fisher, or Holmes”. There was a sudden rush and scuffle , followed by the clash of iron and sudden cry of pain. There was a click of handcuffs. Holmes asked me to come in.
“Sorry, Watson, I was rude to you. I undermined your capability as a doctor. It was just to get Smith here. And I didn’t want you to know that I was not ill.” “But your appearance--?” I said.
“Three days, fasting and the make- up did the trick.” “The coins?” “Oh! That was only to prove that I was delirious,” he laughed. “I need to eat now, Watson. Mr.
Smith killed his nephew and he wanted to kill me the same way to avoid imprisonment. I need to eat now, Watson. I think that something nutritious i. What explanation did Holmes give for speaking rudely to Watson?
j. How was Holmes able to look sick? 10th - - gaunt (adj.) - lean, especially because of suffering, hunger or age. twitched (v) - gave short, sudden jerking movements.
contagious (adj.) - spreading of a disease from one person to another by direct contact groan (v) - a deep inarticulate sound conveying pain or despair. plague (n) - a contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever . bolted (v) - closed the door with a bar that slides into a socket. mantle piece (n) - a structure of wood or marble above or around the fireplace.
half-crown (n) - a former British coin equal to two shillings and sixpence ( /2p). tongs (n) - a device used for picking up objects consisting of two long pieces free at one end and pressed together at the other end. delirious (adj.) - disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness. frail (adj.) - weak and delicate.
startled (v) - felt sudden shock or alarm. scuffle (n) - a sudden short fight A. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences. .
Who was Mrs. Hudson? Why was she worried? .
Why didn’t Holmes let Watson examine him? . Why did Holmes warn Watson against touching his things?