entregou ao Rei.

Original English

Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his notebook and handed it to him.

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Português

Ele perguntou pelo endereço de Mademoiselle.

Original English

“And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

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Português

Ele respondeu que o endereço era Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood.

Original English

“Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.”

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Português

Holmes anotou o endereço e então perguntou se a fotografia era do tamanho cabinet.

Original English

Holmes took a note of it. “One other question,” said he. “Was the photograph a cabinet?”

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Português

Ele confirmou que era.

Original English

“It was.”

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Português

Holmes desejou boa noite ao rei, expressando sua esperança de boas notícias em breve, e então disse boa noite a Watson enquanto a carruagem real se afastava. Ele pediu a Watson que viesse na tarde seguinte às três horas para discutir o assunto.

Original English

“Then, good night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good night, Watson,” he added, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. “If you will be good enough to call tomorrow afternoon at three o’clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you.”

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A Scandal in Bohemia — II

Português

Precisamente às três horas, cheguei à Baker Street, mas Holmes ainda não havia retornado. A senhoria informou-me que ele havia saído de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã. Decidi esperá-lo, por mais que demorasse. Já estava profundamente envolvido em sua investigação, pois embora ela não tivesse as características sombrias e estranhas dos dois crimes que registrara anteriormente, a natureza do caso e o elevado status de seu cliente lhe conferiam um caráter único. De fato, além da investigação em si, havia algo na magistral compreensão da situação por Holmes e em seu raciocínio agudo e incisivo que me dava prazer estudar seus métodos e acompanhar as maneiras rápidas e sutis com que ele desvendava os mistérios mais complexos. Eu estava tão acostumado ao seu constante sucesso que a possibilidade de fracasso havia deixado de me ocorrer.

Original English

At three o’clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o’clock in the morning. I sat down beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head.

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Português

Eram quase quatro horas quando a porta se abriu e um homem que parecia um cocheiro bêbado entrou. Ele estava desleixado, com suíças, rosto vermelho e roupas surradas. Embora estivesse acostumado à notável habilidade do meu amigo com disfarces, precisei olhar três vezes para ter certeza de que era ele. Ele acenou com a cabeça e desapareceu no quarto, reaparecendo cinco minutos depois vestindo um terno de tweed, com a aparência tão respeitável de sempre. Colocou as mãos nos bolsos, esticou as pernas em direção ao fogo e riu alegremente por alguns minutos.

Original English

It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Accustomed as I was to my friend’s amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes.

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Português

Ele exclamou que era realmente muito engraçado, então engasgou e riu novamente até ter que se recostar na cadeira, fraco e sem forças.

Original English

“Well, really!” he cried, and then he choked and laughed again until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the chair.

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Português

Perguntei a ele o que havia acontecido.

Original English

“What is it?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que era bastante divertido e que eu jamais adivinharia como ele havia passado a manhã ou o que acabara fazendo.

Original English

“It’s quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing.”

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Português

O falante disse que não conseguia imaginar. Ele supôs que o ouvinte estava observando os hábitos de Miss Irene Adler e possivelmente sua casa.

Original English

“I can’t imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler.”

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Português

Ele concordou que a parte seguinte era bastante incomum. Em seguida, explicou que havia saído de casa um pouco depois das oito daquela manhã disfarçado de cavalariço desempregado. Observou que existe um forte vínculo entre os amantes de cavalos e que, fingindo ser um deles, poderia aprender tudo. Logo encontrou a Briony Lodge, que descreveu como uma pequena vila com um jardim nos fundos, construída rente à estrada na frente, com dois andares. A porta tinha uma fechadura Chubb. A grande sala de estar à direita era bem mobiliada, com janelas compridas que quase chegavam ao chão e aquelas tolas travas de janela inglesas que até uma criança poderia abrir. Atrás, nada era notável, exceto que a janela do corredor poderia ser alcançada do topo da cocheira. Ele contornou a casa e examinou-a atentamente de todos os ângulos, mas não encontrou mais nada de interessante.

Original English

“Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however. I left the house a little after eight o’clock this morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without noting anything else of interest.

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Português

Ele então passeou pela rua e, como havia antecipado, descobriu uma cocheira em uma viela que corria ao longo de um lado do jardim. Ele ajudou os tratadores a esfregar os cavalos e, em troca, recebeu uma pequena quantia em dinheiro, um copo de meio a meio, duas porções de fumo forte e todas as informações que pudesse desejar sobre Miss Adler — sem mencionar as histórias de vida de meia dúzia de outras pessoas na vizinhança, pelas quais não tinha o menor interesse, mas foi forçado a ouvir.

Original English

“I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.”

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Português

Então perguntei o que havia acontecido com Irene Adler.

Original English

“And what of Irene Adler?” I asked.

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Português

O orador soube que Irene Adler era extremamente popular e considerada a mulher mais elegante daquela área. Ela levava uma vida tranquila, se apresentava em concertos e saía para um passeio diário de carro das cinco às sete da noite, voltando precisamente às sete para o jantar. Raramente saía, exceto para seus compromissos de canto. Ela tinha apenas um visitante homem, o Sr. Godfrey Norton, do Inner Temple, que era moreno, bonito e arrojado. Ele a visitava pelo menos uma vez por dia, geralmente duas. O orador obteve essas informações de taxistas que haviam levado o Sr. Norton para casa muitas vezes e o conheciam bem. Depois de ouvir seus relatos, ele caminhou de um lado para o outro perto de Briony Lodge, ponderando seu plano de ação.

Original English

“Oh, she has turned all the men’s heads down in that part. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign.

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Português

Ele considerou que Godfrey Norton era claramente importante. Como advogado, seu envolvimento parecia preocupante. Ele se perguntou sobre a relação entre Norton e a mulher: ela era sua cliente, sua amiga ou sua amante? Se fosse cliente, ela poderia ter lhe dado a fotografia; se amante, era menos provável. Essa questão determinaria se ele deveria continuar observando-a ou mudar sua investigação para o escritório de Norton. Ele reconheceu que esses detalhes poderiam parecer tediosos, mas eram necessários para entender a situação.

Original English

“This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman’s chambers in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the situation.”

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Português

Ele disse que estava acompanhando o raciocínio de perto.

Original English

“I am following you closely,” I answered.

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Português

Enquanto ele ainda pensava, um cabriolé chegou a Briony Lodge. Um homem muito bonito, moreno, de nariz aquilino e bigode saltou. Ele parecia estar com muita pressa, disse ao motorista para esperar e rapidamente passou pela criada, entrando na casa como se estivesse totalmente à vontade. Aparentemente, era o homem sobre quem ele ouvira falar.

Original English

“I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached—evidently the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home.

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Português

Ele ficou dentro de casa por cerca de meia hora. Através das janelas, o narrador podia vê-lo andando de um lado para o outro e falando animadamente, agitando os braços. Ele não conseguia ver a mulher. Quando ele saiu, parecia ainda mais agitado. Ele tirou um relógio de ouro, olhou para ele e então gritou para o motorista ir primeiro à Gross & Hankey na Regent Street, depois à Igreja de Santa Mônica, prometendo meia guinéu se fizessem isso em vinte minutos.

Original English

“He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes!’

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Português

O cabriolé partiu. O narrador estava considerando se deveria segui-lo quando uma elegante pequena landau subiu o beco, o cocheiro meio vestido e a correia do arreio pendurada. Antes de parar completamente, a mulher saiu correndo pela porta do saguão e pulou dentro. Ele apenas vislumbrou, mas ela era uma mulher adorável, com um rosto pelo qual um homem morreria.

Original English

“Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. It hadn’t pulled up before she shot out of the hall door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for.

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Português

Ela gritou para John, dizendo a ele que fosse para a Igreja de Santa Mônica e prometendo meio soberano se ele chegasse lá em vinte minutos.

Original English

“ ‘The Church of St. Monica, John,’ she cried, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’

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Português

Holmes achou que a situação era boa demais para deixar escapar. Ele estava decidindo se corria atrás deles ou se escondia atrás da landau dela quando um táxi apareceu. O motorista olhou duas vezes para sua aparência surrada, mas Holmes entrou antes que ele pudesse objetar. Ele disse ao motorista para ir à Igreja de Santa Mônica e ofereceu meio soberano se chegassem em vinte minutos. Era vinte e cinco para as doze, e o propósito estava claro.

Original English

“This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could object. ‘The Church of St. Monica,’ said I, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’ It was twenty-five minutes to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind.

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Português

O motorista dirigiu muito rápido, mais rápido do que Holmes jamais experimentara, mas os outros já estavam lá. Quando ele chegou, o táxi e a landau com cavalos fumegantes estavam em frente à porta. Ele pagou o motorista e entrou apressado na igreja. Lá dentro, não havia ninguém exceto os dois que ele tinha seguido e um clérigo de sobrepeliz, que parecia discutir com eles. Todos estavam de pé, próximos, diante do altar. Holmes caminhou lentamente pela nave lateral, fingindo ser um visitante ocioso. De repente, para sua surpresa, os três no altar se viraram para encará-lo, e Godfrey Norton correu em sua direção o mais rápido que pôde.

Original English

“My cabby drove fast. I don’t think I ever drove faster, but the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me.

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Português

Godfrey Norton exclamou de alívio, agradecendo a Deus e dizendo que Holmes serviria, instando-o a vir rapidamente.

Original English

“ ‘Thank God,’ he cried. ‘You’ll do. Come! Come!’

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Português

Holmes perguntou o que estava acontecendo então.

Original English

“ ‘What then?’ I asked.

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Português

Alguém instou uma pessoa a se apressar, dizendo que restavam apenas três minutos, caso contrário não seria legal.

Original English

“ ‘Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won’t be legal.’

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Português

Ele explicou que foi rapidamente levado ao altar e se viu repetindo palavras sussurradas para ele e concordando com coisas que não entendia. Ele ajudou a casar Irene Adler com Godfrey Norton. Aconteceu muito rápido. O homem agradeceu, e a mulher também estava lá. O padre sorriu para ele. Ele sentiu que era uma situação muito estranha e riu da lembrança. Houve um problema com a licença de casamento deles; o padre se recusou a casá-los sem uma testemunha. A aparição repentina dele salvou o noivo de ter que encontrar um padrinho. A noiva lhe deu uma moeda, que ele planejou guardar como lembrança.

Original English

“I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to wear it on my watch chain in memory of the occasion.”

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Português

Ele observou que isso foi um desenvolvimento muito surpreendente e perguntou o que aconteceu depois.

Original English

“This is a very unexpected turn of affairs,” said I; “and what then?”

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Português

Ele viu seus planos em sério perigo, pois parecia que o casal poderia partir imediatamente, exigindo ação rápida. No entanto, na igreja eles se separaram — o homem voltou de carro para o Templo, e a mulher foi para casa. Ela disse a ele que iria passear de carro no parque às cinco como de costume. Ele não ouviu mais nada. Eles foram embora em direções diferentes, e ele foi fazer seus próprios preparativos.

Original English

“Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and she to her own house. ‘I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,’ she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own arrangements.”

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Português

Ele perguntou quais eram esses planos.

Original English

“Which are?”

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Português

Holmes pediu carne fria e cerveja, explicando que estava muito ocupado para comer e esperava estar ainda mais ocupado naquela noite. Em seguida, pediu a ajuda do Doutor Watson.

Original English

“Some cold beef and a glass of beer,” he answered, ringing the bell. “I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation.”

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Português

Watson expressou sua disposição em cooperar.

Original English

“I shall be delighted.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou se Watson tinha alguma objeção em quebrar a lei.

Original English

“You don’t mind breaking the law?”

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Português

Watson respondeu que não tinha nenhuma objeção.

Original English

“Not in the least.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou ainda se o risco de ser preso era aceitável para ele.

Original English

“Nor running a chance of arrest?”

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Português

Ele afirmou que não era uma causa nobre.

Original English

“Not in a good cause.”

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Português

Ela exclamou que a causa era realmente excelente.

Original English

“Oh, the cause is excellent!”

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Português

Ele declarou que era o homem certo para a tarefa.

Original English

“Then I am your man.”

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Português

Ela expressou confiança de que poderia contar com ele.

Original English

“I was sure that I might rely on you.”

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Português

Ele perguntou o que ela desejava.

Original English

“But what is it you wish?”

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Português

Holmes afirmou que esclareceria a situação assim que a Sra. Turner servisse a refeição. Ele começou a comer a comida simples fornecida pela sua senhoria, explicando que tinha pouco tempo e precisava discutir o plano enquanto comia. Eram quase cinco horas; eles tinham que estar no local em duas horas. Irene Adler, ou melhor, Madame, voltaria do seu passeio de carruagem às sete, então eles precisavam estar na Briony Lodge para encontrá-la.

Original English

“When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you. Now,” he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.”

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Português

Watson perguntou o que aconteceria a seguir.

Original English

“And what then?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que Watson deveria deixar isso com ele, pois ele já havia planejado os eventos. Ele insistiu em um ponto: Watson não deveria interferir, independentemente do que acontecesse, e perguntou se ele entendia.

Original English

“You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere, come what may. You understand?”

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Português

Watson perguntou se era esperado que ele permanecesse neutro.

Original English

“I am to be neutral?”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que Watson não deveria fazer absolutamente nada. Provavelmente haveria uma pequena perturbação, mas Watson não deveria se envolver. Tudo terminaria com Holmes sendo levado para dentro da casa. Quatro ou cinco minutos depois, a janela da sala de estar se abriria, e Watson deveria se posicionar perto daquela janela aberta.

Original English

“To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to that open window.”

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Português

Ele respondeu afirmativamente.

Original English

“Yes.”

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Português

Ele instruiu o outro a observá-lo, explicando que estaria visível.

Original English

“You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you.”

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Português

Ele concordou mais uma vez.

Original English

“Yes.”

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Português

Ele então explicou que, quando levantasse a mão, o outro deveria jogar o objeto que ele lhe deu no quarto e, ao mesmo tempo, gritar que havia fogo. Ele perguntou se aquilo estava totalmente claro.

Original English

“And when I raise my hand—so—you will throw into the room what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire. You quite follow me?”

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Português

Ele confirmou que entendeu completamente.

Original English

“Entirely.”

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Português

Ele explicou que não era particularmente perigoso; ele tirou do bolso um objeto longo em forma de charuto e descreveu-o como um foguete de fumaça comum de encanador, equipado com tampas nas duas extremidades para que acendesse sozinho. A tarefa se limitava a isso: quando eles gritassem 'fogo', muitas pessoas repetiriam o grito, e então eles deveriam caminhar até o fim da rua, onde ele os encontraria novamente em dez minutos. Ele perguntou se havia sido claro.

Original English

“It is nothing very formidable,” he said, taking a long cigar-shaped roll from his pocket. “It is an ordinary plumber’s smoke-rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?”

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Português

O ouvinte confirmou suas instruções: eles deveriam permanecer neutros, chegar perto da janela, observar Holmes e, ao sinal, jogar o objeto para dentro, então gritar 'fogo' e esperar na esquina da rua.

Original English

“I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street.”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que isso estava exatamente correto.

Original English

“Precisely.”

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Português

O ouvinte assegurou a Holmes que eles poderiam ser totalmente confiáveis.

Original English

“Then you may entirely rely on me.”

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Português

Holmes disse que aquilo era excelente e achou que estava quase na hora de ele se preparar para o novo papel que teria que desempenhar.

Original English

“That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I prepare for the new role I have to play.”

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Português

Holmes foi para seu quarto e saiu alguns minutos depois disfarçado como um clérigo amigável e simples. Ele usava um chapéu preto largo, calças folgadas, uma gravata branca e tinha um sorriso simpático com um olhar de gentil curiosidade. Nenhum ator teria igualado sua transformação. Não eram apenas suas roupas que mudavam; sua expressão, maneiras e até mesmo todo o seu caráter pareciam se adaptar a cada novo papel. Holmes tinha talento para ter sido um grande ator no palco, mas escolheu se tornar um especialista em crimes.

Original English

He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.

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Português

Eles saíram da Baker Street às seis e quinze e chegaram à Serpentine Avenue dez minutos antes da hora marcada. Já estava escurecendo, e os lampiões estavam sendo acesos enquanto eles caminhavam para cima e para baixo em frente a Briony Lodge, esperando pela moradora. A casa correspondia à descrição que Holmes havia dado, mas a rua estava mais movimentada do que Watson esperava. Para um bairro tranquilo, estava surpreendentemente animada. Havia homens malvestidos fumando e rindo, um amolador de facas com sua roda, dois soldados flertando com uma enfermeira e vários jovens bem-vestidos passeando com charutos.

Original English

It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes’ succinct description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths.

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Português

Enquanto andavam de um lado para o outro em frente à casa, Holmes comentou que o recente casamento tornava a tarefa mais fácil. A fotografia havia se tornado uma arma de dois gumes: a mulher provavelmente não gostaria que seu novo marido, Sr. Godfrey Norton, a visse, assim como o cliente não queria que sua princesa a visse. A principal questão agora era onde encontrá-la.

Original English

“You see,” remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, “this marriage rather simplifies matters. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Now the question is, where are we to find the photograph?”

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Português

Watson simplesmente concordou que a questão da localização era crucial.

Original English

“Where, indeed?”

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Português

Holmes raciocinou que era muito improvável que ela carregasse a fotografia consigo. Era uma foto de tamanho médio, grande demais para ser escondida facilmente nas roupas de uma mulher. Ele também salientou que o Rei era capaz de mandar parar e revistá-la; de fato, duas tentativas desse tipo já haviam sido feitas. Portanto, eles podiam presumir que ela não a tinha consigo.

Original English

“It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman’s dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her.”

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Português

Holmes então perguntou onde o item estava.

Original English

“Where, then?”

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Português

Holmes argumentou que a fotografia não estava com o banqueiro ou advogado dela. Ele explicou que as mulheres preferem guardar segredos elas mesmas, então ela a esconderia em sua própria casa, onde poderia acessá-la rapidamente e evitar pressão política.

Original English

“Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house.”

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Português

Watson observou que a casa já havia sido arrombada duas vezes.

Original English

“But it has twice been burgled.”

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Português

Holmes descartou a objeção, afirmando que os ladrões não sabiam onde procurar.

Original English

“Pshaw! They did not know how to look.”

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Português

Watson então perguntou como Holmes pretendia conduzir sua busca.

Original English

“But how will you look?”

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Português

Ele declarou que não olharia.

Original English

“I will not look.”

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Português

Ele perguntou o que deveria fazer então.

Original English

“What then?”

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Português

Ele disse que a persuadiria a mostrar a ele.

Original English

“I will get her to show me.”

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Português

A outra pessoa expressou dúvida de que ela concordaria.

Original English

“But she will refuse.”

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Português

Ele afirmou que ela seria incapaz de recusar. Ele ouviu o barulho das rodas — era a carruagem dela. Então ele instruiu seu companheiro a seguir suas ordens exatamente.

Original English

“She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter.”

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Português

À medida que a carruagem se aproximava, suas luzes laterais brilhavam ao redor da curva da avenida. Era uma pequena e elegante landau que parou ruidosamente diante da porta de Briony Lodge. Quando parou, um dos homens ociosos na esquina correu para abrir a porta, esperando ganhar uma moeda, mas foi empurrado por outro vadio que tinha a mesma intenção. Uma discussão violenta estourou, e os dois guardas se juntaram, tomando partido de um dos desocupados, enquanto o amolador de tesouras argumentava com igual veemência do outro lado. Um golpe foi dado, e num instante a senhora, que acabara de descer da carruagem, estava no meio de um grupo de homens furiosos brigando selvagemente com punhos e bastões. Holmes correu para a multidão para proteger a senhora, mas ao alcançá-la, ele gritou e caiu no chão, com sangue escorrendo pelo rosto. Com sua queda, os guardas fugiram em uma direção e os desocupados na outra, enquanto várias pessoas bem vestidas que haviam assistido à confusão sem participar se aproximaram para ajudar a senhora e socorrer o homem ferido. Irene Adler, como ainda a chamarei, subiu rapidamente os degraus, mas no topo ela parou, sua figura esplêndida recortada contra as luzes do saguão, olhando para trás, para a rua.

Original English

As he spoke the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but, just as he reached her, he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street.

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Português

Ela perguntou se o pobre cavalheiro estava muito ferido.

Original English

“Is the poor gentleman much hurt?” she asked.

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Português

Várias vozes gritaram que ele estava morto.

Original English

“He is dead,” cried several voices.

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Português

Outra pessoa gritou que ele ainda estava vivo, mas que morreria antes que pudessem levá-lo ao hospital.

Original English

“No, no, there’s life in him!” shouted another. “But he’ll be gone before you can get him to hospital.”

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Português

Uma mulher comentou que Holmes era um sujeito corajoso, pois sem ele a gangue teria levado a bolsa e o relógio da senhora. Ela acrescentou que ele estava respirando agora.

Original English

“He’s a brave fellow,” said a woman. “They would have had the lady’s purse and watch if it hadn’t been for him. They were a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he’s breathing now.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou se poderiam trazer o homem para dentro, já que ele não podia continuar deitado na rua.

Original English

“He can’t lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?”

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Português

Ela concordou e instruiu-os a trazer o homem para a sala de estar, onde havia um sofá confortável, e mostrou-lhes o caminho.

Original English

“Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sofa. This way, please!”

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Português

O homem foi carregado solenemente para dentro de Briony Lodge e colocado no sofá da sala principal. Do meu posto na janela, observei enquanto Holmes estava deitado ali. Senti profunda vergonha por conspirar contra uma mulher tão graciosa, mas não pude abandonar o plano de Holmes. Enrijeci-me e preparei o foguete de fumaça, convencendo-me de que estávamos apenas impedindo-a de prejudicar outra pessoa.

Original English

Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but preventing her from injuring another.

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Português

Holmes sentou-se e fez um gesto pedindo ar. Uma criada abriu a janela. Ao seu sinal, joguei o foguete no quarto e gritei 'Fogo!' A multidão lá fora pegou o grito. A fumaça encheu o quarto, e vi pessoas correndo. Holmes então declarou que era um alarme falso. Passei pela multidão e o encontrei alguns minutos depois. Caminhamos rápida e silenciosamente até chegarmos a uma rua tranquila que levava à Edgeware Road.

Original English

Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill—gentlemen, ostlers, and servant maids—joined in a general shriek of “Fire!” Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend’s arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road.

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Português

Holmes elogiou o médico, dizendo que ele havia se saído muito bem e que tudo estava certo.

Original English

“You did it very nicely, Doctor,” he remarked. “Nothing could have been better. It is all right.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se eles tinham a fotografia.

Original English

“You have the photograph?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que sabia sua localização.

Original English

“I know where it is.”

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Português

Ele então perguntou como eles a haviam descoberto.

Original English

“And how did you find out?”

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Português

Ele explicou que ela havia revelado a ele, exatamente como ele havia previsto.

Original English

“She showed me, as I told you she would.”

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Português

Ele admitiu que ainda não entendia.

Original English

“I am still in the dark.”

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Português

Ele riu e disse que não queria tornar o assunto misterioso. Explicou que o caso era muito simples. Ele presumiu que eu havia notado que todos na rua eram cúmplices, pois todos haviam sido contratados para a noite.

Original English

“I do not wish to make a mystery,” said he, laughing. “The matter was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening.”

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Português

Respondi que já havia adivinhado isso.

Original English

“I guessed as much.”

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Português

Ele explicou que, quando a confusão começou, ele tinha um pouco de tinta vermelha úmida na palma da mão. Ele avançou, caiu, colocou a mão no rosto e se transformou em uma visão lamentável. Ele acrescentou que era um truque antigo.

Original English

“Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick.”

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Português

Eu disse que também havia conseguido entender isso.

Original English

“That also I could fathom.”

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Português

Ele continuou dizendo que o carregaram para dentro porque ela não teve escolha a não ser deixá-lo entrar. Ele foi levado para a sala de estar dela, que era exatamente o cômodo que ele suspeitava. Ficava entre aquela sala e o quarto dela, e ele estava determinado a descobrir qual era. Colocaram-no em um sofá, ele fez um gesto de que precisava de ar, então eles tiveram que abrir a janela, e isso me deu a oportunidade que eu precisava.

Original English

“Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your chance.”

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Português

Watson perguntou a Sherlock como aquilo o havia ajudado.

Original English

“How did that help you?”

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Português

Sherlock respondeu que aquilo havia sido crucial. Ele explicou que, quando uma mulher acredita que sua casa está pegando fogo, seu impulso natural é correr para o que ela mais valoriza. Esse instinto avassalador o havia servido bem em casos anteriores, como o Escândalo da Substituição de Darlington e o caso do Castelo Arnsworth. Uma mulher casada agarraria seu filho, enquanto uma solteira pegaria sua caixa de joias. Ele havia concluído que a senhora em questão valorizava a fotografia acima de tudo, então ela correria para protegê-la. O alarme de incêndio foi perfeitamente executado; a fumaça e os gritos foram suficientes para abalar até os nervos mais fortes, e ela respondeu exatamente como ele havia previsto. A fotografia estava escondida em um nicho atrás de um painel deslizante acima da campainha direita. Ela correu para ela, e ele a viu quando ela a puxou parcialmente. Quando ele anunciou que era um alarme falso, ela a recolocou, olhou para o foguete e saiu da sala. Ele então se levantou, pediu desculpas e escapou. Ele considerou pegar a fotografia imediatamente, mas decidiu esperar porque o cocheiro o observava atentamente; agir com muita pressa poderia arruinar tudo.

Original English

“It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to me that our lady of today had nothing in the house more precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a glimpse of it as she half drew it out. When I cried out that it was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it seemed safer to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all.”

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Português

Watson perguntou o que fariam em seguida.

Original English

“And now?” I asked.

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Português

Sherlock disse que a busca estava praticamente encerrada. Ele pretendia visitar o Rei no dia seguinte e convidou Watson para se juntar a eles. Eles seriam levados à sala de estar para esperar a senhora, mas era provável que ela não encontrasse nem eles nem a fotografia. Ele achou que seria uma satisfação para o Rei recuperar a fotografia ele mesmo.

Original English

“Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King tomorrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it with his own hands.”

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Português

Watson perguntou quando ele iria visitá-lo.

Original English

“And when will you call?”

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Português

Holmes disse que eles se encontrariam às oito da manhã porque ela ainda estaria dormindo, dando-lhes uma oportunidade clara. Ele enfatizou a necessidade de rapidez, já que o casamento dela poderia alterar completamente sua vida diária. Então decidiu enviar um telegrama ao Rei imediatamente.

Original English

“At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the King without delay.”

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Português

Eles chegaram à Baker Street e pararam em frente à porta. Enquanto Holmes procurava a chave nos bolsos, um transeunte falou com eles.

Original English

We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said:

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Português

O estranho desejou boa noite a Holmes.

Original English

“Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

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Português

Embora houvesse várias pessoas na calçada, a saudação parecia vir de um jovem esbelto usando um sobretudo que tinha passado correndo.

Original English

There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hurried by.

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Português

Holmes olhou para a rua mal iluminada e observou que tinha reconhecido aquela voz. Ele se perguntou quem diabos poderia ter sido.

Original English

“I’ve heard that voice before,” said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. “Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been.”

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A Scandal in Bohemia — III

Português

O narrador ficou na Baker Street naquela noite. Na manhã seguinte, enquanto ele e Sherlock Holmes tomavam café da manhã, o Rei da Boêmia entrou repentinamente no cômodo.

Original English

I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room.

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Português

O Rei exclamou empolgado, agarrando Holmes pelos ombros e examinando seu rosto cheio de expectativa.

Original English

“You have really got it!” he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face.

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Português

Holmes respondeu que ainda não a tinha encontrado.

Original English

“Not yet.”

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Português

O Rei então perguntou se Holmes tinha alguma esperança de sucesso.

Original English

“But you have hopes?”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que realmente tinha esperança.

Original English

“I have hopes.”

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Português

Holmes disse que estava impaciente para ir e instou seu companheiro a acompanhá-lo.

Original English

“Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone.”

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Português

Holmes insistiu que eles precisavam de um táxi.

Original English

“We must have a cab.”

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Português

Watson respondeu que sua própria carruagem já estava esperando.

Original English

“No, my brougham is waiting.”

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Português

Holmes comentou que isso simplificaria as coisas, e eles desceram as escadas e partiram novamente para Briony Lodge.

Original English

“Then that will simplify matters.” We descended and started off once more for Briony Lodge.

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Português

Holmes observou que Irene Adler era casada.

Original English

“Irene Adler is married,” remarked Holmes.

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Português

Holmes perguntou a ela quando ela havia se casado.

Original English

“Married! When?”

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Português

Ela respondeu que havia sido no dia anterior.

Original English

“Yesterday.”

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Português

Holmes então perguntou com quem ela havia se casado.

Original English

“But to whom?”

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Português

Ela disse a ele que havia se casado com um advogado inglês chamado Norton.

Original English

“To an English lawyer named Norton.”

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Português

Holmes comentou que ela não poderia amá-lo.

Original English

“But she could not love him.”

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Português

Ele expressou sua esperança de que ela amava o marido.

Original English

“I am in hopes that she does.”

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Português

O outro perguntou por que ele tinha essa esperança.

Original English

“And why in hopes?”

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Português

Ele explicou que, se a senhora amasse o marido, ela não amaria o rei e, consequentemente, não teria motivo para interferir nos planos de Sua Majestade. Isso pouparia o rei de qualquer aborrecimento futuro.

Original English

“Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty’s plan.”

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Português

O rei reconheceu a verdade disso, mas desejou melancolicamente que ela tivesse sido de sua própria classe, acreditando que ela teria sido uma rainha magnífica. Então ele caiu em um silêncio pensativo que durou até chegarem à Serpentine Avenue.

Original English

“It is true. And yet—! Well! I wish she had been of my own station! What a queen she would have made!” He relapsed into a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue.

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Português

A porta de Briony Lodge estava aberta, e uma senhora idosa os observava dos degraus com um olhar sardônico enquanto desciam da carruagem.

Original English

The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham.

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Português

Ela perguntou se ele era o Sr. Sherlock Holmes.

Original English

“Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?” said she.

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Português

Ele confirmou que era o Sr. Holmes, olhando para ela com uma expressão questionadora e bastante surpresa.

Original English

“I am Mr. Holmes,” answered my companion, looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze.

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Português

Ela confirmou que sua patroa havia dito que Holmes poderia visitá-la e então acrescentou que ela havia partido naquela manhã com o marido, pegando o trem das 5:15 de Charing Cross para o Continente.

Original English

“Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.”

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Português

Holmes cambaleou para trás, pálido de desgosto e surpresa, e perguntou se ela queria dizer que a mulher havia deixado a Inglaterra.

Original English

“What!” Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and surprise. “Do you mean that she has left England?”

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Português

Ela respondeu que a mulher nunca voltaria.

Original English

“Never to return.”

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Português

O Rei perguntou roucamente sobre os papéis e disse que tudo estava perdido.

Original English

“And the papers?” asked the King hoarsely. “All is lost.”

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Português

Holmes disse que eles veriam. Ele passou pelo criado e entrou na sala de estar com o rei e Watson. A sala estava desordenada, com móveis espalhados e gavetas abertas, como se a mulher tivesse revistado tudo rapidamente antes de partir. Holmes foi até o cordão da campainha, abriu uma pequena veneziana e retirou uma fotografia e uma carta. A fotografia mostrava Irene Adler em um vestido de noite. A carta era endereçada a Sherlock Holmes, para ser deixada até que fosse solicitada. Holmes a abriu, e os três a leram juntos. Tinha sido escrita à meia-noite da noite anterior.

Original English

“We shall see.” He pushed past the servant and rushed into the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Holmes rushed at the bellpull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for.” My friend tore it open, and we all three read it together. It was dated at midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way:

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Português

Irene Adler escreveu para Sherlock Holmes, reconhecendo que ele a enganara completamente até o alarme de incêndio. Ela havia sido avisada sobre ele meses antes e sabia que ele poderia ser o agente do Rei. Apesar de suas suspeitas, ela achava difícil acreditar que ele pudesse ser desonesto, especialmente porque ele se apresentara como um bondoso velho clérigo. Ela explicou que, sendo atriz, estava acostumada a usar roupas masculinas e muitas vezes aproveitava a liberdade que isso lhe dava. Ela enviara seu cocheiro para vigiar Holmes, depois trocou rapidamente para suas roupas de saída e partiu assim que ele saiu.

Original English

“My Dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes—You really did it very well. You took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had been told that, if the King employed an agent, it would certainly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, got into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you departed.

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Português

Irene Adler seguiu Holmes até sua porta, confirmando que ela era realmente de interesse para o famoso detetive. Então, de forma bastante imprudente, ela lhe desejou boa noite e partiu para o Temple para ver o marido.

Original English

“Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good night, and started for the Temple to see my husband.

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Português

Irene Adler escreveu para Sherlock Holmes explicando que ela e seu marido haviam decidido fugir de um oponente tão formidável, então ele encontraria a casa vazia quando a visitasse no dia seguinte. Ela o assegurou que o Rei poderia ficar tranquilo em relação à fotografia, pois ela amava e era amada por um homem melhor que o Rei. Ela afirmou que o Rei poderia agir sem qualquer impedimento da parte dela, já que ele a havia prejudicado cruelmente. Ela guardou a fotografia apenas para se proteger e para ter uma arma contra quaisquer ações futuras que o Rei pudesse tomar. Ela deixou uma fotografia que o Rei poderia desejar possuir, e ela se despediu como sua querida amiga.

Original English

“We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call tomorrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,

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Português

A carta foi assinada com um encerramento formal e educado.

Original English

“Very truly yours,

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Português

A carta trazia a assinatura de Irene Norton, anteriormente conhecida como Adler.

Original English

“Irene Norton, née Adler.”

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Português

Após ler a carta, o Rei da Boêmia elogiou a rapidez e a determinação da senhora, lamentando que ela não fosse de nascimento real, pois teria sido uma rainha admirável.

Original English

“What a woman—oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. “Did I not tell you how quick and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?”

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Português

Holmes observou friamente que a senhora parecia estar em um nível muito superior ao do Rei, e expressou pesar por não ter conseguido um resultado mais bem-sucedido para Sua Majestade.

Original English

“From what I have seen of the lady, she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. “I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion.”

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Português

O Rei discordou, afirmando que o resultado foi totalmente bem-sucedido. Ele declarou que a palavra da mulher era inviolável e que a fotografia estava tão segura como se tivesse sido queimada.

Original English

“On the contrary, my dear sir,” cried the King; “nothing could be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire.”

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Português

Holmes disse que ficou feliz em ouvir o rei dizer isso.

Original English

“I am glad to hear your Majesty say so.”

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Português

O rei expressou sua profunda gratidão e perguntou a Holmes como poderia ser recompensado. Em seguida, tirou um anel de cobra de esmeralda do dedo e o ofereceu na palma da mão aberta.

Original English

“I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward you. This ring—” He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand.

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Português

Holmes disse que o rei possuía algo que ele valorizaria ainda mais.

Original English

“Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly,” said Holmes.

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Português

O rei disse a Holmes que ele só precisava nomeá-lo.

Original English

“You have but to name it.”

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Português

Holmes indicou que a fotografia era o que ele queria.

Original English

“This photograph!”

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Português

O rei olhou para ele, profundamente espantado.

Original English

The King stared at him in amazement.

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Português

Ele exclamou sobre a fotografia de Irene e concordou em entregá-la se desejado.

Original English

“Irene’s photograph!” he cried. “Certainly, if you wish it.”

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Português

Holmes agradeceu ao rei, afirmou que não havia mais nada a fazer, desejou-lhe bom dia, fez uma reverência e saiu com Watson sem reconhecer a mão estendida do rei.

Original English

“I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers.

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Português

Foi assim que um grande escândalo quase afetou o reino da Boêmia e como a astúcia de uma mulher derrotou os melhores planos de Holmes. Ele costumava brincar sobre a inteligência das mulheres, mas não o fazia mais. Ele sempre se referia a Irene Adler respeitosamente como 'a mulher'.

Original English

And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.

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The Redheaded League

Português

Um dia de outono, Watson visitou Holmes e o encontrou em conversa profunda com um cavalheiro idoso, corpulento, de rosto vermelho e cabelo ruivo brilhante. Watson pediu desculpas pela intromissão e estava prestes a sair, mas Holmes rapidamente o puxou para dentro da sala e fechou a porta.

Original English

I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.

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Português

Holmes disse calorosamente a Watson que ele havia chegado em um momento ideal.

Original English

“You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson,” he said cordially.

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Português

Watson expressou sua preocupação de que Holmes pudesse estar ocupado.

Original English

“I was afraid that you were engaged.”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que ele estava de fato extremamente ocupado.

Original English

“So I am. Very much so.”

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Português

Watson se ofereceu para esperar na sala adjacente.

Original English

“Then I can wait in the next room.”

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Português

Holmes tranquilizou Watson dizendo que o Sr. Wilson era seu colaborador em muitos casos bem-sucedidos e certamente seria útil neste também.

Original English

“Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also.”

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Português

O cavalheiro corpulento levantou-se ligeiramente e fez um aceno de saudação, lançando um olhar rápido e interrogativo de seus pequenos olhos cercados de gordura.

Original English

The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes.

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Português

Holmes convidou-o a sentar-se no sofá, depois recostou-se em sua poltrona e juntou as pontas dos dedos, como costumava fazer quando estava em um estado de reflexão. Ele disse que sabia que Watson compartilhava seu gosto pelo estranho e não convencional, e que Watson havia demonstrado isso ao registrar com entusiasmo e talvez até embelezar muitas das aventuras de Holmes.

Original English

“Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. “I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.”

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Português

Watson respondeu que os casos de Holmes tinham sido de fato extremamente interessantes para ele.

Original English

“Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me,” I observed.

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Português

Holmes lembrou Watson de que ele havia dito recentemente, antes de enfrentarem o simples problema da Srta. Mary Sutherland, que para efeitos incomuns e extraordinários deve-se recorrer à própria vida, que é sempre mais ousada do que qualquer produto da imaginação.

Original English

“You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.”

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Português

Watson admitiu que havia tomado a liberdade de duvidar dessa proposição.

Original English

“A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting.”

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Português

Sherlock Holmes disse ao Dr. Watson que ele precisava concordar com ele, caso contrário continuaria acrescentando fatos até que a razão de Watson se rompesse. Holmes explicou que o Sr. Jabez Wilson o visitara naquela manhã com uma história que prometia ser uma das mais incomuns que ele ouvira em algum tempo. Ele observou que as coisas mais estranhas e únicas estavam frequentemente ligadas a crimes menores, ou às vezes a casos em que era incerto se algum crime havia sido cometido. Pelo que ouvira até então, Holmes não conseguia determinar se o caso atual envolvia um crime, mas a sequência de eventos era certamente uma das mais singulares que ele já ouvira. Ele pediu ao Sr. Wilson que gentilmente recontasse sua história, não apenas porque o Dr. Watson não ouvira o início, mas também porque a natureza peculiar do conto o deixava ansioso para ter todos os detalhes possíveis da boca de Wilson. Normalmente, após ouvir uma ligeira indicação dos eventos, Holmes podia se guiar por milhares de casos semelhantes em sua memória, mas nesta ocasião foi forçado a admitir que os fatos pareciam únicos.

Original English

“You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have heard, it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique.”

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Português

O corpulento cliente inflou o peito com um ar de orgulho e tirou um jornal sujo e amassado do bolso interno do seu sobretudo. Enquanto ele examinava a coluna de anúncios, com a cabeça inclinada para a frente e o jornal achatado sobre o joelho, eu observei bem o homem e tentei, à maneira do meu companheiro, ler as indicações apresentadas por suas roupas ou aparência.

Original English

The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.

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Português

Eu não obtive muito com minha inspeção, no entanto. Nosso visitante tinha todas as características de um comerciante britânico comum e mediano: obeso, pomposo e lento. Ele usava calças largas de xadrez pastor cinza, um fraque preto não muito limpo, desabotoado na frente, e um colete cinza-escuro com uma pesada corrente Albert de latão e um ornamento de metal quadrado furado pendurado. Uma cartola gasta e um sobretudo marrom desbotado com uma gola de veludo enrugado estavam sobre uma cadeira ao lado dele. No geral, não havia nada de notável no homem, exceto sua cabeça ruiva flamejante e a expressão de extremo desgosto e descontentamento em seu rosto.

Original English

I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.

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Português

O olhar rápido de Sherlock Holmes notou minha ocupação, e ele balançou a cabeça com um sorriso ao ver meus olhares questionadores. Ele disse que, além dos fatos óbvios de que o homem havia trabalhado manualmente em algum momento, que usava rapé, que era maçom, que estivera na China e que escrevera bastante ultimamente, não conseguia deduzir mais nada.

Original English

Sherlock Holmes’ quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. “Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.”

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Português

O Sr. Jabez Wilson ergueu-se na cadeira, com o dedo indicador sobre o papel, mas os olhos em meu companheiro.

Original English

Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion.

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Português

O homem expressou espanto com as deduções do Sr. Holmes, especialmente como Holmes sabia que ele havia feito trabalho manual, e confirmou que realmente havia começado como carpinteiro naval.

Original English

“How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?” he asked. “How did you know, for example, that I did manual labour. It’s as true as gospel, for I began as a ship’s carpenter.”

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Português

O Sr. Holmes explicou que as mãos do homem revelavam a informação; sua mão direita era visivelmente maior que a esquerda, resultado de anos de trabalho manual que haviam desenvolvido mais os músculos daquele lado.

Original English

“Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more developed.”

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Português

O homem então perguntou como Holmes sabia sobre seu uso de rapé e sua filiação aos Maçons.

Original English

“Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?”

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Português

O Sr. Holmes recusou-se a explicar seu raciocínio, dizendo que não insultaria a inteligência do homem, mas observou que o homem estava usando um alfinete de peito com um desenho de arco e compasso, o que era contra as regras rígidas dos Maçons.

Original English

“I won’t insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you use an arc-and-compass breastpin.”

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Português

O homem reconheceu que havia deixado passar aquela pista, e então perguntou como Holmes havia deduzido a questão da escrita.

Original English

“Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?”

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Português

Holmes apontou que o punho direito estava muito brilhante por cinco polegadas, e o esquerdo tinha uma mancha lisa perto do cotovelo onde o Sr. Wilson o apoiava na mesa, perguntando o que mais poderia ser indicado por isso.

Original English

“What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?”

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Português

O Sr. Wilson então perguntou sobre a China, questionando como aquilo era relevante.

Original English

“Well, but China?”

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Português

Holmes explicou que a tatuagem de peixe acima do pulso direito do Sr. Wilson devia ter sido feita na China, pois a coloração rosa delicada das escamas era uma técnica chinesa única. Ele acrescentou que ver uma moeda chinesa na corrente do relógio tornava a conclusão ainda mais direta, observando que havia estudado marcas de tatuagem e até contribuído para a literatura sobre o assunto.

Original English

“The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes’ scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter becomes even more simple.”

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Português

O Sr. Jabez Wilson riu gostosamente, comentando que a princípio pensara que Holmes havia feito algo inteligente, mas agora percebia que não havia nada de notável nisso, afinal.

Original English

Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. “Well, I never!” said he. “I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that there was nothing in it after all.”

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Português

Holmes comentou com Watson que temia estar cometendo um erro ao explicar tudo, já que revelar seus métodos poderia prejudicar sua reputação. Ele então perguntou ao Sr. Wilson se ele poderia encontrar o anúncio.

Original English

“I begin to think, Watson,” said Holmes, “that I make a mistake in explaining. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?”

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Português

Holmes anunciou que havia localizado o item, apontando com seu dedo grosso e vermelho para o meio de uma coluna. Ele indicou que era o ponto de partida de todo o caso e convidou o narrador a lê-lo pessoalmente.

Original English

“Yes, I have got it now,” he answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column. “Here it is. This is what began it all. You just read it for yourself, sir.”

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Português

O narrador pegou o jornal de Holmes e prosseguiu para ler o conteúdo.

Original English

I took the paper from him and read as follows:

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Português

O anúncio era dirigido à Liga dos Ruivos, afirmando que, devido ao legado do falecido Ezekiah Hopkins de Lebanon, Pensilvânia, havia uma nova vaga aberta para um membro da Liga, oferecendo um salário de quatro libras por semana por serviços essencialmente nominais. Os requisitos incluíam cabelo ruivo, saúde física e mental, e idade superior a vinte e um anos. Os candidatos deveriam comparecer pessoalmente na sede da Liga na segunda-feira às onze horas.

Original English

“To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. All redheaded men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o’clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.”

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Português

Depois de ler duas vezes o estranho anúncio, o narrador exclamou perplexo, perguntando o que aquilo poderia significar.

Original English

“What on earth does this mean?” I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement.

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Português

Holmes riu baixinho e se remexeu na cadeira, um sinal de seu bom humor. Ele comentou que o anúncio era incomum. Em seguida, instruiu o Sr. Wilson a começar do início e descrever a si mesmo, sua casa e como o anúncio havia afetado sua situação. Holmes também pediu ao médico que anotasse o nome do jornal e a data.

Original English

Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. “It is a little off the beaten track, isn’t it?” said he. “And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date.”

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Português

Holmes observou que o jornal era The Morning Chronicle de 27 de abril de 1890, o que era apenas dois meses antes.

Original English

“It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.”

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Português

Holmes expressou aprovação e pediu ao Sr. Wilson que continuasse com sua história.

Original English

“Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”

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Português

Jabez Wilson, enxugando a testa, explicou que administrava um pequeno negócio de penhores na Praça Coburg, perto da City. Não era uma operação grande e, recentemente, só lhe rendia o suficiente para viver. Costumava empregar dois assistentes, mas agora tinha apenas um, e tinha dificuldade para pagá-lo, embora o assistente estivesse disposto a trabalhar por metade do salário para aprender o ofício.

Original English

“Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. It’s not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business.”

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Português

Sherlock Holmes perguntou qual era o nome desse jovem prestativo.

Original English

“What is the name of this obliging youth?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

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Português

Wilson respondeu que o nome de seu assistente era Vincent Spaulding, e ele não era particularmente jovem; sua idade era difícil de determinar. Wilson admitiu que não poderia desejar um assistente mais inteligente e sabia que Spaulding poderia encontrar melhor remuneração em outro lugar, mas, como Spaulding parecia satisfeito, Wilson não via motivo para sugerir o contrário.

Original English

“His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he’s not such a youth, either. It’s hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?”

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Português

Holmes comentou que o Sr. Wilson tinha muita sorte de ter um funcionário que trabalhava por menos do que o salário habitual, o que era incomum para empregadores naquela época. Ele acrescentou que talvez o assistente fosse tão notável quanto o próprio anúncio.

Original English

“Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employee who comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don’t know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement.”

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Português

O Sr. Wilson admitiu que seu assistente tinha seus defeitos, especialmente sua obsessão por fotografia. Em vez de focar no autodesenvolvimento, ele tirava fotos constantemente e depois corria para o porão para revelá-las. Embora esse fosse seu principal defeito, o Sr. Wilson o considerava um bom trabalhador no geral, sem maus hábitos.

Original English

“Oh, he has his faults, too,” said Mr. Wilson. “Never was such a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault, but on the whole he’s a good worker. There’s no vice in him.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou se o assistente ainda estava empregado pelo Sr. Wilson.

Original English

“He is still with you, I presume?”

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Português

O Sr. Wilson confirmou que o assistente ainda trabalhava para ele. Ele explicou que, além do assistente, havia uma garota de quatorze anos que cuidava da cozinha simples e da limpeza. Como viúvo sem filhos, os três viviam juntos tranquilamente, conseguindo manter uma casa e pagar suas contas, mesmo que não fizessem muito mais.

Original English

“Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean—that’s all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts, if we do nothing more.

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Português

O Sr. Wilson afirmou que o anúncio havia sido a primeira perturbação. Ele lembrou que Spaulding havia entrado no escritório oito semanas atrás, carregando o próprio jornal na mão, e tinha falado com ele.

Original English

“The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says:

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Português

O Sr. Wilson expressou um forte desejo de ser um homem ruivo.

Original English

“ ‘I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a redheaded man.’

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Português

Perguntei por que ele se sentia assim.

Original English

“ ‘Why that?’ I asks.

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Português

O Sr. Wilson explicou que outra vaga havia surgido na Liga dos Homens Ruivos, uma posição que valia uma quantia considerável. Ele comentou que havia mais vagas do que candidatos, então os curadores estavam com dificuldades para administrar os fundos. Se ao menos seu cabelo fosse ruivo, ele poderia entrar em uma situação confortável.

Original English

“ ‘Why,’ says he, ‘here’s another vacancy on the League of the Redheaded Men. It’s worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits’ end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here’s a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.’

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Português

Perguntei o que o cargo implicava. Expliquei que era caseiro, pois meu trabalho vinha até mim em vez de exigir que eu saísse, então muitas vezes ficava dentro de casa por semanas. Consequentemente, não estava familiarizado com os eventos externos e sempre apreciava uma notícia.

Original English

“ ‘Why, what is it, then?’ I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my foot over the doormat. In that way I didn’t know much of what was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news.

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Português

O Sr. Wilson perguntou, com os olhos arregalados, se eu nunca tinha ouvido falar da Liga dos Homens Ruivos.

Original English

“ ‘Have you never heard of the League of the Redheaded Men?’ he asked with his eyes open.

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Português

O homem respondeu que nunca havia feito isso.

Original English

“ ‘Never.’

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Português

O interlocutor expressou surpresa, destacando que a outra pessoa era elegível para uma das vagas.

Original English

“ ‘Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies.’

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Português

Eu perguntei quanto valiam os cargos.

Original English

“ ‘And what are they worth?’ I asked.

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Português

Ele explicou que o salário era de apenas algumas centenas de libras por ano, o trabalho era leve e não interferiria muito com outras ocupações.

Original English

“ ‘Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one’s other occupations.’

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Português

Isso naturalmente chamou minha atenção, pois meu negócio estava passando por dificuldades há alguns anos e duzentas libras extras teriam sido muito úteis.

Original English

“Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for the business has not been over good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.

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Português

O narrador solicitou um relato completo do assunto.

Original English

“ ‘Tell me all about it,’ said I.

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Português

Ele mostrou o anúncio e explicou que a Liga dos Ruivos tinha uma vaga. Segundo ele, a Liga havia sido fundada por um milionário americano excêntrico chamado Ezekiah Hopkins, que era ruivo e simpatizava com outros homens ruivos. Ao morrer, sua fortuna foi confiada a curadores que deveriam usar os juros para proporcionar posições confortáveis para homens ruivos. O salário era excelente, com muito pouco trabalho exigido.

Original English

“ ‘Well,’ said he, showing me the advertisement, ‘you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself redheaded, and he had a great sympathy for all redheaded men; so, when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to do.’

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Português

O narrador objetou que haveria incontáveis candidatos.

Original English

“ ‘But,’ said I, ‘there would be millions of redheaded men who would apply.’

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Português

Ele respondeu que o número seria menor do que o esperado, já que a oportunidade era limitada a londrinos adultos com um tom específico de cabelo ruivo brilhante. Ele acrescentou que o cabelo do Sr. Wilson poderia se qualificar, mas talvez não valesse a pena o incômodo por algumas centenas de libras.

Original English

“ ‘Not so many as you might think,’ he answered. ‘You see it is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds.’

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Português

Wilson notou que seu próprio cabelo era de um vermelho intenso e acreditava ter tanta chance quanto qualquer um. Como Vincent Spaulding parecia conhecedor, Wilson pediu que ele fechasse a loja por um dia e o acompanhasse ao endereço do anúncio. Spaulding ficou feliz com o feriado, então eles fecharam o negócio e partiram.

Original English

“Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement.

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Português

O cliente disse a Holmes que nunca tinha visto tal cena. Homens de todos os tons de cabelo ruivo tinham vindo de todas as direções em resposta ao anúncio. A Fleet Street estava lotada de pessoas ruivas, e a Pope's Court parecia uma barraca de frutas. Ele ficou surpreso que existiam tantas em todo o país. Elas tinham cabelos de várias cores, mas poucas tinham o tom vívido de chama. Quando viu a multidão, quis desistir, mas Spaulding insistiu. Spaulding conseguiu empurrá-lo e puxá-lo através da multidão até os degraus do escritório. Havia uma corrente dupla nas escadas, alguns subindo esperançosos, outros descendo desanimados. Eles se enfiaram e logo se encontraram no escritório.

Original English

“I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. I should not have thought there were so many in the whole country as were brought together by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they were—straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.”

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Português

Holmes comentou que a experiência do cliente era altamente divertida e pediu que ele continuasse sua declaração interessante.

Original English

“Your experience has been a most entertaining one,” remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. “Pray continue your very interesting statement.”

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Português

O escritório continha apenas algumas cadeiras de madeira e uma mesa. Atrás da mesa estava sentado um homem pequeno com cabelo ainda mais ruivo que o do narrador. Ele falava com cada candidato e sempre encontrava algum defeito para desqualificá-los. Conseguir o cargo parecia difícil. No entanto, quando chegou a vez deles, o homem foi muito mais favorável ao narrador do que aos outros e fechou a porta para uma conversa particular.

Original English

“There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might have a private word with us.

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Português

O assistente apresentou o narrador como Sr. Jabez Wilson, que estava disposto a preencher uma vaga na Liga.

Original English

“ ‘This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,’ said my assistant, ‘and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.’

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Português

O outro homem respondeu que ele era admiravelmente adequado e tinha todos os requisitos. Ele recuou, inclinou a cabeça e olhou para o cabelo do narrador, fazendo-o sentir-se envergonhado. Então, de repente, avançou, apertou sua mão e o parabenizou calorosamente pelo sucesso.

Original English

“ ‘And he is admirably suited for it,’ the other answered. ‘He has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success.

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Português

Ele disse que seria injusto hesitar, mas precisava tomar precauções. Agarrou o cabelo de Wilson com as duas mãos e puxou até que Wilson gritasse de dor. Depois de soltá-lo, notou que seus olhos estavam lacrimejando e que tudo parecia normal. Explicou que precisavam ter cuidado porque haviam sido enganados duas vezes por perucas e uma vez por maquiagem, e que poderia contar histórias de cera de sapateiro que enojariam qualquer um com a natureza humana. Então, foi até a janela e gritou bem alto que a vaga estava preenchida. Um gemido de decepção veio de baixo, e a multidão se dispersou em todas as direções até que não restassem ruivos exceto o próprio Wilson e o gerente.

Original English

“ ‘It would be injustice to hesitate,’ said he. ‘You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.’ With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain. ‘There is water in your eyes,’ said he as he released me. ‘I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax which would disgust you with human nature.’ He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager.

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Português

Meu nome é Sr. Duncan Ross, ele disse, e sou um dos pensionistas do fundo deixado por nosso nobre benfeitor. Em seguida, perguntou a Wilson se ele era casado e tinha família.

Original English

“ ‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?’

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Português

Wilson respondeu que não.

Original English

“I answered that I had not.

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Português

Seu rosto imediatamente se desanimou.

Original English

“His face fell immediately.

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Português

Ele disse gravemente que isso era muito sério, e que lamentava ouvir aquilo. O fundo, claro, era para a propagação e disseminação dos ruivos, bem como para sua manutenção, então era extremamente infeliz que Wilson fosse solteiro.

Original English

“ ‘Dear me!’ he said gravely, ‘that is very serious indeed! I am sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well as for their maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor.’

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Português

A expressão do narrador caiu, pensando que não conseguiria o cargo afinal. No entanto, após alguns minutos de consideração, o outro homem garantiu-lhe que tudo ficaria bem.

Original English

“My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for a few minutes he said that it would be all right.

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Português

Ele explicou que, para outra pessoa, a objeção poderia arruinar a chance, mas abririam uma exceção para um homem com cabelo tão notável. Então perguntou quando o narrador poderia começar o novo trabalho.

Original English

“ ‘In the case of another,’ said he, ‘the objection might be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties?’

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Português

O narrador respondeu que era um pouco inconveniente porque ele já possuía um negócio.

Original English

“ ‘Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,’ said I.

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Português

Vincent Spaulding disse-lhe para não se preocupar com isso, pois ele poderia administrar o negócio atual do narrador por ele.

Original English

“ ‘Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. ‘I should be able to look after that for you.’

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Português

O narrador perguntou sobre o horário de trabalho.

Original English

“ ‘What would be the hours?’ I asked.

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Português

Eram dez para as duas.

Original English

“ ‘Ten to two.’

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Português

Ele disse a Holmes que os penhoristas fazem a maior parte dos negócios à noite, especialmente nas noites de quinta e sexta, pouco antes do dia de pagamento, então seria muito conveniente para ele ganhar algum dinheiro extra pela manhã. Ele acrescentou que seu assistente era um homem confiável que cuidaria de qualquer imprevisto.

Original English

“Now a pawnbroker’s business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before payday; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and that he would see to anything that turned up.

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Português

Ele disse que isso lhe serviria muito bem e perguntou sobre o pagamento.

Original English

“ ‘That would suit me very well,’ said I. ‘And the pay?’

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Português

Ele lhe ofereceu quatro libras por semana.

Original English

“ ‘Is £4 a week.’

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Português

Ele então perguntou sobre a natureza do trabalho.

Original English

“ ‘And the work?’

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Português

Ele disse que o cargo era puramente nominal.

Original English

“ ‘Is purely nominal.’

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Português

Ele perguntou o que significava puramente nominal.

Original English

“ ‘What do you call purely nominal?’

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Português

Ele explicou que a pessoa deveria permanecer no escritório ou no prédio o tempo todo; sair significaria perder o cargo para sempre. O testamento era bastante claro quanto a isso.

Original English

“ ‘Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You don’t comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time.’

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Português

Ele respondeu que eram apenas quatro horas por dia e que não pensaria em sair.

Original English

“ ‘It’s only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,’ said I.

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Português

O Sr. Duncan Ross insistiu que nenhuma desculpa, fosse doença ou negócio, seria aceita; a pessoa deveria ficar ou perderia o cargo.

Original English

“ ‘No excuse will avail,’ said Mr. Duncan Ross; ‘neither sickness nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose your billet.’

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Português

Ele perguntou sobre o trabalho.

Original English

“ ‘And the work?’

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Português

A tarefa era copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. O primeiro volume estava em uma prensa. Ele tinha que fornecer sua própria tinta, canetas e papel mata-borrão, embora uma mesa e uma cadeira fossem fornecidas. Perguntaram se ele estaria pronto até o dia seguinte.

Original English

“ ‘Is to copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica. There is the first volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be ready tomorrow?’

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Português

Ele respondeu que certamente estaria pronto.

Original English

“ ‘Certainly,’ I answered.

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Português

O homem se despediu e o parabenizou novamente pela posição afortunada. Ele o acompanhou até a porta com uma reverência, e Wilson foi para casa com seu assistente, tomado de alegria pela sua boa sorte.

Original English

“ ‘Then, goodbye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate enough to gain.’ He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased at my own good fortune.

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Português

Wilson pensou no assunto o dia todo, mas à noite se sentiu deprimido novamente, tendo se convencido de que era algum grande embuste ou fraude, embora não pudesse imaginar o objetivo. Parecia inacreditável que alguém fizesse tal testamento ou pagasse tanto por copiar a enciclopédia. Vincent Spaulding tentou animá-lo, mas na hora de dormir Wilson já havia se convencido do contrário. No entanto, pela manhã, ele decidiu ir de qualquer maneira. Comprou um vidro de tinta de um centavo, uma pena e sete folhas de papel, e partiu para o Tribunal de Pope.

Original English

“Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court.

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Português

Para sua surpresa e alegria, tudo estava perfeitamente arrumado. O Sr. Duncan Ross estava presente para garantir que ele começasse corretamente, iniciando-o na letra A antes de sair. No entanto, Ross retornava periodicamente para verificar seu progresso. Às duas horas, ele se despediu do narrador, elogiou a quantidade que havia escrito e trancou a porta do escritório atrás de si.

Original English

“Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o’clock he bade me good day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me.

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Português

Esse padrão continuou dia após dia. Aos sábados, o gerente pagava-lhe quatro soberanos de ouro pelo trabalho da semana. O mesmo aconteceu nas semanas seguintes. Todas as manhãs ele chegava às dez e saía às duas. Gradualmente, o Sr. Duncan Ross começou a visitar com menos frequência, até não aparecer mais. No entanto, o narrador nunca ousava deixar a sala, incerto de quando Ross poderia voltar. A posição era tão vantajosa e adequava-se tão bem a ele que ele não correria o risco de perdê-la.

Original English

“This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week’s work. It was the same next week, and the same the week after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the loss of it.

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Português

Assim, oito semanas se passaram. Ele havia escrito extensivamente sobre tópicos começando com A, como Abades, Arco e Flecha, Armadura, Arquitetura e Ática, e esperava com diligência passar em breve para os B's. Isso lhe custou quantidades significativas de papel almaço, e ele quase encheu uma prateleira com seus escritos. Então, sem aviso, todo o empreendimento chegou ao fim.

Original English

“Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole business came to an end.”

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Português

O narrador perguntou se realmente havia terminado.

Original English

“To an end?”

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Português

De fato, havia terminado naquela mesma manhã. Ele tinha ido trabalhar como de costume às dez horas, apenas para encontrar a porta fechada e trancada. Um pequeno quadrado de papelão foi pregado no painel com um tachinha. Ele o produziu e convidou Holmes a lê-lo por si mesmo.

Original English

“Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself.”

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Português

Ele mostrou um pedaço de papelão branco, aproximadamente do tamanho de uma folha de papel de carta, com o seguinte texto escrito.

Original English

He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper. It read in this fashion:

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Português

Anunciava que a Liga dos Ruivos havia sido dissolvida e estava datada de 9 de outubro de 1890.

Original English

The Redheaded League is dissolved. October 9, 1890.

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Português

Sherlock Holmes e eu examinamos o breve aviso e a expressão infeliz do homem que o trouxera; o absurdo da situação tornou-se tão avassalador que ambos caímos na gargalhada.

Original English

Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter.

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Português

Nosso cliente exclamou que não via nada de engraçado no assunto, seu rosto ficando vermelho até a raiz de seu cabelo flamejante. Ele declarou que, se não podíamos fazer mais do que zombar dele, levaria seu problema para outro lugar.

Original English

“I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. “If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere.”

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Português

Holmes rapidamente o empurrou de volta para a cadeira da qual ele começara a se levantar, insistindo que não abandonaria o caso por nada — era deliciosamente incomum. No entanto, admitiu que havia um aspecto ligeiramente cômico nisso. Ele então perguntou que ações o cliente havia tomado ao descobrir o cartão em sua porta.

Original English

“No, no,” cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen. “I really wouldn’t miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the door?”

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Português

Wilson ficou surpreso e incerto sobre seu próximo passo. Ele perguntou em escritórios vizinhos, mas ninguém conseguiu fornecer nenhuma informação. Por fim, ele se aproximou de seu senhorio, um contador que morava no térreo, e perguntou o que havia acontecido com a Liga dos Cabeças Ruivas. O senhorio respondeu que nunca tinha ouvido falar de tal organização. Wilson então perguntou sobre o Sr. Duncan Ross, mas o senhorio disse que o nome não lhe era familiar.

Original English

“I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant living on the ground floor, and I asked him if he could tell me what had become of the Redheaded League. He said that he had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him.

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Português

Wilson então mencionou o cavalheiro que morava no número quatro.

Original English

“ ‘Well,’ said I, ‘the gentleman at No. 4.’

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Português

O senhorio perguntou se ele se referia ao homem ruivo.

Original English

“ ‘What, the redheaded man?’

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Português

Wilson confirmou que sim.

Original English

“ ‘Yes.’

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Português

O senhorio explicou que o nome do homem era William Morris, um advogado que estava usando o quarto temporariamente até que suas novas instalações ficassem prontas. Ele havia desocupado no dia anterior.

Original English

“ ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.’

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Português

Ele perguntou onde poderia encontrar o homem.

Original English

“ ‘Where could I find him?’

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Português

Disseram-lhe que a pessoa estava em seu novo escritório na 17 King Edward Street, perto da St. Paul's.

Original English

“ ‘Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul’s.’

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Português

Quando ele chegou ao endereço, encontrou uma fábrica de rótulas artificiais; ninguém lá tinha ouvido falar do Sr. William Morris nem do Sr. Duncan Ross.

Original English

“I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial kneecaps, and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou o que ele fez em seguida.

Original English

“And what did you do then?” asked Holmes.

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Português

Ele foi para casa e pediu conselhos ao seu assistente, mas o assistente apenas sugeriu esperar por uma carta. Não querendo perder o cargo sem luta, ele veio diretamente a Holmes, tendo ouvido que Holmes dava conselhos aos necessitados.

Original English

“I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right away to you.”

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Português

Holmes disse ao Sr. Wilson que ele havia agido com muita sabedoria. Ele considerava o caso extremamente incomum e ficaria feliz em investigá-lo. Pelo que o Sr. Wilson havia descrito, Holmes pensou que poderia haver consequências mais sérias envolvidas do que inicialmente parecia óbvio.

Original English

“And you did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear.”

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Português

O Sr. Jabez Wilson concordou que a situação era realmente grave, apontando que ele vinha perdendo quatro libras por semana.

Original English

“Grave enough!” said Mr. Jabez Wilson. “Why, I have lost four pound a week.”

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Português

Holmes observou que, pessoalmente, o Sr. Wilson não tinha motivos para reclamar da estranha liga. Na verdade, Holmes entendeu que o Sr. Wilson havia ganhado cerca de trinta libras e adquirido conhecimento detalhado sobre vários tópicos começando com a letra A. Ele concluiu que o Sr. Wilson não havia perdido nada com a liga.

Original English

“As far as you are personally concerned,” remarked Holmes, “I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some £30, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them.”

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Português

O Sr. Wilson admitiu que não havia perdido nada, mas queria descobrir as identidades dos envolvidos e entender o propósito deles ao pregar essa peça nele, se é que era mesmo uma peça. Ele observou que tinha sido uma brincadeira cara para eles, custando trinta e duas libras.

Original English

“No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and what their object was in playing this prank—if it was a prank—upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cost them two and thirty pounds.”

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Português

Holmes garantiu ao Sr. Wilson que eles tentariam esclarecer esses assuntos. Em seguida, fez algumas perguntas, começando por quanto tempo o assistente do Sr. Wilson, que havia primeiro apontado o anúncio, estava trabalhando para ele.

Original English

“We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement—how long had he been with you?”

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Português

Ele disse que fazia cerca de um mês.

Original English

“About a month then.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou como ele havia chegado.

Original English

“How did he come?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que havia vindo em resposta a um anúncio.

Original English

“In answer to an advertisement.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou se ele havia sido o único candidato.

Original English

“Was he the only applicant?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que havia uma dúzia de candidatos.

Original English

“No, I had a dozen.”

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Português

Ele perguntou por que eles haviam escolhido aquele homem em particular.

Original English

“Why did you pick him?”

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Português

Eles responderam que ele era conveniente e trabalharia por um salário baixo.

Original English

“Because he was handy and would come cheap.”

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Português

Eles acrescentaram que ele trabalhava por metade do pagamento usual.

Original English

“At half wages, in fact.”

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Português

Eles confirmaram que isso estava correto.

Original English

“Yes.”

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Português

Ele então perguntou como era Vincent Spaulding.

Original English

“What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?”

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Português

O homem era pequeno e robusto, com movimentos rápidos. Tinha cerca de trinta anos e não tinha pelos faciais. Uma marca branca de ácido era visível em sua testa.

Original English

“Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he’s not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead.”

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Português

Holmes sentou-se animadamente, afirmando que suspeitava disso. Ele então perguntou se o ouvinte tinha notado que as orelhas do homem eram furadas para brincos.

Original English

Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. “I thought as much,” said he. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?”

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Português

O ouvinte confirmou isso, explicando que o homem dissera que uma cigana furou suas orelhas quando ele era menino.

Original English

“Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was a lad.”

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Português

Holmes murmurou pensativamente enquanto se recostava. Ele então perguntou se o homem ainda estava a serviço do ouvinte.

Original English

“Hum!” said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. “He is still with you?”

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Português

O ouvinte respondeu que o homem realmente ainda estava lá, pois ele acabara de deixá-lo.

Original English

“Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou se o negócio do Sr. Wilson havia sido cuidado durante sua ausência.

Original English

“And has your business been attended to in your absence?”

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Português

O Sr. Wilson garantiu que estava tudo bem, acrescentando que raramente havia muito movimento pela manhã.

Original English

“Nothing to complain of, sir. There’s never very much to do of a morning.”

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Português

Holmes disse ao Sr. Wilson que daria sua opinião em um ou dois dias e, como era sábado, esperava chegar a uma conclusão até segunda-feira.

Original English

“That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. Today is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion.”

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Português

Depois que o visitante foi embora, Holmes perguntou a Watson o que ele achava de todo o caso.

Original English

“Well, Watson,” said Holmes when our visitor had left us, “what do you make of it all?”

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Português

Watson respondeu francamente que não entendia nada daquilo e considerava o assunto muito misterioso.

Original English

“I make nothing of it,” I answered frankly. “It is a most mysterious business.”

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Português

Holmes observou que, como princípio geral, as coisas mais estranhas muitas vezes acabam sendo as menos misteriosas. Ele notou que são os crimes comuns e banais que apresentam verdadeiros enigmas, assim como um rosto comum é o mais difícil de reconhecer. Ele acrescentou que precisava agir rapidamente neste caso.

Original English

“As a rule,” said Holmes, “the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this matter.”

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Português

Perguntei a Holmes o que ele pretendia fazer em seguida.

Original English

“What are you going to do, then?” I asked.

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Português

Holmes respondeu que fumaria, explicando que era um problema que exigia três cachimbadas de reflexão, e pediu para não ser perturbado por cinquenta minutos. Ele se acomodou na cadeira, encolhendo os joelhos perto do nariz, e ficou sentado com os olhos fechados, com o cachimbo projetando-se como o bico de um pássaro. Pensei que ele tivesse adormecido, e eu mesmo estava cochilando, quando ele se levantou bruscamente, como se tivesse tomado uma decisão, e colocou o cachimbo na prateleira da lareira.

Original English

“To smoke,” he answered. “It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won’t speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.

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Português

Holmes mencionou que o violinista Sarasate estava se apresentando no St. James's Hall naquela tarde. Ele perguntou a Watson se seus pacientes poderiam ficar sem ele por algumas horas.

Original English

“Sarasate plays at the St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he remarked. “What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you for a few hours?”

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Português

Respondi que não tinha obrigações naquele dia, pois minha prática médica raramente era exigente.

Original English

“I have nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing.”

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Português

Holmes disse a Watson para colocar o chapéu e acompanhá-lo. Ele planejava passar pela City primeiro e almoçar no caminho. Observou que o programa do concerto incluía muita música alemã, que ele preferia à italiana ou francesa. A música alemã, segundo ele, era introspectiva, e ele sentia necessidade de introspecção. Incentivou Watson a vir junto.

Original English

“Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!”

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Português

Eles viajaram de metrô até Aldersgate e depois caminharam até a Praça Saxe-Coburg, o cenário da estranha história que tinham ouvido naquela manhã. Era um lugar pequeno e modesto, com quatro fileiras de casas de tijolos de dois andares, sujas, ao redor de um pequeno jardim cercado. O jardim tinha grama cheia de ervas daninhas e alguns arbustos de louro desbotados, lutando contra a atmosfera enfumaçada. Em uma casa de esquina, três bolas douradas e uma placa marrom com 'Jabez Wilson' em letras brancas marcavam a loja de penhores onde seu cliente ruivo trabalhava. Sherlock Holmes parou em frente ao prédio, inclinou a cabeça e o examinou minuciosamente, com os olhos brilhando. Em seguida, caminhou lentamente para cima e para baixo na rua, ainda observando atentamente as casas. Finalmente, voltou à loja de penhores, bateu no pavimento com a bengala duas ou três vezes e bateu na porta. Um jovem de aparência esperta e barbeado abriu-a instantaneamente e convidou Holmes para entrar.

Original English

We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with “Jabez Wilson” in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our redheaded client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in.

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Português

Holmes agradeceu ao jovem e disse que só queria perguntar como chegar dali ao Strand.

Original English

“Thank you,” said Holmes, “I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand.”

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Português

O assistente respondeu prontamente que era a terceira rua à direita e depois a quarta à esquerda, e fechou a porta.

Original English

“Third right, fourth left,” answered the assistant promptly, closing the door.

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Português

Enquanto se afastavam, Holmes observou que o assistente era um sujeito esperto. Em seu julgamento, ele era o quarto homem mais inteligente de Londres e, em termos de ousadia, poderia até ser considerado o terceiro. Holmes acrescentou que já sabia algo sobre ele antes.

Original English

“Smart fellow, that,” observed Holmes as we walked away. “He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before.”

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Português

Apontei que o assistente do Sr. Wilson parecia desempenhar um papel fundamental no mistério da Liga dos Cabeças Vermelhas. Eu estava certo de que Holmes havia pedido informações apenas para observar o homem.

Original English

“Evidently,” said I, “Mr. Wilson’s assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Redheaded League. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him.”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que não era o assistente em quem ele estava interessado.

Original English

“Not him.”

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Português

Insisti para que ele me desse uma explicação.

Original English

“What then?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que estava se referindo aos joelhos das calças do assistente.

Original English

“The knees of his trousers.”

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Português

Então perguntei o que ele havia observado.

Original English

“And what did you see?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que era exatamente o que ele tinha previsto ver.

Original English

“What I expected to see.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou por que Watson havia andado para cima e para baixo na calçada.

Original English

“Why did you beat the pavement?”

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Português

Holmes disse ao médico que este era um momento para observação, não para conversa. Ele explicou que eles estavam como espiões em território hostil, e como já sabiam algo sobre a Praça Saxe-Coburg, deveriam agora examinar as áreas atrás dela.

Original English

“My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy’s country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it.”

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Português

A rua na qual eles viraram a partir da tranquila Praça Saxe-Coburg era notavelmente diferente. Era uma estrada principal que levava o tráfego da cidade para o norte e oeste, lotada com uma maré dupla de veículos e pedestres. Era difícil acreditar que a fileira de lojas elegantes e imponentes estabelecimentos comerciais ficava nos fundos da praça desbotada e parada que eles tinham acabado de deixar.

Original English

The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted.

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Português

Holmes ficou na esquina, examinando a fileira de prédios, e comentou que desejava memorizar a ordem das casas; conhecer Londres exatamente era um hobby seu. Ele listou a tabacaria Mortimer's, a pequena loja de jornais, a filial Coburg do Banco City and Suburban, o Restaurante Vegetariano e o depósito de carruagens de McFarlane, que levava ao próximo quarteirão. Ele então disse ao médico que o trabalho estava feito, então era hora de algum prazer: um sanduíche e uma xícara de café, e então para a terra dos violinos, onde tudo é doçura, delicadeza e harmonia, sem clientes ruivos perturbando-os com enigmas.

Original English

“Let me see,” said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line, “I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Doctor, we’ve done our work, so it’s time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to vex us with their conundrums.”

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Português

Meu amigo era um músico apaixonado. Ele não era apenas um intérprete habilidoso, mas também um compositor de talento incomum. Passou a tarde inteira sentado na plateia, perfeitamente feliz, movendo suavemente seus dedos longos e finos no ritmo da música. Seu rosto mostrava um sorriso gentil, e seus olhos estavam sonhadores e relaxados. Isso era completamente diferente do Holmes que eu conhecia como detetive: implacável, perspicaz e rápido para agir. Seu caráter tinha dois lados que se alternavam. Sua extrema precisão e perspicácia pareciam ser uma reação contra o humor poético e pensativo que às vezes o dominava. Sua natureza oscilava entre profunda preguiça e energia intensa. Como eu bem sabia, ele nunca era mais perigoso do que quando passava dias descansando em sua poltrona, tocando música ou estudando livros antigos. Então, de repente, o desejo de caçar tomava conta, e seu raciocínio brilhante se tornava quase como intuição, de modo que as pessoas não familiarizadas com seus métodos olhavam para ele estranhamente, como se possuísse conhecimento além dos humanos comuns. Quando o vi tão absorto na música no St. James's Hall naquela tarde, senti que um mau tempo estava chegando para aqueles que ele decidira perseguir.

Original English

My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James’s Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down.

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Português

Ao saírem, Holmes comentou que o médico provavelmente queria ir para casa.

Original English

“You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor,” he remarked as we emerged.

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Português

O médico concordou que seria uma boa ideia.

Original English

“Yes, it would be as well.”

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Português

Holmes acrescentou que tinha alguns negócios que levariam várias horas, e que o assunto na Praça Coburg era sério.

Original English

“And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious.”

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Português

O médico perguntou por que era sério.

Original English

“Why serious?”

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Português

Holmes disse a Watson que um crime grave estava sendo planejado. Ele estava confiante de que poderiam impedi-lo, mas o fato de ser sábado tornava as coisas mais complicadas. Ele disse que precisaria da ajuda de Watson naquela noite.

Original English

“A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help tonight.”

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Português

Watson perguntou a Holmes que horas ele queria dizer.

Original English

“At what time?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que dez horas seria cedo o suficiente.

Original English

“Ten will be early enough.”

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Português

Watson concordou em encontrar Holmes na Baker Street às dez.

Original English

“I shall be at Baker Street at ten.”

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Português

Holmes avisou Watson que poderia haver algum perigo e pediu que ele trouxesse seu revólver do exército. Ele então acenou, virou-se e desapareceu rapidamente na multidão.

Original English

“Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd.

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Português

O narrador sentia que não era tão inteligente quanto as outras pessoas, mas, ao lidar com Sherlock Holmes, sempre se sentia particularmente estúpido. Ele tinha ouvido as mesmas coisas que Holmes ouvira e visto as mesmas coisas, ainda assim Holmes claramente entendia não apenas o que havia acontecido, mas também o que estava prestes a acontecer, enquanto o narrador permanecia confuso com todo o assunto. Enquanto dirigia para casa em Kensington, ele pensou em tudo, desde a estranha história do copista ruivo da enciclopédia até a visita à Praça Saxe-Coburg e as palavras ameaçadoras que Holmes havia dito na despedida. Ele se perguntou sobre o que era a expedição noturna e por que precisava estar armado. Para onde estavam indo e o que deveriam fazer? Holmes havia insinuado que o assistente do penhorista, de rosto liso, era um homem perigoso que poderia estar jogando um jogo profundo. O narrador tentou entender, mas desistiu em desespero, decidindo esperar até que a noite trouxesse uma explicação.

Original English

I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man—a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.

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Português

Às nove e quinze o narrador saiu de casa, atravessou o Parque e seguiu pela Oxford Street até a Baker Street. Duas carruagens de aluguel estavam esperando na porta e, ao entrar no corredor, ouviu vozes no andar de cima. Quando entrou na sala, encontrou Holmes em animada conversa com dois homens. Ele reconheceu um deles como Peter Jones, o agente oficial da polícia, e o outro era um homem alto, magro e de semblante triste, com um chapéu muito brilhante e um sobretudo formal opressivamente respeitável.

Original English

It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.

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Português

Holmes declarou que seu grupo estava completo, abotoando sua jaqueta de lã e pegando seu pesado chicote de caça do cabide. Ele lembrou Watson de que conhecia o Sr. Jones, da Scotland Yard, e então apresentou o Sr. Merryweather, que seria seu companheiro na aventura daquela noite.

Original English

“Ha! Our party is complete,” said Holmes, buttoning up his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. “Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tonight’s adventure.”

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Português

Jones observou de maneira autoconfiante que estavam caçando em duplas novamente, e chamou Holmes de um homem maravilhoso para iniciar uma perseguição, acrescentando que tudo o que Holmes precisava era de um cão velho para ajudá-lo a fazer a caçada.

Original English

“We’re hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see,” said Jones in his consequential way. “Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down.”

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Português

O Sr. Merryweather expressou sombriamente sua esperança de que a perseguição não se revelasse uma caça ao ganso selvagem.

Original English

“I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase,” observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily.

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Português

O agente de polícia afirmou que o homem podia confiar consideravelmente no Sr. Holmes, observando que, embora seus métodos fossem um tanto teóricos e fantásticos, ele possuía as qualidades de um detetive. Ele acrescentou que, em várias ocasiões, como nos casos do assassinato Sholto e do tesouro de Agra, Holmes havia se mostrado mais preciso do que a força policial oficial.

Original English

“You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir,” said the police agent loftily. “He has his own little methods, which are, if he won’t mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force.”

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Português

O estranho concordou com deferência com o Sr. Jones, embora tenha admitido que lamentava não ter participado de sua partida habitual de cartas. Ele comentou que era a primeira noite de sábado em vinte e sete anos que ele não jogava sua partida.

Original English

“Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right,” said the stranger with deference. “Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber.”

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Português

Sherlock Holmes sugeriu que o homem se veria jogando por uma aposta mais alta naquela noite do que nunca, e que o jogo se mostraria mais emocionante. Ele especificou que, para o Sr. Merryweather, a aposta seria de cerca de £30.000, e para Jones, seria a captura do homem que ele procurava.

Original English

“I think you will find,” said Sherlock Holmes, “that you will play for a higher stake tonight than you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some £30,000; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands.”

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