The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

The Case-Book of 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 Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, de Arthur Conan Doyle, publicado originalmente em 1921.

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 1921.

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 2017.

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 Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle

Primeira publicação: 1921

Primeiro editor: The Strand Magazine

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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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.

Como usar o glossário

Na última parte do livro, o Glossary: New Words reúne, em ordem alfabética, palavras mais complexas ou menos frequentes presentes no texto simplificado de nível B1. Essas palavras aparecem em itálico no texto.

Cada entrada apresenta pronúncia, tradução em português, explicação simples em inglês, frase de exemplo e até cinco frases reais do livro.

O link Back to B1 retorna exatamente à frase correspondente na versão simplificada.

Depois do texto simplificado, o livro apresenta também o texto original completo em inglês e a versão completa em português.

Sobre este livro

O livro 'O Arquivo de Sherlock Holmes' (no Brasil, 'A Inquilina de Rosto Coberto e Outras Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes') é a última coletânea de doze contos policiais do detetive Sherlock Holmes, escritos por Arthur Conan Doyle e publicados originalmente na revista The Strand Magazine entre 1921 e 1927. A premissa central é a resolução de mistérios complexos, narrados pelo Dr. John Watson, fiel companheiro de Holmes. O cenário abrange a Londres vitoriana e eduardiana, além de locais como Sussex e o interior da Inglaterra. O conflito principal envolve Holmes enfrentando criminosos astutos, segredos familiares e fenômenos aparentemente sobrenaturais, sempre usando sua lógica dedutiva. O tom literário varia do suspense intelectual à melancolia, refletindo o envelhecimento do detetive. Personagens-chave incluem Holmes, Watson, e uma gama de clientes e antagonistas, como o professor Presbury em 'A Aventura do Homem que Rastejava' e a misteriosa Lady Frances Carfax. A progressão dos contos mostra Holmes ora aposentado em Sussex, ora de volta à Baker Street, investigando casos de chantagem, assassinato e roubo. Histórias notáveis incluem 'A Aventura do Cliente Ilustre', onde Holmes enfrenta um nobre violento, e 'A Aventura dos Três Garridebs', que revela um raro momento de emoção do detetive. A coletânea demonstra a maestria de Doyle no conto, com cada narrativa oferecendo um enigma autossuficiente que desafia o leitor. Esta sinopse evita revelar as soluções finais, preservando o suspense característico da série.

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.

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção Sherlock Holmes

A Study in Scarlet

His Last Bow

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

The Sign of the Four

The Valley of Fear

Outras coleções disponíveis

Doctor Dolittle

Anne of Green Gables / L. M. Montgomery

Gothic and Terror Classics

A Selva de Burroughs

Marte de Burroughs

The Land of Oz

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Reading Comprehension B1

1 - Preface

2 - The Adventure of the Illustrious Client

3 - The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

Preface

Pt/En The writer worries that Sherlock Holmes might become too famous, like a singer who performs too many times after his best years. He thinks Holmes should stop appearing. The writer imagines a special place for fictional characters, where characters from old books can still live. He hopes Sherlock Holmes and his friend Watson might find a place there, while new detectives take their place on the stage.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes has been around for a long time. Some older people tell the writer that Holmes's stories were what they read as children. Holmes first appeared in two short books, "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Sign of Four," published between 1887 and 1889. In 1891, the first short story about Holmes was published in "The Strand Magazine." Because people liked the stories, many more were written. In total, there are now fifty-six short stories, plus twelve new ones in this book, "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes." Holmes's adventures started in the late Victorian time, continued through King Edward's short reign, and are still popular today. This means people who read about him as young men now see their own children reading the same stories.

Pt/En The writer had decided to end Holmes's stories after "The Memoirs" because he felt he should write other kinds of books. Holmes was taking up too much of his imagination. However, he later brought Holmes back. He has not regretted this, as writing about Holmes did not stop him from writing about other subjects like history, poetry, and psychic research. He believes that even without Holmes, he could have written as much, but Holmes might have made it harder for people to notice his more serious writing.

Pt/En The writer says goodbye to Sherlock Holmes. He thanks the reader for their loyalty and hopes the stories have provided a welcome escape from life's problems and offered interesting thoughts, like a journey into a world of fantasy.

Pt/En Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Adventure of the Illustrious Client

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes finally gave me permission to write down the story that follows. He said it was okay now, even though I had asked him many times over the years. This story was, in some ways, the most important moment in my friend's career.

Pt/En Holmes and I both liked going to the Turkish bath. I often found him more relaxed and friendly when we were smoking and resting in the warm room. On the top floor of a building in Northumberland Avenue, there was a quiet corner with two beds. We were lying there on September 3, 1902, the day this story starts. I asked Holmes if anything interesting was happening. He answered by taking an envelope from his coat pocket, which was hanging next to him.

Pt/En Holmes gave me the note and said it might be from an unimportant person, or it could be about something very serious, like life or death. He told me he did not know more than what the message said.

Pt/En The note was from the Carlton Club and was written the day before. I read the following message:

Pt/En Sir James Damery sent his regards to Mr. Sherlock Holmes. He said he would visit Holmes at 4:30 the next day. Sir James explained that the reason for his visit was very private and very important. He hoped Mr. Holmes would try his best to meet him and asked him to confirm the meeting by calling the Carlton Club.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson that he had confirmed the information. He then asked Watson if he knew the man named Damery.

Pt/En Watson replied that Damery was a very famous name in high society.

Pt/En Holmes explained that Damery was known for handling private and difficult matters that were not reported in the news. He mentioned Damery's work on the Hammerford Will case. Holmes hoped Damery needed their help for a real reason.

Pt/En Watson questioned who 'our' referred to.

Pt/En Holmes asked Watson if he would be willing to help.

Pt/En He said he would be honoured.

Pt/En He confirmed the meeting time was 4:30 and suggested they forget about the problem until then.

Pt/En I went to Baker Street before the agreed time. Colonel Sir James Damery arrived exactly on time. He was a well-known man with a kind face, a friendly voice, and honest eyes. He looked very smart and well-dressed. This big, important man seemed to fill the small room.

Pt/En Colonel Damery said he expected Dr. Watson and that his help might be needed. He told Mr. Holmes that they were dealing with a very dangerous man who was not afraid of violence and would do anything. He thought this man was the most dangerous in Europe.

Pt/En Holmes smiled and said he had faced many dangerous opponents before. He asked if the Colonel wanted a drink and then lit his pipe. Holmes said that if this new man was more dangerous than Professor Moriarty or Colonel Sebastian Moran, he would be very interesting to meet. He asked for the man's name.

Pt/En Holmes was asked if he knew Baron Gruner.

Pt/En The other person asked if Holmes meant the Austrian murderer.

Pt/En Colonel Damery laughed and said Holmes was very clever. He asked if Holmes already thought Gruner was a murderer.

Pt/En Holmes explained that he knew about crimes in Europe and was sure Gruner had killed his wife in an accident in the Splugen Pass. He also knew Gruner was in England and might need his help. Holmes asked what Baron Gruner had done now.

Pt/En The person replied that the situation was more serious. He said it was important to stop bad events from happening, and it was very difficult to see something terrible about to happen and not be able to stop it.

Pt/En He said perhaps not.

Pt/En He told Holmes that he would understand the client he was acting for.

Pt/En Holmes said he had not understood that the man was only an intermediary and asked who the main person was.

Pt/En The man asked Holmes not to ask the client's name. He explained that it was important for the client to know his name would not be mentioned. He added that the client had very good and honourable reasons for his actions but wanted to stay unknown. He assured Holmes that his payment would be made and he would have freedom to work. He thought the client's name was not important.

Pt/En Holmes apologized and said he was used to having mystery at one end of a case, but having it at both ends was too confusing. He told Sir James that he could not accept the case.

Pt/En The visitor was very upset. His face showed he was sad and disappointed.

Pt/En The man told Mr. Holmes that he did not understand how much his actions affected others. He explained that he was in a difficult situation because he was sure Mr. Holmes would want to take the case if he knew all the facts. However, a promise stopped him from telling everything. He asked if he could share what he was able to.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes agreed, but he said he would not promise to do anything yet.

Pt/En The visitor said that was understood. He then asked if Mr. Holmes had heard of General de Merville.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes replied that he had heard of De Merville, the one famous for his actions at Khyber.

Pt/En A man has a daughter named Violet de Merville. She is young, rich, beautiful, and very talented. They are trying to save this good and innocent girl from a terrible person.

Pt/En The question was if Baron Gruner had any power over Violet.

Pt/En The strongest power a man can have over a woman is love. Baron Gruner is very handsome and charming, with a romantic and mysterious way that women like. People say he is very popular with women and has used this to his advantage.

Pt/En Someone asked how a man like that met a lady of Miss Violet de Merville's social position.

Pt/En They met on a yacht trip in the Mediterranean. The Baron was very charming and completely won her heart. She loves him very much and is obsessed with him, not listening to any bad things said about him. She wants to marry him next month. Since she is an adult and very determined, it is difficult to stop her.

Pt/En He asked if she knew about the Austrian incident.

Pt/En The man had told her all the bad and embarrassing stories from his past. He made it seem like he was an innocent victim. She believed everything he said and would not listen to any other story.

Pt/En He expressed surprise and guessed that the client's name was General de Merville.

Pt/En The visitor seemed nervous in his chair.

Pt/En The visitor told Mr. Holmes that he could not lie and say he had revealed the client's name. He explained that General de Merville was a broken man, no longer strong like a soldier, but weak and confused because of the incident. The General's old friend, who had known him for years and cared for the young girl like a father, wanted to help stop the tragedy. Scotland Yard could not do anything. The friend suggested calling Mr. Holmes, but only if the friend was not personally involved. The visitor asked Mr. Holmes, as a matter of honor, not to find out who his client was, and to keep his identity secret.

Pt/En Holmes smiled playfully.

Pt/En He said he could promise that and that the problem interested him. He asked how he could stay in contact.

Pt/En The client said he could be found at The Carlton Club and gave a private telephone number, 'XX.31', for emergencies.

Pt/En Holmes wrote this down. He sat with his notebook open on his knee and continued to smile.

Pt/En Holmes asked for the Baron's current address.

Pt/En His home is Vernon Lodge, near Kingston. It is a big house. He made money from some risky business deals and he is rich. This makes him a more dangerous enemy.

Pt/En The speaker asked if he was at home then.

Pt/En The answer was yes.

Pt/En The speaker then asked for more information about the man, apart from what had already been said.

Pt/En He has expensive tastes. He likes horses and used to play polo. He had to stop playing after a scandal in Prague became known. He also collects books and pictures and has a strong interest in art. He is considered an expert on Chinese pottery and has written a book about it.

Pt/En Holmes explained that clever criminals often have complex minds, comparing them to musicians and artists. He told Sir James to let his client know that he would now focus his attention on Baron Gruner. Holmes mentioned he had his own ways of finding information and believed they could find a way to investigate the situation.

Pt/En After their visitor left, Holmes remained very quiet and thoughtful for a long time, almost as if he had forgotten Watson was there. Eventually, he seemed to return to the present and became more active.

Pt/En Holmes asked Watson if he had any ideas about the case.

Pt/En Watson suggested that Holmes should meet and speak with the young lady directly.

Pt/En Holmes thought that if the young lady's father could not persuade her, it would be difficult for him, a stranger, to succeed. However, he admitted it might be a good idea if other methods failed. He decided they should try a different approach first and thought that Shinwell Johnson might be helpful.

Pt/En The writer had not often written about Shinwell Johnson because he usually dealt with cases from the earlier part of Sherlock Holmes's career. In the early 1900s, Johnson became a helpful assistant. Johnson had first been known as a dangerous criminal and had been in prison twice. Later, he changed and started working with Holmes. He acted as Holmes's agent in London's large criminal world, finding important information. If Johnson had worked for the police, people would have known about him quickly. But because his work was not directly related to court cases, other criminals did not understand what he was doing. Because he had been in prison, he could go into any nightclub, cheap lodging, or gambling place. His sharp eyes and smart mind made him a perfect person to get information. Sherlock Holmes decided to ask Johnson for help now.

Pt/En The writer could not go with Holmes at first because he had his own important work. But they met later that evening at a restaurant called Simpson's. Sitting by the window, they watched the busy street. Holmes then told the writer some of what had happened.

Pt/En Holmes said that Johnson was looking for information. He explained that Johnson might find some clues in the hidden parts of the criminal world. Holmes believed that they needed to search in these dark places to find the man's secrets.

Pt/En Someone asked Holmes why a new discovery would change the lady's mind if she did not accept what was already known.

Pt/En Holmes replied that it was hard to understand women's minds. He thought that a murder might be forgiven or explained, but a smaller offense could still cause anger. Holmes mentioned that Baron Gruner had told him something.

Pt/En He said that he had spoken to you.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that he had not explained his plans. He said he liked to confront his opponents directly, face to face, to understand them. After giving Johnson his orders, Holmes took a taxi to Kingston and found the Baron in a very friendly mood.

Pt/En Watson asked if the Baron had recognized Holmes.

Pt/En Holmes explained that it was easy because he sent his name. He described the Baron as a dangerous but well-bred criminal, calm and polite on the outside, but very cruel. Holmes was glad his attention had been drawn to Baron Adelbert Gruner.

Pt/En Watson asked if the Baron had been friendly.

Pt/En The Baron greeted Mr. Holmes. He said he expected to see him. He knew that General de Merville had hired Mr. Holmes to try and stop his marriage to his daughter, Violet. He asked if this was correct.

Pt/En Holmes agreed.

Pt/En The Baron told Holmes that he would ruin his good reputation. He said Holmes could not succeed in this case and would have trouble and danger. He strongly advised Holmes to stop trying.

Pt/En Holmes replied that he had planned to give the Baron the same advice. He respected the Baron and his personality. Holmes explained that no one wanted to bring up the Baron's past. He warned that if the Baron married Violet, he would make powerful enemies who would make his life very difficult in England. Holmes asked if the marriage was worth the risk and suggested it would be wiser to leave the lady alone, as her family might learn about his past.

Pt/En The Baron had small, waxed hairs under his nose that moved like insect antennae. They shook with amusement as he listened. Then, he laughed softly.

Pt/En The man told Mr. Holmes that he found it funny but also a little sad to see Holmes trying to solve the case when he had no real information. He said Holmes was doing his best, but he had no good options.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes replied, "That is what you think."

Pt/En The man explained that he knew the situation clearly because he had won the lady's love. He had told her about his past problems and warned her that some bad people would try to tell her things. He said he had told her how to deal with them. He mentioned that a strong person could use hypnotism without special tricks. He believed the lady was ready for Mr. Holmes and would agree to her father's wishes, except for one small thing.

Pt/En Watson said there was nothing more to say, so he left with as much dignity as he could. But as he reached for the door handle, the man stopped him.

Pt/En The man then asked Mr. Holmes if he knew a French agent named Le Brun.

Pt/En The narrator agreed.

Pt/En He asked if I knew what had happened to the man.

Pt/En I had heard that some Apaches attacked him in the Montmartre area and that he was injured permanently.

Pt/En The man confirmed the story and warned Mr. Holmes not to investigate his affairs, saying that it was dangerous and that several people had suffered because of it. He advised Mr. Holmes to go his own way and said goodbye.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that he was now up to date with the story.

Pt/En Someone said that the man seemed dangerous.

Pt/En He added that the man was very dangerous. He said he did not worry about people who talk too much, but this man was different because he meant more than he said.

Pt/En The other person asked if Sherlock Holmes had to get involved and if it was important if the man married the girl.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes replied that it mattered very much because the man had certainly killed his last wife. He also mentioned the client. He told the other person to come home with him after coffee because Shinwell would be there with his report.

Pt/En They found the man. He was large, rough, and red-faced, with dark, intelligent eyes. He seemed to be in his own world. Next to him was a young woman. She was slim and looked young, but her face was pale and tired from suffering and bad experiences.

Pt/En Shinwell Johnson introduced Miss Kitty Winter. He said she knew many things and could help Mr. Holmes find someone within an hour of his message.

Pt/En The young woman said she was easy to find in London, at the same address as Porky Shinwell, whom she called an old friend. She also told Mr. Holmes that there was another person who deserved worse punishment than them if the world was fair, and this was the man Mr. Holmes was looking for.

Pt/En Holmes smiled and asked Miss Winter if she supported his plan.

Pt/En The visitor replied with strong feeling that she would help put the man where he belonged. Her face was pale and serious, and her eyes burned with a very strong hatred.

Pt/En Miss Winter told Mr. Holmes that her past was not important. She explained that Adelbert Gruner had caused her to be this way. She wished she could destroy him and send him to the same bad place he had sent many others.

Pt/En The speaker asked if the other person understood the situation.

Pt/En Porky Shinwell had told the speaker that Shinwell wanted to marry another woman. The speaker said that the other person wanted to stop this. The speaker also mentioned that Shinwell was a bad person, and any sensible girl would not want to be near him.

Pt/En The other person replied that the woman was not thinking clearly because she was very much in love. She had been told everything about Shinwell, but she did not care.

Pt/En The first speaker asked if she had been told about the murder.

Pt/En The other person confirmed that she had.

Pt/En He said that the woman was very bold.

Pt/En She dismissed all the accusations as lies.

Pt/En He asked if it was possible to show her clear proof.

Pt/En He asked if they could help him do that.

Pt/En He asked if he himself was not proof, and said that if he stood before her and told her how she had treated him...

Pt/En He asked if she would do that.

Pt/En She answered very strongly that she would.

Pt/En He said that it might be worth trying, but the man had told the woman most of his secrets and she had forgiven him. He thought she would not talk about it again.

Pt/En Miss Winter said she was sure he had not told her everything. She had seen him mention one or two murders, not just the one that was famous. He would talk about someone in a nice way, then look at her and say the person died soon after. She said she did not pay much attention because she loved him at that time. Whatever he did was okay with her, like with the other woman. Only one thing made her doubt him. She said if it wasn't for his smooth, untrue words that explained things and made them seem better, she would have left him that night. She remembered a book he had, a brown leather book with a lock and gold letters on the cover. She thought he might have been a little drunk that night, or he would not have shown it to her.

Pt/En She was asked what that one thing was.

Pt/En The speaker told Holmes that a man named Adelbert Gruner collected information about women. He kept photos, names, and details about them in a book. The speaker described it as a terrible book, suggesting Gruner could have called it "Souls I have ruined." However, the speaker added that the book would not help Holmes and that it could not be obtained.

Pt/En Holmes asked where the book was.

Pt/En The speaker explained that they had left Gruner more than a year ago and did not know where the book was now. They remembered that Gruner was very tidy and kept papers in a specific place, so the book might still be in a drawer in his inner study. The speaker then asked Holmes if he knew Gruner's house.

Pt/En Holmes replied that he had been in the study.

Pt/En The speaker expressed surprise that Holmes had already been in the study, considering he had only started that morning. They suggested that perhaps Gruner had finally met someone as clever as him. The speaker then described the layout of Gruner's house: the outer study had Chinese pottery in a glass cupboard, and a door behind the desk led to the inner study where Gruner kept his papers.

Pt/En Someone asked if the person was afraid of burglars.

Pt/En The speaker explained that Adelbert was brave and could take care of himself. They mentioned there was a burglar alarm at night and questioned what a burglar would steal, unless it was the expensive dishes.

Pt/En Shinwell Johnson, speaking like an expert, said that stolen goods like that were not useful because they could not be melted down or sold.

Pt/En Holmes agreed and asked Miss Winter to return the next evening at five. He said he would think about her idea of meeting the lady personally. He thanked her for her help and mentioned that his clients would pay well.

Pt/En The young woman told Holmes not to mention money. She said her only wish was to see the man defeated, with her foot on his face. That was her reward. She promised to help him any day as long as he was chasing the man, and told him Porky knew where to find her.

Pt/En The narrator met Holmes again the next evening at their usual restaurant. When the narrator asked Holmes about his interview, Holmes just shrugged. Holmes then told his story, and the narrator explained that he would retell it in a simpler way, as Holmes's original account was very direct and needed to be made easier to understand.

Pt/En Holmes explained that it was easy to arrange the meeting because the young woman wanted to obey her father in most things, even though she had not obeyed him about her engagement. Her father, the General, called to say everything was ready. Miss W. arrived on time. At 5:30 PM, a taxi took them to 104 Berkeley Square, the home of the old soldier. It was a large, gray London house. A servant showed them into a drawing-room with yellow curtains. The lady was waiting for them. She seemed calm, quiet, and serious, like a statue made of snow.

Pt/En Holmes told the narrator that he found it hard to describe the lady. He thought the narrator might meet her later and could use his own words to describe her. Holmes said she was beautiful, but in a strange, spiritual way, like someone very religious. He had seen similar faces in old paintings. He could not understand how a bad man could have hurt such a pure person. Holmes mentioned that opposites sometimes attract, like the spiritual and the animal, or the ancient and the angelic. He said this was a very bad case.

Pt/En The lady knew why they had come because her fiancé had already told her bad things about them. Miss Winter's arrival surprised her a little, but she showed them to their chairs like a religious leader welcoming two poor beggars. Holmes joked that if the narrator felt too proud, he should think about Miss Violet de Merville.

Pt/En The lady spoke in a cold voice, like wind from an iceberg. She said she knew Holmes's name and understood he was there to speak badly about her fiancé, Baron Gruner. She told Holmes that she was only meeting him because her father had asked her to. She also warned him that nothing he could say would change her mind.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that he felt sorry for the woman. He explained that he spoke to her with great care, using his head more than his feelings. He tried to make her understand the terrible situation of a woman who discovers her husband's bad character only after marriage. He described how awful it would be to be touched by someone with a bad past. Holmes told her everything, the shame, the fear, and the sadness. However, his words did not change her pale face or her distant look. He wondered if she was in a dream, but her answers were clear.

Pt/En The woman told Mr. Holmes that she had listened patiently. She said his words had the effect he expected. She knew her fiancé, Adelbert, had a difficult past with people who hated him and accused him unfairly. She said Holmes was just the latest person to bring these false stories to her. She understood he might mean well, but she knew he was paid and could have worked for the other side. She wanted him to know clearly that she loved Adelbert, and he loved her. The opinions of others meant nothing to her. She believed that if her fiancé had ever made mistakes, she was meant to help him be his best self again. She then asked Holmes who the young lady was.

Pt/En Before Holmes could answer, another woman interrupted him suddenly. The narrator described the two women as looking like fire and ice when they faced each other.

Pt/En The second woman stood up angrily and explained who she was. She said she was the man's last mistress and one of many women he had used and hurt. She warned the other woman that he would do the same to her, possibly leading to her death, either from a broken heart or a broken neck. She explained she was not speaking out of love for the woman, but out of hate for the man and to get revenge. She told the woman not to look at her that way, because she might end up in a worse situation than herself.

Pt/En Miss de Merville replied coldly that she did not want to discuss such things. She stated clearly that she knew about three times in her fiancé's life when he was involved with dishonest women. She was also sure that he was truly sorry for any harm he had caused.

Pt/En My companion shouted loudly. He said that the other person was a great fool.

Pt/En A cold voice spoke to Mr. Holmes. She asked him to finish their meeting. She explained that she had met him because her father wished it, but she did not have to listen to the other person speaking wildly.

Pt/En Miss Winter tried to attack the other woman, but I stopped her. I took her back to the cab without causing a public scene. She was very angry. I also felt angry because the other woman was so calm and sure of herself, even though we were trying to help her. So, I know our situation now. I need to plan a new way to start, because this plan did not work. I will tell you, Watson, what happens next, as you might need to help again. But maybe they will make the next move.

Pt/En Something happened next. I believe the lady was not involved. I remember standing on a paving-stone between the Grand Hotel and Charing Cross Station. A news-vendor with one leg was selling evening papers. This was two days after my last talk with you. I saw a terrible notice on a poster. It was black letters on a yellow background.

Pt/En The poster announced a murderous attack on Sherlock Holmes.

Pt/En I was very surprised for a few moments. Then I remember taking a paper. The man I had not paid was unhappy about it. Finally, I was standing at the door of a chemist's shop. I looked at the important part of the newspaper. It said:

Pt/En The newspaper reported that Mr. Sherlock Holmes, a famous private detective, was attacked that morning. He was in a dangerous condition. The attack happened near the Café Royal in Regent Street. Two men with sticks beat him badly. His injuries were very serious. He was taken to Charing Cross Hospital. Later, he wanted to go back to his rooms in Baker Street. The attackers were dressed like respectable men. They escaped by going through the Café Royal.

Pt/En It was likely that the attackers were criminals who had often been stopped by Mr. Holmes's clever work.

Pt/En As soon as I read the newspaper, I took a taxi to Baker Street. I found Sir Leslie Oakshott, a famous surgeon, in the hall. His car was waiting outside.

Pt/En The surgeon said there was no immediate danger. He explained that Mr. Holmes had cuts on his head and many bruises. He needed several stitches. He had been given medicine to help him rest, and he needed to be quiet. However, a short visit would be allowed.

Pt/En I went into the dark room. The injured man was awake and I heard someone whisper my name. The window blind was almost closed, but a line of sunlight came through and hit the injured man's bandaged head. There was a red stain on the white bandage. I sat next to him and leaned closer.

Pt/En Holmes spoke in a very weak voice. He told me not to look so scared and said that the situation was not as bad as it seemed.

Pt/En I said that I was thankful for that.

Pt/En Holmes explained that he was good at defending himself with a stick and had blocked most of the attackers. He said that the second man was too strong for him.

Pt/En I asked Holmes what I could do. I said that I knew it was that bad man who sent the attackers. I offered to go and fight him if Holmes agreed.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that they could not do anything until the police caught the attackers. He explained that their escape had been well planned. Holmes said he had plans and that the first step was to make his injuries sound much worse. He asked Watson to tell people that he was very sick, perhaps with a concussion or delirium, and that he might not survive the week. Holmes advised Watson not to exaggerate too much.

Pt/En Watson asked about Sir Leslie Oakshott.

Pt/En Holmes replied that Sir Leslie Oakshott was fine and that he would make sure Sir Leslie saw him in a very bad state.

Pt/En Watson asked if there was anything else.

Pt/En Holmes said yes. He wanted Watson to tell Shinwell Johnson to help the girl disappear. Holmes believed the attackers would look for her because she had been with him during the case. He thought it was urgent and asked Watson to arrange it for that night.

Pt/En He asked if he could leave and if anything else was needed.

Pt/En He asked me to put his pipe and tobacco-slipper on the table. He also said that I should come in each morning so they could plan their campaign.

Pt/En That evening, I made plans with Johnson to take Miss Winter to a quiet area outside the city. We would make sure she stayed hidden until the danger was gone.

Pt/En For six days, people thought Holmes was very close to death. The news reports were serious, and newspapers wrote worrying things. My visits showed me he was not as ill as people believed. His strong body and strong mind were helping him get better quickly. I sometimes thought he was recovering faster than he told me. He was a very private person, which made things dramatic but also made it hard for his closest friends to know his exact plans. He believed that the best way to plan something was to do it alone. Even though I was closer to him than anyone else, I always felt there was a distance between us.

Pt/En On the seventh day, the stitches were removed. However, the evening newspapers still reported that he had erysipelas. The same newspapers also had an announcement that I had to tell my friend, no matter how sick I was. It said that Baron Adelbert Gruner was on the Cunard boat Ruritania, leaving Liverpool on Friday. He had important business in America before his wedding to Miss Violet de Merville, who was the only daughter of a certain family. Holmes listened to this news with a serious and focused look on his pale face, showing me that the news had affected him greatly.

Pt/En Holmes exclaimed that there were only three days left. He thought the criminal wanted to escape danger, but he was sure the criminal would not succeed. Holmes then asked Watson to do something for him.

Pt/En Watson replied that he was ready to help Holmes.

Pt/En Holmes told Watson to spend the next twenty-four hours studying Chinese pottery very carefully.

Pt/En Holmes did not explain why, and Watson did not ask. Watson knew from experience that it was best to obey. After leaving Holmes, Watson walked and thought about how he could complete such a strange task. He went to the London Library, asked his friend Lomax, who worked there, for help, and then took a large book back to his room.

Pt/En Watson knew that lawyers often forget information quickly. He was sure he could not pretend to be an expert on ceramics now. However, he spent that evening, part of the night, and the next morning learning about Chinese pottery. He learned about famous artists, special marks, and different periods like Hung-wu, Yung-lo, Tang-ying, Sung, and Yuan. When he visited Holmes the next evening, he had learned all this information. Holmes was out of bed, though his head was bandaged, and he sat in his armchair.

Pt/En Watson told Holmes that he had read in the newspapers that Holmes was dying.

Pt/En Holmes replied that this was exactly what he wanted people to believe. He then asked Watson if he had learned his lessons.

Pt/En Watson answered that he had at least tried to learn them.

Pt/En Holmes asked if Watson could have an intelligent conversation about the subject.

Pt/En Watson believed that he could.

Pt/En He asked Watson to hand him a small box from the mantelpiece.

Pt/En Holmes opened the box and took out a small item wrapped carefully in fine silk from the East. He unwrapped it and showed a small, delicate saucer of a beautiful deep blue colour.

Pt/En Holmes explained that the saucer needed careful handling. He said it was a very rare piece of pottery from the Ming dynasty, worth a lot of money. He mentioned that such a beautiful item would make a collector very excited.

Pt/En Watson asked Holmes what he should do with the saucer.

Pt/En Holmes gave Watson a card with the name "Dr. Hill Barton" and an address on it.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that for the evening, he should use a different name. Watson was instructed to visit Baron Gruner. Holmes knew the Baron's habits and thought he would be available at about half-past eight. A note would be sent to the Baron beforehand to say Watson was coming. Watson should tell the Baron he was bringing a very special and unique set of Ming china. Holmes suggested Watson should pretend to be a doctor and a collector, as this was a role he could play easily. Watson should say that he had heard about the Baron's interest in such items and was willing to sell the set for a good price.

Pt/En Watson asked what price he should ask for the china.

Pt/En Holmes praised Watson for asking about the price, saying it was important to know the value of what he was selling. He explained that the saucer Watson had was obtained for him by Sir James and came from Sir James's client's collection. Holmes said Watson could truthfully say that this saucer was very rare and hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Pt/En Watson suggested that he could say the set should be valued by an expert.

Pt/En Holmes was pleased with Watson's idea. He told Watson to suggest famous auction houses like Christie's or Sotheby's. Holmes explained that by doing this, Watson would avoid having to state a price himself, which showed his politeness.

Pt/En He asked what would happen if the person refused to see him.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes told Watson that the person would definitely see him because he was very interested in collecting things, especially on this topic. Holmes asked Watson to sit down and said he would write a letter for him. Watson only needed to say that he was coming and explain the reason.

Pt/En The letter Holmes wrote was excellent, short, polite, and made the reader curious. A messenger took the letter. That evening, Watson went to start his own adventure, carrying the valuable saucer and Dr. Hill Barton's card.

Pt/En The large house and gardens showed that Baron Gruner was a rich man, as Sir James had said. A long, curved path with many plants led to a big square area with statues. The house was built by a rich man from South Africa long ago. It was a large, solid building. A butler let Watson in and then a footman led him to the Baron.

Pt/En The Baron was standing by a large cabinet between the windows, looking at his Chinese collection. He turned around as Watson entered, holding a small brown vase.

Pt/En Sherlock Holmes asked the doctor to sit down. He showed him a beautiful old Chinese object from the 7th century and said it was very well made. He then asked if the doctor had brought the Ming saucer he had talked about.

Pt/En The doctor carefully took out the saucer and gave it to Holmes. Holmes sat at his desk and used the lamp to look closely at the saucer because it was becoming dark. As he looked, the light showed his face, and the doctor could study him.

Pt/En The man was very handsome and looked younger than he was. He was not very tall but moved gracefully. His face was dark, with large, dark eyes that could be very attractive. His hair and moustache were black. His face had regular features, but his mouth was thin-lipped and looked cruel. The doctor thought it was a warning sign. The man had a pleasant voice and perfect manners.

Pt/En Holmes said the saucer was very fine. He wondered why he had not heard of such beautiful objects. He knew of only one similar piece in England that was not for sale. He then asked Dr. Hill Barton how he had obtained this one.

Pt/En The doctor asked if it was important how he got it. He said that Holmes could see the piece was real and that he was happy to accept an expert's opinion on its value.

Pt/En He looked at the item with quick, suspicious eyes and said it was very mysterious. He explained that when people buy valuable things, they want to know all the details of the sale. He was certain the item was real and had no doubts about it. However, he added that he had to consider every possibility, including what if the seller did not have the right to sell it.

Pt/En The other person answered that they would protect him from any such claims.

Pt/En He replied that this would then raise the question of how much the protection was worth.

Pt/En The other person said their bankers would be responsible for that.

Pt/En He agreed but still felt that the whole situation seemed quite unusual.

Pt/En The speaker said they were not interested in whether the business deal went ahead. They explained that they had made the first offer because they believed the other person was an expert. But, they added, they could easily find someone else if the offer was refused.

Pt/En The other person asked who had told the speaker that they were an expert.

Pt/En The speaker replied that they knew because the other person had written a book about the subject.

Pt/En The other person then asked if the speaker had read the book.

Pt/En The speaker answered that they had not.

Pt/En The speaker said they found it very difficult to understand. They explained that the other person was a collector with a valuable item, but had not checked the book that would explain its real meaning and value. The speaker asked for an explanation.

Pt/En The man replied that he was a very busy man and worked as a doctor.

Pt/En The speaker said that was not a good answer. They explained that if someone has a hobby, they usually follow it, no matter how busy they are. The speaker reminded the man that he had said he was a collector.

Pt/En The man confirmed that he was a collector.

Pt/En The speaker asked if they could ask a few questions to test him. They told the man, who might be a doctor, that the situation was becoming more suspicious. The speaker asked what he knew about Emperor Shomu and how he was connected to the Shoso-in near Nara. The speaker then asked about the Northern Wei dynasty and its importance in the history of ceramics.

Pt/En I stood up quickly, pretending to be angry.

Pt/En He said that he found the situation unacceptable. He explained that he had come to help, not to be questioned like a child. He added that while his knowledge was great, he would not answer questions asked in such an offensive manner.

Pt/En The man looked at him directly. His eyes were no longer tired; they suddenly shone with anger. His cruel lips showed his teeth.

Pt/En He asked what the plan was. He accused the visitor of being a spy and an agent of Holmes. He believed it was a trick because he had heard Holmes was dying and sent his helpers to watch him. He warned that entering the room without permission would make leaving difficult.

Pt/En The man jumped to his feet. I stepped back, ready to fight because he was very angry. He might have suspected me before, and my questions had shown him the truth. It was clear I could not trick him. He quickly searched a drawer. Then he stopped and listened carefully.

Pt/En He cried out "Ah!" and then quickly entered the room behind him.

Pt/En I quickly reached the open door and will always remember the scene inside. The garden window was wide open. Sherlock Holmes stood by it, looking like a ghost with bloody bandages around his head and a pale face. In the next moment, he jumped through the window, and I heard him land in the bushes outside. The master of the house shouted angrily and ran after him to the open window.

Pt/En Suddenly, a woman's arm reached out from the leaves. At the same time, the Baron screamed loudly, a sound that will always stay in my memory. He put his hands to his face and ran around the room, hitting his head against the walls. Then he fell to the floor, rolling and twisting in pain, while screams filled the house.

Pt/En He cried out for water.

Pt/En I grabbed a jug of water from a table and ran to help him. At the same time, the butler and other servants came in. I remember one of them fainted as I knelt beside the injured man. I turned his terrible face towards the lamp. Acid was burning his skin everywhere, dripping from his ears and chin. One eye was already white and blind, and the other was red and swollen. His face, which had looked so handsome minutes before, was now ruined and unrecognizable.

Pt/En I quickly explained what had happened with the acid attack. Some people went through the window, and others went outside onto the grass. It was dark and starting to rain. The victim was screaming and very angry. He said that a woman named Kitty Winter was responsible and called her a devil. He shouted that she would pay for what she did and that his pain was too much to bear.

Pt/En I cleaned the victim's face with oil and put cotton on his wounds. I also gave him a medicine injection to help with the pain. The shock made him forget any suspicion he had of me, and he held my hands, hoping I could help him. I felt sad about his terrible condition, but I remembered his bad life that led to this. His hands were burning, and I was glad when his family doctor and another specialist arrived to take care of him. A police inspector also came, and I gave him my real name card because the police knew me well. Then I left the sad and frightening house and went back to Baker Street within an hour.

Pt/En Holmes looked very tired and pale in his usual chair. The events of the evening had shocked even his strong nerves, and he listened with great worry as I told him about the Baron's terrible change.

Pt/En Holmes said that bad actions always have consequences. He mentioned that there had been enough bad actions in this case. He picked up a book and said that if this book could not stop the marriage, nothing else would. He believed it would stop the marriage because he felt no good woman would agree to marry someone after reading it.

Pt/En I asked if it was his love diary.

Pt/En Holmes explained that he knew a diary was a very important item. He realized this when a woman told him about it. He did not say anything at the time because he did not want the Baron to know he was interested. The attack on Holmes made the Baron believe Holmes was not a danger. Holmes wanted to wait longer, but the Baron's trip to America meant he had to act fast. The Baron would not leave such an important document behind. So, Holmes had to get it. He could not break in at night because of the Baron's security. He thought he could get it in the evening if he could make sure the Baron was busy. This was why Watson and his "blue saucer" were used. Holmes needed to know where the book was and had only a few minutes because Watson knew about Chinese pottery. Holmes took the girl at the last moment. He did not know what the small packet was that she was carrying carefully. He thought she was helping him, but it seemed she had her own reasons.

Pt/En The Baron guessed that the person speaking had come from Holmes.

Pt/En Holmes said he had expected the Baron to guess. He was glad that the other person kept the Baron busy long enough for him to get the book. However, it was not long enough to escape without being seen. Holmes then said he was very happy that Sir James had arrived.

Pt/En Their friend, Sir James, had arrived because he was called earlier. He listened carefully as Holmes told him what had happened.

Pt/En After hearing the story, Sir James said that Holmes had done amazing things. He asked if, since the injuries were as bad as Dr. Watson said, their goal to stop the marriage was already achieved without needing the terrible book.

Pt/En Holmes did not agree and showed this by shaking his head.

Pt/En Holmes explained that women like the De Merville type would love a man even more if he was hurt. He said they needed to destroy the man's good character, not his body. Holmes believed a certain book, written by the man himself, would make the woman understand the situation and return to reality.

Pt/En Sir James took the book and the saucer. As I was also late, I went with him outside. A carriage was waiting. He quickly got in, told the coachman what to do, and drove away fast. He tried to hide the carriage's family crest by throwing his coat out of the window, but I saw it in the light. I was very surprised. Then I went back inside and upstairs to Holmes's room.

Pt/En I excitedly told Holmes that I had discovered who their client was. I was about to say the name when I was interrupted.

Pt/En Holmes stopped me and said that the client was a loyal friend and a good gentleman. He told me that this information should be enough for them from now on.

Pt/En The speaker did not know how a book containing damaging information was used. He thought Sir James might have done it, or perhaps the young lady's father was given this important job. In any case, the result was very good.

Pt/En Three days later, a newspaper announced that the marriage between Baron Adelbert Gruner and Miss Violet de Merville was cancelled. The same newspaper reported the first court hearing for Miss Kitty Winter, who was accused of throwing acid. The trial showed some reasons that made her sentence the lightest possible for such a crime. Sherlock Holmes was threatened with being accused of burglary, but the law can be flexible when the cause is good and the client is important. Holmes has not yet had to go to court.

The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

Pt/En Watson often asked Holmes to write about one of his own cases. Holmes sometimes told Watson that his own stories were too simple and focused too much on popular interest instead of facts. Watson would then tell Holmes to try writing himself. Holmes admitted that writing a story to interest readers was difficult. He said the following case was very strange and not recorded by Watson. Holmes explained that he kept Watson with him not because of feelings, but because Watson had special qualities. While a helper who guesses Holmes's actions can be difficult, someone who is always surprised by new developments is an ideal partner.

Pt/En Holmes noted that in January 1903, just after the Boer War ended, a man named Mr. James M. Dodd visited him. Watson had recently married and was not with Holmes at that time. Holmes was working alone.

Pt/En Holmes usually sat with his back to the window and placed visitors in a chair where the light shone on them. Mr. James M. Dodd seemed unsure how to start talking. Holmes did not help him, as the silence allowed him more time to observe. Holmes believed it was important to make clients feel that he was powerful, so he told Mr. Dodd some of his early conclusions about him.

Pt/En He said he thought the man was from South Africa.

Pt/En The man answered, "Yes," and he seemed surprised.

Pt/En He guessed the man was in the Imperial Yeomanry.

Pt/En The man confirmed that this was correct.

Pt/En Then he guessed the man was in the Middlesex Corps.

Pt/En The man told Mr. Holmes that he was like a wizard.

Pt/En The narrator smiled because the man looked very confused.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes explained that it was easy to understand the man. He noticed the man had a tan that an English sun could not give, and his handkerchief was in his sleeve. He also saw the man had a short beard, looked like he rode horses, and his card showed he was a stockbroker from Throgmorton Street. Mr. Holmes asked which other army regiment he might have joined.

Pt/En The man said that Mr. Holmes saw everything.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes replied that he only saw what others saw, but he had learned to notice things. He then asked Mr. Dodd why he had come to see him and what had happened at Tuxbury Old Park.

Pt/En A man called out to Mr. Holmes.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes told the man that there was no mystery. He explained that the man's letter, which asked for an urgent meeting, showed that something sudden and important had happened.

Pt/En The man agreed but said that the letter was written earlier and much had happened since. He added that if Colonel Emsworth had not forced him to leave, he would have stayed.

Pt/En Mr. Holmes asked if the man had been forced to leave.

Pt/En The man explained that Colonel Emsworth was a very strict person, known for his harsh language. He said he could not have tolerated the colonel if it were not for Godfrey.

Pt/En The narrator lit his pipe and sat back in his chair.

Pt/En The narrator asked the other person to explain what they were talking about.

Pt/En The client smiled in a playful or cheeky way.

Pt/En The client said he thought the narrator knew everything without being told. He added that he would give the facts and hoped the narrator could explain their meaning. He had been thinking all night, and the more he thought, the stranger the situation seemed.

Pt/En The client explained that he joined the army in January 1901, about two years before. Young Godfrey Emsworth, the only son of Colonel Emsworth, also joined the same group. Godfrey was brave and volunteered for service. He was a very good soldier, and they became close friends, sharing everything for a year of fighting. Godfrey was injured by a bullet from an elephant gun near Diamond Hill, outside Pretoria. The client received two letters from him, one from Cape Town and one from Southampton. After that, he had not heard from his closest friend for over six months.

Pt/En After the war ended and everyone returned, the speaker wrote to Godfrey's father to ask about Godfrey. He received no reply at first. When he wrote again, the father sent a short, unfriendly message. The father said Godfrey had gone on a trip around the world and would probably not return for a year.

Pt/En The speaker felt something was wrong because Godfrey was a good friend and would not leave someone like that. He also knew Godfrey was rich and sometimes argued with his father, who could be difficult. The speaker decided to find out what happened. However, he had to deal with his own problems after being away for two years. He had only just started looking into Godfrey's situation again this week, but he was determined to finish it.

Pt/En Mr. James M. Dodd looked like a person who was better as a friend than an enemy. He had serious blue eyes and a firm jaw, and he spoke with determination.

Pt/En The narrator asked Mr. Dodd what he had done.

Pt/En Mr. Dodd explained that his first step was to visit Godfrey's home, Tuxbury Old Park, to see the situation himself. He decided to write to Godfrey's mother instead of his father, whom he found unpleasant. He wrote to her directly, explaining that Godfrey was his friend and he was interested in hearing about their shared experiences. He mentioned he would be nearby and asked if it would be okay to visit. The mother replied kindly and invited him to stay for a night. This is why he went there on Monday.

Pt/En The narrator arrived at Tuxbury Old Hall. It was far from the train station, so he had to walk a long way with his suitcase in the dark. The house was very big and old, with different building styles. Inside, it was dark with old decorations. He met the old butler, Ralph, and his wife, who used to be Godfrey's nurse. The narrator liked her and Godfrey's mother because Godfrey had spoken kindly about them. However, he did not like Godfrey's father, the colonel.

Pt/En The narrator had an argument with the colonel soon after arriving. He was taken to the colonel's study. The colonel was a large man with a dark face, a grey beard, and a red nose. He had fierce eyes. The narrator understood why Godfrey did not often talk about his father.

Pt/En The colonel spoke in a rough voice and asked the narrator why he had really come.

Pt/En The narrator replied that he had already explained his reasons in a letter to the colonel's wife.

Pt/En The colonel said that the narrator had mentioned knowing Godfrey in Africa. He added that they only had the narrator's word for this.

Pt/En He said he had the letters in his pocket.

Pt/En He asked to see the letters.

Pt/En He quickly looked at the two letters I gave him and then returned them.

Pt/En He asked what the problem was.

Pt/En He explained that he was fond of the son, Godfrey, and that they had many shared memories. He asked if it was strange to wonder why his son had suddenly stopped writing and to want to know what had happened to him.

Pt/En The speaker said he had already written to the listener and explained what happened to the person. He explained that the person had gone on a trip around the world. His health was not good after his experiences in Africa, so he and his mother thought he needed complete rest and a change. He asked the listener to share this information with any other friends who were interested.

Pt/En The listener agreed but asked for the name of the ship and the company it belonged to, as well as the date of sailing. He believed he could send a letter to the person if he had this information.

Pt/En The listener's question seemed to confuse and annoy the host. The host's eyebrows came down, and he tapped his fingers on the table. Finally, he looked up, as if he had seen a difficult move in a chess game and knew how to respond.

Pt/En The host told Mr. Dodd that many people would be offended by his persistence and would think his insistence was very rude.

Pt/En Mr. Dodd explained that his persistence was because he truly cared about the host's son.

Pt/En The man told Mr. Holmes that he had already considered everything. He asked Mr. Holmes to stop asking questions. He explained that every family has private information and reasons for their actions that outsiders cannot understand. He said his wife wanted to know about Godfrey’s past, which Mr. Holmes could tell her. However, he asked Mr. Holmes not to ask about the present or the future. He felt that these questions were not helpful and made their situation difficult.

Pt/En The narrator told Mr. Holmes that he could not get any more information. He promised himself he would find out what happened to his friend. He described a quiet, gloomy dinner with three people. The lady asked about her son, but the old man was sad. The narrator was bored and went to his room. His room was large and plain, but after sleeping outside for a year, he was not too picky. He looked out at the garden and saw it was a nice night with a bright half-moon. He sat by the fire to read a book. The old butler, Ralph, came in with more coal for the fire.

Pt/En The butler said he thought the guest might need more coal during the night because the weather was very cold and the rooms were not warm.

Pt/En The butler stopped before leaving the room. When the narrator looked at him, the butler was standing and looking at him with a sad expression on his old, wrinkled face.

Pt/En The butler asked for forgiveness but said he could not help hearing what was said about young Master Godfrey at dinner. He explained that his wife had nursed Godfrey, so he felt like a foster-father and naturally took an interest. He then asked if Godfrey had behaved well.

Pt/En The soldier said that a man in his regiment was very brave. He explained that this man had saved him once from the Boers, and without his help, he might not be alive.

Pt/En The old butler rubbed his thin hands.

Pt/En The butler agreed, saying that Master Godfrey was always brave and adventurous. He mentioned that Godfrey climbed every tree in the park and was unstoppable. He described Godfrey as a fine boy and a fine man.

Pt/En I stood up quickly.

Pt/En I asked the butler why he spoke about Godfrey as if he were dead. I wanted to know what the mystery was and what had happened to Godfrey Emsworth.

Pt/En The speaker held the old man by the shoulder, but the man moved away.

Pt/En The old man said he did not understand what the speaker meant. He told him to ask the master about Master Godfrey, because the master knew. He added that it was not his place to interfere.

Pt/En The old man was trying to leave the room, but the speaker stopped him by holding his arm.

Pt/En The speaker told the old man to listen. He said that the man would answer one question before leaving, even if he had to hold him all night. The question was whether Godfrey was dead.

Pt/En The old man could not look the speaker in the eyes. He seemed like he was hypnotized. The answer to the question was finally spoken, and it was a terrible and surprising one.

Pt/En The man shouted that he wished the other person was gone. He pulled himself away and quickly ran out of the room.

Pt/En The speaker told Holmes that he was very worried after the old man spoke. He thought his friend Godfrey was involved in something bad or illegal that could shame the family. The old man had sent Godfrey away to hide him from scandal. Godfrey was careless and easily led by others, so he might have made bad choices. The speaker felt he had to find Godfrey and help him. While he was thinking about this, Godfrey Emsworth suddenly appeared in front of him.

Pt/En The client stopped speaking because he was very emotional.

Pt/En Holmes asked him to continue, saying that the problem was very unusual.

Pt/En The client explained that Godfrey was standing outside the window, looking in. He had left the curtains partly open, and Godfrey's figure was visible in the gap. The window reached the ground, and the client saw Godfrey's whole body, but his face caught his attention. Godfrey was extremely pale, whiter than anyone he had ever seen. He looked like a ghost, but his eyes were alive. When Godfrey saw he was being watched, he jumped back and disappeared into the dark.

Pt/En The speaker told Mr. Holmes that the man was very strange. He said the man's face was as white as cheese in the dark, but it was more than that. The man seemed sneaky, guilty, and very different from the honest person he used to know. It made the speaker feel horrified.

Original English Text

1 - Preface

2 - The Adventure of the Illustrious Client

3 - The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

Preface

PT I fear that Mr. Sherlock Holmes may become like one of those popular tenors who, having outlived their time, are still tempted to make repeated farewell bows to their indulgent audiences. This must cease and he must go the way of all flesh, material or imaginary. One likes to think that there is some fantastic limbo for the children of imagination, some strange, impossible place where the beaux of Fielding may still make love to the belles of Richardson, where Scott’s heroes still may strut, Dickens’s delightful Cockneys still raise a laugh, and Thackeray’s worldlings continue to carry on their reprehensible careers. Perhaps in some humble corner of such a Valhalla, Sherlock and his Watson may for a time find a place, while some more astute sleuth with some even less astute comrade may fill the stage which they have vacated.

PT His career has been a long one—though it is possible to exaggerate it; decrepit gentlemen who approach me and declare that his adventures formed the reading of their boyhood do not meet the response from me which they seem to expect. One is not anxious to have one’s personal dates handled so unkindly. As a matter of cold fact, Holmes made his debut in A Study in Scarlet and in The Sign of Four, two small booklets which appeared between 1887 and 1889. It was in 1891 that “A Scandal in Bohemia,” the first of the long series of short stories, appeared in The Strand Magazine. The public seemed appreciative and desirous of more, so that from that date, thirty-six years ago, they have been produced in a broken series which now contains no fewer than fifty-six stories, republished in The Adventures, The Memoirs, The Return, and His Last Bow, and there remain these twelve published during the last few years which are here produced under the title of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. He began his adventures in the very heart of the later Victorian era, carried it through the all-too-short reign of Edward, and has managed to hold his own little niche even in these feverish days. Thus it would be true to say that those who first read of him as young men have lived to see their own grown-up children following the same adventures in the same magazine. It is a striking example of the patience and loyalty of the British public.

PT I had fully determined at the conclusion of The Memoirs to bring Holmes to an end, as I felt that my literary energies should not be directed too much into one channel. That pale, clear-cut face and loose-limbed figure were taking up an undue share of my imagination. I did the deed, but fortunately no coroner had pronounced upon the remains, and so, after a long interval, it was not difficult for me to respond to the flattering demand and to explain my rash act away. I have never regretted it, for I have not in actual practice found that these lighter sketches have prevented me from exploring and finding my limitations in such varied branches of literature as history, poetry, historical novels, psychic research, and the drama. Had Holmes never existed I could not have done more, though he may perhaps have stood a little in the way of the recognition of my more serious literary work.

PT And so, reader, farewell to Sherlock Holmes! I thank you for your past constancy, and can but hope that some return has been made in the shape of that distraction from the worries of life and stimulating change of thought which can only be found in the fairy kingdom of romance.

PT Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Adventure of the Illustrious Client

PT “It can’t hurt now,” was Mr. Sherlock Holmes’s comment when, for the tenth time in as many years, I asked his leave to reveal the following narrative. So it was that at last I obtained permission to put on record what was, in some ways, the supreme moment of my friend’s career.

PT Both Holmes and I had a weakness for the Turkish bath. It was over a smoke in the pleasant lassitude of the drying-room that I have found him less reticent and more human than anywhere else. On the upper floor of the Northumberland Avenue establishment there is an isolated corner where two couches lie side by side, and it was on these that we lay upon September 3, 1902, the day when my narrative begins. I had asked him whether anything was stirring, and for answer he had shot his long, thin, nervous arm out of the sheets which enveloped him and had drawn an envelope from the inside pocket of the coat which hung beside him.

PT “It may be some fussy, self-important fool; it may be a matter of life or death,” said he as he handed me the note. “I know no more than this message tells me.”

PT It was from the Carlton Club and dated the evening before. This is what I read:

PT Sir James Damery presents his compliments to Mr. Sherlock Holmes and will call upon him at 4:30 tomorrow. Sir James begs to say that the matter upon which he desires to consult Mr. Holmes is very delicate and also very important. He trusts, therefore, that Mr. Holmes will make every effort to grant this interview, and that he will confirm it over the telephone to the Carlton Club.

PT “I need not say that I have confirmed it, Watson,” said Holmes as I returned the paper. “Do you know anything of this man Damery?”

PT “Only that this name is a household word in society.”

PT “Well, I can tell you a little more than that. He has rather a reputation for arranging delicate matters which are to be kept out of the papers. You may remember his negotiations with Sir George Lewis over the Hammerford Will case. He is a man of the world with a natural turn for diplomacy. I am bound, therefore, to hope that it is not a false scent and that he has some real need for our assistance.”

PT “Our?”

PT “Well, if you will be so good, Watson.”

PT “I shall be honoured.”

PT “Then you have the hour—4:30. Until then we can put the matter out of our heads.”

PT I was living in my own rooms in Queen Anne Street at the time, but I was round at Baker Street before the time named. Sharp to the half-hour, Colonel Sir James Damery was announced. It is hardly necessary to describe him, for many will remember that large, bluff, honest personality, that broad, clean-shaven face, and, above all, that pleasant, mellow voice. Frankness shone from his gray Irish eyes, and good humour played round his mobile, smiling lips. His lucent top-hat, his dark frock-coat, indeed, every detail, from the pearl pin in the black satin cravat to the lavender spats over the varnished shoes, spoke of the meticulous care in dress for which he was famous. The big, masterful aristocrat dominated the little room.

PT “Of course, I was prepared to find Dr. Watson,” he remarked with a courteous bow. “His collaboration may be very necessary, for we are dealing on this occasion, Mr. Holmes, with a man to whom violence is familiar and who will, literally, stick at nothing. I should say that there is no more dangerous man in Europe.”

PT “I have had several opponents to whom that flattering term has been applied,” said Holmes with a smile. “Don’t you smoke? Then you will excuse me if I light my pipe. If your man is more dangerous than the late Professor Moriarty, or than the living Colonel Sebastian Moran, then he is indeed worth meeting. May I ask his name?”

PT “Have you ever heard of Baron Gruner?”

PT “You mean the Austrian murderer?”

PT Colonel Damery threw up his kid-gloved hands with a laugh. “There is no getting past you, Mr. Holmes! Wonderful! So you have already sized him up as a murderer?”

PT “It is my business to follow the details of Continental crime. Who could possibly have read what happened at Prague and have any doubts as to the man’s guilt! It was a purely technical legal point and the suspicious death of a witness that saved him! I am as sure that he killed his wife when the so-called ‘accident’ happened in the Splugen Pass as if I had seen him do it. I knew, also, that he had come to England and had a presentiment that sooner or later he would find me some work to do. Well, what has Baron Gruner been up to? I presume it is not this old tragedy which has come up again?”

PT “No, it is more serious than that. To revenge crime is important, but to prevent it is more so. It is a terrible thing, Mr. Holmes, to see a dreadful event, an atrocious situation, preparing itself before your eyes, to clearly understand whither it will lead and yet to be utterly unable to avert it. Can a human being be placed in a more trying position?”

PT “Perhaps not.”

PT “Then you will sympathize with the client in whose interests I am acting.”

PT “I did not understand that you were merely an intermediary. Who is the principal?”

PT “Mr. Holmes, I must beg you not to press that question. It is important that I should be able to assure him that his honoured name has been in no way dragged into the matter. His motives are, to the last degree, honourable and chivalrous, but he prefers to remain unknown. I need not say that your fees will be assured and that you will be given a perfectly free hand. Surely the actual name of your client is immaterial?”

PT “I am sorry,” said Holmes. “I am accustomed to have mystery at one end of my cases, but to have it at both ends is too confusing. I fear, Sir James, that I must decline to act.”

PT Our visitor was greatly disturbed. His large, sensitive face was darkened with emotion and disappointment.

PT “You hardly realize the effect of your own action, Mr. Holmes,” said he. “You place me in a most serious dilemma for I am perfectly certain that you would be proud to take over the case if I could give you the facts, and yet a promise forbids me from revealing them all. May I, at least, lay all that I can before you?”

PT “By all means, so long as it is understood that I commit myself to nothing.”

PT “That is understood. In the first place, you have no doubt heard of General de Merville?”

PT “De Merville of Khyber fame? Yes, I have heard of him.”

PT “He has a daughter, Violet de Merville, young, rich, beautiful, accomplished, a wonder-woman in every way. It is this daughter, this lovely, innocent girl, whom we are endeavouring to save from the clutches of a fiend.”

PT “Baron Gruner has some hold over her, then?”

PT “The strongest of all holds where a woman is concerned—the hold of love. The fellow is, as you may have heard, extraordinarily handsome, with a most fascinating manner, a gentle voice and that air of romance and mystery which means so much to a woman. He is said to have the whole sex at his mercy and to have made ample use of the fact.”

PT “But how came such a man to meet a lady of the standing of Miss Violet de Merville?”

PT “It was on a Mediterranean yachting voyage. The company, though select, paid their own passages. No doubt the promoters hardly realized the Baron’s true character until it was too late. The villain attached himself to the lady, and with such effect that he has completely and absolutely won her heart. To say that she loves him hardly expresses it. She dotes upon him, she is obsessed by him. Outside of him there is nothing on earth. She will not hear one word against him. Everything has been done to cure her of her madness, but in vain. To sum up, she proposes to marry him next month. As she is of age and has a will of iron, it is hard to know how to prevent her.”

PT “Does she know about the Austrian episode?”

PT “The cunning devil has told her every unsavoury public scandal of his past life, but always in such a way as to make himself out to be an innocent martyr. She absolutely accepts his version and will listen to no other.”

PT “Dear me! But surely you have inadvertently let out the name of your client? It is no doubt General de Merville.”

PT Our visitor fidgeted in his chair.

PT “I could deceive you by saying so, Mr. Holmes, but it would not be true. De Merville is a broken man. The strong soldier has been utterly demoralized by this incident. He has lost the nerve which never failed him on the battlefield and has become a weak, doddering old man, utterly incapable of contending with a brilliant, forceful rascal like this Austrian. My client, however, is an old friend, one who has known the General intimately for many years and taken a paternal interest in this young girl since she wore short frocks. He cannot see this tragedy consummated without some attempt to stop it. There is nothing in which Scotland Yard can act. It was his own suggestion that you should be called in, but it was, as I have said, on the express stipulation that he should not be personally involved in the matter. I have no doubt, Mr. Holmes, with your great powers you could easily trace my client back through me, but I must ask you, as a point of honour, to refrain from doing so, and not to break in upon his incognito.”

PT Holmes gave a whimsical smile.

PT “I think I may safely promise that,” said he. “I may add that your problem interests me, and that I shall be prepared to look into it. How shall I keep in touch with you?”

PT “The Carlton Club will find me. But in case of emergency, there is a private telephone call, ‘XX.31.’ ”

PT Holmes noted it down and sat, still smiling, with the open memorandum-book upon his knee.

PT “The Baron’s present address, please?”

PT “Vernon Lodge, near Kingston. It is a large house. He has been fortunate in some rather shady speculations and is a rich man, which naturally makes him a more dangerous antagonist.”

PT “Is he at home at present?”

PT “Yes.”

PT “Apart from what you have told me, can you give me any further information about the man?”

PT “He has expensive tastes. He is a horse fancier. For a short time he played polo at Hurlingham, but then this Prague affair got noised about and he had to leave. He collects books and pictures. He is a man with a considerable artistic side to his nature. He is, I believe, a recognized authority upon Chinese pottery and has written a book upon the subject.”

PT “A complex mind,” said Holmes. “All great criminals have that. My old friend Charlie Peace was a violin virtuoso. Wainwright was no mean artist. I could quote many more. Well, Sir James, you will inform your client that I am turning my mind upon Baron Gruner. I can say no more. I have some sources of information of my own, and I dare say we may find some means of opening the matter up.”

PT When our visitor had left us, Holmes sat so long in deep thought that it seemed to me that he had forgotten my presence. At last, however, he came briskly back to earth.

PT “Well, Watson, any views?” he asked.

PT “I should think you had better see the young lady herself.”

PT “My dear Watson, if her poor old broken father cannot move her, how shall I, a stranger, prevail? And yet there is something in the suggestion if all else fails. But I think we must begin from a different angle. I rather fancy that Shinwell Johnson might be a help.”

PT I have not had occasion to mention Shinwell Johnson in these memoirs because I have seldom drawn my cases from the latter phases of my friend’s career. During the first years of the century he became a valuable assistant. Johnson, I grieve to say, made his name first as a very dangerous villain and served two terms at Parkhurst. Finally he repented and allied himself to Holmes, acting as his agent in the huge criminal underworld of London and obtaining information which often proved to be of vital importance. Had Johnson been a “nark” of the police he would soon have been exposed, but as he dealt with cases which never came directly into the courts, his activities were never realized by his companions. With the glamour of his two convictions upon him, he had the entrée of every nightclub, doss house, and gambling-den in the town, and his quick observation and active brain made him an ideal agent for gaining information. It was to him that Sherlock Holmes now proposed to turn.

PT It was not possible for me to follow the immediate steps taken by my friend, for I had some pressing professional business of my own, but I met him by appointment that evening at Simpson’s, where, sitting at a small table in the front window and looking down at the rushing stream of life in the Strand, he told me something of what had passed.

PT “Johnson is on the prowl,” said he. “He may pick up some garbage in the darker recesses of the underworld, for it is down there, amid the black roots of crime, that we must hunt for this man’s secrets.”

PT “But if the lady will not accept what is already known, why should any fresh discovery of yours turn her from her purpose?”

PT “Who knows, Watson? Woman’s heart and mind are insoluble puzzles to the male. Murder might be condoned or explained, and yet some smaller offence might rankle. Baron Gruner remarked to me—”

PT “He remarked to you!”

PT “Oh, to be sure, I had not told you of my plans. Well, Watson, I love to come to close grips with my man. I like to meet him eye to eye and read for myself the stuff that he is made of. When I had given Johnson his instructions I took a cab out to Kingston and found the Baron in a most affable mood.”

PT “Did he recognize you?”

PT “There was no difficulty about that, for I simply sent in my card. He is an excellent antagonist, cool as ice, silky voiced and soothing as one of your fashionable consultants, and poisonous as a cobra. He has breeding in him—a real aristocrat of crime with a superficial suggestion of afternoon tea and all the cruelty of the grave behind it. Yes, I am glad to have had my attention called to Baron Adelbert Gruner.”

PT “You say he was affable?”

PT “A purring cat who thinks he sees prospective mice. Some people’s affability is more deadly than the violence of coarser souls. His greeting was characteristic. ‘I rather thought I should see you sooner or later, Mr. Holmes,’ said he. ‘You have been engaged, no doubt by General de Merville, to endeavour to stop my marriage with his daughter, Violet. That is so, is it not?’

PT “I acquiesced.

PT “ ‘My dear man,’ said he, ‘you will only ruin your own well-deserved reputation. It is not a case in which you can possibly succeed. You will have barren work, to say nothing of incurring some danger. Let me very strongly advise you to draw off at once.’

PT “ ‘It is curious,’ I answered, ‘but that was the very advice which I had intended to give you. I have a respect for your brains, Baron, and the little which I have seen of your personality has not lessened it. Let me put it to you as man to man. No one wants to rake up your past and make you unduly uncomfortable. It is over, and you are now in smooth waters, but if you persist in this marriage you will raise up a swarm of powerful enemies who will never leave you alone until they have made England too hot to hold you. Is the game worth it? Surely you would be wiser if you left the lady alone. It would not be pleasant for you if these facts of your past were brought to her notice.’

PT “The Baron has little waxed tips of hair under his nose, like the short antennae of an insect. These quivered with amusement as he listened, and he finally broke into a gentle chuckle.

PT “ ‘Excuse my amusement, Mr. Holmes,’ said he, ‘but it is really funny to see you trying to play a hand with no cards in it. I don’t think anyone could do it better, but it is rather pathetic all the same. Not a colour card there, Mr. Holmes, nothing but the smallest of the small.’

PT “ ‘So you think.’

PT “ ‘So I know. Let me make the thing clear to you, for my own hand is so strong that I can afford to show it. I have been fortunate enough to win the entire affection of this lady. This was given to me in spite of the fact that I told her very clearly of all the unhappy incidents in my past life. I also told her that certain wicked and designing persons—I hope you recognize yourself—would come to her and tell her these things, and I warned her how to treat them. You have heard of post-hypnotic suggestion, Mr. Holmes. Well, you will see how it works, for a man of personality can use hypnotism without any vulgar passes or tomfoolery. So she is ready for you and, I have no doubt, would give you an appointment, for she is quite amenable to her father’s will—save only in the one little matter.’

PT “Well, Watson, there seemed to be no more to say, so I took my leave with as much cold dignity as I could summon, but, as I had my hand on the door-handle, he stopped me.

PT “ ‘By the way, Mr. Holmes,’ said he, ‘did you know Le Brun, the French agent?’

PT “ ‘Yes,’ said I.

PT “ ‘Do you know what befell him?’

PT “ ‘I heard that he was beaten by some Apaches in the Montmartre district and crippled for life.’

PT “ ‘Quite true, Mr. Holmes. By a curious coincidence he had been inquiring into my affairs only a week before. Don’t do it, Mr. Holmes; it’s not a lucky thing to do. Several have found that out. My last word to you is, go your own way and let me go mine. Goodbye!’

PT “So there you are, Watson. You are up to date now.”

PT “The fellow seems dangerous.”

PT “Mighty dangerous. I disregard the blusterer, but this is the sort of man who says rather less than he means.”

PT “Must you interfere? Does it really matter if he marries the girl?”

PT “Considering that he undoubtedly murdered his last wife, I should say it mattered very much. Besides, the client! Well, well, we need not discuss that. When you have finished your coffee you had best come home with me, for the blithe Shinwell will be there with his report.”

PT We found him sure enough, a huge, coarse, red-faced, scorbutic man, with a pair of vivid black eyes which were the only external sign of the very cunning mind within. It seems that he had dived down into what was peculiarly his kingdom, and beside him on the settee was a brand which he had brought up in the shape of a slim, flame-like young woman with a pale, intense face, youthful, and yet so worn with sin and sorrow that one read the terrible years which had left their leprous mark upon her.

PT “This is Miss Kitty Winter,” said Shinwell Johnson, waving his fat hand as an introduction. “What she don’t know—well, there, she’ll speak for herself. Put my hand right on her, Mr. Holmes, within an hour of your message.”

PT “I’m easy to find,” said the young woman. “Hell, London, gets me every time. Same address for Porky Shinwell. We’re old mates, Porky, you and I. But, by cripes! there is another who ought to be down in a lower hell than we if there was any justice in the world! That is the man you are after, Mr. Holmes.”

PT Holmes smiled. “I gather we have your good wishes, Miss Winter.”

PT “If I can help to put him where he belongs, I’m yours to the rattle,” said our visitor with fierce energy. There was an intensity of hatred in her white, set face and her blazing eyes such as woman seldom and man never can attain.

PT “You needn’t go into my past, Mr. Holmes. That’s neither here nor there. But what I am Adelbert Gruner made me. If I could pull him down!” She clutched frantically with her hands into the air. “Oh, if I could only pull him into the pit where he has pushed so many!”

PT “You know how the matter stands?”

PT “Porky Shinwell has been telling me. He’s after some other poor fool and wants to marry her this time. You want to stop it. Well, you surely know enough about this devil to prevent any decent girl in her senses wanting to be in the same parish with him.”

PT “She is not in her senses. She is madly in love. She has been told all about him. She cares nothing.”

PT “Told about the murder?”

PT “Yes.”

PT “My Lord, she must have a nerve!”

PT “She puts them all down as slanders.”

PT “Couldn’t you lay proofs before her silly eyes?”

PT “Well, can you help us do so?”

PT “Ain’t I a proof myself? If I stood before her and told her how he used me—”

PT “Would you do this?”

PT “Would I? Would I not!”

PT “Well, it might be worth trying. But he has told her most of his sins and had pardon from her, and I understand she will not reopen the question.”

PT “I’ll lay he didn’t tell her all,” said Miss Winter. “I caught a glimpse of one or two murders besides the one that made such a fuss. He would speak of someone in his velvet way and then look at me with a steady eye and say: ‘He died within a month.’ It wasn’t hot air, either. But I took little notice—you see, I loved him myself at that time. Whatever he did went with me, same as with this poor fool! There was just one thing that shook me. Yes, by cripes! if it had not been for his poisonous, lying tongue that explains and soothes, I’d have left him that very night. It’s a book he has—a brown leather book with a lock, and his arms in gold on the outside. I think he was a bit drunk that night, or he would not have shown it to me.”

PT “What was it, then?”

PT “I tell you. Mr. Holmes, this man collects women, and takes a pride in his collection, as some men collect moths or butterflies. He had it all in that book. Snapshot photographs, names, details, everything about them. It was a beastly book—a book no man, even if he had come from the gutter, could have put together. But it was Adelbert Gruner’s book all the same. ‘Souls I have ruined.’ He could have put that on the outside if he had been so minded. However, that’s neither here nor there, for the book would not serve you, and, if it would, you can’t get it.”

PT “Where is it?”

PT “How can I tell you where it is now? It’s more than a year since I left him. I know where he kept it then. He’s a precise, tidy cat of a man in many of his ways, so maybe it is still in the pigeonhole of the old bureau in the inner study. Do you know his house?”

PT “I’ve been in the study,” said Holmes.

PT “Have you, though? You haven’t been slow on the job if you only started this morning. Maybe dear Adelbert has met his match this time. The outer study is the one with the Chinese crockery in it—big glass cupboard between the windows. Then behind his desk is the door that leads to the inner study—a small room where he keeps papers and things.”

PT “Is he not afraid of burglars?”

PT “Adelbert is no coward. His worst enemy couldn’t say that of him. He can look after himself. There’s a burglar alarm at night. Besides, what is there for a burglar—unless they got away with all this fancy crockery?”

PT “No good,” said Shinwell Johnson with the decided voice of the expert. “No fence wants stuff of that sort that you can neither melt nor sell.”

PT “Quite so,” said Holmes. “Well, now, Miss Winter, if you would call here tomorrow evening at five, I would consider in the meanwhile whether your suggestion of seeing this lady personally may not be arranged. I am exceedingly obliged to you for your cooperation. I need not say that my clients will consider liberally—”

PT “None of that, Mr. Holmes,” cried the young woman. “I am not out for money. Let me see this man in the mud, and I’ve got all I’ve worked for—in the mud with my foot on his cursed face. That’s my price. I’m with you tomorrow or any other day so long as you are on his track. Porky here can tell you always where to find me.”

PT I did not see Holmes again until the following evening when we dined once more at our Strand restaurant. He shrugged his shoulders when I asked him what luck he had had in his interview. Then he told the story, which I would repeat in this way. His hard, dry statement needs some little editing to soften it into the terms of real life.

PT “There was no difficulty at all about the appointment,” said Holmes, “for the girl glories in showing abject filial obedience in all secondary things in an attempt to atone for her flagrant breach of it in her engagement. The General phoned that all was ready, and the fiery Miss W. turned up according to schedule, so that at half-past five a cab deposited us outside 104 Berkeley Square, where the old soldier resides—one of those awful gray London castles which would make a church seem frivolous. A footman showed us into a great yellow-curtained drawing-room, and there was the lady awaiting us, demure, pale, self-contained, as inflexible and remote as a snow image on a mountain.

PT “I don’t quite know how to make her clear to you, Watson. Perhaps you may meet her before we are through, and you can use your own gift of words. She is beautiful, but with the ethereal otherworld beauty of some fanatic whose thoughts are set on high. I have seen such faces in the pictures of the old masters of the Middle Ages. How a beastman could have laid his vile paws upon such a being of the beyond I cannot imagine. You may have noticed how extremes call to each other, the spiritual to the animal, the caveman to the angel. You never saw a worse case than this.

PT “She knew what we had come for, of course—that villain had lost no time in poisoning her mind against us. Miss Winter’s advent rather amazed her, I think, but she waved us into our respective chairs like a reverend abbess receiving two rather leprous mendicants. If your head is inclined to swell, my dear Watson, take a course of Miss Violet de Merville.

PT “ ‘Well, sir,’ said she in a voice like the wind from an iceberg, ‘your name is familiar to me. You have called, as I understand, to malign my fiancé, Baron Gruner. It is only by my father’s request that I see you at all, and I warn you in advance that anything you can say could not possibly have the slightest effect upon my mind.’

PT “I was sorry for her, Watson. I thought of her for the moment as I would have thought of a daughter of my own. I am not often eloquent. I use my head, not my heart. But I really did plead with her with all the warmth of words that I could find in my nature. I pictured to her the awful position of the woman who only wakes to a man’s character after she is his wife—a woman who has to submit to be caressed by bloody hands and lecherous lips. I spared her nothing—the shame, the fear, the agony, the hopelessness of it all. All my hot words could not bring one tinge of colour to those ivory cheeks or one gleam of emotion to those abstracted eyes. I thought of what the rascal had said about a post-hypnotic influence. One could really believe that she was living above the earth in some ecstatic dream. Yet there was nothing indefinite in her replies.

PT “ ‘I have listened to you with patience, Mr. Holmes,’ said she. ‘The effect upon my mind is exactly as predicted. I am aware that Adelbert, that my fiancé, has had a stormy life in which he has incurred bitter hatreds and most unjust aspersions. You are only the last of a series who have brought their slanders before me. Possibly you mean well, though I learn that you are a paid agent who would have been equally willing to act for the Baron as against him. But in any case I wish you to understand once for all that I love him and that he loves me, and that the opinion of all the world is no more to me than the twitter of those birds outside the window. If his noble nature has ever for an instant fallen, it may be that I have been specially sent to raise it to its true and lofty level. I am not clear’—here she turned eyes upon my companion—‘who this young lady may be.’

PT “I was about to answer when the girl broke in like a whirlwind. If ever you saw flame and ice face to face, it was those two women.

PT “ ‘I’ll tell you who I am,’ she cried, springing out of her chair, her mouth all twisted with passion—‘I am his last mistress. I am one of a hundred that he has tempted and used and ruined and thrown into the refuse heap, as he will you also. Your refuse heap is more likely to be a grave, and maybe that’s the best. I tell you, you foolish woman, if you marry this man he’ll be the death of you. It may be a broken heart or it may be a broken neck, but he’ll have you one way or the other. It’s not out of love for you I’m speaking. I don’t care a tinker’s curse whether you live or die. It’s out of hate for him and to spite him and to get back on him for what he did to me. But it’s all the same, and you needn’t look at me like that, my fine lady, for you may be lower than I am before you are through with it.’

PT “ ‘I should prefer not to discuss such matters,’ said Miss de Merville coldly. ‘Let me say once for all that I am aware of three passages in my fiancé’s life in which he became entangled with designing women, and that I am assured of his hearty repentance for any evil that he may have done.’

PT “ ‘Three passages!’ screamed my companion. ‘You fool! You unutterable fool!’

PT “ ‘Mr. Holmes, I beg that you will bring this interview to an end,’ said the icy voice. ‘I have obeyed my father’s wish in seeing you, but I am not compelled to listen to the ravings of this person.’

PT “With an oath Miss Winter darted forward, and if I had not caught her wrist she would have clutched this maddening woman by the hair. I dragged her towards the door and was lucky to get her back into the cab without a public scene, for she was beside herself with rage. In a cold way I felt pretty furious myself, Watson, for there was something indescribably annoying in the calm aloofness and supreme self-complaisance of the woman whom we were trying to save. So now once again you know exactly how we stand, and it is clear that I must plan some fresh opening move, for this gambit won’t work. I’ll keep in touch with you, Watson, for it is more than likely that you will have your part to play, though it is just possible that the next move may lie with them rather than with us.”

PT And it did. Their blow fell—or his blow rather, for never could I believe that the lady was privy to it. I think I could show you the very paving-stone upon which I stood when my eyes fell upon the placard, and a pang of horror passed through my very soul. It was between the Grand Hotel and Charing Cross Station, where a one-legged news-vendor displayed his evening papers. The date was just two days after the last conversation. There, black upon yellow, was the terrible news-sheet:

PT Murderous Attack Upon Sherlock Holmes

PT I think I stood stunned for some moments. Then I have a confused recollection of snatching at a paper, of the remonstrance of the man, whom I had not paid, and, finally, of standing in the doorway of a chemist’s shop while I turned up the fateful paragraph. This was how it ran:

PT We learn with regret that Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the well-known private detective, was the victim this morning of a murderous assault which has left him in a precarious position. There are no exact details to hand, but the event seems to have occurred about twelve o’clock in Regent Street, outside the Café Royal. The attack was made by two men armed with sticks, and Mr. Holmes was beaten about the head and body, receiving injuries which the doctors describe as most serious. He was carried to Charing Cross Hospital and afterwards insisted upon being taken to his rooms in Baker Street. The miscreants who attacked him appear to have been respectably dressed men, who escaped from the bystanders by passing through the Café Royal and out into Glasshouse Street behind it.

PT No doubt they belonged to that criminal fraternity which has so often had occasion to bewail the activity and ingenuity of the injured man.

PT I need not say that my eyes had hardly glanced over the paragraph before I had sprung into a hansom and was on my way to Baker Street. I found Sir Leslie Oakshott, the famous surgeon, in the hall and his brougham waiting at the curb.

PT “No immediate danger,” was his report. “Two lacerated scalp wounds and some considerable bruises. Several stitches have been necessary. Morphine has been injected and quiet is essential, but an interview of a few minutes would not be absolutely forbidden.”

PT With this permission I stole into the darkened room. The sufferer was wide awake, and I heard my name in a hoarse whisper. The blind was three-quarters down, but one ray of sunlight slanted through and struck the bandaged head of the injured man. A crimson patch had soaked through the white linen compress. I sat beside him and bent my head.

PT “All right, Watson. Don’t look so scared,” he muttered in a very weak voice. “It’s not as bad as it seems.”

PT “Thank God for that!”

PT “I’m a bit of a singlestick expert, as you know. I took most of them on my guard. It was the second man that was too much for me.”

PT “What can I do, Holmes? Of course, it was that damned fellow who set them on. I’ll go and thrash the hide off him if you give the word.”

PT “Good old Watson! No, we can do nothing there unless the police lay their hands on the men. But their getaway had been well prepared. We may be sure of that. Wait a little. I have my plans. The first thing is to exaggerate my injuries. They’ll come to you for news. Put it on thick, Watson. Lucky if I live the week out—concussion—delirium—what you like! You can’t overdo it.”

PT “But Sir Leslie Oakshott?”

PT “Oh, he’s all right. He shall see the worst side of me. I’ll look after that.”

PT “Anything else?”

PT “Yes. Tell Shinwell Johnson to get that girl out of the way. Those beauties will be after her now. They know, of course, that she was with me in the case. If they dared to do me in it is not likely they will neglect her. That is urgent. Do it tonight.”

PT “I’ll go now. Anything more?”

PT “Put my pipe on the table—and the tobacco-slipper. Right! Come in each morning and we will plan our campaign.”

PT I arranged with Johnson that evening to take Miss Winter to a quiet suburb and see that she lay low until the danger was past.

PT For six days the public were under the impression that Holmes was at the door of death. The bulletins were very grave and there were sinister paragraphs in the papers. My continual visits assured me that it was not so bad as that. His wiry constitution and his determined will were working wonders. He was recovering fast, and I had suspicions at times that he was really finding himself faster than he pretended even to me. There was a curious secretive streak in the man which led to many dramatic effects, but left even his closest friend guessing as to what his exact plans might be. He pushed to an extreme the axiom that the only safe plotter was he who plotted alone. I was nearer him than anyone else, and yet I was always conscious of the gap between.

PT On the seventh day the stitches were taken out, in spite of which there was a report of erysipelas in the evening papers. The same evening papers had an announcement which I was bound, sick or well, to carry to my friend. It was simply that among the passengers on the Cunard boat Ruritania, starting from Liverpool on Friday, was the Baron Adelbert Gruner, who had some important financial business to settle in the States before his impending wedding to Miss Violet de Merville, only daughter of, etc., etc. Holmes listened to the news with a cold, concentrated look upon his pale face, which told me that it hit him hard.

PT “Friday!” he cried. “Only three clear days. I believe the rascal wants to put himself out of danger’s way. But he won’t, Watson! By the Lord Harry, he won’t! Now, Watson, I want you to do something for me.”

PT “I am here to be used, Holmes.”

PT “Well, then, spend the next twenty-four hours in an intensive study of Chinese pottery.”

PT He gave no explanations and I asked for none. By long experience I had learned the wisdom of obedience. But when I had left his room I walked down Baker Street, revolving in my head how on earth I was to carry out so strange an order. Finally I drove to the London Library in St. James’s Square, put the matter to my friend Lomax, the sublibrarian, and departed to my rooms with a goodly volume under my arm.

PT It is said that the barrister who crams up a case with such care that he can examine an expert witness upon the Monday has forgotten all his forced knowledge before the Saturday. Certainly I should not like now to pose as an authority upon ceramics. And yet all that evening, and all that night with a short interval for rest, and all next morning, I was sucking in knowledge and committing names to memory. There I learned of the hallmarks of the great artist-decorators, of the mystery of cyclical dates, the marks of the Hung-wu and the beauties of the Yung-lo, the writings of Tang-ying, and the glories of the primitive period of the Sung and the Yuan. I was charged with all this information when I called upon Holmes next evening. He was out of bed now, though you would not have guessed it from the published reports, and he sat with his much-bandaged head resting upon his hand in the depth of his favourite armchair.

PT “Why, Holmes,” I said, “if one believed the papers, you are dying.”

PT “That,” said he, “is the very impression which I intended to convey. And now, Watson, have you learned your lessons?”

PT “At least I have tried to.”

PT “Good. You could keep up an intelligent conversation on the subject?”

PT “I believe I could.”

PT “Then hand me that little box from the mantelpiece.”

PT He opened the lid and took out a small object most carefully wrapped in some fine Eastern silk. This he unfolded, and disclosed a delicate little saucer of the most beautiful deep-blue colour.

PT “It needs careful handling, Watson. This is the real eggshell pottery of the Ming dynasty. No finer piece ever passed through Christie’s. A complete set of this would be worth a king’s ransom—in fact, it is doubtful if there is a complete set outside the imperial palace of Peking. The sight of this would drive a real connoisseur wild.”

PT “What am I to do with it?”

PT Holmes handed me a card upon which was printed: “Dr. Hill Barton, 369 Half Moon Street.”

PT “That is your name for the evening, Watson. You will call upon Baron Gruner. I know something of his habits, and at half-past eight he would probably be disengaged. A note will tell him in advance that you are about to call, and you will say that you are bringing him a specimen of an absolutely unique set of Ming china. You may as well be a medical man, since that is a part which you can play without duplicity. You are a collector, this set has come your way, you have heard of the Baron’s interest in the subject, and you are not averse to selling at a price.”

PT “What price?”

PT “Well asked, Watson. You would certainly fall down badly if you did not know the value of your own wares. This saucer was got for me by Sir James, and comes, I understand, from the collection of his client. You will not exaggerate if you say that it could hardly be matched in the world.”

PT “I could perhaps suggest that the set should be valued by an expert.”

PT “Excellent, Watson! You scintillate today. Suggest Christie or Sotheby. Your delicacy prevents your putting a price for yourself.”

PT “But if he won’t see me?”

PT “Oh, yes, he will see you. He has the collection mania in its most acute form—and especially on this subject, on which he is an acknowledged authority. Sit down, Watson, and I will dictate the letter. No answer needed. You will merely say that you are coming, and why.”

PT It was an admirable document, short, courteous, and stimulating to the curiosity of the connoisseur. A district messenger was duly dispatched with it. On the same evening, with the precious saucer in my hand and the card of Dr. Hill Barton in my pocket, I set off on my own adventure.

PT The beautiful house and grounds indicated that Baron Gruner was, as Sir James had said, a man of considerable wealth. A long winding drive, with banks of rare shrubs on either side, opened out into a great gravelled square adorned with statues. The place had been built by a South African gold king in the days of the great boom, and the long, low house with the turrets at the corners, though an architectural nightmare, was imposing in its size and solidity. A butler, who would have adorned a bench of bishops, showed me in and handed me over to a plush-clad footman, who ushered me into the Baron’s presence.

PT He was standing at the open front of a great case which stood between the windows and which contained part of his Chinese collection. He turned as I entered with a small brown vase in his hand.

PT “Pray sit down, Doctor,” said he. “I was looking over my own treasures and wondering whether I could really afford to add to them. This little Tang specimen, which dates from the seventh century, would probably interest you. I am sure you never saw finer workmanship or a richer glaze. Have you the Ming saucer with you of which you spoke?”

PT I carefully unpacked it and handed it to him. He seated himself at his desk, pulled over the lamp, for it was growing dark, and set himself to examine it. As he did so the yellow light beat upon his own features, and I was able to study them at my ease.

PT He was certainly a remarkably handsome man. His European reputation for beauty was fully deserved. In figure he was not more than of middle size, but was built upon graceful and active lines. His face was swarthy, almost Oriental, with large, dark, languorous eyes which might easily hold an irresistible fascination for women. His hair and moustache were raven black, the latter short, pointed, and carefully waxed. His features were regular and pleasing, save only his straight, thin-lipped mouth. If ever I saw a murderer’s mouth it was there—a cruel, hard gash in the face, compressed, inexorable, and terrible. He was ill-advised to train his moustache away from it, for it was Nature’s danger-signal, set as a warning to his victims. His voice was engaging and his manners perfect. In age I should have put him at little over thirty, though his record afterwards showed that he was forty-two.

PT “Very fine—very fine indeed!” he said at last. “And you say you have a set of six to correspond. What puzzles me is that I should not have heard of such magnificent specimens. I only know of one in England to match this, and it is certainly not likely to be in the market. Would it be indiscreet if I were to ask you, Dr. Hill Barton, how you obtained this?”

PT “Does it really matter?” I asked with as careless an air as I could muster. “You can see that the piece is genuine, and, as to the value, I am content to take an expert’s valuation.”

PT “Very mysterious,” said he with a quick, suspicious flash of his dark eyes. “In dealing with objects of such value, one naturally wishes to know all about the transaction. That the piece is genuine is certain. I have no doubts at all about that. But suppose—I am bound to take every possibility into account—that it should prove afterwards that you had no right to sell?”

PT “I would guarantee you against any claim of the sort.”

PT “That, of course, would open up the question as to what your guarantee was worth.”

PT “My bankers would answer that.”

PT “Quite so. And yet the whole transaction strikes me as rather unusual.”

PT “You can do business or not,” said I with indifference. “I have given you the first offer as I understood that you were a connoisseur, but I shall have no difficulty in other quarters.”

PT “Who told you I was a connoisseur?”

PT “I was aware that you had written a book upon the subject.”

PT “Have you read the book?”

PT “No.”

PT “Dear me, this becomes more and more difficult for me to understand! You are a connoisseur and collector with a very valuable piece in your collection, and yet you have never troubled to consult the one book which would have told you of the real meaning and value of what you held. How do you explain that?”

PT “I am a very busy man. I am a doctor in practice.”

PT “That is no answer. If a man has a hobby he follows it up, whatever his other pursuits may be. You said in your note that you were a connoisseur.”

PT “So I am.”

PT “Might I ask you a few questions to test you? I am obliged to tell you, Doctor—if you are indeed a doctor—that the incident becomes more and more suspicious. I would ask you what do you know of the Emperor Shomu and how do you associate him with the Shoso-in near Nara? Dear me, does that puzzle you? Tell me a little about the Nonhern Wei dynasty and its place in the history of ceramics.”

PT I sprang from my chair in simulated anger.

PT “This is intolerable, sir,” said I. “I came here to do you a favour, and not to be examined as if I were a schoolboy. My knowledge on these subjects may be second only to your own, but I certainly shall not answer questions which have been put in so offensive a way.”

PT He looked at me steadily. The languor had gone from his eyes. They suddenly glared. There was a gleam of teeth from between those cruel lips.

PT “What is the game? You are here as a spy. You are an emissary of Holmes. This is a trick that you are playing upon me. The fellow is dying, I hear, so he sends his tools to keep watch upon me. You’ve made your way in here without leave, and, by God! you may find it harder to get out than to get in.”

PT He had sprung to his feet, and I stepped back, bracing myself for an attack, for the man was beside himself with rage. He may have suspected me from the first; certainly this cross-examination had shown him the truth; but it was clear that I could not hope to deceive him. He dived his hand into a side-drawer and rummaged furiously. Then something struck upon his ear, for he stood listening intently.

PT “Ah!” he cried. “Ah!” and dashed into the room behind him.

PT Two steps took me to the open door, and my mind will ever carry a clear picture of the scene within. The window leading out to the garden was wide open. Beside it, looking like some terrible ghost, his head girt with bloody bandages, his face drawn and white, stood Sherlock Holmes. The next instant he was through the gap, and I heard the crash of his body among the laurel bushes outside. With a howl of rage the master of the house rushed after him to the open window.

PT And then! It was done in an instant, and yet I clearly saw it. An arm—a woman’s arm—shot out from among the leaves. At the same instant the Baron uttered a horrible cry—a yell which will always ring in my memory. He clapped his two hands to his face and rushed round the room, beating his head horribly against the walls. Then he fell upon the carpet, rolling and writhing, while scream after scream resounded through the house.

PT “Water! For God’s sake, water!” was his cry.

PT I seized a carafe from a side-table and rushed to his aid. At the same moment the butler and several footmen ran in from the hall. I remember that one of them fainted as I knelt by the injured man and turned that awful face to the light of the lamp. The vitriol was eating into it everywhere and dripping from the ears and the chin. One eye was already white and glazed. The other was red and inflamed. The features which I had admired a few minutes before were now like some beautiful painting over which the artist has passed a wet and foul sponge. They were blurred, discoloured, inhuman, terrible.

PT In a few words I explained exactly what had occurred, so far as the vitriol attack was concerned. Some had climbed through the window and others had rushed out on to the lawn, but it was dark and it had begun to rain. Between his screams the victim raged and raved against the avenger. “It was that hellcat, Kitty Winter!” he cried. “Oh, the she-devil! She shall pay for it! She shall pay! Oh, God in heaven, this pain is more than I can bear!”

PT I bathed his face in oil, put cotton wadding on the raw surfaces, and administered a hypodermic of morphia. All suspicion of me had passed from his mind in the presence of this shock, and he clung to my hands as if I might have the power even yet to clear those dead-fish eyes which glazed up at me. I could have wept over the ruin had I not remembered very clearly the vile life which had led up to so hideous a change. It was loathsome to feel the pawing of his burning hands, and I was relieved when his family surgeon, closely followed by a specialist, came to relieve me of my charge. An inspector of police had also arrived, and to him I handed my real card. It would have been useless as well as foolish to do otherwise, for I was nearly as well known by sight at the Yard as Holmes himself. Then I left that house of gloom and terror. Within an hour I was at Baker Street.

PT Holmes was seated in his familiar chair, looking very pale and exhausted. Apart from his injuries, even his iron nerves had been shocked by the events of the evening, and he listened with horror to my account of the Baron’s transformation.

PT “The wages of sin, Watson—the wages of sin!” said he. “Sooner or later it will always come. God knows, there was sin enough,” he added, taking up a brown volume from the table. “Here is the book the woman talked of. If this will not break off the marriage, nothing ever could. But it will, Watson. It must. No self-respecting woman could stand it.”

PT “It is his love diary?”

PT “Or his lust diary. Call it what you will. The moment the woman told us of it I realized what a tremendous weapon was there if we could but lay our hands on it. I said nothing at the time to indicate my thoughts, for this woman might have given it away. But I brooded over it. Then this assault upon me gave me the chance of letting the Baron think that no precautions need be taken against me. That was all to the good. I would have waited a little longer, but his visit to America forced my hand. He would never have left so compromising a document behind him. Therefore we had to act at once. Burglary at night is impossible. He takes precautions. But there was a chance in the evening if I could only be sure that his attention was engaged. That was where you and your blue saucer came in. But I had to be sure of the position of the book, and I knew I had only a few minutes in which to act, for my time was limited by your knowledge of Chinese pottery. Therefore I gathered the girl up at the last moment. How could I guess what the little packet was that she carried so carefully under her cloak? I thought she had come altogether on my business, but it seems she had some of her own.”

PT “He guessed I came from you.”

PT “I feared he would. But you held him in play just long enough for me to get the book, though not long enough for an unobserved escape. Ah, Sir James, I am very glad you have come!”

PT Our courtly friend had appeared in answer to a previous summons. He listened with the deepest attention to Holmes’s account of what had occurred.

PT “You have done wonders—wonders!” he cried when he had heard the narrative. “But if these injuries are as terrible as Dr. Watson describes, then surely our purpose of thwarting the marriage is sufficiently gained without the use of this horrible book.”

PT Holmes shook his head.

PT “Women of the De Merville type do not act like that. She would love him the more as a disfigured martyr. No, no. It is his moral side, not his physical, which we have to destroy. That book will bring her back to earth—and I know nothing else that could. It is in his own writing. She cannot get past it.”

PT Sir James carried away both it and the precious saucer. As I was myself overdue, I went down with him into the street. A brougham was waiting for him. He sprang in, gave a hurried order to the cockaded coachman, and drove swiftly away. He flung his overcoat half out of the window to cover the armorial bearings upon the panel, but I had seen them in the glare of our fanlight none the less. I gasped with surprise. Then I turned back and ascended the stair to Holmes’s room.

PT “I have found out who our client is,” I cried, bursting with my great news. “Why, Holmes, it is—”

PT “It is a loyal friend and a chivalrous gentleman,” said Holmes, holding up a restraining hand. “Let that now and forever be enough for us.”

PT I do not know how the incriminating book was used. Sir James may have managed it. Or it is more probable that so delicate a task was entrusted to the young lady’s father. The effect, at any rate, was all that could be desired.

PT Three days later appeared a paragraph in the Morning Post to say that the marriage between Baron Adelbert Gruner and Miss Violet de Merville would not take place. The same paper had the first police-court hearing of the proceedings against Miss Kitty Winter on the grave charge of vitriol-throwing. Such extenuating circumstances came out in the trial that the sentence, as will be remembered, was the lowest that was possible for such an offence. Sherlock Holmes was threatened with a prosecution for burglary, but when an object is good and a client is sufficiently illustrious, even the rigid British law becomes human and elastic. My friend has not yet stood in the dock.

The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

PT The ideas of my friend Watson, though limited, are exceedingly pertinacious. For a long time he has worried me to write an experience of my own. Perhaps I have rather invited this persecution, since I have often had occasion to point out to him how superficial are his own accounts and to accuse him of pandering to popular taste instead of confining himself rigidly to facts and figures. “Try it yourself, Holmes!” he has retorted, and I am compelled to admit that, having taken my pen in my hand, I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in such a way as may interest the reader. The following case can hardly fail to do so, as it is among the strangest happenings in my collection though it chanced that Watson had no note of it in his collection. Speaking of my old friend and biographer, I would take this opportunity to remark that if I burden myself with a companion in my various little inquiries it is not done out of sentiment or caprice, but it is that Watson has some remarkable characteristics of his own to which in his modesty he has given small attention amid his exaggerated estimates of my own performances. A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous, but one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise, and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate.

PT I find from my notebook that it was in January, 1903, just after the conclusion of the Boer War, that I had my visit from Mr. James M. Dodd, a big, fresh, sunburned, upstanding Briton. The good Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action which I can recall in our association. I was alone.

PT It is my habit to sit with my back to the window and to place my visitors in the opposite chair, where the light falls full upon them. Mr. James M. Dodd seemed somewhat at a loss how to begin the interview. I did not attempt to help him, for his silence gave me more time for observation. I have found it wise to impress clients with a sense of power, and so I gave him some of my conclusions.

PT “From South Africa, sir, I perceive.”

PT “Yes, sir,” he answered, with some surprise.

PT “Imperial Yeomanry, I fancy.”

PT “Exactly.”

PT “Middlesex Corps, no doubt.”

PT “That is so. Mr. Holmes, you are a wizard.”

PT I smiled at his bewildered expression.

PT “When a gentleman of virile appearance enters my room with such tan upon his face as an English sun could never give, and with his handkerchief in his sleeve instead of in his pocket, it is not difficult to place him. You wear a short beard, which shows that you were not a regular. You have the cut of a riding-man. As to Middlesex, your card has already shown me that you are a stockbroker from Throgmorton Street. What other regiment would you join?”

PT “You see everything.”

PT “I see no more than you, but I have trained myself to notice what I see. However, Mr. Dodd, it was not to discuss the science of observation that you called upon me this morning. What has been happening at Tuxbury Old Park?”

PT “Mr. Holmes—!”

PT “My dear sir, there is no mystery. Your letter came with that heading, and as you fixed this appointment in very pressing terms it was clear that something sudden and important had occurred.”

PT “Yes, indeed. But the letter was written in the afternoon, and a good deal has happened since then. If Colonel Emsworth had not kicked me out—”

PT “Kicked you out!”

PT “Well, that was what it amounted to. He is a hard nail, is Colonel Emsworth. The greatest martinet in the Army in his day, and it was a day of rough language, too. I couldn’t have stuck the colonel if it had not been for Godfrey’s sake.”

PT I lit my pipe and leaned back in my chair.

PT “Perhaps you will explain what you are talking about.”

PT My client grinned mischievously.

PT “I had got into the way of supposing that you knew everything without being told,” said he. “But I will give you the facts, and I hope to God that you will be able to tell me what they mean. I’ve been awake all night puzzling my brain, and the more I think the more incredible does it become.

PT “When I joined up in January, 1901—just two years ago—young Godfrey Emsworth had joined the same squadron. He was Colonel Emsworth’s only son—Emsworth the Crimean V. C.—and he had the fighting blood in him, so it is no wonder he volunteered. There was not a finer lad in the regiment. We formed a friendship—the sort of friendship which can only be made when one lives the same life and shares the same joys and sorrows. He was my mate—and that means a good deal in the Army. We took the rough and the smooth together for a year of hard fighting. Then he was hit with a bullet from an elephant gun in the action near Diamond Hill outside Pretoria. I got one letter from the hospital at Cape Town and one from Southampton. Since then not a word—not one word, Mr. Holmes, for six months and more, and he my closest pal.

PT “Well, when the war was over, and we all got back, I wrote to his father and asked where Godfrey was. No answer. I waited a bit and then I wrote again. This time I had a reply, short and gruff. Godfrey had gone on a voyage round the world, and it was not likely that he would be back for a year. That was all.

PT “I wasn’t satisfied, Mr. Holmes. The whole thing seemed to me so damned unnatural. He was a good lad, and he would not drop a pal like that. It was not like him. Then, again, I happened to know that he was heir to a lot of money, and also that his father and he did not always hit it off too well. The old man was sometimes a bully, and young Godfrey had too much spirit to stand it. No, I wasn’t satisfied, and I determined that I would get to the root of the matter. It happened, however, that my own affairs needed a lot of straightening out, after two years’ absence, and so it is only this week that I have been able to take up Godfrey’s case again. But since I have taken it up I mean to drop everything in order to see it through.”

PT Mr. James M. Dodd appeared to be the sort of person whom it would be better to have as a friend than as an enemy. His blue eyes were stern and his square jaw had set hard as he spoke.

PT “Well, what have you done?” I asked.

PT “My first move was to get down to his home, Tuxbury Old Park, near Bedford, and to see for myself how the ground lay. I wrote to the mother, therefore—I had had quite enough of the curmudgeon of a father—and I made a clean frontal attack: Godfrey was my chum, I had a great deal of interest which I might tell her of our common experiences, I should be in the neighbourhood, would there be any objection, et cetera? In reply I had quite an amiable answer from her and an offer to put me up for the night. That was what took me down on Monday.

PT “Tuxbury Old Hall is inaccessible—five miles from anywhere. There was no trap at the station, so I had to walk, carrying my suitcase, and it was nearly dark before I arrived. It is a great wandering house, standing in a considerable park. I should judge it was of all sorts of ages and styles, starting on a half-timbered Elizabethan foundation and ending in a Victorian portico. Inside it was all panelling and tapestry and half-effaced old pictures, a house of shadows and mystery. There was a butler, old Ralph, who seemed about the same age as the house, and there was his wife, who might have been older. She had been Godfrey’s nurse, and I had heard him speak of her as second only to his mother in his affections, so I was drawn to her in spite of her queer appearance. The mother I liked also—a gentle little white mouse of a woman. It was only the colonel himself whom I barred.

PT “We had a bit of barney right away, and I should have walked back to the station if I had not felt that it might be playing his game for me to do so. I was shown straight into his study, and there I found him, a huge, bow-backed man with a smoky skin and a straggling gray beard, seated behind his littered desk. A red-veined nose jutted out like a vulture’s beak, and two fierce gray eyes glared at me from under tufted brows. I could understand now why Godfrey seldom spoke of his father.

PT “ ‘Well, sir,’ said he in a rasping voice, ‘I should be interested to know the real reasons for this visit.’

PT “I answered that I had explained them in my letter to his wife.

PT “ ‘Yes, yes, you said that you had known Godfrey in Africa. We have, of course, only your word for that.’

PT “ ‘I have his letters to me in my pocket.’

PT “ ‘Kindly let me see them.’

PT “He glanced at the two which I handed him, and then he tossed them back.

PT “ ‘Well, what then?’ he asked.

PT “ ‘I was fond of your son Godfrey, sir. Many ties and memories united us. Is it not natural that I should wonder at his sudden silence and should wish to know what has become of him?’

PT “ ‘I have some recollections, sir, that I had already corresponded with you and had told you what had become of him. He has gone upon a voyage round the world. His health was in a poor way after his African experiences, and both his mother and I were of opinion that complete rest and change were needed. Kindly pass that explanation on to any other friends who may be interested in the matter.’

PT “ ‘Certainly,’ I answered. ‘But perhaps you would have the goodness to let me have the name of the steamer and of the line by which he sailed, together with the date. I have no doubt that I should be able to get a letter through to him.’

PT “My request seemed both to puzzle and to irritate my host. His great eyebrows came down over his eyes, and he tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. He looked up at last with the expression of one who has seen his adversary make a dangerous move at chess, and has decided how to meet it.

PT “ ‘Many people, Mr. Dodd,’ said he, ‘would take offence at your infernal pertinacity and would think that this insistence had reached the point of damned impertinence.’

PT “ ‘You must put it down, sir, to my real love for your son.’

PT “ ‘Exactly. I have already made every allowance upon that score. I must ask you, however, to drop these inquiries. Every family has its own inner knowledge and its own motives, which cannot always be made clear to outsiders, however well-intentioned. My wife is anxious to hear something of Godfrey’s past which you are in a position to tell her, but I would ask you to let the present and the future alone. Such inquiries serve no useful purpose, sir, and place us in a delicate and difficult position.’

PT “So I came to a dead end, Mr. Holmes. There was no getting past it. I could only pretend to accept the situation and register a vow inwardly that I would never rest until my friend’s fate had been cleared up. It was a dull evening. We dined quietly, the three of us, in a gloomy, faded old room. The lady questioned me eagerly about her son, but the old man seemed morose and depressed. I was so bored by the whole proceeding that I made an excuse as soon as I decently could and retired to my bedroom. It was a large, bare room on the ground floor, as gloomy as the rest of the house, but after a year of sleeping upon the veldt, Mr. Holmes, one is not too particular about one’s quarters. I opened the curtains and looked out into the garden, remarking that it was a fine night with a bright half-moon. Then I sat down by the roaring fire with the lamp on a table beside me, and endeavoured to distract my mind with a novel. I was interrupted, however, by Ralph, the old butler, who came in with a fresh supply of coals.

PT “ ‘I thought you might run short in the nighttime, sir. It is bitter weather and these rooms are cold.’

PT “He hesitated before leaving the room, and when I looked round he was standing facing me with a wistful look upon his wrinkled face.

PT “ ‘Beg your pardon, sir, but I could not help hearing what you said of young Master Godfrey at dinner. You know, sir, that my wife nursed him, and so I may say I am his foster-father. It’s natural we should take an interest. And you say he carried himself well, sir?’

PT “ ‘There was no braver man in the regiment. He pulled me out once from under the rifles of the Boers, or maybe I should not be here.’

PT “The old butler rubbed his skinny hands.

PT “ ‘Yes, sir, yes, that is Master Godfrey all over. He was always courageous. There’s not a tree in the park, sir, that he has not climbed. Nothing would stop him. He was a fine boy—and oh, sir, he was a fine man.’

PT “I sprang to my feet.

PT “ ‘Look here!’ I cried. ‘You say he was. You speak as if he were dead. What is all this mystery? What has become of Godfrey Emsworth?’

PT “I gripped the old man by the shoulder, but he shrank away.

PT “ ‘I don’t know what you mean, sir. Ask the master about Master Godfrey. He knows. It is not for me to interfere.’

PT “He was leaving the room, but I held his arm.

PT “ ‘Listen,’ I said. ‘You are going to answer one question before you leave if I have to hold you all night. Is Godfrey dead?’

PT “He could not face my eyes. He was like a man hypnotized. The answer was dragged from his lips. It was a terrible and unexpected one.

PT “ ‘I wish to God he was!’ he cried, and, tearing himself free, he dashed from the room.

PT “You will think, Mr. Holmes, that I returned to my chair in no very happy state of mind. The old man’s words seemed to me to bear only one interpretation. Clearly my poor friend had become involved in some criminal or, at the least, disreputable transaction which touched the family honour. That stern old man had sent his son away and hidden him from the world lest some scandal should come to light. Godfrey was a reckless fellow. He was easily influenced by those around him. No doubt he had fallen into bad hands and been misled to his ruin. It was a piteous business, if it was indeed so, but even now it was my duty to hunt him out and see if I could aid him. I was anxiously pondering the matter when I looked up, and there was Godfrey Emsworth standing before me.”

PT My client had paused as one in deep emotion.

PT “Pray continue,” I said. “Your problem presents some very unusual features.”

PT “He was outside the window, Mr. Holmes, with his face pressed against the glass. I have told you that I looked out at the night. When I did so I left the curtains partly open. His figure was framed in this gap. The window came down to the ground and I could see the whole length of it, but it was his face which held my gaze. He was deadly pale—never have I seen a man so white. I reckon ghosts may look like that; but his eyes met mine, and they were the eyes of a living man. He sprang back when he saw that I was looking at him, and he vanished into the darkness.

PT “There was something shocking about the man, Mr. Holmes. It wasn’t merely that ghastly face glimmering as white as cheese in the darkness. It was more subtle than that—something slinking, something furtive, something guilty—something very unlike the frank, manly lad that I had known. It left a feeling of horror in my mind.

Versão em Português

1 - Prefácio

2 - A Aventura do Cliente Ilustre

3 - A Aventura do Soldado Descorado

Prefácio

En O autor teme que Sherlock Holmes possa se tornar como um tenor envelhecido que faz repetidas aparições de despedida para agradar seu público. Ele acredita que isso deve parar e que Holmes deve eventualmente desaparecer, como todas as coisas. Ele imagina uma vida após a morte fantástica para personagens fictícios, um lugar onde heróis de romances de Fielding, Richardson, Scott, Dickens e Thackeray possam continuar suas vidas. Talvez em algum canto daquele reino imaginário, Sherlock Holmes e Dr. Watson possam encontrar um lugar, enquanto um novo detetive mais astuto e seu companheiro menos astuto assumem o palco.

En A carreira de Holmes foi longa, embora seja fácil exagerá-la. Alguns leitores idosos afirmam que suas aventuras fizeram parte de sua infância, mas o autor não gosta de ter suas próprias datas questionadas. Holmes apareceu pela primeira vez em Um Estudo em Vermelho e O Signo dos Quatro, dois pequenos livros publicados entre 1887 e 1889. Em 1891, a primeira história curta, intitulada "Um Escândalo na Boêmia", foi publicada na The Strand Magazine. O público gostou e quis mais, então, ao longo dos trinta e seis anos seguintes, uma série de cinquenta e seis histórias apareceu, coletadas em volumes como As Aventuras, As Memórias, A Volta e Seu Último Adeus. As doze histórias deste livro, O Arquivo de Sherlock Holmes, foram publicadas nos últimos anos. Holmes começou no final da era vitoriana, continuou durante o curto reinado de Eduardo, e ainda mantém seu lugar nestes tempos febris. Muitos que o leram quando jovens agora veem seus próprios filhos adultos lendo as mesmas histórias na mesma revista, o que mostra a paciência e a lealdade do público britânico.

En O autor havia decidido completamente encerrar Holmes após As Memórias, sentindo que sua energia literária não deveria estar tão focada em um único personagem. O rosto pálido e de traços nítidos e a figura de membros soltos de Holmes haviam ocupado demais sua imaginação. Ele de fato encerrou a série, mas felizmente nenhum legista declarou os restos mortais, então, após um longo intervalo, ele pôde responder à demanda lisonjeira e justificar seu ato precipitado. Ele nunca se arrependeu, pois descobriu que essas histórias mais leves não o impediram de explorar outros ramos da literatura como história, poesia, romances históricos, pesquisa psíquica e drama. Mesmo que Holmes nunca tivesse existido, ele não poderia ter feito mais, embora Holmes possa ter dificultado um pouco o reconhecimento de seu trabalho mais sério.

En E assim, o autor se despede de Sherlock Holmes. Ele agradece ao leitor por sua lealdade e espera que as histórias tenham proporcionado algum retorno na forma de distração das preocupações da vida e uma mudança estimulante de pensamento, que só pode ser encontrada no reino das fadas do romance.

En Arthur Conan Doyle.

A Aventura do Cliente Ilustre

En Depois de muitos anos de pedidos, Sherlock Holmes finalmente concordou que não faria mal publicar esta história. Ele achou que agora era seguro registrar o que foi, de certa forma, o maior momento de sua carreira.

En Tanto Holmes quanto eu tínhamos uma predileção por banhos turcos. Muitas vezes o encontrava mais aberto e humano na atmosfera relaxada da sala de secagem enquanto fumávamos. Em um canto isolado no último andar do estabelecimento na Northumberland Avenue, havia dois sofás lado a lado. Nós nos deitamos lá em 3 de setembro de 1902, o dia em que minha história começa. Quando perguntei se algo estava acontecendo, ele esticou seu braço longo e fino para fora dos lençóis e pegou um envelope do bolso interno de seu casaco, que estava pendurado ao lado dele.

En Ao me entregar o bilhete, Holmes comentou que poderia ser de um tolo enfadonho e presunçoso ou envolver uma questão de vida ou morte. Ele não sabia mais do que a mensagem lhe dizia.

En O bilhete era do Carlton Club, datado da noite anterior. Foi o que li:

En Sir James Damery enviou seus cumprimentos ao Sr. Sherlock Holmes e o visitaria às 4:30 do dia seguinte. Sir James declarou que o assunto sobre o qual desejava consultar o Sr. Holmes era muito delicado e muito importante. Portanto, ele confiava que o Sr. Holmes faria o possível para conceder esta entrevista e a confirmaria por telefone ao Carlton Club.

En Holmes devolveu o jornal e comentou que ele de fato havia verificado as informações. Em seguida, perguntou se Watson sabia algo sobre um homem chamado Damery.

En Watson respondeu que o nome Damery era amplamente conhecido na alta sociedade.

En Holmes acrescentou que Damery tinha fama de lidar com assuntos delicados que não apareciam nos jornais, citando suas negociações com Sir George Lewis a respeito do caso do testamento de Hammerford. Descrevendo Damery como um homem experiente e com habilidade diplomática natural, Holmes expressou sua esperança de que não se tratasse de uma pista falsa e que Damery realmente precisasse de sua ajuda.

En Watson questionou o uso da palavra 'nosso', dando a entender que ele poderia estar incluído.

En Holmes insinuou que receberia bem a cooperação de Watson, perguntando se ele seria tão gentil a ponto de ajudar.

En Ele expressou que ficaria honrado.

En Ele confirmou que a reunião estava marcada para as 4:30 e sugeriu que não pensassem no assunto até lá.

En Cheguei à Baker Street antes do horário combinado. O Coronel Sir James Damery foi anunciado exatamente às quatro e meia. Ele era conhecido por sua aparência grande e honesta; seu rosto bem barbeado; sua voz agradável; e seu modo franco e bem-humorado. Estava meticulosamente vestido com cartola e sobrecasaca, com um alfinete de pérola e polainas lilases, e sua presença aristocrática dominava a pequena sala.

En O Coronel Damery comentou que esperava o Dr. Watson e que sua ajuda poderia ser necessária, pois estavam lidando com um homem acostumado à violência e que não pararia por nada. Ele o descreveu como talvez o homem mais perigoso da Europa.

En Holmes sorriu e observou que já enfrentara vários oponentes aos quais essa descrição havia sido aplicada. Ele acendeu seu cachimbo e comentou que, se seu homem era mais perigoso que o falecido Professor Moriarty ou o vivo Coronel Sebastian Moran, então ele realmente merecia ser conhecido. Em seguida, perguntou o nome do homem.

En Ele foi perguntado se já tinha ouvido falar do Barão Gruner.

En A outra pessoa perguntou se ele se referia ao austríaco que havia cometido assassinato.

En O Coronel Damery riu e ergueu as mãos calçadas com luvas, reconhecendo que era impossível passar despercebido por Holmes. Ele perguntou se Holmes já tinha formado a opinião de que Gruner era um assassino.

En Holmes explicou que era seu dever estar informado sobre crimes no continente. Ele afirmou que qualquer pessoa que tivesse lido sobre os eventos em Praga teria certeza da culpa do homem, e que apenas um ponto técnico legal e a morte suspeita de uma testemunha o salvaram. Ele estava tão convencido de que Gruner havia matado sua esposa durante o chamado acidente no Passo Splugen como se tivesse presenciado. Ele acrescentou que sabia que Gruner tinha vindo para a Inglaterra e tinha a sensação de que eventualmente precisaria de sua assistência. Ele perguntou o que o Barão Gruner havia feito agora, presumindo que não era a velha tragédia ressurgindo.

En O homem respondeu que era mais sério do que isso. Ele disse que, embora vingar o crime fosse importante, preveni-lo era ainda mais. Ele descreveu a terrível experiência de ver um evento terrível prestes a acontecer, entendendo exatamente onde levaria, e ainda assim ser completamente incapaz de impedi-lo. Ele perguntou se poderia haver uma posição mais difícil para um ser humano.

En Ele respondeu que talvez não fosse.

En Ele disse que Holmes, portanto, simpatizaria com o cliente em nome de quem ele estava agindo.

En Holmes afirmou que não havia percebido que o homem era apenas um intermediário e perguntou quem era o principal.

En O homem implorou a Holmes que não insistisse pelo nome do cliente. Ele explicou que era essencial que o cliente tivesse a garantia de que seu nome honrado não seria envolvido no assunto. Seus motivos eram inteiramente honrosos e cavalheirescos, mas ele desejava permanecer anônimo. Ele acrescentou que os honorários de Holmes seriam garantidos e que ele teria total liberdade de ação. Certamente, argumentou ele, o nome real do cliente era irrelevante?

En Holmes se desculpou, explicando que estava acostumado a ter mistério em uma ponta de seus casos, mas tê-lo em ambas as pontas era confuso demais. Portanto, ele disse a Sir James que precisava recusar o caso.

En O visitante estava profundamente perturbado. Seu rosto expressivo refletia uma mistura de emoções fortes e decepção.

En Ele disse ao Sr. Holmes que não entendia totalmente as consequências de suas próprias ações. Disse que Holmes o estava colocando em uma posição muito difícil, porque ele tinha certeza de que Holmes se orgulharia de assumir o caso se pudesse fornecer todos os fatos. No entanto, uma promessa o impedia de revelar tudo. Ele perguntou se poderia pelo menos apresentar o que pudesse.

En Holmes concordou, com o claro entendimento de que não estava se comprometendo com nada.

En O visitante reconheceu isso. Ele então perguntou se Holmes já tinha ouvido falar do General de Merville.

En Holmes respondeu que já tinha ouvido falar de De Merville, aquele conhecido por seus feitos em Khyber.

En Ele tem uma filha chamada Violet de Merville, que é jovem, rica, bonita, talentosa e excepcional em todos os aspectos. Eles estão tentando salvar essa garota inocente de um vilão.

En Ele perguntou se o Barão Gruner tinha alguma influência sobre ela.

En A influência mais forte sobre uma mulher é o amor. O homem é extremamente bonito, charmoso, com uma voz suave e um ar de mistério que atrai as mulheres. Diz-se que ele tem grande poder sobre as mulheres e o explorou plenamente.

En Ele se perguntou como um homem assim poderia conhecer uma mulher da posição social da Srta. Violet de Merville.

En Eles se conheceram em uma viagem de iate no Mediterrâneo. Os passageiros eram selecionados, mas pagavam suas próprias passagens, e os organizadores provavelmente não conheciam a verdadeira natureza do Barão até que fosse tarde demais. Ele se aproximou da senhora e conquistou completamente seu coração. Ela o adora, é obcecada e não ouve nenhuma crítica. Todos os esforços para curar sua devoção falharam. Ela planeja se casar com ele no próximo mês. Como ela é maior de idade e muito determinada, impedir isso é difícil.

En Ele perguntou se ela sabia sobre o episódio austríaco.

En O homem astuto a informara de todos os escândalos públicos desagradáveis do seu passado, mas sempre de uma maneira que o retratava como um mártir inocente. Ela aceitou plenamente seu relato e se recusou a ouvir qualquer outro.

En Ele exclamou surpreso e sugeriu que o visitante havia revelado acidentalmente o nome do cliente, que ele presumiu ser o General de Merville.

En O visitante se mexeu desconfortavelmente em sua cadeira.

En O visitante admitiu que não poderia enganar Holmes negando a identidade do cliente, mas afirmou que o General de Merville era um homem destruído. O outrora forte soldado havia se tornado desmoralizado e fraco, incapaz de enfrentar o astuto austríaco. O cliente, um velho amigo do General que conhecia a garota desde a infância, queria evitar a tragédia, mas insistiu no anonimato. Ele pediu que Holmes honrasse esse pedido e não investigasse sua identidade.

En Holmes deu um sorriso caprichoso.

En Ele disse que poderia fazer essa promessa com segurança. Ele acrescentou que o problema o interessava e que estaria preparado para investigá-lo. Em seguida, perguntou como poderia manter contato.

En O cliente afirmou que poderia ser encontrado no Carlton Club, mas em caso de emergência, havia um número de telefone particular, XX.31.

En Holmes anotou e permaneceu sentado, ainda sorrindo, com seu livro de memorandos aberto sobre o joelho.

En Holmes perguntou pelo endereço atual do Barão.

En Vernon Lodge, perto de Kingston, é uma casa grande. Ele tem sido bem-sucedido em algumas especulações bastante duvidosas e é rico, o que naturalmente o torna um adversário mais perigoso.

En Perguntaram-lhe se o homem estava atualmente em casa.

En A resposta foi afirmativa.

En Ele então perguntou se o interlocutor poderia fornecer mais detalhes sobre o homem além do que já havia sido compartilhado.

En Ele tem gostos caros e gosta de cavalos. Jogou pólo brevemente em Hurlingham, mas foi forçado a sair depois que rumores do caso de Praga se espalharam. Ele coleciona livros e quadros e possui uma considerável sensibilidade artística. Acredita-se que ele seja uma autoridade reconhecida em cerâmica chinesa e tenha escrito um livro sobre o assunto.

En Holmes observou que uma mente complexa era típica de grandes criminosos, citando exemplos como Charlie Peace, um virtuoso do violino, e Wainwright, um artista talentoso. Ele instruiu Sir James a informar seu cliente que ele agora direcionaria sua atenção ao Barão Gruner, acrescentando que tinha suas próprias fontes e acreditava que poderiam encontrar uma maneira de prosseguir.

En Após a partida do visitante, Holmes permaneceu absorto em pensamento por tanto tempo que Watson se sentiu quase invisível. No entanto, eventualmente, ele voltou ao presente com energia renovada.

En Holmes perguntou se Watson tinha alguma opinião sobre o assunto.

En Watson propôs que Holmes marcasse um encontro pessoal com a jovem.

En Holmes observou que se seu pai envelhecido e abatido não conseguia convencê-la, um estranho como ele dificilmente teria sucesso. No entanto, ele admitiu que a ideia tinha mérito como último recurso. Preferiu começar por uma direção diferente, sugerindo que Shinwell Johnson poderia ser útil.

En O escritor não havia mencionado anteriormente Shinwell Johnson nestes relatos, pois ele geralmente lidava com casos da parte inicial da carreira de Sherlock Holmes. No entanto, nos primeiros anos do século XX, Johnson tornou-se um assistente valioso. Johnson primeiro fez seu nome como um criminoso perigoso e cumpriu duas penas de prisão em Parkhurst. Eventualmente, ele se reformou e aliou-se a Holmes, agindo como seu agente no vasto submundo criminal de Londres e obtendo informações que muitas vezes se mostravam cruciais. Se Johnson tivesse sido um informante da polícia, ele teria sido rapidamente descoberto, mas como ele trabalhava em casos que nunca chegavam diretamente aos tribunais, seu papel passou despercebido por seus associados. Suas duas condenações lhe davam acesso a todas as boates, pensões e antros de jogo da cidade, e sua observação aguçada e mente rápida faziam dele um agente ideal para coletar informações. Era a ele que Sherlock Holmes agora pretendia recorrer.

En Não foi possível ao escritor acompanhar seu amigo nos passos imediatos que ele deu, porque tinha negócios profissionais urgentes próprios. No entanto, ele encontrou Holmes naquela noite, conforme combinado, no restaurante Simpson's. Lá, sentado a uma mesinha na vitrine da frente e olhando para o fluxo agitado de vida no Strand, Holmes lhe contou algo do que havia ocorrido.

En Holmes comentou que Johnson estava à procura. Ele poderia captar algumas informações nos cantos mais escuros do submundo, pois era lá, entre as raízes negras do crime, que eles tinham que procurar os segredos daquele homem.

En Alguém perguntou por que qualquer nova descoberta de Holmes mudaria a opinião da senhora se ela não aceitasse o que já era conhecido.

En Holmes respondeu que quem poderia dizer; o coração e a mente de uma mulher são quebra-cabeças insolúveis para um homem. O assassinato poderia ser perdoado ou explicado, mas uma ofensa menor poderia causar rancor. Ele mencionou que o Barão Gruner havia dito algo a ele.

En Ele havia feito uma observação a você.

En Holmes disse que não havia compartilhado seus planos. Ele gostava de confrontar seus oponentes diretamente, cara a cara, para julgar seu caráter. Depois de dar suas instruções a Johnson, ele pegou um táxi para Kingston e encontrou o Barão em um humor muito amigável.

En Watson perguntou se o Barão o havia reconhecido.

En Holmes disse que foi fácil porque ele havia enviado seu cartão. Ele descreveu o Barão como um criminoso perigoso, mas bem-educado, aparentemente calmo e educado, mas profundamente cruel. Ele ficou satisfeito por sua atenção ter sido chamada para o Barão Adelbert Gruner.

En Watson perguntou se o Barão havia sido afável.

En O Barão, como um gato ronronando observando possíveis ratos, cumprimentou Holmes com sua afabilidade característica. Ele disse que esperava vê-lo mais cedo ou mais tarde e adivinhou corretamente que o General de Merville havia contratado Holmes para tentar impedir seu casamento com Violet.

En Holmes reconheceu que isso era verdade.

En O Barão advertiu Holmes de que ele apenas arruinaria sua própria reputação bem merecida, já que o caso era impossível de vencer e envolveria trabalho infrutífero e perigo pessoal, e aconselhou-o fortemente a desistir imediatamente.

En Holmes respondeu que pretendia dar ao Barão o mesmo conselho. Ele expressou respeito pela inteligência do Barão e disse que ninguém queria remexer em seu passado. No entanto, se ele insistisse no casamento, despertaria inimigos poderosos que tornariam a Inglaterra insuportável para ele. Holmes perguntou se o prêmio valia tal risco e sugeriu que seria mais sábio deixar a moça em paz, já que revelar seu passado a ela seria desagradável.

En Os pequenos fios de cabelo encerados sob o nariz do Barão, que lembravam antenas de inseto, tremeram de divertimento enquanto ele ouvia, e ele eventualmente soltou uma risadinha suave.

En O homem disse a Holmes que achava engraçado vê-lo tentar jogar uma mão sem cartas, acrescentando que ninguém poderia fazer melhor, mas que era bastante patético. Ele disse que não havia uma única carta de cor, apenas as menores.

En Holmes respondeu simplesmente que essa era a opinião dele.

En O homem afirmou que conhecia bem a situação porque havia conquistado a total afeição da dama. Ele contara a ela sobre seu passado, incluindo todos os incidentes infelizes, e a avisara sobre pessoas más como Holmes que tentariam contar essas coisas. Disse que usara sugestão pós-hipnótica para prepará-la, e que um homem de personalidade podia usar hipnotismo sem truques vulgares. Assim, ela estava pronta para Holmes e seria obediente à vontade do pai, exceto naquele único assunto.

En Watson relatou que não havia mais nada a dizer, então se despediu com toda a frieza e dignidade que pôde reunir, mas quando sua mão estava na maçaneta, o homem o parou.

En O homem então perguntou a Holmes se ele conhecia Le Brun, o agente francês.

En Eu respondi que sim.

En Ele perguntou se eu sabia o que havia acontecido com ele.

En Eu tinha ouvido que ele foi espancado por apaches no distrito de Montmartre e ficou aleijado para o resto da vida.

En Ele confirmou a história e alertou Holmes para não investigar seus negócios, pois era perigoso e vários já haviam sofrido. Ele aconselhou Holmes a seguir seu próprio caminho e se despediu.

En Holmes disse a Watson que ele estava agora atualizado.

En Ele comentou que o homem parecia perigoso.

En Ele enfatizou que o homem era extremamente perigoso. Explicou que não dava atenção àqueles que falam muito, mas este homem era diferente, pois dizia menos do que pretendia.

En Ele perguntou se Holmes precisava interferir e se realmente importava se o homem se casasse com a jovem.

En Holmes respondeu que certamente importava, pois o homem havia indubitavelmente assassinado sua esposa anterior. Ele também mencionou o cliente, mas disse que não precisavam discutir isso. Sugeriu que, após terminar o café, a outra pessoa deveria ir para casa com ele, pois Shinwell estaria lá com seu relatório.

En Eles de fato o encontraram: um homem grande e rude, com uma tez vermelha e doentia e olhos negros brilhantes que revelavam sua mente astuta. Ele parecia estar em seu elemento. Ao lado dele no sofá estava uma jovem que ele trouxera consigo — magra e de aparência fogosa, com um rosto pálido e intenso. Ela parecia jovem, mas estava tão marcada pelo pecado e pelo sofrimento que se podia ver os terríveis anos que haviam deixado sua cicatriz nela.

En Shinwell Johnson apresentou a Srta. Kitty Winter, indicando que ela possuía amplo conhecimento e poderia fornecer informações pessoalmente. Ele afirmou que a havia localizado dentro de uma hora após receber a mensagem do Sr. Holmes.

En A Srta. Winter observou que era facilmente encontrada em Londres, no mesmo endereço que Shinwell, a quem chamou de velho amigo. Ela declarou que havia outro indivíduo que merecia punição muito mais severa do que eles, e que esse era o homem que o Sr. Holmes estava procurando.

En Holmes sorriu e inferiu que eles tinham o apoio da Srta. Winter.

En Com determinação feroz, a Srta. Winter declarou que ajudaria a levar o homem à justiça. Seu rosto pálido e tenso e seus olhos ardentes revelavam uma intensidade de ódio que poucos poderiam alcançar.

En A Srta. Winter pediu ao Sr. Holmes que não se preocupasse com seu passado, afirmando que era irrelevante. Ela alegou que Adelbert Gruner a tinha feito ser o que era, e expressou um desejo desesperado de destruí-lo, de lançá-lo no mesmo poço para o qual havia empurrado tantos outros.

En Ele perguntou se ela sabia como a situação estava.

En Porky Shinwell tinha dito ao interlocutor que Shinwell estava atrás de outra pobre mulher e pretendia se casar com ela. O interlocutor disse que o ouvinte queria impedir isso, e que o ouvinte sabia o suficiente sobre Shinwell para evitar que qualquer mulher decente e sensata quisesse ficar perto dele.

En Ele respondeu que ela não estava em seu juízo perfeito. Ela estava apaixonadamente apaixonada. Apesar de ter sido informada de tudo sobre ele, ela era indiferente.

En Ele perguntou se ela havia sido informada sobre o assassinato.

En Ele confirmou que ela havia sido informada.

En O orador comentou que a mulher devia possuir grande coragem.

En Ela descarta todas as acusações como meras calúnias.

En Ele perguntou se era possível apresentar evidências claras aos seus olhos ingênuos.

En Ele então perguntou se eles poderiam ajudar a conseguir isso.

En Ele argumentou que ele mesmo era uma prova viva e sugeriu que, se a confrontasse e contasse como havia sido maltratado, isso poderia convencê-la.

En Ele perguntou se ela estaria disposta a fazer isso.

En Ela respondeu com grande entusiasmo, dando a entender que certamente o faria.

En Ele sugeriu que valeria a pena tentar, mas observou que o homem já havia confessado a maior parte de seus erros à mulher e recebido seu perdão; ele acreditava que ela não retomaria o assunto.

En A Srta. Winter expressou dúvida de que o homem tivesse contado tudo à mulher. Ela lembrou que ele havia insinuado vários assassinatos além do famoso. Ele mencionava a morte de alguém de forma sutil. Na época, ela o amava e aceitava suas ações, assim como a mulher atual fazia. No entanto, uma coisa a perturbou: um livro de couro marrom com cadeado e brasão dourado que ele mostrou a ela uma noite quando estava bêbado. Ela deu a entender que a conversa suave dele a impediu de ir embora.

En Alguém perguntou o que era aquela coisa.

En O interlocutor disse a Holmes que Gruner colecionava mulheres e se orgulhava disso, mantendo um livro com fotos, nomes e detalhes. Ele o descreveu como um livro terrível que nenhum homem decente compilaria, mas era de Gruner. Ele insinuou que Gruner poderia tê-lo intitulado "Almas que arruinei." No entanto, ele observou que o livro não ajudaria Holmes e era impossível de obter.

En Holmes perguntou onde estava o livro.

En A interlocutora respondeu que não podia dizer onde estava agora, pois o deixara há mais de um ano. Ela lembrou que ele era um homem organizado, então ainda poderia estar em um compartimento de uma escrivaninha velha em seu escritório particular. Ela então perguntou a Holmes se ele conhecia a casa de Gruner.

En Holmes confirmou que tinha visitado o escritório.

En A interlocutora expressou surpresa, observando que Holmes havia sido eficiente desde que começara naquela manhã, e sugeriu que Gruner finalmente poderia ter encontrado alguém igualmente inteligente. Ela então descreveu a disposição: o escritório externo continha um grande armário de vidro com porcelana chinesa entre as janelas, e atrás da escrivaninha havia uma porta que levava ao escritório interno, uma sala pequena onde Gruner guardava seus papéis e outros itens.

En Alguém perguntou se ele não estava preocupado com ladrões.

En O orador afirmou que Adelbert não era covarde; nem mesmo seu pior inimigo poderia dizer isso. Ele era capaz de se defender. Havia um alarme antifurto instalado à noite, e além disso, não havia nada de valor para um ladrão, exceto talvez a louça chique.

En Shinwell Johnson, falando com a autoridade de um especialista, declarou que tais itens não valiam nada, porque nenhum receptador aceitaria mercadorias que não pudessem ser derretidas nem vendidas.

En Holmes concordou e pediu que a Srta. Winter voltasse na noite seguinte às cinco. Ele disse que consideraria se a sugestão dela de um encontro pessoal com a senhora poderia ser arranjada. Ele expressou sua gratidão pela cooperação dela e mencionou que seus clientes a compensariam generosamente.

En A jovem rejeitou a oferta de dinheiro, afirmando que sua única recompensa era ver o homem derrubado, com o pé em seu rosto amaldiçoado. Ela declarou que cooperaria em qualquer dia, desde que Holmes o perseguisse, e disse que Porky sempre poderia dizer a ele onde encontrá-la.

En O narrador não viu Holmes novamente até a noite seguinte, quando jantaram novamente no restaurante Strand. Quando perguntado sobre sua entrevista, Holmes apenas deu de ombros e depois contou a história. O narrador observou que o relato duro e seco de Holmes precisava de alguma edição para suavizá-lo nos termos da vida real.

En Holmes disse que não houve dificuldade alguma com o encontro porque a jovem se orgulhava de demonstrar obediência filial abjeta em todos os assuntos secundários, como se para compensar sua flagrante desobediência no noivado. O General telefonou dizendo que tudo estava pronto, e a Srta. W. chegou na hora marcada, de modo que às cinco e meia um táxi os deixou do lado de fora do número 104 da Berkeley Square, a residência do velho soldado — um daqueles terríveis castelos londrinos cinzentos que fariam uma igreja parecer frívola. Um lacaio os conduziu a uma grande sala de estar com cortinas amarelas, onde a senhora os esperava, recatada, pálida, contida, tão inflexível e distante quanto uma imagem de neve numa montanha.

En Holmes admitiu que não sabia bem como tornar a figura dela clara para Watson e sugeriu que Watson poderia encontrá-la mais tarde e usar seu próprio dom das palavras. Ela era bonita, mas com a beleza etérea e sobrenatural de uma fanática cujos pensamentos estão voltados para o alto, como rostos em pinturas de mestres antigos da Idade Média. Holmes não conseguia imaginar como um homem-bestial poderia ter colocado suas patas vis sobre tal ser do além. Ele observou como os extremos se atraem — o espiritual para o animal, o homem das cavernas para o anjo — e que nunca se viu um caso pior do que este.

En Ela sabia, claro, para que eles tinham vindo, pois aquele vilão não perdeu tempo em envenenar a mente dela contra eles. A chegada da Srta. Winter a surpreendeu um pouco, mas ela os conduziu às suas cadeiras como uma abadessa reverenda recebendo dois mendigos bastante leprosos. Holmes brincou que, se a cabeça de Watson estivesse propensa a inchar, ele deveria fazer um curso com a Srta. Violet de Merville.

En Ela falou com uma voz como o vento de um iceberg, dizendo que o nome de Holmes lhe era familiar e que ela entendia que ele havia ido para difamar seu noivo, o Barão Gruner. Ela afirmou que o via apenas a pedido de seu pai e avisou de antemão que qualquer coisa que ele dissesse não poderia ter o menor efeito em sua mente.

En Holmes disse a Watson que sentia pena da mulher e pensava nela como se fosse sua própria filha. Ele admitiu que geralmente usava a cabeça, não o coração, mas naquela ocasião implorou a ela com todo o calor que conseguia reunir. Ele descreveu a terrível situação de uma mulher que só descobre o verdadeiro caráter de um homem após o casamento, forçada a suportar carícias de mãos sangrentas e lábios lascivos. Não poupou nada a ela — a vergonha, o medo, a agonia e a desesperança. No entanto, suas palavras apaixonadas não trouxeram cor às faces pálidas dela nem qualquer emoção aos seus olhos distantes. Ele lembrou do comentário do canalha sobre influência pós-hipnótica e se perguntou se ela estava vivendo em um sonho extático. Contudo, as respostas dela eram bastante claras.

En A mulher disse a Holmes que o ouvira com paciência e que o efeito em sua mente era exatamente o previsto. Ela reconheceu que seu noivo, Adelbert, tinha um passado tempestuoso com ódios amargos e acusações injustas. Ela considerava Holmes apenas o mais recente de uma série de pessoas que haviam levado calúnias até ela. Suspeitava que ele pudesse ter boas intenções, embora soubesse que ele era um agente pago que trabalharia para o Barão com a mesma facilidade. Ela afirmou de uma vez por todas que amava Adelbert e ele a amava, e que as opiniões do mundo não significavam mais para ela do que o chilrear dos pássaros lá fora. Se a natureza nobre dele alguma vez tivesse caído, ela acreditava que fora enviada para erguê-la novamente. Então, ela se virou para o companheiro de Holmes e perguntou quem era a jovem senhora.

En Holmes estava prestes a responder quando a garota irrompeu como um redemoinho. O contraste entre as duas mulheres era como chama e gelo se enfrentando.

En A segunda mulher gritou que lhes diria quem era — ela era a última amante dele, uma entre cem que ele havia tentado, usado, arruinado e descartado, assim como faria com a outra mulher. Ela advertiu a mulher tola de que, se ela se casasse com ele, ele seria a morte dela, seja por um coração partido ou por um pescoço quebrado. Ela alegou que não falava por amor à mulher, mas por ódio ao homem, para provocá-lo e se vingar do que ele havia feito a ela. Disse que não importava se a mulher vivesse ou morresse, e mandou que não a olhasse daquela forma, pois ela poderia acabar ainda mais baixa.

En Miss de Merville respondeu friamente que preferia não discutir tais assuntos. Ela afirmou de uma vez por todas que estava ciente de três episódios na vida de seu noivo em que ele se envolvera com mulheres ardilosas, e estava convencida de que ele se arrependia sinceramente de qualquer mal que tivesse feito.

En Meu companheiro gritou que havia três passagens e me chamou de tolo absoluto.

En Uma voz gelada dirigiu-se ao Sr. Holmes, pedindo que ele encerrasse a entrevista, explicando que ela o havia visto apenas por respeito ao desejo de seu pai, mas não era obrigada a ouvir os delírios daquela pessoa.

En A Srta. Winter praguejou e avançou, e tive que segurar seu pulso para impedi-la de agarrar o cabelo da outra mulher. Eu a puxei para a porta e consegui levá-la de volta ao táxi sem causar um escândalo público, pois ela estava furiosa. Eu também estava bastante irritado, Watson, porque havia algo profundamente irritante na calma indiferença e completa autossatisfação da mulher que estávamos tentando salvar. Então agora você sabe nossa situação; devo planejar uma nova abordagem, já que esta falhou. Eu o manterei informado, Watson, porque você provavelmente terá um papel a desempenhar, embora o próximo movimento possa vir deles, não de nós.

En O golpe caiu. Ainda acredito que a senhora não estava envolvida. Lembro-me exatamente da pedra do calçamento onde estava quando vi o cartaz, e um horror tomou minha alma. Foi entre o Grand Hotel e a Estação Charing Cross, onde um jornaleiro de uma perna só exibia jornais da tarde. A data era dois dias após nossa última conversa. Lá, preto sobre amarelo, estava a terrível folha de notícias.

En O cartaz anunciava um ataque assassino contra Sherlock Holmes.

En Fiquei atordoado por alguns momentos. Lembro-me vagamente de pegar um jornal, ignorando a reclamação do homem que não havia pago, e então fiquei parado na porta de uma farmácia enquanto encontrava o parágrafo importante. Dizia:

En O jornal noticiou com pesar que o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, o conhecido detetive particular, havia sido vítima de um ataque assassino naquela manhã, deixando-o em estado crítico. Os detalhes eram escassos, mas o incidente parecia ter ocorrido por volta do meio-dia na Regent Street, em frente ao Café Royal. Dois homens armados com bastões o haviam espancado na cabeça e no corpo, causando ferimentos que os médicos descreveram como muito graves. Ele foi levado ao Hospital Charing Cross e depois insistiu em ser transferido para seus aposentos na Baker Street. Os agressores, que pareciam estar vestidos de forma respeitável, escaparam passando pelo Café Royal e saindo na Glasshouse Street, atrás dele.

En Não havia dúvida de que pertenciam à irmandade criminosa que tantas vezes havia sofrido por causa da atividade e inteligência do homem ferido.

En Mal olhei para o parágrafo antes de pular em um táxi hansom e seguir para Baker Street. No hall, encontrei Sir Leslie Oakshott, o famoso cirurgião, e sua brougham estava esperando no meio-fio.

En Ele relatou que não havia perigo imediato. Holmes tinha dois ferimentos lacerados no couro cabeludo e vários hematomas graves. Vários pontos haviam sido necessários. Morfina havia sido injetada, e o silêncio era essencial, mas uma breve entrevista não seria absolutamente proibida.

En Tendo recebido permissão, entrei silenciosamente no quarto escuro. O homem ferido estava acordado e ouvi meu nome ser sussurrado roucamente. A persiana estava quase abaixada, mas um único raio de sol atingiu sua cabeça enfaixada. Uma mancha vermelha havia encharcado a compressa branca. Sentei-me ao lado dele e me inclinei.

En Holmes murmurou fracamente, dizendo-me para não parecer tão assustado e me assegurando que a situação não era tão ruim quanto parecia.

En Expressei meu alívio.

En Holmes explicou que era habilidoso com uma bengala de esgrima e havia aparado a maioria dos golpes, mas o segundo homem o havia dominado.

En Perguntei a Holmes o que poderia fazer, afirmando que o vilão devia ter enviado os agressores e me oferecendo para dar uma surra nele se Holmes permitisse.

En Holmes disse a Watson que eles não poderiam agir a menos que a polícia prendesse os homens, mas a fuga deles havia sido cuidadosamente planejada. Ele disse que tinha planos e que o primeiro passo era exagerar seus ferimentos. Pediu a Watson que relatasse que ele estava muito doente, possivelmente com concussão ou delírio, e que talvez não sobrevivesse à semana. Ele aconselhou Watson a exagerar a gravidade.

En Watson perguntou sobre Sir Leslie Oakshott.

En Holmes respondeu que Sir Leslie Oakshott estava bem e que ele garantiria que Sir Leslie o visse em um estado muito ruim.

En Watson perguntou se havia mais alguma coisa.

En Holmes disse que sim, e instruiu Watson a dizer a Shinwell Johnson para esconder a garota, pois os atacantes iriam atrás dela em seguida. Ele considerou urgente e queria que fosse feito naquela noite.

En Ele afirmou que sairia imediatamente e perguntou se havia mais algo a ser feito.

En Ele me instruiu a colocar seu cachimbo e a chinela de fumo na mesa, depois me disse para visitá-lo todas as manhãs para que pudéssemos elaborar nossa estratégia juntos.

En Naquela noite, fiz arranjos com Johnson para acompanhar a Srta. Winter a uma área suburbana tranquila e garantir que ela permanecesse escondida até que a ameaça diminuísse.

En Por seis dias, o público acreditou que Holmes estava perto da morte. Os relatórios médicos eram graves, e os jornais publicavam parágrafos alarmantes. Minhas visitas frequentes me mostraram que era menos grave. Sua constituição resiliente e sua forte vontade estavam alcançando uma recuperação notável. Às vezes suspeitava que ele se recuperava mais rápido do que admitia até para mim. Ele possuía uma natureza reservada que criava efeitos dramáticos, mas mantinha até seu amigo mais próximo adivinhando seus planos precisos. Ele acreditava firmemente que o único conspirador seguro era aquele que conspirava sozinho. Embora eu estivesse mais perto dele do que qualquer outro, sempre senti uma distância entre nós.

En No sétimo dia, os pontos foram removidos, mas os jornais da tarde ainda noticiavam erisipela. Os mesmos jornais continham um anúncio que me senti obrigado a compartilhar com meu amigo, independentemente de sua saúde. Ele afirmava que entre os passageiros do transatlântico da Cunard, Ruritânia, partindo de Liverpool na sexta-feira, estava o Barão Adelbert Gruner, que tinha importantes assuntos financeiros a tratar na América antes de seu próximo casamento com a Srta. Violet de Merville, a única filha de... etc. Holmes ouviu essa notícia com uma expressão fria e intensa em seu rosto pálido, indicando que o atingiu duramente.

En Holmes exclamou que era sexta-feira, com apenas três dias claros restantes. Ele suspeitava que o patife pretendia escapar do perigo, mas declarou que ele não teria sucesso. Ele então informou Watson que precisava de sua ajuda.

En Watson respondeu que estava disponível para ajudar Holmes.

En Holmes instruiu Watson a dedicar as próximas vinte e quatro horas a um estudo intensivo de cerâmica chinesa.

En Holmes não ofereceu explicação, e Watson não pediu nenhuma, tendo aprendido com a longa experiência o valor da obediência. Depois de sair do quarto de Holmes, ele caminhou pela Baker Street, pensando em como cumprir um pedido tão incomum. Por fim, foi à London Library em St. James's Square, consultou seu amigo Lomax, o sub-bibliotecário, e voltou para seus aposentos com um livro grosso.

En Diz-se que um advogado que estuda um caso tão a fundo que pode interrogar uma testemunha especialista na segunda-feira terá esquecido todo o seu conhecimento forçado até sábado. Watson certamente não se consideraria agora uma autoridade em cerâmica. No entanto, ele passou aquela noite, a maior parte da noite com um breve descanso, e na manhã seguinte absorvendo conhecimento e memorizando nomes. Aprendeu sobre as marcas dos grandes artistas-decoradores, o mistério das datas cíclicas, as marcas de Hung-wu e as belezas de Yung-lo, os escritos de Tang-ying e as glórias dos primeiros períodos Sung e Yuan. Quando visitou Holmes na noite seguinte, estava cheio dessas informações. Holmes estava fora da cama, embora as notícias publicadas não tivessem sugerido isso, e ele se sentou em sua poltrona favorita com a cabeça fortemente enfaixada apoiada na mão.

En Watson observou a Holmes que, se os jornais fossem de se acreditar, Holmes estava morrendo.

En Holmes confirmou que essa era exatamente a impressão que ele pretendia causar, e então perguntou se Watson havia dominado suas lições.

En Watson respondeu que pelo menos havia se esforçado para isso.

En Holmes declarou que estava bom e perguntou se Watson poderia manter uma conversa inteligente sobre o assunto.

En Watson afirmou que acreditava que sim.

En Ele então pediu a Watson que lhe entregasse a pequena caixa do aparador.

En Ele abriu a tampa e retirou um pequeno objeto cuidadosamente embrulhado em fina seda oriental. Ao desembrulhá-lo, revelou um delicado piresinho de um belo tom azul profundo.

En Holmes advertiu Watson de que o pires precisava de manuseio cuidadoso. Ele explicou que era uma autêntica porcelana casca de ovo da dinastia Ming, e que nenhuma peça mais fina jamais passara pela Christie's. Um conjunto completo valeria uma fortuna, e ele duvidava que existisse um conjunto completo fora do palácio imperial em Pequim. A visão dele, disse, enlouqueceria um verdadeiro conhecedor.

En Watson perguntou a Holmes o que deveria fazer com o pires.

En Holmes entregou a Watson um cartão com o nome Dr. Hill Barton e o endereço 369 Half Moon Street.

En Holmes instruiu Watson a adotar um nome falso para a noite e visitar o Barão Gruner. Conhecendo os hábitos do Barão, Holmes acreditava que ele estaria livre às oito e meia. Um bilhete anunciaria a visita de Watson, e Watson deveria alegar que estava trazendo um exemplar único de porcelana Ming. Como Watson poderia interpretar convincentemente o papel de médico, Holmes sugeriu que ele se passasse por um médico e colecionador que havia adquirido esse conjunto, ouvido falar do interesse do Barão e estava aberto a vendê-lo por um preço.

En Watson perguntou sobre o preço que deveria definir.

En Holmes elogiou Watson por sua pergunta, observando que ignorar o valor dos próprios bens seria um grave erro. Ele explicou que o pires havia sido adquirido por Sir James da coleção de seu cliente. Holmes garantiu a Watson que ele poderia afirmar com verdade que o pires era praticamente inigualável no mundo.

En Watson propôs que ele poderia sugerir que o conjunto fosse avaliado por um especialista.

En Holmes elogiou a ideia de Watson, instando-o a sugerir casas de leilão como Christie's ou Sotheby's. Ele observou que o tato de Watson o impedia de definir um preço ele mesmo.

En Ele se perguntou em voz alta o que aconteceria se a pessoa se recusasse a encontrá-lo.

En Holmes garantiu a Watson que o homem o receberia porque tinha uma forte paixão por colecionar, especialmente naquela área, onde era um especialista reconhecido. Ele instruiu Watson a sentar e disse que escreveria uma carta. Watson deveria simplesmente declarar que estava visitando e dar o motivo, sem esperar resposta.

En A carta era um modelo de brevidade, polidez e intriga, projetada para despertar o interesse de um colecionador. Um mensageiro local a entregou. Naquela noite, armado com o valioso pires e o cartão com o nome Dr. Hill Barton, Watson embarcou em sua própria missão.

En A grandiosidade da propriedade confirmou que o Barão Gruner era extremamente rico, exatamente como Sir James havia indicado. Uma longa e sinuosa entrada ladeada por arbustos raros levava a uma grande praça de cascalho adornada com estátuas. A casa em si, construída por um magnata do ouro sul-africano durante um período de boom, era arquitetonicamente estranha, mas inegavelmente grande e sólida. Um mordomo de aparência digna recebeu Watson e o entregou a um lacaio em libré luxuosa, que o acompanhou até o Barão.

En O Barão estava diante de um armário aberto entre as janelas que continha parte de sua coleção chinesa. Quando Watson entrou, ele se virou, segurando um pequeno vaso marrom.

En Holmes convidou o médico a sentar-se e começou a mostrar sua coleção, destacando uma peça da dinastia Tang do século VII, elogiando seu artesanato e esmalte. Em seguida, perguntou se o médico havia trazido o pires Ming que mencionara.

En O médico desembrulhou cuidadosamente o pires e o entregou a Holmes. Holmes sentou-se à sua escrivaninha, ajustou o lampião à medida que a luz diminuía e começou a examiná-lo. A luz amarela iluminou suas feições, permitindo que o médico o observasse atentamente.

En Ele era notavelmente bonito, com uma reputação europeia de beleza bem justificada. De estatura mediana, era graciosamente esbelto. Seu rosto moreno, quase oriental, tinha olhos grandes e langorosos que facilmente poderiam cativar mulheres. Seu cabelo e bigode eram pretos, este último curto, pontiagudo e encerado. Suas feições eram regulares, exceto por uma boca de lábios finos que parecia cruel e dura — uma boca de assassino, pensou o médico. Ele mantinha o bigode longe dela, mas era um aviso natural. Sua voz era agradável e seus modos, perfeitos. Aparentava pouco mais de trinta anos, embora na verdade tivesse quarenta e dois.

En Holmes declarou que o pires era muito fino e expressou perplexidade por não ter ouvido falar de espécimes tão magníficos. Observou que conhecia apenas uma peça comparável na Inglaterra, que provavelmente não estaria à venda, e então perguntou educadamente ao Dr. Hill Barton como a havia adquirido.

En O médico respondeu com um ar de indiferença, sugerindo que a proveniência não era importante. Ele ressaltou que Holmes podia ver que a peça era genuína e que estava disposto a aceitar a avaliação de um especialista.

En Ele olhou para o item com um rápido lampejo suspeito em seus olhos escuros e disse que era muito misterioso. Ele explicou que, ao lidar com objetos de tal valor, naturalmente se deseja saber tudo sobre a transação. Ele não tinha dúvidas de que a peça era genuína, mas tinha que considerar todas as possibilidades, incluindo a possibilidade de que mais tarde se provasse que o vendedor não tinha o direito de vendê-la.

En A outra pessoa respondeu que o garantiria contra qualquer reivindicação desse tipo.

En Ele respondeu que isso naturalmente levantaria a questão de quanto valia essa garantia.

En O vendedor disse que seus banqueiros responderiam por isso.

En Ele concordou, mas ainda achou toda a transação bastante incomum.

En Eu disse com indiferença que ele podia aceitar a oferta ou recusá-la. Eu o procurei primeiro porque acreditava que ele era um especialista, mas não haveria dificuldade em encontrar outros compradores.

En Ele perguntou quem havia me dito que ele era um conhecedor.

En Eu respondi que sabia porque ele havia escrito um livro sobre o assunto.

En Ele perguntou se eu havia lido o livro.

En Eu respondi que não.

En O orador expressou que ele achava a situação cada vez mais difícil de entender. Ele salientou que o ouvinte, como conhecedor e colecionador, possuía uma peça muito valiosa, mas nunca tinha consultado o único livro que revelaria seu verdadeiro significado e valor. Ele perguntou como isso poderia ser explicado.

En O homem respondeu que estava extremamente ocupado como médico em exercício.

En O orador descartou isso como uma desculpa inadequada. Ele argumentou que, se alguém tem um verdadeiro hobby, o persegue independentemente de outros compromissos. Ele lembrou ao homem que ele havia se referido a si mesmo como conhecedor em sua nota.

En O homem concordou que era um conhecedor.

En O orador pediu permissão para testar o conhecimento do homem com algumas perguntas. Ele afirmou que se sentia obrigado a informar o médico — se é que ele era realmente médico — que o assunto estava se tornando mais suspeito. Ele perguntou o que o homem sabia sobre o Imperador Shomu e como ele relacionava esse imperador com o Shoso-in perto de Nara. Observando a perplexidade do homem, ele então pediu informações sobre a dinastia Wei do Norte e seu significado na história da cerâmica.

En Levantei-me da cadeira com uma demonstração de raiva fingida.

En Ele declarou a situação intolerável, afirmando que havia vindo para oferecer ajuda, não para ser interrogado como um estudante. Acrescentou que seu conhecimento poderia ser superado apenas pelo do outro, mas não responderia a perguntas feitas de maneira tão ofensiva.

En Ele fixou o olhar em mim, sua languidez anterior desapareceu. Seus olhos brilharam, e um sorriso cruel mostrou seus dentes.

En Ele exigiu saber qual era o jogo, acusando-me de ser um espião e um agente de Holmes. Acreditava que era um truque, já que Holmes estava supostamente morrendo e havia enviado suas ferramentas para vigiá-lo. Avisou que eu havia entrado sem permissão e que poderia ter mais dificuldade em sair do que em entrar.

En Ele pulou de pé, e eu recuei, preparando-me para um ataque, pois ele estava fora de si de raiva. Pode ter me suspeitado desde o início; certamente, o interrogatório havia revelado a verdade. Estava claro que eu não poderia mais enganá-lo. Ele enfiou a mão em uma gaveta lateral e procurou freneticamente. Então algo chamou sua atenção, e ele ficou parado, ouvindo atentamente.

En Ele exclamou de surpresa, repetindo a exclamação, e então correu para o cômodo atrás dele.

En Em dois passos alcancei a porta aberta, e a cena interior está para sempre gravada em minha memória. A janela do jardim estava escancarada. Ao lado dela estava Sherlock Holmes, parecendo um fantasma com a cabeça envolta em bandagens ensanguentadas e o rosto pálido e abatido. No momento seguinte, ele atravessou a janela, e ouvi seu corpo chocar-se contra os arbustos de louro. O dono da casa uivou de raiva e correu atrás dele até a janela aberta.

En Então aconteceu num instante, embora eu tenha visto claramente. O braço de uma mulher saiu de entre as folhas. No mesmo momento, o Barão soltou um grito horrível, um grito que sempre ecoará na minha memória. Ele levou as duas mãos ao rosto e correu pela sala, batendo a cabeça contra as paredes. Então caiu no tapete, rolando e se contorcendo, enquanto gritos ecoavam pela casa.

En Ele gritou desesperadamente por água, implorando pelo amor de Deus.

En Peguei uma garrafa de água da mesa lateral e corri para ajudá-lo. No mesmo instante, o mordomo e vários lacaios entraram correndo pelo hall. Lembro que um deles desmaiou enquanto eu me ajoelhava ao lado do homem ferido e virava seu rosto terrível para a luz do lampião. O vitríolo estava corroendo tudo, escorrendo de suas orelhas e queixo. Um olho já estava branco e opaco; o outro, vermelho e inflamado. As feições que eu admirava minutos antes agora pareciam uma bela pintura sobre a qual o artista passou uma esponja molhada e suja — borradas, descoloridas, desumanas, terríveis.

En Expliquei em poucas palavras exatamente o que havia acontecido com o ataque de vitríolo. Algumas pessoas haviam escalado a janela, e outras haviam corrido para o gramado, mas estava escuro e começara a chover. Entre seus gritos, a vítima se enfurecia contra seu agressor. Ele acusou uma mulher chamada Kitty Winter, chamando-a de demônio, e jurou que ela pagaria. Ele clamou que a dor era mais do que podia suportar.

En Lavei seu rosto com óleo, coloquei algodão sobre as superfícies cruas e dei-lhe uma injeção de morfina. No choque do evento, toda a suspeita que ele tinha de mim havia desaparecido, e ele se agarrou às minhas mãos como se eu ainda pudesse limpar seus olhos de peixe morto que olhavam para cima. Eu poderia ter chorado pela ruína se não me lembrasse da vida vil que levara a essa mudança horrível. Era repugnante sentir suas mãos ardentes me tocando, e fiquei aliviado quando seu cirurgião de família chegou, seguido de perto por um especialista, para assumir o caso. Um inspetor de polícia também veio, e entreguei a ele meu cartão verdadeiro. Teria sido inútil fazer o contrário, pois eu era quase tão conhecido de vista na Scotland Yard quanto o próprio Holmes. Então saí daquela casa de tristeza e terror. Em uma hora, estava em Baker Street.

En Holmes estava sentado em sua cadeira habitual, parecendo muito pálido e exausto. Além de seus ferimentos, até mesmo seus nervos de aço haviam sido abalados pelos eventos da noite, e ele ouviu com horror meu relato da transformação do Barão.

En Holmes observou que o salário do pecado sempre chega mais cedo ou mais tarde, e que havia pecado suficiente neste caso. Ele pegou um volume marrom da mesa e disse que se aquele livro não terminasse o casamento, nada jamais terminaria. Ele insistiu que nenhuma mulher com amor-próprio poderia suportá-lo.

En Perguntei se era o diário de amor dele.

En Holmes explicou que, no momento em que a mulher mencionou o diário, ele entendeu que ferramenta poderosa poderia ser se conseguissem obtê-lo. Ele guardou seus pensamentos para si porque temia que ela pudesse revelar seu interesse. A agressão contra ele mais tarde lhe deu a oportunidade de fazer o Barão acreditar que ele não representava ameaça, o que foi benéfico. Ele teria esperado mais tempo, mas a iminente viagem do Barão para a América o obrigou a agir, pois o Barão nunca deixaria um documento tão comprometedor para trás. Portanto, eles tiveram que agir imediatamente. Um roubo à noite era impossível devido às precauções do Barão, mas havia uma chance à noite se ele pudesse garantir que a atenção do Barão estivesse ocupada. Foi aí que Watson e o pires azul entraram em cena. Ele precisava confirmar a localização do livro e sabia que tinha apenas alguns minutos, já que o conhecimento de Watson sobre cerâmica chinesa limitava o tempo. Então ele reuniu a garota no último momento. Ele não fazia ideia do que continha o pequeno pacote que ela carregava cuidadosamente sob sua capa; ele presumiu que ela estava ali exclusivamente para seus propósitos, mas descobriu-se que ela tinha sua própria agenda.

En Ele adivinhou que eu tinha vindo de você.

En Holmes respondeu que temia que o Barão adivinhasse. No entanto, ele observou que Watson havia mantido a atenção do Barão tempo suficiente para ele recuperar o livro, embora não o suficiente para uma fuga despercebida. Em seguida, ele deu as boas-vindas a Sir James, expressando seu prazer com sua chegada.

En Sir James, o amigo cortês, havia chegado em resposta a uma convocação anterior. Ele ouviu com intensa atenção o relato de Holmes sobre os eventos.

En Após ouvir a narrativa, Sir James exclamou que Holmes havia realizado maravilhas. Ele então questionou se, dados os terríveis ferimentos descritos pelo Dr. Watson, o objetivo de impedir o casamento já havia sido suficientemente alcançado sem a necessidade de usar o horrível livro.

En Holmes expressou discordância balançando a cabeça.

En Holmes explicou que mulheres como a Srta. De Merville amariam ainda mais um homem se ele estivesse marcado. Portanto, ele argumentou, eles deveriam destruir seu caráter moral, e não sua aparência física. Ele acreditava que o livro, escrito de próprio punho pelo homem, a traria de volta à realidade e que nada mais poderia.

En Sir James saiu com o livro e o pires. Watson, também atrasado, acompanhou-o para fora. Uma carruagem esperava. Sir James pulou dentro, deu uma ordem apressada ao cocheiro e partiu rapidamente. Ele tentou esconder o brasão no painel da carruagem jogando seu sobretudo por cima, mas Watson o viu na luz. Chocado, Watson voltou para o quarto de Holmes.

En Watson anunciou animadamente que havia descoberto a identidade do cliente, prestes a nomeá-lo quando foi interrompido.

En Holmes ergueu a mão para parar Watson, afirmando que o cliente era um amigo leal e um cavalheiro cavalheiresco, e que isso deveria ser suficiente para eles.

En O orador não tinha certeza de como o livro incriminador foi usado. Era possível que Sir James o tivesse manuseado, ou talvez a delicada tarefa tenha sido confiada ao pai da jovem. De qualquer forma, o resultado foi totalmente satisfatório.

En Três dias depois, um jornal noticiou que o casamento entre o Barão Adelbert Gruner e a Srta. Violet de Merville não aconteceria. O mesmo periódico também cobriu a primeira aparição judicial de Miss Kitty Winter, acusada do grave crime de jogar vitríolo. Durante o julgamento, surgiram circunstâncias atenuantes que fizeram com que ela recebesse a pena mais leve possível para tal delito. Sherlock Holmes enfrentou uma ameaça de acusação por furto, mas quando o motivo é nobre e o cliente é altamente influente, até a rígida lei britânica se torna flexível. Meu amigo ainda não teve que comparecer ao banco dos réus.

A Aventura do Soldado Descorado

En As ideias do meu amigo Watson, embora limitadas, são muito persistentes. Ele há muito me insta a escrever sobre uma de minhas próprias experiências. Talvez eu tenha convidado essa pressão, pois muitas vezes apontei como seus relatos são superficiais e o acusei de agradar ao gosto popular em vez de se ater estritamente a fatos e números. Ele retrucou dizendo que eu mesmo tentasse, e sou forçado a admitir que, ao pegar na caneta, percebo que o assunto deve ser apresentado de forma a interessar o leitor. O caso a seguir dificilmente deixará de fazê-lo, pois está entre os mais estranhos da minha coleção, embora Watson não tenha registro dele. Falando do meu velho amigo e biógrafo, aproveito a oportunidade para observar que, se me sobrecarrego com um companheiro em minhas pequenas investigações, não é por sentimento ou capricho, mas porque Watson tem algumas qualidades notáveis próprias, que em sua modéstia ele ignorou em meio aos seus exagerados elogios às minhas realizações. Um cúmplice que antecipa suas conclusões e ações é sempre perigoso, mas aquele para quem cada desenvolvimento vem como uma surpresa constante e para quem o futuro é sempre desconhecido é de fato um parceiro ideal.

En Encontro em meu caderno que foi em janeiro de 1903, logo após o fim da Guerra dos Bôeres, que recebi a visita do Sr. James M. Dodd, um britânico grande, saudável, queimado de sol e íntegro. O bom Watson naquela época havia me deixado por uma esposa, a única ação egoísta que consigo recordar em nossa associação. Eu estava sozinho.

En É meu hábito sentar-me de costas para a janela e colocar meus visitantes na cadeira oposta, onde a luz incide totalmente sobre eles. O Sr. James M. Dodd parecia incerto sobre como iniciar a entrevista. Não tentei ajudá-lo, pois seu silêncio me deu mais tempo para observação. Descobri que é sábio impressionar os clientes com um senso de poder, e então compartilhei algumas de minhas conclusões com ele.

En Ele percebeu que o homem era da África do Sul.

En Ele respondeu afirmativamente, visivelmente surpreso.

En Ele supôs que o homem pertencia à Imperial Yeomanry.

En O homem confirmou que a dedução estava correta.

En Ele então acrescentou que era, sem dúvida, o Middlesex Corps.

En Ele reconheceu que Holmes parecia quase mágico em suas deduções.

En Eu sorri diante de sua expressão perplexa.

En Holmes explicou que o bronzeado intenso do homem, a posição do lenço, a barba curta e a aparência de cavaleiro, junto com seu cartão, deixaram claro que ele era um corretor da bolsa da Throgmorton Street que havia se juntado à Middlesex Yeomanry.

En Ele declarou que Holmes via tudo.

En Holmes respondeu humildemente que havia se treinado para notar o que via, e então perguntou a Dodd o que havia acontecido em Tuxbury Old Park.

En Um homem chamou urgentemente pelo Sr. Holmes.

En Holmes respondeu que não havia mistério; a carta do homem, com seu cabeçalho urgente e marcação de compromisso, indicava claramente que algo repentino e importante havia ocorrido.

En O homem concordou, mas observou que a carta foi escrita antes e muita coisa acontecera desde então; acrescentou que teria ficado se o Coronel Emsworth não o tivesse expulsado à força.

En Holmes reagiu com surpresa, repetindo a expressão 'expulsar' como uma pergunta.

En O homem confirmou que era isso mesmo, descrevendo o Coronel Emsworth como um disciplinador severo e rígido, conhecido por sua linguagem grosseira. Ele afirmou que não teria suportado o coronel não fosse seu afeto por Godfrey.

En O narrador acendeu seu cachimbo e recostou-se na cadeira, preparando-se para a conversa.

En Ele pediu ao interlocutor que esclarecesse ao que se referia.

En Seu cliente deu um sorriso malicioso e cúmplice.

En Ele admitiu que supunha que o narrador soubesse de tudo sem precisar ser informado, mas agora contaria os fatos, esperando que pudessem ser explicados. Ficara acordado a noite toda e, quanto mais pensava, mais inacreditável a situação se tornava.

En Ele explicou que em janeiro de 1901, dois anos antes, ele e Godfrey Emsworth, o único filho do Coronel Emsworth, um VC da Crimeia, haviam se juntado ao mesmo esquadrão. Godfrey era um rapaz corajoso e bom, e eles formaram uma amizade profunda forjada por dificuldades e alegrias compartilhadas. Após um ano de combates intensos, Godfrey foi baleado por uma espingarda de elefante perto de Diamond Hill, em Pretória. O cliente recebeu duas cartas — uma da Cidade do Cabo, outra de Southampton — mas, por mais de seis meses, nem uma palavra de seu amigo mais próximo.

En Após a guerra, Dodd escreveu ao pai de Godfrey para perguntar sobre Godfrey. Não recebeu resposta a princípio; uma segunda carta obteve uma resposta breve e brusca informando que Godfrey havia embarcado em uma volta ao mundo e não era esperado de volta por um ano.

En Dodd não estava convencido. A situação lhe parecia profundamente anormal. Godfrey era um amigo leal e não abandonaria um companheiro assim. Além disso, Dodd sabia que Godfrey era herdeiro de uma fortuna considerável e que seu relacionamento com o pai era frequentemente tenso — o velho podia ser dominador, e Godfrey tinha espírito demais para tolerá-lo. Insatisfeito, Dodd resolveu descobrir a verdade. No entanto, seus próprios assuntos exigiam atenção após dois anos ausente, e só nesta semana ele pôde retomar a investigação. Agora que a havia iniciado, estava determinado a levá-la até o fim.

En O Sr. James M. Dodd parecia ser o tipo de homem que se preferiria como amigo, e não como inimigo. Enquanto falava, seus olhos azuis eram duros e seu maxilar quadrado estava firmemente cerrado.

En Holmes perguntou a Dodd o que ele havia feito.

En O primeiro passo de Dodd foi viajar para a casa de Godfrey, Tuxbury Old Park perto de Bedford, para avaliar a situação pessoalmente. Ele escreveu para a mãe de Godfrey — já que estava farto do pai desagradável — e fez um pedido direto: Godfrey era seu amigo, ele tinha histórias interessantes de suas experiências compartilhadas, estaria na região e haveria alguma objeção a uma visita? A mãe respondeu gentilmente e ofereceu-lhe hospedagem para a noite, e foi por isso que ele foi na segunda-feira.

En O narrador descreveu Tuxbury Old Hall como inacessível, a cinco milhas de qualquer lugar. Ele teve que caminhar da estação, carregando sua mala, e chegou quase escuro. A casa era grande e sinuosa, situada em um parque, com vários estilos arquitetônicos, desde o enxaimel elisabetano até um pórtico vitoriano. Por dentro, era cheia de painéis, tapeçarias e quadros antigos desbotados, dando um ar de sombras e mistério. O mordomo, o velho Ralph, parecia tão envelhecido quanto a casa, e sua esposa, que havia sido a babá de Godfrey, parecia ainda mais velha. Godfrey falava dela com grande afeto, perdendo apenas para sua mãe, então o narrador se sentiu atraído por ela apesar de sua aparência estranha. Ele também gostou da mãe, uma mulherzinha gentil como um camundongo branco. Apenas o próprio coronel era desagradável para ele.

En O narrador teve uma discussão imediata com o coronel e considerou voltar a pé para a estação, mas sentiu que isso só agradaria ao coronel. Ele foi levado ao escritório onde o coronel estava sentado atrás de uma mesa desordenada. O coronel era um homem enorme, encurvado, de pele escura e barba grisalha desgrenhada. Seu nariz avermelhado projetava-se como o bico de um abutre, e seus olhos cinzentos e ferozes brilhavam sob sobrancelhas espessas. O narrador entendeu por que Godfrey raramente falava de seu pai.

En O coronel falou com uma voz áspera e disse que teria interesse em saber as verdadeiras razões da visita.

En O narrador respondeu que já havia explicado seus motivos em uma carta para a esposa do coronel.

En O coronel respondeu que o narrador havia afirmado conhecer Godfrey na África, mas eles só tinham a palavra dele para isso.

En Ele afirmou que tinha as cartas no bolso.

En Ele pediu educadamente para vê-las.

En Ele examinou brevemente as duas cartas que lhe entreguei e as devolveu.

En Ele perguntou qual era o problema.

En Ele explicou que gostava de Godfrey e que seus laços próximos e memórias compartilhadas tornavam natural que ele se perguntasse sobre o súbito silêncio do jovem e buscasse notícias dele.

En O interlocutor afirmou que se lembrava de já ter escrito ao ouvinte e informado sobre o paradeiro da pessoa. Ele explicou que o indivíduo havia embarcado em uma viagem ao redor do mundo, pois sua saúde havia sido prejudicada após seu tempo na África. Tanto o interlocutor quanto a mãe da pessoa acreditavam que um período de descanso completo e uma mudança de cenário eram essenciais. Ele pediu que o ouvinte transmitisse essa explicação a quaisquer outros conhecidos interessados.

En O ouvinte concordou, mas pediu detalhes específicos: o nome do navio a vapor, a companhia de navegação e a data de partida. Ele expressou confiança de que, com essas informações, conseguiria enviar uma carta à pessoa com sucesso.

En A pergunta do interlocutor pareceu confundir e irritar o anfitrião. Suas sobrancelhas grossas se abaixaram sobre os olhos, e ele tamborilou os dedos na mesa com irritação. Por fim, ergueu o olhar com a expressão de um jogador de xadrez que reconheceu um movimento formidável de um oponente e formulou uma resposta.

En O anfitrião comentou com o Sr. Dodd que muitas pessoas ficariam ofendidas com sua persistência implacável e considerariam sua insistência como pura grosseria.

En O Sr. Dodd pediu ao anfitrião que atribuísse sua insistência contínua ao seu afeto genuíno pelo filho do anfitrião.

En O homem disse ao Sr. Holmes que já havia considerado tudo e pediu que ele parasse suas investigações. Ele explicou que toda família tem conhecimentos e motivos privados que nem sempre podem ser explicados a estranhos. Sua esposa queria ouvir sobre o passado de Godfrey, mas ele pediu ao Sr. Holmes que deixasse o presente e o futuro de lado, pois tais investigações não eram úteis e os colocavam em uma posição difícil.

En O narrador disse ao Sr. Holmes que não conseguiu avançar além daquele ponto. Ele fingiu aceitar a situação, mas jurou a si mesmo que não descansaria até descobrir o que aconteceu com seu amigo. Eles tiveram um jantar silencioso e sombrio em uma sala desbotada. A senhora o questionou ansiosamente sobre o filho, mas o velho parecia melancólico. Entediado, ele deu uma desculpa e foi para o quarto, um quarto grande e vazio no térreo, mas depois de um ano dormindo no veld, ele não era exigente. Ele abriu as cortinas, viu uma bela noite com meia-lua, sentou-se perto do fogo para ler, mas foi interrompido pelo mordomo Ralph trazendo mais carvão.

En O mordomo disse que pensou que o hóspede pudesse precisar de mais carvão durante a noite porque o tempo estava rigoroso e os quartos estavam frios.

En Ele fez uma pausa antes de sair do quarto. Quando o narrador olhou ao redor, o mordomo estava de pé, de frente para ele, com uma expressão melancólica em seu rosto enrugado.

En O mordomo se desculpou, mas disse que não pôde evitar ouvir o que foi dito sobre o jovem Mestre Godfrey no jantar. Ele explicou que sua esposa havia amamentado Godfrey, então ele se considerava um pai adotivo e naturalmente se interessava. Ele então perguntou se Godfrey havia se comportado bem.

En O falante disse que não havia homem mais corajoso no regimento. Ele acrescentou que esse homem o havia puxado para fora de debaixo dos rifles dos Boers e que, sem essa ajuda, ele poderia não estar vivo.

En O velho mordomo esfregou suas mãos finas.

En O mordomo concordou, dizendo que isso era típico do Mestre Godfrey. Ele sempre foi corajoso. Não havia árvore no parque que ele não tivesse escalado. Nada poderia detê-lo. Ele era um bom menino e um bom homem.

En Levantei-me de um salto.

En Exclamei, perguntando ao mordomo por que ele usava o pretérito como se Godfrey estivesse morto. Exigi saber qual era o mistério e o que havia acontecido com Godfrey Emsworth.

En Segurei o ombro do velho, mas ele se encolheu.

En Ele disse que não entendia e aconselhou que eu perguntasse ao patrão sobre o Mestre Godfrey, pois o patrão sabia; não era seu lugar interferir.

En Ele começou a sair, mas segurei seu braço.

En Eu disse a ele para ouvir e que ele responderia a uma pergunta antes de sair, mesmo que eu tivesse que segurá-lo a noite toda. Perguntei se Godfrey estava morto.

En Ele não conseguiu encontrar meu olhar; parecia hipnotizado. A resposta foi arrancada dele, e foi terrível e inesperada.

En Ele exclamou que desejava a Deus que fosse assim, então se libertou e saiu correndo da sala.

En O narrador disse a Holmes que voltou para sua cadeira em um estado muito infeliz. As palavras do velho pareciam ter apenas um significado: seu pobre amigo havia se envolvido em algum assunto criminoso ou desonroso que atingia a honra da família. O severo velho havia mandado o filho embora e o escondido do mundo para evitar escândalo. Godfrey era imprudente e facilmente influenciado, então provavelmente havia caído em más mãos e se arruinado. Era um caso lamentável, mas o narrador se sentia no dever de encontrá-lo e ajudar. Enquanto ponderava ansiosamente sobre isso, ele levantou os olhos e viu Godfrey Emsworth parado diante dele.

En Meu cliente fez uma pausa, tomado por uma profunda emoção.

En Pedi que ele continuasse, observando que seu problema apresentava algumas características muito incomuns.

En Ele estava do lado de fora da janela, com o rosto pressionado contra o vidro. Eu havia deixado as cortinas parcialmente abertas, e sua figura estava emoldurada na abertura. A janela ia até o chão, então eu podia ver todo o seu comprimento, mas foi o rosto dele que prendeu meu olhar. Ele estava mortalmente pálido — nunca tinha visto um homem tão branco. Imagino que fantasmas pareçam assim, mas seus olhos encontraram os meus, e eram os olhos de um homem vivo. Ele saltou para trás quando viu que eu estava olhando para ele, e desapareceu na escuridão.

En O interlocutor descreveu o homem ao Sr. Holmes como profundamente perturbador. Não era apenas seu rosto, que brilhava de forma anormalmente branca no escuro, mas algo mais sutil — uma sensação de furtividade, culpa e dissimulação que era totalmente diferente do jovem aberto e honesto que ele conhecera. Isso deixou um sentimento duradouro de horror.

Preface

Português

O autor teme que Sherlock Holmes possa se tornar como um tenor envelhecido que faz repetidas aparições de despedida para agradar seu público. Ele acredita que isso deve parar e que Holmes deve eventualmente desaparecer, como todas as coisas. Ele imagina uma vida após a morte fantástica para personagens fictícios, um lugar onde heróis de romances de Fielding, Richardson, Scott, Dickens e Thackeray possam continuar suas vidas. Talvez em algum canto daquele reino imaginário, Sherlock Holmes e Dr. Watson possam encontrar um lugar, enquanto um novo detetive mais astuto e seu companheiro menos astuto assumem o palco.

Original English

I fear that Mr. Sherlock Holmes may become like one of those popular tenors who, having outlived their time, are still tempted to make repeated farewell bows to their indulgent audiences. This must cease and he must go the way of all flesh, material or imaginary. One likes to think that there is some fantastic limbo for the children of imagination, some strange, impossible place where the beaux of Fielding may still make love to the belles of Richardson, where Scott’s heroes still may strut, Dickens’s delightful Cockneys still raise a laugh, and Thackeray’s worldlings continue to carry on their reprehensible careers. Perhaps in some humble corner of such a Valhalla, Sherlock and his Watson may for a time find a place, while some more astute sleuth with some even less astute comrade may fill the stage which they have vacated.

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Português

A carreira de Holmes foi longa, embora seja fácil exagerá-la. Alguns leitores idosos afirmam que suas aventuras fizeram parte de sua infância, mas o autor não gosta de ter suas próprias datas questionadas. Holmes apareceu pela primeira vez em Um Estudo em Vermelho e O Signo dos Quatro, dois pequenos livros publicados entre 1887 e 1889. Em 1891, a primeira história curta, intitulada "Um Escândalo na Boêmia", foi publicada na The Strand Magazine. O público gostou e quis mais, então, ao longo dos trinta e seis anos seguintes, uma série de cinquenta e seis histórias apareceu, coletadas em volumes como As Aventuras, As Memórias, A Volta e Seu Último Adeus. As doze histórias deste livro, O Arquivo de Sherlock Holmes, foram publicadas nos últimos anos. Holmes começou no final da era vitoriana, continuou durante o curto reinado de Eduardo, e ainda mantém seu lugar nestes tempos febris. Muitos que o leram quando jovens agora veem seus próprios filhos adultos lendo as mesmas histórias na mesma revista, o que mostra a paciência e a lealdade do público britânico.

Original English

His career has been a long one—though it is possible to exaggerate it; decrepit gentlemen who approach me and declare that his adventures formed the reading of their boyhood do not meet the response from me which they seem to expect. One is not anxious to have one’s personal dates handled so unkindly. As a matter of cold fact, Holmes made his debut in A Study in Scarlet and in The Sign of Four, two small booklets which appeared between 1887 and 1889. It was in 1891 that “A Scandal in Bohemia,” the first of the long series of short stories, appeared in The Strand Magazine. The public seemed appreciative and desirous of more, so that from that date, thirty-six years ago, they have been produced in a broken series which now contains no fewer than fifty-six stories, republished in The Adventures, The Memoirs, The Return, and His Last Bow, and there remain these twelve published during the last few years which are here produced under the title of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. He began his adventures in the very heart of the later Victorian era, carried it through the all-too-short reign of Edward, and has managed to hold his own little niche even in these feverish days. Thus it would be true to say that those who first read of him as young men have lived to see their own grown-up children following the same adventures in the same magazine. It is a striking example of the patience and loyalty of the British public.

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Português

O autor havia decidido completamente encerrar Holmes após As Memórias, sentindo que sua energia literária não deveria estar tão focada em um único personagem. O rosto pálido e de traços nítidos e a figura de membros soltos de Holmes haviam ocupado demais sua imaginação. Ele de fato encerrou a série, mas felizmente nenhum legista declarou os restos mortais, então, após um longo intervalo, ele pôde responder à demanda lisonjeira e justificar seu ato precipitado. Ele nunca se arrependeu, pois descobriu que essas histórias mais leves não o impediram de explorar outros ramos da literatura como história, poesia, romances históricos, pesquisa psíquica e drama. Mesmo que Holmes nunca tivesse existido, ele não poderia ter feito mais, embora Holmes possa ter dificultado um pouco o reconhecimento de seu trabalho mais sério.

Original English

I had fully determined at the conclusion of The Memoirs to bring Holmes to an end, as I felt that my literary energies should not be directed too much into one channel. That pale, clear-cut face and loose-limbed figure were taking up an undue share of my imagination. I did the deed, but fortunately no coroner had pronounced upon the remains, and so, after a long interval, it was not difficult for me to respond to the flattering demand and to explain my rash act away. I have never regretted it, for I have not in actual practice found that these lighter sketches have prevented me from exploring and finding my limitations in such varied branches of literature as history, poetry, historical novels, psychic research, and the drama. Had Holmes never existed I could not have done more, though he may perhaps have stood a little in the way of the recognition of my more serious literary work.

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Português

E assim, o autor se despede de Sherlock Holmes. Ele agradece ao leitor por sua lealdade e espera que as histórias tenham proporcionado algum retorno na forma de distração das preocupações da vida e uma mudança estimulante de pensamento, que só pode ser encontrada no reino das fadas do romance.

Original English

And so, reader, farewell to Sherlock Holmes! I thank you for your past constancy, and can but hope that some return has been made in the shape of that distraction from the worries of life and stimulating change of thought which can only be found in the fairy kingdom of romance.

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Português

Arthur Conan Doyle.

Original English

Arthur Conan Doyle.

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The Adventure of the Illustrious Client

Português

Depois de muitos anos de pedidos, Sherlock Holmes finalmente concordou que não faria mal publicar esta história. Ele achou que agora era seguro registrar o que foi, de certa forma, o maior momento de sua carreira.

Original English

“It can’t hurt now,” was Mr. Sherlock Holmes’s comment when, for the tenth time in as many years, I asked his leave to reveal the following narrative. So it was that at last I obtained permission to put on record what was, in some ways, the supreme moment of my friend’s career.

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Português

Tanto Holmes quanto eu tínhamos uma predileção por banhos turcos. Muitas vezes o encontrava mais aberto e humano na atmosfera relaxada da sala de secagem enquanto fumávamos. Em um canto isolado no último andar do estabelecimento na Northumberland Avenue, havia dois sofás lado a lado. Nós nos deitamos lá em 3 de setembro de 1902, o dia em que minha história começa. Quando perguntei se algo estava acontecendo, ele esticou seu braço longo e fino para fora dos lençóis e pegou um envelope do bolso interno de seu casaco, que estava pendurado ao lado dele.

Original English

Both Holmes and I had a weakness for the Turkish bath. It was over a smoke in the pleasant lassitude of the drying-room that I have found him less reticent and more human than anywhere else. On the upper floor of the Northumberland Avenue establishment there is an isolated corner where two couches lie side by side, and it was on these that we lay upon September 3, 1902, the day when my narrative begins. I had asked him whether anything was stirring, and for answer he had shot his long, thin, nervous arm out of the sheets which enveloped him and had drawn an envelope from the inside pocket of the coat which hung beside him.

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Português

Ao me entregar o bilhete, Holmes comentou que poderia ser de um tolo enfadonho e presunçoso ou envolver uma questão de vida ou morte. Ele não sabia mais do que a mensagem lhe dizia.

Original English

“It may be some fussy, self-important fool; it may be a matter of life or death,” said he as he handed me the note. “I know no more than this message tells me.”

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Português

O bilhete era do Carlton Club, datado da noite anterior. Foi o que li:

Original English

It was from the Carlton Club and dated the evening before. This is what I read:

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Português

Sir James Damery enviou seus cumprimentos ao Sr. Sherlock Holmes e o visitaria às 4:30 do dia seguinte. Sir James declarou que o assunto sobre o qual desejava consultar o Sr. Holmes era muito delicado e muito importante. Portanto, ele confiava que o Sr. Holmes faria o possível para conceder esta entrevista e a confirmaria por telefone ao Carlton Club.

Original English

Sir James Damery presents his compliments to Mr. Sherlock Holmes and will call upon him at 4:30 tomorrow. Sir James begs to say that the matter upon which he desires to consult Mr. Holmes is very delicate and also very important. He trusts, therefore, that Mr. Holmes will make every effort to grant this interview, and that he will confirm it over the telephone to the Carlton Club.

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Português

Holmes devolveu o jornal e comentou que ele de fato havia verificado as informações. Em seguida, perguntou se Watson sabia algo sobre um homem chamado Damery.

Original English

“I need not say that I have confirmed it, Watson,” said Holmes as I returned the paper. “Do you know anything of this man Damery?”

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Português

Watson respondeu que o nome Damery era amplamente conhecido na alta sociedade.

Original English

“Only that this name is a household word in society.”

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Português

Holmes acrescentou que Damery tinha fama de lidar com assuntos delicados que não apareciam nos jornais, citando suas negociações com Sir George Lewis a respeito do caso do testamento de Hammerford. Descrevendo Damery como um homem experiente e com habilidade diplomática natural, Holmes expressou sua esperança de que não se tratasse de uma pista falsa e que Damery realmente precisasse de sua ajuda.

Original English

“Well, I can tell you a little more than that. He has rather a reputation for arranging delicate matters which are to be kept out of the papers. You may remember his negotiations with Sir George Lewis over the Hammerford Will case. He is a man of the world with a natural turn for diplomacy. I am bound, therefore, to hope that it is not a false scent and that he has some real need for our assistance.”

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Português

Watson questionou o uso da palavra 'nosso', dando a entender que ele poderia estar incluído.

Original English

“Our?”

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Português

Holmes insinuou que receberia bem a cooperação de Watson, perguntando se ele seria tão gentil a ponto de ajudar.

Original English

“Well, if you will be so good, Watson.”

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Português

Ele expressou que ficaria honrado.

Original English

“I shall be honoured.”

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Português

Ele confirmou que a reunião estava marcada para as 4:30 e sugeriu que não pensassem no assunto até lá.

Original English

“Then you have the hour—4:30. Until then we can put the matter out of our heads.”

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Português

Cheguei à Baker Street antes do horário combinado. O Coronel Sir James Damery foi anunciado exatamente às quatro e meia. Ele era conhecido por sua aparência grande e honesta; seu rosto bem barbeado; sua voz agradável; e seu modo franco e bem-humorado. Estava meticulosamente vestido com cartola e sobrecasaca, com um alfinete de pérola e polainas lilases, e sua presença aristocrática dominava a pequena sala.

Original English

I was living in my own rooms in Queen Anne Street at the time, but I was round at Baker Street before the time named. Sharp to the half-hour, Colonel Sir James Damery was announced. It is hardly necessary to describe him, for many will remember that large, bluff, honest personality, that broad, clean-shaven face, and, above all, that pleasant, mellow voice. Frankness shone from his gray Irish eyes, and good humour played round his mobile, smiling lips. His lucent top-hat, his dark frock-coat, indeed, every detail, from the pearl pin in the black satin cravat to the lavender spats over the varnished shoes, spoke of the meticulous care in dress for which he was famous. The big, masterful aristocrat dominated the little room.

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Português

O Coronel Damery comentou que esperava o Dr. Watson e que sua ajuda poderia ser necessária, pois estavam lidando com um homem acostumado à violência e que não pararia por nada. Ele o descreveu como talvez o homem mais perigoso da Europa.

Original English

“Of course, I was prepared to find Dr. Watson,” he remarked with a courteous bow. “His collaboration may be very necessary, for we are dealing on this occasion, Mr. Holmes, with a man to whom violence is familiar and who will, literally, stick at nothing. I should say that there is no more dangerous man in Europe.”

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Português

Holmes sorriu e observou que já enfrentara vários oponentes aos quais essa descrição havia sido aplicada. Ele acendeu seu cachimbo e comentou que, se seu homem era mais perigoso que o falecido Professor Moriarty ou o vivo Coronel Sebastian Moran, então ele realmente merecia ser conhecido. Em seguida, perguntou o nome do homem.

Original English

“I have had several opponents to whom that flattering term has been applied,” said Holmes with a smile. “Don’t you smoke? Then you will excuse me if I light my pipe. If your man is more dangerous than the late Professor Moriarty, or than the living Colonel Sebastian Moran, then he is indeed worth meeting. May I ask his name?”

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Português

Ele foi perguntado se já tinha ouvido falar do Barão Gruner.

Original English

“Have you ever heard of Baron Gruner?”

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Português

A outra pessoa perguntou se ele se referia ao austríaco que havia cometido assassinato.

Original English

“You mean the Austrian murderer?”

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Português

O Coronel Damery riu e ergueu as mãos calçadas com luvas, reconhecendo que era impossível passar despercebido por Holmes. Ele perguntou se Holmes já tinha formado a opinião de que Gruner era um assassino.

Original English

Colonel Damery threw up his kid-gloved hands with a laugh. “There is no getting past you, Mr. Holmes! Wonderful! So you have already sized him up as a murderer?”

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Português

Holmes explicou que era seu dever estar informado sobre crimes no continente. Ele afirmou que qualquer pessoa que tivesse lido sobre os eventos em Praga teria certeza da culpa do homem, e que apenas um ponto técnico legal e a morte suspeita de uma testemunha o salvaram. Ele estava tão convencido de que Gruner havia matado sua esposa durante o chamado acidente no Passo Splugen como se tivesse presenciado. Ele acrescentou que sabia que Gruner tinha vindo para a Inglaterra e tinha a sensação de que eventualmente precisaria de sua assistência. Ele perguntou o que o Barão Gruner havia feito agora, presumindo que não era a velha tragédia ressurgindo.

Original English

“It is my business to follow the details of Continental crime. Who could possibly have read what happened at Prague and have any doubts as to the man’s guilt! It was a purely technical legal point and the suspicious death of a witness that saved him! I am as sure that he killed his wife when the so-called ‘accident’ happened in the Splugen Pass as if I had seen him do it. I knew, also, that he had come to England and had a presentiment that sooner or later he would find me some work to do. Well, what has Baron Gruner been up to? I presume it is not this old tragedy which has come up again?”

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Português

O homem respondeu que era mais sério do que isso. Ele disse que, embora vingar o crime fosse importante, preveni-lo era ainda mais. Ele descreveu a terrível experiência de ver um evento terrível prestes a acontecer, entendendo exatamente onde levaria, e ainda assim ser completamente incapaz de impedi-lo. Ele perguntou se poderia haver uma posição mais difícil para um ser humano.

Original English

“No, it is more serious than that. To revenge crime is important, but to prevent it is more so. It is a terrible thing, Mr. Holmes, to see a dreadful event, an atrocious situation, preparing itself before your eyes, to clearly understand whither it will lead and yet to be utterly unable to avert it. Can a human being be placed in a more trying position?”

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Português

Ele respondeu que talvez não fosse.

Original English

“Perhaps not.”

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Português

Ele disse que Holmes, portanto, simpatizaria com o cliente em nome de quem ele estava agindo.

Original English

“Then you will sympathize with the client in whose interests I am acting.”

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Português

Holmes afirmou que não havia percebido que o homem era apenas um intermediário e perguntou quem era o principal.

Original English

“I did not understand that you were merely an intermediary. Who is the principal?”

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Português

O homem implorou a Holmes que não insistisse pelo nome do cliente. Ele explicou que era essencial que o cliente tivesse a garantia de que seu nome honrado não seria envolvido no assunto. Seus motivos eram inteiramente honrosos e cavalheirescos, mas ele desejava permanecer anônimo. Ele acrescentou que os honorários de Holmes seriam garantidos e que ele teria total liberdade de ação. Certamente, argumentou ele, o nome real do cliente era irrelevante?

Original English

“Mr. Holmes, I must beg you not to press that question. It is important that I should be able to assure him that his honoured name has been in no way dragged into the matter. His motives are, to the last degree, honourable and chivalrous, but he prefers to remain unknown. I need not say that your fees will be assured and that you will be given a perfectly free hand. Surely the actual name of your client is immaterial?”

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Português

Holmes se desculpou, explicando que estava acostumado a ter mistério em uma ponta de seus casos, mas tê-lo em ambas as pontas era confuso demais. Portanto, ele disse a Sir James que precisava recusar o caso.

Original English

“I am sorry,” said Holmes. “I am accustomed to have mystery at one end of my cases, but to have it at both ends is too confusing. I fear, Sir James, that I must decline to act.”

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Português

O visitante estava profundamente perturbado. Seu rosto expressivo refletia uma mistura de emoções fortes e decepção.

Original English

Our visitor was greatly disturbed. His large, sensitive face was darkened with emotion and disappointment.

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Português

Ele disse ao Sr. Holmes que não entendia totalmente as consequências de suas próprias ações. Disse que Holmes o estava colocando em uma posição muito difícil, porque ele tinha certeza de que Holmes se orgulharia de assumir o caso se pudesse fornecer todos os fatos. No entanto, uma promessa o impedia de revelar tudo. Ele perguntou se poderia pelo menos apresentar o que pudesse.

Original English

“You hardly realize the effect of your own action, Mr. Holmes,” said he. “You place me in a most serious dilemma for I am perfectly certain that you would be proud to take over the case if I could give you the facts, and yet a promise forbids me from revealing them all. May I, at least, lay all that I can before you?”

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Português

Holmes concordou, com o claro entendimento de que não estava se comprometendo com nada.

Original English

“By all means, so long as it is understood that I commit myself to nothing.”

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Português

O visitante reconheceu isso. Ele então perguntou se Holmes já tinha ouvido falar do General de Merville.

Original English

“That is understood. In the first place, you have no doubt heard of General de Merville?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que já tinha ouvido falar de De Merville, aquele conhecido por seus feitos em Khyber.

Original English

“De Merville of Khyber fame? Yes, I have heard of him.”

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Português

Ele tem uma filha chamada Violet de Merville, que é jovem, rica, bonita, talentosa e excepcional em todos os aspectos. Eles estão tentando salvar essa garota inocente de um vilão.

Original English

“He has a daughter, Violet de Merville, young, rich, beautiful, accomplished, a wonder-woman in every way. It is this daughter, this lovely, innocent girl, whom we are endeavouring to save from the clutches of a fiend.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se o Barão Gruner tinha alguma influência sobre ela.

Original English

“Baron Gruner has some hold over her, then?”

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Português

A influência mais forte sobre uma mulher é o amor. O homem é extremamente bonito, charmoso, com uma voz suave e um ar de mistério que atrai as mulheres. Diz-se que ele tem grande poder sobre as mulheres e o explorou plenamente.

Original English

“The strongest of all holds where a woman is concerned—the hold of love. The fellow is, as you may have heard, extraordinarily handsome, with a most fascinating manner, a gentle voice and that air of romance and mystery which means so much to a woman. He is said to have the whole sex at his mercy and to have made ample use of the fact.”

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Português

Ele se perguntou como um homem assim poderia conhecer uma mulher da posição social da Srta. Violet de Merville.

Original English

“But how came such a man to meet a lady of the standing of Miss Violet de Merville?”

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Português

Eles se conheceram em uma viagem de iate no Mediterrâneo. Os passageiros eram selecionados, mas pagavam suas próprias passagens, e os organizadores provavelmente não conheciam a verdadeira natureza do Barão até que fosse tarde demais. Ele se aproximou da senhora e conquistou completamente seu coração. Ela o adora, é obcecada e não ouve nenhuma crítica. Todos os esforços para curar sua devoção falharam. Ela planeja se casar com ele no próximo mês. Como ela é maior de idade e muito determinada, impedir isso é difícil.

Original English

“It was on a Mediterranean yachting voyage. The company, though select, paid their own passages. No doubt the promoters hardly realized the Baron’s true character until it was too late. The villain attached himself to the lady, and with such effect that he has completely and absolutely won her heart. To say that she loves him hardly expresses it. She dotes upon him, she is obsessed by him. Outside of him there is nothing on earth. She will not hear one word against him. Everything has been done to cure her of her madness, but in vain. To sum up, she proposes to marry him next month. As she is of age and has a will of iron, it is hard to know how to prevent her.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se ela sabia sobre o episódio austríaco.

Original English

“Does she know about the Austrian episode?”

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Português

O homem astuto a informara de todos os escândalos públicos desagradáveis do seu passado, mas sempre de uma maneira que o retratava como um mártir inocente. Ela aceitou plenamente seu relato e se recusou a ouvir qualquer outro.

Original English

“The cunning devil has told her every unsavoury public scandal of his past life, but always in such a way as to make himself out to be an innocent martyr. She absolutely accepts his version and will listen to no other.”

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Português

Ele exclamou surpreso e sugeriu que o visitante havia revelado acidentalmente o nome do cliente, que ele presumiu ser o General de Merville.

Original English

“Dear me! But surely you have inadvertently let out the name of your client? It is no doubt General de Merville.”

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Português

O visitante se mexeu desconfortavelmente em sua cadeira.

Original English

Our visitor fidgeted in his chair.

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Português

O visitante admitiu que não poderia enganar Holmes negando a identidade do cliente, mas afirmou que o General de Merville era um homem destruído. O outrora forte soldado havia se tornado desmoralizado e fraco, incapaz de enfrentar o astuto austríaco. O cliente, um velho amigo do General que conhecia a garota desde a infância, queria evitar a tragédia, mas insistiu no anonimato. Ele pediu que Holmes honrasse esse pedido e não investigasse sua identidade.

Original English

“I could deceive you by saying so, Mr. Holmes, but it would not be true. De Merville is a broken man. The strong soldier has been utterly demoralized by this incident. He has lost the nerve which never failed him on the battlefield and has become a weak, doddering old man, utterly incapable of contending with a brilliant, forceful rascal like this Austrian. My client, however, is an old friend, one who has known the General intimately for many years and taken a paternal interest in this young girl since she wore short frocks. He cannot see this tragedy consummated without some attempt to stop it. There is nothing in which Scotland Yard can act. It was his own suggestion that you should be called in, but it was, as I have said, on the express stipulation that he should not be personally involved in the matter. I have no doubt, Mr. Holmes, with your great powers you could easily trace my client back through me, but I must ask you, as a point of honour, to refrain from doing so, and not to break in upon his incognito.”

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Português

Holmes deu um sorriso caprichoso.

Original English

Holmes gave a whimsical smile.

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Português

Ele disse que poderia fazer essa promessa com segurança. Ele acrescentou que o problema o interessava e que estaria preparado para investigá-lo. Em seguida, perguntou como poderia manter contato.

Original English

“I think I may safely promise that,” said he. “I may add that your problem interests me, and that I shall be prepared to look into it. How shall I keep in touch with you?”

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Português

O cliente afirmou que poderia ser encontrado no Carlton Club, mas em caso de emergência, havia um número de telefone particular, XX.31.

Original English

“The Carlton Club will find me. But in case of emergency, there is a private telephone call, ‘XX.31.’ ”

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Português

Holmes anotou e permaneceu sentado, ainda sorrindo, com seu livro de memorandos aberto sobre o joelho.

Original English

Holmes noted it down and sat, still smiling, with the open memorandum-book upon his knee.

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Português

Holmes perguntou pelo endereço atual do Barão.

Original English

“The Baron’s present address, please?”

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Português

Vernon Lodge, perto de Kingston, é uma casa grande. Ele tem sido bem-sucedido em algumas especulações bastante duvidosas e é rico, o que naturalmente o torna um adversário mais perigoso.

Original English

“Vernon Lodge, near Kingston. It is a large house. He has been fortunate in some rather shady speculations and is a rich man, which naturally makes him a more dangerous antagonist.”

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Português

Perguntaram-lhe se o homem estava atualmente em casa.

Original English

“Is he at home at present?”

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Português

A resposta foi afirmativa.

Original English

“Yes.”

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Português

Ele então perguntou se o interlocutor poderia fornecer mais detalhes sobre o homem além do que já havia sido compartilhado.

Original English

“Apart from what you have told me, can you give me any further information about the man?”

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Português

Ele tem gostos caros e gosta de cavalos. Jogou pólo brevemente em Hurlingham, mas foi forçado a sair depois que rumores do caso de Praga se espalharam. Ele coleciona livros e quadros e possui uma considerável sensibilidade artística. Acredita-se que ele seja uma autoridade reconhecida em cerâmica chinesa e tenha escrito um livro sobre o assunto.

Original English

“He has expensive tastes. He is a horse fancier. For a short time he played polo at Hurlingham, but then this Prague affair got noised about and he had to leave. He collects books and pictures. He is a man with a considerable artistic side to his nature. He is, I believe, a recognized authority upon Chinese pottery and has written a book upon the subject.”

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Português

Holmes observou que uma mente complexa era típica de grandes criminosos, citando exemplos como Charlie Peace, um virtuoso do violino, e Wainwright, um artista talentoso. Ele instruiu Sir James a informar seu cliente que ele agora direcionaria sua atenção ao Barão Gruner, acrescentando que tinha suas próprias fontes e acreditava que poderiam encontrar uma maneira de prosseguir.

Original English

“A complex mind,” said Holmes. “All great criminals have that. My old friend Charlie Peace was a violin virtuoso. Wainwright was no mean artist. I could quote many more. Well, Sir James, you will inform your client that I am turning my mind upon Baron Gruner. I can say no more. I have some sources of information of my own, and I dare say we may find some means of opening the matter up.”

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Português

Após a partida do visitante, Holmes permaneceu absorto em pensamento por tanto tempo que Watson se sentiu quase invisível. No entanto, eventualmente, ele voltou ao presente com energia renovada.

Original English

When our visitor had left us, Holmes sat so long in deep thought that it seemed to me that he had forgotten my presence. At last, however, he came briskly back to earth.

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Português

Holmes perguntou se Watson tinha alguma opinião sobre o assunto.

Original English

“Well, Watson, any views?” he asked.

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Português

Watson propôs que Holmes marcasse um encontro pessoal com a jovem.

Original English

“I should think you had better see the young lady herself.”

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Português

Holmes observou que se seu pai envelhecido e abatido não conseguia convencê-la, um estranho como ele dificilmente teria sucesso. No entanto, ele admitiu que a ideia tinha mérito como último recurso. Preferiu começar por uma direção diferente, sugerindo que Shinwell Johnson poderia ser útil.

Original English

“My dear Watson, if her poor old broken father cannot move her, how shall I, a stranger, prevail? And yet there is something in the suggestion if all else fails. But I think we must begin from a different angle. I rather fancy that Shinwell Johnson might be a help.”

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Português

O escritor não havia mencionado anteriormente Shinwell Johnson nestes relatos, pois ele geralmente lidava com casos da parte inicial da carreira de Sherlock Holmes. No entanto, nos primeiros anos do século XX, Johnson tornou-se um assistente valioso. Johnson primeiro fez seu nome como um criminoso perigoso e cumpriu duas penas de prisão em Parkhurst. Eventualmente, ele se reformou e aliou-se a Holmes, agindo como seu agente no vasto submundo criminal de Londres e obtendo informações que muitas vezes se mostravam cruciais. Se Johnson tivesse sido um informante da polícia, ele teria sido rapidamente descoberto, mas como ele trabalhava em casos que nunca chegavam diretamente aos tribunais, seu papel passou despercebido por seus associados. Suas duas condenações lhe davam acesso a todas as boates, pensões e antros de jogo da cidade, e sua observação aguçada e mente rápida faziam dele um agente ideal para coletar informações. Era a ele que Sherlock Holmes agora pretendia recorrer.

Original English

I have not had occasion to mention Shinwell Johnson in these memoirs because I have seldom drawn my cases from the latter phases of my friend’s career. During the first years of the century he became a valuable assistant. Johnson, I grieve to say, made his name first as a very dangerous villain and served two terms at Parkhurst. Finally he repented and allied himself to Holmes, acting as his agent in the huge criminal underworld of London and obtaining information which often proved to be of vital importance. Had Johnson been a “nark” of the police he would soon have been exposed, but as he dealt with cases which never came directly into the courts, his activities were never realized by his companions. With the glamour of his two convictions upon him, he had the entrée of every nightclub, doss house, and gambling-den in the town, and his quick observation and active brain made him an ideal agent for gaining information. It was to him that Sherlock Holmes now proposed to turn.

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Português

Não foi possível ao escritor acompanhar seu amigo nos passos imediatos que ele deu, porque tinha negócios profissionais urgentes próprios. No entanto, ele encontrou Holmes naquela noite, conforme combinado, no restaurante Simpson's. Lá, sentado a uma mesinha na vitrine da frente e olhando para o fluxo agitado de vida no Strand, Holmes lhe contou algo do que havia ocorrido.

Original English

It was not possible for me to follow the immediate steps taken by my friend, for I had some pressing professional business of my own, but I met him by appointment that evening at Simpson’s, where, sitting at a small table in the front window and looking down at the rushing stream of life in the Strand, he told me something of what had passed.

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Português

Holmes comentou que Johnson estava à procura. Ele poderia captar algumas informações nos cantos mais escuros do submundo, pois era lá, entre as raízes negras do crime, que eles tinham que procurar os segredos daquele homem.

Original English

“Johnson is on the prowl,” said he. “He may pick up some garbage in the darker recesses of the underworld, for it is down there, amid the black roots of crime, that we must hunt for this man’s secrets.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou por que qualquer nova descoberta de Holmes mudaria a opinião da senhora se ela não aceitasse o que já era conhecido.

Original English

“But if the lady will not accept what is already known, why should any fresh discovery of yours turn her from her purpose?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que quem poderia dizer; o coração e a mente de uma mulher são quebra-cabeças insolúveis para um homem. O assassinato poderia ser perdoado ou explicado, mas uma ofensa menor poderia causar rancor. Ele mencionou que o Barão Gruner havia dito algo a ele.

Original English

“Who knows, Watson? Woman’s heart and mind are insoluble puzzles to the male. Murder might be condoned or explained, and yet some smaller offence might rankle. Baron Gruner remarked to me—”

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Português

Ele havia feito uma observação a você.

Original English

“He remarked to you!”

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Português

Holmes disse que não havia compartilhado seus planos. Ele gostava de confrontar seus oponentes diretamente, cara a cara, para julgar seu caráter. Depois de dar suas instruções a Johnson, ele pegou um táxi para Kingston e encontrou o Barão em um humor muito amigável.

Original English

“Oh, to be sure, I had not told you of my plans. Well, Watson, I love to come to close grips with my man. I like to meet him eye to eye and read for myself the stuff that he is made of. When I had given Johnson his instructions I took a cab out to Kingston and found the Baron in a most affable mood.”

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Português

Watson perguntou se o Barão o havia reconhecido.

Original English

“Did he recognize you?”

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Português

Holmes disse que foi fácil porque ele havia enviado seu cartão. Ele descreveu o Barão como um criminoso perigoso, mas bem-educado, aparentemente calmo e educado, mas profundamente cruel. Ele ficou satisfeito por sua atenção ter sido chamada para o Barão Adelbert Gruner.

Original English

“There was no difficulty about that, for I simply sent in my card. He is an excellent antagonist, cool as ice, silky voiced and soothing as one of your fashionable consultants, and poisonous as a cobra. He has breeding in him—a real aristocrat of crime with a superficial suggestion of afternoon tea and all the cruelty of the grave behind it. Yes, I am glad to have had my attention called to Baron Adelbert Gruner.”

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Português

Watson perguntou se o Barão havia sido afável.

Original English

“You say he was affable?”

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Português

O Barão, como um gato ronronando observando possíveis ratos, cumprimentou Holmes com sua afabilidade característica. Ele disse que esperava vê-lo mais cedo ou mais tarde e adivinhou corretamente que o General de Merville havia contratado Holmes para tentar impedir seu casamento com Violet.

Original English

“A purring cat who thinks he sees prospective mice. Some people’s affability is more deadly than the violence of coarser souls. His greeting was characteristic. ‘I rather thought I should see you sooner or later, Mr. Holmes,’ said he. ‘You have been engaged, no doubt by General de Merville, to endeavour to stop my marriage with his daughter, Violet. That is so, is it not?’

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Português

Holmes reconheceu que isso era verdade.

Original English

“I acquiesced.

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Português

O Barão advertiu Holmes de que ele apenas arruinaria sua própria reputação bem merecida, já que o caso era impossível de vencer e envolveria trabalho infrutífero e perigo pessoal, e aconselhou-o fortemente a desistir imediatamente.

Original English

“ ‘My dear man,’ said he, ‘you will only ruin your own well-deserved reputation. It is not a case in which you can possibly succeed. You will have barren work, to say nothing of incurring some danger. Let me very strongly advise you to draw off at once.’

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Português

Holmes respondeu que pretendia dar ao Barão o mesmo conselho. Ele expressou respeito pela inteligência do Barão e disse que ninguém queria remexer em seu passado. No entanto, se ele insistisse no casamento, despertaria inimigos poderosos que tornariam a Inglaterra insuportável para ele. Holmes perguntou se o prêmio valia tal risco e sugeriu que seria mais sábio deixar a moça em paz, já que revelar seu passado a ela seria desagradável.

Original English

“ ‘It is curious,’ I answered, ‘but that was the very advice which I had intended to give you. I have a respect for your brains, Baron, and the little which I have seen of your personality has not lessened it. Let me put it to you as man to man. No one wants to rake up your past and make you unduly uncomfortable. It is over, and you are now in smooth waters, but if you persist in this marriage you will raise up a swarm of powerful enemies who will never leave you alone until they have made England too hot to hold you. Is the game worth it? Surely you would be wiser if you left the lady alone. It would not be pleasant for you if these facts of your past were brought to her notice.’

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Português

Os pequenos fios de cabelo encerados sob o nariz do Barão, que lembravam antenas de inseto, tremeram de divertimento enquanto ele ouvia, e ele eventualmente soltou uma risadinha suave.

Original English

“The Baron has little waxed tips of hair under his nose, like the short antennae of an insect. These quivered with amusement as he listened, and he finally broke into a gentle chuckle.

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Português

O homem disse a Holmes que achava engraçado vê-lo tentar jogar uma mão sem cartas, acrescentando que ninguém poderia fazer melhor, mas que era bastante patético. Ele disse que não havia uma única carta de cor, apenas as menores.

Original English

“ ‘Excuse my amusement, Mr. Holmes,’ said he, ‘but it is really funny to see you trying to play a hand with no cards in it. I don’t think anyone could do it better, but it is rather pathetic all the same. Not a colour card there, Mr. Holmes, nothing but the smallest of the small.’

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Português

Holmes respondeu simplesmente que essa era a opinião dele.

Original English

“ ‘So you think.’

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Português

O homem afirmou que conhecia bem a situação porque havia conquistado a total afeição da dama. Ele contara a ela sobre seu passado, incluindo todos os incidentes infelizes, e a avisara sobre pessoas más como Holmes que tentariam contar essas coisas. Disse que usara sugestão pós-hipnótica para prepará-la, e que um homem de personalidade podia usar hipnotismo sem truques vulgares. Assim, ela estava pronta para Holmes e seria obediente à vontade do pai, exceto naquele único assunto.

Original English

“ ‘So I know. Let me make the thing clear to you, for my own hand is so strong that I can afford to show it. I have been fortunate enough to win the entire affection of this lady. This was given to me in spite of the fact that I told her very clearly of all the unhappy incidents in my past life. I also told her that certain wicked and designing persons—I hope you recognize yourself—would come to her and tell her these things, and I warned her how to treat them. You have heard of post-hypnotic suggestion, Mr. Holmes. Well, you will see how it works, for a man of personality can use hypnotism without any vulgar passes or tomfoolery. So she is ready for you and, I have no doubt, would give you an appointment, for she is quite amenable to her father’s will—save only in the one little matter.’

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Português

Watson relatou que não havia mais nada a dizer, então se despediu com toda a frieza e dignidade que pôde reunir, mas quando sua mão estava na maçaneta, o homem o parou.

Original English

“Well, Watson, there seemed to be no more to say, so I took my leave with as much cold dignity as I could summon, but, as I had my hand on the door-handle, he stopped me.

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Português

O homem então perguntou a Holmes se ele conhecia Le Brun, o agente francês.

Original English

“ ‘By the way, Mr. Holmes,’ said he, ‘did you know Le Brun, the French agent?’

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Português

Eu respondi que sim.

Original English

“ ‘Yes,’ said I.

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Português

Ele perguntou se eu sabia o que havia acontecido com ele.

Original English

“ ‘Do you know what befell him?’

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Português

Eu tinha ouvido que ele foi espancado por apaches no distrito de Montmartre e ficou aleijado para o resto da vida.

Original English

“ ‘I heard that he was beaten by some Apaches in the Montmartre district and crippled for life.’

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Português

Ele confirmou a história e alertou Holmes para não investigar seus negócios, pois era perigoso e vários já haviam sofrido. Ele aconselhou Holmes a seguir seu próprio caminho e se despediu.

Original English

“ ‘Quite true, Mr. Holmes. By a curious coincidence he had been inquiring into my affairs only a week before. Don’t do it, Mr. Holmes; it’s not a lucky thing to do. Several have found that out. My last word to you is, go your own way and let me go mine. Goodbye!’

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Português

Holmes disse a Watson que ele estava agora atualizado.

Original English

“So there you are, Watson. You are up to date now.”

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Português

Ele comentou que o homem parecia perigoso.

Original English

“The fellow seems dangerous.”

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Português

Ele enfatizou que o homem era extremamente perigoso. Explicou que não dava atenção àqueles que falam muito, mas este homem era diferente, pois dizia menos do que pretendia.

Original English

“Mighty dangerous. I disregard the blusterer, but this is the sort of man who says rather less than he means.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se Holmes precisava interferir e se realmente importava se o homem se casasse com a jovem.

Original English

“Must you interfere? Does it really matter if he marries the girl?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que certamente importava, pois o homem havia indubitavelmente assassinado sua esposa anterior. Ele também mencionou o cliente, mas disse que não precisavam discutir isso. Sugeriu que, após terminar o café, a outra pessoa deveria ir para casa com ele, pois Shinwell estaria lá com seu relatório.

Original English

“Considering that he undoubtedly murdered his last wife, I should say it mattered very much. Besides, the client! Well, well, we need not discuss that. When you have finished your coffee you had best come home with me, for the blithe Shinwell will be there with his report.”

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Português

Eles de fato o encontraram: um homem grande e rude, com uma tez vermelha e doentia e olhos negros brilhantes que revelavam sua mente astuta. Ele parecia estar em seu elemento. Ao lado dele no sofá estava uma jovem que ele trouxera consigo — magra e de aparência fogosa, com um rosto pálido e intenso. Ela parecia jovem, mas estava tão marcada pelo pecado e pelo sofrimento que se podia ver os terríveis anos que haviam deixado sua cicatriz nela.

Original English

We found him sure enough, a huge, coarse, red-faced, scorbutic man, with a pair of vivid black eyes which were the only external sign of the very cunning mind within. It seems that he had dived down into what was peculiarly his kingdom, and beside him on the settee was a brand which he had brought up in the shape of a slim, flame-like young woman with a pale, intense face, youthful, and yet so worn with sin and sorrow that one read the terrible years which had left their leprous mark upon her.

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Português

Shinwell Johnson apresentou a Srta. Kitty Winter, indicando que ela possuía amplo conhecimento e poderia fornecer informações pessoalmente. Ele afirmou que a havia localizado dentro de uma hora após receber a mensagem do Sr. Holmes.

Original English

“This is Miss Kitty Winter,” said Shinwell Johnson, waving his fat hand as an introduction. “What she don’t know—well, there, she’ll speak for herself. Put my hand right on her, Mr. Holmes, within an hour of your message.”

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Português

A Srta. Winter observou que era facilmente encontrada em Londres, no mesmo endereço que Shinwell, a quem chamou de velho amigo. Ela declarou que havia outro indivíduo que merecia punição muito mais severa do que eles, e que esse era o homem que o Sr. Holmes estava procurando.

Original English

“I’m easy to find,” said the young woman. “Hell, London, gets me every time. Same address for Porky Shinwell. We’re old mates, Porky, you and I. But, by cripes! there is another who ought to be down in a lower hell than we if there was any justice in the world! That is the man you are after, Mr. Holmes.”

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Português

Holmes sorriu e inferiu que eles tinham o apoio da Srta. Winter.

Original English

Holmes smiled. “I gather we have your good wishes, Miss Winter.”

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Português

Com determinação feroz, a Srta. Winter declarou que ajudaria a levar o homem à justiça. Seu rosto pálido e tenso e seus olhos ardentes revelavam uma intensidade de ódio que poucos poderiam alcançar.

Original English

“If I can help to put him where he belongs, I’m yours to the rattle,” said our visitor with fierce energy. There was an intensity of hatred in her white, set face and her blazing eyes such as woman seldom and man never can attain.

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Português

A Srta. Winter pediu ao Sr. Holmes que não se preocupasse com seu passado, afirmando que era irrelevante. Ela alegou que Adelbert Gruner a tinha feito ser o que era, e expressou um desejo desesperado de destruí-lo, de lançá-lo no mesmo poço para o qual havia empurrado tantos outros.

Original English

“You needn’t go into my past, Mr. Holmes. That’s neither here nor there. But what I am Adelbert Gruner made me. If I could pull him down!” She clutched frantically with her hands into the air. “Oh, if I could only pull him into the pit where he has pushed so many!”

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Português

Ele perguntou se ela sabia como a situação estava.

Original English

“You know how the matter stands?”

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Português

Porky Shinwell tinha dito ao interlocutor que Shinwell estava atrás de outra pobre mulher e pretendia se casar com ela. O interlocutor disse que o ouvinte queria impedir isso, e que o ouvinte sabia o suficiente sobre Shinwell para evitar que qualquer mulher decente e sensata quisesse ficar perto dele.

Original English

“Porky Shinwell has been telling me. He’s after some other poor fool and wants to marry her this time. You want to stop it. Well, you surely know enough about this devil to prevent any decent girl in her senses wanting to be in the same parish with him.”

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Português

Ele respondeu que ela não estava em seu juízo perfeito. Ela estava apaixonadamente apaixonada. Apesar de ter sido informada de tudo sobre ele, ela era indiferente.

Original English

“She is not in her senses. She is madly in love. She has been told all about him. She cares nothing.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se ela havia sido informada sobre o assassinato.

Original English

“Told about the murder?”

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Português

Ele confirmou que ela havia sido informada.

Original English

“Yes.”

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Português

O orador comentou que a mulher devia possuir grande coragem.

Original English

“My Lord, she must have a nerve!”

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Português

Ela descarta todas as acusações como meras calúnias.

Original English

“She puts them all down as slanders.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se era possível apresentar evidências claras aos seus olhos ingênuos.

Original English

“Couldn’t you lay proofs before her silly eyes?”

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Português

Ele então perguntou se eles poderiam ajudar a conseguir isso.

Original English

“Well, can you help us do so?”

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Português

Ele argumentou que ele mesmo era uma prova viva e sugeriu que, se a confrontasse e contasse como havia sido maltratado, isso poderia convencê-la.

Original English

“Ain’t I a proof myself? If I stood before her and told her how he used me—”

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Português

Ele perguntou se ela estaria disposta a fazer isso.

Original English

“Would you do this?”

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Português

Ela respondeu com grande entusiasmo, dando a entender que certamente o faria.

Original English

“Would I? Would I not!”

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Português

Ele sugeriu que valeria a pena tentar, mas observou que o homem já havia confessado a maior parte de seus erros à mulher e recebido seu perdão; ele acreditava que ela não retomaria o assunto.

Original English

“Well, it might be worth trying. But he has told her most of his sins and had pardon from her, and I understand she will not reopen the question.”

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Português

A Srta. Winter expressou dúvida de que o homem tivesse contado tudo à mulher. Ela lembrou que ele havia insinuado vários assassinatos além do famoso. Ele mencionava a morte de alguém de forma sutil. Na época, ela o amava e aceitava suas ações, assim como a mulher atual fazia. No entanto, uma coisa a perturbou: um livro de couro marrom com cadeado e brasão dourado que ele mostrou a ela uma noite quando estava bêbado. Ela deu a entender que a conversa suave dele a impediu de ir embora.

Original English

“I’ll lay he didn’t tell her all,” said Miss Winter. “I caught a glimpse of one or two murders besides the one that made such a fuss. He would speak of someone in his velvet way and then look at me with a steady eye and say: ‘He died within a month.’ It wasn’t hot air, either. But I took little notice—you see, I loved him myself at that time. Whatever he did went with me, same as with this poor fool! There was just one thing that shook me. Yes, by cripes! if it had not been for his poisonous, lying tongue that explains and soothes, I’d have left him that very night. It’s a book he has—a brown leather book with a lock, and his arms in gold on the outside. I think he was a bit drunk that night, or he would not have shown it to me.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou o que era aquela coisa.

Original English

“What was it, then?”

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Português

O interlocutor disse a Holmes que Gruner colecionava mulheres e se orgulhava disso, mantendo um livro com fotos, nomes e detalhes. Ele o descreveu como um livro terrível que nenhum homem decente compilaria, mas era de Gruner. Ele insinuou que Gruner poderia tê-lo intitulado "Almas que arruinei." No entanto, ele observou que o livro não ajudaria Holmes e era impossível de obter.

Original English

“I tell you. Mr. Holmes, this man collects women, and takes a pride in his collection, as some men collect moths or butterflies. He had it all in that book. Snapshot photographs, names, details, everything about them. It was a beastly book—a book no man, even if he had come from the gutter, could have put together. But it was Adelbert Gruner’s book all the same. ‘Souls I have ruined.’ He could have put that on the outside if he had been so minded. However, that’s neither here nor there, for the book would not serve you, and, if it would, you can’t get it.”

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Português

Holmes perguntou onde estava o livro.

Original English

“Where is it?”

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Português

A interlocutora respondeu que não podia dizer onde estava agora, pois o deixara há mais de um ano. Ela lembrou que ele era um homem organizado, então ainda poderia estar em um compartimento de uma escrivaninha velha em seu escritório particular. Ela então perguntou a Holmes se ele conhecia a casa de Gruner.

Original English

“How can I tell you where it is now? It’s more than a year since I left him. I know where he kept it then. He’s a precise, tidy cat of a man in many of his ways, so maybe it is still in the pigeonhole of the old bureau in the inner study. Do you know his house?”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que tinha visitado o escritório.

Original English

“I’ve been in the study,” said Holmes.

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Português

A interlocutora expressou surpresa, observando que Holmes havia sido eficiente desde que começara naquela manhã, e sugeriu que Gruner finalmente poderia ter encontrado alguém igualmente inteligente. Ela então descreveu a disposição: o escritório externo continha um grande armário de vidro com porcelana chinesa entre as janelas, e atrás da escrivaninha havia uma porta que levava ao escritório interno, uma sala pequena onde Gruner guardava seus papéis e outros itens.

Original English

“Have you, though? You haven’t been slow on the job if you only started this morning. Maybe dear Adelbert has met his match this time. The outer study is the one with the Chinese crockery in it—big glass cupboard between the windows. Then behind his desk is the door that leads to the inner study—a small room where he keeps papers and things.”

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Português

Alguém perguntou se ele não estava preocupado com ladrões.

Original English

“Is he not afraid of burglars?”

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Português

O orador afirmou que Adelbert não era covarde; nem mesmo seu pior inimigo poderia dizer isso. Ele era capaz de se defender. Havia um alarme antifurto instalado à noite, e além disso, não havia nada de valor para um ladrão, exceto talvez a louça chique.

Original English

“Adelbert is no coward. His worst enemy couldn’t say that of him. He can look after himself. There’s a burglar alarm at night. Besides, what is there for a burglar—unless they got away with all this fancy crockery?”

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Português

Shinwell Johnson, falando com a autoridade de um especialista, declarou que tais itens não valiam nada, porque nenhum receptador aceitaria mercadorias que não pudessem ser derretidas nem vendidas.

Original English

“No good,” said Shinwell Johnson with the decided voice of the expert. “No fence wants stuff of that sort that you can neither melt nor sell.”

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Português

Holmes concordou e pediu que a Srta. Winter voltasse na noite seguinte às cinco. Ele disse que consideraria se a sugestão dela de um encontro pessoal com a senhora poderia ser arranjada. Ele expressou sua gratidão pela cooperação dela e mencionou que seus clientes a compensariam generosamente.

Original English

“Quite so,” said Holmes. “Well, now, Miss Winter, if you would call here tomorrow evening at five, I would consider in the meanwhile whether your suggestion of seeing this lady personally may not be arranged. I am exceedingly obliged to you for your cooperation. I need not say that my clients will consider liberally—”

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Português

A jovem rejeitou a oferta de dinheiro, afirmando que sua única recompensa era ver o homem derrubado, com o pé em seu rosto amaldiçoado. Ela declarou que cooperaria em qualquer dia, desde que Holmes o perseguisse, e disse que Porky sempre poderia dizer a ele onde encontrá-la.

Original English

“None of that, Mr. Holmes,” cried the young woman. “I am not out for money. Let me see this man in the mud, and I’ve got all I’ve worked for—in the mud with my foot on his cursed face. That’s my price. I’m with you tomorrow or any other day so long as you are on his track. Porky here can tell you always where to find me.”

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Português

O narrador não viu Holmes novamente até a noite seguinte, quando jantaram novamente no restaurante Strand. Quando perguntado sobre sua entrevista, Holmes apenas deu de ombros e depois contou a história. O narrador observou que o relato duro e seco de Holmes precisava de alguma edição para suavizá-lo nos termos da vida real.

Original English

I did not see Holmes again until the following evening when we dined once more at our Strand restaurant. He shrugged his shoulders when I asked him what luck he had had in his interview. Then he told the story, which I would repeat in this way. His hard, dry statement needs some little editing to soften it into the terms of real life.

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Português

Holmes disse que não houve dificuldade alguma com o encontro porque a jovem se orgulhava de demonstrar obediência filial abjeta em todos os assuntos secundários, como se para compensar sua flagrante desobediência no noivado. O General telefonou dizendo que tudo estava pronto, e a Srta. W. chegou na hora marcada, de modo que às cinco e meia um táxi os deixou do lado de fora do número 104 da Berkeley Square, a residência do velho soldado — um daqueles terríveis castelos londrinos cinzentos que fariam uma igreja parecer frívola. Um lacaio os conduziu a uma grande sala de estar com cortinas amarelas, onde a senhora os esperava, recatada, pálida, contida, tão inflexível e distante quanto uma imagem de neve numa montanha.

Original English

“There was no difficulty at all about the appointment,” said Holmes, “for the girl glories in showing abject filial obedience in all secondary things in an attempt to atone for her flagrant breach of it in her engagement. The General phoned that all was ready, and the fiery Miss W. turned up according to schedule, so that at half-past five a cab deposited us outside 104 Berkeley Square, where the old soldier resides—one of those awful gray London castles which would make a church seem frivolous. A footman showed us into a great yellow-curtained drawing-room, and there was the lady awaiting us, demure, pale, self-contained, as inflexible and remote as a snow image on a mountain.

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Português

Holmes admitiu que não sabia bem como tornar a figura dela clara para Watson e sugeriu que Watson poderia encontrá-la mais tarde e usar seu próprio dom das palavras. Ela era bonita, mas com a beleza etérea e sobrenatural de uma fanática cujos pensamentos estão voltados para o alto, como rostos em pinturas de mestres antigos da Idade Média. Holmes não conseguia imaginar como um homem-bestial poderia ter colocado suas patas vis sobre tal ser do além. Ele observou como os extremos se atraem — o espiritual para o animal, o homem das cavernas para o anjo — e que nunca se viu um caso pior do que este.

Original English

“I don’t quite know how to make her clear to you, Watson. Perhaps you may meet her before we are through, and you can use your own gift of words. She is beautiful, but with the ethereal otherworld beauty of some fanatic whose thoughts are set on high. I have seen such faces in the pictures of the old masters of the Middle Ages. How a beastman could have laid his vile paws upon such a being of the beyond I cannot imagine. You may have noticed how extremes call to each other, the spiritual to the animal, the caveman to the angel. You never saw a worse case than this.

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Português

Ela sabia, claro, para que eles tinham vindo, pois aquele vilão não perdeu tempo em envenenar a mente dela contra eles. A chegada da Srta. Winter a surpreendeu um pouco, mas ela os conduziu às suas cadeiras como uma abadessa reverenda recebendo dois mendigos bastante leprosos. Holmes brincou que, se a cabeça de Watson estivesse propensa a inchar, ele deveria fazer um curso com a Srta. Violet de Merville.

Original English

“She knew what we had come for, of course—that villain had lost no time in poisoning her mind against us. Miss Winter’s advent rather amazed her, I think, but she waved us into our respective chairs like a reverend abbess receiving two rather leprous mendicants. If your head is inclined to swell, my dear Watson, take a course of Miss Violet de Merville.

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Português

Ela falou com uma voz como o vento de um iceberg, dizendo que o nome de Holmes lhe era familiar e que ela entendia que ele havia ido para difamar seu noivo, o Barão Gruner. Ela afirmou que o via apenas a pedido de seu pai e avisou de antemão que qualquer coisa que ele dissesse não poderia ter o menor efeito em sua mente.

Original English

“ ‘Well, sir,’ said she in a voice like the wind from an iceberg, ‘your name is familiar to me. You have called, as I understand, to malign my fiancé, Baron Gruner. It is only by my father’s request that I see you at all, and I warn you in advance that anything you can say could not possibly have the slightest effect upon my mind.’

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Português

Holmes disse a Watson que sentia pena da mulher e pensava nela como se fosse sua própria filha. Ele admitiu que geralmente usava a cabeça, não o coração, mas naquela ocasião implorou a ela com todo o calor que conseguia reunir. Ele descreveu a terrível situação de uma mulher que só descobre o verdadeiro caráter de um homem após o casamento, forçada a suportar carícias de mãos sangrentas e lábios lascivos. Não poupou nada a ela — a vergonha, o medo, a agonia e a desesperança. No entanto, suas palavras apaixonadas não trouxeram cor às faces pálidas dela nem qualquer emoção aos seus olhos distantes. Ele lembrou do comentário do canalha sobre influência pós-hipnótica e se perguntou se ela estava vivendo em um sonho extático. Contudo, as respostas dela eram bastante claras.

Original English

“I was sorry for her, Watson. I thought of her for the moment as I would have thought of a daughter of my own. I am not often eloquent. I use my head, not my heart. But I really did plead with her with all the warmth of words that I could find in my nature. I pictured to her the awful position of the woman who only wakes to a man’s character after she is his wife—a woman who has to submit to be caressed by bloody hands and lecherous lips. I spared her nothing—the shame, the fear, the agony, the hopelessness of it all. All my hot words could not bring one tinge of colour to those ivory cheeks or one gleam of emotion to those abstracted eyes. I thought of what the rascal had said about a post-hypnotic influence. One could really believe that she was living above the earth in some ecstatic dream. Yet there was nothing indefinite in her replies.

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Português

A mulher disse a Holmes que o ouvira com paciência e que o efeito em sua mente era exatamente o previsto. Ela reconheceu que seu noivo, Adelbert, tinha um passado tempestuoso com ódios amargos e acusações injustas. Ela considerava Holmes apenas o mais recente de uma série de pessoas que haviam levado calúnias até ela. Suspeitava que ele pudesse ter boas intenções, embora soubesse que ele era um agente pago que trabalharia para o Barão com a mesma facilidade. Ela afirmou de uma vez por todas que amava Adelbert e ele a amava, e que as opiniões do mundo não significavam mais para ela do que o chilrear dos pássaros lá fora. Se a natureza nobre dele alguma vez tivesse caído, ela acreditava que fora enviada para erguê-la novamente. Então, ela se virou para o companheiro de Holmes e perguntou quem era a jovem senhora.

Original English

“ ‘I have listened to you with patience, Mr. Holmes,’ said she. ‘The effect upon my mind is exactly as predicted. I am aware that Adelbert, that my fiancé, has had a stormy life in which he has incurred bitter hatreds and most unjust aspersions. You are only the last of a series who have brought their slanders before me. Possibly you mean well, though I learn that you are a paid agent who would have been equally willing to act for the Baron as against him. But in any case I wish you to understand once for all that I love him and that he loves me, and that the opinion of all the world is no more to me than the twitter of those birds outside the window. If his noble nature has ever for an instant fallen, it may be that I have been specially sent to raise it to its true and lofty level. I am not clear’—here she turned eyes upon my companion—‘who this young lady may be.’

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Português

Holmes estava prestes a responder quando a garota irrompeu como um redemoinho. O contraste entre as duas mulheres era como chama e gelo se enfrentando.

Original English

“I was about to answer when the girl broke in like a whirlwind. If ever you saw flame and ice face to face, it was those two women.

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Português

A segunda mulher gritou que lhes diria quem era — ela era a última amante dele, uma entre cem que ele havia tentado, usado, arruinado e descartado, assim como faria com a outra mulher. Ela advertiu a mulher tola de que, se ela se casasse com ele, ele seria a morte dela, seja por um coração partido ou por um pescoço quebrado. Ela alegou que não falava por amor à mulher, mas por ódio ao homem, para provocá-lo e se vingar do que ele havia feito a ela. Disse que não importava se a mulher vivesse ou morresse, e mandou que não a olhasse daquela forma, pois ela poderia acabar ainda mais baixa.

Original English

“ ‘I’ll tell you who I am,’ she cried, springing out of her chair, her mouth all twisted with passion—‘I am his last mistress. I am one of a hundred that he has tempted and used and ruined and thrown into the refuse heap, as he will you also. Your refuse heap is more likely to be a grave, and maybe that’s the best. I tell you, you foolish woman, if you marry this man he’ll be the death of you. It may be a broken heart or it may be a broken neck, but he’ll have you one way or the other. It’s not out of love for you I’m speaking. I don’t care a tinker’s curse whether you live or die. It’s out of hate for him and to spite him and to get back on him for what he did to me. But it’s all the same, and you needn’t look at me like that, my fine lady, for you may be lower than I am before you are through with it.’

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Português

Miss de Merville respondeu friamente que preferia não discutir tais assuntos. Ela afirmou de uma vez por todas que estava ciente de três episódios na vida de seu noivo em que ele se envolvera com mulheres ardilosas, e estava convencida de que ele se arrependia sinceramente de qualquer mal que tivesse feito.

Original English

“ ‘I should prefer not to discuss such matters,’ said Miss de Merville coldly. ‘Let me say once for all that I am aware of three passages in my fiancé’s life in which he became entangled with designing women, and that I am assured of his hearty repentance for any evil that he may have done.’

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Português

Meu companheiro gritou que havia três passagens e me chamou de tolo absoluto.

Original English

“ ‘Three passages!’ screamed my companion. ‘You fool! You unutterable fool!’

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Português

Uma voz gelada dirigiu-se ao Sr. Holmes, pedindo que ele encerrasse a entrevista, explicando que ela o havia visto apenas por respeito ao desejo de seu pai, mas não era obrigada a ouvir os delírios daquela pessoa.

Original English

“ ‘Mr. Holmes, I beg that you will bring this interview to an end,’ said the icy voice. ‘I have obeyed my father’s wish in seeing you, but I am not compelled to listen to the ravings of this person.’

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Português

A Srta. Winter praguejou e avançou, e tive que segurar seu pulso para impedi-la de agarrar o cabelo da outra mulher. Eu a puxei para a porta e consegui levá-la de volta ao táxi sem causar um escândalo público, pois ela estava furiosa. Eu também estava bastante irritado, Watson, porque havia algo profundamente irritante na calma indiferença e completa autossatisfação da mulher que estávamos tentando salvar. Então agora você sabe nossa situação; devo planejar uma nova abordagem, já que esta falhou. Eu o manterei informado, Watson, porque você provavelmente terá um papel a desempenhar, embora o próximo movimento possa vir deles, não de nós.

Original English

“With an oath Miss Winter darted forward, and if I had not caught her wrist she would have clutched this maddening woman by the hair. I dragged her towards the door and was lucky to get her back into the cab without a public scene, for she was beside herself with rage. In a cold way I felt pretty furious myself, Watson, for there was something indescribably annoying in the calm aloofness and supreme self-complaisance of the woman whom we were trying to save. So now once again you know exactly how we stand, and it is clear that I must plan some fresh opening move, for this gambit won’t work. I’ll keep in touch with you, Watson, for it is more than likely that you will have your part to play, though it is just possible that the next move may lie with them rather than with us.”

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Português

O golpe caiu. Ainda acredito que a senhora não estava envolvida. Lembro-me exatamente da pedra do calçamento onde estava quando vi o cartaz, e um horror tomou minha alma. Foi entre o Grand Hotel e a Estação Charing Cross, onde um jornaleiro de uma perna só exibia jornais da tarde. A data era dois dias após nossa última conversa. Lá, preto sobre amarelo, estava a terrível folha de notícias.

Original English

And it did. Their blow fell—or his blow rather, for never could I believe that the lady was privy to it. I think I could show you the very paving-stone upon which I stood when my eyes fell upon the placard, and a pang of horror passed through my very soul. It was between the Grand Hotel and Charing Cross Station, where a one-legged news-vendor displayed his evening papers. The date was just two days after the last conversation. There, black upon yellow, was the terrible news-sheet:

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Português

O cartaz anunciava um ataque assassino contra Sherlock Holmes.

Original English

Murderous Attack Upon Sherlock Holmes

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Português

Fiquei atordoado por alguns momentos. Lembro-me vagamente de pegar um jornal, ignorando a reclamação do homem que não havia pago, e então fiquei parado na porta de uma farmácia enquanto encontrava o parágrafo importante. Dizia:

Original English

I think I stood stunned for some moments. Then I have a confused recollection of snatching at a paper, of the remonstrance of the man, whom I had not paid, and, finally, of standing in the doorway of a chemist’s shop while I turned up the fateful paragraph. This was how it ran:

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Português

O jornal noticiou com pesar que o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, o conhecido detetive particular, havia sido vítima de um ataque assassino naquela manhã, deixando-o em estado crítico. Os detalhes eram escassos, mas o incidente parecia ter ocorrido por volta do meio-dia na Regent Street, em frente ao Café Royal. Dois homens armados com bastões o haviam espancado na cabeça e no corpo, causando ferimentos que os médicos descreveram como muito graves. Ele foi levado ao Hospital Charing Cross e depois insistiu em ser transferido para seus aposentos na Baker Street. Os agressores, que pareciam estar vestidos de forma respeitável, escaparam passando pelo Café Royal e saindo na Glasshouse Street, atrás dele.

Original English

We learn with regret that Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the well-known private detective, was the victim this morning of a murderous assault which has left him in a precarious position. There are no exact details to hand, but the event seems to have occurred about twelve o’clock in Regent Street, outside the Café Royal. The attack was made by two men armed with sticks, and Mr. Holmes was beaten about the head and body, receiving injuries which the doctors describe as most serious. He was carried to Charing Cross Hospital and afterwards insisted upon being taken to his rooms in Baker Street. The miscreants who attacked him appear to have been respectably dressed men, who escaped from the bystanders by passing through the Café Royal and out into Glasshouse Street behind it.

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Português

Não havia dúvida de que pertenciam à irmandade criminosa que tantas vezes havia sofrido por causa da atividade e inteligência do homem ferido.

Original English

No doubt they belonged to that criminal fraternity which has so often had occasion to bewail the activity and ingenuity of the injured man.

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Português

Mal olhei para o parágrafo antes de pular em um táxi hansom e seguir para Baker Street. No hall, encontrei Sir Leslie Oakshott, o famoso cirurgião, e sua brougham estava esperando no meio-fio.

Original English

I need not say that my eyes had hardly glanced over the paragraph before I had sprung into a hansom and was on my way to Baker Street. I found Sir Leslie Oakshott, the famous surgeon, in the hall and his brougham waiting at the curb.

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Português

Ele relatou que não havia perigo imediato. Holmes tinha dois ferimentos lacerados no couro cabeludo e vários hematomas graves. Vários pontos haviam sido necessários. Morfina havia sido injetada, e o silêncio era essencial, mas uma breve entrevista não seria absolutamente proibida.

Original English

“No immediate danger,” was his report. “Two lacerated scalp wounds and some considerable bruises. Several stitches have been necessary. Morphine has been injected and quiet is essential, but an interview of a few minutes would not be absolutely forbidden.”

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Português

Tendo recebido permissão, entrei silenciosamente no quarto escuro. O homem ferido estava acordado e ouvi meu nome ser sussurrado roucamente. A persiana estava quase abaixada, mas um único raio de sol atingiu sua cabeça enfaixada. Uma mancha vermelha havia encharcado a compressa branca. Sentei-me ao lado dele e me inclinei.

Original English

With this permission I stole into the darkened room. The sufferer was wide awake, and I heard my name in a hoarse whisper. The blind was three-quarters down, but one ray of sunlight slanted through and struck the bandaged head of the injured man. A crimson patch had soaked through the white linen compress. I sat beside him and bent my head.

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Português

Holmes murmurou fracamente, dizendo-me para não parecer tão assustado e me assegurando que a situação não era tão ruim quanto parecia.

Original English

“All right, Watson. Don’t look so scared,” he muttered in a very weak voice. “It’s not as bad as it seems.”

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Português

Expressei meu alívio.

Original English

“Thank God for that!”

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Português

Holmes explicou que era habilidoso com uma bengala de esgrima e havia aparado a maioria dos golpes, mas o segundo homem o havia dominado.

Original English

“I’m a bit of a singlestick expert, as you know. I took most of them on my guard. It was the second man that was too much for me.”

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Português

Perguntei a Holmes o que poderia fazer, afirmando que o vilão devia ter enviado os agressores e me oferecendo para dar uma surra nele se Holmes permitisse.

Original English

“What can I do, Holmes? Of course, it was that damned fellow who set them on. I’ll go and thrash the hide off him if you give the word.”

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Português

Holmes disse a Watson que eles não poderiam agir a menos que a polícia prendesse os homens, mas a fuga deles havia sido cuidadosamente planejada. Ele disse que tinha planos e que o primeiro passo era exagerar seus ferimentos. Pediu a Watson que relatasse que ele estava muito doente, possivelmente com concussão ou delírio, e que talvez não sobrevivesse à semana. Ele aconselhou Watson a exagerar a gravidade.

Original English

“Good old Watson! No, we can do nothing there unless the police lay their hands on the men. But their getaway had been well prepared. We may be sure of that. Wait a little. I have my plans. The first thing is to exaggerate my injuries. They’ll come to you for news. Put it on thick, Watson. Lucky if I live the week out—concussion—delirium—what you like! You can’t overdo it.”

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Português

Watson perguntou sobre Sir Leslie Oakshott.

Original English

“But Sir Leslie Oakshott?”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que Sir Leslie Oakshott estava bem e que ele garantiria que Sir Leslie o visse em um estado muito ruim.

Original English

“Oh, he’s all right. He shall see the worst side of me. I’ll look after that.”

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Português

Watson perguntou se havia mais alguma coisa.

Original English

“Anything else?”

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Português

Holmes disse que sim, e instruiu Watson a dizer a Shinwell Johnson para esconder a garota, pois os atacantes iriam atrás dela em seguida. Ele considerou urgente e queria que fosse feito naquela noite.

Original English

“Yes. Tell Shinwell Johnson to get that girl out of the way. Those beauties will be after her now. They know, of course, that she was with me in the case. If they dared to do me in it is not likely they will neglect her. That is urgent. Do it tonight.”

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Português

Ele afirmou que sairia imediatamente e perguntou se havia mais algo a ser feito.

Original English

“I’ll go now. Anything more?”

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Português

Ele me instruiu a colocar seu cachimbo e a chinela de fumo na mesa, depois me disse para visitá-lo todas as manhãs para que pudéssemos elaborar nossa estratégia juntos.

Original English

“Put my pipe on the table—and the tobacco-slipper. Right! Come in each morning and we will plan our campaign.”

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Português

Naquela noite, fiz arranjos com Johnson para acompanhar a Srta. Winter a uma área suburbana tranquila e garantir que ela permanecesse escondida até que a ameaça diminuísse.

Original English

I arranged with Johnson that evening to take Miss Winter to a quiet suburb and see that she lay low until the danger was past.

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Português

Por seis dias, o público acreditou que Holmes estava perto da morte. Os relatórios médicos eram graves, e os jornais publicavam parágrafos alarmantes. Minhas visitas frequentes me mostraram que era menos grave. Sua constituição resiliente e sua forte vontade estavam alcançando uma recuperação notável. Às vezes suspeitava que ele se recuperava mais rápido do que admitia até para mim. Ele possuía uma natureza reservada que criava efeitos dramáticos, mas mantinha até seu amigo mais próximo adivinhando seus planos precisos. Ele acreditava firmemente que o único conspirador seguro era aquele que conspirava sozinho. Embora eu estivesse mais perto dele do que qualquer outro, sempre senti uma distância entre nós.

Original English

For six days the public were under the impression that Holmes was at the door of death. The bulletins were very grave and there were sinister paragraphs in the papers. My continual visits assured me that it was not so bad as that. His wiry constitution and his determined will were working wonders. He was recovering fast, and I had suspicions at times that he was really finding himself faster than he pretended even to me. There was a curious secretive streak in the man which led to many dramatic effects, but left even his closest friend guessing as to what his exact plans might be. He pushed to an extreme the axiom that the only safe plotter was he who plotted alone. I was nearer him than anyone else, and yet I was always conscious of the gap between.

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Português

No sétimo dia, os pontos foram removidos, mas os jornais da tarde ainda noticiavam erisipela. Os mesmos jornais continham um anúncio que me senti obrigado a compartilhar com meu amigo, independentemente de sua saúde. Ele afirmava que entre os passageiros do transatlântico da Cunard, Ruritânia, partindo de Liverpool na sexta-feira, estava o Barão Adelbert Gruner, que tinha importantes assuntos financeiros a tratar na América antes de seu próximo casamento com a Srta. Violet de Merville, a única filha de... etc. Holmes ouviu essa notícia com uma expressão fria e intensa em seu rosto pálido, indicando que o atingiu duramente.

Original English

On the seventh day the stitches were taken out, in spite of which there was a report of erysipelas in the evening papers. The same evening papers had an announcement which I was bound, sick or well, to carry to my friend. It was simply that among the passengers on the Cunard boat Ruritania, starting from Liverpool on Friday, was the Baron Adelbert Gruner, who had some important financial business to settle in the States before his impending wedding to Miss Violet de Merville, only daughter of, etc., etc. Holmes listened to the news with a cold, concentrated look upon his pale face, which told me that it hit him hard.

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Português

Holmes exclamou que era sexta-feira, com apenas três dias claros restantes. Ele suspeitava que o patife pretendia escapar do perigo, mas declarou que ele não teria sucesso. Ele então informou Watson que precisava de sua ajuda.

Original English

“Friday!” he cried. “Only three clear days. I believe the rascal wants to put himself out of danger’s way. But he won’t, Watson! By the Lord Harry, he won’t! Now, Watson, I want you to do something for me.”

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Português

Watson respondeu que estava disponível para ajudar Holmes.

Original English

“I am here to be used, Holmes.”

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Português

Holmes instruiu Watson a dedicar as próximas vinte e quatro horas a um estudo intensivo de cerâmica chinesa.

Original English

“Well, then, spend the next twenty-four hours in an intensive study of Chinese pottery.”

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Português

Holmes não ofereceu explicação, e Watson não pediu nenhuma, tendo aprendido com a longa experiência o valor da obediência. Depois de sair do quarto de Holmes, ele caminhou pela Baker Street, pensando em como cumprir um pedido tão incomum. Por fim, foi à London Library em St. James's Square, consultou seu amigo Lomax, o sub-bibliotecário, e voltou para seus aposentos com um livro grosso.

Original English

He gave no explanations and I asked for none. By long experience I had learned the wisdom of obedience. But when I had left his room I walked down Baker Street, revolving in my head how on earth I was to carry out so strange an order. Finally I drove to the London Library in St. James’s Square, put the matter to my friend Lomax, the sublibrarian, and departed to my rooms with a goodly volume under my arm.

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Português

Diz-se que um advogado que estuda um caso tão a fundo que pode interrogar uma testemunha especialista na segunda-feira terá esquecido todo o seu conhecimento forçado até sábado. Watson certamente não se consideraria agora uma autoridade em cerâmica. No entanto, ele passou aquela noite, a maior parte da noite com um breve descanso, e na manhã seguinte absorvendo conhecimento e memorizando nomes. Aprendeu sobre as marcas dos grandes artistas-decoradores, o mistério das datas cíclicas, as marcas de Hung-wu e as belezas de Yung-lo, os escritos de Tang-ying e as glórias dos primeiros períodos Sung e Yuan. Quando visitou Holmes na noite seguinte, estava cheio dessas informações. Holmes estava fora da cama, embora as notícias publicadas não tivessem sugerido isso, e ele se sentou em sua poltrona favorita com a cabeça fortemente enfaixada apoiada na mão.

Original English

It is said that the barrister who crams up a case with such care that he can examine an expert witness upon the Monday has forgotten all his forced knowledge before the Saturday. Certainly I should not like now to pose as an authority upon ceramics. And yet all that evening, and all that night with a short interval for rest, and all next morning, I was sucking in knowledge and committing names to memory. There I learned of the hallmarks of the great artist-decorators, of the mystery of cyclical dates, the marks of the Hung-wu and the beauties of the Yung-lo, the writings of Tang-ying, and the glories of the primitive period of the Sung and the Yuan. I was charged with all this information when I called upon Holmes next evening. He was out of bed now, though you would not have guessed it from the published reports, and he sat with his much-bandaged head resting upon his hand in the depth of his favourite armchair.

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Português

Watson observou a Holmes que, se os jornais fossem de se acreditar, Holmes estava morrendo.

Original English

“Why, Holmes,” I said, “if one believed the papers, you are dying.”

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Português

Holmes confirmou que essa era exatamente a impressão que ele pretendia causar, e então perguntou se Watson havia dominado suas lições.

Original English

“That,” said he, “is the very impression which I intended to convey. And now, Watson, have you learned your lessons?”

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Português

Watson respondeu que pelo menos havia se esforçado para isso.

Original English

“At least I have tried to.”

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Português

Holmes declarou que estava bom e perguntou se Watson poderia manter uma conversa inteligente sobre o assunto.

Original English

“Good. You could keep up an intelligent conversation on the subject?”

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Português

Watson afirmou que acreditava que sim.

Original English

“I believe I could.”

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Português

Ele então pediu a Watson que lhe entregasse a pequena caixa do aparador.

Original English

“Then hand me that little box from the mantelpiece.”

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Português

Ele abriu a tampa e retirou um pequeno objeto cuidadosamente embrulhado em fina seda oriental. Ao desembrulhá-lo, revelou um delicado piresinho de um belo tom azul profundo.

Original English

He opened the lid and took out a small object most carefully wrapped in some fine Eastern silk. This he unfolded, and disclosed a delicate little saucer of the most beautiful deep-blue colour.

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Português

Holmes advertiu Watson de que o pires precisava de manuseio cuidadoso. Ele explicou que era uma autêntica porcelana casca de ovo da dinastia Ming, e que nenhuma peça mais fina jamais passara pela Christie's. Um conjunto completo valeria uma fortuna, e ele duvidava que existisse um conjunto completo fora do palácio imperial em Pequim. A visão dele, disse, enlouqueceria um verdadeiro conhecedor.

Original English

“It needs careful handling, Watson. This is the real eggshell pottery of the Ming dynasty. No finer piece ever passed through Christie’s. A complete set of this would be worth a king’s ransom—in fact, it is doubtful if there is a complete set outside the imperial palace of Peking. The sight of this would drive a real connoisseur wild.”

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Português

Watson perguntou a Holmes o que deveria fazer com o pires.

Original English

“What am I to do with it?”

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Português

Holmes entregou a Watson um cartão com o nome Dr. Hill Barton e o endereço 369 Half Moon Street.

Original English

Holmes handed me a card upon which was printed: “Dr. Hill Barton, 369 Half Moon Street.”

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Português

Holmes instruiu Watson a adotar um nome falso para a noite e visitar o Barão Gruner. Conhecendo os hábitos do Barão, Holmes acreditava que ele estaria livre às oito e meia. Um bilhete anunciaria a visita de Watson, e Watson deveria alegar que estava trazendo um exemplar único de porcelana Ming. Como Watson poderia interpretar convincentemente o papel de médico, Holmes sugeriu que ele se passasse por um médico e colecionador que havia adquirido esse conjunto, ouvido falar do interesse do Barão e estava aberto a vendê-lo por um preço.

Original English

“That is your name for the evening, Watson. You will call upon Baron Gruner. I know something of his habits, and at half-past eight he would probably be disengaged. A note will tell him in advance that you are about to call, and you will say that you are bringing him a specimen of an absolutely unique set of Ming china. You may as well be a medical man, since that is a part which you can play without duplicity. You are a collector, this set has come your way, you have heard of the Baron’s interest in the subject, and you are not averse to selling at a price.”

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Português

Watson perguntou sobre o preço que deveria definir.

Original English

“What price?”

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Português

Holmes elogiou Watson por sua pergunta, observando que ignorar o valor dos próprios bens seria um grave erro. Ele explicou que o pires havia sido adquirido por Sir James da coleção de seu cliente. Holmes garantiu a Watson que ele poderia afirmar com verdade que o pires era praticamente inigualável no mundo.

Original English

“Well asked, Watson. You would certainly fall down badly if you did not know the value of your own wares. This saucer was got for me by Sir James, and comes, I understand, from the collection of his client. You will not exaggerate if you say that it could hardly be matched in the world.”

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Português

Watson propôs que ele poderia sugerir que o conjunto fosse avaliado por um especialista.

Original English

“I could perhaps suggest that the set should be valued by an expert.”

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Português

Holmes elogiou a ideia de Watson, instando-o a sugerir casas de leilão como Christie's ou Sotheby's. Ele observou que o tato de Watson o impedia de definir um preço ele mesmo.

Original English

“Excellent, Watson! You scintillate today. Suggest Christie or Sotheby. Your delicacy prevents your putting a price for yourself.”

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Português

Ele se perguntou em voz alta o que aconteceria se a pessoa se recusasse a encontrá-lo.

Original English

“But if he won’t see me?”

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Português

Holmes garantiu a Watson que o homem o receberia porque tinha uma forte paixão por colecionar, especialmente naquela área, onde era um especialista reconhecido. Ele instruiu Watson a sentar e disse que escreveria uma carta. Watson deveria simplesmente declarar que estava visitando e dar o motivo, sem esperar resposta.

Original English

“Oh, yes, he will see you. He has the collection mania in its most acute form—and especially on this subject, on which he is an acknowledged authority. Sit down, Watson, and I will dictate the letter. No answer needed. You will merely say that you are coming, and why.”

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Português

A carta era um modelo de brevidade, polidez e intriga, projetada para despertar o interesse de um colecionador. Um mensageiro local a entregou. Naquela noite, armado com o valioso pires e o cartão com o nome Dr. Hill Barton, Watson embarcou em sua própria missão.

Original English

It was an admirable document, short, courteous, and stimulating to the curiosity of the connoisseur. A district messenger was duly dispatched with it. On the same evening, with the precious saucer in my hand and the card of Dr. Hill Barton in my pocket, I set off on my own adventure.

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Português

A grandiosidade da propriedade confirmou que o Barão Gruner era extremamente rico, exatamente como Sir James havia indicado. Uma longa e sinuosa entrada ladeada por arbustos raros levava a uma grande praça de cascalho adornada com estátuas. A casa em si, construída por um magnata do ouro sul-africano durante um período de boom, era arquitetonicamente estranha, mas inegavelmente grande e sólida. Um mordomo de aparência digna recebeu Watson e o entregou a um lacaio em libré luxuosa, que o acompanhou até o Barão.

Original English

The beautiful house and grounds indicated that Baron Gruner was, as Sir James had said, a man of considerable wealth. A long winding drive, with banks of rare shrubs on either side, opened out into a great gravelled square adorned with statues. The place had been built by a South African gold king in the days of the great boom, and the long, low house with the turrets at the corners, though an architectural nightmare, was imposing in its size and solidity. A butler, who would have adorned a bench of bishops, showed me in and handed me over to a plush-clad footman, who ushered me into the Baron’s presence.

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Português

O Barão estava diante de um armário aberto entre as janelas que continha parte de sua coleção chinesa. Quando Watson entrou, ele se virou, segurando um pequeno vaso marrom.

Original English

He was standing at the open front of a great case which stood between the windows and which contained part of his Chinese collection. He turned as I entered with a small brown vase in his hand.

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Português

Holmes convidou o médico a sentar-se e começou a mostrar sua coleção, destacando uma peça da dinastia Tang do século VII, elogiando seu artesanato e esmalte. Em seguida, perguntou se o médico havia trazido o pires Ming que mencionara.

Original English

“Pray sit down, Doctor,” said he. “I was looking over my own treasures and wondering whether I could really afford to add to them. This little Tang specimen, which dates from the seventh century, would probably interest you. I am sure you never saw finer workmanship or a richer glaze. Have you the Ming saucer with you of which you spoke?”

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Português

O médico desembrulhou cuidadosamente o pires e o entregou a Holmes. Holmes sentou-se à sua escrivaninha, ajustou o lampião à medida que a luz diminuía e começou a examiná-lo. A luz amarela iluminou suas feições, permitindo que o médico o observasse atentamente.

Original English

I carefully unpacked it and handed it to him. He seated himself at his desk, pulled over the lamp, for it was growing dark, and set himself to examine it. As he did so the yellow light beat upon his own features, and I was able to study them at my ease.

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Português

Ele era notavelmente bonito, com uma reputação europeia de beleza bem justificada. De estatura mediana, era graciosamente esbelto. Seu rosto moreno, quase oriental, tinha olhos grandes e langorosos que facilmente poderiam cativar mulheres. Seu cabelo e bigode eram pretos, este último curto, pontiagudo e encerado. Suas feições eram regulares, exceto por uma boca de lábios finos que parecia cruel e dura — uma boca de assassino, pensou o médico. Ele mantinha o bigode longe dela, mas era um aviso natural. Sua voz era agradável e seus modos, perfeitos. Aparentava pouco mais de trinta anos, embora na verdade tivesse quarenta e dois.

Original English

He was certainly a remarkably handsome man. His European reputation for beauty was fully deserved. In figure he was not more than of middle size, but was built upon graceful and active lines. His face was swarthy, almost Oriental, with large, dark, languorous eyes which might easily hold an irresistible fascination for women. His hair and moustache were raven black, the latter short, pointed, and carefully waxed. His features were regular and pleasing, save only his straight, thin-lipped mouth. If ever I saw a murderer’s mouth it was there—a cruel, hard gash in the face, compressed, inexorable, and terrible. He was ill-advised to train his moustache away from it, for it was Nature’s danger-signal, set as a warning to his victims. His voice was engaging and his manners perfect. In age I should have put him at little over thirty, though his record afterwards showed that he was forty-two.

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Português

Holmes declarou que o pires era muito fino e expressou perplexidade por não ter ouvido falar de espécimes tão magníficos. Observou que conhecia apenas uma peça comparável na Inglaterra, que provavelmente não estaria à venda, e então perguntou educadamente ao Dr. Hill Barton como a havia adquirido.

Original English

“Very fine—very fine indeed!” he said at last. “And you say you have a set of six to correspond. What puzzles me is that I should not have heard of such magnificent specimens. I only know of one in England to match this, and it is certainly not likely to be in the market. Would it be indiscreet if I were to ask you, Dr. Hill Barton, how you obtained this?”

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Português

O médico respondeu com um ar de indiferença, sugerindo que a proveniência não era importante. Ele ressaltou que Holmes podia ver que a peça era genuína e que estava disposto a aceitar a avaliação de um especialista.

Original English

“Does it really matter?” I asked with as careless an air as I could muster. “You can see that the piece is genuine, and, as to the value, I am content to take an expert’s valuation.”

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Português

Ele olhou para o item com um rápido lampejo suspeito em seus olhos escuros e disse que era muito misterioso. Ele explicou que, ao lidar com objetos de tal valor, naturalmente se deseja saber tudo sobre a transação. Ele não tinha dúvidas de que a peça era genuína, mas tinha que considerar todas as possibilidades, incluindo a possibilidade de que mais tarde se provasse que o vendedor não tinha o direito de vendê-la.

Original English

“Very mysterious,” said he with a quick, suspicious flash of his dark eyes. “In dealing with objects of such value, one naturally wishes to know all about the transaction. That the piece is genuine is certain. I have no doubts at all about that. But suppose—I am bound to take every possibility into account—that it should prove afterwards that you had no right to sell?”

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Português

A outra pessoa respondeu que o garantiria contra qualquer reivindicação desse tipo.

Original English

“I would guarantee you against any claim of the sort.”

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Português

Ele respondeu que isso naturalmente levantaria a questão de quanto valia essa garantia.

Original English

“That, of course, would open up the question as to what your guarantee was worth.”

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Português

O vendedor disse que seus banqueiros responderiam por isso.

Original English

“My bankers would answer that.”

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Português

Ele concordou, mas ainda achou toda a transação bastante incomum.

Original English

“Quite so. And yet the whole transaction strikes me as rather unusual.”

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Português

Eu disse com indiferença que ele podia aceitar a oferta ou recusá-la. Eu o procurei primeiro porque acreditava que ele era um especialista, mas não haveria dificuldade em encontrar outros compradores.

Original English

“You can do business or not,” said I with indifference. “I have given you the first offer as I understood that you were a connoisseur, but I shall have no difficulty in other quarters.”

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Português

Ele perguntou quem havia me dito que ele era um conhecedor.

Original English

“Who told you I was a connoisseur?”

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Português

Eu respondi que sabia porque ele havia escrito um livro sobre o assunto.

Original English

“I was aware that you had written a book upon the subject.”

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Português

Ele perguntou se eu havia lido o livro.

Original English

“Have you read the book?”

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Português

Eu respondi que não.

Original English

“No.”

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Português

O orador expressou que ele achava a situação cada vez mais difícil de entender. Ele salientou que o ouvinte, como conhecedor e colecionador, possuía uma peça muito valiosa, mas nunca tinha consultado o único livro que revelaria seu verdadeiro significado e valor. Ele perguntou como isso poderia ser explicado.

Original English

“Dear me, this becomes more and more difficult for me to understand! You are a connoisseur and collector with a very valuable piece in your collection, and yet you have never troubled to consult the one book which would have told you of the real meaning and value of what you held. How do you explain that?”

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Português

O homem respondeu que estava extremamente ocupado como médico em exercício.

Original English

“I am a very busy man. I am a doctor in practice.”

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Português

O orador descartou isso como uma desculpa inadequada. Ele argumentou que, se alguém tem um verdadeiro hobby, o persegue independentemente de outros compromissos. Ele lembrou ao homem que ele havia se referido a si mesmo como conhecedor em sua nota.

Original English

“That is no answer. If a man has a hobby he follows it up, whatever his other pursuits may be. You said in your note that you were a connoisseur.”

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Português

O homem concordou que era um conhecedor.

Original English

“So I am.”

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Português

O orador pediu permissão para testar o conhecimento do homem com algumas perguntas. Ele afirmou que se sentia obrigado a informar o médico — se é que ele era realmente médico — que o assunto estava se tornando mais suspeito. Ele perguntou o que o homem sabia sobre o Imperador Shomu e como ele relacionava esse imperador com o Shoso-in perto de Nara. Observando a perplexidade do homem, ele então pediu informações sobre a dinastia Wei do Norte e seu significado na história da cerâmica.

Original English

“Might I ask you a few questions to test you? I am obliged to tell you, Doctor—if you are indeed a doctor—that the incident becomes more and more suspicious. I would ask you what do you know of the Emperor Shomu and how do you associate him with the Shoso-in near Nara? Dear me, does that puzzle you? Tell me a little about the Nonhern Wei dynasty and its place in the history of ceramics.”

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Português

Levantei-me da cadeira com uma demonstração de raiva fingida.

Original English

I sprang from my chair in simulated anger.

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Português

Ele declarou a situação intolerável, afirmando que havia vindo para oferecer ajuda, não para ser interrogado como um estudante. Acrescentou que seu conhecimento poderia ser superado apenas pelo do outro, mas não responderia a perguntas feitas de maneira tão ofensiva.

Original English

“This is intolerable, sir,” said I. “I came here to do you a favour, and not to be examined as if I were a schoolboy. My knowledge on these subjects may be second only to your own, but I certainly shall not answer questions which have been put in so offensive a way.”

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Português

Ele fixou o olhar em mim, sua languidez anterior desapareceu. Seus olhos brilharam, e um sorriso cruel mostrou seus dentes.

Original English

He looked at me steadily. The languor had gone from his eyes. They suddenly glared. There was a gleam of teeth from between those cruel lips.

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Português

Ele exigiu saber qual era o jogo, acusando-me de ser um espião e um agente de Holmes. Acreditava que era um truque, já que Holmes estava supostamente morrendo e havia enviado suas ferramentas para vigiá-lo. Avisou que eu havia entrado sem permissão e que poderia ter mais dificuldade em sair do que em entrar.

Original English

“What is the game? You are here as a spy. You are an emissary of Holmes. This is a trick that you are playing upon me. The fellow is dying, I hear, so he sends his tools to keep watch upon me. You’ve made your way in here without leave, and, by God! you may find it harder to get out than to get in.”

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Português

Ele pulou de pé, e eu recuei, preparando-me para um ataque, pois ele estava fora de si de raiva. Pode ter me suspeitado desde o início; certamente, o interrogatório havia revelado a verdade. Estava claro que eu não poderia mais enganá-lo. Ele enfiou a mão em uma gaveta lateral e procurou freneticamente. Então algo chamou sua atenção, e ele ficou parado, ouvindo atentamente.

Original English

He had sprung to his feet, and I stepped back, bracing myself for an attack, for the man was beside himself with rage. He may have suspected me from the first; certainly this cross-examination had shown him the truth; but it was clear that I could not hope to deceive him. He dived his hand into a side-drawer and rummaged furiously. Then something struck upon his ear, for he stood listening intently.

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Português

Ele exclamou de surpresa, repetindo a exclamação, e então correu para o cômodo atrás dele.

Original English

“Ah!” he cried. “Ah!” and dashed into the room behind him.

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Português

Em dois passos alcancei a porta aberta, e a cena interior está para sempre gravada em minha memória. A janela do jardim estava escancarada. Ao lado dela estava Sherlock Holmes, parecendo um fantasma com a cabeça envolta em bandagens ensanguentadas e o rosto pálido e abatido. No momento seguinte, ele atravessou a janela, e ouvi seu corpo chocar-se contra os arbustos de louro. O dono da casa uivou de raiva e correu atrás dele até a janela aberta.

Original English

Two steps took me to the open door, and my mind will ever carry a clear picture of the scene within. The window leading out to the garden was wide open. Beside it, looking like some terrible ghost, his head girt with bloody bandages, his face drawn and white, stood Sherlock Holmes. The next instant he was through the gap, and I heard the crash of his body among the laurel bushes outside. With a howl of rage the master of the house rushed after him to the open window.

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Português

Então aconteceu num instante, embora eu tenha visto claramente. O braço de uma mulher saiu de entre as folhas. No mesmo momento, o Barão soltou um grito horrível, um grito que sempre ecoará na minha memória. Ele levou as duas mãos ao rosto e correu pela sala, batendo a cabeça contra as paredes. Então caiu no tapete, rolando e se contorcendo, enquanto gritos ecoavam pela casa.

Original English

And then! It was done in an instant, and yet I clearly saw it. An arm—a woman’s arm—shot out from among the leaves. At the same instant the Baron uttered a horrible cry—a yell which will always ring in my memory. He clapped his two hands to his face and rushed round the room, beating his head horribly against the walls. Then he fell upon the carpet, rolling and writhing, while scream after scream resounded through the house.

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Português

Ele gritou desesperadamente por água, implorando pelo amor de Deus.

Original English

“Water! For God’s sake, water!” was his cry.

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Português

Peguei uma garrafa de água da mesa lateral e corri para ajudá-lo. No mesmo instante, o mordomo e vários lacaios entraram correndo pelo hall. Lembro que um deles desmaiou enquanto eu me ajoelhava ao lado do homem ferido e virava seu rosto terrível para a luz do lampião. O vitríolo estava corroendo tudo, escorrendo de suas orelhas e queixo. Um olho já estava branco e opaco; o outro, vermelho e inflamado. As feições que eu admirava minutos antes agora pareciam uma bela pintura sobre a qual o artista passou uma esponja molhada e suja — borradas, descoloridas, desumanas, terríveis.

Original English

I seized a carafe from a side-table and rushed to his aid. At the same moment the butler and several footmen ran in from the hall. I remember that one of them fainted as I knelt by the injured man and turned that awful face to the light of the lamp. The vitriol was eating into it everywhere and dripping from the ears and the chin. One eye was already white and glazed. The other was red and inflamed. The features which I had admired a few minutes before were now like some beautiful painting over which the artist has passed a wet and foul sponge. They were blurred, discoloured, inhuman, terrible.

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Português

Expliquei em poucas palavras exatamente o que havia acontecido com o ataque de vitríolo. Algumas pessoas haviam escalado a janela, e outras haviam corrido para o gramado, mas estava escuro e começara a chover. Entre seus gritos, a vítima se enfurecia contra seu agressor. Ele acusou uma mulher chamada Kitty Winter, chamando-a de demônio, e jurou que ela pagaria. Ele clamou que a dor era mais do que podia suportar.

Original English

In a few words I explained exactly what had occurred, so far as the vitriol attack was concerned. Some had climbed through the window and others had rushed out on to the lawn, but it was dark and it had begun to rain. Between his screams the victim raged and raved against the avenger. “It was that hellcat, Kitty Winter!” he cried. “Oh, the she-devil! She shall pay for it! She shall pay! Oh, God in heaven, this pain is more than I can bear!”

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Português

Lavei seu rosto com óleo, coloquei algodão sobre as superfícies cruas e dei-lhe uma injeção de morfina. No choque do evento, toda a suspeita que ele tinha de mim havia desaparecido, e ele se agarrou às minhas mãos como se eu ainda pudesse limpar seus olhos de peixe morto que olhavam para cima. Eu poderia ter chorado pela ruína se não me lembrasse da vida vil que levara a essa mudança horrível. Era repugnante sentir suas mãos ardentes me tocando, e fiquei aliviado quando seu cirurgião de família chegou, seguido de perto por um especialista, para assumir o caso. Um inspetor de polícia também veio, e entreguei a ele meu cartão verdadeiro. Teria sido inútil fazer o contrário, pois eu era quase tão conhecido de vista na Scotland Yard quanto o próprio Holmes. Então saí daquela casa de tristeza e terror. Em uma hora, estava em Baker Street.

Original English

I bathed his face in oil, put cotton wadding on the raw surfaces, and administered a hypodermic of morphia. All suspicion of me had passed from his mind in the presence of this shock, and he clung to my hands as if I might have the power even yet to clear those dead-fish eyes which glazed up at me. I could have wept over the ruin had I not remembered very clearly the vile life which had led up to so hideous a change. It was loathsome to feel the pawing of his burning hands, and I was relieved when his family surgeon, closely followed by a specialist, came to relieve me of my charge. An inspector of police had also arrived, and to him I handed my real card. It would have been useless as well as foolish to do otherwise, for I was nearly as well known by sight at the Yard as Holmes himself. Then I left that house of gloom and terror. Within an hour I was at Baker Street.

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Português

Holmes estava sentado em sua cadeira habitual, parecendo muito pálido e exausto. Além de seus ferimentos, até mesmo seus nervos de aço haviam sido abalados pelos eventos da noite, e ele ouviu com horror meu relato da transformação do Barão.

Original English

Holmes was seated in his familiar chair, looking very pale and exhausted. Apart from his injuries, even his iron nerves had been shocked by the events of the evening, and he listened with horror to my account of the Baron’s transformation.

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Português

Holmes observou que o salário do pecado sempre chega mais cedo ou mais tarde, e que havia pecado suficiente neste caso. Ele pegou um volume marrom da mesa e disse que se aquele livro não terminasse o casamento, nada jamais terminaria. Ele insistiu que nenhuma mulher com amor-próprio poderia suportá-lo.

Original English

“The wages of sin, Watson—the wages of sin!” said he. “Sooner or later it will always come. God knows, there was sin enough,” he added, taking up a brown volume from the table. “Here is the book the woman talked of. If this will not break off the marriage, nothing ever could. But it will, Watson. It must. No self-respecting woman could stand it.”

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Português

Perguntei se era o diário de amor dele.

Original English

“It is his love diary?”

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Português

Holmes explicou que, no momento em que a mulher mencionou o diário, ele entendeu que ferramenta poderosa poderia ser se conseguissem obtê-lo. Ele guardou seus pensamentos para si porque temia que ela pudesse revelar seu interesse. A agressão contra ele mais tarde lhe deu a oportunidade de fazer o Barão acreditar que ele não representava ameaça, o que foi benéfico. Ele teria esperado mais tempo, mas a iminente viagem do Barão para a América o obrigou a agir, pois o Barão nunca deixaria um documento tão comprometedor para trás. Portanto, eles tiveram que agir imediatamente. Um roubo à noite era impossível devido às precauções do Barão, mas havia uma chance à noite se ele pudesse garantir que a atenção do Barão estivesse ocupada. Foi aí que Watson e o pires azul entraram em cena. Ele precisava confirmar a localização do livro e sabia que tinha apenas alguns minutos, já que o conhecimento de Watson sobre cerâmica chinesa limitava o tempo. Então ele reuniu a garota no último momento. Ele não fazia ideia do que continha o pequeno pacote que ela carregava cuidadosamente sob sua capa; ele presumiu que ela estava ali exclusivamente para seus propósitos, mas descobriu-se que ela tinha sua própria agenda.

Original English

“Or his lust diary. Call it what you will. The moment the woman told us of it I realized what a tremendous weapon was there if we could but lay our hands on it. I said nothing at the time to indicate my thoughts, for this woman might have given it away. But I brooded over it. Then this assault upon me gave me the chance of letting the Baron think that no precautions need be taken against me. That was all to the good. I would have waited a little longer, but his visit to America forced my hand. He would never have left so compromising a document behind him. Therefore we had to act at once. Burglary at night is impossible. He takes precautions. But there was a chance in the evening if I could only be sure that his attention was engaged. That was where you and your blue saucer came in. But I had to be sure of the position of the book, and I knew I had only a few minutes in which to act, for my time was limited by your knowledge of Chinese pottery. Therefore I gathered the girl up at the last moment. How could I guess what the little packet was that she carried so carefully under her cloak? I thought she had come altogether on my business, but it seems she had some of her own.”

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Português

Ele adivinhou que eu tinha vindo de você.

Original English

“He guessed I came from you.”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que temia que o Barão adivinhasse. No entanto, ele observou que Watson havia mantido a atenção do Barão tempo suficiente para ele recuperar o livro, embora não o suficiente para uma fuga despercebida. Em seguida, ele deu as boas-vindas a Sir James, expressando seu prazer com sua chegada.

Original English

“I feared he would. But you held him in play just long enough for me to get the book, though not long enough for an unobserved escape. Ah, Sir James, I am very glad you have come!”

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Português

Sir James, o amigo cortês, havia chegado em resposta a uma convocação anterior. Ele ouviu com intensa atenção o relato de Holmes sobre os eventos.

Original English

Our courtly friend had appeared in answer to a previous summons. He listened with the deepest attention to Holmes’s account of what had occurred.

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Português

Após ouvir a narrativa, Sir James exclamou que Holmes havia realizado maravilhas. Ele então questionou se, dados os terríveis ferimentos descritos pelo Dr. Watson, o objetivo de impedir o casamento já havia sido suficientemente alcançado sem a necessidade de usar o horrível livro.

Original English

“You have done wonders—wonders!” he cried when he had heard the narrative. “But if these injuries are as terrible as Dr. Watson describes, then surely our purpose of thwarting the marriage is sufficiently gained without the use of this horrible book.”

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Português

Holmes expressou discordância balançando a cabeça.

Original English

Holmes shook his head.

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Português

Holmes explicou que mulheres como a Srta. De Merville amariam ainda mais um homem se ele estivesse marcado. Portanto, ele argumentou, eles deveriam destruir seu caráter moral, e não sua aparência física. Ele acreditava que o livro, escrito de próprio punho pelo homem, a traria de volta à realidade e que nada mais poderia.

Original English

“Women of the De Merville type do not act like that. She would love him the more as a disfigured martyr. No, no. It is his moral side, not his physical, which we have to destroy. That book will bring her back to earth—and I know nothing else that could. It is in his own writing. She cannot get past it.”

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Português

Sir James saiu com o livro e o pires. Watson, também atrasado, acompanhou-o para fora. Uma carruagem esperava. Sir James pulou dentro, deu uma ordem apressada ao cocheiro e partiu rapidamente. Ele tentou esconder o brasão no painel da carruagem jogando seu sobretudo por cima, mas Watson o viu na luz. Chocado, Watson voltou para o quarto de Holmes.

Original English

Sir James carried away both it and the precious saucer. As I was myself overdue, I went down with him into the street. A brougham was waiting for him. He sprang in, gave a hurried order to the cockaded coachman, and drove swiftly away. He flung his overcoat half out of the window to cover the armorial bearings upon the panel, but I had seen them in the glare of our fanlight none the less. I gasped with surprise. Then I turned back and ascended the stair to Holmes’s room.

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Português

Watson anunciou animadamente que havia descoberto a identidade do cliente, prestes a nomeá-lo quando foi interrompido.

Original English

“I have found out who our client is,” I cried, bursting with my great news. “Why, Holmes, it is—”

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Português

Holmes ergueu a mão para parar Watson, afirmando que o cliente era um amigo leal e um cavalheiro cavalheiresco, e que isso deveria ser suficiente para eles.

Original English

“It is a loyal friend and a chivalrous gentleman,” said Holmes, holding up a restraining hand. “Let that now and forever be enough for us.”

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Português

O orador não tinha certeza de como o livro incriminador foi usado. Era possível que Sir James o tivesse manuseado, ou talvez a delicada tarefa tenha sido confiada ao pai da jovem. De qualquer forma, o resultado foi totalmente satisfatório.

Original English

I do not know how the incriminating book was used. Sir James may have managed it. Or it is more probable that so delicate a task was entrusted to the young lady’s father. The effect, at any rate, was all that could be desired.

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Português

Três dias depois, um jornal noticiou que o casamento entre o Barão Adelbert Gruner e a Srta. Violet de Merville não aconteceria. O mesmo periódico também cobriu a primeira aparição judicial de Miss Kitty Winter, acusada do grave crime de jogar vitríolo. Durante o julgamento, surgiram circunstâncias atenuantes que fizeram com que ela recebesse a pena mais leve possível para tal delito. Sherlock Holmes enfrentou uma ameaça de acusação por furto, mas quando o motivo é nobre e o cliente é altamente influente, até a rígida lei britânica se torna flexível. Meu amigo ainda não teve que comparecer ao banco dos réus.

Original English

Three days later appeared a paragraph in the Morning Post to say that the marriage between Baron Adelbert Gruner and Miss Violet de Merville would not take place. The same paper had the first police-court hearing of the proceedings against Miss Kitty Winter on the grave charge of vitriol-throwing. Such extenuating circumstances came out in the trial that the sentence, as will be remembered, was the lowest that was possible for such an offence. Sherlock Holmes was threatened with a prosecution for burglary, but when an object is good and a client is sufficiently illustrious, even the rigid British law becomes human and elastic. My friend has not yet stood in the dock.

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The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

Português

As ideias do meu amigo Watson, embora limitadas, são muito persistentes. Ele há muito me insta a escrever sobre uma de minhas próprias experiências. Talvez eu tenha convidado essa pressão, pois muitas vezes apontei como seus relatos são superficiais e o acusei de agradar ao gosto popular em vez de se ater estritamente a fatos e números. Ele retrucou dizendo que eu mesmo tentasse, e sou forçado a admitir que, ao pegar na caneta, percebo que o assunto deve ser apresentado de forma a interessar o leitor. O caso a seguir dificilmente deixará de fazê-lo, pois está entre os mais estranhos da minha coleção, embora Watson não tenha registro dele. Falando do meu velho amigo e biógrafo, aproveito a oportunidade para observar que, se me sobrecarrego com um companheiro em minhas pequenas investigações, não é por sentimento ou capricho, mas porque Watson tem algumas qualidades notáveis próprias, que em sua modéstia ele ignorou em meio aos seus exagerados elogios às minhas realizações. Um cúmplice que antecipa suas conclusões e ações é sempre perigoso, mas aquele para quem cada desenvolvimento vem como uma surpresa constante e para quem o futuro é sempre desconhecido é de fato um parceiro ideal.

Original English

The ideas of my friend Watson, though limited, are exceedingly pertinacious. For a long time he has worried me to write an experience of my own. Perhaps I have rather invited this persecution, since I have often had occasion to point out to him how superficial are his own accounts and to accuse him of pandering to popular taste instead of confining himself rigidly to facts and figures. “Try it yourself, Holmes!” he has retorted, and I am compelled to admit that, having taken my pen in my hand, I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in such a way as may interest the reader. The following case can hardly fail to do so, as it is among the strangest happenings in my collection though it chanced that Watson had no note of it in his collection. Speaking of my old friend and biographer, I would take this opportunity to remark that if I burden myself with a companion in my various little inquiries it is not done out of sentiment or caprice, but it is that Watson has some remarkable characteristics of his own to which in his modesty he has given small attention amid his exaggerated estimates of my own performances. A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous, but one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise, and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate.

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Português

Encontro em meu caderno que foi em janeiro de 1903, logo após o fim da Guerra dos Bôeres, que recebi a visita do Sr. James M. Dodd, um britânico grande, saudável, queimado de sol e íntegro. O bom Watson naquela época havia me deixado por uma esposa, a única ação egoísta que consigo recordar em nossa associação. Eu estava sozinho.

Original English

I find from my notebook that it was in January, 1903, just after the conclusion of the Boer War, that I had my visit from Mr. James M. Dodd, a big, fresh, sunburned, upstanding Briton. The good Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action which I can recall in our association. I was alone.

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Português

É meu hábito sentar-me de costas para a janela e colocar meus visitantes na cadeira oposta, onde a luz incide totalmente sobre eles. O Sr. James M. Dodd parecia incerto sobre como iniciar a entrevista. Não tentei ajudá-lo, pois seu silêncio me deu mais tempo para observação. Descobri que é sábio impressionar os clientes com um senso de poder, e então compartilhei algumas de minhas conclusões com ele.

Original English

It is my habit to sit with my back to the window and to place my visitors in the opposite chair, where the light falls full upon them. Mr. James M. Dodd seemed somewhat at a loss how to begin the interview. I did not attempt to help him, for his silence gave me more time for observation. I have found it wise to impress clients with a sense of power, and so I gave him some of my conclusions.

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Português

Ele percebeu que o homem era da África do Sul.

Original English

“From South Africa, sir, I perceive.”

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Português

Ele respondeu afirmativamente, visivelmente surpreso.

Original English

“Yes, sir,” he answered, with some surprise.

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Português

Ele supôs que o homem pertencia à Imperial Yeomanry.

Original English

“Imperial Yeomanry, I fancy.”

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Português

O homem confirmou que a dedução estava correta.

Original English

“Exactly.”

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Português

Ele então acrescentou que era, sem dúvida, o Middlesex Corps.

Original English

“Middlesex Corps, no doubt.”

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Português

Ele reconheceu que Holmes parecia quase mágico em suas deduções.

Original English

“That is so. Mr. Holmes, you are a wizard.”

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Português

Eu sorri diante de sua expressão perplexa.

Original English

I smiled at his bewildered expression.

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Português

Holmes explicou que o bronzeado intenso do homem, a posição do lenço, a barba curta e a aparência de cavaleiro, junto com seu cartão, deixaram claro que ele era um corretor da bolsa da Throgmorton Street que havia se juntado à Middlesex Yeomanry.

Original English

“When a gentleman of virile appearance enters my room with such tan upon his face as an English sun could never give, and with his handkerchief in his sleeve instead of in his pocket, it is not difficult to place him. You wear a short beard, which shows that you were not a regular. You have the cut of a riding-man. As to Middlesex, your card has already shown me that you are a stockbroker from Throgmorton Street. What other regiment would you join?”

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Português

Ele declarou que Holmes via tudo.

Original English

“You see everything.”

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Português

Holmes respondeu humildemente que havia se treinado para notar o que via, e então perguntou a Dodd o que havia acontecido em Tuxbury Old Park.

Original English

“I see no more than you, but I have trained myself to notice what I see. However, Mr. Dodd, it was not to discuss the science of observation that you called upon me this morning. What has been happening at Tuxbury Old Park?”

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Português

Um homem chamou urgentemente pelo Sr. Holmes.

Original English

“Mr. Holmes—!”

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Português

Holmes respondeu que não havia mistério; a carta do homem, com seu cabeçalho urgente e marcação de compromisso, indicava claramente que algo repentino e importante havia ocorrido.

Original English

“My dear sir, there is no mystery. Your letter came with that heading, and as you fixed this appointment in very pressing terms it was clear that something sudden and important had occurred.”

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Português

O homem concordou, mas observou que a carta foi escrita antes e muita coisa acontecera desde então; acrescentou que teria ficado se o Coronel Emsworth não o tivesse expulsado à força.

Original English

“Yes, indeed. But the letter was written in the afternoon, and a good deal has happened since then. If Colonel Emsworth had not kicked me out—”

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Português

Holmes reagiu com surpresa, repetindo a expressão 'expulsar' como uma pergunta.

Original English

“Kicked you out!”

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Português

O homem confirmou que era isso mesmo, descrevendo o Coronel Emsworth como um disciplinador severo e rígido, conhecido por sua linguagem grosseira. Ele afirmou que não teria suportado o coronel não fosse seu afeto por Godfrey.

Original English

“Well, that was what it amounted to. He is a hard nail, is Colonel Emsworth. The greatest martinet in the Army in his day, and it was a day of rough language, too. I couldn’t have stuck the colonel if it had not been for Godfrey’s sake.”

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Português

O narrador acendeu seu cachimbo e recostou-se na cadeira, preparando-se para a conversa.

Original English

I lit my pipe and leaned back in my chair.

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Português

Ele pediu ao interlocutor que esclarecesse ao que se referia.

Original English

“Perhaps you will explain what you are talking about.”

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Português

Seu cliente deu um sorriso malicioso e cúmplice.

Original English

My client grinned mischievously.

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Português

Ele admitiu que supunha que o narrador soubesse de tudo sem precisar ser informado, mas agora contaria os fatos, esperando que pudessem ser explicados. Ficara acordado a noite toda e, quanto mais pensava, mais inacreditável a situação se tornava.

Original English

“I had got into the way of supposing that you knew everything without being told,” said he. “But I will give you the facts, and I hope to God that you will be able to tell me what they mean. I’ve been awake all night puzzling my brain, and the more I think the more incredible does it become.

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Português

Ele explicou que em janeiro de 1901, dois anos antes, ele e Godfrey Emsworth, o único filho do Coronel Emsworth, um VC da Crimeia, haviam se juntado ao mesmo esquadrão. Godfrey era um rapaz corajoso e bom, e eles formaram uma amizade profunda forjada por dificuldades e alegrias compartilhadas. Após um ano de combates intensos, Godfrey foi baleado por uma espingarda de elefante perto de Diamond Hill, em Pretória. O cliente recebeu duas cartas — uma da Cidade do Cabo, outra de Southampton — mas, por mais de seis meses, nem uma palavra de seu amigo mais próximo.

Original English

“When I joined up in January, 1901—just two years ago—young Godfrey Emsworth had joined the same squadron. He was Colonel Emsworth’s only son—Emsworth the Crimean V. C.—and he had the fighting blood in him, so it is no wonder he volunteered. There was not a finer lad in the regiment. We formed a friendship—the sort of friendship which can only be made when one lives the same life and shares the same joys and sorrows. He was my mate—and that means a good deal in the Army. We took the rough and the smooth together for a year of hard fighting. Then he was hit with a bullet from an elephant gun in the action near Diamond Hill outside Pretoria. I got one letter from the hospital at Cape Town and one from Southampton. Since then not a word—not one word, Mr. Holmes, for six months and more, and he my closest pal.

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Português

Após a guerra, Dodd escreveu ao pai de Godfrey para perguntar sobre Godfrey. Não recebeu resposta a princípio; uma segunda carta obteve uma resposta breve e brusca informando que Godfrey havia embarcado em uma volta ao mundo e não era esperado de volta por um ano.

Original English

“Well, when the war was over, and we all got back, I wrote to his father and asked where Godfrey was. No answer. I waited a bit and then I wrote again. This time I had a reply, short and gruff. Godfrey had gone on a voyage round the world, and it was not likely that he would be back for a year. That was all.

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Português

Dodd não estava convencido. A situação lhe parecia profundamente anormal. Godfrey era um amigo leal e não abandonaria um companheiro assim. Além disso, Dodd sabia que Godfrey era herdeiro de uma fortuna considerável e que seu relacionamento com o pai era frequentemente tenso — o velho podia ser dominador, e Godfrey tinha espírito demais para tolerá-lo. Insatisfeito, Dodd resolveu descobrir a verdade. No entanto, seus próprios assuntos exigiam atenção após dois anos ausente, e só nesta semana ele pôde retomar a investigação. Agora que a havia iniciado, estava determinado a levá-la até o fim.

Original English

“I wasn’t satisfied, Mr. Holmes. The whole thing seemed to me so damned unnatural. He was a good lad, and he would not drop a pal like that. It was not like him. Then, again, I happened to know that he was heir to a lot of money, and also that his father and he did not always hit it off too well. The old man was sometimes a bully, and young Godfrey had too much spirit to stand it. No, I wasn’t satisfied, and I determined that I would get to the root of the matter. It happened, however, that my own affairs needed a lot of straightening out, after two years’ absence, and so it is only this week that I have been able to take up Godfrey’s case again. But since I have taken it up I mean to drop everything in order to see it through.”

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Português

O Sr. James M. Dodd parecia ser o tipo de homem que se preferiria como amigo, e não como inimigo. Enquanto falava, seus olhos azuis eram duros e seu maxilar quadrado estava firmemente cerrado.

Original English

Mr. James M. Dodd appeared to be the sort of person whom it would be better to have as a friend than as an enemy. His blue eyes were stern and his square jaw had set hard as he spoke.

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Português

Holmes perguntou a Dodd o que ele havia feito.

Original English

“Well, what have you done?” I asked.

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Português

O primeiro passo de Dodd foi viajar para a casa de Godfrey, Tuxbury Old Park perto de Bedford, para avaliar a situação pessoalmente. Ele escreveu para a mãe de Godfrey — já que estava farto do pai desagradável — e fez um pedido direto: Godfrey era seu amigo, ele tinha histórias interessantes de suas experiências compartilhadas, estaria na região e haveria alguma objeção a uma visita? A mãe respondeu gentilmente e ofereceu-lhe hospedagem para a noite, e foi por isso que ele foi na segunda-feira.

Original English

“My first move was to get down to his home, Tuxbury Old Park, near Bedford, and to see for myself how the ground lay. I wrote to the mother, therefore—I had had quite enough of the curmudgeon of a father—and I made a clean frontal attack: Godfrey was my chum, I had a great deal of interest which I might tell her of our common experiences, I should be in the neighbourhood, would there be any objection, et cetera? In reply I had quite an amiable answer from her and an offer to put me up for the night. That was what took me down on Monday.

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Português

O narrador descreveu Tuxbury Old Hall como inacessível, a cinco milhas de qualquer lugar. Ele teve que caminhar da estação, carregando sua mala, e chegou quase escuro. A casa era grande e sinuosa, situada em um parque, com vários estilos arquitetônicos, desde o enxaimel elisabetano até um pórtico vitoriano. Por dentro, era cheia de painéis, tapeçarias e quadros antigos desbotados, dando um ar de sombras e mistério. O mordomo, o velho Ralph, parecia tão envelhecido quanto a casa, e sua esposa, que havia sido a babá de Godfrey, parecia ainda mais velha. Godfrey falava dela com grande afeto, perdendo apenas para sua mãe, então o narrador se sentiu atraído por ela apesar de sua aparência estranha. Ele também gostou da mãe, uma mulherzinha gentil como um camundongo branco. Apenas o próprio coronel era desagradável para ele.

Original English

“Tuxbury Old Hall is inaccessible—five miles from anywhere. There was no trap at the station, so I had to walk, carrying my suitcase, and it was nearly dark before I arrived. It is a great wandering house, standing in a considerable park. I should judge it was of all sorts of ages and styles, starting on a half-timbered Elizabethan foundation and ending in a Victorian portico. Inside it was all panelling and tapestry and half-effaced old pictures, a house of shadows and mystery. There was a butler, old Ralph, who seemed about the same age as the house, and there was his wife, who might have been older. She had been Godfrey’s nurse, and I had heard him speak of her as second only to his mother in his affections, so I was drawn to her in spite of her queer appearance. The mother I liked also—a gentle little white mouse of a woman. It was only the colonel himself whom I barred.

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Português

O narrador teve uma discussão imediata com o coronel e considerou voltar a pé para a estação, mas sentiu que isso só agradaria ao coronel. Ele foi levado ao escritório onde o coronel estava sentado atrás de uma mesa desordenada. O coronel era um homem enorme, encurvado, de pele escura e barba grisalha desgrenhada. Seu nariz avermelhado projetava-se como o bico de um abutre, e seus olhos cinzentos e ferozes brilhavam sob sobrancelhas espessas. O narrador entendeu por que Godfrey raramente falava de seu pai.

Original English

“We had a bit of barney right away, and I should have walked back to the station if I had not felt that it might be playing his game for me to do so. I was shown straight into his study, and there I found him, a huge, bow-backed man with a smoky skin and a straggling gray beard, seated behind his littered desk. A red-veined nose jutted out like a vulture’s beak, and two fierce gray eyes glared at me from under tufted brows. I could understand now why Godfrey seldom spoke of his father.

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Português

O coronel falou com uma voz áspera e disse que teria interesse em saber as verdadeiras razões da visita.

Original English

“ ‘Well, sir,’ said he in a rasping voice, ‘I should be interested to know the real reasons for this visit.’

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Português

O narrador respondeu que já havia explicado seus motivos em uma carta para a esposa do coronel.

Original English

“I answered that I had explained them in my letter to his wife.

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Português

O coronel respondeu que o narrador havia afirmado conhecer Godfrey na África, mas eles só tinham a palavra dele para isso.

Original English

“ ‘Yes, yes, you said that you had known Godfrey in Africa. We have, of course, only your word for that.’

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Português

Ele afirmou que tinha as cartas no bolso.

Original English

“ ‘I have his letters to me in my pocket.’

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Português

Ele pediu educadamente para vê-las.

Original English

“ ‘Kindly let me see them.’

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Português

Ele examinou brevemente as duas cartas que lhe entreguei e as devolveu.

Original English

“He glanced at the two which I handed him, and then he tossed them back.

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Português

Ele perguntou qual era o problema.

Original English

“ ‘Well, what then?’ he asked.

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Português

Ele explicou que gostava de Godfrey e que seus laços próximos e memórias compartilhadas tornavam natural que ele se perguntasse sobre o súbito silêncio do jovem e buscasse notícias dele.

Original English

“ ‘I was fond of your son Godfrey, sir. Many ties and memories united us. Is it not natural that I should wonder at his sudden silence and should wish to know what has become of him?’

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Português

O interlocutor afirmou que se lembrava de já ter escrito ao ouvinte e informado sobre o paradeiro da pessoa. Ele explicou que o indivíduo havia embarcado em uma viagem ao redor do mundo, pois sua saúde havia sido prejudicada após seu tempo na África. Tanto o interlocutor quanto a mãe da pessoa acreditavam que um período de descanso completo e uma mudança de cenário eram essenciais. Ele pediu que o ouvinte transmitisse essa explicação a quaisquer outros conhecidos interessados.

Original English

“ ‘I have some recollections, sir, that I had already corresponded with you and had told you what had become of him. He has gone upon a voyage round the world. His health was in a poor way after his African experiences, and both his mother and I were of opinion that complete rest and change were needed. Kindly pass that explanation on to any other friends who may be interested in the matter.’

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Português

O ouvinte concordou, mas pediu detalhes específicos: o nome do navio a vapor, a companhia de navegação e a data de partida. Ele expressou confiança de que, com essas informações, conseguiria enviar uma carta à pessoa com sucesso.

Original English

“ ‘Certainly,’ I answered. ‘But perhaps you would have the goodness to let me have the name of the steamer and of the line by which he sailed, together with the date. I have no doubt that I should be able to get a letter through to him.’

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Português

A pergunta do interlocutor pareceu confundir e irritar o anfitrião. Suas sobrancelhas grossas se abaixaram sobre os olhos, e ele tamborilou os dedos na mesa com irritação. Por fim, ergueu o olhar com a expressão de um jogador de xadrez que reconheceu um movimento formidável de um oponente e formulou uma resposta.

Original English

“My request seemed both to puzzle and to irritate my host. His great eyebrows came down over his eyes, and he tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. He looked up at last with the expression of one who has seen his adversary make a dangerous move at chess, and has decided how to meet it.

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Português

O anfitrião comentou com o Sr. Dodd que muitas pessoas ficariam ofendidas com sua persistência implacável e considerariam sua insistência como pura grosseria.

Original English

“ ‘Many people, Mr. Dodd,’ said he, ‘would take offence at your infernal pertinacity and would think that this insistence had reached the point of damned impertinence.’

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Português

O Sr. Dodd pediu ao anfitrião que atribuísse sua insistência contínua ao seu afeto genuíno pelo filho do anfitrião.

Original English

“ ‘You must put it down, sir, to my real love for your son.’

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Português

O homem disse ao Sr. Holmes que já havia considerado tudo e pediu que ele parasse suas investigações. Ele explicou que toda família tem conhecimentos e motivos privados que nem sempre podem ser explicados a estranhos. Sua esposa queria ouvir sobre o passado de Godfrey, mas ele pediu ao Sr. Holmes que deixasse o presente e o futuro de lado, pois tais investigações não eram úteis e os colocavam em uma posição difícil.

Original English

“ ‘Exactly. I have already made every allowance upon that score. I must ask you, however, to drop these inquiries. Every family has its own inner knowledge and its own motives, which cannot always be made clear to outsiders, however well-intentioned. My wife is anxious to hear something of Godfrey’s past which you are in a position to tell her, but I would ask you to let the present and the future alone. Such inquiries serve no useful purpose, sir, and place us in a delicate and difficult position.’

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Português

O narrador disse ao Sr. Holmes que não conseguiu avançar além daquele ponto. Ele fingiu aceitar a situação, mas jurou a si mesmo que não descansaria até descobrir o que aconteceu com seu amigo. Eles tiveram um jantar silencioso e sombrio em uma sala desbotada. A senhora o questionou ansiosamente sobre o filho, mas o velho parecia melancólico. Entediado, ele deu uma desculpa e foi para o quarto, um quarto grande e vazio no térreo, mas depois de um ano dormindo no veld, ele não era exigente. Ele abriu as cortinas, viu uma bela noite com meia-lua, sentou-se perto do fogo para ler, mas foi interrompido pelo mordomo Ralph trazendo mais carvão.

Original English

“So I came to a dead end, Mr. Holmes. There was no getting past it. I could only pretend to accept the situation and register a vow inwardly that I would never rest until my friend’s fate had been cleared up. It was a dull evening. We dined quietly, the three of us, in a gloomy, faded old room. The lady questioned me eagerly about her son, but the old man seemed morose and depressed. I was so bored by the whole proceeding that I made an excuse as soon as I decently could and retired to my bedroom. It was a large, bare room on the ground floor, as gloomy as the rest of the house, but after a year of sleeping upon the veldt, Mr. Holmes, one is not too particular about one’s quarters. I opened the curtains and looked out into the garden, remarking that it was a fine night with a bright half-moon. Then I sat down by the roaring fire with the lamp on a table beside me, and endeavoured to distract my mind with a novel. I was interrupted, however, by Ralph, the old butler, who came in with a fresh supply of coals.

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Português

O mordomo disse que pensou que o hóspede pudesse precisar de mais carvão durante a noite porque o tempo estava rigoroso e os quartos estavam frios.

Original English

“ ‘I thought you might run short in the nighttime, sir. It is bitter weather and these rooms are cold.’

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Português

Ele fez uma pausa antes de sair do quarto. Quando o narrador olhou ao redor, o mordomo estava de pé, de frente para ele, com uma expressão melancólica em seu rosto enrugado.

Original English

“He hesitated before leaving the room, and when I looked round he was standing facing me with a wistful look upon his wrinkled face.

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Português

O mordomo se desculpou, mas disse que não pôde evitar ouvir o que foi dito sobre o jovem Mestre Godfrey no jantar. Ele explicou que sua esposa havia amamentado Godfrey, então ele se considerava um pai adotivo e naturalmente se interessava. Ele então perguntou se Godfrey havia se comportado bem.

Original English

“ ‘Beg your pardon, sir, but I could not help hearing what you said of young Master Godfrey at dinner. You know, sir, that my wife nursed him, and so I may say I am his foster-father. It’s natural we should take an interest. And you say he carried himself well, sir?’

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Português

O falante disse que não havia homem mais corajoso no regimento. Ele acrescentou que esse homem o havia puxado para fora de debaixo dos rifles dos Boers e que, sem essa ajuda, ele poderia não estar vivo.

Original English

“ ‘There was no braver man in the regiment. He pulled me out once from under the rifles of the Boers, or maybe I should not be here.’

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Português

O velho mordomo esfregou suas mãos finas.

Original English

“The old butler rubbed his skinny hands.

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Português

O mordomo concordou, dizendo que isso era típico do Mestre Godfrey. Ele sempre foi corajoso. Não havia árvore no parque que ele não tivesse escalado. Nada poderia detê-lo. Ele era um bom menino e um bom homem.

Original English

“ ‘Yes, sir, yes, that is Master Godfrey all over. He was always courageous. There’s not a tree in the park, sir, that he has not climbed. Nothing would stop him. He was a fine boy—and oh, sir, he was a fine man.’

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Português

Levantei-me de um salto.

Original English

“I sprang to my feet.

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Português

Exclamei, perguntando ao mordomo por que ele usava o pretérito como se Godfrey estivesse morto. Exigi saber qual era o mistério e o que havia acontecido com Godfrey Emsworth.

Original English

“ ‘Look here!’ I cried. ‘You say he was. You speak as if he were dead. What is all this mystery? What has become of Godfrey Emsworth?’

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Português

Segurei o ombro do velho, mas ele se encolheu.

Original English

“I gripped the old man by the shoulder, but he shrank away.

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Português

Ele disse que não entendia e aconselhou que eu perguntasse ao patrão sobre o Mestre Godfrey, pois o patrão sabia; não era seu lugar interferir.

Original English

“ ‘I don’t know what you mean, sir. Ask the master about Master Godfrey. He knows. It is not for me to interfere.’

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Português

Ele começou a sair, mas segurei seu braço.

Original English

“He was leaving the room, but I held his arm.

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Português

Eu disse a ele para ouvir e que ele responderia a uma pergunta antes de sair, mesmo que eu tivesse que segurá-lo a noite toda. Perguntei se Godfrey estava morto.

Original English

“ ‘Listen,’ I said. ‘You are going to answer one question before you leave if I have to hold you all night. Is Godfrey dead?’

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Português

Ele não conseguiu encontrar meu olhar; parecia hipnotizado. A resposta foi arrancada dele, e foi terrível e inesperada.

Original English

“He could not face my eyes. He was like a man hypnotized. The answer was dragged from his lips. It was a terrible and unexpected one.

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Português

Ele exclamou que desejava a Deus que fosse assim, então se libertou e saiu correndo da sala.

Original English

“ ‘I wish to God he was!’ he cried, and, tearing himself free, he dashed from the room.

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Português

O narrador disse a Holmes que voltou para sua cadeira em um estado muito infeliz. As palavras do velho pareciam ter apenas um significado: seu pobre amigo havia se envolvido em algum assunto criminoso ou desonroso que atingia a honra da família. O severo velho havia mandado o filho embora e o escondido do mundo para evitar escândalo. Godfrey era imprudente e facilmente influenciado, então provavelmente havia caído em más mãos e se arruinado. Era um caso lamentável, mas o narrador se sentia no dever de encontrá-lo e ajudar. Enquanto ponderava ansiosamente sobre isso, ele levantou os olhos e viu Godfrey Emsworth parado diante dele.

Original English

“You will think, Mr. Holmes, that I returned to my chair in no very happy state of mind. The old man’s words seemed to me to bear only one interpretation. Clearly my poor friend had become involved in some criminal or, at the least, disreputable transaction which touched the family honour. That stern old man had sent his son away and hidden him from the world lest some scandal should come to light. Godfrey was a reckless fellow. He was easily influenced by those around him. No doubt he had fallen into bad hands and been misled to his ruin. It was a piteous business, if it was indeed so, but even now it was my duty to hunt him out and see if I could aid him. I was anxiously pondering the matter when I looked up, and there was Godfrey Emsworth standing before me.”

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Português

Meu cliente fez uma pausa, tomado por uma profunda emoção.

Original English

My client had paused as one in deep emotion.

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Português

Pedi que ele continuasse, observando que seu problema apresentava algumas características muito incomuns.

Original English

“Pray continue,” I said. “Your problem presents some very unusual features.”

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Português

Ele estava do lado de fora da janela, com o rosto pressionado contra o vidro. Eu havia deixado as cortinas parcialmente abertas, e sua figura estava emoldurada na abertura. A janela ia até o chão, então eu podia ver todo o seu comprimento, mas foi o rosto dele que prendeu meu olhar. Ele estava mortalmente pálido — nunca tinha visto um homem tão branco. Imagino que fantasmas pareçam assim, mas seus olhos encontraram os meus, e eram os olhos de um homem vivo. Ele saltou para trás quando viu que eu estava olhando para ele, e desapareceu na escuridão.

Original English

“He was outside the window, Mr. Holmes, with his face pressed against the glass. I have told you that I looked out at the night. When I did so I left the curtains partly open. His figure was framed in this gap. The window came down to the ground and I could see the whole length of it, but it was his face which held my gaze. He was deadly pale—never have I seen a man so white. I reckon ghosts may look like that; but his eyes met mine, and they were the eyes of a living man. He sprang back when he saw that I was looking at him, and he vanished into the darkness.

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Português

O interlocutor descreveu o homem ao Sr. Holmes como profundamente perturbador. Não era apenas seu rosto, que brilhava de forma anormalmente branca no escuro, mas algo mais sutil — uma sensação de furtividade, culpa e dissimulação que era totalmente diferente do jovem aberto e honesto que ele conhecera. Isso deixou um sentimento duradouro de horror.

Original English

“There was something shocking about the man, Mr. Holmes. It wasn’t merely that ghastly face glimmering as white as cheese in the darkness. It was more subtle than that—something slinking, something furtive, something guilty—something very unlike the frank, manly lad that I had known. It left a feeling of horror in my mind.

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Glossary: New Words

Words introduced by the simplified reading. Each entry shows up to five real sentences from this book; every Back to B1 link opens the exact sentence in the simplified version.

accusations ˌæk.juˈzeɪ.ʃənz (1)

Português: acusações

Simple English: Statements saying someone did something wrong.

Example: He listened to the accusations before making a decision.

Uses in this book:

1. She dismissed all the accusations as lies. Back to B1

achieved əˈtʃiːvd (1)

Português: alcançado

Simple English: To succeed in doing something important.

Example: She achieved her goal of graduating.

Uses in this book:

1. He asked if, since the injuries were as bad as Dr. Watson said, their goal to stop the marriage was already achieved without needing the terrible book. Back to B1

angelic ænˈdʒɛlɪk (1)

Português: angelical

Simple English: Like an angel; pure and beautiful

Example: She had an angelic smile that made everyone feel calm.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes mentioned that opposites sometimes attract, like the spiritual and the animal, or the ancient and the angelic. Back to B1

area ˈɛəriə (15)

Português: área

Simple English: a space or part of a place

Example: She ran across a small open area.

Uses in this book:

1. I had heard that some Apaches attacked him in the Montmartre area and that he was injured permanently. Back to B1

2. That evening, I made plans with Johnson to take Miss Winter to a quiet area outside the city. Back to B1

3. A long, curved path with many plants led to a big square area with statues. Back to B1

4. No crimes had been reported in that area.

5. Billy walked forward and pulled back the cloth that covered the window area.

attackers əˈtækərz (6)

Português: agressores

Simple English: People who try to hurt others.

Example: Tarzan let the first two attackers pass.

Uses in this book:

1. The attackers were dressed like respectable men. Back to B1

2. It was likely that the attackers were criminals who had often been stopped by Mr. Holmes's clever work. Back to B1

3. Holmes explained that he was good at defending himself with a stick and had blocked most of the attackers. Back to B1

4. I said that I knew it was that bad man who sent the attackers. Back to B1

5. Sherlock Holmes told Watson that they could not do anything until the police caught the attackers. Back to B1

attract əˈtrækt (1)

Português: atrair

Simple English: to make someone like or want something

Example: A boy with syrup on his face won't attract a girl.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes mentioned that opposites sometimes attract, like the spiritual and the animal, or the ancient and the angelic. Back to B1

auction ˈɔːkʃən (1)

Português: leilão

Simple English: A public sale where people bid to buy things

Example: They bought the painting at an auction.

Uses in this book:

1. He told Watson to suggest famous auction houses like Christie's or Sotheby's. Back to B1

bandage ˈbændɪdʒ (1)

Português: curativo

Simple English: Material used to cover and protect a hurt part of the body.

Example: He used pieces of his handkerchief to bandage them.

Uses in this book:

1. There was a red stain on the white bandage. Back to B1

beforehand bɪˈfɔːrhænd (1)

Português: antes

Simple English: In advance; earlier than something else

Example: We sent a note beforehand to prepare him.

Uses in this book:

1. A note would be sent to the Baron beforehand to say Watson was coming. Back to B1

beggars ˈbɛɡərz (1)

Português: mendigos

Simple English: People who ask for money because they are poor

Example: Poor beggars asked for help on the street.

Uses in this book:

1. Miss Winter's arrival surprised her a little, but she showed them to their chairs like a religious leader welcoming two poor beggars. Back to B1

blocked blɒkt (2)

Português: bloqueado

Simple English: stopped from going through

Example: Hills blocked the area on three sides.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that he was good at defending himself with a stick and had blocked most of the attackers. Back to B1

2. A shutter partly blocked the view, but Holmes was still paying close attention to the window.

cancelled ˈkænsəld (1)

Português: cancelou

Simple English: To stop something planned from happening.

Example: She cancelled her flight because of the storm.

Uses in this book:

1. Three days later, a newspaper announced that the marriage between Baron Adelbert Gruner and Miss Violet de Merville was cancelled. Back to B1

car kɑːr (2)

Português: carro

Simple English: A vehicle used for traveling on roads.

Example: It moved safely and easily on the ground, almost like a car.

Uses in this book:

1. His car was waiting outside. Back to B1

2. They took him to a waiting car.

cheap tʃiːp (1)

Português: barato

Simple English: not expensive or low quality

Example: Levi and Lorenzo were very cheap.

Uses in this book:

1. Because he had been in prison, he could go into any nightclub, cheap lodging, or gambling place. Back to B1

cheeky ˈtʃiːki (1)

Português: atrevido

Simple English: Showing rude or disrespectful behavior in a funny way.

Example: He is a cheeky boy who likes to joke.

Uses in this book:

1. The client smiled in a playful or cheeky way. Back to B1

city ˈsɪti (2)

Português: cidade

Simple English: a large town with many people and buildings

Example: New York is a busy city.

Uses in this book:

1. That evening, I made plans with Johnson to take Miss Winter to a quiet area outside the city. Back to B1

2. Mr. Neil Gibson had not yet returned from the city.

comparing kəmˈpeərɪŋ (1)

Português: comparando

Simple English: looking at two or more things to find differences or similarities

Example: D'Arnot thought that comparing fingerprints took time.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that clever criminals often have complex minds, comparing them to musicians and artists. Back to B1

confront kənˈfrʌnt (1)

Português: enfrentar

Simple English: to face someone and challenge them

Example: They were ready to confront Terkoz when he came back.

Uses in this book:

1. He said he liked to confront his opponents directly, face to face, to understand them. Back to B1

confuse /kənˈfjuːz/ (1)

Português: confundir; confundo

Simple English: To mistake one thing or person for another incorrectly.

Example: I often confuse their names since they sound so similar.

Uses in this book:

1. The listener's question seemed to confuse and annoy the host. Back to B1

damaging ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ (2)

Português: prejudicial

Simple English: Causing harm or injury.

Example: Jem thought about damaging the doll.

Uses in this book:

1. The speaker did not know how a book containing damaging information was used. Back to B1

2. Watson exclaimed that finding the pistol seemed like the most damaging piece of evidence.

decorations ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃənz (1)

Português: decorações

Simple English: things used to make a place look nice

Example: They put decorations on the walls.

Uses in this book:

1. Inside, it was dark with old decorations. Back to B1

defeated dɪˈfiːtɪd (2)

Português: derrotou

Simple English: Having won in a competition or fight.

Example: He defeated his opponent in the game.

Uses in this book:

1. She said her only wish was to see the man defeated, with her foot on his face. Back to B1

2. He warned Mr. Holmes that he had not helped himself that morning and that he had defeated stronger men.

defending dɪˈfɛndɪŋ (1)

Português: defendendo

Simple English: Protecting someone or something from attack.

Example: They were defending their High Priestess.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that he was good at defending himself with a stick and had blocked most of the attackers. Back to B1

determination dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən (1)

Português: determinação

Simple English: the quality of trying hard to do something

Example: Her determination helped her finish the race.

Uses in this book:

1. He had serious blue eyes and a firm jaw, and he spoke with determination. Back to B1

disappear ˌdɪsəˈpɪər (1)

Português: desaparecer

Simple English: to go away or become impossible to see

Example: The magician made the rabbit disappear.

Uses in this book:

1. He wanted Watson to tell Shinwell Johnson to help the girl disappear. Back to B1

dishonest /dɪsˈɒnɪst/ (2)

Português: desonesto

Simple English: Not truthful or trustworthy, often engaging in immoral behavior.

Example: Being dishonest can damage trust in personal relationships significantly.

Uses in this book:

1. She stated clearly that she knew about three times in her fiancé's life when he was involved with dishonest women. Back to B1

2. He considered the man to be a clever but dishonest person.

East iːst (1)

Português: Oriente

Simple English: The direction where the sun rises

Example: The silk came from the East.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes opened the box and took out a small item wrapped carefully in fine silk from the East. Back to B1

embarrassing /ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/ (1)

Português: embaraçoso; constrangedor; envergonhando

Simple English: Causing feelings of shame or discomfort publicly.

Example: It was embarrassing when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.

Uses in this book:

1. The man had told her all the bad and embarrassing stories from his past. Back to B1

emotional /ɪˈmoʊʃənəl/ (4)

Português: emocional; emotivo; sentimental

Simple English: Showing strong feelings; easily affected by emotions.

Example: She was emotional during the farewell party and cried quite a bit.

Uses in this book:

1. The client stopped speaking because he was very emotional. Back to B1

2. However, his emotional pain was worse when he saw a beautiful woman looking at his suffering.

3. I followed the girl, who was feeling very emotional, up the stairs and along an old hallway.

4. Holmes explained that the man's letter was emotional and not like his usual calm behaviour.

exclaimed ɪkˈskleɪmd (7)

Português: exclamou

Simple English: Said something loudly because of emotion.

Example: The doctor exclaimed he had found the problem.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes exclaimed that there were only three days left. Back to B1

2. Someone exclaimed "My Jacky!".

3. The narrator exclaimed that he had found the card.

4. Watson exclaimed that finding the pistol seemed like the most damaging piece of evidence.

5. The inspector exclaimed that he was surprised.

fantasy ˈfæntəsi (1)

Português: fantasia

Simple English: Fantasy is an imaginary world or story, not real.

Example: He reads fantasy books about magic.

Uses in this book:

1. He thanks the reader for their loyalty and hopes the stories have provided a welcome escape from life's problems and offered interesting thoughts, like a journey into a world of fantasy. Back to B1

fictional ˈfɪkʃənəl (1)

Português: ficcional

Simple English: Made-up, not real.

Example: The author used this idea for a fictional story.

Uses in this book:

1. The writer imagines a special place for fictional characters, where characters from old books can still live. Back to B1

focus ˈfoʊkəs (7)

Português: focar

Simple English: To pay attention to one thing.

Example: He wanted to focus on their safety first.

Uses in this book:

1. He told Sir James to let his client know that he would now focus his attention on Baron Gruner. Back to B1

2. Holmes said he was mostly a brain and needed to focus on it.

3. He then suggested they should stop talking about his clothes and focus on the paper he held.

4. He explained that cooking well needs focus, which is difficult when someone is reading a romance magazine.

5. He then said they were wasting time and should focus on the facts.

forgiven fərˈɡɪvən (2)

Português: perdoado

Simple English: Not angry with someone after they did wrong.

Example: She has forgiven him for the mistake.

Uses in this book:

1. He thought that a murder might be forgiven or explained, but a smaller offense could still cause anger. Back to B1

2. He said that it might be worth trying, but the man had told the woman most of his secrets and she had forgiven him. Back to B1

forgiveness fərˈɡɪvnɪs (1)

Português: perdão

Simple English: The act of stopping feeling angry or blaming someone.

Example: He asked for forgiveness softly.

Uses in this book:

1. The butler asked for forgiveness but said he could not help hearing what was said about young Master Godfrey at dinner. Back to B1

grass ɡræs (2)

Português: grama

Simple English: Green plants that grow close to the ground.

Example: The children played on the grass.

Uses in this book:

1. Some people went through the window, and others went outside onto the grass. Back to B1

2. Mason guided them across the grass to an old chapel.

grey ɡreɪ (8)

Português: cinza

Simple English: a colour between black and white

Example: She had grey hair.

Uses in this book:

1. The colonel was a large man with a dark face, a grey beard, and a red nose. Back to B1

2. He looked funny because he wore a very bright grey checked suit and a colourful salmon tie.

3. As we arrived, a man with grey hair looked from a window.

4. His sharp, grey eyes looked at Watson closely.

5. Watson noticed the man's long, grey, curly hair coming from under his old straw hat.

honor ˈɒnər (1)

Português: honra

Simple English: A special award or respect for something good you do.

Example: Jason was about to receive a great honor.

Uses in this book:

1. The visitor asked Mr. Holmes, as a matter of honor, not to find out who his client was, and to keep his identity secret. Back to B1

including ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ (7)

Português: incluindo

Simple English: Used to mention something as part of a group.

Example: Everyone was invited, including teachers and students.

Uses in this book:

1. However, he added that he had to consider every possibility, including what if the seller did not have the right to sell it. Back to B1

2. However, he would explain his thinking process to the people listening, including Godfrey's mother.

3. Sherlock showed the Count more examples of crimes, including a robbery on a train to the Riviera in 1892 and a forged check from the same year.

4. He mentioned that it was Barney Stockdale's gang, including a tall black man, and that they had been seen nearby.

5. After becoming a widow, she lived as she pleased and had many lovers, including a strong and proud man named Douglas Maberley.

instructed ɪnˈstrʌktɪd (2)

Português: instruiu

Simple English: Told someone what to do.

Example: The teacher instructed the students to open their books.

Uses in this book:

1. Watson was instructed to visit Baron Gruner. Back to B1

2. He added that Barker had only done what he was instructed to do.

Investigate /ɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪt/ (12)

Português: investigar; averiguar

Simple English: To examine facts carefully to uncover the truth.

Example: The police will investigate the crime scene for clues and evidence.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes mentioned he had his own ways of finding information and believed they could find a way to investigate the situation. Back to B1

2. The man confirmed the story and warned Mr. Holmes not to investigate his affairs, saying that it was dangerous and that several people had suffered because of it. Back to B1

3. The old man agreed unwillingly, giving the speaker a full day to investigate.

4. He decided to investigate because if someone was willing to cause so much trouble, there must be something important about it.

5. He felt it was a case that needed him to investigate personally.

item ˈaɪtəm (10)

Português: item

Simple English: a thing or object

Example: The key was the only item she did not understand.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes opened the box and took out a small item wrapped carefully in fine silk from the East. Back to B1

2. He mentioned that such a beautiful item would make a collector very excited. Back to B1

3. He looked at the item with quick, suspicious eyes and said it was very mysterious. Back to B1

4. He was certain the item was real and had no doubts about it. Back to B1

5. They explained that the other person was a collector with a valuable item, but had not checked the book that would explain its real meaning and value. Back to B1

items ˈaɪtəmz (17)

Português: objetos

Simple English: Things or objects, especially small ones.

Example: Clayton said he wished they had left those items.

Uses in this book:

1. Watson should say that he had heard about the Baron's interest in such items and was willing to sell the set for a good price. Back to B1

2. The other person explained that some personal items might be allowed, but nothing could leave the house without being checked.

3. He mentioned that these items belonged to poor Douglas.

4. Someone answered that the items had arrived the previous week.

5. He asked her to take the items upstairs to her bedroom, check them quickly, and see what was inside.

jug dʒʌɡ (1)

Português: jarro

Simple English: a container for holding liquids

Example: Each person took wine from a golden jug.

Uses in this book:

1. I grabbed a jug of water from a table and ran to help him. Back to B1

layout ˈleɪˌaʊt (1)

Português: planta

Simple English: The way parts of something are arranged.

Example: He knows the layout of the house well.

Uses in this book:

1. The speaker then described the layout of Gruner's house: the outer study had Chinese pottery in a glass cupboard, and a door behind the desk led to the inner study where Gruner kept his papers. Back to B1

listener ˈlɪsənər (3)

Português: ouvinte

Simple English: a person who listens

Example: The listener heard the story carefully.

Uses in this book:

1. The listener's question seemed to confuse and annoy the host. Back to B1

2. He then asked if the listener's lawyer was a good and capable person.

3. He said that the listener's wife had feared such an attack.

medicine ˈmɛdɪsɪn (4)

Português: remédio

Simple English: A substance used to treat illness or pain.

Example: The patient was waking up from the medicine.

Uses in this book:

1. He had been given medicine to help him rest, and he needed to be quiet. Back to B1

2. I also gave him a medicine injection to help with the pain. Back to B1

3. He was given medicine and fell into a deep sleep.

4. They were sent from Commercial Road and seemed to be receipts or invoices for sending medicine to Professor Presbury.

musicians mjuːˈzɪʃənz (1)

Português: músicos

Simple English: people who play music

Example: Musicians played at the concert.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that clever criminals often have complex minds, comparing them to musicians and artists. Back to B1

narrator ˈnærətər (88)

Português: narrador

Simple English: The person who tells a story.

Example: The narrator was busy looking for strange things.

Uses in this book:

1. The narrator agreed. Back to B1

2. The narrator met Holmes again the next evening at their usual restaurant. Back to B1

3. When the narrator asked Holmes about his interview, Holmes just shrugged. Back to B1

4. Holmes then told his story, and the narrator explained that he would retell it in a simpler way, as Holmes's original account was very direct and needed to be made easier to understand. Back to B1

5. Holmes told the narrator that he found it hard to describe the lady. Back to B1

nearby ˌnɪərˈbaɪ (11)

Português: próximo

Simple English: close in distance

Example: He climbed a nearby tree for safety.

Uses in this book:

1. He mentioned he would be nearby and asked if it would be okay to visit. Back to B1

2. His wife mentioned some interesting places nearby, which gave the speaker an opportunity to ask if he could stay one more night.

3. He was already sure that Godfrey was hiding nearby, but he did not know where or why.

4. He was surprised to see a large house nearby.

5. He mentioned that it was Barney Stockdale's gang, including a tall black man, and that they had been seen nearby.

northern /ˈnɔːrðərn/ (1)

Português: norte; setentrional; nórdica

Simple English: Positioned in or toward the north direction geographically relative.

Example: The northern part of the country is known for its beautiful landscapes.

Uses in this book:

1. The speaker then asked about the Northern Wei dynasty and its importance in the history of ceramics. Back to B1

obey /oʊˈbeɪ/ (2)

Português: obedecer; obedecei; cumpra

Simple English: To follow rules, commands, orders given by authority.

Example: Children must learn to obey their parents and teachers at school.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that it was easy to arrange the meeting because the young woman wanted to obey her father in most things, even though she had not obeyed him about her engagement. Back to B1

2. Watson knew from experience that it was best to obey. Back to B1

offended əˈfɛndɪd (1)

Português: ofendido

Simple English: Upset or hurt by someone's words or actions

Example: She was offended by the rude comment.

Uses in this book:

1. The host told Mr. Dodd that many people would be offended by his persistence and would think his insistence was very rude. Back to B1

offense əˈfɛns (1)

Português: ofensa

Simple English: something that causes hurt or anger

Example: He apologized for causing offense.

Uses in this book:

1. He thought that a murder might be forgiven or explained, but a smaller offense could still cause anger. Back to B1

okay oʊˈkeɪ (6)

Português: tudo bem

Simple English: Everything is all right.

Example: Is everything okay with the car?

Uses in this book:

1. He said it was okay now, even though I had asked him many times over the years. Back to B1

2. Whatever he did was okay with her, like with the other woman. Back to B1

3. He mentioned he would be nearby and asked if it would be okay to visit. Back to B1

4. He hoped he was okay, but when he got home, he saw the bad signs on his face and knew he was sick.

5. He told Watson that Mrs. Merrilow was okay with him smoking.

onto ˈɑntu (7)

Português: em cima de

Simple English: moving to a higher position on something

Example: The cat jumped onto the table.

Uses in this book:

1. Some people went through the window, and others went outside onto the grass. Back to B1

2. The speaker explained that she tried to hold onto one of the men, but he pushed her away.

3. He was holding onto furniture to stay standing and gasped for brandy before falling onto the sofa with a groan.

4. The dog happily ran to the carriage and jumped onto the step.

5. He held a large stable lantern, which shone light upwards onto his strong face with a big moustache and angry eyes.

options ˈɒp.ʃənz (2)

Português: opções

Simple English: Different choices to select from.

Example: You have many options to choose.

Uses in this book:

1. He said Holmes was doing his best, but he had no good options. Back to B1

2. He stated that they had to choose between two options.

payment ˈpeɪmənt (2)

Português: pagamento

Simple English: Money given for work or something you buy.

Example: Werper thought about what his payment would be.

Uses in this book:

1. He assured Holmes that his payment would be made and he would have freedom to work. Back to B1

2. He told Lord Cantlemere that telling about this success to his friends would be a small payment for his joke.

performs pərˈfɔrmz (1)

Português: apresenta

Simple English: to do or act in front of others, especially as a singer or actor

Example: The singer performs on stage every night.

Uses in this book:

1. The writer worries that Sherlock Holmes might become too famous, like a singer who performs too many times after his best years. Back to B1

permanently ˈpɜːrmənəntli (1)

Português: permanentemente

Simple English: Forever, not changing or ending.

Example: Being dead permanently is worse.

Uses in this book:

1. I had heard that some Apaches attacked him in the Montmartre area and that he was injured permanently. Back to B1

persistence pɚˈsɪstəns (2)

Português: persistência

Simple English: Continuing to do something despite difficulties.

Example: She showed persistence by studying every day.

Uses in this book:

1. The host told Mr. Dodd that many people would be offended by his persistence and would think his insistence was very rude. Back to B1

2. Mr. Dodd explained that his persistence was because he truly cared about the host's son. Back to B1

persuade /pərˈsweɪd/ (1)

Português: persuadir; convencer

Simple English: To convince someone to do something through effective reasoning.

Example: I tried to persuade my friend to join the gym with me.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes thought that if the young lady's father could not persuade her, it would be difficult for him, a stranger, to succeed. Back to B1

photos ˈfoʊtoʊz (1)

Português: fotos

Simple English: pictures made with a camera

Example: He showed me his photos from the trip.

Uses in this book:

1. He kept photos, names, and details about them in a book. Back to B1

picky ˈpɪki (1)

Português: esquisito

Simple English: Not easily satisfied; hard to please.

Example: Girls who are too picky often do not marry.

Uses in this book:

1. His room was large and plain, but after sleeping outside for a year, he was not too picky. Back to B1

playful ˈpleɪfəl (3)

Português: brincalhão

Simple English: Full of fun and games.

Example: The puppy was very playful with the children.

Uses in this book:

1. The client smiled in a playful or cheeky way. Back to B1

2. She looked so playful and attractive with a smile that challenged them, and the narrator thought she was the most difficult criminal for Holmes to deal with.

3. He put his hands on my knees and looked at me with a playful, mischievous look that he often had.

playfully ˈpleɪfəli (1)

Português: brincando

Simple English: In a fun and friendly way.

Example: She playfully asked him a question.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes smiled playfully. Back to B1

plus /plʌs/ (1)

Português: Além disso; mais

Simple English: In addition to something else.

Example: This meal costs ten dollars plus tax and tip.

Uses in this book:

1. In total, there are now fifty-six short stories, plus twelve new ones in this book, "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes." Holmes's adventures started in the late Victorian time, continued through King Edward's short reign, and are still popular today. Back to B1

politeness pəˈlaɪtnəs (1)

Português: educação

Simple English: good manners and respect for others

Example: Politeness is important in social situations.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes explained that by doing this, Watson would avoid having to state a price himself, which showed his politeness. Back to B1

prison ˈprɪzən (8)

Português: prisão

Simple English: A place where criminals are kept.

Example: He was kept in a terrible prison for many years.

Uses in this book:

1. Johnson had first been known as a dangerous criminal and had been in prison twice. Back to B1

2. Because he had been in prison, he could go into any nightclub, cheap lodging, or gambling place. Back to B1

3. He explained that the Count and Sam Merton would go to prison for twenty years and get no benefit from the diamond.

4. The boxer reacted angrily, saying he would hurt Ikey Sanders badly for that, even if he went to prison.

5. Holmes wrote down details: he was 44 years old, from Chicago, had shot three men in America, and escaped from prison.

related /rɪˈleɪtɪd/ (7)

Português: relacionados; relacionadas; conexos

Simple English: Connected through family or marriage.

Example: She is related to him by marriage; they are cousins.

Uses in this book:

1. But because his work was not directly related to court cases, other criminals did not understand what he was doing. Back to B1

2. Holmes said he was expecting something related to sudden death that evening.

3. He thought it was not related to their client, but to the man the criminal had murdered.

4. The person confirmed it was fifteen feet from the body and thought it was important to remember, even if it was not related to the case.

5. Watson thought that the letters and the box might be related to other private business, like money loans or share certificates.

Religious /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/ (2)

Português: religiosa

Simple English: Related to religion or strong devotion to spiritual belief.

Example: Her religious beliefs influence how she lives her daily life and interacts with others.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes said she was beautiful, but in a strange, spiritual way, like someone very religious. Back to B1

2. Miss Winter's arrival surprised her a little, but she showed them to their chairs like a religious leader welcoming two poor beggars. Back to B1

retell ˌriːˈtɛl (1)

Português: recontar

Simple English: to tell a story again in a different way

Example: She will retell the story for younger children.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes then told his story, and the narrator explained that he would retell it in a simpler way, as Holmes's original account was very direct and needed to be made easier to understand. Back to B1

reward rɪˈwɔrd (2)

Português: recompensa

Simple English: something given for doing a good job

Example: He got a reward for helping his friend.

Uses in this book:

1. That was her reward. Back to B1

2. The police wanted to give him a reward, but the court did not agree.

risky ˈrɪski (2)

Português: arriscado

Simple English: Dangerous or uncertain

Example: It was a risky adventure.

Uses in this book:

1. He made money from some risky business deals and he is rich. Back to B1

2. The speaker thought the plan was very risky, but asked why it was considered crazy.

rode roʊd (1)

Português: andou

Simple English: Travelled on or in something, like a horse or a vehicle.

Example: Pippinella rode in her cage on a wagon.

Uses in this book:

1. He also saw the man had a short beard, looked like he rode horses, and his card showed he was a stockbroker from Throgmorton Street. Back to B1

Romantic /roʊˈmæntɪk/ (1)

Português: romântico; amorosa

Simple English: Pertaining to love or affectionate relationships between partners.

Example: They had a romantic dinner by candlelight on the beach.

Uses in this book:

1. Baron Gruner is very handsome and charming, with a romantic and mysterious way that women like. Back to B1

sadness ˈsædnəs (2)

Português: tristeza

Simple English: A feeling of being unhappy or sorrowful.

Example: This made the sadness stronger because it showed he was tired and without hope after much pain.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes told her everything, the shame, the fear, and the sadness. Back to B1

2. He thought the man's story was like a small example of all life, where people try hard to get things, but in the end, they only have sadness or worse.

sale seɪl (3)

Português: liquidação

Simple English: Selling something at a lower price.

Example: Marilla found the dress on sale in winter.

Uses in this book:

1. He knew of only one similar piece in England that was not for sale. Back to B1

2. He explained that when people buy valuable things, they want to know all the details of the sale. Back to B1

3. He added that he needed a few hundred pounds to buy items for his collection that were currently for sale.

Security /sɪˈkjʊrəti/ (1)

Português: segurança; previdência; garantia

Simple English: State of being protected from danger or harm.

Example: The security of our home is very important for our family.

Uses in this book:

1. He could not break in at night because of the Baron's security. Back to B1

singer ˈsɪŋər (1)

Português: cantora

Simple English: A person who sings songs.

Example: The singer performed on the stage.

Uses in this book:

1. The writer worries that Sherlock Holmes might become too famous, like a singer who performs too many times after his best years. Back to B1

sneaky ˈsniːki (1)

Português: ladino

Simple English: doing something secretly and not honestly

Example: Animals do not use sneaky tricks.

Uses in this book:

1. The man seemed sneaky, guilty, and very different from the honest person he used to know. Back to B1

solve sɑːlv (14)

Português: resolver

Simple English: to find an answer to a problem

Example: We need to solve the math problem.

Uses in this book:

1. The man told Mr. Holmes that he found it funny but also a little sad to see Holmes trying to solve the case when he had no real information. Back to B1

2. Sherlock Holmes explained that the problem his visitor presented was not very difficult to solve.

3. Holmes replied that he supposed he would have to help solve a crime again.

4. He explained that they could only solve the problem when she was present.

5. He explained that his observations sometimes helped solve the case later.

specific spəˈsɪfɪk (8)

Português: específico

Simple English: special and clear, not general

Example: She had a specific goal to finish the work.

Uses in this book:

1. They remembered that Gruner was very tidy and kept papers in a specific place, so the book might still be in a drawer in his inner study. Back to B1

2. They added that their client was generous but had specific ways of doing things, and it was all or nothing.

3. Holmes then asked Mr. Bennett to tell him about a specific incident involving letters.

4. The professor replied, perhaps a little angrily, that Holmes did not need to help answer that specific question.

5. The professor took it following specific rules that controlled this nine-day system, which first caught Holmes's attention.

stain steɪn (1)

Português: mancha

Simple English: A mark left on a surface, especially by something dirty.

Example: There is a red stain on my shirt.

Uses in this book:

1. There was a red stain on the white bandage. Back to B1

Statue /ˈstætʃuː/ (1)

Português: estátua

Simple English: Large object shaped like a person or animal from solid material.

Example: The statue in the park represents a famous historical figure from our city.

Uses in this book:

1. She seemed calm, quiet, and serious, like a statue made of snow. Back to B1

stolen ˈstoʊlən (4)

Português: roubado

Simple English: taken something without permission

Example: She had her bike stolen.

Uses in this book:

1. Shinwell Johnson, speaking like an expert, said that stolen goods like that were not useful because they could not be melted down or sold. Back to B1

2. He worried that if they told the man where the stolen treasure was, the man would let them escape.

3. Holmes thought this was excellent news and asked what the burglars had stolen.

4. He thought that later, the man would pretend to find them and say the couple had returned the stolen money or lost it.

strict /strɪkt/ (2)

Português: estrita; rigoroso; rígidas

Simple English: Absolute rules that must always be obeyed.

Example: The school has strict rules about student behavior during classes.

Uses in this book:

1. The man explained that Colonel Emsworth was a very strict person, known for his harsh language. Back to B1

2. She cried out that he was very strict.

survive /sərˈvaɪv/ (2)

Português: sobreviver

Simple English: To stay alive after a dangerous situation or event.

Example: They managed to survive the harsh winter in the mountains together.

Uses in this book:

1. He asked Watson to tell people that he was very sick, perhaps with a concussion or delirium, and that he might not survive the week. Back to B1

2. Her face was so badly injured that it was thought she would not survive.

talented /ˈtæləntɪd/ (1)

Português: talentoso

Simple English: Possessing a natural skill or ability for something.

Example: He is a talented musician who plays the guitar beautifully.

Uses in this book:

1. She is young, rich, beautiful, and very talented. Back to B1

taxi ˈtæksi (7)

Português: táxi

Simple English: A car you pay to take you somewhere.

Example: A taxi stopped near the house.

Uses in this book:

1. After giving Johnson his orders, Holmes took a taxi to Kingston and found the Baron in a very friendly mood. Back to B1

2. At 5:30 PM, a taxi took them to 104 Berkeley Square, the home of the old soldier. Back to B1

3. As soon as I read the newspaper, I took a taxi to Baker Street. Back to B1

4. He told the person to take a taxi to Scotland Yard.

5. They took a taxi to an address in Grosvenor Square.

thankful ˈθæŋkfəl (2)

Português: grato

Simple English: feeling happy because of help or kindness

Example: She was thankful for the gift.

Uses in this book:

1. I said that I was thankful for that. Back to B1

2. He was thankful that his plans had not succeeded as he wanted.

topic ˈtɒpɪk (2)

Português: tópico

Simple English: The subject that is being talked about.

Example: The topic of the lesson was animals.

Uses in this book:

1. Sherlock Holmes told Watson that the person would definitely see him because he was very interested in collecting things, especially on this topic. Back to B1

2. Watson asked Holmes if this topic had not already been studied, mentioning bloodhounds.

trip /trɪp/ (15)

Português: viagem; desengate; tropeçar

Simple English: A journey.

Example: We took a trip to Rome.

Uses in this book:

1. They met on a yacht trip in the Mediterranean. Back to B1

2. Holmes wanted to wait longer, but the Baron's trip to America meant he had to act fast. Back to B1

3. The father said Godfrey had gone on a trip around the world and would probably not return for a year. Back to B1

4. He explained that the person had gone on a trip around the world. Back to B1

5. They both said his old friend, Godfrey Emsworth, had gone on a trip around the world.

truthfully ˈtruːθfəli (1)

Português: sinceramente

Simple English: in a way that tells the truth

Example: She answered truthfully about what happened.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes said Watson could truthfully say that this saucer was very rare and hard to find anywhere else in the world. Back to B1

unacceptable ʌnəkˈsɛptəbl (3)

Português: inaceitável

Simple English: Not allowed or not good enough.

Example: The manager said the situation was unacceptable.

Uses in this book:

1. He said that he found the situation unacceptable. Back to B1

2. She found this unacceptable and finally had to make him understand.

3. Sherlock Holmes told Sir Robert that his actions seemed unacceptable.

unfairly ʌnˈfɛərli (1)

Português: injustamente

Simple English: In a way that is not fair or right.

Example: He was treated unfairly by the teacher.

Uses in this book:

1. She knew her fiancé, Adelbert, had a difficult past with people who hated him and accused him unfairly. Back to B1

unimportant ʌnɪmˈpɔrtənt (1)

Português: sem importância

Simple English: Not important or not worth attention.

Example: It was an unimportant mistake.

Uses in this book:

1. Holmes gave me the note and said it might be from an unimportant person, or it could be about something very serious, like life or death. Back to B1

unrecognizable ʌnrɪˈkɒɡnɪzəbl (1)

Português: irreconhecível

Simple English: Impossible to identify or know because of change.

Example: He was unrecognizable after the accident.

Uses in this book:

1. His face, which had looked so handsome minutes before, was now ruined and unrecognizable. Back to B1

unstoppable ʌnˈstɑpəbəl (1)

Português: inesgotável

Simple English: impossible to stop or control

Example: The river's flow was unstoppable after the rain.

Uses in this book:

1. He mentioned that Godfrey climbed every tree in the park and was unstoppable. Back to B1

unsure ʌnˈʃʊər (1)

Português: incerto

Simple English: Not sure or confident about something

Example: I was unsure about which road to take.

Uses in this book:

1. Mr. James M. Dodd seemed unsure how to start talking. Back to B1

untrue ʌnˈtruː (1)

Português: falso

Simple English: not true or incorrect

Example: He said untrue things about his friend.

Uses in this book:

1. She said if it wasn't for his smooth, untrue words that explained things and made them seem better, she would have left him that night. Back to B1

unwrapped ʌnˈræpt (2)

Português: desembrulhado

Simple English: To take off the paper or cover from something.

Example: Matthew unwrapped the dress carefully.

Uses in this book:

1. He unwrapped it and showed a small, delicate saucer of a beautiful deep blue colour. Back to B1

2. He carefully unwrapped it and showed a burnt piece of bone.

upset /ʌpˈsɛt/ (12)

Português: chateado; aborrecido; transtornado

Simple English: To make someone feel unhappy or disturbed emotionally.

Example: He was upset when he lost his favorite toy during the game.

Uses in this book:

1. The visitor was very upset. Back to B1

2. The visitor greeted Holmes and asked if he was upset about the visit.

3. The husband is very upset.

4. Holmes's comments seemed to upset the visitor, whose face became less friendly.

5. The Gold King told Mr. Holmes that he had thought about it and felt he was wrong to be upset by his words.

worry /ˈwʌri/ (6)

Português: se preocupe; te preocupes; preocupar

Simple English: To feel anxious about something.

Example: Do not worry about it.

Uses in this book:

1. He said he did not worry about people who talk too much, but this man was different because he meant more than he said. Back to B1

2. The events of the evening had shocked even his strong nerves, and he listened with great worry as I told him about the Baron's terrible change. Back to B1

3. He told the lady not to worry and that she would hear from him, Mr. Cummings.

4. He told him not to worry and that Dr. Watson was very trustworthy.

5. The person told Holmes that there was no need to worry, as it was all part of his professional experience.

yacht jɒt (1)

Português: iate

Simple English: A large boat used for pleasure or racing.

Example: They went on a yacht trip in the sea.

Uses in this book:

1. They met on a yacht trip in the Mediterranean. Back to B1