The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

—

As Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

AMOSTRA - contém apenas 15% do texto

Copyright

Fonte original - domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, de Arthur Conan Doyle, publicado originalmente em 1891.

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 1891.

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 1987.

Brasil

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

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

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

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

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle

Primeira publicação: 1891

Verifique você mesmo

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→ Project Gutenberg — https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1661

O registro do Project Gutenberg identifica esta obra como domínio público nos Estados Unidos.

→ Internet Archive — https://archive.org/details/classicmysteries0000doyl

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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.

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, o ambiente e os principais acontecimentos da obra original.

O objetivo não é substituir a obra original, mas criar uma passagem gradual entre o inglês que você já conhece e a linguagem literária do texto completo.

Como usar En/Pt

No texto simplificado em inglês, En/Pt abre a página correspondente.

A página En/Pt apresenta três camadas independentes, sempre nesta ordem: a tradução em português do texto simplificado; o trecho correspondente do original em inglês; e a tradução em português do original.

No texto original em inglês, Pt abre diretamente o mesmo parágrafo na versão portuguesa. Nessa versão, En retorna ao mesmo parágrafo no texto original em inglês. Na página En/Pt, Original English retorna de Português Integral ao mesmo parágrafo original.

Como usar o glossário

As palavras e expressões incluídas no glossário são marcadas no texto. Clique ou selecione uma delas para abrir a entrada correspondente.

Cada entrada apresenta:

• a palavra ou expressão original em inglês;

• a sua pronúncia fonética;

• a tradução em português;

• um exemplo de uso em português;

• um exemplo de uso em inglês;

• até seis trechos do livro em que a palavra ou expressão aparece, ou todos os trechos disponíveis quando houver menos de seis ocorrências.

Cada ocorrência apresentada no glossário inclui um link direto para o ponto exato do livro em que a palavra ou expressão foi usada.

Depois de consultar uma ocorrência, o leitor pode retornar diretamente ao ponto do texto de onde abriu o glossário ou navegar para qualquer outra ocorrência da mesma palavra ou expressão dentro do livro.

A função da tradução em português

Procuramos oferecer traduções em português claras, naturais e literariamente agradáveis, tanto para o texto simplificado quanto para o texto original.

Ainda assim, a tradução deve ser entendida apenas como instrumento de apoio. Este livro não foi concebido para ser lido principalmente em português: seu objetivo é ajudar você a ler em inglês e recorrer ao português somente quando necessário.

Sempre que possível, tente primeiro compreender o trecho em inglês. Consulte a tradução para confirmar o sentido, esclarecer uma dificuldade ou comparar estruturas; depois, retorne ao texto em inglês.

Sobre este livro

This collection presents Sherlock Holmes, a master of deductive reasoning and observation, working alongside his friend Watson to unravel complex mysteries. Holmes conducts investigations into cases of blackmail, theft, and disappearance that have baffled Scotland Yard. The stories reveal Holmes's brilliant analytical methods and his ability to extract meaning from seemingly insignificant clues. Watson narrates these adventures, documenting Holmes's remarkable successes in clearing up mysteries that official police have deemed hopeless. The cases span various locations and involve clients from different walks of life, showcasing Holmes's versatility and the depth of his investigative powers.

Como usar este livro

En/Pt → abre Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1), Original English Version e Tradução Integral em Português no mesmo bloco.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada e Go to the Original English Version retornam ao ponto exato.

Os links pontilhados do glossário voltam diretamente ao uso real da palavra.

Contato

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

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Reading Comprehension B1

1. A Scandal in Bohemia

2. The Red-Headed League

Contents

A Scandal in Bohemia

En/Pt → To Sherlock Holmes, she was always the woman. He almost never called her by any other name. In his eyes, she was above all other women. This did not mean he loved Irene Adler. He did not feel love, and especially not that feeling, because such emotions were against his cold, careful, and perfectly balanced mind. I think he was the best machine for reasoning and observing that the world had ever seen, but as a lover he would have been in the wrong place. He spoke of softer feelings only with mockery and sarcasm. To an observer, these feelings were useful because they helped show people’s motives and actions. But for a trained thinker to let such emotions enter his own careful nature would add a disturbing element that could spoil all his mental work. It would be like grit in a delicate instrument, or a crack in a powerful lens. And yet, for him, there was only one woman: the late Irene Adler, remembered with doubt and suspicion.

En/Pt → I had not seen much of Holmes lately. My marriage had taken me away from him. I was happy, and my home life kept me busy. Holmes hated social life in every form, so he stayed in our rooms in Baker Street, among his old books. Each week he moved between cocaine and ambition, between the drug’s sleepiness and the strong energy of his own mind. He still loved studying crime. He used his great powers and sharp observation to follow clues and solve mysteries that the police had given up. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. But apart from these signs of activity, which I knew from the newspapers like everyone else, I knew little about my old friend.

En/Pt → One night, on March 20, 1888, I was coming back from seeing a patient, since I had returned to medical practice, when I passed through Baker Street. As I went by the familiar door, which I always connected with my courtship and with the dark events of A Study in Scarlet, I suddenly wanted to see Holmes again and learn how he was using his amazing gifts. His rooms were brightly lit. As I looked up, I saw his tall, thin shape pass twice as a dark shadow across the blind. He was walking quickly and eagerly around the room, with his head bent and his hands behind him. I knew his habits and moods well, so I could read the scene at once. He was working again. He had come out of his drugged dreams and was eagerly following some new problem. I rang the bell and was taken up to the room that had once been partly mine.

En/Pt → He was not warm in manner. He rarely was. But I think he was glad to see me. He said very little, but his eyes were kind as he motioned me to an armchair, threw me his cigar case, and pointed to the spirit case and gasogene in the corner. Then he stood by the fire and looked at me closely in his usual quiet, thoughtful way.

"Marriage agrees with you," he said. "I think, Watson, you have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you."

"Seven!" I replied.

"Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a little more, I think, Watson. And you are back in practice, I see. You did not tell me you were going back to work."

"Then how do you know?"

"I can see it and work it out. How do I know that you have been getting very wet lately, and that you have a very clumsy and careless maid?"

En/Pt → "My dear Holmes," said I, "that is too much. In an earlier age, you would surely have been burned as a magician. It is true that I took a country walk on Thursday and came home in a terrible state, but I have changed my clothes, so I cannot see how you knew it. As for Mary Jane, she is impossible to improve, and my wife has given her notice. But again, I do not see how you worked that out."

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

En/Pt → “It is very simple,” he said. “My eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, where the firelight hits it, there are six nearly parallel cuts. They were probably made when someone carelessly scraped around the edge of the sole to remove hard mud. So I know that you were out in bad weather, and that your servant in London cut your boot. As for your work, if a man comes into my room smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of silver nitrate on his right forefinger, and a bump on the right side of his top hat where he hid his stethoscope, I would be very dull if I did not say he is a doctor.”

I could not help laughing at how easily he explained his thinking. “When I hear you give your reasons,” I said, “it always seems so simple that I feel I could do it myself. But each time, I cannot follow you until you explain it. And yet I believe my eyes are as good as yours.”

En/Pt → “Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette and sitting back in an armchair. “You see, but you do not observe. There is a clear difference. For example, you have often seen the steps that lead from the hall up to this room.”

“Frequently.”

“How often?”

“Well, some hundreds of times.”

“Then how many are there?”

“How many? I do not know.”

“Exactly! You have not observed, even though you have seen them. That is my point. I know there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed. Since you are interested in these small problems, and since you are kind enough to write about a few of my little experiences, you may like this.” He threw me a sheet of thick pink notepaper that had been open on the table. “It came by the last post,” he said. “Read it aloud.”

The note had no date, no signature, and no address.

En/Pt → It said that a gentleman would visit me tonight at 7:45. He wanted to talk about something very important. My recent work for a royal house in Europe had shown that I could be trusted with serious matters. They had received good reports about me from many places. I was to wait in my room at that hour, and I should not mind if the visitor wore a mask.

“This is a real mystery,” I said. “What do you think it means?”

“I have no facts yet. It is a big mistake to build a theory before you have facts. Then people begin to force the facts to fit the theory, instead of making the theory fit the facts. But look at the note itself. What do you learn from it?”

I studied the writing and the paper very carefully.

“The writer was probably rich,” I said, trying to think like my companion. “Paper like this would cost at least half a crown a packet. It is very strong and stiff.”

En/Pt → “That word fits well,” said Holmes. “It is not English paper at all. Hold it up to the light.”

I did this and saw a large E, a small g, a P, and a large G with a small t woven into the paper.

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

“The maker’s name, I suppose; or rather his monogram.”

“Not at all. The G with the small t means ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German word for ‘Company.’ It is a common short form, like our ‘Co.’ P stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for ‘Eg.’ Let us look in our Continental Gazetteer.” He took a heavy brown book from the shelf. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking country, in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. ‘Known for the death of Wallenstein, and for many glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes shone, and he sent up a big blue cloud of smoke from his cigarette.

En/Pt → “The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said.

“Exactly. And the man who wrote the note is German. Do you see the unusual sentence order - ‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian would not have written that. Germans often place their verbs in a less careful way. So now we only need to find out what this German wants. He wrote on Bohemian paper and prefers to wear a mask instead of showing his face. And here he comes, if I am not wrong, to clear up all our doubts.”

As he spoke, I heard the sharp sound of horse hooves and wheels scraping the curb, followed by a hard pull on the bell. Holmes whistled.

“A pair, from the sound,” said he. “Yes,” he added, looking out of the window. “A fine little brougham and a pair of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas each. There is money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else.”

En/Pt → “I think I had better go, Holmes.”

“Not at all, Doctor. Stay here. I am lost without my Boswell. And this looks interesting. It would be a pity to miss it.”

“But your client - ”

“Never mind him. I may need your help, and he may too. Here he comes. Sit in that armchair, Doctor, and pay close attention.”

A slow, heavy step had been heard on the stairs and in the passage. It stopped outside the door. Then came a loud, firm knock.

"Come in!" said Holmes.

En/Pt → A very tall man came in, almost six feet six inches high, with a powerful body. He wore very rich clothes, almost too rich for English taste. His coat had heavy astrakhan bands on the sleeves and front. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. He also wore tall boots with brown fur at the top. He carried a broad hat in his hand. A black mask covered the upper part of his face, and his hand was still raised to it, as if he had just put it on. The lower part of his face showed a strong, firm man, with thick lips and a long chin that suggested stubbornness.

"You had my note?" he asked in a deep, rough voice with a strong German accent. "I told you I would come." He looked from one of us to the other, unsure whom to speak to.

En/Pt → "Please sit down," said Holmes. "This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, who sometimes helps me with my cases. Whom have I the honour of speaking to?"

"You may call me the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is honest and careful, and that I may trust him with a very important matter. If not, I would rather speak to you alone."

I started to leave, but Holmes held my wrist and pushed me back into my chair. "Either both of us hear it, or neither," said he. "You may say to this gentleman anything you may say to me."

The Count lifted his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he, "by asking both of you to keep complete secrecy for two years. After that, the matter will not matter. For now, I can only say it is so important that it may affect European history."

En/Pt → "I promise," said Holmes.

"And I."

"Please excuse this mask," our strange visitor continued. "The important person who sent me wants his agent to remain unknown to you. I can also admit at once that the title I have just used is not really my own."

"I knew that," Holmes said dryly.

"The situation is very delicate, and we must take every care to stop what could become a huge scandal and seriously harm one of the ruling families of Europe. To be clear, the case involves the great House of Ormstein, the hereditary kings of Bohemia."

"I knew that too," Holmes said softly, sitting back in his armchair and closing his eyes.

Our visitor looked at the lazy, relaxed figure before him with some surprise. No doubt he had expected to see the most sharp-minded and active man in Europe. Holmes slowly opened his eyes again and looked at his very large client with impatience.

En/Pt → "If Your Majesty would kindly explain your case," he said, "I will be able to advise you better."

The man jumped up and walked back and forth across the room in great upset. Then, in despair, he pulled off the mask from his face and threw it to the floor. "You are right," he cried. "I am the King. Why should I try to hide it?"

"Why, indeed?" Holmes murmured. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia."

"But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down again and rubbing his high white forehead, "that I am not used to doing this kind of business myself. Still, the matter was so delicate that I could not trust an agent with it, because then I would have been in his power. I have come in secret from Prague to ask for your advice."

En/Pt → "Then please do," said Holmes, closing his eyes once more.

"The facts are these: about five years ago, during a long stay in Warsaw, I met the famous adventuress, Irene Adler. You probably know the name."

“Please look her up in my index, Doctor,” Holmes said quietly, without opening his eyes. For many years, he had kept notes on all kinds of people and events, so he could often give facts about almost anyone at once. In this case, I found her life story placed between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written about deep-sea fish.

“Let me see,” said Holmes. “Hmm! Born in New Jersey in 1858. Contralto, hmm! La Scala, hmm! Leading singer at the Imperial Opera of Warsaw - yes! Retired from the opera stage - ha! Now living in London - quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand it, became involved with this young woman, wrote her some letters that could cause trouble, and now wishes to get those letters back.”

En/Pt → “Exactly. But how - ”

“Was there a secret marriage?”

“No.”

“No legal papers or certificates?”

“No.”

“Then I do not understand you, Your Majesty. If this young woman shows the letters to blackmail you or for some other reason, how can she prove they are real?”

“There is the handwriting.”

“Bah! That could be forged.”

My private writing paper.

Taken.

My own seal.

Copied.

My photograph.

Bought.

Both of us were in the photograph.

Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has really done something improper.

I was mad - insane.

You have seriously harmed your own reputation.

I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am only thirty now.

It must be found and brought back.

We have tried, but we failed.

Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought.

She will not sell it.

Then it must have been stolen.

We have made five attempts. Twice, burglars working for me searched her house. Once we changed her luggage while she was travelling. Twice we stopped her on the road. Nothing has worked.

En/Pt → No sign of it?

None at all.

Holmes laughed. “It is a rather nice little problem,” he said.

"But it is very serious to me," returned the King sadly.

"Very serious, indeed. And what does she plan to do with the photograph?"

"To ruin me."

"But how?"

"I am going to be married soon."

"So I have heard."

"To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. You may know how strict her family is. She herself is very careful and proper. Any doubt about my behavior would end the marriage."

"And Irene Adler?"

"She threatens to send them the photograph, and she will do it. I know she will. You do not know her, but she is very strong-minded. She has the face of the most beautiful woman and the mind of the most determined man. There is nothing she would not do to stop me from marrying another woman. Nothing."

En/Pt → "Are you sure she has not sent it yet?"

“I am sure.”

“And why?”

“Because she said she would send it on the day when the engagement was announced in public. That will be next Monday.”

“Oh, then we still have three days,” said Holmes with a yawn. “That is very good, because I have one or two important matters to look into now. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the moment?”

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

“Then I will write to you and let you know how we are getting on.”

“Please do. I shall be very anxious.”

“Then, what about money?”

“You have complete freedom.”

“Absolutely?”

I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph.

And what about money for now?

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

En/Pt → “There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in notes,” he said.

Holmes wrote a receipt on a page from his notebook and gave it to him.

“And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

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

Holmes wrote it down. “One more question,” he said. “Was the photograph a cabinet photo?”

“It was.”

“Then good night, your Majesty. I hope we will soon have good news for you. Good night, Watson,” he added as the royal carriage went down the street. “Please come tomorrow at three in the afternoon. I should like to talk over this small matter with you.”

En/Pt → At three o’clock exactly, I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not come back yet. The landlady told me that he had left the house soon after eight in the morning. Still, I sat by the fire and waited for him, no matter how long it took. I was already very interested in his case. It did not have the dark and strange signs of the two crimes I had already written about, but the kind of case and his client’s high status made it special. Also, I liked watching Holmes work. His clear thinking and quick reasoning were a pleasure to study. He solved the hardest mysteries with skill, and I had become so used to his success that I could not even imagine him failing.

En/Pt → It was nearly four o’clock when the door opened and a man who looked like a drunk groom came in. He was untidy, had side whiskers, a red face, and shabby clothes. I knew Holmes was very good at disguises, but I still had to look three times before I was sure it was him. He nodded and went into the bedroom. Five minutes later, he came out again in a tweed suit, looking proper as before. He put his hands in his pockets, stretched out his legs in front of the fire, and laughed for several minutes.

“Well, really!” he cried. Then he choked with laughter and laughed again until he had to lean back in the chair, weak and helpless.

“What is it?”

“It is too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I spent my morning, or what I finally did.”

“I can’t imagine. I suppose you have been watching Miss Irene Adler’s habits, and perhaps her house.”

En/Pt → “That is right, but what happened after that was unusual. I will tell you. I left the house a little after eight this morning dressed as an out-of-work groom. Horse men are very friendly with one another. If you are one of them, you can learn almost everything. Soon I found Briony Lodge. It is a small, beautiful villa with a garden behind it. In front, it stands right by the road and has two stories. The door has a Chubb lock. On the right side there is a large sitting room, nicely furnished, with long windows almost to the floor and those silly English window fasteners that a child could open. At the back, there was nothing special, except that the passage window could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked around the house and looked at it closely from every side, but I found nothing else of interest.”

En/Pt → “Then I wandered down the street and found, as I expected, a stable yard in a lane beside one wall of the garden. I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler. I also had to listen to the stories of many other people in the area, though I did not care about them at all.”

“And what about Irene Adler?” I asked.

En/Pt → “Oh, she has made every man in that district lose his head. She is the prettiest thing under a bonnet in the world, so the men at Serpentine-mews say. She lives quietly, sings in concerts, goes out riding in a carriage at five every day, and comes home exactly at seven for dinner. She hardly ever goes out at any other time, except when she sings. She has only one male visitor, but he comes often. He is dark, handsome, and lively. He never comes less than once a day, and often twice. He is Mr. Godfrey Norton, from the Inner Temple. You can see the value of having a cabman as a friend. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews and knew all about him. After I heard everything they could tell me, I began walking up and down near Briony Lodge again and thought over my plan.”}]}

En/Pt → This Godfrey Norton was clearly important. He was a lawyer, and that seemed troubling. What was his link with her, and why did he keep visiting? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If she was his client, she may have given him the photograph to keep. If he was only her friend, that was less likely. My choice depended on this. I had to decide whether to keep working at Briony Lodge or to look into the man’s chambers in the Temple. It was a difficult question, and it made my search wider. I am sorry if these details bore you, but I must show you my small problems so you can understand the case.

“I am following you closely,” I answered.

I was still thinking about it when a hansom cab stopped at Briony Lodge and a gentleman jumped out. He was very handsome, dark, sharp-faced, and had a moustache. He was clearly the man I had heard about. He looked in a great hurry. He shouted to the cabman to wait, and passed the maid at the door as if he knew the house well.

En/Pt → He stayed in the house for about half an hour. Through the sitting-room windows I could see him walking up and down, speaking excitedly, and waving his arms. I could not see her. Then he came out, looking even more worried. As he stepped into the cab, he took a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it closely. ‘Drive like the devil,’ he cried. ‘First to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you do it in twenty minutes!’

They drove away, and I was wondering whether to follow them when a small landau came up the lane. The coachman looked untidy, with his coat only half-buttoned and his tie hanging loose. Before the carriage had fully stopped, she ran out of the hall door and got in. I saw her only for a moment, but she was a beautiful woman, the kind a man might die for.

En/Pt → ‘The Church of St. Monica, John,’ she cried, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’

This was too good to miss, Watson. I was deciding whether to run after them or jump on behind her landau when a cab came down the street. The driver looked twice at me because I was such a poor-looking fare, but I got in before he could refuse. ‘The Church of St. Monica,’ said I, ‘and half a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.’ It was twenty-five minutes to twelve, and it was clear what was going on.

En/Pt → My cab driver went fast. I do not think I have ever gone faster, but the others arrived before us. When I got there, the cab and the landau were already in front of the church, with steam rising from the horses. I paid the man and hurried inside. There was no one there except the two people I had followed and a clergyman in a surplice, who seemed to be arguing with them. The three of them stood together in front of the altar. I walked along the side aisle like any other man who had just dropped into a church. Then, to my surprise, the three at the altar turned toward me, and Godfrey Norton ran toward me as fast as he could.

‘Thank God,’ he cried. ‘You will do. Come! Come!’

‘What then?’ I asked.

“Come, man, come. Only three minutes, or it will not be legal.”

En/Pt → “I was half pulled up to the altar, and before I understood what was happening, I was mumbling answers into the priest’s ear. I was agreeing to things I knew nothing about, and helping to join Irene Adler, a single woman, to Godfrey Norton, a bachelor. It all happened at once. Then the gentleman thanked me on one side, the lady on the other, and the priest smiled at me in front. It was the most ridiculous situation I had ever been in, and thinking of it made me laugh just now. It seems there was a problem with their marriage license, and the priest refused to marry them without a witness. My sudden arrival saved the bridegroom from going into the streets to find a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I plan to wear it on my watch chain to remember the occasion.”

“This is a very unexpected change,” said I. “What happened then?”

En/Pt → “Well, my plans were now in serious danger. It seemed possible that the pair would leave at once, and then I would need to act quickly. However, at the church door they separated. He drove back to the Temple, and she went to her own house. ‘I shall drive out in the park at five as usual,’ she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own plans.”

“Which are?”

“Some cold beef and a glass of beer,” he answered, ringing the bell. “I have been too busy to think about food, and I will probably be busier this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall need your help.”

“I should be very happy to help.”

“You do not mind breaking the law?”

“Not at all.”

“Nor the chance of being arrested?”

“Not for a good cause.”

En/Pt → “Oh, the cause is excellent!”

“Then I am the right man for you.”

“I was sure I could depend on you.”

“But what do you want?”

“When Mrs. Turner brings in the tray, I will explain it to you. Now,” he said, and he quickly began to eat the simple food our landlady had given us, “I must talk while I eat, because I do not have much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be at the place where it will happen. Miss Irene, or rather Madame, comes back from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.”

“And then what?”

“You must leave that to me. I have already planned what will happen. There is only one thing I must insist on. No matter what happens, you must not interfere. Do you understand?”

“So I am to stay out of it?”

En/Pt → “Do nothing at all. There will probably be a little trouble. Do not take part in it. It will end with me being taken into the house. Four or five minutes later, the sitting-room window will open. You must stand close to that open window.”

Yes.

You must watch me. I will be visible to you.

Yes.

And when I raise my hand - like this - you will throw into the room the thing I give you, and at the same time shout, “Fire!” Do you understand me clearly?

Completely.

It is nothing dangerous,

I want you to stay calm, go near the window, watch me, and when I give the signal, throw this object in. Then shout, “Fire!” and wait for me at the corner of the street.

Exactly.

Then you can depend on me completely.

That is very good. I think it is nearly time for me to get ready for the new role I must play.

En/Pt → He went into his bedroom and came back a few minutes later dressed as a kind and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. His wide black hat, loose trousers, white tie, warm smile, and look of careful, friendly interest were the sort of thing only Mr. John Hare could match. Holmes did not just change his clothes. His face, his manners, and even the way he seemed to think all changed with each new role. The stage lost a fine actor, and science lost a sharp thinker, when he chose to work on crime.

En/Pt → We left Baker Street at a quarter past six and reached Serpentine Avenue ten minutes before seven. It was already dark, and the lamps were being lit as we walked up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for its owner to arrive. The house was just as Sherlock Holmes had described it, but the area seemed less private than I had expected. In fact, for a small street in a quiet district, it was very lively. There was a group of poorly dressed men smoking and laughing in one corner, a knife grinder with his wheel, two soldiers flirting with a nurse, and several well-dressed young men walking up and down with cigars in their mouths.

“You see,” Holmes said as we walked in front of the house, “this marriage makes things easier. The photograph is now a weapon that can hurt both sides. She will probably not want Mr. Godfrey Norton to see it, just as our client does not want the princess to see it. So the question is: where can we find the photograph?”

En/Pt → “Where, indeed?”

“It is very unlikely that she carries it with her. It is cabinet size, so it is too large to hide easily in a woman’s dress. She knows the King may have her stopped and searched. There have already been two such attempts. So we can assume she does not carry it with her.”

“Where, then?”

“Her banker or her lawyer. Those are the two possible places. But I think neither is right. Women usually like to keep secrets themselves. Why would she give it to someone else? She could trust herself to keep it safe, but a business person might be influenced in indirect or political ways. Also, remember that she planned to use it within a few days. It must be somewhere she can reach quickly. It must be in her own house.”

“But it has been stolen twice.”

“Bah! They did not know where to look.”

En/Pt → “But how will you look?”

"I will not look."

"What then?"

"I will get her to show me."

"But she will refuse."

"She will not be able to. But I hear the sound of wheels. It is her carriage. Now do exactly as I tell you."

En/Pt → As he spoke, the lights of a carriage came around the bend in the avenue. It was a small smart landau that rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it stopped, one of the idle men at the corner ran forward to open the door, hoping for a coin. Another man rushed up for the same reason and pushed him aside. A wild fight started. The two guardsmen joined in and took one side, while the scissors-grinder joined the other. Then someone struck a blow. In a moment the lady, who had stepped out of her carriage, was surrounded by men fighting with fists and sticks. Holmes rushed in to protect her, but when he reached her, he cried out and fell to the ground, with blood running down his face. When he fell, the guardsmen ran one way and the loungers another. Several well-dressed people, who had only watched before, came forward to help the lady and the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, hurried up the steps, but she stopped at the top. Her fine figure stood out against the hall lights as she looked back into the street.

En/Pt → "Is the poor gentleman badly hurt?" she asked.

"He is dead," cried several voices.

"No, no, he is still alive!" shouted another voice. "But he will be gone before you can get him to the hospital."

"He is a brave man," said a woman. "They would have taken the lady's purse and watch if it had not been for him. They were a gang, and a rough one too. Ah, he is breathing now."

“He cannot stay in the street. May we bring him in, ma'am?”

“Of course. Bring him into the sitting room. There is a comfortable sofa. This way, please!”

En/Pt → Slowly and with great care, they carried him into Briony Lodge and laid him in the main room. I still watched from the window. The lamps were on, but the blinds were still open, so I could see Holmes lying on the couch. I do not know if he felt guilty then about what he was doing. But I know I had never felt more ashamed in my life than when I saw the lovely woman I was helping to trick, and how gently and kindly she cared for the injured man. Even so, it would be the worst betrayal of Holmes to turn back now from the part he had given me. I made my heart hard and took the smoke-rocket from under my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not hurting her. We are only stopping her from hurting someone else.

En/Pt → Holmes sat up on the couch, and I saw him make a sign like a man who needed air. A maid ran across and opened the window wide. At the same moment I saw Holmes raise his hand, and at that signal I threw my rocket into the room and shouted, “Fire!” No sooner had I said the word than the whole crowd of people, both rich and poor - gentlemen, stable boys, and servant girls - started shouting “Fire!” Thick smoke poured through the room and out of the open window. I saw people rushing about, and a moment later Holmes's voice came from inside, telling them it was a false alarm. I slipped through the shouting crowd and made my way to the corner of the street. Ten minutes later I was glad to have my friend’s arm in mine and to leave the noisy scene. He walked quickly and said nothing for a few minutes, until we turned into one of the quiet streets leading toward Edgeware Road.

En/Pt → “You did that very well, Doctor,” he said. “Nothing could have been better. It is all right.”

“Do you have the photograph?”

“I know where it is.”

“And how did you find out?”

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

“I still do not understand.”

"I do not want to make it a mystery," he said with a laugh. "It was very simple. Of course, you saw that everyone in the street was helping me. They were all hired for the evening."

"I guessed that."

"Then, when the noise began, I had some wet red paint in my hand. I ran forward, fell down, put my hand on my face, and made myself look badly hurt. It is an old trick."

"I could understand that too."

"Then they brought me inside. She had to let me in. What else could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I suspected. It was between that room and her bedroom, and I wanted to see which was which. They laid me on a couch. I asked for air, so they had to open the window, and then you had your chance."

En/Pt → "How did that help you?"

En/Pt → "It was very important. When a woman thinks her house is on fire, she usually runs at once to the thing she values most. It is a very strong feeling, and I have used it many times. It helped me in the Darlington Substitution Scandal, and also in the Arnsworth Castle case. A married woman grabs her baby; an unmarried woman reaches for her jewel-box. So I knew that the lady today had nothing in the house more valuable than the thing we wanted. She would rush to save it. The fire alarm worked very well. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake even strong nerves. She reacted exactly as I hoped. The photograph is in a hidden space behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. She went there at once, and I caught a quick look at it as she pulled it out halfway. When I shouted that it was only a false alarm, she put it back, looked at the rocket, ran from the room, and I have not seen her since. I stood up and left the house, making my excuses. I thought about trying to take the photograph right away, but the coachman had come in and was watching me closely, so it seemed safer to wait. A little too much hurry can ruin everything."

En/Pt → "And now?" I asked.

"Our search is almost finished. Tomorrow I shall call with the King, and with you too, if you want to come. We will be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but when she comes, she may find that neither we nor the photograph is there. It may please His Majesty to get it back with his own hands."

"And when will you call?"

“At eight in the morning. She will still be in bed, so we will have no trouble. Also, we must be quick, because this marriage may completely change her life and habits. I must send a telegram to the King at once.”

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

“Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

There were several people on the pavement then, but the greeting seemed to come from a slim young man in an ulster who hurried by.

En/Pt → “I have heard that voice before,” said Holmes, looking down the dim street. “Now I wonder who that could have been.”

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

“You have really got it!” he cried. He took Sherlock Holmes by both shoulders and looked eagerly into his face.

“Not yet.”

“But do you have hope?”

“I have hope.”

“Then come. I am eager to leave.”

“We must have a cab.”

“No, my brougham is waiting.”

“Then that will make things easier.” We went downstairs and set off once more for Briony Lodge.

“Irene Adler is married,” said Holmes.

“Married! When?”

“Yesterday.”

“But to whom?”

“To an English lawyer named Norton.”

“But she could not love him.”

“I hope she does.”

“And why do you hope that?”

“Because then your Majesty would have no fear of trouble later. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, then there is no reason for her to stop your Majesty’s plan.”

En/Pt → “That is true. And yet - ! Well, I wish she had been born in my own class! What a queen she would have made!” He then became silent and thoughtful, and nothing broke his mood until we reached Serpentine Avenue.

The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an older woman stood on the steps. She watched us with a hard, mocking look as we got out of the brougham.

“Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I think?” she said.

“I am Mr. Holmes,” my companion answered, looking at her with a questioning and rather shocked expression.

“Indeed! My mistress told me you might come. She left this morning with her husband on the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.”

“What!” Sherlock Holmes stepped back, pale with disappointment and surprise. “Do you mean she has left England?”

“Never to come back.”

“And the papers?” asked the King in a rough voice. “All is lost.”

En/Pt → “We shall see.” He pushed past the servant and hurried into the drawing room, followed by the King and me. The furniture was thrown around in every direction, with broken shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had searched them quickly before escaping. Holmes ran to the bell pull, tore back a small sliding cover, and put his hand inside. He took out a photograph and a letter. The photograph showed Irene Adler in evening dress. The letter was addressed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for.” My friend opened it at once, and the three of us read it together. It was dated at midnight the night before and said this:

En/Pt → “My dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes - You really did very well. You fooled me completely. Until the fire alarm, I had no idea. But then I saw that I had given myself away, and I began to think. People had warned me about you months ago. They had told me that if the King used an agent, it would surely be you. They had also given me your address. Still, you made me tell you what you wanted to know. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think badly of such a kind old clergyman. But I have been trained as an actress. Men’s clothes are not new to me. I often use the freedom they give. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, changed into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you left.

“Then I followed you to your door, and made sure that I was really of interest to the famous Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Then I, perhaps too carelessly, wished you good night and started for the Temple to see my husband.

En/Pt → “We both thought the best plan was to run away when followed by such a dangerous enemy. So you will find the nest empty when you come tomorrow. As for the photograph, your client can rest easy. I love, and am loved by, a better man than he. The King may do what he likes, without help from the person he has badly wronged. I keep the photograph only to protect myself and to keep a tool that will always stop him from taking any future steps against me. I leave a photograph that he may wish to have, and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes,

“Very truly yours,

“Irene Norton, née Adler.”

“What a woman - oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia after we had all read the letter. “Did I not tell you how quick and strong-willed she was? Would she not have made an excellent queen? Is it not a shame that she was not my equal?”

En/Pt → “From what I have seen of the lady, she seems to be far above your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. “I am sorry that I could not bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful end.”

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

“I am glad to hear Your Majesty say that.”

“I am very grateful to you. Please tell me how I can reward you. This ring - ” He took an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out in his palm.

“Your Majesty has something I would value even more,” said Holmes.

“You only have to name it.”

“This photograph!”

The King looked at him in great surprise.

“Irene’s photograph!” he said. “Of course, if you want it.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Then there is nothing more to do. I am honored to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed and turned away without noticing the hand the King had held out. Then he left with me for his rooms.

En/Pt → This is how a great scandal nearly affected the kingdom of Bohemia, and how Mr. Sherlock Holmes was outsmarted by a woman’s cleverness. He used to joke about how clever women were, but I have not heard him do that lately. When he speaks about Irene Adler, or about her photograph, he always uses the respectful words “the woman.”

The Redheaded League

The Red-Headed League

En/Pt → One day in the autumn of last year, I visited my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and found him speaking closely with a very fat, red-faced old gentleman with bright red hair. I said sorry for coming in, and was about to leave, but Holmes suddenly pulled me into the room and shut the door behind me.

"You could not have come at a better time, my dear Watson," he said warmly.

"I was afraid you were busy."

"I am. Very busy."

"Then I can wait in the next room."

"Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I am sure he will be very useful to me in yours as well."

The fat gentleman partly stood up and nodded hello. He gave me a quick, questioning look from his small eyes, which were almost hidden by fat.

En/Pt → "Take the settee," said Holmes. He sat back in his armchair and joined his fingertips, which he often did when thinking carefully. "My dear Watson, I know you enjoy strange things and things outside ordinary life. You have shown this in the way you have eagerly written about my little adventures, and, if I may say so, sometimes made them sound a little bigger."

"Your cases have always been very interesting to me," I said.

"You will remember that I said the other day, just before we began the very simple case of Miss Mary Sutherland, that if we want strange results and unusual mixtures, we must look at life itself. Life is always bolder than anything the imagination can create."

“A claim I felt free to doubt.”

En/Pt → “You did, Doctor, but you will still have to accept my view. If not, I will keep showing you fact after fact until your reason gives way and you admit I am right. Mr. Jabez Wilson has come to see me this morning and has started a story that promises to be one of the most unusual I have heard for some time. I have said before that the strangest and most special cases are often tied not to big crimes, but to small ones, and sometimes it is even unclear whether any crime has happened at all. From what I have heard so far, I cannot say if this is a crime, but the events are certainly among the strangest I have heard. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would be so kind as to begin your story again. I ask not only because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the first part, but also because the unusual nature of the story makes me want every detail from you. Usually, after hearing a small part of a case, I can compare it with many similar ones I remember. In this case, I must admit that, as far as I can tell, the facts are unique.”

En/Pt → The large client puffed out his chest with a little pride and pulled a dirty, wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his overcoat. He looked down the advertisement column, leaning forward with the paper spread on his knee. I studied him closely and tried, like my companion, to learn what I could from his clothes and appearance.

I did not learn much from looking at him. Our visitor seemed to be an ordinary British businessman: fat, proud, and slow. He wore loose grey check trousers, a black frock-coat that was not very clean and left open in front, and a dull waistcoat with a heavy shiny chain and a small square piece of metal hanging from it as decoration. A worn top hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar were on a chair beside him. No matter how carefully I looked, there was nothing unusual about him except his bright red hair and the very annoyed, unhappy look on his face.

En/Pt → Sherlock Holmes quickly noticed what I was doing, and he smiled and shook his head when he saw my questioning looks. “I can tell no more than this: he has done manual work at some time, he takes snuff, he is a Freemason, he has been to China, and he has done a lot of writing lately.”

Mr. Jabez Wilson sat up in his chair, with one finger on the newspaper and his eyes fixed on my companion.

“How on earth did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?” he asked. “How did you know, for example, that I have done manual work? That is completely true, because I began as a ship’s carpenter.”

“Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is much larger than your left. You have used it in work, so the muscles are stronger.”

“Well, what about the snuff and the Freemasonry?”

“I will not insult your intelligence by explaining that, especially since you wear an arc-and-compass breastpin, which goes against the strict rules of your order.”

En/Pt → “Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?”

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

“Well, but China?”

“The fish tattooed just above your right wrist could only have been done in China. I have studied tattoo marks and have even written about them. That way of coloring the fish scales a soft pink is very special to China. When I also see a Chinese coin on your watch-chain, the answer becomes even easier.”

Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed loudly. “Well, I never!” he said. “At first I thought you had done something clever, but now I see there was nothing to it after all.”

“I begin to think, Watson,” said Holmes, “that I am making a mistake by explaining. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation will suffer if I am too open. Can you find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?”

En/Pt → “Yes, I have it now,” he answered, pointing with his thick red finger halfway down the column. “Here it is. This is what started everything. Please read it yourself, sir.”

I took the paper from him and read these words:

“To the Redheaded League: Because of the money left by the late Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another opening. A member of the League will get £4 a week for simple work only. All redheaded men who are healthy, over twenty-one, and sound in mind may apply. Come in person on Monday at eleven o’clock to Duncan Ross at the League offices, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.”

“What on earth does this mean?” I said after reading the strange notice twice.

Holmes laughed softly and moved in his chair, as he often did when he was in a good mood. “This is a little unusual, isn’t it?” he said. “Now, Mr. Wilson, please start from the beginning and tell us about yourself, your home, and how this advertisement affected your life. Doctor, please make a note of the newspaper and the date.”

En/Pt → “It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. That was just two months ago.”

“Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”

“Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, wiping his forehead. “I have a small pawnbroker’s business in Coburg Square, near the City. It is not a big business, and in recent years it has only earned me enough to live on. I used to have two assistants, but now I only have one. I would have trouble paying him, except that he agrees to work for half wages so he can learn the business.”

“What is the name of this helpful young man?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

“His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he is not really so young. It is hard to tell his age. I would like no better assistant, Mr. Holmes, and I know he could find a better job and earn twice what I pay him. But if he is happy, why should I give him ideas?”

En/Pt → “Why, indeed? You seem very lucky to have an employee who works for less than the normal wage. That is not common for employers today. I do not know that your assistant is less remarkable than your advertisement.”

“Oh, he has faults too,” said Mr. Wilson. “He is crazy about photography. He is always using a camera when he should be improving himself, and then he rushes down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault, but overall he is a good worker. There is no badness in him.”

“He is still with you, I suppose?”

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

En/Pt → The first thing that worried us was that advertisement. Spaulding came into the office eight weeks ago with this paper in his hand, and he said:

“I wish to God, Mr. Wilson, that I was a redheaded man.”

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Because,” he said, “there is another opening in the League of the Redheaded Men. It is worth a great deal of money to any man who gets it, and there are more openings than men. So the trustees do not know what to do with the money. If my hair would only change color, I would have a fine place ready for me.”

“What is it, then?” I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I stay at home a great deal. My business came to me instead of my having to go to it, so I often went for weeks without leaving my house. Because of that, I knew little about the outside world, and I was always glad to hear news.

En/Pt → “Have you never heard of the League of the Redheaded Men?” he asked, opening his eyes wide.

“Never.”

“That surprises me, because you yourself could take one of the openings.”

“And what are they worth?” I asked.

“Only a few hundred a year, but the work is easy, and it would not interfere much with other work.”

That made me pay close attention, because business had been poor for some years, and an extra couple of hundred pounds would have been very useful.

“Tell me all about it,” I said.

“Well,” he said, showing me the advertisement. “You can see that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should ask for details. As far as I can tell, the League was started by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very strange in his habits. He had red hair himself, and he felt great sympathy for all redheaded men. So when he died, it was found that he had left his huge fortune to trustees, with instructions to use the interest to give easy jobs to men with that hair colour. From all I hear, the pay is excellent and there is very little work.”

En/Pt → “But,” I said, “millions of redheaded men would apply.”

“Not as many as you might think,” he answered. “It is really only for men from London, and for grown men. This American had left London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old city a favour. Also, I have heard that if your hair is light red, dark red, or anything except bright, blazing red, you will not succeed. Now, if you wanted to apply, Mr. Wilson, you could just walk in. But perhaps it would not be worth your trouble for the sake of a few hundred pounds.”

My hair is a rich, full colour, as you can see, gentlemen, so I thought that if there was competition, I had as good a chance as any man I had ever met. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might be useful. So I told him to close the shop for the day and come with me at once. He was very happy to have a holiday, so we shut up the business and went to the address in the advertisement.

En/Pt → I hope I never see such a sight again, Mr. Holmes. From every direction men with some red in their hair came into the city to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was crowded with redheaded people, and Pope’s Court looked like a market cart full of oranges. I did not think there could be so many redheaded men in the whole country. They had every shade of colour: straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, and clay. But, as Spaulding said, not many had the real bright flame colour. When I saw how many were waiting, I nearly gave up in despair. But Spaulding would not let me. I do not know how he did it, but he pushed and pulled until he got me through the crowd and up to the steps leading to the office. There was a double line on the stairs, some men going up hopefully and some coming down sadly, but we squeezed in and soon reached the office.

En/Pt → “Your experience has been very interesting,” Holmes said when his client stopped and took a large pinch of snuff. “Please continue your very interesting story.”

There were only two wooden chairs and a plain table in the office. Behind it sat a small man whose head was even redder than mine. He spoke a few words to each man who came up, and then he always found some fault that ruled him out. Getting the vacancy was not easy after all. But when our turn came, the little man was much kinder to me than to the others. He closed the door as we went in, so that he could speak to us privately.

“This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,” said my assistant. “He is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.”

‘And he is perfect for it,’ the other answered. ‘He meets every need. I cannot remember seeing anything so good.’ He stepped back, tilted his head, and looked at my hair until I felt shy. Then he suddenly came forward, shook my hand, and warmly congratulated me on my success.

En/Pt → ‘It would be wrong to hesitate,’ he said. ‘But I am sure you will excuse one simple safety check.’ Then he grabbed my hair with both hands and pulled until I cried out in pain. ‘There is water in your eyes,’ he said when he let me go. ‘I can see that all is correct. But we must be careful, because we have been fooled twice by wigs and once by paint. I could tell you stories about cobbler’s wax that would make you dislike human nature.’ He went to the window and shouted that the job was taken. A disappointed groan came from below, and the people left in different directions until no redhead could be seen except my own hair and the manager’s.

‘My name,’ he said, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the people supported by the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Do you have a family?’

En/Pt → I answered that I did not.

His face changed at once.

‘Dear me!’ he said seriously. ‘That is very serious indeed! I am sorry to hear that. The fund was, of course, meant to support redheads and also to help more of them grow and spread. It is very unfortunate that you are a bachelor.’

My face fell at this, Mr. Holmes, because I thought I would not get the job after all. But after thinking for a few minutes, he said it would be all right.

‘For another man, that might be a serious problem,’ he said, ‘but we must make an exception for a man with hair like yours. When can you begin your new work?’

‘Well, that is a little difficult, because I already have a business,’ said I.

‘Oh, never mind that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. ‘I should be able to take care of it for you.’

En/Pt → “What would the hours be?” I asked.

“From ten to two.”

“A pawnbroker’s business is mostly done in the evening, Mr. Holmes, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings, just before payday. So it would suit me well to earn a little in the mornings. Also, I knew my assistant was a good man and would handle anything that came up.

“That would suit me very well,” said I. “And the pay?”

“Four pounds a week.”

“And the work?”

“Is only formal.”

“What do you mean by only formal?”

“Well, you must be in the office, or at least in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you lose the position forever. The will is very clear about that. You do not meet the conditions if you move away from the office during that time.”

“It is only four hours a day, and I would not think of leaving,” said I.

En/Pt → ‘No excuse will help,’ said Mr. Duncan Ross. ‘Not sickness, not business, nothing. You must stay here, or you lose your job.’

‘And the work?’

‘You are to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica. The first volume is in that cabinet. You must bring your own ink, pens, and blotting paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be ready tomorrow?’

‘Certainly,’ I answered.

‘Then goodbye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you again on the important job you have been lucky enough to get.’ He showed me out, and I went home with my assistant. I could hardly think what to say or do, because I was so pleased with my good luck.

En/Pt → I thought about it all day, and by evening I felt unhappy again. I was sure the whole thing must be a trick or fraud, though I could not guess the reason. It seemed impossible that anyone would make such a will, or pay so much money for something as simple as copying the Encyclopedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding tried to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had almost talked myself out of the whole thing. Still, in the morning I decided to go and see for myself. So I bought a cheap bottle of ink, took a quill pen and seven sheets of foolscap paper, and set off for Pope’s Court.

To my surprise and joy, everything was just right. The table was ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to make sure I got to work properly. He began me on the letter A, then left me, but he came back now and then to check on me. At two o’clock he said goodbye, praised how much I had written, and locked the office door after me.

En/Pt → This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes. On Saturday the manager came in and gave me four gold sovereigns for my week’s work. The same thing happened the next week, and the week after that. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I left at two. After a while Mr. Duncan Ross came only once in the morning, and later he did not come at all. Even so, I never dared to leave the room for a moment, because I did not know when he might appear, and the job was so good and suited me so well that I would not risk losing it.

Eight weeks passed like this, and I had written about abbots, archery, armour, architecture, and Attica. I hoped carefully that I would soon reach the B’s. It cost me some foolscap paper, and I had almost filled a shelf with my writing. Then, suddenly, the whole business ended.

En/Pt → ‘Ended?’

“Yes, sir. And not later than this morning. I went to work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked. A small square of cardboard was nailed to the middle of the door with a tack. Here it is, and you can read it yourself.”

He held up a piece of white cardboard, about the size of a sheet of notepaper. It said:

The Redheaded League is ended. October 9, 1890.

Sherlock Holmes and I looked at the short message and the sad face behind it. Then the funny side of the whole thing became so strong that we both laughed aloud.

“I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, turning red to the roots of his bright hair. “If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere.”

“No, no,” cried Holmes, pushing him back into the chair from which he had half risen. “I would not miss your case for anything. It is very unusual. But, if I may say so, there is something a little funny about it. What did you do when you found the card on the door?”

En/Pt → “I was shocked, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I visited the offices nearby, but none of them seemed to know anything. At last I went to the landlord, an accountant who lives on the ground floor, and asked him what had happened to the Redheaded League. He said he had never heard of such a group. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was. He said the name was unknown to him.

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

“‘What, the redheaded man?’

“‘Yes.’

He said, “His name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and used my room for a short time until his new office was ready. He moved out yesterday.”

“Where could I find him?”

“At his new offices. He gave me the address. Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul’s.”

I went there at once, Mr. Holmes, but the address was a factory making artificial kneecaps. No one there had ever heard of Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.”

En/Pt → “What did you do then?” Holmes asked.

“I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square and followed my assistant’s advice. But he could not help me. He only said I should wait for a letter. That was not good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not want to lose such a chance without a fight. I had heard that you help poor people who need advice, so I came straight to you.”

“You did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is very unusual, and I will be glad to examine it. From what you have told me, I think something more serious may be involved than first appears.”

“Serious enough!” said Mr. Jabez Wilson. “I have lost four pounds a week.”

“For you personally,” said Holmes, “I do not see that you have any complaint against this strange league. In fact, you are richer by about £30, not counting the useful knowledge you have gained about every subject under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them.”

En/Pt → “No, sir. But I want to know about them, who they are, and why they played this trick on me, if it was a trick. It was an expensive joke for them, because it cost them thirty-two pounds.”

“We will try to explain these points for you. First, Mr. Wilson, I want to ask one or two questions. How long had this assistant, who first told you about the advertisement, been with you?”

“About a month.”

“How did he get the job?”

“He answered an advertisement.”

“Was he the only person who applied?”

“No, I had twelve applicants.”

“Why did you choose him?”

“Because he was useful and would work for little money.”

“In fact, at half wages.”

“Yes.”

"What is this Vincent Spaulding like?"

"He is small, stout, and very quick in his movements. He has no hair on his face, though he is not younger than thirty. He has a white mark of acid on his forehead."

En/Pt → Holmes sat up quickly and looked excited. "I thought so," said he. "Have you noticed that his ears are pierced for earrings?"

"Yes, sir. He said a gypsy did it for him when he was a boy."

"Hum!" said Holmes, leaning back and thinking deeply. "Is he still with you?"

"Oh, yes, sir. I have just left him."

"And has your business been handled while you were away?"

"Nothing to complain about, sir. There is never much to do in the morning."

"That will do, Mr. Wilson. I will be glad to give you my opinion in a day or two. Today is Saturday, and I hope we can reach a decision by Monday."

"Well, Watson," said Holmes after our visitor left, "what do you make of it all?"

“I cannot make anything of it,” I answered honestly. “It is a very mysterious matter.”

“Usually,” said Holmes, “the stranger a thing is, the less mysterious it is. Simple, ordinary crimes are the hard ones to understand, just as an ordinary face is the hardest to remember. But I must act quickly about this.”

En/Pt → “What are you going to do then?” I asked.

“Smoke,” he answered. “This is a problem that needs three pipes, and I ask you not to speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled up in his chair, with his thin knees pulled up near his hawk-like nose. He sat there with his eyes closed, and his black clay pipe stuck out like the beak of a strange bird. I thought he had fallen asleep, and I was beginning to doze too, when he suddenly jumped up as if he had made his decision and put his pipe on the mantelpiece.

“Sarasate is playing at St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he said. “What do you think, Watson? Can your patients spare you for a few hours?”

“I have nothing to do today. My work is never very interesting.”

“Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have lunch on the way. I see there is a good deal of German music in the programme, which I like more than Italian or French music. It makes me think deeply, and I want to think deeply. Come along!”

En/Pt → We took the Underground as far as Aldersgate. Then a short walk brought us to Saxe-Coburg Square, where we had heard the strange story that morning. It was a small, shabby place, with four rows of dirty two-story brick houses around a little fenced yard. There was weak grass and a few dull laurel bushes, all fighting against the smoky air. On one corner house, three gold balls and a brown sign with “Jabez Wilson” in white letters showed where our red-haired client worked. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it, tilting his head, and looked around with bright eyes. Then he walked slowly up the street and back again, studying the houses closely. At last he returned to the pawnbroker’s, struck the pavement with his stick two or three times, and went to the door to knock. It was opened at once by a bright, clean-shaven young man, who asked him to come in.

En/Pt → “Thank you,” said Holmes. “I only wanted to ask how you would get from here to the Strand.”

“Third right, fourth left,” answered the assistant quickly, and closed the door.

Holmes said, as we walked away, that the man was clever. In his view, he was the fourth cleverest man in London, and perhaps the third bravest. Holmes said he had met him before.

I said that Mr. Wilson’s assistant seemed very important in the mystery of the Redheaded League. I was sure Holmes had asked the way only to see him.

“Not him.”

“Then what?”

“The knees of his trousers.”

“What did you see?”

“What I expected to see.”

“Why did you walk up and down the pavement?”

Holmes said that this was a time to watch, not to talk. He said we were spies in enemy land. We already knew something about Saxe-Coburg Square. Now we should look at the area behind it.

En/Pt → When we turned from quiet Saxe-Coburg Square, the street before us was very different. It was one of the main roads that carried traffic through the City to the north and west. The road was crowded with carts, carriages, and people. The pavements were full of hurried walkers. It was hard to believe that these fine shops and large offices joined on the other side to the old, quiet square we had just left.

“Let me see,” said Holmes, standing at the corner and looking along the row of houses. “I want to remember the order of the buildings here. I like to know London exactly. There is Mortimer’s tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. That brings us to the next block. And now, Doctor, we have finished our work, so it is time for a little pleasure. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where everything is sweet, delicate, and full of harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to trouble us with their riddles.”

En/Pt → My friend loved music. He was not only a very good player, but also a composer of real skill. All afternoon he sat in the theatre seats, full of happiness, gently moving his long, thin fingers with the music. His soft smile and dreamy eyes were very different from Holmes the sharp detective, Holmes the strict, quick, and clever hunter of criminals. In his strange nature, these two sides took turns showing themselves. His great exactness and sharp mind were, I often thought, a reaction against the poet-like and quiet mood that sometimes controlled him. His moods could change from deep laziness to strong energy. I knew well that he was most dangerous after days of sitting back in his chair among his music and old books. Then his hunger for the chase would suddenly awaken, and his power of reasoning would rise almost to intuition. People who did not know his methods would stare at him as if his knowledge was not human. When I saw him that afternoon lost in the music at St. James’s Hall, I felt that trouble might soon come to the people he planned to catch.

En/Pt → “You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor,” he said as we came out.

“Yes, that would be best.”

“And I have some work to do that will take a few hours. This matter at Coburg Square is serious.”

“Why is it serious?”

“A major crime is being planned. I have every reason to believe we will be there in time to stop it. But because today is Saturday, things are a little more difficult. I shall need your help tonight.”

“What time?”

“Ten will be early enough.”

“I will be at Baker Street at ten.”

“Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some small danger, so please put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned around, and vanished at once into the crowd.

En/Pt → I do not think I am more stupid than other people, but I always felt very slow when I worked with Sherlock Holmes. I had heard the same things as he had, and I had seen the same things too. Yet it was clear from his words that he understood not only what had happened, but also what would happen next. To me, the whole matter was still strange and confusing. As I drove home to Kensington, I thought about everything, from the strange story of the redheaded copyist at the Encyclopedia to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and Holmes’s serious words before he left me. What was this night journey, and why should I carry a weapon? Where were we going, and what were we meant to do? Holmes had told me that the smooth-faced assistant at the pawnbroker’s shop was a dangerous man, someone who might be planning something clever. I tried to solve the mystery, but I could not. In the end, I gave up and waited for night to bring an answer.

En/Pt → It was quarter past nine when I left home and crossed the Park, then went through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two carriages were waiting at the door, and when I entered the hall I heard voices upstairs. When I went into Holmes’s room, I found him speaking excitedly with two men. One was Peter Jones, the official police agent. The other was a tall, thin man with a sad face, a very shiny hat, and a very proper frock-coat.

“Ha! Our group is complete,” said Holmes, fastening his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. “Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones of Scotland Yard. Let me introduce Mr. Merryweather, who will go with us on tonight’s adventure.”

“We are hunting in pairs again, Doctor, you see,” said Jones in his important way. “Our friend here is wonderful at starting a chase. All he needs is an old dog to help him run things down.”

En/Pt → “I hope we are not chasing a wild goose in the end,” said Mr. Merryweather sadly.

“You can trust Mr. Holmes a great deal, sir,” said the police agent proudly. “He has his own methods, which I think are a little too theoretical and strange, if he does not mind my saying so. But he has real talent as a detective. It is fair to say that in cases like the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he was closer to the truth than the official police.”

“Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, then it is all right,” said the stranger respectfully. “Still, I must admit I miss my game of rubber. This is the first Saturday night in twenty-seven years that I have not played one.”

“I think you will find,” said Sherlock Holmes, “that tonight you will be playing for bigger stakes than ever before, and that it will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be about £30,000. For you, Jones, it will be the man you want to catch.”

En/Pt → “John Clay, the murderer, thief, burglar, and forger. He is young, Mr. Merryweather, but he is one of the best in his field, and I would rather have my handcuffs on him than on any other criminal in London. Young John Clay is a remarkable man. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself studied at Eton and Oxford. His mind is as clever as his hands, and although we see signs of him everywhere, we never know where to find him. One week he will break into a house in Scotland, and the next he will be raising money for an orphanage in Cornwall. I have followed him for years and have never seen him yet.”

“I hope I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I have also had a little work with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is the best in his field. But it is past ten, and we should start now. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.”

En/Pt → Sherlock Holmes said very little during the long drive. He leaned back in the cab and hummed the tunes he had heard that afternoon. We went through what seemed like endless gas-lit streets until we reached Farrington Street.

“We are near there now,” my friend said. “This man Merryweather is a bank director and is personally involved in the matter. I thought it best to have Jones with us too. He is not a bad man, though he is a complete fool at his job. He has one real quality. He is as brave as a bulldog and as stubborn as a lobster once he gets hold of someone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us.”

Original English Text

1. A Scandal in Bohemia

2. The Red-Headed League

Contents

A Scandal in Bohemia

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

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

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

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

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

“Seven!” I answered.

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

“Then, how do you know?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Frequently.”

“How often?”

“Well, some hundreds of times.”

“Then how many are there?”

“How many? I don’t know.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “I think that I had better go, Holmes.”

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

“But your client - ”

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

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

“Come in!” said Holmes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “I promise,” said Holmes.

“And I.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “Precisely so. But how - ”

“Was there a secret marriage?”

“None.”

“No legal papers or certificates?”

“None.”

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

“There is the writing.”

“Pooh, pooh! Forgery.”

“My private notepaper.”

“Stolen.”

“My own seal.”

“Imitated.”

“My photograph.”

“Bought.”

“We were both in the photograph.”

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

“I was mad - insane.”

“You have compromised yourself seriously.”

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

“It must be recovered.”

“We have tried and failed.”

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

“She will not sell.”

“Stolen, then.”

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

Português → “No sign of it?”

“Absolutely none.”

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

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

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

“To ruin me.”

“But how?”

“I am about to be married.”

“So I have heard.”

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

“And Irene Adler?”

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

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

“I am sure.”

“And why?”

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

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

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

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

“Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.”

“Then, as to money?”

“You have carte blanche.”

“Absolutely?”

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

“And for present expenses?”

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

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

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

“And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

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

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

“It was.”

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

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

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

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

“What is it?”

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

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

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

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

“And what of Irene Adler?” I asked.

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

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

“I am following you closely,” I answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“ ‘What then?’ I asked.

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

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

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

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

“Which are?”

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

“I shall be delighted.”

“You don’t mind breaking the law?”

“Not in the least.”

“Nor running a chance of arrest?”

“Not in a good cause.”

Português → “Oh, the cause is excellent!”

“Then I am your man.”

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

“But what is it you wish?”

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

“And what then?”

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

“I am to be neutral?”

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

“Yes.”

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

“Yes.”

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

“Entirely.”

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

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

“Precisely.”

“Then you may entirely rely on me.”

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

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

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

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

Português → “Where, indeed?”

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

“Where, then?”

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

“But it has twice been burgled.”

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

Português → “But how will you look?”

“I will not look.”

“What then?”

“I will get her to show me.”

“But she will refuse.”

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

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

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

“He is dead,” cried several voices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You have the photograph?”

“I know where it is.”

“And how did you find out?”

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

“I am still in the dark.”

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

“I guessed as much.”

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

“That also I could fathom.”

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

Português → “How did that help you?”

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

Português → “And now?” I asked.

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

“And when will you call?”

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

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

“Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

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

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

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

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

“Not yet.”

“But you have hopes?”

“I have hopes.”

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

“We must have a cab.”

“No, my brougham is waiting.”

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

“Irene Adler is married,” remarked Holmes.

“Married! When?”

“Yesterday.”

“But to whom?”

“To an English lawyer named Norton.”

“But she could not love him.”

“I am in hopes that she does.”

“And why in hopes?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Never to return.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Very truly yours,

“Irene Norton, née Adler.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You have but to name it.”

“This photograph!”

The King stared at him in amazement.

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

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

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

The Redheaded League

The Red-Headed League

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

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

“I was afraid that you were engaged.”

“So I am. Very much so.”

“Then I can wait in the next room.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Well, but China?”

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

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

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

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

I took the paper from him and read as follows:

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

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

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

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

“Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”

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

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

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

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

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

“He is still with you, I presume?”

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

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

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

“ ‘Why that?’ I asks.

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

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

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

“ ‘Never.’

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

“ ‘And what are they worth?’ I asked.

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

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

“ ‘Tell me all about it,’ said I.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “I answered that I had not.

“His face fell immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“ ‘Ten to two.’

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

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

“ ‘Is £4 a week.’

“ ‘And the work?’

“ ‘Is purely nominal.’

“ ‘What do you call purely nominal?’

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

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

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

“ ‘And the work?’

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

“ ‘Certainly,’ I answered.

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “To an end?”

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

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

The Redheaded League is dissolved. October 9, 1890.

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

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

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

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

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

“ ‘What, the redheaded man?’

“ ‘Yes.’

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

“ ‘Where could I find him?’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“About a month then.”

“How did he come?”

“In answer to an advertisement.”

“Was he the only applicant?”

“No, I had a dozen.”

“Why did you pick him?”

“Because he was handy and would come cheap.”

“At half wages, in fact.”

“Yes.”

“What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Not him.”

“What then?”

“The knees of his trousers.”

“And what did you see?”

“What I expected to see.”

“Why did you beat the pavement?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, it would be as well.”

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

“Why serious?”

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

“At what time?”

“Ten will be early enough.”

“I shall be at Baker Street at ten.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Português → “John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He’s a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He’s a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. He’ll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I’ve been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet.”

“I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I’ve had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.”

Português → Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.

“We are close there now,” my friend remarked. “This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us.”

Versão em Português B1

1. Um Escândalo na Boêmia

2. A Liga dos Cabeças-Vermelhas

Contents

Um Escândalo na Boêmia

English → Para Sherlock Holmes, ela era sempre a mulher. Ele quase nunca a chamava por outro nome. Aos olhos dele, ela estava acima de todas as outras mulheres. Isso não significava que ele amasse Irene Adler. Ele não sentia amor, sobretudo esse tipo de sentimento, pois tais emoções eram contrárias à sua mente fria, cuidadosa e perfeitamente equilibrada. Creio que ele era a melhor máquina de raciocínio e observação que o mundo já tinha visto, mas, como amante, estaria no lugar errado. Ele só falava dos sentimentos mais ternos com zombaria e sarcasmo. Para um observador, esses sentimentos eram úteis porque ajudavam a revelar os motivos e as ações das pessoas. Mas, se um pensador treinado permitisse que tais emoções entrassem em sua natureza tão cuidadosa, acrescentaria um elemento perturbador capaz de estragar todo o seu trabalho mental. Seria como areia em um instrumento delicado ou uma rachadura em uma lente poderosa. E, ainda assim, para ele, havia apenas uma mulher: a falecida Irene Adler, lembrada com dúvida e desconfiança.

English → Eu não via Holmes com frequência havia algum tempo. Meu casamento tinha me afastado dele. Eu era feliz, e a vida doméstica me mantinha ocupado. Holmes detestava a vida social em todas as suas formas, por isso permanecia em nossos aposentos na Baker Street, entre seus velhos livros. A cada semana, alternava entre a cocaína e a ambição, entre a sonolência causada pela droga e a intensa energia de sua própria mente. Ainda adorava estudar crimes. Usava seus grandes talentos e sua aguçada capacidade de observação para seguir pistas e solucionar mistérios dos quais a polícia havia desistido. De vez em quando, eu ouvia notícias de seu trabalho: ele fora enviado a Odessa para investigar o assassinato de Trepoff, resolvera a estranha tragédia dos irmãos Atkinson em Trincomalee e realizara uma missão cuidadosa e bem-sucedida para a família real da Holanda. Mas, além desses sinais de atividade, que eu conhecia pelos jornais como qualquer outra pessoa, pouco sabia sobre meu velho amigo.

English → Certa noite, em 20 de março de 1888, eu voltava de uma visita a um paciente, pois havia retomado a prática da medicina, quando passei pela Baker Street. Ao passar pela porta conhecida, que eu sempre associava ao meu namoro e aos acontecimentos sombrios de Um Estudo em Vermelho, senti de repente vontade de rever Holmes e descobrir como ele estava usando seus dons extraordinários. Seus aposentos estavam muito iluminados. Quando olhei para cima, vi sua silhueta alta e magra passar duas vezes, como uma sombra escura, diante da cortina. Ele caminhava depressa e com ansiedade pelo aposento, a cabeça baixa e as mãos atrás das costas. Eu conhecia bem seus hábitos e estados de espírito, por isso compreendi a cena de imediato. Ele estava trabalhando outra vez. Havia despertado de seus sonhos provocados pela droga e seguia com entusiasmo algum novo problema. Toquei a campainha e fui conduzido ao aposento que antes também fora, em parte, meu.

English → Seus modos não eram calorosos. Raramente eram. Mas acho que ficou contente em me ver. Disse muito pouco, porém seus olhos demonstraram bondade quando me indicou uma poltrona, lançou-me a caixa de charutos e apontou para o armário de bebidas e o sifão de água com gás no canto. Depois, ficou em pé junto ao fogo e me observou atentamente, com seu jeito calmo e pensativo de sempre.

"O casamento lhe faz bem", disse ele. "Creio, Watson, que você engordou sete libras e meia desde a última vez que o vi."

"Sete!", respondi.

"De fato, eu teria dito um pouco mais. Só um pouco mais, creio, Watson. E vejo que voltou a exercer a medicina. Você não me contou que voltaria ao trabalho."

"Então, como sabe?"

"Posso ver e deduzir. Como sei que você tem se molhado muito ultimamente e que tem uma criada muito desajeitada e descuidada?"

English → "Meu caro Holmes", disse eu, "isso já é demais. Em outra época, com certeza você teria sido queimado como feiticeiro. É verdade que fiz uma caminhada pelo campo na quinta-feira e voltei para casa em um estado terrível, mas troquei de roupa, por isso não entendo como descobriu. Quanto a Mary Jane, não há como melhorá-la, e minha esposa já a despediu. Mas, mais uma vez, não vejo como chegou a essa conclusão."

Ele riu baixinho consigo mesmo e esfregou as mãos longas e nervosas.

English → "É muito simples", disse ele. "Meus olhos me dizem que, na parte interna de seu sapato esquerdo, onde a luz do fogo incide, há seis cortes quase paralelos. Provavelmente foram feitos quando alguém raspou sem cuidado a borda da sola para retirar a lama endurecida. Assim, sei que você saiu durante o mau tempo e que sua criada em Londres danificou sua bota. Quanto ao seu trabalho, se um homem entra em meu aposento cheirando a iodofórmio, com uma mancha preta de nitrato de prata no indicador direito e uma saliência no lado direito da cartola, onde escondeu o estetoscópio, eu seria muito tolo se não dissesse que ele é médico."

Não pude deixar de rir da facilidade com que ele explicava seu raciocínio. "Quando ouço você apresentar suas razões", disse eu, "tudo sempre parece tão simples que sinto que eu mesmo poderia fazer isso. Mas, a cada vez, não consigo acompanhar seu raciocínio até que você o explique. E, no entanto, acredito que meus olhos sejam tão bons quanto os seus."

English → "Sem dúvida", respondeu ele, acendendo um cigarro e recostando-se em uma poltrona. "Você vê, mas não observa. Existe uma diferença clara. Por exemplo, muitas vezes você viu os degraus que levam do corredor até este aposento."

"Muitas vezes."

"Quantas vezes?"

"Bem, algumas centenas de vezes."

"Então, quantos degraus há?"

"Quantos? Não sei."

"Exatamente! Você não observou, embora os tenha visto. Esse é meu argumento. Sei que há dezessete degraus porque eu os vi e também os observei. Como você se interessa por esses pequenos problemas e tem a bondade de escrever sobre algumas de minhas modestas experiências, talvez goste disto." Ele me lançou uma folha de papel de carta grosso e cor-de-rosa que estava aberta sobre a mesa. "Chegou pela última entrega do correio", disse ele. "Leia em voz alta."

O bilhete não tinha data, assinatura nem endereço.

English → Dizia que um cavalheiro me visitaria naquela noite às 7h45. Ele queria conversar sobre algo muito importante. Meu trabalho recente para uma casa real da Europa mostrara que eu era digno de confiança em assuntos sérios. Eles haviam recebido boas referências a meu respeito de muitos lugares. Eu deveria esperar em meu aposento naquela hora e não me incomodar caso o visitante usasse uma máscara.

"Este é um verdadeiro mistério", disse eu. "O que acha que significa?"

"Ainda não tenho fatos. É um grande erro formular uma teoria antes de conhecer os fatos. Assim, as pessoas começam a forçar os fatos para que se ajustem à teoria, em vez de fazer a teoria se ajustar aos fatos. Mas observe o próprio bilhete. O que você descobre nele?"

Examinei a escrita e o papel com muito cuidado.

"O autor provavelmente era rico", disse eu, tentando pensar como meu companheiro. "Um papel como este custaria pelo menos meia coroa o pacote. É muito resistente e rígido."

English → "Essa palavra é muito adequada", disse Holmes. "Não é papel inglês. Segure-o contra a luz."

Fiz isso e vi um E maiúsculo, um g minúsculo, um P e um G maiúsculo com um t minúsculo entrelaçados no papel.

"O que conclui disso?", perguntou Holmes.

"O nome do fabricante, suponho; ou melhor, seu monograma."

"De modo algum. O G com o t minúsculo significa ‘Gesellschaft’, que é a palavra alemã para ‘Companhia’. É uma abreviação comum, como nosso ‘Cia.’. O P significa ‘Papier’. Agora vejamos ‘Eg’. Vamos consultar nosso Dicionário Geográfico Continental." Ele tirou da estante um pesado livro marrom. "Eglow, Eglonitz... aqui está, Egria. Fica em um país de língua alemã, na Boêmia, não muito longe de Carlsbad. ‘Conhecida pela morte de Wallenstein e por suas muitas fábricas de vidro e de papel.’ Ora, ora, meu rapaz, o que acha disso?" Seus olhos brilharam, e ele soltou uma grande nuvem azul da fumaça de seu cigarro.

English → "O papel foi fabricado na Boêmia", disse eu.

"Exatamente. E o homem que escreveu o bilhete é alemão. Percebe a ordem incomum das palavras: ‘Estas informações a seu respeito nós de todas as partes recebemos’? Um francês ou um russo não teria escrito assim. Os alemães costumam posicionar os verbos de uma maneira menos cuidadosa. Portanto, agora só precisamos descobrir o que esse alemão deseja. Ele escreveu em papel da Boêmia e prefere usar uma máscara a mostrar o rosto. E aqui está ele, se não me engano, para esclarecer todas as nossas dúvidas."

Enquanto ele falava, ouvi o som agudo dos cascos dos cavalos e das rodas raspando o meio-fio, seguido por um forte toque na campainha. Holmes assobiou.

"Uma parelha, pelo som", disse ele. "Sim", acrescentou, olhando pela janela. "Um belo cupê e duas criaturas magníficas. Cento e cinquenta guinéus cada uma. Há dinheiro neste caso, Watson, ainda que não haja mais nada."

English → "Acho melhor eu ir embora, Holmes."

"De modo algum, Doutor. Fico perdido sem meu Boswell. E isto parece interessante. Seria uma pena perder."

"Mas seu cliente..."

"Não se preocupe com ele. Talvez eu precise de sua ajuda, e ele também. Aí vem ele. Sente-se naquela poltrona, Doutor, e preste muita atenção."

Um passo lento e pesado fora ouvido na escada e no corredor. Parou diante da porta. Então veio uma batida alta e firme.

"Entre!", disse Holmes.

English → Entrou um homem muito alto, com quase dois metros de altura e corpo poderoso. Vestia roupas muito luxuosas, quase luxuosas demais para o gosto inglês. Seu casaco tinha pesadas faixas de astracã nas mangas e na frente. Sobre os ombros, usava uma capa azul-escura forrada de seda brilhante e presa no pescoço por um broche com um berilo flamejante. Também usava botas altas com pele marrom na parte superior. Trazia um chapéu largo na mão. Uma máscara preta cobria a parte superior de seu rosto, e sua mão ainda estava erguida até ela, como se acabasse de colocá-la. A parte inferior de seu rosto revelava um homem forte e decidido, com lábios grossos e um queixo comprido que sugeria teimosia.

"Recebeu meu bilhete?", perguntou ele numa voz profunda e áspera, com forte sotaque alemão. "Eu disse que viria." Olhou de um para o outro, sem saber a quem se dirigir.

English → "Por favor, sente-se", disse Holmes. "Este é meu amigo e colega, Dr. Watson, que às vezes me ajuda em meus casos. Com quem tenho a honra de falar?"

"Pode me chamar de Conde Von Kramm, um nobre boêmio. Entendo que este cavalheiro, seu amigo, é honesto e cuidadoso e que posso confiar-lhe um assunto muito importante. Caso contrário, eu preferiria falar apenas com o senhor."

Comecei a me retirar, mas Holmes segurou meu pulso e me empurrou de volta para a cadeira. "Ou nós dois ouvimos, ou nenhum de nós ouvirá", disse ele. "Pode dizer a este cavalheiro tudo o que diria a mim."

O Conde ergueu os ombros largos. "Então devo começar", disse ele, "pedindo a ambos que mantenham segredo absoluto por dois anos. Depois disso, o assunto deixará de ter importância. Por enquanto, só posso dizer que é tão importante que pode afetar a história da Europa."

English → "Eu prometo", disse Holmes.

"Eu também."

"Por favor, perdoem esta máscara", continuou nosso estranho visitante. "A pessoa importante que me enviou deseja que seu representante permaneça desconhecido para os senhores. Também posso admitir desde já que o título que acabei de usar não é realmente meu."

"Eu sabia", disse Holmes secamente.

"A situação é muito delicada, e precisamos tomar todas as precauções para impedir aquilo que poderia se transformar em um enorme escândalo e prejudicar seriamente uma das famílias reinantes da Europa. Para ser claro, o caso envolve a grande Casa de Ormstein, os reis hereditários da Boêmia."

"Isso também já sabia", disse Holmes em voz baixa, recostando-se na poltrona e fechando os olhos.

Nosso visitante olhou com certa surpresa para a figura preguiçosa e descontraída diante dele. Sem dúvida, esperava encontrar o homem mais perspicaz e ativo da Europa. Holmes tornou a abrir os olhos lentamente e olhou com impaciência para seu enorme cliente.

English → "Se Vossa Majestade tiver a bondade de explicar seu caso", disse ele, "poderei aconselhá-lo melhor."

O homem levantou-se de um salto e começou a andar de um lado para o outro pelo aposento, muito agitado. Então, desesperado, arrancou a máscara do rosto e atirou-a ao chão. "O senhor tem razão", exclamou. "Eu sou o Rei. Por que tentaria esconder isso?"

"Por que, de fato?", murmurou Holmes. "Antes que Vossa Majestade dissesse qualquer coisa, eu já sabia que falava com Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grão-Duque de Cassel-Felstein e Rei hereditário da Boêmia."

"Mas pode compreender", disse nosso estranho visitante, sentando-se novamente e esfregando a testa alta e branca, "que não estou acostumado a tratar pessoalmente desse tipo de assunto. Ainda assim, o caso era tão delicado que eu não podia confiá-lo a um representante, pois então ficaria em poder dele. Vim secretamente de Praga para pedir seu conselho."

English → "Então, por favor, prossiga", disse Holmes, fechando os olhos mais uma vez.

"Os fatos são os seguintes: cerca de cinco anos atrás, durante uma longa estadia em Varsóvia, conheci a famosa aventureira Irene Adler. Provavelmente conhece esse nome."

"Por favor, procure-a em meu índice, Doutor", disse Holmes calmamente, sem abrir os olhos. Por muitos anos, ele mantivera anotações sobre todo tipo de pessoas e acontecimentos, por isso muitas vezes conseguia fornecer de imediato informações sobre quase qualquer um. Nesse caso, encontrei a história da vida dela entre a de um rabino hebreu e a de um oficial do estado-maior que escrevera sobre peixes de águas profundas.

"Deixe-me ver", disse Holmes. "Hum! Nascida em Nova Jersey, em 1858. Contralto, hum! La Scala, hum! Cantora principal da Ópera Imperial de Varsóvia... sim! Retirou-se dos palcos... ah! Agora mora em Londres... exatamente! Vossa Majestade, pelo que entendo, envolveu-se com essa jovem, escreveu-lhe algumas cartas que poderiam causar problemas e agora deseja recuperá-las."

English → "Exatamente. Mas como..."

"Houve um casamento secreto?"

"Não."

"Nenhum documento ou certidão legal?"

"Não."

"Então não compreendo, Vossa Majestade. Se essa jovem mostrar as cartas para chantageá-lo ou por algum outro motivo, como poderá provar que são verdadeiras?"

"Há a caligrafia."

"Ora! Isso poderia ser falsificado."

Meu papel de carta particular.

Roubado.

Meu próprio selo.

Copiado.

Minha fotografia.

Comprada.

Nós dois estávamos na fotografia.

Ah, meu Deus! Isso é muito ruim! Vossa Majestade realmente fez algo impróprio.

Eu estava louco... insano.

O senhor prejudicou seriamente sua própria reputação.

Na época, eu era apenas o Príncipe Herdeiro. Era jovem. Ainda tenho apenas trinta anos.

Ela precisa ser encontrada e recuperada.

Tentamos, mas fracassamos.

Vossa Majestade deve pagar. É preciso comprá-la.

Ela não quer vendê-la.

Então, deve ser roubada.

Fizemos cinco tentativas. Duas vezes, ladrões que trabalhavam para mim revistaram a casa dela. Uma vez, trocamos sua bagagem enquanto ela viajava. Duas vezes, nós a detivemos na estrada. Nada funcionou.

English → Nenhum sinal dela?

Absolutamente nenhum.

Holmes riu. "É um probleminha bastante interessante", disse ele.

"Mas é muito sério para mim", respondeu o Rei com tristeza.

"Muito sério, sem dúvida. E o que ela pretende fazer com a fotografia?"

"Arruinar-me."

"Mas como?"

"Vou me casar em breve."

"Foi o que ouvi."

"Com Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, a segunda filha do Rei da Escandinávia. Talvez saiba como a família dela é rígida. Ela mesma é muito cuidadosa e correta. Qualquer dúvida sobre meu comportamento acabaria com o casamento."

"E Irene Adler?"

"Ela ameaça enviar-lhes a fotografia, e fará isso. Sei que fará. O senhor não a conhece, mas ela tem uma vontade muito forte. Possui o rosto da mais bela das mulheres e a mente do homem mais determinado. Não há nada que ela não faça para me impedir de me casar com outra mulher. Nada."

English → "Tem certeza de que ela ainda não a enviou?"

“Tenho certeza.”

“E por quê?”

“Porque ela disse que a enviaria no dia em que o noivado fosse anunciado publicamente. Isso será na próxima segunda-feira.”

“Ah, então ainda temos três dias”, disse Holmes, bocejando. “Muito bom, pois agora tenho um ou dois assuntos importantes para investigar. Vossa Majestade permanecerá em Londres por enquanto, é claro?”

“Certamente. Você me encontrará no Langham, sob o nome de Conde Von Kramm.”

“Então lhe escreverei para contar como estamos progredindo.”

“Por favor, faça isso. Ficarei muito ansioso.”

“E quanto ao dinheiro?”

“Você tem total liberdade.”

“Absoluta?”

Eu daria uma das províncias do meu reino para ter aquela fotografia.

E quanto ao dinheiro para as despesas imediatas?

O Rei tirou de sob a capa uma pesada bolsa de couro e a colocou sobre a mesa.

English → “Há trezentas libras em ouro e setecentas em notas”, disse ele.

Holmes escreveu um recibo numa página de seu caderno e o entregou a ele.

“E o endereço de Mademoiselle?”, perguntou ele.

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

Holmes anotou. “Mais uma pergunta”, disse ele. “A fotografia era do tamanho conhecido como cabinet?”

“Era.”

“Então, boa noite, Majestade. Espero que logo tenhamos boas notícias para lhe dar. Boa noite, Watson”, acrescentou, enquanto a carruagem real descia a rua. “Por favor, venha amanhã às três da tarde. Gostaria de conversar com você sobre este pequeno assunto.”

English → Às três horas em ponto, eu estava em Baker Street, mas Holmes ainda não havia voltado. A senhoria me disse que ele saíra de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã. Mesmo assim, sentei-me junto ao fogo e esperei por ele, não importava quanto tempo levasse. Eu já estava muito interessado no caso. Ele não apresentava os sinais sombrios e estranhos dos dois crimes sobre os quais eu já havia escrito, mas a natureza do caso e a elevada posição de seu cliente o tornavam especial. Além disso, eu gostava de observar Holmes trabalhando. Era um prazer estudar seu pensamento claro e seu raciocínio rápido. Ele solucionava os mistérios mais difíceis com habilidade, e eu me acostumara tanto com seu sucesso que não conseguia sequer imaginar que pudesse fracassar.

English → Eram quase quatro horas quando a porta se abriu e entrou um homem que parecia um cavalariço bêbado. Estava desalinhado, tinha suíças, o rosto vermelho e roupas surradas. Eu sabia que Holmes era muito hábil em disfarces, mas ainda assim precisei olhar três vezes antes de ter certeza de que era ele. Fez-me um gesto com a cabeça e entrou no quarto. Cinco minutos depois, voltou usando um terno de tweed, novamente com sua aparência respeitável. Enfiou as mãos nos bolsos, esticou as pernas diante do fogo e riu durante vários minutos.

“Ora, ora!”, exclamou. Então engasgou de tanto rir e recomeçou a gargalhar, até ter de se recostar na cadeira, fraco e sem forças.

“O que foi?”

“É engraçado demais. Tenho certeza de que você jamais adivinharia como passei a manhã, nem o que acabei fazendo.”

“Não consigo imaginar. Suponho que tenha observado os hábitos da Srta. Irene Adler e talvez a casa dela.”

English → “Exatamente, mas o que aconteceu depois foi incomum. Vou lhe contar. Saí de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã, vestido como um cavalariço desempregado. Os homens que trabalham com cavalos são muito amistosos uns com os outros. Se você for um deles, poderá descobrir quase tudo. Logo encontrei Briony Lodge. É uma pequena e bela casa de campo, com um jardim nos fundos. A fachada fica bem junto à rua, e a casa tem dois andares. A porta possui uma fechadura Chubb. À direita há uma ampla sala de estar, muito bem mobiliada, com janelas compridas que chegam quase ao chão e aqueles ridículos fechos ingleses que até uma criança poderia abrir. Nos fundos, não havia nada de especial, exceto que se podia alcançar a janela do corredor pelo alto da cocheira. Dei a volta na casa e a examinei atentamente de todos os lados, mas não encontrei mais nada de interessante.”

English → “Depois segui pela rua e encontrei, como esperava, um pátio de estábulos numa viela ao lado de um dos muros do jardim. Ajudei os tratadores a escovar os cavalos e, em troca, recebi dois pence, um copo com uma mistura de cerveja e ale, duas porções de fumo shag e todas as informações que desejava sobre a Srta. Adler. Também tive de ouvir histórias sobre muitas outras pessoas da região, embora não me interessassem nem um pouco.”

“E quanto a Irene Adler?”, perguntei.

English → “Ah, ela fez todos os homens daquele distrito perderem a cabeça. É a criatura mais bonita que já se viu sob um chapéu, segundo dizem os homens de Serpentine Mews. Vive tranquilamente, canta em concertos, sai para passear de carruagem todos os dias às cinco e volta exatamente às sete para o jantar. Quase nunca sai em outro horário, salvo quando vai cantar. Só recebe a visita de um homem, mas ele vem com frequência. É moreno, bonito e cheio de vivacidade. Nunca aparece menos de uma vez por dia e, muitas vezes, vem duas. É o Sr. Godfrey Norton, do Inner Temple. Você pode perceber a vantagem de ter um cocheiro como amigo. Eles o haviam levado uma dúzia de vezes de Serpentine Mews até sua casa e sabiam tudo a seu respeito. Depois de ouvir tudo o que podiam me contar, voltei a andar de um lado para o outro perto de Briony Lodge, refletindo sobre meu plano.”

English → Esse Godfrey Norton era claramente importante. Era advogado, e isso parecia preocupante. Que relação tinha com ela, e por que a visitava com tanta frequência? Ela era sua cliente, sua amiga ou sua amante? Se fosse sua cliente, talvez lhe tivesse confiado a fotografia. Se ele fosse apenas seu amigo, isso seria menos provável. Minha escolha dependia disso. Eu precisava decidir se continuaria trabalhando em Briony Lodge ou se investigaria os aposentos do homem no Temple. Era uma questão difícil, que ampliava o campo de minha investigação. Desculpe-me se esses detalhes o aborrecem, mas preciso lhe mostrar meus pequenos problemas para que possa compreender o caso.

“Estou acompanhando com muita atenção”, respondi.

Eu ainda pensava no assunto quando um cabriolé parou diante de Briony Lodge e um cavalheiro saltou dele. Era muito bonito, moreno, de feições marcantes e usava bigode. Sem dúvida, era o homem de quem eu ouvira falar. Parecia estar com muita pressa. Gritou para o cocheiro esperar e passou pela criada à porta como alguém que conhecia bem a casa.

English → Ele permaneceu na casa por cerca de meia hora. Pelas janelas da sala, eu o via andar de um lado para o outro, falando com agitação e gesticulando. Não consegui vê-la. Então ele saiu, parecendo ainda mais preocupado. Ao entrar no cabriolé, tirou do bolso um relógio de ouro e o examinou atentamente. ‘Dirija como o diabo’, gritou. ‘Primeiro à Gross & Hankey’s, na Regent Street, e depois à Igreja de Santa Mônica, na Edgeware Road. Meia guiné se conseguir fazer isso em vinte minutos!’

Eles partiram, e eu me perguntava se deveria segui-los quando um pequeno landau surgiu pela viela. O cocheiro parecia desleixado, com o casaco abotoado apenas pela metade e a gravata frouxa. Antes que a carruagem parasse por completo, ela saiu correndo pela porta do vestíbulo e entrou. Vi-a apenas por um instante, mas era uma bela mulher, do tipo por quem um homem poderia morrer.

English → ‘Igreja de Santa Mônica, John’, gritou ela, ‘e meio soberano se chegar lá em vinte minutos.’

Era uma oportunidade boa demais para perder, Watson. Eu ainda decidia se correria atrás deles ou saltaria para a traseira do landau dela quando um cabriolé desceu a rua. O cocheiro me olhou duas vezes, pois eu parecia um passageiro miserável, mas entrei antes que ele pudesse recusar. ‘Igreja de Santa Mônica’, disse eu, ‘e meio soberano se chegar lá em vinte minutos.’ Eram onze e trinta e cinco, e estava claro o que estava acontecendo.

English → Meu cocheiro foi veloz. Acho que nunca viajei tão depressa, mas os outros chegaram antes de nós. Quando cheguei, o cabriolé e o landau já estavam diante da igreja, com os cavalos soltando vapor. Paguei ao homem e corri para dentro. Não havia ninguém ali, além das duas pessoas que eu seguira e de um sacerdote de sobrepeliz, que parecia discutir com elas. Os três estavam reunidos diante do altar. Caminhei pela nave lateral como qualquer homem que tivesse entrado por acaso numa igreja. Então, para minha surpresa, os três junto ao altar se voltaram para mim, e Godfrey Norton correu em minha direção o mais depressa que pôde.

‘Graças a Deus!’, exclamou. ‘Você serve. Venha! Venha!’

‘Para quê?’, perguntei.

“Venha, homem, venha. Só temos três minutos, ou não será legal.”

English → “Fui praticamente arrastado até o altar e, antes de compreender o que estava acontecendo, eu murmurava respostas ao ouvido do sacerdote. Concordava com coisas das quais nada sabia e ajudava a unir Irene Adler, solteira, a Godfrey Norton, solteiro. Tudo aconteceu de uma vez. Então o cavalheiro me agradeceu de um lado, a dama do outro, e o sacerdote sorriu para mim à frente. Foi a situação mais ridícula em que já me vi, e foi a lembrança dela que me fez rir agora há pouco. Parece que havia um problema com a licença de casamento, e o sacerdote se recusava a casá-los sem uma testemunha. Minha chegada repentina poupou o noivo de sair pelas ruas à procura de um padrinho. A noiva me deu um soberano, e pretendo usá-lo na corrente do relógio para recordar a ocasião.”

“Esta é uma mudança muito inesperada”, disse eu. “E o que aconteceu depois?”

English → “Bem, meus planos agora corriam sério perigo. Parecia possível que o casal partisse imediatamente, e nesse caso eu precisaria agir depressa. Contudo, eles se separaram à porta da igreja. Ele voltou de carruagem para o Temple, e ela foi para sua própria casa. ‘Sairei para passear no parque às cinco, como de costume’, disse ela ao se despedir. Não ouvi mais nada. Eles partiram em direções diferentes, e eu fui embora para preparar meus próprios planos.”

“Quais são?”

“Um pouco de carne fria e um copo de cerveja”, respondeu ele, tocando a campainha. “Estive ocupado demais para pensar em comida, e provavelmente estarei ainda mais ocupado esta noite. A propósito, Doutor, precisarei de sua ajuda.”

“Terei muito prazer em ajudar.”

“Você não se importa de infringir a lei?”

“Nem um pouco.”

“Nem com a possibilidade de ser preso?”

“Não, se for por uma boa causa.”

English → “Ah, a causa é excelente!”

“Então sou o homem certo para você.”

“Eu sabia que podia contar com você.”

“Mas o que deseja?”

“Quando a Sra. Turner trouxer a bandeja, eu lhe explicarei. Agora”, disse ele, começando rapidamente a comer a refeição simples que nossa senhoria nos servira, “preciso falar enquanto como, pois não tenho muito tempo. Já são quase cinco horas. Daqui a duas horas, devemos estar no lugar onde tudo acontecerá. A Srta. Irene, ou melhor, Madame, voltará de seu passeio às sete. Precisamos estar em Briony Lodge para recebê-la.”

“E depois?”

“Isso você deve deixar por minha conta. Já planejei o que acontecerá. Há apenas uma coisa na qual preciso insistir. Aconteça o que acontecer, você não deve interferir. Entendeu?”

“Então devo ficar de fora?”

English → “Não faça absolutamente nada. É provável que haja uma pequena confusão. Não participe dela. Tudo terminará comigo sendo levado para dentro da casa. Quatro ou cinco minutos depois, a janela da sala se abrirá. Você deverá ficar perto dessa janela aberta.”

Sim.

Você deve me observar. Estarei visível para você.

Sim.

E quando eu levantar a mão - assim - , você jogará para dentro do cômodo o objeto que eu lhe der e, ao mesmo tempo, gritará: “Fogo!” Entendeu claramente?

Perfeitamente.

Não é nada perigoso,

Quero que você mantenha a calma, aproxime-se da janela, observe-me e, quando eu der o sinal, jogue este objeto para dentro. Depois grite: “Fogo!” e espere por mim na esquina.

Exatamente.

Então pode contar comigo plenamente.

Muito bem. Acho que já está quase na hora de eu me preparar para o novo papel que devo representar.

English → Ele entrou no quarto e voltou alguns minutos depois, vestido como um clérigo não conformista bondoso e ingênuo. Seu largo chapéu preto, as calças folgadas, a gravata branca, o sorriso afável e a expressão de atencioso e cordial interesse eram algo que somente o Sr. John Hare conseguiria igualar. Holmes não se limitava a trocar de roupa. Seu rosto, seus modos e até sua maneira de pensar pareciam mudar a cada novo papel. O palco perdeu um excelente ator, e a ciência, um pensador perspicaz, quando ele escolheu dedicar-se ao crime.

English → Saímos de Baker Street às seis e quinze e chegamos a Serpentine Avenue dez minutos antes das sete. Já estava escuro, e os lampiões eram acesos enquanto caminhávamos de um lado para o outro diante de Briony Lodge, à espera da chegada de sua proprietária. A casa era exatamente como Sherlock Holmes a descrevera, mas a região parecia menos reservada do que eu imaginara. Na verdade, para uma rua pequena num bairro tranquilo, era muito movimentada. Havia um grupo de homens malvestidos fumando e rindo numa esquina, um amolador de facas com sua roda, dois soldados flertando com uma enfermeira e vários rapazes bem-vestidos caminhando de um lado para o outro com charutos na boca.

“Como vê”, disse Holmes enquanto caminhávamos diante da casa, “este casamento facilita as coisas. A fotografia agora é uma arma capaz de ferir os dois lados. É provável que ela não queira que o Sr. Godfrey Norton a veja, assim como nosso cliente não quer que a princesa a veja. Portanto, a questão é: onde podemos encontrar a fotografia?”

English → “Onde, de fato?”

“É muito improvável que ela a carregue consigo. É do tamanho cabinet, portanto grande demais para ser facilmente escondida no vestido de uma mulher. Ela sabe que o Rei pode mandar detê-la e revistá-la. Já houve duas tentativas desse tipo. Assim, podemos supor que ela não a leva consigo.”

“Onde está, então?”

“Com seu banqueiro ou seu advogado. Esses são os dois lugares possíveis. Mas creio que nenhum dos dois seja o correto. As mulheres geralmente preferem guardar seus segredos consigo mesmas. Por que ela o entregaria a outra pessoa? Poderia confiar em si própria para mantê-lo seguro, mas um profissional poderia ser influenciado por meios indiretos ou políticos. Além disso, lembre-se de que ela planejava usá-lo dentro de poucos dias. Deve estar em algum lugar ao qual possa ter acesso rapidamente. Deve estar em sua própria casa.”

“Mas ela já foi roubada duas vezes.”

“Ora! Eles não sabiam onde procurar.”

English → “Mas como você vai procurar?”

“Não vou procurar.”

“O que fará, então?”

“Farei com que ela me mostre.”

“Mas ela se recusará.”

“Ela não poderá se recusar. Mas ouço o som de rodas. É a carruagem dela. Agora faça exatamente o que eu lhe disser.”

English → Enquanto ele falava, as luzes de uma carruagem apareceram na curva da avenida. Era um pequeno e elegante landau, que chegou ruidosamente à porta de Briony Lodge. Quando parou, um dos desocupados da esquina correu para abrir a porta, esperando receber uma moeda. Outro homem avançou pelo mesmo motivo e o empurrou para o lado. Começou uma briga violenta. Os dois guardas juntaram-se à confusão e tomaram partido de um lado, enquanto o amolador de tesouras ficou com o outro. Então alguém desferiu um golpe. Num instante, a dama, que acabara de descer da carruagem, viu-se cercada por homens que lutavam com punhos e bastões. Holmes correu para protegê-la, mas, ao alcançá-la, soltou um grito e caiu no chão, com sangue escorrendo pelo rosto. Quando ele caiu, os guardas fugiram para um lado e os vadios para outro. Várias pessoas bem-vestidas, que até então apenas observavam, aproximaram-se para ajudar a dama e o homem ferido. Irene Adler, como ainda a chamarei, subiu depressa os degraus, mas parou no alto. Sua bela silhueta se destacava contra as luzes do vestíbulo enquanto ela olhava para a rua.

English → “O pobre cavalheiro está gravemente ferido?”, perguntou ela.

“Está morto”, gritaram várias vozes.

“Não, não, ele ainda está vivo!”, gritou outra voz. “Mas morrerá antes que consigam levá-lo ao hospital.”

“É um homem corajoso”, disse uma mulher. “Eles teriam levado a bolsa e o relógio da dama se não fosse por ele. Eram uma quadrilha, e das violentas. Ah, agora ele está respirando.”

“Ele não pode ficar na rua. Podemos levá-lo para dentro, senhora?”

“Claro. Levem-no para a sala. Há um sofá confortável. Por aqui, por favor!”

English → Lentamente e com muito cuidado, levaram-no para dentro de Briony Lodge e o deitaram na sala principal. Eu continuava observando pela janela. Os lampiões estavam acesos, mas as persianas ainda permaneciam abertas, de modo que eu podia ver Holmes deitado no sofá. Não sei se ele se sentia culpado naquele momento pelo que estava fazendo. Mas sei que nunca me senti tão envergonhado na vida quanto ao ver a encantadora mulher que eu ajudava a enganar e a delicadeza e bondade com que ela cuidava do ferido. Mesmo assim, abandonar agora o papel que Holmes me dera seria a pior das traições. Endureci o coração e tirei o foguete de fumaça de sob o sobretudo. Afinal, pensei, não estamos lhe fazendo mal. Estamos apenas impedindo que ela faça mal a outra pessoa.

English → Holmes sentou-se no sofá, e eu o vi fazer um gesto como um homem que precisava de ar. Uma criada atravessou a sala correndo e abriu completamente a janela. No mesmo instante, vi Holmes levantar a mão e, ao sinal, joguei meu foguete para dentro e gritei: “Fogo!” Mal pronunciei a palavra, toda a multidão, ricos e pobres - cavalheiros, ajudantes de estábulo e criadas - começou a gritar: “Fogo!” Uma fumaça espessa tomou o cômodo e saiu pela janela aberta. Vi pessoas correndo de um lado para o outro e, um momento depois, ouvi a voz de Holmes lá dentro, dizendo que era um alarme falso. Esgueirei-me por entre a multidão aos gritos e segui até a esquina. Dez minutos mais tarde, fiquei contente ao sentir o braço de meu amigo junto ao meu e ao deixar para trás a cena ruidosa. Ele caminhou depressa e nada disse durante alguns minutos, até entrarmos numa das ruas tranquilas que levavam à Edgeware Road.

English → “Você fez isso muito bem, Doutor”, disse ele. “Nada poderia ter saído melhor. Está tudo certo.”

“Você está com a fotografia?”

“Sei onde ela está.”

“E como descobriu?”

“Ela me mostrou, exatamente como eu disse que faria.”

“Ainda não entendo.”

- Não quero fazer disso um mistério - disse ele, rindo. - Foi muito simples. É claro que você percebeu que todos na rua estavam me ajudando. Todos haviam sido contratados para aquela noite.

- Eu imaginei.

- Então, quando começou a confusão, eu tinha na mão um pouco de tinta vermelha molhada. Corri para a frente, caí, levei a mão ao rosto e fiz parecer que estava gravemente ferido. É um truque antigo.

- Isso também consegui entender.

- Então me levaram para dentro. Ela teve de permitir minha entrada. O que mais poderia fazer? E me levaram para a sala de estar, justamente o cômodo de que eu suspeitava. Tinha de ser naquela sala ou no quarto dela, e eu queria descobrir em qual dos dois. Deitaram-me num sofá. Pedi ar, por isso tiveram de abrir a janela, e então você teve sua oportunidade.

English → - E como isso o ajudou?

English → - Foi muito importante. Quando uma mulher pensa que sua casa está pegando fogo, costuma correr imediatamente para aquilo que mais valoriza. É um impulso muito forte, e já recorri a ele muitas vezes. Ajudou-me no Escândalo da Substituição de Darlington e também no caso do Castelo de Arnsworth. Uma mulher casada agarra o bebê; uma solteira procura o porta-joias. Assim, eu sabia que a dama de hoje não possuía na casa nada mais valioso do que aquilo que buscávamos. Ela correria para salvá-lo. O alarme de incêndio funcionou muito bem. A fumaça e os gritos bastariam para abalar até os nervos mais firmes. Ela reagiu exatamente como eu esperava. A fotografia está num esconderijo atrás de um painel deslizante, logo acima do cordão da campainha à direita. Ela foi direto até lá, e consegui vê-la por um instante quando a puxou até a metade. Quando gritei que era apenas um alarme falso, ela tornou a guardá-la, olhou para o foguete, saiu correndo da sala e não a vi mais desde então. Levantei-me e deixei a casa, apresentando minhas desculpas. Pensei em tentar pegar a fotografia naquele mesmo instante, mas o cocheiro havia entrado e me observava atentamente, por isso pareceu mais seguro esperar. Um pouco de pressa a mais pode arruinar tudo.

English → - E agora? - perguntei.

- Nossa busca está quase concluída. Amanhã irei até lá com o rei, e com você também, se quiser vir. Seremos conduzidos à sala de estar para aguardar a dama, mas, quando ela chegar, talvez descubra que nem nós nem a fotografia estamos lá. Talvez agrade a Sua Majestade recuperá-la com as próprias mãos.

- E a que horas você irá?

- Às oito da manhã. Ela ainda estará na cama, portanto não teremos dificuldade. Além disso, precisamos ser rápidos, pois esse casamento pode mudar completamente sua vida e seus hábitos. Tenho de mandar imediatamente um telegrama ao rei.

Havíamos chegado à Baker Street e parado diante da porta. Ele procurava a chave nos bolsos quando alguém que passava disse:

- Boa noite, senhor Sherlock Holmes.

Havia várias pessoas na calçada naquele momento, mas a saudação pareceu vir de um jovem esbelto, vestido com um sobretudo, que passou apressado.

English → - Já ouvi essa voz antes - disse Holmes, olhando para a rua mal iluminada. - Agora me pergunto quem poderia ter sido.

Dormi em Baker Street naquela noite e, pela manhã, estávamos comendo torradas e tomando café quando o rei da Boêmia entrou impetuosamente na sala.

- O senhor realmente a conseguiu! - exclamou. Segurou Sherlock Holmes pelos dois ombros e fitou-lhe o rosto com ansiedade.

- Ainda não.

- Mas tem esperança?

- Tenho esperança.

- Então venha. Estou ansioso para partir.

- Precisamos de um cabriolé.

- Não, minha carruagem está esperando.

- Então isso facilitará as coisas. - Descemos e partimos mais uma vez para Briony Lodge.

- Irene Adler se casou - disse Holmes.

- Casou-se! Quando?

- Ontem.

- Mas com quem?

- Com um advogado inglês chamado Norton.

- Mas ela não poderia amá-lo.

- Espero que ame.

- E por que espera isso?

- Porque, nesse caso, Vossa Majestade não teria motivo para temer problemas futuros. Se a dama ama o marido, não ama Vossa Majestade. Se não ama Vossa Majestade, não há razão para impedir os planos de Vossa Majestade.

English → - Isso é verdade. E, no entanto...! Bem, gostaria que ela tivesse nascido em minha própria classe! Que rainha teria sido! - Depois disso, ficou calado e pensativo, e nada interrompeu seu estado de espírito até chegarmos à Serpentine Avenue.

A porta de Briony Lodge estava aberta, e uma mulher mais velha permanecia nos degraus. Ela nos observou com um olhar duro e zombeteiro enquanto descíamos da carruagem.

- Sr. Sherlock Holmes, suponho? - disse ela.

- Sou o Sr. Holmes - respondeu meu companheiro, olhando para ela com uma expressão interrogativa e bastante surpresa.

- Pois bem! Minha patroa me disse que o senhor talvez viesse. Ela partiu esta manhã com o marido, no trem das cinco e quinze de Charing Cross para o continente.

- O quê! - Sherlock Holmes recuou, pálido de decepção e surpresa. - Quer dizer que ela deixou a Inglaterra?

- Para nunca mais voltar.

- E os documentos? - perguntou o rei com voz áspera. - Tudo está perdido.

English → - Veremos. - Ele passou pela criada e entrou depressa na sala de visitas, seguido pelo rei e por mim. Os móveis estavam espalhados por toda parte, com prateleiras quebradas e gavetas abertas, como se a dama as tivesse revistado às pressas antes de fugir. Holmes correu até o cordão da campainha, arrancou uma pequena tampa deslizante e enfiou a mão no interior. Retirou uma fotografia e uma carta. A fotografia mostrava Irene Adler em traje de noite. A carta estava endereçada ao “Sr. Sherlock Holmes. A ser guardada até que seja procurada”. Meu amigo abriu-a imediatamente, e nós três a lemos juntos. Trazia a data da meia-noite anterior e dizia o seguinte:

English → “Meu caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes - O senhor realmente se saiu muito bem. Enganou-me por completo. Até o alarme de incêndio, eu não desconfiava de nada. Mas então percebi que havia me traído e comecei a pensar. Meses atrás, haviam me alertado a seu respeito. Disseram-me que, se o rei recorresse a um agente, certamente seria o senhor. Também me deram seu endereço. Ainda assim, o senhor conseguiu que eu lhe revelasse o que desejava saber. Mesmo depois de começar a desconfiar, tive dificuldade em pensar mal de um velho clérigo tão bondoso. Mas fui treinada como atriz. Roupas masculinas não são novidade para mim. Costumo aproveitar a liberdade que elas proporcionam. Mandei John, o cocheiro, vigiá-lo, corri para o andar de cima, vesti minhas roupas de passeio, como costumo chamá-las, e desci no exato momento em que o senhor saía.

“Então o segui até sua porta e confirmei que eu realmente despertava o interesse do famoso Sr. Sherlock Holmes. Depois, talvez com excessiva imprudência, desejei-lhe boa noite e parti para o Temple a fim de encontrar meu marido.

English → “Nós dois pensamos que o melhor plano seria fugir, uma vez que estávamos sendo perseguidos por um inimigo tão perigoso. Portanto, quando vier amanhã, encontrará o ninho vazio. Quanto à fotografia, seu cliente pode ficar tranquilo. Amo e sou amada por um homem melhor do que ele. O rei pode fazer o que quiser, sem qualquer impedimento da pessoa a quem tratou tão mal. Guardo a fotografia apenas para me proteger e conservar um recurso que sempre o impedirá de tomar qualquer medida futura contra mim. Deixo uma fotografia que talvez ele deseje possuir e permaneço, caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes,

“Muito sinceramente sua,

“Irene Norton, nascida Adler.”

- Que mulher... ah, que mulher! - exclamou o rei da Boêmia depois que todos lemos a carta. - Eu não lhes disse como ela era perspicaz e determinada? Não teria sido uma excelente rainha? Não é uma pena que não fosse minha igual?

English → - Pelo que vi da dama, ela parece estar muito acima de Vossa Majestade - disse Holmes friamente. - Lamento não ter conseguido dar um desfecho mais bem-sucedido ao assunto de Vossa Majestade.

- Pelo contrário, meu caro senhor - exclamou o rei - , nada poderia ter sido mais bem-sucedido. Sei que se pode confiar na palavra dela. A fotografia agora está tão segura quanto se tivesse sido queimada.

- Fico satisfeito em ouvir Vossa Majestade dizer isso.

- Sou-lhe muito grato. Diga-me, por favor, como posso recompensá-lo. Este anel... - Tirou do dedo um anel de esmeralda em forma de serpente e o estendeu na palma da mão.

- Vossa Majestade possui algo que eu estimaria ainda mais - disse Holmes.

- Basta dizer o que é.

- Esta fotografia!

O rei olhou para ele com enorme surpresa.

- A fotografia de Irene! - disse. - É claro, se a deseja.

- Obrigado, Vossa Majestade. Então não há mais nada a fazer. Tenho a honra de lhe desejar um ótimo dia. - Fez uma reverência e virou-se, sem reparar na mão que o rei lhe estendia. Em seguida, partiu comigo para seus aposentos.

English → Foi assim que um grande escândalo quase afetou o reino da Boêmia e que o Sr. Sherlock Holmes foi vencido pela inteligência de uma mulher. Ele costumava zombar da inteligência feminina, mas ultimamente não o tenho ouvido fazer isso. Quando fala de Irene Adler, ou da fotografia dela, sempre usa as palavras respeitosas: “a mulher”.

A Liga dos Ruivos

A Liga dos Cabeças-Vermelhas

English → Certo dia, no outono do ano passado, visitei meu amigo, o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, e o encontrei conversando atentamente com um senhor idoso muito gordo, de rosto vermelho e cabelos de um ruivo vivo. Pedi desculpas por entrar e estava prestes a sair, mas Holmes de repente me puxou para dentro da sala e fechou a porta atrás de mim.

- Você não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora, meu caro Watson - disse ele calorosamente.

- Receei que estivesse ocupado.

- Estou. Muito ocupado.

- Então posso esperar na sala ao lado.

- De modo algum. Este cavalheiro, o Sr. Wilson, tem sido meu parceiro e auxiliar em muitos de meus casos mais bem-sucedidos, e tenho certeza de que também me será muito útil no seu.

O cavalheiro corpulento ergueu-se parcialmente e cumprimentou-me com um gesto de cabeça. Lançou-me um rápido olhar interrogativo com seus olhos pequenos, quase escondidos pela gordura.

English → - Sente-se no sofá - disse Holmes. Recostou-se na poltrona e uniu as pontas dos dedos, como costumava fazer quando pensava com atenção. - Meu caro Watson, sei que você aprecia coisas estranhas e acontecimentos fora da vida comum. Demonstrou isso na maneira entusiasmada como escreveu sobre minhas pequenas aventuras e, se me permite dizer, às vezes fez com que parecessem um pouco maiores.

- Seus casos sempre foram muito interessantes para mim - respondi.

- Você deve se lembrar de que eu disse outro dia, pouco antes de começarmos o caso muito simples da senhorita Mary Sutherland, que, se quisermos resultados estranhos e combinações incomuns, devemos observar a própria vida. A vida é sempre mais ousada do que qualquer coisa que a imaginação possa criar.

- Uma afirmação da qual me senti livre para duvidar.

English → - Você duvidou, doutor, mas ainda terá de aceitar meu ponto de vista. Caso contrário, continuarei apresentando-lhe fato após fato, até que sua razão ceda e você admita que estou certo. O Sr. Jabez Wilson veio me procurar esta manhã e começou a contar uma história que promete ser uma das mais incomuns que ouvi em muito tempo. Já disse antes que os casos mais estranhos e singulares muitas vezes estão ligados não a grandes crimes, mas a pequenos, e às vezes nem sequer está claro se algum crime realmente ocorreu. Pelo que ouvi até agora, não posso dizer se isto é um crime, mas os acontecimentos certamente estão entre os mais estranhos de que já tive notícia. Talvez o senhor, Sr. Wilson, pudesse fazer a gentileza de recomeçar sua história. Peço isso não só porque meu amigo, o Dr. Watson, não ouviu a primeira parte, mas também porque a natureza incomum do relato me faz querer conhecer cada detalhe. Em geral, depois de ouvir uma pequena parte de um caso, consigo compará-lo a muitos outros semelhantes de que me recordo. Neste caso, devo admitir que, até onde posso perceber, os fatos são únicos.

English → O corpulento cliente estufou o peito com um pouco de orgulho e tirou do bolso interno do sobretudo um jornal sujo e amarrotado. Procurou na coluna de anúncios, inclinado para a frente, com o jornal aberto sobre o joelho. Observei-o atentamente e tentei, como meu companheiro, descobrir o que pudesse por suas roupas e aparência.

Não aprendi muito ao observá-lo. Nosso visitante parecia um homem de negócios britânico comum: gordo, orgulhoso e lento. Vestia calças largas de tecido xadrez cinza, uma sobrecasaca preta não muito limpa e aberta na frente, além de um colete sem brilho, com uma corrente grossa e lustrosa da qual pendia, como enfeite, uma pequena peça quadrada de metal. Uma cartola gasta e um sobretudo marrom desbotado, de gola de veludo amarrotada, estavam sobre uma cadeira ao lado dele. Por mais atentamente que eu olhasse, nada havia de incomum nele, exceto os cabelos ruivos e vivos e a expressão profundamente irritada e infeliz em seu rosto.

English → Sherlock Holmes percebeu depressa o que eu fazia e sorriu, balançando a cabeça ao notar meus olhares interrogativos. - Não consigo deduzir mais do que isto: em algum momento ele realizou trabalho braçal, usa rapé, é maçom, esteve na China e, ultimamente, tem escrito muito.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson endireitou-se na cadeira, mantendo um dedo sobre o jornal e os olhos fixos em meu companheiro.

- Como diabos soube de tudo isso, Sr. Holmes? - perguntou. - Como soube, por exemplo, que realizei trabalho braçal? Isso é absolutamente verdade, pois comecei como carpinteiro naval.

- Suas mãos, meu caro senhor. A direita é muito maior do que a esquerda. O senhor a utilizou no trabalho, por isso os músculos são mais fortes.

- Bem, e quanto ao rapé e à maçonaria?

- Não insultarei sua inteligência explicando isso, sobretudo porque o senhor usa um broche com esquadro e compasso, contrariando as regras rigorosas de sua ordem.

English → - Ah, é claro, eu havia me esquecido disso. Mas e a escrita?

- O que mais poderia indicar esse punho direito, lustroso numa extensão de doze centímetros, e o esquerdo com a parte lisa perto do cotovelo, onde o senhor o apoia na escrivaninha?

- Está bem, mas e a China?

- O peixe tatuado logo acima de seu pulso direito só poderia ter sido feito na China. Estudei marcas de tatuagem e até escrevi sobre elas. Aquele modo de colorir as escamas do peixe num rosa suave é muito particular da China. Quando também vejo uma moeda chinesa na corrente de seu relógio, a resposta se torna ainda mais fácil.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson soltou uma sonora gargalhada. - Ora essa! - disse. - A princípio, pensei que o senhor tivesse feito algo muito inteligente, mas agora vejo que, afinal, não havia nada de extraordinário.

- Começo a pensar, Watson - disse Holmes - , que estou cometendo um erro ao dar explicações. “Omne ignotum pro magnifico”, como você sabe, e minha pobre reputação sofrerá se eu for franco demais. Consegue encontrar o anúncio, Sr. Wilson?

English → - Sim, encontrei agora - respondeu ele, apontando com o dedo grosso e vermelho para o meio da coluna. - Aqui está. Foi isto que deu início a tudo. Por favor, leia o senhor mesmo.

Peguei o jornal de suas mãos e li as seguintes palavras:

“À Liga dos Ruivos: Em razão do dinheiro deixado pelo falecido Ezekiah Hopkins, de Lebanon, Pensilvânia, Estados Unidos, há agora uma nova vaga disponível. Um membro da Liga receberá quatro libras por semana para realizar apenas um trabalho simples. Podem candidatar-se todos os homens ruivos, saudáveis, com mais de vinte e um anos e em pleno uso de suas faculdades mentais. Comparecer pessoalmente na segunda-feira, às onze horas, perante Duncan Ross, nos escritórios da Liga, Pope’s Court, nº 7, Fleet Street.”

- Mas o que significa tudo isso? - perguntei, depois de ler duas vezes o estranho anúncio.

Holmes riu baixinho e remexeu-se na cadeira, como costumava fazer quando estava de bom humor. - Isto é um tanto incomum, não é? - disse. - Agora, Sr. Wilson, por favor, comece do princípio e conte-nos sobre o senhor, sua casa e como esse anúncio afetou sua vida. Doutor, por favor, anote o nome do jornal e a data.

English → - É o The Morning Chronicle de 27 de abril de 1890. Isso foi há apenas dois meses.

- Muito bem. Agora, Sr. Wilson?

- Bem, é exatamente como eu vinha lhe dizendo, Sr. Sherlock Holmes - disse Jabez Wilson, enxugando a testa. - Tenho uma pequena casa de penhores em Coburg Square, perto da City. Não é um grande negócio e, nos últimos anos, rendeu apenas o suficiente para meu sustento. Eu costumava ter dois ajudantes, mas agora tenho somente um. Teria dificuldade para pagá-lo, não fosse ele aceitar trabalhar pela metade do salário para aprender o ofício.

- Qual é o nome desse prestativo rapaz? - perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

- O nome dele é Vincent Spaulding, e na verdade ele não é tão jovem. É difícil saber sua idade. Eu não poderia desejar ajudante melhor, Sr. Holmes, e sei que ele poderia encontrar um emprego melhor e ganhar o dobro do que lhe pago. Mas, se está satisfeito, por que eu haveria de lhe pôr ideias na cabeça?

English → - Por que, de fato? O senhor parece ter muita sorte por contar com um empregado que trabalha por menos do que o salário normal. Isso não é comum entre os empregadores de hoje. Não sei se seu ajudante é menos extraordinário do que seu anúncio.

- Ah, ele também tem seus defeitos - disse o Sr. Wilson. - É louco por fotografia. Está sempre usando uma câmera quando deveria se aperfeiçoar e depois desce correndo ao porão, como um coelho para sua toca, a fim de revelar as fotografias. Esse é seu principal defeito, mas, no geral, é um bom trabalhador. Não há maldade nele.

- Suponho que ele ainda trabalhe para o senhor?

- Sim, senhor. Ele e uma menina de catorze anos que prepara refeições simples e mantém o lugar limpo... isso é tudo o que tenho em casa, pois sou viúvo e nunca tive família. Nós três vivemos muito tranquilamente e conseguimos manter um teto sobre a cabeça e pagar nossas dívidas, ainda que não façamos nada além disso.

English → A primeira coisa que nos preocupou foi aquele anúncio. Spaulding entrou no escritório oito semanas atrás com este jornal na mão e disse:

"Quisera Deus, Sr. Wilson, que eu fosse ruivo."

"Por quê?", perguntei.

"Porque", disse ele, "há outra vaga na Liga dos Ruivos. Ela vale muito dinheiro para qualquer homem que a consiga, e há mais vagas do que homens. Por isso, os administradores não sabem o que fazer com o dinheiro. Se ao menos meu cabelo mudasse de cor, haveria um ótimo emprego à minha espera."

"Mas o que é isso?", perguntei. Veja, Sr. Holmes, eu fico muito em casa. Os clientes vinham até meu negócio, em vez de eu precisar ir até eles, por isso muitas vezes passava semanas sem sair de casa. Por esse motivo, pouco sabia sobre o mundo lá fora e sempre ficava contente ao ouvir novidades.

English → "Nunca ouviu falar da Liga dos Ruivos?", perguntou ele, arregalando os olhos.

"Nunca."

"Isso me surpreende, pois o senhor mesmo poderia ocupar uma das vagas."

"E quanto elas pagam?", perguntei.

"Apenas algumas centenas por ano, mas o trabalho é fácil e não atrapalharia muito outro emprego."

Isso me fez prestar muita atenção, pois os negócios não iam bem havia alguns anos e umas duzentas libras a mais seriam muito úteis.

"Conte-me tudo sobre isso", disse eu.

"Bem", disse ele, mostrando-me o anúncio. "Pode ver que a Liga tem uma vaga, e aí está o endereço onde deve pedir informações. Pelo que sei, a Liga foi criada por um milionário americano, Ezekiah Hopkins, que tinha hábitos muito estranhos. Ele mesmo era ruivo e sentia grande simpatia por todos os homens ruivos. Assim, quando morreu, descobriu-se que deixara sua enorme fortuna para administradores, com instruções de usar os juros para oferecer empregos fáceis a homens com essa cor de cabelo. Pelo que ouvi, o pagamento é excelente e há pouquíssimo trabalho."

English → "Mas", disse eu, "milhões de homens ruivos se candidatariam."

"Não tantos quanto poderia imaginar", respondeu ele. "Na verdade, é apenas para homens de Londres e para adultos. Esse americano deixara Londres quando era jovem e queria fazer um favor à velha cidade. Além disso, ouvi dizer que, se seu cabelo for ruivo-claro, ruivo-escuro ou qualquer coisa que não seja um vermelho vivo e flamejante, você não terá sucesso. Agora, se quisesse se candidatar, Sr. Wilson, bastaria entrar lá. Mas talvez não valha o incômodo por causa de algumas centenas de libras."

Meu cabelo tem uma cor intensa e viva, como podem ver, cavalheiros, por isso pensei que, se houvesse concorrência, eu teria tanta chance quanto qualquer homem que já conheci. Vincent Spaulding parecia saber tanto sobre o assunto que achei que ele poderia ser útil. Assim, mandei que fechasse a loja naquele dia e viesse comigo imediatamente. Ele ficou muito contente por ter uma folga, então fechamos o estabelecimento e fomos ao endereço do anúncio.

English → Espero nunca mais ver uma cena como aquela, Sr. Holmes. De todas as direções, homens com algum tom de vermelho nos cabelos vinham à cidade para responder ao anúncio. A Fleet Street estava lotada de ruivos, e a Pope's Court parecia uma carroça de feira cheia de laranjas. Eu não imaginava que pudesse haver tantos homens ruivos no país inteiro. Havia todos os tons: palha, limão, laranja, tijolo, setter irlandês, fígado e argila. Mas, como Spaulding dissera, poucos tinham a verdadeira cor viva de uma chama. Quando vi quantos esperavam, quase desisti em desespero. Mas Spaulding não permitiu. Não sei como conseguiu, porém empurrou e abriu caminho até me fazer atravessar a multidão e subir os degraus que levavam ao escritório. Havia duas filas na escada, alguns homens subindo esperançosos e outros descendo tristes, mas nos esprememos entre eles e logo chegamos ao escritório.

English → "Sua experiência tem sido muito interessante", disse Holmes quando seu cliente parou e aspirou uma grande pitada de rapé. "Por favor, continue sua história tão interessante."

Havia apenas duas cadeiras de madeira e uma mesa simples no escritório. Atrás dela estava sentado um homem pequeno, cuja cabeça era ainda mais ruiva que a minha. Ele dizia algumas palavras a cada homem que se aproximava e depois sempre encontrava algum defeito que o eliminava. Afinal, conseguir a vaga não era fácil. Mas, quando chegou nossa vez, o homenzinho foi muito mais gentil comigo do que com os outros. Fechou a porta quando entramos para poder conversar conosco em particular.

"Este é o Sr. Jabez Wilson", disse meu assistente. "Ele deseja ocupar uma vaga na Liga."

"E é perfeito para ela", respondeu o outro. "Atende a todos os requisitos. Não me lembro de ter visto nada tão bom." Ele recuou, inclinou a cabeça e examinou meu cabelo até me deixar constrangido. Então, de repente, avançou, apertou minha mão e me parabenizou calorosamente pelo sucesso.

English → "Seria errado hesitar", disse ele. "Mas tenho certeza de que me perdoará por uma simples verificação de segurança." Então agarrou meu cabelo com as duas mãos e puxou até que eu gritasse de dor. "Há lágrimas em seus olhos", disse quando me soltou. "Posso ver que está tudo certo. Mas precisamos ter cuidado, pois já fomos enganados duas vezes por perucas e uma vez por tinta. Eu poderia lhe contar histórias sobre cera de sapateiro que o fariam perder a fé na natureza humana." Ele foi até a janela e gritou que a vaga estava preenchida. Um gemido de decepção veio lá de baixo, e as pessoas se afastaram em várias direções até que nenhum ruivo pudesse ser visto, exceto eu e o gerente.

"Meu nome", disse ele, "é Sr. Duncan Ross, e eu mesmo sou uma das pessoas sustentadas pelo fundo deixado por nosso nobre benfeitor. O senhor é casado, Sr. Wilson? Tem família?"

English → Respondi que não.

Sua expressão mudou de imediato.

"Ora essa!", disse ele com seriedade. "Isso é realmente muito grave! Lamento saber disso. O fundo tinha, naturalmente, o objetivo de sustentar os ruivos e também ajudar a aumentar e espalhar seu número. É uma grande infelicidade que o senhor seja solteiro."

Meu rosto se entristeceu ao ouvir isso, Sr. Holmes, pois achei que, afinal, não conseguiria o emprego. Mas, depois de pensar por alguns minutos, ele disse que não haveria problema.

"Para outro homem, isso poderia ser um problema sério", disse ele, "mas precisamos abrir uma exceção para um homem com cabelos como os seus. Quando pode começar seu novo trabalho?"

"Bem, isso é um pouco difícil, pois já tenho um negócio", disse eu.

"Ora, não se preocupe com isso, Sr. Wilson!", disse Vincent Spaulding. "Eu poderei cuidar dele para o senhor."

English → "Qual seria o horário?", perguntei.

"Das dez às duas."

"O movimento de uma casa de penhores acontece principalmente à noite, Sr. Holmes, sobretudo nas noites de quinta e sexta-feira, pouco antes do dia do pagamento. Portanto, seria conveniente para mim ganhar um pouco pela manhã. Além disso, eu sabia que meu assistente era um bom homem e cuidaria de qualquer coisa que surgisse.

"Isso seria muito conveniente para mim", disse eu. "E o pagamento?"

"Quatro libras por semana."

"E o trabalho?"

"É apenas uma formalidade."

"O que quer dizer com apenas uma formalidade?"

"Bem, o senhor precisa permanecer no escritório, ou pelo menos no prédio, durante todo o período. Se sair, perderá o cargo para sempre. O testamento é muito claro a esse respeito. O senhor não cumpre as condições se se afastar do escritório durante esse horário."

"São apenas quatro horas por dia, e eu nem pensaria em sair", disse eu.

English → "Nenhuma desculpa servirá", disse o Sr. Duncan Ross. "Nem doença, nem negócios, nada. O senhor precisa ficar aqui ou perderá o emprego."

"E o trabalho?"

"O senhor deve copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. O primeiro volume está naquele armário. Precisa trazer sua própria tinta, penas e papel mata-borrão, mas nós fornecemos esta mesa e esta cadeira. Estará pronto amanhã?"

"Certamente", respondi.

"Então, adeus, Sr. Jabez Wilson, e permita-me parabenizá-lo outra vez pelo importante emprego que teve a sorte de conseguir." Ele me acompanhou até a saída, e voltei para casa com meu assistente. Eu mal conseguia pensar no que dizer ou fazer, de tão contente que estava com minha boa sorte.

English → Pensei naquilo o dia inteiro e, ao anoitecer, voltei a me sentir infeliz. Tinha certeza de que tudo devia ser algum truque ou fraude, embora não pudesse imaginar o motivo. Parecia impossível que alguém fizesse semelhante testamento ou pagasse tanto dinheiro por algo tão simples quanto copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. Vincent Spaulding tentou me animar, mas, na hora de dormir, eu quase me convencera a desistir de tudo. Ainda assim, pela manhã, decidi ir e conferir por mim mesmo. Então comprei um frasco barato de tinta, peguei uma pena e sete folhas de papel almaço e parti para a Pope's Court.

Para minha surpresa e alegria, tudo estava em ordem. A mesa estava pronta para mim, e o Sr. Duncan Ross estava lá para garantir que eu começasse a trabalhar direito. Mandou-me começar pela letra A e depois saiu, mas voltava de vez em quando para me verificar. Às duas horas, despediu-se, elogiou o quanto eu havia escrito e trancou a porta do escritório depois que saí.

English → Isso continuou dia após dia, Sr. Holmes. No sábado, o gerente entrou e me deu quatro soberanos de ouro pelo trabalho da semana. O mesmo aconteceu na semana seguinte e na outra depois dela. Todas as manhãs, eu chegava às dez e, todas as tardes, saía às duas. Depois de algum tempo, o Sr. Duncan Ross passou a aparecer apenas uma vez pela manhã e, mais tarde, deixou de ir completamente. Mesmo assim, nunca ousei sair do aposento por um instante, pois não sabia quando ele poderia aparecer, e o emprego era tão bom e me convinha tão bem que eu não arriscaria perdê-lo.

Oito semanas se passaram assim, e eu havia escrito sobre abades, arco e flecha, armaduras, arquitetura e Ática. Eu esperava, com cautela, chegar logo à letra B. Gastei um pouco de papel almaço e quase enchi uma prateleira com meus escritos. Então, de repente, tudo terminou.

English → "Terminou?"

"Sim, senhor. E nada menos que esta manhã. Fui trabalhar às dez horas, como sempre, mas a porta estava fechada e trancada. Um pequeno quadrado de papelão fora pregado no meio da porta com uma tachinha. Aqui está, e pode lê-lo pessoalmente."

Ele ergueu um pedaço de papelão branco, mais ou menos do tamanho de uma folha de papel de carta. Nele estava escrito:

A Liga dos Ruivos foi encerrada. 9 de outubro de 1890.

Sherlock Holmes e eu olhamos para a breve mensagem e para o rosto triste atrás dela. Então, o lado engraçado de toda aquela história se tornou tão evidente que nós dois rimos em voz alta.

"Não consigo ver nada de muito engraçado", exclamou nosso cliente, ficando vermelho até a raiz dos cabelos vivos. "Se não podem fazer nada melhor do que rir de mim, posso procurar outro lugar."

"Não, não", exclamou Holmes, empurrando-o de volta para a cadeira da qual ele se levantara pela metade. "Eu não perderia seu caso por nada. É muito incomum. Mas, se me permite dizer, há algo um pouco engraçado nele. O que fez quando encontrou o cartão na porta?"

English → "Fiquei chocado, senhor. Não sabia o que fazer. Depois, visitei os escritórios próximos, mas ninguém parecia saber de nada. Por fim, fui falar com o proprietário, um contador que mora no andar térreo, e perguntei o que havia acontecido com a Liga dos Ruivos. Ele disse que nunca tinha ouvido falar de tal grupo. Então perguntei quem era o Sr. Duncan Ross. Ele disse que não conhecia esse nome.

"'Bem', disse eu, 'o cavalheiro da sala número 4.'

"'O quê, o homem ruivo?'

"'Sim.'

Ele disse: "O nome dele era William Morris. Era advogado e usou minha sala por pouco tempo, até seu novo escritório ficar pronto. Mudou-se ontem."

"Onde eu poderia encontrá-lo?"

"Em seu novo escritório. Ele me deu o endereço. Sim, King Edward Street, número 17, perto da Catedral de St. Paul."

Fui para lá imediatamente, Sr. Holmes, mas o endereço era uma fábrica de rótulas artificiais. Ninguém ali jamais ouvira falar do Sr. William Morris ou do Sr. Duncan Ross."

English → "O que fez então?", perguntou Holmes.

"Voltei para casa, na Saxe-Coburg Square, e segui o conselho de meu assistente. Mas ele não pôde me ajudar. Disse apenas que eu deveria esperar por uma carta. Isso não era suficiente, Sr. Holmes. Eu não queria perder uma oportunidade dessas sem lutar. Ouvira dizer que o senhor ajuda pessoas pobres que precisam de conselhos, por isso vim direto até aqui."

"Fez muito bem", disse Holmes. "Seu caso é muito incomum, e terei prazer em examiná-lo. Pelo que me contou, creio que pode haver algo mais grave envolvido do que parece à primeira vista."

"Grave o bastante!", disse o Sr. Jabez Wilson. "Perdi quatro libras por semana."

"No que diz respeito ao senhor", disse Holmes, "não vejo motivo para nenhuma queixa contra essa estranha liga. Na verdade, está cerca de trinta libras mais rico, sem contar o conhecimento útil que adquiriu sobre todos os assuntos sob a letra A. O senhor não perdeu nada com eles."

English → "Não, senhor. Mas quero saber sobre eles, quem são e por que fizeram esse truque comigo, se foi um truque. Foi uma brincadeira cara para eles, pois lhes custou trinta e duas libras."

"Tentaremos esclarecer esses pontos. Primeiro, Sr. Wilson, quero fazer uma ou duas perguntas. Há quanto tempo esse assistente, que lhe falou primeiro sobre o anúncio, trabalhava com o senhor?"

"Cerca de um mês."

"Como conseguiu o emprego?"

"Respondeu a um anúncio."

"Foi a única pessoa que se candidatou?"

"Não, tive doze candidatos."

"Por que o escolheu?"

"Porque era útil e aceitaria trabalhar por pouco dinheiro."

"Na verdade, pela metade do salário."

"Sim."

"Como é esse Vincent Spaulding?"

"É baixo, robusto e muito rápido nos movimentos. Não tem pelos no rosto, embora tenha pelo menos trinta anos. Possui uma marca branca de ácido na testa."

English → Holmes se endireitou rapidamente e pareceu animado. "Foi o que pensei", disse ele. "Notou que suas orelhas são furadas para brincos?"

"Sim, senhor. Ele disse que um cigano fez isso quando era menino."

"Hum!", disse Holmes, recostando-se e pensando profundamente. "Ele ainda trabalha com o senhor?"

"Ah, sim, senhor. Acabei de deixá-lo lá."

"E seu negócio foi bem cuidado enquanto esteve fora?"

"Não tenho do que reclamar, senhor. Nunca há muito o que fazer pela manhã."

"Isso basta, Sr. Wilson. Terei prazer em lhe dar minha opinião dentro de um ou dois dias. Hoje é sábado, e espero que possamos chegar a uma conclusão até segunda-feira."

"Bem, Watson", disse Holmes depois que nosso visitante saiu, "o que você conclui de tudo isso?"

"Não consigo concluir nada", respondi com sinceridade. "É um caso muito misterioso."

"Geralmente", disse Holmes, "quanto mais estranha é uma coisa, menos misteriosa ela se torna. Os crimes simples e comuns são os mais difíceis de compreender, assim como um rosto comum é o mais difícil de lembrar. Mas preciso agir depressa neste caso."

English → "O que vai fazer, então?", perguntei.

"Fumar", respondeu. "Este é um problema que exige três cachimbos, e peço que não fale comigo por cinquenta minutos." Ele se encolheu na cadeira, com os joelhos magros erguidos perto do nariz semelhante ao bico de um falcão. Ficou ali com os olhos fechados e o cachimbo preto de barro projetando-se como o bico de uma ave estranha. Pensei que tivesse adormecido e eu também começava a cochilar quando, de repente, ele se levantou de um salto, como se houvesse tomado uma decisão, e colocou o cachimbo sobre a lareira.

"Sarasate se apresentará no St. James's Hall esta tarde", disse ele. "O que acha, Watson? Seus pacientes podem dispensá-lo por algumas horas?"

"Não tenho nada para fazer hoje. Meu trabalho nunca é muito interessante."

"Então ponha o chapéu e venha. Primeiro vou passar pela City, e podemos almoçar no caminho. Vejo que há bastante música alemã no programa, da qual gosto mais do que da música italiana ou francesa. Ela me faz pensar profundamente, e eu quero pensar profundamente. Vamos!"

English → Pegamos o metrô até Aldersgate. Depois, uma curta caminhada nos levou à Saxe-Coburg Square, onde tínhamos ouvido a estranha história naquela manhã. Era um lugar pequeno e malcuidado, com quatro fileiras de casas sujas de tijolos, com dois andares, ao redor de um pequeno pátio cercado. Havia uma grama fraca e alguns arbustos de louro sem vida, todos lutando contra o ar enfumaçado. Em uma casa de esquina, três bolas douradas e uma placa marrom com "Jabez Wilson" em letras brancas indicavam onde trabalhava nosso cliente ruivo. Sherlock Holmes parou diante dela, inclinou a cabeça e olhou ao redor com os olhos brilhantes. Depois, caminhou lentamente pela rua e voltou, examinando as casas com atenção. Por fim, retornou à casa de penhores, bateu na calçada duas ou três vezes com a bengala e foi até a porta para bater. Ela foi aberta imediatamente por um jovem de aparência inteligente e rosto bem barbeado, que o convidou a entrar.

English → "Obrigado", disse Holmes. "Eu só queria perguntar como se chega daqui ao Strand."

"Terceira à direita, quarta à esquerda", respondeu o assistente rapidamente, fechando a porta.

Enquanto nos afastávamos, Holmes disse que o homem era inteligente. Em sua opinião, ele era o quarto homem mais inteligente de Londres e talvez o terceiro mais corajoso. Holmes disse que já o encontrara antes.

Comentei que o assistente do Sr. Wilson parecia muito importante no mistério da Liga dos Ruivos. Eu tinha certeza de que Holmes pedira informações sobre o caminho apenas para vê-lo.

“Não foi para vê-lo.”

“Então, o quê?”

“Os joelhos das calças dele.”

“O que você viu?”

“O que esperava ver.”

“Por que ficou andando de um lado para o outro na calçada?”

Holmes disse que aquele era um momento de observar, não de conversar. Disse que éramos espiões em território inimigo. Já sabíamos alguma coisa sobre Saxe-Coburg Square. Agora deveríamos examinar a área atrás dela.

English → Quando saímos da tranquila Saxe-Coburg Square, a rua diante de nós era muito diferente. Era uma das principais vias que conduziam o trânsito da City para o norte e o oeste. A rua estava apinhada de carroças, carruagens e pessoas. As calçadas estavam cheias de pedestres apressados. Era difícil acreditar que aquelas belas lojas e grandes escritórios fossem ligados, do outro lado, à velha e sossegada praça que acabávamos de deixar.

“Deixe-me ver”, disse Holmes, parando na esquina e olhando ao longo da fileira de casas. “Quero memorizar a ordem dos edifícios daqui. Gosto de conhecer Londres com exatidão. Ali está a tabacaria de Mortimer, a pequena banca de jornais, a agência Coburg do City and Suburban Bank, o Restaurante Vegetariano e o depósito de carruagens de McFarlane. Isso nos leva ao quarteirão seguinte. E agora, Doutor, terminamos nosso trabalho, portanto é hora de um pouco de prazer. Um sanduíche e uma xícara de café, e depois partiremos para o reino dos violinos, onde tudo é doce, delicado e repleto de harmonia, e não há clientes ruivos para nos atormentar com seus enigmas.”

English → Meu amigo adorava música. Não era apenas um excelente instrumentista, mas também um compositor de verdadeiro talento. Durante toda a tarde, permaneceu sentado na plateia do teatro, cheio de felicidade, movendo suavemente seus dedos longos e finos ao ritmo da música. Seu sorriso sereno e seus olhos sonhadores eram muito diferentes do Holmes detetive perspicaz, do Holmes caçador de criminosos, rigoroso, ágil e astuto. Em sua natureza singular, esses dois lados se alternavam. Sua enorme precisão e mente aguçada eram, como muitas vezes pensei, uma reação contra o estado de espírito poético e tranquilo que às vezes o dominava. Seu humor podia passar de uma profunda indolência a uma energia intensa. Eu sabia muito bem que ele se tornava mais perigoso depois de passar dias reclinado na poltrona, entre sua música e seus livros antigos. Então, sua fome pela perseguição despertava de repente, e seu poder de raciocínio se elevava quase à intuição. As pessoas que desconheciam seus métodos o fitavam como se seu conhecimento não fosse humano. Ao vê-lo naquela tarde, perdido na música no St. James’s Hall, tive a impressão de que em breve surgiriam problemas para aqueles que ele pretendia capturar.

English → “Sem dúvida, você quer voltar para casa, Doutor”, disse ele quando saímos.

“Sim, seria melhor.”

“E eu tenho um trabalho a fazer que levará algumas horas. Este assunto em Coburg Square é sério.”

“Por que é sério?”

“Um grande crime está sendo planejado. Tenho todos os motivos para acreditar que chegaremos a tempo de impedi-lo. Mas, como hoje é sábado, as coisas ficam um pouco mais difíceis. Precisarei de sua ajuda esta noite.”

“A que horas?”

“Dez horas será cedo o bastante.”

“Estarei em Baker Street às dez.”

“Muito bem. E, escute, Doutor, talvez haja algum perigo, portanto, por favor, ponha no bolso seu revólver do exército.” Ele acenou, virou-se e desapareceu de imediato na multidão.

English → Não creio ser mais estúpido do que as outras pessoas, mas sempre me sentia muito lento quando trabalhava com Sherlock Holmes. Eu ouvira as mesmas coisas que ele e também vira as mesmas coisas. Contudo, por suas palavras, era evidente que ele compreendia não apenas o que acontecera, mas também o que aconteceria em seguida. Para mim, todo o assunto continuava estranho e confuso. Enquanto voltava de carruagem para casa, em Kensington, pensei em tudo, desde a insólita história do copista ruivo da Enciclopédia até a visita a Saxe-Coburg Square e as palavras sérias de Holmes antes de me deixar. O que seria aquela jornada noturna, e por que eu deveria levar uma arma? Aonde íamos e o que deveríamos fazer? Holmes me dissera que o assistente imberbe da casa de penhores era um homem perigoso, alguém que talvez estivesse planejando algo engenhoso. Tentei solucionar o mistério, mas não consegui. Por fim, desisti e esperei que a noite trouxesse uma resposta.

English → Eram nove e quinze quando saí de casa, atravessei o parque e depois segui pela Oxford Street até Baker Street. Duas carruagens esperavam à porta e, ao entrar no vestíbulo, ouvi vozes no andar de cima. Quando entrei no quarto de Holmes, encontrei-o conversando com entusiasmo com dois homens. Um deles era Peter Jones, agente oficial da polícia. O outro era um homem alto e magro, de rosto triste, chapéu muito lustroso e sobrecasaca extremamente correta.

“Ah! Nosso grupo está completo”, disse Holmes, abotoando seu casaco de marinheiro e tirando do cabide seu pesado chicote de caça. “Watson, creio que você conhece o Sr. Jones, da Scotland Yard. Permita-me apresentar o Sr. Merryweather, que nos acompanhará na aventura desta noite.”

“Estamos caçando em duplas outra vez, Doutor, como pode ver”, disse Jones, com seu jeito importante. “Nosso amigo aqui é magnífico para iniciar uma perseguição. Tudo de que precisa é de um cão velho para ajudá-lo a seguir a pista.”

English → “Espero que, no fim, não estejamos correndo atrás de uma pista falsa”, disse o Sr. Merryweather com tristeza.

“O senhor pode confiar muito no Sr. Holmes”, disse o agente policial com orgulho. “Ele tem seus próprios métodos, que considero um pouco teóricos e estranhos demais, se ele me permite dizê-lo. Mas possui verdadeiro talento como detetive. É justo dizer que, em casos como o assassinato de Sholto e o tesouro de Agra, ele chegou mais perto da verdade do que a polícia oficial.”

“Ah, se o senhor diz isso, Sr. Jones, então está tudo bem”, disse o desconhecido respeitosamente. “Ainda assim, devo admitir que sentirei falta de minha partida de uíste. Esta é a primeira noite de sábado em vinte e sete anos em que não jogo uma.”

“Creio que descobrirá”, disse Sherlock Holmes, “que esta noite jogará por apostas maiores do que nunca e que será mais emocionante. Para o senhor, Sr. Merryweather, a aposta será de cerca de trinta mil libras. Para o senhor, Jones, será o homem que deseja capturar.”

English → “John Clay, assassino, ladrão, arrombador e falsificador. É jovem, Sr. Merryweather, mas é um dos melhores em seu ramo, e eu preferiria colocar minhas algemas nele a colocá-las em qualquer outro criminoso de Londres. O jovem John Clay é um homem extraordinário. Seu avô era um duque de sangue real, e ele próprio estudou em Eton e Oxford. Sua mente é tão hábil quanto suas mãos e, embora vejamos sinais dele por toda parte, nunca sabemos onde encontrá-lo. Numa semana, ele invade uma casa na Escócia; na seguinte, arrecada dinheiro para um orfanato na Cornualha. Eu o persigo há anos e ainda nunca o vi.”

“Espero ter o prazer de apresentá-lo ao senhor esta noite. Também tive alguns assuntos com o Sr. John Clay, e concordo que é o melhor em seu ramo. Mas já passa das dez, e devemos partir agora. Se os senhores tomarem o primeiro cabriolé, Watson e eu os seguiremos no segundo.”

English → Sherlock Holmes falou muito pouco durante o longo trajeto. Recostou-se no cabriolé e cantarolou as melodias que ouvira naquela tarde. Percorremos o que pareciam ser intermináveis ruas iluminadas a gás, até chegarmos à Farrington Street.

“Já estamos perto”, disse meu amigo. “Esse homem, Merryweather, é diretor de banco e está pessoalmente envolvido no assunto. Achei melhor trazer Jones também. Ele não é um homem mau, embora seja um perfeito tolo em seu trabalho. Possui uma verdadeira qualidade: é corajoso como um buldogue e obstinado como uma lagosta quando agarra alguém. Aqui estamos, e eles nos esperam.”

A Scandal in Bohemia

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Para Sherlock Holmes, ela era sempre a mulher. Ele quase nunca a chamava por outro nome. Aos olhos dele, ela estava acima de todas as outras mulheres. Isso não significava que ele amasse Irene Adler. Ele não sentia amor, sobretudo esse tipo de sentimento, pois tais emoções eram contrárias à sua mente fria, cuidadosa e perfeitamente equilibrada. Creio que ele era a melhor máquina de raciocínio e observação que o mundo já tinha visto, mas, como amante, estaria no lugar errado. Ele só falava dos sentimentos mais ternos com zombaria e sarcasmo. Para um observador, esses sentimentos eram úteis porque ajudavam a revelar os motivos e as ações das pessoas. Mas, se um pensador treinado permitisse que tais emoções entrassem em sua natureza tão cuidadosa, acrescentaria um elemento perturbador capaz de estragar todo o seu trabalho mental. Seria como areia em um instrumento delicado ou uma rachadura em uma lente poderosa. E, ainda assim, para ele, havia apenas uma mulher: a falecida Irene Adler, lembrada com dúvida e desconfiança.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Para Sherlock Holmes, ela é sempre a mulher. Raramente o ouvi mencioná-la por qualquer outro nome. A seus olhos, ela eclipsa e supera todas as outras mulheres. Não que ele sentisse por Irene Adler alguma emoção semelhante ao amor. Todas as emoções, sobretudo essa, eram repugnantes à sua mente fria, precisa, mas admiravelmente equilibrada. Ele era, creio eu, a mais perfeita máquina de raciocinar e observar que o mundo já conheceu; como amante, porém, ter-se-ia colocado numa posição falsa. Nunca falava das paixões mais ternas, salvo com zombaria e desprezo. Para o observador, elas eram admiráveis - excelentes para erguer o véu que encobre os motivos e as ações humanas. Mas permitir que tais intrusões penetrassem em seu próprio temperamento delicado e finamente ajustado seria, para o raciocinador treinado, introduzir um fator perturbador capaz de lançar dúvida sobre todos os seus resultados mentais. Um grão de areia num instrumento sensível, ou uma rachadura numa de suas potentes lentes, não causaria maior transtorno do que uma emoção intensa numa natureza como a sua. E, no entanto, para ele havia apenas uma mulher, e essa mulher era a falecida Irene Adler, de memória duvidosa e questionável.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eu não via Holmes com frequência havia algum tempo. Meu casamento tinha me afastado dele. Eu era feliz, e a vida doméstica me mantinha ocupado. Holmes detestava a vida social em todas as suas formas, por isso permanecia em nossos aposentos na Baker Street, entre seus velhos livros. A cada semana, alternava entre a cocaína e a ambição, entre a sonolência causada pela droga e a intensa energia de sua própria mente. Ainda adorava estudar crimes. Usava seus grandes talentos e sua aguçada capacidade de observação para seguir pistas e solucionar mistérios dos quais a polícia havia desistido. De vez em quando, eu ouvia notícias de seu trabalho: ele fora enviado a Odessa para investigar o assassinato de Trepoff, resolvera a estranha tragédia dos irmãos Atkinson em Trincomalee e realizara uma missão cuidadosa e bem-sucedida para a família real da Holanda. Mas, além desses sinais de atividade, que eu conhecia pelos jornais como qualquer outra pessoa, pouco sabia sobre meu velho amigo.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Eu tinha visto pouco de Holmes ultimamente. Meu casamento nos afastara um do outro. Minha própria felicidade completa, e os interesses centrados no lar que despontam ao redor do homem que se vê, pela primeira vez, senhor de sua própria casa, bastavam para absorver toda a minha atenção, enquanto Holmes, que detestava toda forma de convívio social com toda a sua alma boêmia, permanecia em nossos aposentos na Baker Street, enterrado entre seus livros velhos, alternando de semana a semana entre a cocaína e a ambição, entre a sonolência da droga e a energia feroz de sua própria natureza aguçada. Continuava, como sempre, profundamente atraído pelo estudo do crime, e ocupava suas imensas faculdades e seus extraordinários poderes de observação em seguir aquelas pistas e esclarecer aqueles mistérios que a polícia oficial abandonara como sem esperança. De tempos em tempos eu ouvia algum relato vago de suas atividades: de sua convocação a Odessa no caso do assassinato de Trepoff, de seu esclarecimento da singular tragédia dos irmãos Atkinson em Trincomalee e, por fim, da missão que cumprira com tanta delicadeza e êxito para a família reinante da Holanda. Além desses sinais de sua atividade, porém, que eu apenas partilhava com todos os leitores da imprensa diária, pouco sabia de meu antigo amigo e companheiro.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Certa noite, em 20 de março de 1888, eu voltava de uma visita a um paciente, pois havia retomado a prática da medicina, quando passei pela Baker Street. Ao passar pela porta conhecida, que eu sempre associava ao meu namoro e aos acontecimentos sombrios de Um Estudo em Vermelho, senti de repente vontade de rever Holmes e descobrir como ele estava usando seus dons extraordinários. Seus aposentos estavam muito iluminados. Quando olhei para cima, vi sua silhueta alta e magra passar duas vezes, como uma sombra escura, diante da cortina. Ele caminhava depressa e com ansiedade pelo aposento, a cabeça baixa e as mãos atrás das costas. Eu conhecia bem seus hábitos e estados de espírito, por isso compreendi a cena de imediato. Ele estava trabalhando outra vez. Havia despertado de seus sonhos provocados pela droga e seguia com entusiasmo algum novo problema. Toquei a campainha e fui conduzido ao aposento que antes também fora, em parte, meu.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Certa noite - era o vinte de março de 1888 - eu regressava de uma visita a um paciente (pois havia agora retomado a clínica particular), quando meu caminho me levou pela Baker Street. Ao passar diante daquela porta tão lembrada, que há de estar sempre associada, em minha mente, ao meu namoro e aos sombrios episódios do Estudo em Vermelho, fui tomado de um vivo desejo de rever Holmes e de saber como empregava seus extraordinários poderes. Seus aposentos estavam brilhantemente iluminados e, mesmo enquanto olhava para cima, vi sua figura alta e magra passar duas vezes numa silhueta escura contra a cortina. Ele andava de um lado para outro pela sala, rápido, ansioso, a cabeça caída sobre o peito e as mãos cruzadas atrás das costas. Para mim, que conhecia cada um de seus estados de espírito e hábitos, sua atitude e seu modo contavam sua própria história. Estava trabalhando de novo. Havia emergido de seus sonhos criados pela droga e farejava, ardente, algum novo problema. Toquei a campainha e fui conduzido ao aposento que outrora fora, em parte, meu.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Seus modos não eram calorosos. Raramente eram. Mas acho que ficou contente em me ver. Disse muito pouco, porém seus olhos demonstraram bondade quando me indicou uma poltrona, lançou-me a caixa de charutos e apontou para o armário de bebidas e o sifão de água com gás no canto. Depois, ficou em pé junto ao fogo e me observou atentamente, com seu jeito calmo e pensativo de sempre.

"O casamento lhe faz bem", disse ele. "Creio, Watson, que você engordou sete libras e meia desde a última vez que o vi."

"Sete!", respondi.

"De fato, eu teria dito um pouco mais. Só um pouco mais, creio, Watson. E vejo que voltou a exercer a medicina. Você não me contou que voltaria ao trabalho."

"Então, como sabe?"

"Posso ver e deduzir. Como sei que você tem se molhado muito ultimamente e que tem uma criada muito desajeitada e descuidada?"

Original English Version

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

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

“Seven!” I answered.

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

“Then, how do you know?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Seus modos não foram efusivos. Raramente o eram; mas ficou contente, creio, de me ver. Sem quase uma palavra, mas com olhar bondoso, indicou-me uma poltrona, atirou-me sua caixa de charutos e apontou para um licoreiro e um sifão de soda a um canto. Depois ficou de pé diante do fogo e me examinou de alto a baixo em sua peculiar maneira introspectiva.

- O matrimônio lhe cai bem - observou. - Creio, Watson, que engordou três quilos e meio desde a última vez que o vi.

- Três! - respondi.

- Ora, eu teria pensado que fosse um pouco mais. Só um tantinho a mais, imagino, Watson. E de volta à clínica, pelo que vejo. Você não me disse que pretendia voltar a atrelar-se ao trabalho.

- Então, como sabe?

- Eu vejo, eu deduzo. Como sei que você tem se molhado bastante ultimamente, e que tem uma criada das mais desastradas e descuidadas?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Meu caro Holmes", disse eu, "isso já é demais. Em outra época, com certeza você teria sido queimado como feiticeiro. É verdade que fiz uma caminhada pelo campo na quinta-feira e voltei para casa em um estado terrível, mas troquei de roupa, por isso não entendo como descobriu. Quanto a Mary Jane, não há como melhorá-la, e minha esposa já a despediu. Mas, mais uma vez, não vejo como chegou a essa conclusão."

Ele riu baixinho consigo mesmo e esfregou as mãos longas e nervosas.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Meu caro Holmes - disse eu - , isto é demais. Você certamente teria sido queimado na fogueira, se tivesse vivido alguns séculos atrás. É verdade que dei uma caminhada pelo campo na quinta-feira e voltei para casa num estado deplorável, mas, como troquei de roupa, não consigo imaginar como você deduz isso. Quanto a Mary Jane, é incorrigível, e minha esposa já lhe deu aviso de dispensa, mas aí, de novo, não consigo ver como você chegou a essa conclusão.

Ele riu consigo mesmo e esfregou as longas mãos nervosas uma na outra.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"É muito simples", disse ele. "Meus olhos me dizem que, na parte interna de seu sapato esquerdo, onde a luz do fogo incide, há seis cortes quase paralelos. Provavelmente foram feitos quando alguém raspou sem cuidado a borda da sola para retirar a lama endurecida. Assim, sei que você saiu durante o mau tempo e que sua criada em Londres danificou sua bota. Quanto ao seu trabalho, se um homem entra em meu aposento cheirando a iodofórmio, com uma mancha preta de nitrato de prata no indicador direito e uma saliência no lado direito da cartola, onde escondeu o estetoscópio, eu seria muito tolo se não dissesse que ele é médico."

Não pude deixar de rir da facilidade com que ele explicava seu raciocínio. "Quando ouço você apresentar suas razões", disse eu, "tudo sempre parece tão simples que sinto que eu mesmo poderia fazer isso. Mas, a cada vez, não consigo acompanhar seu raciocínio até que você o explique. E, no entanto, acredito que meus olhos sejam tão bons quanto os seus."

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- É a simplicidade em pessoa - disse ele. - Meus olhos me dizem que, na parte de dentro de seu sapato esquerdo, justamente onde a luz do fogo o atinge, o couro está riscado por seis cortes quase paralelos. É óbvio que foram causados por alguém que, muito descuidadamente, raspou em torno das bordas da sola para remover a lama endurecida. Daí, veja você, minha dupla dedução: de que você esteve fora em tempo horrível e de que possui um exemplar particularmente perverso de criada londrina, dessas que estragam botas. Quanto à sua clínica, se um cavalheiro entra em meus aposentos cheirando a iodofórmio, com uma mancha preta de nitrato de prata no dedo indicador direito e uma saliência no lado direito da cartola que revela onde escondeu o estetoscópio, eu teria de ser bem obtuso para não declará-lo membro atuante da profissão médica.

Não pude deixar de rir da facilidade com que ele explicava seu processo de dedução. - Quando o ouço apresentar suas razões - comentei - , a coisa sempre me parece tão ridiculamente simples que eu próprio poderia fazê-la com toda a facilidade, embora, a cada novo exemplo de seu raciocínio, eu fique perplexo até que me explique o processo. E, no entanto, creio que meus olhos são tão bons quanto os seus.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Sem dúvida", respondeu ele, acendendo um cigarro e recostando-se em uma poltrona. "Você vê, mas não observa. Existe uma diferença clara. Por exemplo, muitas vezes você viu os degraus que levam do corredor até este aposento."

"Muitas vezes."

"Quantas vezes?"

"Bem, algumas centenas de vezes."

"Então, quantos degraus há?"

"Quantos? Não sei."

"Exatamente! Você não observou, embora os tenha visto. Esse é meu argumento. Sei que há dezessete degraus porque eu os vi e também os observei. Como você se interessa por esses pequenos problemas e tem a bondade de escrever sobre algumas de minhas modestas experiências, talvez goste disto." Ele me lançou uma folha de papel de carta grosso e cor-de-rosa que estava aberta sobre a mesa. "Chegou pela última entrega do correio", disse ele. "Leia em voz alta."

O bilhete não tinha data, assinatura nem endereço.

Original English Version

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

“Frequently.”

“How often?”

“Well, some hundreds of times.”

“Then how many are there?”

“How many? I don’t know.”

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Exatamente - respondeu ele, acendendo um cigarro e deixando-se cair numa poltrona. - Você vê, mas não observa. A distinção é clara. Por exemplo, você viu com frequência os degraus que sobem do saguão até este quarto.

- Com frequência.

- Quantas vezes?

- Ora, algumas centenas de vezes.

- Então, quantos são?

- Quantos? Não sei.

- Exatamente! Você não observou. E, no entanto, viu. É justamente esse o meu ponto. Ora, eu sei que há dezessete degraus, porque tanto vi quanto observei. A propósito, já que se interessa por esses probleminhas, e já que tem a gentileza de registrar por escrito uma ou duas de minhas experiências insignificantes, talvez lhe interesse isto aqui. - Atirou-me uma folha de papel de carta grosso, de tom rosado, que estivera aberta sobre a mesa. - Chegou pelo último correio - disse ele. - Leia em voz alta.

O bilhete não tinha data, nem assinatura, nem endereço.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Dizia que um cavalheiro me visitaria naquela noite às 7h45. Ele queria conversar sobre algo muito importante. Meu trabalho recente para uma casa real da Europa mostrara que eu era digno de confiança em assuntos sérios. Eles haviam recebido boas referências a meu respeito de muitos lugares. Eu deveria esperar em meu aposento naquela hora e não me incomodar caso o visitante usasse uma máscara.

"Este é um verdadeiro mistério", disse eu. "O que acha que significa?"

"Ainda não tenho fatos. É um grande erro formular uma teoria antes de conhecer os fatos. Assim, as pessoas começam a forçar os fatos para que se ajustem à teoria, em vez de fazer a teoria se ajustar aos fatos. Mas observe o próprio bilhete. O que você descobre nele?"

Examinei a escrita e o papel com muito cuidado.

"O autor provavelmente era rico", disse eu, tentando pensar como meu companheiro. "Um papel como este custaria pelo menos meia coroa o pacote. É muito resistente e rígido."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Um cavalheiro procurará o senhor esta noite, às oito menos um quarto" - dizia - , "para consultá-lo a respeito de um assunto do mais profundo alcance. Os recentes serviços que prestou a uma das casas reais da Europa demonstraram ser o senhor uma pessoa a quem se podem confiar, com segurança, assuntos cuja importância dificilmente se poderia exagerar. Essa referência a seu respeito recebemo-la de todos os cantos. Esteja, pois, em seu aposento a essa hora, e não leve a mal se o seu visitante estiver usando uma máscara."

- Isto é de fato um mistério - comentei. - O que imagina que significa?

- Ainda não tenho dados. É um erro capital teorizar antes de se ter dados. Sem perceber, a pessoa começa a torcer os fatos para se ajustarem às teorias, em vez de ajustar as teorias aos fatos. Mas o bilhete em si. O que você deduz dele?

Examinei com cuidado a caligrafia e o papel em que estava escrito.

- O homem que o escreveu era, presumivelmente, abastado - comentei, tentando imitar os processos de meu companheiro. - Um papel desses não poderia ser comprado por menos de meia coroa o maço. É peculiarmente forte e rígido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Essa palavra é muito adequada", disse Holmes. "Não é papel inglês. Segure-o contra a luz."

Fiz isso e vi um E maiúsculo, um g minúsculo, um P e um G maiúsculo com um t minúsculo entrelaçados no papel.

"O que conclui disso?", perguntou Holmes.

"O nome do fabricante, suponho; ou melhor, seu monograma."

"De modo algum. O G com o t minúsculo significa ‘Gesellschaft’, que é a palavra alemã para ‘Companhia’. É uma abreviação comum, como nosso ‘Cia.’. O P significa ‘Papier’. Agora vejamos ‘Eg’. Vamos consultar nosso Dicionário Geográfico Continental." Ele tirou da estante um pesado livro marrom. "Eglow, Eglonitz... aqui está, Egria. Fica em um país de língua alemã, na Boêmia, não muito longe de Carlsbad. ‘Conhecida pela morte de Wallenstein e por suas muitas fábricas de vidro e de papel.’ Ora, ora, meu rapaz, o que acha disso?" Seus olhos brilharam, e ele soltou uma grande nuvem azul da fumaça de seu cigarro.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Peculiar... essa é justamente a palavra - disse Holmes. - Não é, de modo algum, um papel inglês. Levante-o contra a luz.

Assim fiz, e vi um grande E com um pequeno g, um P e um grande G com um pequeno t entretecidos na textura do papel.

- O que conclui disso? - perguntou Holmes.

- O nome do fabricante, sem dúvida; ou melhor, seu monograma.

- De modo algum. O G com o pequeno t significa "Gesellschaft", que é a palavra alemã para "Companhia". É uma abreviação costumeira, como nosso "Cia.". O P, naturalmente, significa "Papier". Agora ao "Eg". Vejamos nosso Dicionário Geográfico Continental. - Retirou das prateleiras um pesado volume marrom. - Eglow, Eglonitz... aqui está, Egria. Fica num país de língua alemã... na Boêmia, não muito longe de Carlsbad. "Notável por ter sido palco da morte de Wallenstein e por suas numerosas fábricas de vidro e moinhos de papel." Ah, ah, meu rapaz, o que conclui disso? - Seus olhos faiscavam, e ele soprou do cigarro uma grande e triunfante nuvem azul.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"O papel foi fabricado na Boêmia", disse eu.

"Exatamente. E o homem que escreveu o bilhete é alemão. Percebe a ordem incomum das palavras: ‘Estas informações a seu respeito nós de todas as partes recebemos’? Um francês ou um russo não teria escrito assim. Os alemães costumam posicionar os verbos de uma maneira menos cuidadosa. Portanto, agora só precisamos descobrir o que esse alemão deseja. Ele escreveu em papel da Boêmia e prefere usar uma máscara a mostrar o rosto. E aqui está ele, se não me engano, para esclarecer todas as nossas dúvidas."

Enquanto ele falava, ouvi o som agudo dos cascos dos cavalos e das rodas raspando o meio-fio, seguido por um forte toque na campainha. Holmes assobiou.

"Uma parelha, pelo som", disse ele. "Sim", acrescentou, olhando pela janela. "Um belo cupê e duas criaturas magníficas. Cento e cinquenta guinéus cada uma. Há dinheiro neste caso, Watson, ainda que não haja mais nada."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- O papel foi fabricado na Boêmia - disse eu.

- Precisamente. E o homem que escreveu o bilhete é alemão. Você nota a construção peculiar da frase... "Essa referência a seu respeito recebemo-la de todos os cantos"? Um francês ou um russo não teria escrito assim. É o alemão quem trata os verbos com tamanha descortesia. Resta apenas, portanto, descobrir o que deseja esse alemão que escreve em papel boêmio e prefere usar uma máscara a mostrar o rosto. E aqui vem ele, se não me engano, para resolver todas as nossas dúvidas.

Enquanto falava, ouviu-se o ruído agudo de cascos de cavalos e de rodas raspando contra o meio-fio, seguido de um puxão brusco na campainha. Holmes assobiou.

- Uma parelha, pelo som - disse ele. - Sim - continuou, olhando pela janela. - Uma bela caleça pequena e uma parelha de belezas. Cento e cinquenta guinéus cada um. Há dinheiro neste caso, Watson, se não houver mais nada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Acho melhor eu ir embora, Holmes."

"De modo algum, Doutor. Fico perdido sem meu Boswell. E isto parece interessante. Seria uma pena perder."

"Mas seu cliente..."

"Não se preocupe com ele. Talvez eu precise de sua ajuda, e ele também. Aí vem ele. Sente-se naquela poltrona, Doutor, e preste muita atenção."

Um passo lento e pesado fora ouvido na escada e no corredor. Parou diante da porta. Então veio uma batida alta e firme.

"Entre!", disse Holmes.

Original English Version

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

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

“But your client - ”

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

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

“Come in!” said Holmes.

Tradução Integral em Português

- Acho melhor eu ir embora, Holmes.

- De modo algum, Doutor. Fique onde está. Estou perdido sem o meu Boswell. E isto promete ser interessante. Seria uma pena perder.

- Mas o seu cliente...

- Não se preocupe com ele. Talvez eu precise de sua ajuda, e ele também. Aí vem ele. Sente-se naquela poltrona, Doutor, e dê-nos toda a sua atenção.

Um passo lento e pesado, que se ouvira na escada e no corredor, deteve-se logo do lado de fora da porta. Depois soou uma batida forte e autoritária.

- Entre! - disse Holmes.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Entrou um homem muito alto, com quase dois metros de altura e corpo poderoso. Vestia roupas muito luxuosas, quase luxuosas demais para o gosto inglês. Seu casaco tinha pesadas faixas de astracã nas mangas e na frente. Sobre os ombros, usava uma capa azul-escura forrada de seda brilhante e presa no pescoço por um broche com um berilo flamejante. Também usava botas altas com pele marrom na parte superior. Trazia um chapéu largo na mão. Uma máscara preta cobria a parte superior de seu rosto, e sua mão ainda estava erguida até ela, como se acabasse de colocá-la. A parte inferior de seu rosto revelava um homem forte e decidido, com lábios grossos e um queixo comprido que sugeria teimosia.

"Recebeu meu bilhete?", perguntou ele numa voz profunda e áspera, com forte sotaque alemão. "Eu disse que viria." Olhou de um para o outro, sem saber a quem se dirigir.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Entrou um homem que dificilmente teria menos de um metro e noventa e oito de altura, com o peito e os membros de um Hércules. Sua indumentária era rica com uma riqueza que, na Inglaterra, seria vista como próxima do mau gosto. Faixas pesadas de astracã cortavam as mangas e a frente de seu casaco de abotoamento duplo, enquanto a capa de um azul profundo, lançada sobre os ombros, era forrada de seda cor de fogo e presa ao pescoço por um broche que consistia num único berilo flamejante. Botas que subiam até a metade das panturrilhas, e que eram debruadas no alto com rica pele castanha, completavam a impressão de opulência bárbara sugerida por toda a sua aparência. Trazia na mão um chapéu de abas largas, enquanto usava, sobre a parte superior do rosto, estendendo-se para baixo até além das maçãs do rosto, uma máscara preta que aparentemente ajustara naquele mesmo instante, pois sua mão ainda estava erguida em direção a ela ao entrar. Pela parte inferior do rosto, parecia ser um homem de caráter forte, com um lábio grosso e pendente e um queixo longo e reto, sugestivo de uma resolução levada ao ponto da obstinação.

- O senhor recebeu o meu bilhete? - perguntou com uma voz profunda e áspera e um forte sotaque alemão. - Eu lhe disse que viria. - Olhou de um para o outro de nós, como se incerto a quem se dirigir.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Por favor, sente-se", disse Holmes. "Este é meu amigo e colega, Dr. Watson, que às vezes me ajuda em meus casos. Com quem tenho a honra de falar?"

"Pode me chamar de Conde Von Kramm, um nobre boêmio. Entendo que este cavalheiro, seu amigo, é honesto e cuidadoso e que posso confiar-lhe um assunto muito importante. Caso contrário, eu preferiria falar apenas com o senhor."

Comecei a me retirar, mas Holmes segurou meu pulso e me empurrou de volta para a cadeira. "Ou nós dois ouvimos, ou nenhum de nós ouvirá", disse ele. "Pode dizer a este cavalheiro tudo o que diria a mim."

O Conde ergueu os ombros largos. "Então devo começar", disse ele, "pedindo a ambos que mantenham segredo absoluto por dois anos. Depois disso, o assunto deixará de ter importância. Por enquanto, só posso dizer que é tão importante que pode afetar a história da Europa."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Faça o favor de sentar-se - disse Holmes. - Este é meu amigo e colega, o Dr. Watson, que ocasionalmente tem a bondade de me ajudar em meus casos. Com quem tenho a honra de falar?

- Pode dirigir-se a mim como Conde Von Kramm, um nobre da Boêmia. Entendo que este cavalheiro, seu amigo, é um homem de honra e discrição, a quem posso confiar um assunto da mais extrema importância. Se não, eu preferiria muito mais me comunicar com o senhor a sós.

Levantei-me para sair, mas Holmes agarrou-me pelo pulso e empurrou-me de volta à cadeira. - Ou os dois, ou nenhum - disse ele. - Pode dizer diante deste cavalheiro tudo o que diria a mim.

O Conde encolheu os largos ombros. - Então devo começar - disse ele - por comprometer os dois a segredo absoluto por dois anos; ao fim desse prazo, o assunto não terá mais importância. No momento, não é exagero dizer que ele tem tamanho peso que pode influir sobre a história europeia.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Eu prometo", disse Holmes.

"Eu também."

"Por favor, perdoem esta máscara", continuou nosso estranho visitante. "A pessoa importante que me enviou deseja que seu representante permaneça desconhecido para os senhores. Também posso admitir desde já que o título que acabei de usar não é realmente meu."

"Eu sabia", disse Holmes secamente.

"A situação é muito delicada, e precisamos tomar todas as precauções para impedir aquilo que poderia se transformar em um enorme escândalo e prejudicar seriamente uma das famílias reinantes da Europa. Para ser claro, o caso envolve a grande Casa de Ormstein, os reis hereditários da Boêmia."

"Isso também já sabia", disse Holmes em voz baixa, recostando-se na poltrona e fechando os olhos.

Nosso visitante olhou com certa surpresa para a figura preguiçosa e descontraída diante dele. Sem dúvida, esperava encontrar o homem mais perspicaz e ativo da Europa. Holmes tornou a abrir os olhos lentamente e olhou com impaciência para seu enorme cliente.

Original English Version

“I promise,” said Holmes.

“And I.”

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Eu prometo - disse Holmes.

- E eu.

- Hão de desculpar esta máscara - prosseguiu nosso estranho visitante. - A augusta pessoa que me emprega deseja que seu agente lhes seja desconhecido, e posso confessar desde já que o título pelo qual acabei de me apresentar não é exatamente o meu.

- Eu já sabia disso - disse Holmes secamente.

- As circunstâncias são de grande delicadeza, e toda precaução deve ser tomada para abafar o que poderia crescer até tornar-se um escândalo imenso e comprometer seriamente uma das famílias reinantes da Europa. Para falar sem rodeios, o assunto envolve a grande Casa de Ormstein, reis hereditários da Boêmia.

- Isso também eu já sabia - murmurou Holmes, acomodando-se na poltrona e fechando os olhos.

Nosso visitante lançou um olhar de aparente surpresa à figura lânguida e recostada do homem que, sem dúvida, lhe havia sido descrito como o raciocinador mais incisivo e o agente mais enérgico da Europa. Holmes reabriu lentamente os olhos e fitou com impaciência seu gigantesco cliente.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Se Vossa Majestade tiver a bondade de explicar seu caso", disse ele, "poderei aconselhá-lo melhor."

O homem levantou-se de um salto e começou a andar de um lado para o outro pelo aposento, muito agitado. Então, desesperado, arrancou a máscara do rosto e atirou-a ao chão. "O senhor tem razão", exclamou. "Eu sou o Rei. Por que tentaria esconder isso?"

"Por que, de fato?", murmurou Holmes. "Antes que Vossa Majestade dissesse qualquer coisa, eu já sabia que falava com Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grão-Duque de Cassel-Felstein e Rei hereditário da Boêmia."

"Mas pode compreender", disse nosso estranho visitante, sentando-se novamente e esfregando a testa alta e branca, "que não estou acostumado a tratar pessoalmente desse tipo de assunto. Ainda assim, o caso era tão delicado que eu não podia confiá-lo a um representante, pois então ficaria em poder dele. Vim secretamente de Praga para pedir seu conselho."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Se Vossa Majestade se dignasse a expor o seu caso - observou - , eu estaria em melhores condições de aconselhá-lo.

O homem levantou-se de um salto da cadeira e pôs-se a andar de um lado para outro pela sala, numa agitação incontrolável. Depois, com um gesto de desespero, arrancou a máscara do rosto e atirou-a ao chão. - O senhor tem razão - exclamou. - Eu sou o Rei. Por que haveria de tentar ocultá-lo?

- Pois é - murmurou Holmes. - Vossa Majestade não havia sequer falado, e eu já tinha ciência de que me dirigia a Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grão-Duque de Cassel-Felstein e Rei hereditário da Boêmia.

- Mas o senhor há de compreender - disse nosso estranho visitante, sentando-se outra vez e passando a mão pela testa alta e branca - , o senhor há de compreender que não estou acostumado a tratar desse tipo de negócio em pessoa. Contudo, o assunto era tão delicado que eu não podia confiá-lo a um agente sem me colocar em seu poder. Vim incógnito de Praga com o propósito de consultá-lo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Então, por favor, prossiga", disse Holmes, fechando os olhos mais uma vez.

"Os fatos são os seguintes: cerca de cinco anos atrás, durante uma longa estadia em Varsóvia, conheci a famosa aventureira Irene Adler. Provavelmente conhece esse nome."

"Por favor, procure-a em meu índice, Doutor", disse Holmes calmamente, sem abrir os olhos. Por muitos anos, ele mantivera anotações sobre todo tipo de pessoas e acontecimentos, por isso muitas vezes conseguia fornecer de imediato informações sobre quase qualquer um. Nesse caso, encontrei a história da vida dela entre a de um rabino hebreu e a de um oficial do estado-maior que escrevera sobre peixes de águas profundas.

"Deixe-me ver", disse Holmes. "Hum! Nascida em Nova Jersey, em 1858. Contralto, hum! La Scala, hum! Cantora principal da Ópera Imperial de Varsóvia... sim! Retirou-se dos palcos... ah! Agora mora em Londres... exatamente! Vossa Majestade, pelo que entendo, envolveu-se com essa jovem, escreveu-lhe algumas cartas que poderiam causar problemas e agora deseja recuperá-las."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Então, faça o favor de consultar - disse Holmes, fechando os olhos mais uma vez.

- Os fatos são, em resumo, estes: há uns cinco anos, durante uma longa visita a Varsóvia, travei conhecimento com a conhecida aventureira Irene Adler. O nome, sem dúvida, é familiar ao senhor.

- Faça a gentileza de procurá-la em meu índice, Doutor - murmurou Holmes, sem abrir os olhos. Havia muitos anos ele adotara um sistema de arquivar em fichas todos os parágrafos relativos a pessoas e coisas, de modo que era difícil mencionar um assunto ou uma pessoa sobre os quais não pudesse, de imediato, fornecer informações. Neste caso, encontrei a biografia dela encaixada entre a de um rabino hebreu e a de um oficial de estado-maior que havia escrito uma monografia sobre os peixes das profundezas do mar.

- Deixe-me ver! - disse Holmes. - Hum! Nascida em Nova Jersey no ano de 1858. Contralto... hum! La Scala, hum! Prima-dona da Ópera Imperial de Varsóvia... sim! Retirada dos palcos operísticos... ah! Vivendo em Londres... exatamente! Vossa Majestade, pelo que entendo, envolveu-se com essa jovem, escreveu-lhe algumas cartas comprometedoras e agora deseja reaver essas cartas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Exatamente. Mas como..."

"Houve um casamento secreto?"

"Não."

"Nenhum documento ou certidão legal?"

"Não."

"Então não compreendo, Vossa Majestade. Se essa jovem mostrar as cartas para chantageá-lo ou por algum outro motivo, como poderá provar que são verdadeiras?"

"Há a caligrafia."

"Ora! Isso poderia ser falsificado."

Meu papel de carta particular.

Roubado.

Meu próprio selo.

Copiado.

Minha fotografia.

Comprada.

Nós dois estávamos na fotografia.

Ah, meu Deus! Isso é muito ruim! Vossa Majestade realmente fez algo impróprio.

Eu estava louco... insano.

O senhor prejudicou seriamente sua própria reputação.

Na época, eu era apenas o Príncipe Herdeiro. Era jovem. Ainda tenho apenas trinta anos.

Ela precisa ser encontrada e recuperada.

Tentamos, mas fracassamos.

Vossa Majestade deve pagar. É preciso comprá-la.

Ela não quer vendê-la.

Então, deve ser roubada.

Fizemos cinco tentativas. Duas vezes, ladrões que trabalhavam para mim revistaram a casa dela. Uma vez, trocamos sua bagagem enquanto ela viajava. Duas vezes, nós a detivemos na estrada. Nada funcionou.

Original English Version

“Precisely so. But how - ”

“Was there a secret marriage?”

“None.”

“No legal papers or certificates?”

“None.”

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

“There is the writing.”

“Pooh, pooh! Forgery.”

“My private notepaper.”

“Stolen.”

“My own seal.”

“Imitated.”

“My photograph.”

“Bought.”

“We were both in the photograph.”

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

“I was mad - insane.”

“You have compromised yourself seriously.”

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

“It must be recovered.”

“We have tried and failed.”

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

“She will not sell.”

“Stolen, then.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Precisamente. Mas como...

- Houve um casamento secreto?

- Nenhum.

- Nenhum documento legal ou certidão?

- Nenhum.

- Então não consigo acompanhar Vossa Majestade. Se essa jovem viesse a apresentar as cartas para chantagem ou outros fins, como provaria a autenticidade delas?

- Há a caligrafia.

- Ora, ora! Falsificação.

- Meu papel de carta particular.

- Roubado.

- Meu próprio selo.

- Imitado.

- Minha fotografia.

- Comprada.

- Estávamos os dois na fotografia.

- Ah, meu Deus! Isso é muito ruim! Vossa Majestade cometeu, de fato, uma indiscrição.

- Eu estava louco... insano.

- Vossa Majestade se comprometeu seriamente.

- Eu era apenas Príncipe Herdeiro então. Era jovem. Tenho apenas trinta anos agora.

- É preciso recuperá-la.

- Já tentamos e fracassamos.

- Vossa Majestade deve pagar. É preciso comprá-la.

- Ela não a venderá.

- Roubá-la, então.

- Cinco tentativas foram feitas. Duas vezes, ladrões a meu soldo vasculharam a casa dela. Uma vez desviamos sua bagagem quando viajava. Duas vezes foi emboscada. Não houve resultado algum.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Nenhum sinal dela?

Absolutamente nenhum.

Holmes riu. "É um probleminha bastante interessante", disse ele.

"Mas é muito sério para mim", respondeu o Rei com tristeza.

"Muito sério, sem dúvida. E o que ela pretende fazer com a fotografia?"

"Arruinar-me."

"Mas como?"

"Vou me casar em breve."

"Foi o que ouvi."

"Com Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, a segunda filha do Rei da Escandinávia. Talvez saiba como a família dela é rígida. Ela mesma é muito cuidadosa e correta. Qualquer dúvida sobre meu comportamento acabaria com o casamento."

"E Irene Adler?"

"Ela ameaça enviar-lhes a fotografia, e fará isso. Sei que fará. O senhor não a conhece, mas ela tem uma vontade muito forte. Possui o rosto da mais bela das mulheres e a mente do homem mais determinado. Não há nada que ela não faça para me impedir de me casar com outra mulher. Nada."

Original English Version

“No sign of it?”

“Absolutely none.”

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

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

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

“To ruin me.”

“But how?”

“I am about to be married.”

“So I have heard.”

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

“And Irene Adler?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Nenhum vestígio dela?

- Absolutamente nenhum.

Holmes riu. - É um probleminha bastante bonito - disse ele.

- Mas muito sério para mim - retrucou o Rei, em tom de censura.

- Muito, de fato. E o que ela pretende fazer com a fotografia?

- Arruinar-me.

- Mas como?

- Estou prestes a me casar.

- Foi o que ouvi dizer.

- Com Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, segunda filha do Rei da Escandinávia. Talvez o senhor conheça os rígidos princípios da família dela. Ela própria é a alma da delicadeza. Uma sombra de dúvida quanto à minha conduta poria fim a tudo.

- E Irene Adler?

- Ameaça enviar-lhes a fotografia. E ela o fará. Sei que o fará. O senhor não a conhece, mas ela tem uma alma de aço. Tem o rosto da mais bela das mulheres e a mente do mais resoluto dos homens. Antes que eu me case com outra mulher, não há limite a que ela não chegue... nenhum.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Tem certeza de que ela ainda não a enviou?"

“Tenho certeza.”

“E por quê?”

“Porque ela disse que a enviaria no dia em que o noivado fosse anunciado publicamente. Isso será na próxima segunda-feira.”

“Ah, então ainda temos três dias”, disse Holmes, bocejando. “Muito bom, pois agora tenho um ou dois assuntos importantes para investigar. Vossa Majestade permanecerá em Londres por enquanto, é claro?”

“Certamente. Você me encontrará no Langham, sob o nome de Conde Von Kramm.”

“Então lhe escreverei para contar como estamos progredindo.”

“Por favor, faça isso. Ficarei muito ansioso.”

“E quanto ao dinheiro?”

“Você tem total liberdade.”

“Absoluta?”

Eu daria uma das províncias do meu reino para ter aquela fotografia.

E quanto ao dinheiro para as despesas imediatas?

O Rei tirou de sob a capa uma pesada bolsa de couro e a colocou sobre a mesa.

Original English Version

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

“I am sure.”

“And why?”

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

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

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

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

“Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.”

“Then, as to money?”

“You have carte blanche.”

“Absolutely?”

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

“And for present expenses?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- O senhor tem certeza de que ela ainda não a enviou?

- Tenho certeza.

- E por quê?

- Porque ela disse que a enviaria no dia em que o noivado fosse proclamado publicamente. Isso será na próxima segunda-feira.

- Ah, então ainda temos três dias - disse Holmes com um bocejo. - Isso é muito conveniente, pois tenho um ou dois assuntos de importância a examinar justamente agora. Vossa Majestade, é claro, permanecerá em Londres por ora?

- Certamente. Poderá encontrar-me no Langham sob o nome de Conde Von Kramm.

- Então lhe enviarei uma linha para informá-lo de como progredimos.

- Faça o favor. Estarei todo aflição.

- E quanto ao dinheiro?

- O senhor tem carta branca.

- Sem restrições?

- Digo-lhe que daria uma das províncias do meu reino para ter aquela fotografia.

- E para as despesas imediatas?

O Rei tirou de sob a capa uma pesada bolsa de camurça e depositou-a sobre a mesa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Há trezentas libras em ouro e setecentas em notas”, disse ele.

Holmes escreveu um recibo numa página de seu caderno e o entregou a ele.

“E o endereço de Mademoiselle?”, perguntou ele.

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

Holmes anotou. “Mais uma pergunta”, disse ele. “A fotografia era do tamanho conhecido como cabinet?”

“Era.”

“Então, boa noite, Majestade. Espero que logo tenhamos boas notícias para lhe dar. Boa noite, Watson”, acrescentou, enquanto a carruagem real descia a rua. “Por favor, venha amanhã às três da tarde. Gostaria de conversar com você sobre este pequeno assunto.”

Original English Version

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

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

“And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked.

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

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

“It was.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Há trezentas libras em ouro e setecentas em notas - disse ele.

Holmes rabiscou um recibo numa folha de seu caderno e entregou-o a ele.

- E o endereço da mademoiselle? - perguntou.

- É Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood.

Holmes tomou nota. - Mais uma pergunta - disse ele. - A fotografia era de formato cabinet?

- Era.

- Então, boa noite, Vossa Majestade, e espero que em breve tenhamos boas notícias para o senhor. E boa noite, Watson - acrescentou, enquanto as rodas da caleça real rolavam rua abaixo. - Se tiver a bondade de aparecer amanhã à tarde, às três horas, eu gostaria de conversar com você sobre este assuntinho.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Às três horas em ponto, eu estava em Baker Street, mas Holmes ainda não havia voltado. A senhoria me disse que ele saíra de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã. Mesmo assim, sentei-me junto ao fogo e esperei por ele, não importava quanto tempo levasse. Eu já estava muito interessado no caso. Ele não apresentava os sinais sombrios e estranhos dos dois crimes sobre os quais eu já havia escrito, mas a natureza do caso e a elevada posição de seu cliente o tornavam especial. Além disso, eu gostava de observar Holmes trabalhando. Era um prazer estudar seu pensamento claro e seu raciocínio rápido. Ele solucionava os mistérios mais difíceis com habilidade, e eu me acostumara tanto com seu sucesso que não conseguia sequer imaginar que pudesse fracassar.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Às três horas em ponto eu estava na Baker Street, mas Holmes ainda não havia retornado. A senhoria informou-me que ele saíra de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã. Sentei-me, contudo, junto ao fogo, com a intenção de esperá-lo, por mais que demorasse. Já estava profundamente interessado em sua investigação, pois, embora não estivesse cercada de nenhum dos traços sombrios e estranhos associados aos dois crimes que já relatei, ainda assim a natureza do caso e a elevada posição de seu cliente conferiam-lhe um caráter próprio. De fato, à parte a natureza da investigação que meu amigo tinha em mãos, havia algo em seu domínio magistral de uma situação e em seu raciocínio agudo e incisivo que tornava um prazer, para mim, estudar seu método de trabalho e acompanhar os processos rápidos e sutis com que ele desemaranhava os mistérios mais inextricáveis. Tão acostumado eu estava a seu invariável sucesso que a própria possibilidade de que ele fracassasse deixara de me passar pela cabeça.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eram quase quatro horas quando a porta se abriu e entrou um homem que parecia um cavalariço bêbado. Estava desalinhado, tinha suíças, o rosto vermelho e roupas surradas. Eu sabia que Holmes era muito hábil em disfarces, mas ainda assim precisei olhar três vezes antes de ter certeza de que era ele. Fez-me um gesto com a cabeça e entrou no quarto. Cinco minutos depois, voltou usando um terno de tweed, novamente com sua aparência respeitável. Enfiou as mãos nos bolsos, esticou as pernas diante do fogo e riu durante vários minutos.

“Ora, ora!”, exclamou. Então engasgou de tanto rir e recomeçou a gargalhar, até ter de se recostar na cadeira, fraco e sem forças.

“O que foi?”

“É engraçado demais. Tenho certeza de que você jamais adivinharia como passei a manhã, nem o que acabei fazendo.”

“Não consigo imaginar. Suponho que tenha observado os hábitos da Srta. Irene Adler e talvez a casa dela.”

Original English Version

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

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

“What is it?”

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Eram quase quatro horas quando a porta se abriu e um cavalariço com ar de bêbado, desalinhado e de suíças, com o rosto avermelhado e roupas maltrapilhas, entrou na sala. Acostumado como estava aos espantosos poderes de meu amigo no uso de disfarces, tive de olhar três vezes antes de ter certeza de que era realmente ele. Com um aceno, sumiu no quarto, de onde emergiu cinco minutos depois, de terno de tweed e com ar respeitável, como antigamente. Enfiando as mãos nos bolsos, esticou as pernas diante do fogo e riu de coração por alguns minutos.

- Ora, francamente! - exclamou; e então engasgou e riu de novo até ser obrigado a recostar-se, mole e sem forças, na cadeira.

- O que foi?

- É engraçado demais. Tenho certeza de que você jamais adivinharia como empreguei a minha manhã, nem o que acabei por fazer.

- Não consigo imaginar. Suponho que tenha estado observando os hábitos, e talvez a casa, da Srta. Irene Adler.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Exatamente, mas o que aconteceu depois foi incomum. Vou lhe contar. Saí de casa pouco depois das oito da manhã, vestido como um cavalariço desempregado. Os homens que trabalham com cavalos são muito amistosos uns com os outros. Se você for um deles, poderá descobrir quase tudo. Logo encontrei Briony Lodge. É uma pequena e bela casa de campo, com um jardim nos fundos. A fachada fica bem junto à rua, e a casa tem dois andares. A porta possui uma fechadura Chubb. À direita há uma ampla sala de estar, muito bem mobiliada, com janelas compridas que chegam quase ao chão e aqueles ridículos fechos ingleses que até uma criança poderia abrir. Nos fundos, não havia nada de especial, exceto que se podia alcançar a janela do corredor pelo alto da cocheira. Dei a volta na casa e a examinei atentamente de todos os lados, mas não encontrei mais nada de interessante.”

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Exatamente; mas o desfecho foi bastante inusitado. Vou lhe contar, no entanto. Saí de casa um pouco depois das oito da manhã de hoje na figura de um cavalariço desempregado. Há uma simpatia e uma maçonaria maravilhosas entre os homens ligados a cavalos. Seja um deles, e você saberá tudo o que há para saber. Logo encontrei Briony Lodge. É uma vila bijou, com um jardim nos fundos, mas construída à frente rente à estrada, dois andares. Fechadura Chubb na porta. Grande sala de estar do lado direito, bem mobiliada, com janelas compridas que quase chegam ao chão, e aqueles ridículos fechos de janela ingleses que até uma criança abriria. Nos fundos não havia nada de notável, salvo que a janela do corredor podia ser alcançada do alto da cocheira. Dei a volta e a examinei de perto por todos os ângulos, mas sem notar nada de outro interesse.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Depois segui pela rua e encontrei, como esperava, um pátio de estábulos numa viela ao lado de um dos muros do jardim. Ajudei os tratadores a escovar os cavalos e, em troca, recebi dois pence, um copo com uma mistura de cerveja e ale, duas porções de fumo shag e todas as informações que desejava sobre a Srta. Adler. Também tive de ouvir histórias sobre muitas outras pessoas da região, embora não me interessassem nem um pouco.”

“E quanto a Irene Adler?”, perguntei.

Original English Version

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

“And what of Irene Adler?” I asked.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Depois vaguei pela rua e descobri, como esperava, que havia uma estrebaria num beco que corre ao lado de um dos muros do jardim. Dei uma mão aos moços de estrebaria a esfregar seus cavalos e recebi em troca dois pences, um copo de half-and-half, dois cachimbos de fumo forte e tantas informações quantas eu poderia desejar sobre a Srta. Adler, sem falar em meia dúzia de outras pessoas da vizinhança pelas quais eu não tinha o menor interesse, mas cujas biografias fui obrigado a ouvir."

- E que há de Irene Adler? - perguntei.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Ah, ela fez todos os homens daquele distrito perderem a cabeça. É a criatura mais bonita que já se viu sob um chapéu, segundo dizem os homens de Serpentine Mews. Vive tranquilamente, canta em concertos, sai para passear de carruagem todos os dias às cinco e volta exatamente às sete para o jantar. Quase nunca sai em outro horário, salvo quando vai cantar. Só recebe a visita de um homem, mas ele vem com frequência. É moreno, bonito e cheio de vivacidade. Nunca aparece menos de uma vez por dia e, muitas vezes, vem duas. É o Sr. Godfrey Norton, do Inner Temple. Você pode perceber a vantagem de ter um cocheiro como amigo. Eles o haviam levado uma dúzia de vezes de Serpentine Mews até sua casa e sabiam tudo a seu respeito. Depois de ouvir tudo o que podiam me contar, voltei a andar de um lado para o outro perto de Briony Lodge, refletindo sobre meu plano.”

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Ah, ela virou a cabeça de todos os homens daquela parte da cidade. É a coisa mais graciosa que já se viu sob um chapéu de senhora neste planeta. Assim dizem os homens da estrebaria de Serpentine, sem exceção. Ela vive tranquilamente, canta em concertos, sai de carro às cinco todos os dias e volta às sete em ponto para o jantar. Raramente sai em outros horários, exceto quando canta. Tem apenas um visitante do sexo masculino, mas esse aparece bastante. É moreno, bonito e elegante, nunca vai vê-la menos de uma vez por dia, e muitas vezes duas. É um Sr. Godfrey Norton, do Inner Temple. Veja as vantagens de um cocheiro como confidente. Eles o haviam levado para casa uma dezena de vezes, saindo de Serpentine-mews, e sabiam tudo a seu respeito. Depois de ouvir tudo o que tinham a contar, comecei a andar de novo para lá e para cá perto de Briony Lodge, e a matutar em meu plano de campanha.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Esse Godfrey Norton era claramente importante. Era advogado, e isso parecia preocupante. Que relação tinha com ela, e por que a visitava com tanta frequência? Ela era sua cliente, sua amiga ou sua amante? Se fosse sua cliente, talvez lhe tivesse confiado a fotografia. Se ele fosse apenas seu amigo, isso seria menos provável. Minha escolha dependia disso. Eu precisava decidir se continuaria trabalhando em Briony Lodge ou se investigaria os aposentos do homem no Temple. Era uma questão difícil, que ampliava o campo de minha investigação. Desculpe-me se esses detalhes o aborrecem, mas preciso lhe mostrar meus pequenos problemas para que possa compreender o caso.

“Estou acompanhando com muita atenção”, respondi.

Eu ainda pensava no assunto quando um cabriolé parou diante de Briony Lodge e um cavalheiro saltou dele. Era muito bonito, moreno, de feições marcantes e usava bigode. Sem dúvida, era o homem de quem eu ouvira falar. Parecia estar com muita pressa. Gritou para o cocheiro esperar e passou pela criada à porta como alguém que conhecia bem a casa.

Original English Version

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

“I am following you closely,” I answered.

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Esse Godfrey Norton era, evidentemente, um fator importante no caso. Era advogado. Isso soava ameaçador. Qual era a relação entre eles, e qual o objetivo de suas repetidas visitas? Era ela sua cliente, sua amiga ou sua amante? No primeiro caso, provavelmente teria transferido a fotografia para a guarda dele. No último, era menos provável. Da resposta a essa pergunta dependia se eu deveria continuar meu trabalho em Briony Lodge ou voltar minha atenção para os aposentos do cavalheiro no Temple. Era um ponto delicado, e alargava o campo de minha investigação. Receio estar aborrecendo você com esses pormenores, mas preciso mostrar-lhe minhas pequenas dificuldades, se quiser que compreenda a situação."

- Estou acompanhando você de perto - respondi.

"Ainda estava sopesando o assunto em minha mente quando um cabriolé de aluguel parou diante de Briony Lodge, e um cavalheiro saltou dele. Era um homem notavelmente bonito, moreno, de nariz aquilino e bigode... evidentemente o homem de quem eu ouvira falar. Parecia estar com muita pressa, gritou ao cocheiro que esperasse e passou apressado pela criada que abriu a porta, com o ar de um homem que se sente completamente em casa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Ele permaneceu na casa por cerca de meia hora. Pelas janelas da sala, eu o via andar de um lado para o outro, falando com agitação e gesticulando. Não consegui vê-la. Então ele saiu, parecendo ainda mais preocupado. Ao entrar no cabriolé, tirou do bolso um relógio de ouro e o examinou atentamente. ‘Dirija como o diabo’, gritou. ‘Primeiro à Gross & Hankey’s, na Regent Street, e depois à Igreja de Santa Mônica, na Edgeware Road. Meia guiné se conseguir fazer isso em vinte minutos!’

Eles partiram, e eu me perguntava se deveria segui-los quando um pequeno landau surgiu pela viela. O cocheiro parecia desleixado, com o casaco abotoado apenas pela metade e a gravata frouxa. Antes que a carruagem parasse por completo, ela saiu correndo pela porta do vestíbulo e entrou. Vi-a apenas por um instante, mas era uma bela mulher, do tipo por quem um homem poderia morrer.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Ficou na casa cerca de meia hora, e eu conseguia entrevê-lo de relance nas janelas da sala de estar, andando de um lado para outro, falando com agitação e agitando os braços. Dela eu não via nada. Pouco depois ele saiu, parecendo ainda mais afobado do que antes. Ao aproximar-se do cabriolé, puxou do bolso um relógio de ouro e olhou-o com atenção. 'Toque como o diabo', gritou, 'primeiro à Gross & Hankey's na Regent Street, e depois à Igreja de St. Monica na Edgeware Road. Meio guinéu se conseguir em vinte minutos!'

"Lá se foram eles, e eu justamente me perguntava se não faria bem em segui-los quando, subindo o beco, veio um belo landau pequeno, o cocheiro com o casaco só metade abotoado e a gravata debaixo da orelha, enquanto todas as pontas de seus arreios se projetavam para fora das fivelas. Mal havia parado quando ela disparou pela porta do saguão e entrou nele. Só a vislumbrei por um instante, mas era uma mulher encantadora, com um rosto pelo qual um homem seria capaz de morrer.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

‘Igreja de Santa Mônica, John’, gritou ela, ‘e meio soberano se chegar lá em vinte minutos.’

Era uma oportunidade boa demais para perder, Watson. Eu ainda decidia se correria atrás deles ou saltaria para a traseira do landau dela quando um cabriolé desceu a rua. O cocheiro me olhou duas vezes, pois eu parecia um passageiro miserável, mas entrei antes que ele pudesse recusar. ‘Igreja de Santa Mônica’, disse eu, ‘e meio soberano se chegar lá em vinte minutos.’ Eram onze e trinta e cinco, e estava claro o que estava acontecendo.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"'À Igreja de St. Monica, John', ela gritou, 'e meio soberano se você chegar lá em vinte minutos.'

"Isso era bom demais para perder, Watson. Eu justamente hesitava entre sair correndo atrás ou empoleirar-me na traseira do landau dela quando um cabriolé veio pela rua. O cocheiro olhou duas vezes para um passageiro tão maltrapilho, mas eu pulei para dentro antes que pudesse objetar. 'À Igreja de St. Monica', disse eu, 'e meio soberano se você chegar lá em vinte minutos.' Faltavam vinte e cinco para o meio-dia e, é claro, estava bastante claro o que se tramava.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Meu cocheiro foi veloz. Acho que nunca viajei tão depressa, mas os outros chegaram antes de nós. Quando cheguei, o cabriolé e o landau já estavam diante da igreja, com os cavalos soltando vapor. Paguei ao homem e corri para dentro. Não havia ninguém ali, além das duas pessoas que eu seguira e de um sacerdote de sobrepeliz, que parecia discutir com elas. Os três estavam reunidos diante do altar. Caminhei pela nave lateral como qualquer homem que tivesse entrado por acaso numa igreja. Então, para minha surpresa, os três junto ao altar se voltaram para mim, e Godfrey Norton correu em minha direção o mais depressa que pôde.

‘Graças a Deus!’, exclamou. ‘Você serve. Venha! Venha!’

‘Para quê?’, perguntei.

“Venha, homem, venha. Só temos três minutos, ou não será legal.”

Original English Version

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

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

“ ‘What then?’ I asked.

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Meu cocheiro dirigiu depressa. Não creio que eu jamais tenha andado mais rápido, mas os outros já estavam lá antes de nós. O cabriolé e o landau, com seus cavalos fumegantes, estavam diante da porta quando cheguei. Paguei ao homem e apressei-me para dentro da igreja. Não havia vivalma ali, salvo os dois a quem eu seguira e um clérigo de sobrepeliz, que parecia estar discutindo com eles. Estavam os três parados num grupinho diante do altar. Vaguei pela nave lateral como qualquer outro desocupado que tivesse entrado numa igreja. De repente, para minha surpresa, os três junto ao altar voltaram-se para mim, e Godfrey Norton veio correndo o mais depressa que podia em minha direção.

"'Graças a Deus', gritou ele. 'O senhor serve. Venha! Venha!'

"'Como assim?', perguntei.

"'Venha, homem, venha, só três minutos, ou não será legal.'

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Fui praticamente arrastado até o altar e, antes de compreender o que estava acontecendo, eu murmurava respostas ao ouvido do sacerdote. Concordava com coisas das quais nada sabia e ajudava a unir Irene Adler, solteira, a Godfrey Norton, solteiro. Tudo aconteceu de uma vez. Então o cavalheiro me agradeceu de um lado, a dama do outro, e o sacerdote sorriu para mim à frente. Foi a situação mais ridícula em que já me vi, e foi a lembrança dela que me fez rir agora há pouco. Parece que havia um problema com a licença de casamento, e o sacerdote se recusava a casá-los sem uma testemunha. Minha chegada repentina poupou o noivo de sair pelas ruas à procura de um padrinho. A noiva me deu um soberano, e pretendo usá-lo na corrente do relógio para recordar a ocasião.”

“Esta é uma mudança muito inesperada”, disse eu. “E o que aconteceu depois?”

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Fui meio arrastado até o altar e, antes que soubesse onde estava, dei por mim balbuciando respostas que me eram sussurradas ao ouvido, atestando coisas de que nada sabia e, de modo geral, auxiliando na segura amarração de Irene Adler, solteira, a Godfrey Norton, solteiro. Tudo foi feito num instante, e lá estava o cavalheiro me agradecendo de um lado e a dama do outro, enquanto o clérigo me sorria radiante de frente. Foi a posição mais ridícula em que já me vi na vida, e foi a lembrança dela que me fez rir há pouco. Parece que havia alguma informalidade na licença deles, que o clérigo se recusava terminantemente a casá-los sem uma testemunha de algum tipo, e que a minha aparição afortunada poupou o noivo de ter de sair pelas ruas em busca de um padrinho. A noiva deu-me um soberano, e pretendo usá-lo na corrente do relógio em lembrança da ocasião."

- Esta é uma virada muito inesperada nos acontecimentos - disse eu. - E depois?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Bem, meus planos agora corriam sério perigo. Parecia possível que o casal partisse imediatamente, e nesse caso eu precisaria agir depressa. Contudo, eles se separaram à porta da igreja. Ele voltou de carruagem para o Temple, e ela foi para sua própria casa. ‘Sairei para passear no parque às cinco, como de costume’, disse ela ao se despedir. Não ouvi mais nada. Eles partiram em direções diferentes, e eu fui embora para preparar meus próprios planos.”

“Quais são?”

“Um pouco de carne fria e um copo de cerveja”, respondeu ele, tocando a campainha. “Estive ocupado demais para pensar em comida, e provavelmente estarei ainda mais ocupado esta noite. A propósito, Doutor, precisarei de sua ajuda.”

“Terei muito prazer em ajudar.”

“Você não se importa de infringir a lei?”

“Nem um pouco.”

“Nem com a possibilidade de ser preso?”

“Não, se for por uma boa causa.”

Original English Version

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

“Which are?”

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

“I shall be delighted.”

“You don’t mind breaking the law?”

“Not in the least.”

“Nor running a chance of arrest?”

“Not in a good cause.”

Tradução Integral em Português

- Bem, vi que meus planos estavam seriamente ameaçados. Parecia que o casal poderia partir de imediato, exigindo assim de mim medidas muito prontas e enérgicas. À porta da igreja, porém, eles se separaram, ele voltando de carro para o Temple, e ela para a própria casa. 'Sairei de carruagem no parque às cinco, como de costume', disse ela ao deixá-lo. Não ouvi mais nada. Eles partiram em direções diferentes, e eu fui tratar de meus próprios preparativos.

- Que são?

- Um pouco de carne fria e um copo de cerveja - respondeu ele, tocando a campainha. - Estive ocupado demais para pensar em comida, e é provável que esteja ainda mais ocupado esta noite. A propósito, Doutor, vou precisar da sua cooperação.

- Terei o maior prazer.

- Você não se importa de infringir a lei?

- De modo algum.

- Nem de correr o risco de ser preso?

- Não, por uma boa causa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Ah, a causa é excelente!”

“Então sou o homem certo para você.”

“Eu sabia que podia contar com você.”

“Mas o que deseja?”

“Quando a Sra. Turner trouxer a bandeja, eu lhe explicarei. Agora”, disse ele, começando rapidamente a comer a refeição simples que nossa senhoria nos servira, “preciso falar enquanto como, pois não tenho muito tempo. Já são quase cinco horas. Daqui a duas horas, devemos estar no lugar onde tudo acontecerá. A Srta. Irene, ou melhor, Madame, voltará de seu passeio às sete. Precisamos estar em Briony Lodge para recebê-la.”

“E depois?”

“Isso você deve deixar por minha conta. Já planejei o que acontecerá. Há apenas uma coisa na qual preciso insistir. Aconteça o que acontecer, você não deve interferir. Entendeu?”

“Então devo ficar de fora?”

Original English Version

“Oh, the cause is excellent!”

“Then I am your man.”

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

“But what is it you wish?”

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

“And what then?”

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

“I am to be neutral?”

Tradução Integral em Português

- Ah, a causa é excelente!

- Então conte comigo.

- Eu tinha certeza de que podia contar com você.

- Mas o que é que você deseja?

- Quando a Sra. Turner tiver trazido a bandeja, eu lhe explico. Agora - disse ele, atirando-se com fome sobre a comida simples que nossa senhoria providenciara - , tenho de discutir enquanto como, pois não disponho de muito tempo. São quase cinco horas. Em duas horas devemos estar no cenário da ação. A Srta. Irene, ou melhor, a Madame, volta de seu passeio às sete. Precisamos estar em Briony Lodge para recebê-la.

- E depois?

- Isso você deve deixar comigo. Já arranjei o que há de acontecer. Há apenas um ponto sobre o qual devo insistir. Você não deve interferir, aconteça o que acontecer. Entendeu?

- Devo permanecer neutro?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Não faça absolutamente nada. É provável que haja uma pequena confusão. Não participe dela. Tudo terminará comigo sendo levado para dentro da casa. Quatro ou cinco minutos depois, a janela da sala se abrirá. Você deverá ficar perto dessa janela aberta.”

Sim.

Você deve me observar. Estarei visível para você.

Sim.

E quando eu levantar a mão - assim - , você jogará para dentro do cômodo o objeto que eu lhe der e, ao mesmo tempo, gritará: “Fogo!” Entendeu claramente?

Perfeitamente.

Não é nada perigoso,

Quero que você mantenha a calma, aproxime-se da janela, observe-me e, quando eu der o sinal, jogue este objeto para dentro. Depois grite: “Fogo!” e espere por mim na esquina.

Exatamente.

Então pode contar comigo plenamente.

Muito bem. Acho que já está quase na hora de eu me preparar para o novo papel que devo representar.

Original English Version

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

“Yes.”

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

“Yes.”

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

“Entirely.”

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

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

“Precisely.”

“Then you may entirely rely on me.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Não fazer absolutamente nada. Provavelmente haverá algum pequeno tumulto. Não se meta nele. Terminará com o meu ser transportado para dentro da casa. Quatro ou cinco minutos depois, a janela da sala de estar se abrirá. Você deve postar-se junto a essa janela aberta.

- Sim.

- Você deve me observar, pois eu estarei visível para você.

- Sim.

- E quando eu erguer a mão... assim... você atirará para dentro da sala aquilo que eu lhe der para atirar e, ao mesmo tempo, dará o grito de "fogo". Está me acompanhando bem?

- Perfeitamente.

- Não é nada muito temível - disse ele, tirando do bolso um rolo comprido em forma de charuto. - É um foguete de fumaça de encanador comum, munido de uma tampa em cada extremidade para torná-lo autoinflamável. Sua tarefa se limita a isso. Quando você der o seu grito de fogo, ele será repetido por um bom número de pessoas. Você poderá então caminhar até o fim da rua, e eu me juntarei a você em dez minutos. Espero ter-me feito claro.

- Devo permanecer neutro, aproximar-me da janela, observá-lo e, ao sinal, atirar este objeto para dentro, depois dar o grito de fogo e esperá-lo na esquina da rua.

- Precisamente.

- Então pode confiar inteiramente em mim.

- Isso é excelente. Creio que, talvez, já esteja quase na hora de me preparar para o novo papel que tenho de representar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Ele entrou no quarto e voltou alguns minutos depois, vestido como um clérigo não conformista bondoso e ingênuo. Seu largo chapéu preto, as calças folgadas, a gravata branca, o sorriso afável e a expressão de atencioso e cordial interesse eram algo que somente o Sr. John Hare conseguiria igualar. Holmes não se limitava a trocar de roupa. Seu rosto, seus modos e até sua maneira de pensar pareciam mudar a cada novo papel. O palco perdeu um excelente ator, e a ciência, um pensador perspicaz, quando ele escolheu dedicar-se ao crime.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Ele desapareceu no quarto e voltou poucos minutos depois na figura de um clérigo dissidente, amável e de espírito simples. Seu largo chapéu preto, suas calças folgadas, sua gravata branca, seu sorriso solidário e o aspecto geral de curiosidade perscrutadora e benevolente eram tais que só o Sr. John Hare poderia igualá-los. Não era apenas que Holmes mudasse de traje. Sua expressão, seus modos, sua própria alma pareciam variar a cada novo papel que assumia. O palco perdeu um grande ator, assim como a ciência perdeu um raciocinador arguto, quando ele se tornou especialista em crime.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Saímos de Baker Street às seis e quinze e chegamos a Serpentine Avenue dez minutos antes das sete. Já estava escuro, e os lampiões eram acesos enquanto caminhávamos de um lado para o outro diante de Briony Lodge, à espera da chegada de sua proprietária. A casa era exatamente como Sherlock Holmes a descrevera, mas a região parecia menos reservada do que eu imaginara. Na verdade, para uma rua pequena num bairro tranquilo, era muito movimentada. Havia um grupo de homens malvestidos fumando e rindo numa esquina, um amolador de facas com sua roda, dois soldados flertando com uma enfermeira e vários rapazes bem-vestidos caminhando de um lado para o outro com charutos na boca.

“Como vê”, disse Holmes enquanto caminhávamos diante da casa, “este casamento facilita as coisas. A fotografia agora é uma arma capaz de ferir os dois lados. É provável que ela não queira que o Sr. Godfrey Norton a veja, assim como nosso cliente não quer que a princesa a veja. Portanto, a questão é: onde podemos encontrar a fotografia?”

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Eram seis e quinze quando deixamos a Baker Street, e ainda faltavam dez minutos para a hora quando nos vimos na Serpentine Avenue. Já era crepúsculo, e os lampiões estavam apenas começando a ser acesos enquanto andávamos de um lado para outro diante de Briony Lodge, à espera da chegada de sua ocupante. A casa era exatamente como eu a imaginara a partir da descrição sucinta de Sherlock Holmes, mas o local parecia menos reservado do que eu esperava. Pelo contrário, para uma pequena rua num bairro tranquilo, estava notavelmente animado. Havia um grupo de homens maltrapilhos fumando e rindo a um canto, um amolador de tesouras com sua roda, dois guardas que flertavam com uma babá e vários rapazes bem-vestidos que vadiavam de um lado para outro com charutos na boca.

- Veja você - observou Holmes, enquanto andávamos para lá e para cá diante da casa - , este casamento simplifica bastante as coisas. A fotografia se torna uma arma de dois gumes agora. As chances são de que ela ficaria tão avessa a que fosse vista pelo Sr. Godfrey Norton quanto nosso cliente está a que ela chegue aos olhos de sua princesa. Ora, a questão é: onde havemos de encontrar a fotografia?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Onde, de fato?”

“É muito improvável que ela a carregue consigo. É do tamanho cabinet, portanto grande demais para ser facilmente escondida no vestido de uma mulher. Ela sabe que o Rei pode mandar detê-la e revistá-la. Já houve duas tentativas desse tipo. Assim, podemos supor que ela não a leva consigo.”

“Onde está, então?”

“Com seu banqueiro ou seu advogado. Esses são os dois lugares possíveis. Mas creio que nenhum dos dois seja o correto. As mulheres geralmente preferem guardar seus segredos consigo mesmas. Por que ela o entregaria a outra pessoa? Poderia confiar em si própria para mantê-lo seguro, mas um profissional poderia ser influenciado por meios indiretos ou políticos. Além disso, lembre-se de que ela planejava usá-lo dentro de poucos dias. Deve estar em algum lugar ao qual possa ter acesso rapidamente. Deve estar em sua própria casa.”

“Mas ela já foi roubada duas vezes.”

“Ora! Eles não sabiam onde procurar.”

Original English Version

“Where, indeed?”

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

“Where, then?”

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

“But it has twice been burgled.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Onde, de fato?

- É muitíssimo improvável que ela a carregue consigo. É de tamanho cabinet. Grande demais para fácil ocultação nas roupas de uma mulher. Ela sabe que o Rei é capaz de mandar emboscá-la e revistá-la. Duas tentativas desse tipo já foram feitas. Podemos concluir, então, que ela não a carrega consigo.

- Onde, então?

- Seu banqueiro ou seu advogado. Há essa dupla possibilidade. Mas estou inclinado a pensar que nem um nem outro. As mulheres são naturalmente reservadas, e gostam de fazer o próprio esconderijo. Por que ela a entregaria a outra pessoa? Podia confiar em sua própria guarda, mas não podia saber que influência indireta ou política poderia recair sobre um homem de negócios. Além disso, lembre-se de que ela resolvera usá-la dentro de poucos dias. Deve estar num lugar onde ela possa lançar-lhe a mão. Deve estar na própria casa dela.

- Mas ela já foi arrombada duas vezes.

- Ora! Eles não sabiam como procurar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Mas como você vai procurar?”

“Não vou procurar.”

“O que fará, então?”

“Farei com que ela me mostre.”

“Mas ela se recusará.”

“Ela não poderá se recusar. Mas ouço o som de rodas. É a carruagem dela. Agora faça exatamente o que eu lhe disser.”

Original English Version

“But how will you look?”

“I will not look.”

“What then?”

“I will get her to show me.”

“But she will refuse.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Mas como você vai procurar?

- Eu não vou procurar.

- E então?

- Vou fazer com que ela me mostre.

- Mas ela vai se recusar.

- Não terá como. Mas ouço o ronco de rodas. É a carruagem dela. Agora cumpra minhas ordens ao pé da letra.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto ele falava, as luzes de uma carruagem apareceram na curva da avenida. Era um pequeno e elegante landau, que chegou ruidosamente à porta de Briony Lodge. Quando parou, um dos desocupados da esquina correu para abrir a porta, esperando receber uma moeda. Outro homem avançou pelo mesmo motivo e o empurrou para o lado. Começou uma briga violenta. Os dois guardas juntaram-se à confusão e tomaram partido de um lado, enquanto o amolador de tesouras ficou com o outro. Então alguém desferiu um golpe. Num instante, a dama, que acabara de descer da carruagem, viu-se cercada por homens que lutavam com punhos e bastões. Holmes correu para protegê-la, mas, ao alcançá-la, soltou um grito e caiu no chão, com sangue escorrendo pelo rosto. Quando ele caiu, os guardas fugiram para um lado e os vadios para outro. Várias pessoas bem-vestidas, que até então apenas observavam, aproximaram-se para ajudar a dama e o homem ferido. Irene Adler, como ainda a chamarei, subiu depressa os degraus, mas parou no alto. Sua bela silhueta se destacava contra as luzes do vestíbulo enquanto ela olhava para a rua.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Enquanto ele falava, o brilho das luzes laterais de uma carruagem contornou a curva da avenida. Era um landau elegante e pequeno que chegou chacoalhando até a porta de Briony Lodge. Quando parou, um dos vadios da esquina lançou-se para a frente a fim de abrir a porta, na esperança de ganhar um cobre, mas foi afastado com uma cotovelada por outro vadio, que se precipitara com a mesma intenção. Irrompeu uma briga violenta, agravada pelos dois guardas, que tomaram partido de um dos desocupados, e pelo amolador de tesouras, que se inflamava com igual ardor do outro lado. Um golpe foi desferido e, num instante, a dama, que descera de sua carruagem, era o centro de um pequeno aglomerado de homens ruborizados e brigões, que se batiam ferozmente uns nos outros com punhos e bengalas. Holmes lançou-se ao meio da multidão para proteger a dama; mas, justamente quando a alcançou, soltou um grito e caiu ao chão, com o sangue escorrendo em abundância pelo rosto. Com a sua queda, os guardas puseram-se em fuga numa direção e os desocupados na outra, enquanto certo número de pessoas mais bem-vestidas, que haviam assistido à rixa sem dela participar, aglomeraram-se para socorrer a dama e cuidar do homem ferido. Irene Adler, como ainda vou chamá-la, subira depressa os degraus; mas parou no alto, com sua figura soberba delineada contra as luzes do saguão, olhando para trás, para a rua.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“O pobre cavalheiro está gravemente ferido?”, perguntou ela.

“Está morto”, gritaram várias vozes.

“Não, não, ele ainda está vivo!”, gritou outra voz. “Mas morrerá antes que consigam levá-lo ao hospital.”

“É um homem corajoso”, disse uma mulher. “Eles teriam levado a bolsa e o relógio da dama se não fosse por ele. Eram uma quadrilha, e das violentas. Ah, agora ele está respirando.”

“Ele não pode ficar na rua. Podemos levá-lo para dentro, senhora?”

“Claro. Levem-no para a sala. Há um sofá confortável. Por aqui, por favor!”

Original English Version

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

“He is dead,” cried several voices.

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- O pobre cavalheiro está muito ferido? - perguntou ela.

- Está morto - gritaram várias vozes.

- Não, não, ainda há vida nele! - bradou outro. - Mas ele partirá antes que consigam levá-lo ao hospital.

- É um sujeito valente - disse uma mulher. - Teriam levado a bolsa e o relógio da dama se não fosse por ele. Eram uma quadrilha, e das brutas. Ah, ele está respirando agora.

- Ele não pode ficar deitado na rua. Podemos levá-lo para dentro, senhora?

- Certamente. Tragam-no para a sala de estar. Há um sofá confortável. Por aqui, por favor!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Lentamente e com muito cuidado, levaram-no para dentro de Briony Lodge e o deitaram na sala principal. Eu continuava observando pela janela. Os lampiões estavam acesos, mas as persianas ainda permaneciam abertas, de modo que eu podia ver Holmes deitado no sofá. Não sei se ele se sentia culpado naquele momento pelo que estava fazendo. Mas sei que nunca me senti tão envergonhado na vida quanto ao ver a encantadora mulher que eu ajudava a enganar e a delicadeza e bondade com que ela cuidava do ferido. Mesmo assim, abandonar agora o papel que Holmes me dera seria a pior das traições. Endureci o coração e tirei o foguete de fumaça de sob o sobretudo. Afinal, pensei, não estamos lhe fazendo mal. Estamos apenas impedindo que ela faça mal a outra pessoa.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Lenta e solenemente, ele foi carregado para dentro de Briony Lodge e estendido no cômodo principal, enquanto eu ainda observava tudo do meu posto junto à janela. Os lampiões haviam sido acesos, mas as cortinas não haviam sido corridas, de modo que eu podia ver Holmes deitado no divã. Não sei se, naquele momento, ele foi tomado de remorso pelo papel que representava, mas sei que nunca me senti mais sinceramente envergonhado de mim mesmo em toda a vida do que ao ver aquela bela criatura contra quem eu conspirava, ou a graça e a bondade com que ela cuidava do homem ferido. E, no entanto, seria a mais negra traição a Holmes recuar agora do papel que ele me confiara. Endureci o coração e tirei o foguete de fumaça de sob meu sobretudo. Afinal, pensei, não estamos ferindo-a. Estamos apenas impedindo-a de ferir outra pessoa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Holmes sentou-se no sofá, e eu o vi fazer um gesto como um homem que precisava de ar. Uma criada atravessou a sala correndo e abriu completamente a janela. No mesmo instante, vi Holmes levantar a mão e, ao sinal, joguei meu foguete para dentro e gritei: “Fogo!” Mal pronunciei a palavra, toda a multidão, ricos e pobres - cavalheiros, ajudantes de estábulo e criadas - começou a gritar: “Fogo!” Uma fumaça espessa tomou o cômodo e saiu pela janela aberta. Vi pessoas correndo de um lado para o outro e, um momento depois, ouvi a voz de Holmes lá dentro, dizendo que era um alarme falso. Esgueirei-me por entre a multidão aos gritos e segui até a esquina. Dez minutos mais tarde, fiquei contente ao sentir o braço de meu amigo junto ao meu e ao deixar para trás a cena ruidosa. Ele caminhou depressa e nada disse durante alguns minutos, até entrarmos numa das ruas tranquilas que levavam à Edgeware Road.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Holmes havia se sentado no divã, e eu o vi fazer o gesto de um homem que precisa de ar. Uma criada correu até lá e escancarou a janela. No mesmo instante, eu o vi erguer a mão e, ao sinal, atirei meu foguete para dentro da sala com um grito de "Fogo!". Mal a palavra saíra de minha boca quando toda a multidão de espectadores, bem-vestidos e maltrapilhos - cavalheiros, moços de estrebaria e criadas - , juntou-se num grito geral de "Fogo!". Grossas nuvens de fumaça enroscavam-se pela sala e saíam pela janela aberta. Vislumbrei figuras em disparada e, um momento depois, a voz de Holmes lá de dentro assegurando a todos que era um alarme falso. Esgueirando-me por entre a multidão que gritava, abri caminho até a esquina da rua e, em dez minutos, tive a alegria de sentir o braço de meu amigo no meu e de me afastar do cenário do alvoroço. Ele caminhou rápido e em silêncio por alguns minutos, até que dobramos numa das ruas tranquilas que levam à Edgeware Road.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Você fez isso muito bem, Doutor”, disse ele. “Nada poderia ter saído melhor. Está tudo certo.”

“Você está com a fotografia?”

“Sei onde ela está.”

“E como descobriu?”

“Ela me mostrou, exatamente como eu disse que faria.”

“Ainda não entendo.”

- Não quero fazer disso um mistério - disse ele, rindo. - Foi muito simples. É claro que você percebeu que todos na rua estavam me ajudando. Todos haviam sido contratados para aquela noite.

- Eu imaginei.

- Então, quando começou a confusão, eu tinha na mão um pouco de tinta vermelha molhada. Corri para a frente, caí, levei a mão ao rosto e fiz parecer que estava gravemente ferido. É um truque antigo.

- Isso também consegui entender.

- Então me levaram para dentro. Ela teve de permitir minha entrada. O que mais poderia fazer? E me levaram para a sala de estar, justamente o cômodo de que eu suspeitava. Tinha de ser naquela sala ou no quarto dela, e eu queria descobrir em qual dos dois. Deitaram-me num sofá. Pedi ar, por isso tiveram de abrir a janela, e então você teve sua oportunidade.

Original English Version

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

“You have the photograph?”

“I know where it is.”

“And how did you find out?”

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

“I am still in the dark.”

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

“I guessed as much.”

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

“That also I could fathom.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Você fez tudo muito bem, Doutor - observou ele. - Nada poderia ter sido melhor. Está tudo em ordem.

- Você está com a fotografia?

- Sei onde ela está.

- E como descobriu?

- Ela me mostrou, como eu lhe disse que faria.

- Ainda estou no escuro.

- Não quero fazer disto um mistério - disse ele, rindo. - O assunto foi perfeitamente simples. Você, é claro, percebeu que todos na rua eram cúmplices. Estavam todos contratados para a noite.

- Eu já imaginava isso.

- Então, quando a briga irrompeu, eu tinha um pouco de tinta vermelha úmida na palma da mão. Precipitei-me para a frente, caí, levei a mão ao rosto e me tornei um espetáculo digno de pena. É um truque antigo.

- Isso também eu pude entender.

- Então me carregaram para dentro. Ela não teve como não me acolher. Que outra coisa poderia fazer? E para a sua sala de estar, que era justamente o cômodo de que eu suspeitava. A fotografia ficava entre essa sala e o quarto dela, e eu estava decidido a descobrir em qual dos dois. Deitaram-me num divã, fiz sinal pedindo ar, foram obrigados a abrir a janela, e você teve a sua chance.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- E como isso o ajudou?

Original English Version

“How did that help you?”

Tradução Integral em Português

- Como isso o ajudou?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Foi muito importante. Quando uma mulher pensa que sua casa está pegando fogo, costuma correr imediatamente para aquilo que mais valoriza. É um impulso muito forte, e já recorri a ele muitas vezes. Ajudou-me no Escândalo da Substituição de Darlington e também no caso do Castelo de Arnsworth. Uma mulher casada agarra o bebê; uma solteira procura o porta-joias. Assim, eu sabia que a dama de hoje não possuía na casa nada mais valioso do que aquilo que buscávamos. Ela correria para salvá-lo. O alarme de incêndio funcionou muito bem. A fumaça e os gritos bastariam para abalar até os nervos mais firmes. Ela reagiu exatamente como eu esperava. A fotografia está num esconderijo atrás de um painel deslizante, logo acima do cordão da campainha à direita. Ela foi direto até lá, e consegui vê-la por um instante quando a puxou até a metade. Quando gritei que era apenas um alarme falso, ela tornou a guardá-la, olhou para o foguete, saiu correndo da sala e não a vi mais desde então. Levantei-me e deixei a casa, apresentando minhas desculpas. Pensei em tentar pegar a fotografia naquele mesmo instante, mas o cocheiro havia entrado e me observava atentamente, por isso pareceu mais seguro esperar. Um pouco de pressa a mais pode arruinar tudo.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Foi de suma importância. Quando uma mulher pensa que sua casa está pegando fogo, seu instinto é, no mesmo instante, correr para aquilo que mais valoriza. É um impulso perfeitamente avassalador, e mais de uma vez me aproveitei dele. No caso do Escândalo da Substituição de Darlington ele me foi útil, e também no caso do Castelo de Arnsworth. Uma mulher casada agarra o filho; uma solteira, o estojo de joias. Ora, estava claro para mim que nossa dama de hoje nada tinha em casa mais precioso do que aquilo que buscamos. Ela correria para pô-lo a salvo. O alarme de incêndio foi admiravelmente executado. A fumaça e a gritaria eram suficientes para abalar nervos de aço. Ela reagiu lindamente. A fotografia está num nicho atrás de um painel deslizante, logo acima do cordão de campainha da direita. Ela esteve lá num instante, e eu a vislumbrei quando a puxou pela metade para fora. Quando gritei que era um alarme falso, ela a recolocou, deu uma olhada no foguete, saiu correndo da sala, e não a vi mais desde então. Levantei-me e, dando minhas desculpas, escapei da casa. Hesitei se tentaria assegurar a fotografia de imediato; mas o cocheiro havia entrado e, como me observava atentamente, pareceu mais seguro esperar. Um pouco de precipitação em excesso pode arruinar tudo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- E agora? - perguntei.

- Nossa busca está quase concluída. Amanhã irei até lá com o rei, e com você também, se quiser vir. Seremos conduzidos à sala de estar para aguardar a dama, mas, quando ela chegar, talvez descubra que nem nós nem a fotografia estamos lá. Talvez agrade a Sua Majestade recuperá-la com as próprias mãos.

- E a que horas você irá?

- Às oito da manhã. Ela ainda estará na cama, portanto não teremos dificuldade. Além disso, precisamos ser rápidos, pois esse casamento pode mudar completamente sua vida e seus hábitos. Tenho de mandar imediatamente um telegrama ao rei.

Havíamos chegado à Baker Street e parado diante da porta. Ele procurava a chave nos bolsos quando alguém que passava disse:

- Boa noite, senhor Sherlock Holmes.

Havia várias pessoas na calçada naquele momento, mas a saudação pareceu vir de um jovem esbelto, vestido com um sobretudo, que passou apressado.

Original English Version

“And now?” I asked.

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

“And when will you call?”

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

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

“Good night, Mister Sherlock Holmes.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- E agora? - perguntei.

- Nossa missão está praticamente concluída. Amanhã aparecerei com o Rei, e com você, se quiser nos acompanhar. Seremos conduzidos à sala de estar para esperar a dama, mas é provável que, quando ela chegar, não encontre nem a nós nem a fotografia. Poderá ser uma satisfação para Sua Majestade recuperá-la com as próprias mãos.

- E quando você irá?

- Às oito da manhã. Ela ainda não estará de pé, de modo que teremos o campo livre. Além disso, precisamos ser rápidos, pois esse casamento pode significar uma mudança completa na vida e nos hábitos dela. Preciso telegrafar ao Rei sem demora.

Havíamos chegado à Baker Street e parado diante da porta. Ele revistava os bolsos à procura da chave quando alguém que passava disse:

- Boa noite, Senhor Sherlock Holmes.

Havia várias pessoas na calçada naquele momento, mas a saudação pareceu vir de um jovem esguio, de sobretudo, que passara apressado.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Já ouvi essa voz antes - disse Holmes, olhando para a rua mal iluminada. - Agora me pergunto quem poderia ter sido.

Dormi em Baker Street naquela noite e, pela manhã, estávamos comendo torradas e tomando café quando o rei da Boêmia entrou impetuosamente na sala.

- O senhor realmente a conseguiu! - exclamou. Segurou Sherlock Holmes pelos dois ombros e fitou-lhe o rosto com ansiedade.

- Ainda não.

- Mas tem esperança?

- Tenho esperança.

- Então venha. Estou ansioso para partir.

- Precisamos de um cabriolé.

- Não, minha carruagem está esperando.

- Então isso facilitará as coisas. - Descemos e partimos mais uma vez para Briony Lodge.

- Irene Adler se casou - disse Holmes.

- Casou-se! Quando?

- Ontem.

- Mas com quem?

- Com um advogado inglês chamado Norton.

- Mas ela não poderia amá-lo.

- Espero que ame.

- E por que espera isso?

- Porque, nesse caso, Vossa Majestade não teria motivo para temer problemas futuros. Se a dama ama o marido, não ama Vossa Majestade. Se não ama Vossa Majestade, não há razão para impedir os planos de Vossa Majestade.

Original English Version

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

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

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

“Not yet.”

“But you have hopes?”

“I have hopes.”

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

“We must have a cab.”

“No, my brougham is waiting.”

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

“Irene Adler is married,” remarked Holmes.

“Married! When?”

“Yesterday.”

“But to whom?”

“To an English lawyer named Norton.”

“But she could not love him.”

“I am in hopes that she does.”

“And why in hopes?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Já ouvi essa voz antes - disse Holmes, olhando fixamente rua abaixo, na penumbra. - Ora, quem diabos poderia ter sido.

Dormi na Baker Street naquela noite, e estávamos ocupados com nossas torradas e café pela manhã quando o Rei da Boêmia irrompeu na sala.

- O senhor conseguiu de fato! - exclamou, agarrando Sherlock Holmes por ambos os ombros e fitando-lhe ansiosamente o rosto.

- Ainda não.

- Mas tem esperanças?

- Tenho esperanças.

- Então venha. Estou impaciente para partir.

- Precisamos de um cabriolé.

- Não, minha caleça está esperando.

- Então isso simplifica as coisas. - Descemos e partimos mais uma vez rumo a Briony Lodge.

- Irene Adler está casada - observou Holmes.

- Casada! Quando?

- Ontem.

- Mas com quem?

- Com um advogado inglês chamado Norton.

- Mas ela não poderia amá-lo.

- Tenho esperanças de que o ame.

- E por que esperanças?

- Porque isso pouparia Vossa Majestade de todo temor de aborrecimentos futuros. Se a dama ama o marido, ela não ama Vossa Majestade. Se não ama Vossa Majestade, não há razão para que ela interfira no plano de Vossa Majestade.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Isso é verdade. E, no entanto...! Bem, gostaria que ela tivesse nascido em minha própria classe! Que rainha teria sido! - Depois disso, ficou calado e pensativo, e nada interrompeu seu estado de espírito até chegarmos à Serpentine Avenue.

A porta de Briony Lodge estava aberta, e uma mulher mais velha permanecia nos degraus. Ela nos observou com um olhar duro e zombeteiro enquanto descíamos da carruagem.

- Sr. Sherlock Holmes, suponho? - disse ela.

- Sou o Sr. Holmes - respondeu meu companheiro, olhando para ela com uma expressão interrogativa e bastante surpresa.

- Pois bem! Minha patroa me disse que o senhor talvez viesse. Ela partiu esta manhã com o marido, no trem das cinco e quinze de Charing Cross para o continente.

- O quê! - Sherlock Holmes recuou, pálido de decepção e surpresa. - Quer dizer que ela deixou a Inglaterra?

- Para nunca mais voltar.

- E os documentos? - perguntou o rei com voz áspera. - Tudo está perdido.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Never to return.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- É verdade. E, no entanto...! Pois é! Quem me dera que ela fosse de minha própria condição! Que rainha ela teria dado! - Recaiu num silêncio taciturno, que não se quebrou até pararmos na Serpentine Avenue.

A porta de Briony Lodge estava aberta, e uma mulher idosa estava de pé nos degraus. Ela nos observou com um olhar sardônico enquanto descíamos da caleça.

- O Sr. Sherlock Holmes, presumo? - disse ela.

- Eu sou o Sr. Holmes - respondeu meu companheiro, olhando-a com um olhar interrogativo e bastante surpreso.

- Ora! Minha patroa me disse que era provável que o senhor viesse. Ela partiu esta manhã com o marido no trem das 5h15 de Charing Cross, rumo ao Continente.

- Quê! - Sherlock Holmes cambaleou para trás, branco de desgosto e surpresa. - Quer dizer que ela deixou a Inglaterra?

- Para nunca mais voltar.

- E os documentos? - perguntou o Rei, com voz rouca. - Está tudo perdido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Veremos. - Ele passou pela criada e entrou depressa na sala de visitas, seguido pelo rei e por mim. Os móveis estavam espalhados por toda parte, com prateleiras quebradas e gavetas abertas, como se a dama as tivesse revistado às pressas antes de fugir. Holmes correu até o cordão da campainha, arrancou uma pequena tampa deslizante e enfiou a mão no interior. Retirou uma fotografia e uma carta. A fotografia mostrava Irene Adler em traje de noite. A carta estava endereçada ao “Sr. Sherlock Holmes. A ser guardada até que seja procurada”. Meu amigo abriu-a imediatamente, e nós três a lemos juntos. Trazia a data da meia-noite anterior e dizia o seguinte:

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Veremos. - Ele passou depressa pela criada e precipitou-se para dentro da sala de visitas, seguido pelo Rei e por mim. A mobília estava espalhada em todas as direções, com prateleiras desmontadas e gavetas abertas, como se a dama as tivesse vasculhado às pressas antes de sua fuga. Holmes lançou-se ao cordão de campainha, arrancou para trás um pequeno painel deslizante e, enfiando a mão, retirou uma fotografia e uma carta. A fotografia era da própria Irene Adler em traje de noite, e a carta trazia o sobrescrito: "Para Sherlock Holmes, Esq. A ser guardada até ser reclamada." Meu amigo rasgou o envelope, e nós três a lemos juntos. Estava datada da meia-noite da noite anterior e dizia o seguinte:

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Meu caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes - O senhor realmente se saiu muito bem. Enganou-me por completo. Até o alarme de incêndio, eu não desconfiava de nada. Mas então percebi que havia me traído e comecei a pensar. Meses atrás, haviam me alertado a seu respeito. Disseram-me que, se o rei recorresse a um agente, certamente seria o senhor. Também me deram seu endereço. Ainda assim, o senhor conseguiu que eu lhe revelasse o que desejava saber. Mesmo depois de começar a desconfiar, tive dificuldade em pensar mal de um velho clérigo tão bondoso. Mas fui treinada como atriz. Roupas masculinas não são novidade para mim. Costumo aproveitar a liberdade que elas proporcionam. Mandei John, o cocheiro, vigiá-lo, corri para o andar de cima, vesti minhas roupas de passeio, como costumo chamá-las, e desci no exato momento em que o senhor saía.

“Então o segui até sua porta e confirmei que eu realmente despertava o interesse do famoso Sr. Sherlock Holmes. Depois, talvez com excessiva imprudência, desejei-lhe boa noite e parti para o Temple a fim de encontrar meu marido.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Meu caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes - o senhor realmente se saiu muito bem. Enganou-me por completo. Até depois do alarme de incêndio, eu não tinha nenhuma suspeita. Mas então, quando percebi como havia me traído, comecei a pensar. Eu fora advertida contra o senhor meses atrás. Haviam me dito que, se o Rei empregasse um agente, seria certamente o senhor. E seu endereço me fora fornecido. Contudo, apesar de tudo isso, o senhor me fez revelar o que queria saber. Mesmo depois de me tornar desconfiada, achei difícil pensar mal de um clérigo tão querido, gentil e idoso. Mas, sabe, eu também fui treinada como atriz. O traje masculino não é novidade para mim. Muitas vezes me aproveito da liberdade que ele proporciona. Mandei John, o cocheiro, vigiá-lo, corri escada acima, vesti minhas roupas de passeio, como as chamo, e desci justamente quando o senhor partia.

"Pois bem, segui-o até sua porta, certificando-me assim de que eu era realmente um objeto de interesse para o célebre Sr. Sherlock Holmes. Então, um tanto imprudentemente, desejei-lhe boa noite e parti para o Temple, a fim de ver meu marido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Nós dois pensamos que o melhor plano seria fugir, uma vez que estávamos sendo perseguidos por um inimigo tão perigoso. Portanto, quando vier amanhã, encontrará o ninho vazio. Quanto à fotografia, seu cliente pode ficar tranquilo. Amo e sou amada por um homem melhor do que ele. O rei pode fazer o que quiser, sem qualquer impedimento da pessoa a quem tratou tão mal. Guardo a fotografia apenas para me proteger e conservar um recurso que sempre o impedirá de tomar qualquer medida futura contra mim. Deixo uma fotografia que talvez ele deseje possuir e permaneço, caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes,

“Muito sinceramente sua,

“Irene Norton, nascida Adler.”

- Que mulher... ah, que mulher! - exclamou o rei da Boêmia depois que todos lemos a carta. - Eu não lhes disse como ela era perspicaz e determinada? Não teria sido uma excelente rainha? Não é uma pena que não fosse minha igual?

Original English Version

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

“Very truly yours,

“Irene Norton, née Adler.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Ambos julgamos que o melhor recurso era a fuga, ao sermos perseguidos por um antagonista tão formidável; de modo que o senhor encontrará o ninho vazio quando aparecer amanhã. Quanto à fotografia, seu cliente pode ficar em paz. Amo e sou amada por um homem melhor do que ele. O Rei pode fazer o que bem quiser, sem estorvo por parte de alguém a quem ele cruelmente injustiçou. Eu a guardo apenas para me proteger e para preservar uma arma que sempre me garantirá contra quaisquer medidas que ele possa tomar no futuro. Deixo uma fotografia que talvez ele goste de possuir; e permaneço, caro Sr. Sherlock Holmes,

"Muito atenciosamente,

"Irene Norton, née Adler."

- Que mulher... ah, que mulher! - exclamou o Rei da Boêmia, depois que nós três lemos aquela epístola. - Não lhe disse como ela era rápida e resoluta? Não teria dado uma rainha admirável? Não é uma pena que ela não estivesse à minha altura?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Pelo que vi da dama, ela parece estar muito acima de Vossa Majestade - disse Holmes friamente. - Lamento não ter conseguido dar um desfecho mais bem-sucedido ao assunto de Vossa Majestade.

- Pelo contrário, meu caro senhor - exclamou o rei - , nada poderia ter sido mais bem-sucedido. Sei que se pode confiar na palavra dela. A fotografia agora está tão segura quanto se tivesse sido queimada.

- Fico satisfeito em ouvir Vossa Majestade dizer isso.

- Sou-lhe muito grato. Diga-me, por favor, como posso recompensá-lo. Este anel... - Tirou do dedo um anel de esmeralda em forma de serpente e o estendeu na palma da mão.

- Vossa Majestade possui algo que eu estimaria ainda mais - disse Holmes.

- Basta dizer o que é.

- Esta fotografia!

O rei olhou para ele com enorme surpresa.

- A fotografia de Irene! - disse. - É claro, se a deseja.

- Obrigado, Vossa Majestade. Então não há mais nada a fazer. Tenho a honra de lhe desejar um ótimo dia. - Fez uma reverência e virou-se, sem reparar na mão que o rei lhe estendia. Em seguida, partiu comigo para seus aposentos.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

“You have but to name it.”

“This photograph!”

The King stared at him in amazement.

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Pelo que vi da dama, ela parece, de fato, estar num nível muito diferente do de Vossa Majestade - disse Holmes friamente. - Lamento não ter conseguido conduzir o assunto de Vossa Majestade a uma conclusão mais bem-sucedida.

- Pelo contrário, meu caro senhor - exclamou o Rei - , nada poderia ter sido mais bem-sucedido. Sei que a palavra dela é inviolável. A fotografia está agora tão segura como se estivesse no fogo.

- Alegra-me ouvir Vossa Majestade dizer isso.

- Estou imensamente em dívida com o senhor. Faça o favor de me dizer de que maneira posso recompensá-lo. Este anel... - Retirou do dedo um anel em forma de serpente de esmeralda e ofereceu-o na palma da mão.

- Vossa Majestade tem algo que eu valorizaria ainda mais - disse Holmes.

- Basta o senhor nomeá-lo.

- Esta fotografia!

O Rei fitou-o, atônito.

- A fotografia de Irene! - exclamou. - Certamente, se o senhor a deseja.

- Agradeço a Vossa Majestade. Então não há mais nada a ser feito neste assunto. Tenho a honra de desejar-lhe um bom dia. - Fez uma reverência e, virando-se sem notar a mão que o Rei lhe estendera, partiu em minha companhia rumo a seus aposentos.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Foi assim que um grande escândalo quase afetou o reino da Boêmia e que o Sr. Sherlock Holmes foi vencido pela inteligência de uma mulher. Ele costumava zombar da inteligência feminina, mas ultimamente não o tenho ouvido fazer isso. Quando fala de Irene Adler, ou da fotografia dela, sempre usa as palavras respeitosas: “a mulher”.

A Liga dos Ruivos

Original English Version

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

The Redheaded League

Tradução Integral em Português

E foi assim que um grande escândalo ameaçou afetar o reino da Boêmia, e como os melhores planos do Sr. Sherlock Holmes foram derrotados pela argúcia de uma mulher. Ele costumava zombar da inteligência das mulheres, mas não o tenho ouvido fazê-lo ultimamente. E, quando fala de Irene Adler, ou quando se refere à fotografia dela, é sempre sob o honroso título de a mulher.

A Liga dos Ruivos

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Red-Headed League

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Certo dia, no outono do ano passado, visitei meu amigo, o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, e o encontrei conversando atentamente com um senhor idoso muito gordo, de rosto vermelho e cabelos de um ruivo vivo. Pedi desculpas por entrar e estava prestes a sair, mas Holmes de repente me puxou para dentro da sala e fechou a porta atrás de mim.

- Você não poderia ter vindo em melhor hora, meu caro Watson - disse ele calorosamente.

- Receei que estivesse ocupado.

- Estou. Muito ocupado.

- Então posso esperar na sala ao lado.

- De modo algum. Este cavalheiro, o Sr. Wilson, tem sido meu parceiro e auxiliar em muitos de meus casos mais bem-sucedidos, e tenho certeza de que também me será muito útil no seu.

O cavalheiro corpulento ergueu-se parcialmente e cumprimentou-me com um gesto de cabeça. Lançou-me um rápido olhar interrogativo com seus olhos pequenos, quase escondidos pela gordura.

Original English Version

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

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

“I was afraid that you were engaged.”

“So I am. Very much so.”

“Then I can wait in the next room.”

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Eu havia procurado meu amigo, o Sr. Sherlock Holmes, num certo dia do outono do ano passado e o encontrei em profunda conversa com um cavalheiro idoso, muito corpulento e de rosto corado, dono de uma cabeleira ruiva e flamejante. Pedindo desculpas pela intromissão, eu já me preparava para me retirar quando Holmes me puxou bruscamente para dentro da sala e fechou a porta atrás de mim.

- Você não poderia ter chegado em melhor hora, meu caro Watson - disse ele, cordialmente.

- Temi que você estivesse ocupado.

- E estou. E muito.

- Então posso esperar na sala ao lado.

- De modo algum. Este cavalheiro, o Sr. Wilson, tem sido meu parceiro e auxiliar em muitos dos meus casos mais bem-sucedidos, e não tenho a menor dúvida de que ele será da máxima utilidade também no seu.

O cavalheiro corpulento ergueu-se pela metade da cadeira e fez uma pequena mesura de cumprimento, lançando-me um olhar rápido e interrogativo de seus olhinhos afundados na gordura.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Sente-se no sofá - disse Holmes. Recostou-se na poltrona e uniu as pontas dos dedos, como costumava fazer quando pensava com atenção. - Meu caro Watson, sei que você aprecia coisas estranhas e acontecimentos fora da vida comum. Demonstrou isso na maneira entusiasmada como escreveu sobre minhas pequenas aventuras e, se me permite dizer, às vezes fez com que parecessem um pouco maiores.

- Seus casos sempre foram muito interessantes para mim - respondi.

- Você deve se lembrar de que eu disse outro dia, pouco antes de começarmos o caso muito simples da senhorita Mary Sutherland, que, se quisermos resultados estranhos e combinações incomuns, devemos observar a própria vida. A vida é sempre mais ousada do que qualquer coisa que a imaginação possa criar.

- Uma afirmação da qual me senti livre para duvidar.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Experimente o sofá - disse Holmes, deixando-se afundar novamente em sua poltrona e unindo as pontas dos dedos, como era seu costume nos momentos de reflexão judiciosa. - Sei, meu caro Watson, que você compartilha do meu gosto por tudo aquilo que é bizarro e que foge às convenções e à rotina monótona da vida cotidiana. Você demonstrou esse deleite pelo entusiasmo que o levou a registrar por escrito, e, se me permite dizê-lo, a enfeitar um tanto tantas das minhas pequenas aventuras.

- Seus casos realmente me despertaram o maior interesse - observei.

- Você há de lembrar que comentei outro dia, pouco antes de nos debruçarmos sobre o problema tão simples apresentado pela Srta. Mary Sutherland, que, para efeitos estranhos e combinações extraordinárias, devemos recorrer à própria vida, que é sempre muito mais audaciosa do que qualquer esforço da imaginação.

- Uma proposição que tomei a liberdade de pôr em dúvida.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Você duvidou, doutor, mas ainda terá de aceitar meu ponto de vista. Caso contrário, continuarei apresentando-lhe fato após fato, até que sua razão ceda e você admita que estou certo. O Sr. Jabez Wilson veio me procurar esta manhã e começou a contar uma história que promete ser uma das mais incomuns que ouvi em muito tempo. Já disse antes que os casos mais estranhos e singulares muitas vezes estão ligados não a grandes crimes, mas a pequenos, e às vezes nem sequer está claro se algum crime realmente ocorreu. Pelo que ouvi até agora, não posso dizer se isto é um crime, mas os acontecimentos certamente estão entre os mais estranhos de que já tive notícia. Talvez o senhor, Sr. Wilson, pudesse fazer a gentileza de recomeçar sua história. Peço isso não só porque meu amigo, o Dr. Watson, não ouviu a primeira parte, mas também porque a natureza incomum do relato me faz querer conhecer cada detalhe. Em geral, depois de ouvir uma pequena parte de um caso, consigo compará-lo a muitos outros semelhantes de que me recordo. Neste caso, devo admitir que, até onde posso perceber, os fatos são únicos.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Você duvidou, doutor, mas ainda assim terá de render-se à minha opinião, pois, do contrário, continuarei a lhe empilhar fato sobre fato até que sua razão sucumba sob o peso deles e reconheça que estou certo. Ora, o Sr. Jabez Wilson, aqui presente, teve a bondade de me visitar esta manhã e de começar a narrar uma história que promete ser uma das mais singulares que ouvi em muito tempo. Você já me ouviu observar que as coisas mais estranhas e mais únicas estão amiúde ligadas não aos grandes crimes, mas aos menores, e ocasionalmente, aliás, aos casos em que há motivo para duvidar se algum crime chegou de fato a ser cometido. Pelo que ouvi até agora, é-me impossível dizer se o presente caso é um exemplo de crime ou não, mas o curso dos acontecimentos é decerto um dos mais singulares que já tive ocasião de escutar. Talvez, Sr. Wilson, o senhor tenha a grande bondade de recomeçar sua narrativa. Peço-lhe isso não apenas porque meu amigo, o Dr. Watson, não ouviu a parte inicial, mas também porque a natureza peculiar da história me deixa ansioso por colher de seus lábios cada detalhe possível. Em regra, quando ouço algum leve indício do curso dos acontecimentos, sou capaz de me guiar pelos milhares de outros casos semelhantes que me acodem à memória. No presente caso, sou forçado a admitir que os fatos são, tanto quanto acredito, sem precedentes.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O corpulento cliente estufou o peito com um pouco de orgulho e tirou do bolso interno do sobretudo um jornal sujo e amarrotado. Procurou na coluna de anúncios, inclinado para a frente, com o jornal aberto sobre o joelho. Observei-o atentamente e tentei, como meu companheiro, descobrir o que pudesse por suas roupas e aparência.

Não aprendi muito ao observá-lo. Nosso visitante parecia um homem de negócios britânico comum: gordo, orgulhoso e lento. Vestia calças largas de tecido xadrez cinza, uma sobrecasaca preta não muito limpa e aberta na frente, além de um colete sem brilho, com uma corrente grossa e lustrosa da qual pendia, como enfeite, uma pequena peça quadrada de metal. Uma cartola gasta e um sobretudo marrom desbotado, de gola de veludo amarrotada, estavam sobre uma cadeira ao lado dele. Por mais atentamente que eu olhasse, nada havia de incomum nele, exceto os cabelos ruivos e vivos e a expressão profundamente irritada e infeliz em seu rosto.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

O corpulento cliente estufou o peito com um ar de leve orgulho e puxou um jornal sujo e amarrotado do bolso interno do sobretudo. Enquanto percorria a coluna de anúncios com os olhos, a cabeça projetada para a frente e o jornal aberto sobre o joelho, examinei bem o homem e procurei, à maneira do meu companheiro, ler os indícios que suas roupas ou sua aparência pudessem oferecer.

Pouco ganhei, contudo, com minha inspeção. Nosso visitante tinha todas as marcas de um comerciante britânico comum e medíocre - obeso, pomposo e lerdo. Vestia calças cinzentas de xadrez miúdo, um tanto folgadas, uma sobrecasaca preta pouco limpa, desabotoada na frente, e um colete pardo do qual pendia uma pesada corrente de relógio, dourada e vistosa, com um pedaço quadrado de metal furado balançando à guisa de enfeite. Uma cartola puída e um sobretudo marrom desbotado, de gola de veludo enrugada, jaziam numa cadeira ao seu lado. Ao todo, por mais que eu procurasse, nada havia de notável naquele homem, salvo a cabeleira de um vermelho ardente e a expressão de extremo desgosto e descontentamento em suas feições.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Sherlock Holmes percebeu depressa o que eu fazia e sorriu, balançando a cabeça ao notar meus olhares interrogativos. - Não consigo deduzir mais do que isto: em algum momento ele realizou trabalho braçal, usa rapé, é maçom, esteve na China e, ultimamente, tem escrito muito.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson endireitou-se na cadeira, mantendo um dedo sobre o jornal e os olhos fixos em meu companheiro.

- Como diabos soube de tudo isso, Sr. Holmes? - perguntou. - Como soube, por exemplo, que realizei trabalho braçal? Isso é absolutamente verdade, pois comecei como carpinteiro naval.

- Suas mãos, meu caro senhor. A direita é muito maior do que a esquerda. O senhor a utilizou no trabalho, por isso os músculos são mais fortes.

- Bem, e quanto ao rapé e à maçonaria?

- Não insultarei sua inteligência explicando isso, sobretudo porque o senhor usa um broche com esquadro e compasso, contrariando as regras rigorosas de sua ordem.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

O olhar arguto de Sherlock Holmes percebeu o que eu fazia e ele sacudiu a cabeça com um sorriso ao notar meus olhares indagadores. - Além dos fatos óbvios de que ele em algum momento fez trabalho braçal, de que usa rapé, de que é maçom, de que esteve na China e de que andou escrevendo bastante ultimamente, não consigo deduzir mais nada.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson deu um salto na cadeira, o dedo indicador ainda sobre o jornal, mas os olhos fixos no meu companheiro.

- Como, em nome de toda a sorte, o senhor soube de tudo isso, Sr. Holmes? - perguntou ele. - Como soube, por exemplo, que fiz trabalho braçal? É a mais pura verdade, pois comecei como carpinteiro de navio.

- Suas mãos, meu caro senhor. Sua mão direita é bem maior que a esquerda. O senhor trabalhou com ela, e os músculos estão mais desenvolvidos.

- Bem, e o rapé, então, e a maçonaria?

- Não insultarei sua inteligência dizendo-lhe como deduzi isso, sobretudo porque, em desacordo com as regras estritas de sua ordem, o senhor usa um alfinete de gravata com o arco e o compasso.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Ah, é claro, eu havia me esquecido disso. Mas e a escrita?

- O que mais poderia indicar esse punho direito, lustroso numa extensão de doze centímetros, e o esquerdo com a parte lisa perto do cotovelo, onde o senhor o apoia na escrivaninha?

- Está bem, mas e a China?

- O peixe tatuado logo acima de seu pulso direito só poderia ter sido feito na China. Estudei marcas de tatuagem e até escrevi sobre elas. Aquele modo de colorir as escamas do peixe num rosa suave é muito particular da China. Quando também vejo uma moeda chinesa na corrente de seu relógio, a resposta se torna ainda mais fácil.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson soltou uma sonora gargalhada. - Ora essa! - disse. - A princípio, pensei que o senhor tivesse feito algo muito inteligente, mas agora vejo que, afinal, não havia nada de extraordinário.

- Começo a pensar, Watson - disse Holmes - , que estou cometendo um erro ao dar explicações. “Omne ignotum pro magnifico”, como você sabe, e minha pobre reputação sofrerá se eu for franco demais. Consegue encontrar o anúncio, Sr. Wilson?

Original English Version

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

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

“Well, but China?”

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Ah, é claro, tinha esquecido disso. Mas a escrita?

- Que outra coisa se poderia inferir daquele punho direito tão lustroso ao longo de bons doze centímetros, e do esquerdo com a parte lisa e gasta junto ao cotovelo, onde o senhor o apoia na mesa?

- Bem, mas e a China?

- O peixe que o senhor tem tatuado logo acima do pulso direito só poderia ter sido feito na China. Fiz um pequeno estudo das marcas de tatuagem e cheguei até a contribuir para a literatura sobre o assunto. Esse truque de tingir as escamas dos peixes de um rosa delicado é peculiar à China. E quando, além disso, vejo uma moeda chinesa pendurada na corrente do seu relógio, o assunto se torna ainda mais simples.

O Sr. Jabez Wilson deu uma gargalhada pesada. - Ora essa! - disse ele. - A princípio pensei que o senhor tivesse feito algo genial, mas vejo que, no fim das contas, não havia nada de mais.

- Começo a achar, Watson - disse Holmes - , que cometo um erro ao dar explicações. "Omne ignotum pro magnifico", como se diz, e a minha pobre e modesta reputação, tal como é, naufragará se eu for tão franco. Não consegue encontrar o anúncio, Sr. Wilson?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Sim, encontrei agora - respondeu ele, apontando com o dedo grosso e vermelho para o meio da coluna. - Aqui está. Foi isto que deu início a tudo. Por favor, leia o senhor mesmo.

Peguei o jornal de suas mãos e li as seguintes palavras:

“À Liga dos Ruivos: Em razão do dinheiro deixado pelo falecido Ezekiah Hopkins, de Lebanon, Pensilvânia, Estados Unidos, há agora uma nova vaga disponível. Um membro da Liga receberá quatro libras por semana para realizar apenas um trabalho simples. Podem candidatar-se todos os homens ruivos, saudáveis, com mais de vinte e um anos e em pleno uso de suas faculdades mentais. Comparecer pessoalmente na segunda-feira, às onze horas, perante Duncan Ross, nos escritórios da Liga, Pope’s Court, nº 7, Fleet Street.”

- Mas o que significa tudo isso? - perguntei, depois de ler duas vezes o estranho anúncio.

Holmes riu baixinho e remexeu-se na cadeira, como costumava fazer quando estava de bom humor. - Isto é um tanto incomum, não é? - disse. - Agora, Sr. Wilson, por favor, comece do princípio e conte-nos sobre o senhor, sua casa e como esse anúncio afetou sua vida. Doutor, por favor, anote o nome do jornal e a data.

Original English Version

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

I took the paper from him and read as follows:

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Sim, achei agora - respondeu ele, com o dedo grosso e vermelho fincado no meio da coluna. - Aqui está. Foi isto que deu início a tudo. Leia o senhor mesmo.

Peguei o jornal e li o seguinte:

"À Liga dos Ruivos: Em virtude do legado do falecido Ezekiah Hopkins, de Lebanon, Pensilvânia, EUA, abre-se agora mais uma vaga que dá a um membro da Liga o direito a um salário de 4 libras por semana em troca de serviços puramente nominais. Todos os homens ruivos, sãos de corpo e mente e com mais de vinte e um anos de idade, são elegíveis. Apresentar-se pessoalmente na segunda-feira, às onze horas, a Duncan Ross, nos escritórios da Liga, em Pope's Court, 7, Fleet Street."

- Que diabo significa isto? - exclamei, depois de ler duas vezes o extraordinário anúncio.

Holmes deu uma risadinha e remexeu-se na cadeira, como fazia sempre que estava de bom humor. - Está um pouco fora do trivial, não está? - disse ele. - E agora, Sr. Wilson, comece do zero e conte-nos tudo sobre o senhor, sua casa e o efeito que este anúncio teve sobre a sua vida. Antes, doutor, tome nota do jornal e da data.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- É o The Morning Chronicle de 27 de abril de 1890. Isso foi há apenas dois meses.

- Muito bem. Agora, Sr. Wilson?

- Bem, é exatamente como eu vinha lhe dizendo, Sr. Sherlock Holmes - disse Jabez Wilson, enxugando a testa. - Tenho uma pequena casa de penhores em Coburg Square, perto da City. Não é um grande negócio e, nos últimos anos, rendeu apenas o suficiente para meu sustento. Eu costumava ter dois ajudantes, mas agora tenho somente um. Teria dificuldade para pagá-lo, não fosse ele aceitar trabalhar pela metade do salário para aprender o ofício.

- Qual é o nome desse prestativo rapaz? - perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

- O nome dele é Vincent Spaulding, e na verdade ele não é tão jovem. É difícil saber sua idade. Eu não poderia desejar ajudante melhor, Sr. Holmes, e sei que ele poderia encontrar um emprego melhor e ganhar o dobro do que lhe pago. Mas, se está satisfeito, por que eu haveria de lhe pôr ideias na cabeça?

Original English Version

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

“Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- É o The Morning Chronicle de 27 de abril de 1890. Faz exatamente dois meses.

- Muito bem. Então, Sr. Wilson?

- Bem, é como eu vinha lhe dizendo, Sr. Sherlock Holmes - disse Jabez Wilson, enxugando a testa. - Tenho um pequeno negócio de penhores em Coburg Square, perto da City. Não é lá grande coisa, e nos últimos anos mal deu para o meu sustento. Antes eu conseguia manter dois assistentes, mas agora só tenho um; e ainda teria dificuldade em pagá-lo se ele não estivesse disposto a trabalhar por meio salário, só para aprender o ofício.

- Qual é o nome desse jovem tão prestativo? - perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

- Chama-se Vincent Spaulding, e nem é tão jovem assim. É difícil dizer que idade tem. Eu não poderia desejar assistente mais esperto, Sr. Holmes; e sei muito bem que ele poderia melhorar de vida e ganhar o dobro do que sou capaz de lhe pagar. Mas, afinal, se ele está satisfeito, por que haveria eu de lhe pôr ideias na cabeça?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

- Por que, de fato? O senhor parece ter muita sorte por contar com um empregado que trabalha por menos do que o salário normal. Isso não é comum entre os empregadores de hoje. Não sei se seu ajudante é menos extraordinário do que seu anúncio.

- Ah, ele também tem seus defeitos - disse o Sr. Wilson. - É louco por fotografia. Está sempre usando uma câmera quando deveria se aperfeiçoar e depois desce correndo ao porão, como um coelho para sua toca, a fim de revelar as fotografias. Esse é seu principal defeito, mas, no geral, é um bom trabalhador. Não há maldade nele.

- Suponho que ele ainda trabalhe para o senhor?

- Sim, senhor. Ele e uma menina de catorze anos que prepara refeições simples e mantém o lugar limpo... isso é tudo o que tenho em casa, pois sou viúvo e nunca tive família. Nós três vivemos muito tranquilamente e conseguimos manter um teto sobre a cabeça e pagar nossas dívidas, ainda que não façamos nada além disso.

Original English Version

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

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

“He is still with you, I presume?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Por que, de fato? O senhor parece ter muita sorte em contar com um empregado que trabalha abaixo do preço de mercado. Não é experiência comum entre os patrões desta época. Não sei se o seu assistente não é tão notável quanto o seu anúncio.

- Ah, ele também tem seus defeitos - disse o Sr. Wilson. - Nunca vi ninguém tão apaixonado por fotografia. Vive disparando aquela máquina quando devia estar cultivando o espírito, e depois mergulha lá no porão feito um coelho na toca, para revelar suas fotos. Esse é o seu principal defeito, mas, no conjunto, é um bom trabalhador. Não há maldade nele.

- Ele ainda está com o senhor, presumo?

- Sim, senhor. Ele e uma menina de quatorze anos, que cozinha umas coisas simples e mantém o lugar limpo - é tudo o que tenho em casa, pois sou viúvo e nunca tive família. Vivemos muito modestamente, senhor, nós três; e conseguimos manter um teto sobre a cabeça e pagar nossas dívidas, ainda que não façamos mais do que isso.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

A primeira coisa que nos preocupou foi aquele anúncio. Spaulding entrou no escritório oito semanas atrás com este jornal na mão e disse:

"Quisera Deus, Sr. Wilson, que eu fosse ruivo."

"Por quê?", perguntei.

"Porque", disse ele, "há outra vaga na Liga dos Ruivos. Ela vale muito dinheiro para qualquer homem que a consiga, e há mais vagas do que homens. Por isso, os administradores não sabem o que fazer com o dinheiro. Se ao menos meu cabelo mudasse de cor, haveria um ótimo emprego à minha espera."

"Mas o que é isso?", perguntei. Veja, Sr. Holmes, eu fico muito em casa. Os clientes vinham até meu negócio, em vez de eu precisar ir até eles, por isso muitas vezes passava semanas sem sair de casa. Por esse motivo, pouco sabia sobre o mundo lá fora e sempre ficava contente ao ouvir novidades.

Original English Version

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

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

“ ‘Why that?’ I asks.

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"A primeira coisa que nos tirou do sério foi aquele anúncio. Spaulding desceu ao escritório justamente há oito semanas, com este mesmo jornal na mão, e disse:

" - Quem me dera, Sr. Wilson, ser um homem ruivo.

" - Por quê? - pergunto eu.

" - Ora - diz ele - , abriu-se mais uma vaga na Liga dos Ruivos. Vale uma pequena fortuna para qualquer um que a consiga, e pelo que entendo há mais vagas do que homens, de modo que os administradores não sabem mais o que fazer com o dinheiro. Se ao menos meu cabelo mudasse de cor, aí estaria um belo empreguinho à minha espera.

" - Ora, mas do que se trata? - perguntei. Veja bem, Sr. Holmes, sou um homem muito caseiro, e como o negócio vinha até mim, em vez de eu ter de ir atrás dele, passava muitas vezes semanas inteiras sem pôr o pé para fora da soleira. Assim, pouco sabia do que se passava lá fora, e sempre me alegrava com uma novidade.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Nunca ouviu falar da Liga dos Ruivos?", perguntou ele, arregalando os olhos.

"Nunca."

"Isso me surpreende, pois o senhor mesmo poderia ocupar uma das vagas."

"E quanto elas pagam?", perguntei.

"Apenas algumas centenas por ano, mas o trabalho é fácil e não atrapalharia muito outro emprego."

Isso me fez prestar muita atenção, pois os negócios não iam bem havia alguns anos e umas duzentas libras a mais seriam muito úteis.

"Conte-me tudo sobre isso", disse eu.

"Bem", disse ele, mostrando-me o anúncio. "Pode ver que a Liga tem uma vaga, e aí está o endereço onde deve pedir informações. Pelo que sei, a Liga foi criada por um milionário americano, Ezekiah Hopkins, que tinha hábitos muito estranhos. Ele mesmo era ruivo e sentia grande simpatia por todos os homens ruivos. Assim, quando morreu, descobriu-se que deixara sua enorme fortuna para administradores, com instruções de usar os juros para oferecer empregos fáceis a homens com essa cor de cabelo. Pelo que ouvi, o pagamento é excelente e há pouquíssimo trabalho."

Original English Version

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

“ ‘Never.’

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

“ ‘And what are they worth?’ I asked.

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

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

“ ‘Tell me all about it,’ said I.

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

Tradução Integral em Português

" - O senhor nunca ouviu falar da Liga dos Ruivos? - perguntou ele, arregalando os olhos.

" - Nunca.

" - Ora, isso me espanta, pois o senhor mesmo é elegível para uma das vagas.

" - E quanto valem elas? - perguntei.

" - Ah, umas duzentas libras por ano, mas o trabalho é leve, e não precisa atrapalhar muito as outras ocupações da pessoa.

"Ora, o senhor bem pode imaginar que aquilo me fez aguçar os ouvidos, pois o negócio não andava lá muito bom havia alguns anos, e umas duzentas libras a mais teriam vindo muito a calhar.

" - Conte-me tudo sobre isso - disse eu.

" - Bem - disse ele, mostrando-me o anúncio - , o senhor mesmo pode ver que a Liga tem uma vaga, e ali está o endereço onde deve procurar os detalhes. Pelo que consegui apurar, a Liga foi fundada por um milionário americano, Ezekiah Hopkins, um sujeito muito excêntrico. Ele próprio era ruivo e tinha grande simpatia por todos os homens ruivos; assim, quando morreu, descobriu-se que havia deixado sua enorme fortuna nas mãos de administradores, com instruções para aplicar os juros no provimento de empregos fáceis a homens que tivessem o cabelo daquela cor. Pelo que ouço dizer, a paga é esplêndida e há muito pouco a fazer.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Mas", disse eu, "milhões de homens ruivos se candidatariam."

"Não tantos quanto poderia imaginar", respondeu ele. "Na verdade, é apenas para homens de Londres e para adultos. Esse americano deixara Londres quando era jovem e queria fazer um favor à velha cidade. Além disso, ouvi dizer que, se seu cabelo for ruivo-claro, ruivo-escuro ou qualquer coisa que não seja um vermelho vivo e flamejante, você não terá sucesso. Agora, se quisesse se candidatar, Sr. Wilson, bastaria entrar lá. Mas talvez não valha o incômodo por causa de algumas centenas de libras."

Meu cabelo tem uma cor intensa e viva, como podem ver, cavalheiros, por isso pensei que, se houvesse concorrência, eu teria tanta chance quanto qualquer homem que já conheci. Vincent Spaulding parecia saber tanto sobre o assunto que achei que ele poderia ser útil. Assim, mandei que fechasse a loja naquele dia e viesse comigo imediatamente. Ele ficou muito contente por ter uma folga, então fechamos o estabelecimento e fomos ao endereço do anúncio.

Original English Version

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

" - Mas - disse eu - haveria milhões de homens ruivos que se candidatariam.

" - Não tantos quanto o senhor poderia pensar - respondeu ele. - Veja, na verdade está restrito aos londrinos, e a homens adultos. Esse americano partira de Londres quando jovem, e queria fazer um favor à velha cidade. Além disso, ouvi dizer que não adianta candidatar-se se o seu cabelo for de um vermelho claro, ou de um vermelho escuro, ou de qualquer coisa que não seja um vermelho de verdade, vivo, ardente, cor de fogo. Ora, se o senhor quisesse se candidatar, Sr. Wilson, era só entrar; mas talvez não valesse a pena o senhor se dar a esse trabalho por causa de umas poucas centenas de libras.

"Ora, é fato, cavalheiros, como os senhores mesmos podem constatar, que meu cabelo é de um tom cheio e intenso, de modo que me pareceu que, se houvesse alguma disputa a esse respeito, eu tinha tantas chances quanto qualquer outro homem que já conhecera. Vincent Spaulding parecia saber tanto sobre o assunto que achei que ele poderia ser útil, e por isso simplesmente lhe ordenei que baixasse as portas pelo resto do dia e viesse comigo sem demora. Ele estava bem disposto a tirar um dia de folga, de modo que fechamos o negócio e partimos rumo ao endereço que nos fora dado no anúncio.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Espero nunca mais ver uma cena como aquela, Sr. Holmes. De todas as direções, homens com algum tom de vermelho nos cabelos vinham à cidade para responder ao anúncio. A Fleet Street estava lotada de ruivos, e a Pope's Court parecia uma carroça de feira cheia de laranjas. Eu não imaginava que pudesse haver tantos homens ruivos no país inteiro. Havia todos os tons: palha, limão, laranja, tijolo, setter irlandês, fígado e argila. Mas, como Spaulding dissera, poucos tinham a verdadeira cor viva de uma chama. Quando vi quantos esperavam, quase desisti em desespero. Mas Spaulding não permitiu. Não sei como conseguiu, porém empurrou e abriu caminho até me fazer atravessar a multidão e subir os degraus que levavam ao escritório. Havia duas filas na escada, alguns homens subindo esperançosos e outros descendo tristes, mas nos esprememos entre eles e logo chegamos ao escritório.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Nunca mais espero ver semelhante espetáculo, Sr. Holmes. Do norte, do sul, do leste e do oeste, todos os homens que tinham um fio de vermelho no cabelo haviam marchado para a cidade a fim de responder ao anúncio. A Fleet Street estava entupida de gente ruiva, e o Pope's Court parecia o carrinho de laranjas de um vendedor ambulante. Eu jamais imaginaria que houvesse tantos no país inteiro quantos aquele único anúncio conseguira reunir. Havia ali todos os matizes de cor - palha, limão, laranja, tijolo, setter-irlandês, fígado, argila; mas, como disse Spaulding, não eram muitos os que tinham o verdadeiro tom vívido, cor de chama. Quando vi quantos estavam esperando, teria desistido de tudo em desespero; mas Spaulding não quis nem ouvir falar nisso. Como ele conseguiu, não sei imaginar, mas empurrou, puxou e abriu caminho a cabeçadas até me arrastar por entre a multidão e me levar direto até os degraus que davam para o escritório. Havia uma dupla corrente na escada, uns subindo cheios de esperança, outros descendo desanimados; mas nós nos enfiamos como pudemos e logo nos vimos dentro do escritório."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Sua experiência tem sido muito interessante", disse Holmes quando seu cliente parou e aspirou uma grande pitada de rapé. "Por favor, continue sua história tão interessante."

Havia apenas duas cadeiras de madeira e uma mesa simples no escritório. Atrás dela estava sentado um homem pequeno, cuja cabeça era ainda mais ruiva que a minha. Ele dizia algumas palavras a cada homem que se aproximava e depois sempre encontrava algum defeito que o eliminava. Afinal, conseguir a vaga não era fácil. Mas, quando chegou nossa vez, o homenzinho foi muito mais gentil comigo do que com os outros. Fechou a porta quando entramos para poder conversar conosco em particular.

"Este é o Sr. Jabez Wilson", disse meu assistente. "Ele deseja ocupar uma vaga na Liga."

"E é perfeito para ela", respondeu o outro. "Atende a todos os requisitos. Não me lembro de ter visto nada tão bom." Ele recuou, inclinou a cabeça e examinou meu cabelo até me deixar constrangido. Então, de repente, avançou, apertou minha mão e me parabenizou calorosamente pelo sucesso.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Sua experiência foi de fato das mais divertidas - comentou Holmes quando seu cliente fez uma pausa e reavivou a memória com uma enorme pitada de rapé. - Rogo-lhe que continue seu interessantíssimo relato.

"Não havia nada no escritório além de um par de cadeiras de madeira e uma mesa de pinho, atrás da qual estava sentado um homenzinho de cabeça ainda mais vermelha que a minha. Ele dizia algumas palavras a cada candidato à medida que se aproximava, e depois sempre dava um jeito de encontrar neles algum defeito que os desqualificasse. Conseguir uma vaga não parecia ser tarefa assim tão fácil, afinal. Contudo, quando chegou a nossa vez, o homenzinho mostrou-se muito mais favorável a mim do que a qualquer dos outros, e fechou a porta ao entrarmos, para poder trocar uma palavra em particular conosco.

" - Este é o Sr. Jabez Wilson - disse meu assistente - , e ele está disposto a preencher uma vaga na Liga.

" - E é admiravelmente indicado para ela - respondeu o outro. - Preenche todos os requisitos. Não me recordo de já ter visto algo tão perfeito. - Deu um passo atrás, inclinou a cabeça para um lado e ficou a contemplar meu cabelo até que me senti bastante encabulado. Então, de repente, avançou, apertou-me a mão e me deu efusivos parabéns pelo meu sucesso.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Seria errado hesitar", disse ele. "Mas tenho certeza de que me perdoará por uma simples verificação de segurança." Então agarrou meu cabelo com as duas mãos e puxou até que eu gritasse de dor. "Há lágrimas em seus olhos", disse quando me soltou. "Posso ver que está tudo certo. Mas precisamos ter cuidado, pois já fomos enganados duas vezes por perucas e uma vez por tinta. Eu poderia lhe contar histórias sobre cera de sapateiro que o fariam perder a fé na natureza humana." Ele foi até a janela e gritou que a vaga estava preenchida. Um gemido de decepção veio lá de baixo, e as pessoas se afastaram em várias direções até que nenhum ruivo pudesse ser visto, exceto eu e o gerente.

"Meu nome", disse ele, "é Sr. Duncan Ross, e eu mesmo sou uma das pessoas sustentadas pelo fundo deixado por nosso nobre benfeitor. O senhor é casado, Sr. Wilson? Tem família?"

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

" - Seria uma injustiça hesitar - disse ele. - O senhor, porém, decerto me perdoará por tomar uma precaução óbvia. - E, dizendo isso, agarrou meu cabelo com as duas mãos e puxou com força até que gritei de dor. - Há água nos seus olhos - disse ele, ao me soltar. - Percebo que está tudo como deve estar. Mas temos de ser cuidadosos, pois já fomos duas vezes enganados por perucas e uma por tinta. Eu poderia lhe contar histórias de cera de sapateiro que o fariam sentir nojo da natureza humana. - Foi até a janela e gritou por ela, a plenos pulmões, que a vaga estava preenchida. Um gemido de desapontamento subiu lá de baixo, e a multidão toda se dispersou em diferentes direções, até não restar um único ruivo à vista, salvo o meu e o do gerente.

" - Meu nome - disse ele - é Sr. Duncan Ross, e eu próprio sou um dos pensionistas do fundo deixado por nosso nobre benfeitor. O senhor é casado, Sr. Wilson? Tem família?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Respondi que não.

Sua expressão mudou de imediato.

"Ora essa!", disse ele com seriedade. "Isso é realmente muito grave! Lamento saber disso. O fundo tinha, naturalmente, o objetivo de sustentar os ruivos e também ajudar a aumentar e espalhar seu número. É uma grande infelicidade que o senhor seja solteiro."

Meu rosto se entristeceu ao ouvir isso, Sr. Holmes, pois achei que, afinal, não conseguiria o emprego. Mas, depois de pensar por alguns minutos, ele disse que não haveria problema.

"Para outro homem, isso poderia ser um problema sério", disse ele, "mas precisamos abrir uma exceção para um homem com cabelos como os seus. Quando pode começar seu novo trabalho?"

"Bem, isso é um pouco difícil, pois já tenho um negócio", disse eu.

"Ora, não se preocupe com isso, Sr. Wilson!", disse Vincent Spaulding. "Eu poderei cuidar dele para o senhor."

Original English Version

“I answered that I had not.

“His face fell immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Respondi que não.

"Seu rosto se toldou imediatamente.

" - Ai de mim! - disse ele, com gravidade. - Isso é muito sério mesmo! Lamento ouvi-lo dizer tal coisa. O fundo destinava-se, é claro, à propagação e ao aumento dos ruivos, tanto quanto à sua manutenção. É extremamente lamentável que o senhor seja solteiro.

"Diante disso, meu rosto se alongou, Sr. Holmes, pois pensei que, afinal, não teria a vaga; mas, depois de refletir alguns minutos, ele disse que estaria tudo bem.

" - No caso de outro qualquer - disse ele - , a objeção poderia ser fatal, mas devemos abrir uma exceção em favor de um homem com uma cabeleira como a sua. Quando poderá o senhor assumir suas novas funções?

" - Bem, é um pouco complicado, pois já tenho um negócio - disse eu.

" - Ah, não se preocupe com isso, Sr. Wilson! - disse Vincent Spaulding. - Eu poderia cuidar disso para o senhor.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Qual seria o horário?", perguntei.

"Das dez às duas."

"O movimento de uma casa de penhores acontece principalmente à noite, Sr. Holmes, sobretudo nas noites de quinta e sexta-feira, pouco antes do dia do pagamento. Portanto, seria conveniente para mim ganhar um pouco pela manhã. Além disso, eu sabia que meu assistente era um bom homem e cuidaria de qualquer coisa que surgisse.

"Isso seria muito conveniente para mim", disse eu. "E o pagamento?"

"Quatro libras por semana."

"E o trabalho?"

"É apenas uma formalidade."

"O que quer dizer com apenas uma formalidade?"

"Bem, o senhor precisa permanecer no escritório, ou pelo menos no prédio, durante todo o período. Se sair, perderá o cargo para sempre. O testamento é muito claro a esse respeito. O senhor não cumpre as condições se se afastar do escritório durante esse horário."

"São apenas quatro horas por dia, e eu nem pensaria em sair", disse eu.

Original English Version

“ ‘What would be the hours?’ I asked.

“ ‘Ten to two.’

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

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

“ ‘Is £4 a week.’

“ ‘And the work?’

“ ‘Is purely nominal.’

“ ‘What do you call purely nominal?’

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

" - Qual seria o horário? - perguntei.

" - Das dez às duas.

"Ora, o negócio de penhores é feito, em sua maior parte, à noite, Sr. Holmes, sobretudo nas noites de quinta e de sexta, que são justamente às vésperas do dia de pagamento; de modo que me convinha muito bem ganhar um pouco pelas manhãs. Além disso, eu sabia que meu assistente era um bom homem e que daria conta de qualquer coisa que surgisse.

" - Isso me convém muito bem - disse eu. - E o pagamento?

" - É de 4 libras por semana.

" - E o trabalho?

" - É puramente nominal.

" - O que o senhor chama de puramente nominal?

" - Bem, o senhor tem de permanecer no escritório, ou pelo menos no prédio, o tempo todo. Se sair, perde para sempre todo o cargo. O testamento é muito claro quanto a esse ponto. O senhor não cumpre as condições se arredar o pé do escritório durante esse tempo.

" - São apenas quatro horas por dia, e eu nem pensaria em sair - disse eu.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Nenhuma desculpa servirá", disse o Sr. Duncan Ross. "Nem doença, nem negócios, nada. O senhor precisa ficar aqui ou perderá o emprego."

"E o trabalho?"

"O senhor deve copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. O primeiro volume está naquele armário. Precisa trazer sua própria tinta, penas e papel mata-borrão, mas nós fornecemos esta mesa e esta cadeira. Estará pronto amanhã?"

"Certamente", respondi.

"Então, adeus, Sr. Jabez Wilson, e permita-me parabenizá-lo outra vez pelo importante emprego que teve a sorte de conseguir." Ele me acompanhou até a saída, e voltei para casa com meu assistente. Eu mal conseguia pensar no que dizer ou fazer, de tão contente que estava com minha boa sorte.

Original English Version

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

“ ‘And the work?’

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

“ ‘Certainly,’ I answered.

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

Tradução Integral em Português

" - Nenhuma desculpa valerá - disse o Sr. Duncan Ross - ; nem doença, nem negócios, nem coisa alguma. O senhor tem de ficar ali, ou perde o posto.

" - E o trabalho?

" - É copiar a Encyclopedia Britannica. Ali naquela estante está o primeiro volume. O senhor deverá providenciar sua própria tinta, penas e mata-borrão, mas nós fornecemos esta mesa e esta cadeira. Poderá começar amanhã?

" - Certamente - respondi.

" - Então, adeus, Sr. Jabez Wilson, e permita-me felicitá-lo mais uma vez pelo importante cargo que teve a sorte de conquistar. - Ele me acompanhou até a saída da sala com uma reverência, e voltei para casa com meu assistente, mal sabendo o que dizer ou fazer, de tão contente que estava com minha própria boa sorte.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Pensei naquilo o dia inteiro e, ao anoitecer, voltei a me sentir infeliz. Tinha certeza de que tudo devia ser algum truque ou fraude, embora não pudesse imaginar o motivo. Parecia impossível que alguém fizesse semelhante testamento ou pagasse tanto dinheiro por algo tão simples quanto copiar a Enciclopédia Britânica. Vincent Spaulding tentou me animar, mas, na hora de dormir, eu quase me convencera a desistir de tudo. Ainda assim, pela manhã, decidi ir e conferir por mim mesmo. Então comprei um frasco barato de tinta, peguei uma pena e sete folhas de papel almaço e parti para a Pope's Court.

Para minha surpresa e alegria, tudo estava em ordem. A mesa estava pronta para mim, e o Sr. Duncan Ross estava lá para garantir que eu começasse a trabalhar direito. Mandou-me começar pela letra A e depois saiu, mas voltava de vez em quando para me verificar. Às duas horas, despediu-se, elogiou o quanto eu havia escrito e trancou a porta do escritório depois que saí.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Pois bem, fiquei matutando no assunto o dia inteiro, e ao anoitecer estava novamente abatido; pois quase me convencera de que a coisa toda devia ser algum grande embuste ou fraude, embora eu não conseguisse imaginar qual fosse o seu propósito. Parecia de todo inacreditável que alguém pudesse fazer semelhante testamento, ou que se pagasse tal quantia por algo tão simples quanto copiar a Encyclopedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding fez o que pôde para me animar, mas, na hora de dormir, eu já havia raciocinado a ponto de desistir de tudo. Contudo, pela manhã, resolvi ir dar uma olhada de qualquer maneira, e por isso comprei um vidro de tinta de um centavo e, munido de uma pena de ganso e de sete folhas de papel almaço, parti rumo ao Pope's Court.

"Pois bem, para minha surpresa e satisfação, tudo estava o mais em ordem possível. A mesa estava posta e pronta para mim, e o Sr. Duncan Ross ali estava para se certificar de que eu começasse direito o trabalho. Ele me pôs a começar pela letra A e depois me deixou; mas passava de tempos em tempos para verificar se estava tudo em ordem comigo. Às duas horas, despediu-se de mim, elogiou a quantidade que eu havia escrito e trancou a porta do escritório atrás de mim.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Isso continuou dia após dia, Sr. Holmes. No sábado, o gerente entrou e me deu quatro soberanos de ouro pelo trabalho da semana. O mesmo aconteceu na semana seguinte e na outra depois dela. Todas as manhãs, eu chegava às dez e, todas as tardes, saía às duas. Depois de algum tempo, o Sr. Duncan Ross passou a aparecer apenas uma vez pela manhã e, mais tarde, deixou de ir completamente. Mesmo assim, nunca ousei sair do aposento por um instante, pois não sabia quando ele poderia aparecer, e o emprego era tão bom e me convinha tão bem que eu não arriscaria perdê-lo.

Oito semanas se passaram assim, e eu havia escrito sobre abades, arco e flecha, armaduras, arquitetura e Ática. Eu esperava, com cautela, chegar logo à letra B. Gastei um pouco de papel almaço e quase enchi uma prateleira com meus escritos. Então, de repente, tudo terminou.

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

"Isso prosseguiu dia após dia, Sr. Holmes, e no sábado o gerente veio e depositou sobre a mesa quatro soberanos de ouro pelo meu trabalho da semana. Foi o mesmo na semana seguinte, e o mesmo na outra depois dessa. Toda manhã eu estava lá às dez, e toda tarde saía às duas. Aos poucos, o Sr. Duncan Ross passou a aparecer só uma vez pela manhã, e então, com o tempo, deixou de aparecer de vez. Ainda assim, é claro, jamais me atrevi a deixar a sala por um instante sequer, pois nunca sabia quando ele poderia vir, e o posto era tão bom, e me convinha tanto, que eu não me arriscaria a perdê-lo.

"Assim passaram-se oito semanas, e eu havia escrito sobre Abades e Arco e Flecha e Armaduras e Arquitetura e Ática, e esperava, com diligência, chegar aos B's dali a não muito tempo. Aquilo me custou algum papel almaço, e eu já quase enchera uma prateleira com meus escritos. E então, de repente, o negócio todo chegou ao fim."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Terminou?"

"Sim, senhor. E nada menos que esta manhã. Fui trabalhar às dez horas, como sempre, mas a porta estava fechada e trancada. Um pequeno quadrado de papelão fora pregado no meio da porta com uma tachinha. Aqui está, e pode lê-lo pessoalmente."

Ele ergueu um pedaço de papelão branco, mais ou menos do tamanho de uma folha de papel de carta. Nele estava escrito:

A Liga dos Ruivos foi encerrada. 9 de outubro de 1890.

Sherlock Holmes e eu olhamos para a breve mensagem e para o rosto triste atrás dela. Então, o lado engraçado de toda aquela história se tornou tão evidente que nós dois rimos em voz alta.

"Não consigo ver nada de muito engraçado", exclamou nosso cliente, ficando vermelho até a raiz dos cabelos vivos. "Se não podem fazer nada melhor do que rir de mim, posso procurar outro lugar."

"Não, não", exclamou Holmes, empurrando-o de volta para a cadeira da qual ele se levantara pela metade. "Eu não perderia seu caso por nada. É muito incomum. Mas, se me permite dizer, há algo um pouco engraçado nele. O que fez quando encontrou o cartão na porta?"

Original English Version

“To an end?”

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

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

The Redheaded League is dissolved. October 9, 1890.

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Ao fim?

- Sim, senhor. E não faz mais que esta manhã. Fui ao trabalho como sempre, às dez horas, mas a porta estava fechada e trancada, com um pequeno quadrado de papelão pregado a tachinha no meio do painel. Aqui está, e o senhor pode ler por si mesmo.

Ele ergueu um pedaço de papelão branco, mais ou menos do tamanho de uma folha de papel de carta. Nele se lia o seguinte:

A Liga dos Ruivos está dissolvida. 9 de outubro de 1890.

Sherlock Holmes e eu contemplamos aquele anúncio lacônico e a cara compungida por trás dele, até que o lado cômico da coisa a tal ponto sobrepujou toda e qualquer outra consideração que ambos irrompemos numa sonora gargalhada.

- Não vejo nada de muito engraçado nisso - bradou nosso cliente, corando até a raiz de sua cabeleira flamejante. - Se os senhores não têm nada melhor a fazer do que rir de mim, posso procurar ajuda em outro lugar.

- Não, não - exclamou Holmes, empurrando-o de volta à cadeira da qual ele meio se erguera. - Eu não perderia seu caso por nada neste mundo. É de um insólito refrescante. Mas há nele, se me permite dizê-lo, algo apenas um tantinho engraçado. Diga-me, que providências o senhor tomou ao encontrar o cartão na porta?

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Fiquei chocado, senhor. Não sabia o que fazer. Depois, visitei os escritórios próximos, mas ninguém parecia saber de nada. Por fim, fui falar com o proprietário, um contador que mora no andar térreo, e perguntei o que havia acontecido com a Liga dos Ruivos. Ele disse que nunca tinha ouvido falar de tal grupo. Então perguntei quem era o Sr. Duncan Ross. Ele disse que não conhecia esse nome.

"'Bem', disse eu, 'o cavalheiro da sala número 4.'

"'O quê, o homem ruivo?'

"'Sim.'

Ele disse: "O nome dele era William Morris. Era advogado e usou minha sala por pouco tempo, até seu novo escritório ficar pronto. Mudou-se ontem."

"Onde eu poderia encontrá-lo?"

"Em seu novo escritório. Ele me deu o endereço. Sim, King Edward Street, número 17, perto da Catedral de St. Paul."

Fui para lá imediatamente, Sr. Holmes, mas o endereço era uma fábrica de rótulas artificiais. Ninguém ali jamais ouvira falar do Sr. William Morris ou do Sr. Duncan Ross."

Original English Version

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

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

“ ‘What, the redheaded man?’

“ ‘Yes.’

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

“ ‘Where could I find him?’

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Fiquei estarrecido, senhor. Não sabia o que fazer. Depois passei nos escritórios vizinhos, mas nenhum deles parecia saber coisa alguma a respeito. Por fim, fui ao proprietário, um contador que mora no térreo, e lhe perguntei se poderia me dizer o que fora feito da Liga dos Ruivos. Ele disse que nunca ouvira falar de semelhante entidade. Então lhe perguntei quem era o Sr. Duncan Ross. Respondeu que aquele nome lhe era desconhecido.

" - Ora - disse eu - , o cavalheiro do número 4.

" - Como, o homem ruivo?

" - Sim.

" - Ah - disse ele - , o nome dele era William Morris. Era advogado e usava minha sala como acomodação provisória, até que suas novas instalações estivessem prontas. Mudou-se ontem.

" - Onde eu poderia encontrá-lo?

" - Ah, nos novos escritórios dele. Ele me deu o endereço, sim. Isso, King Edward Street, 17, perto de St. Paul.

"Parti, Sr. Holmes, mas, quando cheguei àquele endereço, tratava-se de uma fábrica de rótulas artificiais, e ninguém ali jamais ouvira falar de um Sr. William Morris nem de um Sr. Duncan Ross."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"O que fez então?", perguntou Holmes.

"Voltei para casa, na Saxe-Coburg Square, e segui o conselho de meu assistente. Mas ele não pôde me ajudar. Disse apenas que eu deveria esperar por uma carta. Isso não era suficiente, Sr. Holmes. Eu não queria perder uma oportunidade dessas sem lutar. Ouvira dizer que o senhor ajuda pessoas pobres que precisam de conselhos, por isso vim direto até aqui."

"Fez muito bem", disse Holmes. "Seu caso é muito incomum, e terei prazer em examiná-lo. Pelo que me contou, creio que pode haver algo mais grave envolvido do que parece à primeira vista."

"Grave o bastante!", disse o Sr. Jabez Wilson. "Perdi quatro libras por semana."

"No que diz respeito ao senhor", disse Holmes, "não vejo motivo para nenhuma queixa contra essa estranha liga. Na verdade, está cerca de trinta libras mais rico, sem contar o conhecimento útil que adquiriu sobre todos os assuntos sob a letra A. O senhor não perdeu nada com eles."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- E o que o senhor fez então? - perguntou Holmes.

- Voltei para casa, em Saxe-Coburg Square, e pedi conselho ao meu assistente. Mas ele não pôde me ajudar em nada. Só soube dizer que, se eu esperasse, receberia notícias pelo correio. Mas isso não me bastava, Sr. Holmes. Eu não queria perder semelhante posto sem lutar por ele, de modo que, como ouvira dizer que o senhor tinha a bondade de dar conselhos a gente humilde necessitada deles, vim direto procurá-lo.

- E o senhor agiu com muita sensatez - disse Holmes. - Seu caso é dos mais notáveis, e terei prazer em investigá-lo. Pelo que o senhor me contou, penso ser possível que dele pendam questões mais graves do que à primeira vista possa parecer.

- Graves o bastante! - disse o Sr. Jabez Wilson. - Ora, perdi quatro libras por semana.

- No que ao senhor pessoalmente diz respeito - observou Holmes - , não vejo que tenha queixa alguma contra essa extraordinária liga. Pelo contrário, o senhor está, pelo que entendo, mais rico em umas 30 libras, sem falar no conhecimento minucioso que adquiriu sobre todos os assuntos que se enquadram na letra A. O senhor nada perdeu com eles.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Não, senhor. Mas quero saber sobre eles, quem são e por que fizeram esse truque comigo, se foi um truque. Foi uma brincadeira cara para eles, pois lhes custou trinta e duas libras."

"Tentaremos esclarecer esses pontos. Primeiro, Sr. Wilson, quero fazer uma ou duas perguntas. Há quanto tempo esse assistente, que lhe falou primeiro sobre o anúncio, trabalhava com o senhor?"

"Cerca de um mês."

"Como conseguiu o emprego?"

"Respondeu a um anúncio."

"Foi a única pessoa que se candidatou?"

"Não, tive doze candidatos."

"Por que o escolheu?"

"Porque era útil e aceitaria trabalhar por pouco dinheiro."

"Na verdade, pela metade do salário."

"Sim."

"Como é esse Vincent Spaulding?"

"É baixo, robusto e muito rápido nos movimentos. Não tem pelos no rosto, embora tenha pelo menos trinta anos. Possui uma marca branca de ácido na testa."

Original English Version

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

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

“About a month then.”

“How did he come?”

“In answer to an advertisement.”

“Was he the only applicant?”

“No, I had a dozen.”

“Why did you pick him?”

“Because he was handy and would come cheap.”

“At half wages, in fact.”

“Yes.”

“What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Não, senhor. Mas quero descobrir tudo sobre eles, quem são e qual era o propósito deles ao me pregar esta peça - se é que foi uma peça - em cima de mim. Foi uma brincadeira bem cara para eles, pois lhes custou trinta e duas libras.

- Havemos de nos empenhar em esclarecer esses pontos para o senhor. E, primeiro, uma ou duas perguntas, Sr. Wilson. Esse seu assistente que primeiro lhe chamou a atenção para o anúncio - havia quanto tempo estava com o senhor?

- Uns dois meses, então.

- Como ele apareceu?

- Em resposta a um anúncio.

- Foi o único candidato?

- Não, tive uns doze.

- Por que escolheu justamente ele?

- Porque era jeitoso e vinha barato.

- Por meio salário, na verdade.

- Sim.

- Como é ele, esse Vincent Spaulding?

- Baixo, de compleição robusta, muito rápido em tudo o que faz, sem pelo no rosto, embora não tenha menos que trinta anos. Tem um respingo branco de ácido na testa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Holmes se endireitou rapidamente e pareceu animado. "Foi o que pensei", disse ele. "Notou que suas orelhas são furadas para brincos?"

"Sim, senhor. Ele disse que um cigano fez isso quando era menino."

"Hum!", disse Holmes, recostando-se e pensando profundamente. "Ele ainda trabalha com o senhor?"

"Ah, sim, senhor. Acabei de deixá-lo lá."

"E seu negócio foi bem cuidado enquanto esteve fora?"

"Não tenho do que reclamar, senhor. Nunca há muito o que fazer pela manhã."

"Isso basta, Sr. Wilson. Terei prazer em lhe dar minha opinião dentro de um ou dois dias. Hoje é sábado, e espero que possamos chegar a uma conclusão até segunda-feira."

"Bem, Watson", disse Holmes depois que nosso visitante saiu, "o que você conclui de tudo isso?"

"Não consigo concluir nada", respondi com sinceridade. "É um caso muito misterioso."

"Geralmente", disse Holmes, "quanto mais estranha é uma coisa, menos misteriosa ela se torna. Os crimes simples e comuns são os mais difíceis de compreender, assim como um rosto comum é o mais difícil de lembrar. Mas preciso agir depressa neste caso."

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Holmes empertigou-se na cadeira, com considerável excitação. - Foi o que imaginei - disse ele. - O senhor já reparou se as orelhas dele são furadas para brincos?

- Sim, senhor. Ele me contou que uma cigana havia feito isso nele quando era garoto.

- Hum! - disse Holmes, recostando-se em profunda meditação. - Ele ainda está com o senhor?

- Ah, sim, senhor; acabei de deixá-lo.

- E o seu negócio foi bem cuidado durante a sua ausência?

- Nada de que reclamar, senhor. Nunca há muito o que fazer pela manhã.

- É o bastante, Sr. Wilson. Terei prazer em lhe dar uma opinião sobre o assunto dentro de um ou dois dias. Hoje é sábado, e espero que até segunda-feira possamos chegar a uma conclusão.

- Então, Watson - disse Holmes depois que nosso visitante nos deixou - , que conclusão você tira de tudo isso?

- Não tiro conclusão nenhuma - respondi com franqueza. - É um caso dos mais misteriosos.

- Em regra - disse Holmes - , quanto mais bizarra é uma coisa, menos misteriosa ela se revela. São os crimes comuns e sem traços distintivos que de fato desconcertam, assim como um rosto comum é o mais difícil de identificar. Mas preciso agir depressa neste assunto.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"O que vai fazer, então?", perguntei.

"Fumar", respondeu. "Este é um problema que exige três cachimbos, e peço que não fale comigo por cinquenta minutos." Ele se encolheu na cadeira, com os joelhos magros erguidos perto do nariz semelhante ao bico de um falcão. Ficou ali com os olhos fechados e o cachimbo preto de barro projetando-se como o bico de uma ave estranha. Pensei que tivesse adormecido e eu também começava a cochilar quando, de repente, ele se levantou de um salto, como se houvesse tomado uma decisão, e colocou o cachimbo sobre a lareira.

"Sarasate se apresentará no St. James's Hall esta tarde", disse ele. "O que acha, Watson? Seus pacientes podem dispensá-lo por algumas horas?"

"Não tenho nada para fazer hoje. Meu trabalho nunca é muito interessante."

"Então ponha o chapéu e venha. Primeiro vou passar pela City, e podemos almoçar no caminho. Vejo que há bastante música alemã no programa, da qual gosto mais do que da música italiana ou francesa. Ela me faz pensar profundamente, e eu quero pensar profundamente. Vamos!"

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Que pretende fazer, então? - perguntei.

- Fumar - respondeu ele. - É um autêntico problema de três cachimbos, e peço-lhe que não me dirija a palavra por cinquenta minutos. - Encolheu-se na cadeira, com os joelhos magros erguidos até o nariz adunco, e ali ficou, de olhos fechados, o cachimbo preto de barro projetado como o bico de alguma estranha ave. Eu já chegara à conclusão de que ele adormecera, e de fato começava eu mesmo a cochilar, quando de súbito ele saltou da cadeira com o gesto de um homem que tomou sua decisão e pôs o cachimbo sobre o console da lareira.

- Sarasate toca no St. James's Hall esta tarde - comentou ele. - Que acha, Watson? Seus pacientes poderiam dispensá-lo por algumas horas?

- Não tenho nada para fazer hoje. Meu consultório nunca é lá muito absorvente.

- Então ponha o chapéu e venha. Vou passar primeiro pela City, e podemos almoçar pelo caminho. Observo que há bastante música alemã no programa, que é mais do meu gosto que a italiana ou a francesa. É introspectiva, e eu quero introspectar. Venha!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Pegamos o metrô até Aldersgate. Depois, uma curta caminhada nos levou à Saxe-Coburg Square, onde tínhamos ouvido a estranha história naquela manhã. Era um lugar pequeno e malcuidado, com quatro fileiras de casas sujas de tijolos, com dois andares, ao redor de um pequeno pátio cercado. Havia uma grama fraca e alguns arbustos de louro sem vida, todos lutando contra o ar enfumaçado. Em uma casa de esquina, três bolas douradas e uma placa marrom com "Jabez Wilson" em letras brancas indicavam onde trabalhava nosso cliente ruivo. Sherlock Holmes parou diante dela, inclinou a cabeça e olhou ao redor com os olhos brilhantes. Depois, caminhou lentamente pela rua e voltou, examinando as casas com atenção. Por fim, retornou à casa de penhores, bateu na calçada duas ou três vezes com a bengala e foi até a porta para bater. Ela foi aberta imediatamente por um jovem de aparência inteligente e rosto bem barbeado, que o convidou a entrar.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Viajamos de metrô até Aldersgate; e uma curta caminhada nos levou a Saxe-Coburg Square, o cenário da singular história que havíamos escutado pela manhã. Era um lugarzinho acanhado, sórdido e de fidalguia decadente, onde quatro fileiras de casas encardidas de tijolo, de dois andares, davam para um pequeno recinto cercado de grades, no qual um gramado de mato ralo e alguns tufos de loureiros murchos travavam uma luta árdua contra uma atmosfera carregada de fumaça e pouco propícia. Três bolas douradas e uma tabuleta marrom com "Jabez Wilson" em letras brancas, numa casa de esquina, anunciavam o local onde nosso cliente ruivo tocava seu negócio. Sherlock Holmes parou diante dele com a cabeça inclinada para um lado e o examinou de alto a baixo, os olhos brilhando vivamente entre as pálpebras franzidas. Depois subiu a rua devagar, e depois desceu de novo até a esquina, ainda observando atentamente as casas. Por fim, voltou à casa de penhores e, tendo batido com força a bengala duas ou três vezes na calçada, aproximou-se da porta e bateu. Foi imediatamente aberta por um rapaz de ar desperto e rosto bem barbeado, que o convidou a entrar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Obrigado", disse Holmes. "Eu só queria perguntar como se chega daqui ao Strand."

"Terceira à direita, quarta à esquerda", respondeu o assistente rapidamente, fechando a porta.

Enquanto nos afastávamos, Holmes disse que o homem era inteligente. Em sua opinião, ele era o quarto homem mais inteligente de Londres e talvez o terceiro mais corajoso. Holmes disse que já o encontrara antes.

Comentei que o assistente do Sr. Wilson parecia muito importante no mistério da Liga dos Ruivos. Eu tinha certeza de que Holmes pedira informações sobre o caminho apenas para vê-lo.

“Não foi para vê-lo.”

“Então, o quê?”

“Os joelhos das calças dele.”

“O que você viu?”

“O que esperava ver.”

“Por que ficou andando de um lado para o outro na calçada?”

Holmes disse que aquele era um momento de observar, não de conversar. Disse que éramos espiões em território inimigo. Já sabíamos alguma coisa sobre Saxe-Coburg Square. Agora deveríamos examinar a área atrás dela.

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

“Not him.”

“What then?”

“The knees of his trousers.”

“And what did you see?”

“What I expected to see.”

“Why did you beat the pavement?”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Obrigado - disse Holmes. - Eu só queria perguntar-lhe como se vai daqui para a Strand.

- Terceira à direita, quarta à esquerda - respondeu prontamente o assistente, fechando a porta.

- Um sujeito esperto, esse - observou Holmes enquanto nos afastávamos. - É, na minha avaliação, o quarto homem mais esperto de Londres, e, quanto à audácia, não estou certo de que não tenha direito ao terceiro lugar. Já sei alguma coisa a seu respeito.

- É evidente - disse eu - que o assistente do Sr. Wilson tem grande peso neste mistério da Liga dos Ruivos. Tenho certeza de que você perguntou o caminho apenas para poder vê-lo.

- Não a ele.

- A quê, então?

- Aos joelhos das calças dele.

- E o que você viu?

- O que eu esperava ver.

- Por que você bateu na calçada?

- Meu caro doutor, este é um momento para observação, não para conversa. Somos espiões em território inimigo. Já sabemos algo sobre Saxe-Coburg Square. Vamos agora explorar as partes que ficam por trás dela.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando saímos da tranquila Saxe-Coburg Square, a rua diante de nós era muito diferente. Era uma das principais vias que conduziam o trânsito da City para o norte e o oeste. A rua estava apinhada de carroças, carruagens e pessoas. As calçadas estavam cheias de pedestres apressados. Era difícil acreditar que aquelas belas lojas e grandes escritórios fossem ligados, do outro lado, à velha e sossegada praça que acabávamos de deixar.

“Deixe-me ver”, disse Holmes, parando na esquina e olhando ao longo da fileira de casas. “Quero memorizar a ordem dos edifícios daqui. Gosto de conhecer Londres com exatidão. Ali está a tabacaria de Mortimer, a pequena banca de jornais, a agência Coburg do City and Suburban Bank, o Restaurante Vegetariano e o depósito de carruagens de McFarlane. Isso nos leva ao quarteirão seguinte. E agora, Doutor, terminamos nosso trabalho, portanto é hora de um pouco de prazer. Um sanduíche e uma xícara de café, e depois partiremos para o reino dos violinos, onde tudo é doce, delicado e repleto de harmonia, e não há clientes ruivos para nos atormentar com seus enigmas.”

Original English Version

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

A rua em que nos encontramos ao dobrar a esquina que deixava para trás a recolhida Saxe-Coburg Square oferecia com ela um contraste tão grande quanto o da frente de um quadro em relação ao verso. Era uma das artérias principais que escoavam o tráfego da City rumo ao norte e ao oeste. A pista estava congestionada pela imensa corrente do comércio a fluir em maré dupla, para dentro e para fora, enquanto as calçadas fervilhavam, negras, com o enxame apressado de pedestres. Era difícil acreditar, ao olharmos aquela fileira de belas lojas e imponentes estabelecimentos comerciais, que eles de fato confinassem, do outro lado, com a praça descolorida e estagnada que acabáramos de deixar.

- Deixe-me ver - disse Holmes, parado na esquina e correndo os olhos pela fileira. - Eu gostaria apenas de decorar a ordem das casas aqui. É um passatempo meu ter um conhecimento exato de Londres. Ali está a Mortimer's, a tabacaria, a lojinha de jornais, a filial Coburg do City and Suburban Bank, o Restaurante Vegetariano e o depósito de carruagens da McFarlane. Isso nos leva direto ao outro quarteirão. E agora, doutor, cumprimos nossa tarefa, de modo que está na hora de nos divertirmos um pouco. Um sanduíche e uma xícara de café, e depois rumo à terra do violino, onde tudo é doçura, delicadeza e harmonia, e não há clientes ruivos a nos importunar com seus enigmas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Meu amigo adorava música. Não era apenas um excelente instrumentista, mas também um compositor de verdadeiro talento. Durante toda a tarde, permaneceu sentado na plateia do teatro, cheio de felicidade, movendo suavemente seus dedos longos e finos ao ritmo da música. Seu sorriso sereno e seus olhos sonhadores eram muito diferentes do Holmes detetive perspicaz, do Holmes caçador de criminosos, rigoroso, ágil e astuto. Em sua natureza singular, esses dois lados se alternavam. Sua enorme precisão e mente aguçada eram, como muitas vezes pensei, uma reação contra o estado de espírito poético e tranquilo que às vezes o dominava. Seu humor podia passar de uma profunda indolência a uma energia intensa. Eu sabia muito bem que ele se tornava mais perigoso depois de passar dias reclinado na poltrona, entre sua música e seus livros antigos. Então, sua fome pela perseguição despertava de repente, e seu poder de raciocínio se elevava quase à intuição. As pessoas que desconheciam seus métodos o fitavam como se seu conhecimento não fosse humano. Ao vê-lo naquela tarde, perdido na música no St. James’s Hall, tive a impressão de que em breve surgiriam problemas para aqueles que ele pretendia capturar.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Meu amigo era um músico entusiasta, sendo ele próprio não só um executante muito capaz, mas também um compositor de não pequeno mérito. Toda a tarde ficou sentado na plateia, envolto na mais perfeita felicidade, agitando de leve os dedos longos e finos ao compasso da música, enquanto seu rosto suavemente sorridente e seus olhos lânguidos e sonhadores eram tão diferentes quanto se poderia conceber dos de Holmes, o sabujo, Holmes o implacável, o astuto e agilíssimo agente contra o crime. Em seu caráter singular, a natureza dual se afirmava alternadamente, e sua extrema exatidão e sagacidade representavam, como muitas vezes pensei, a reação contra o estado de espírito poético e contemplativo que ocasionalmente predominava nele. O balanço de sua natureza o levava do langor extremo à energia devoradora; e, como eu bem sabia, ele nunca era tão verdadeiramente formidável quanto depois de, por dias a fio, ter ficado repimpado em sua poltrona em meio a suas improvisações e a suas edições em letra gótica. Era então que a sede da caça de súbito o dominava, e que sua brilhante capacidade de raciocínio se elevava ao nível da intuição, até que aqueles que desconheciam seus métodos o olhavam de esguelha, como a um homem cujo saber não era o dos demais mortais. Quando o vi naquela tarde tão absorto na música do St. James's Hall, senti que uma hora funesta talvez se aproximasse daqueles a quem ele se propusera perseguir.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Sem dúvida, você quer voltar para casa, Doutor”, disse ele quando saímos.

“Sim, seria melhor.”

“E eu tenho um trabalho a fazer que levará algumas horas. Este assunto em Coburg Square é sério.”

“Por que é sério?”

“Um grande crime está sendo planejado. Tenho todos os motivos para acreditar que chegaremos a tempo de impedi-lo. Mas, como hoje é sábado, as coisas ficam um pouco mais difíceis. Precisarei de sua ajuda esta noite.”

“A que horas?”

“Dez horas será cedo o bastante.”

“Estarei em Baker Street às dez.”

“Muito bem. E, escute, Doutor, talvez haja algum perigo, portanto, por favor, ponha no bolso seu revólver do exército.” Ele acenou, virou-se e desapareceu de imediato na multidão.

Original English Version

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

“Yes, it would be as well.”

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

“Why serious?”

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

“At what time?”

“Ten will be early enough.”

“I shall be at Baker Street at ten.”

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Você sem dúvida quer ir para casa, doutor - comentou ele quando saímos.

- Sim, seria melhor.

- E eu tenho um assunto a tratar que me tomará algumas horas. Esse caso de Coburg Square é sério.

- Por que sério?

- Um crime considerável está sendo tramado. Tenho todos os motivos para crer que chegaremos a tempo de impedi-lo. Mas o fato de hoje ser sábado complica um pouco as coisas. Vou precisar da sua ajuda esta noite.

- A que horas?

- Às dez já será cedo o bastante.

- Estarei na Baker Street às dez.

- Muito bem. E, olhe, doutor, pode haver algum perigozinho, então tenha a bondade de pôr seu revólver do exército no bolso. - Acenou com a mão, girou nos calcanhares e desapareceu num instante em meio à multidão.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Não creio ser mais estúpido do que as outras pessoas, mas sempre me sentia muito lento quando trabalhava com Sherlock Holmes. Eu ouvira as mesmas coisas que ele e também vira as mesmas coisas. Contudo, por suas palavras, era evidente que ele compreendia não apenas o que acontecera, mas também o que aconteceria em seguida. Para mim, todo o assunto continuava estranho e confuso. Enquanto voltava de carruagem para casa, em Kensington, pensei em tudo, desde a insólita história do copista ruivo da Enciclopédia até a visita a Saxe-Coburg Square e as palavras sérias de Holmes antes de me deixar. O que seria aquela jornada noturna, e por que eu deveria levar uma arma? Aonde íamos e o que deveríamos fazer? Holmes me dissera que o assistente imberbe da casa de penhores era um homem perigoso, alguém que talvez estivesse planejando algo engenhoso. Tentei solucionar o mistério, mas não consegui. Por fim, desisti e esperei que a noite trouxesse uma resposta.

Original English Version

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Confio em não ser mais obtuso que meus semelhantes, mas sempre me sentia oprimido por uma sensação de minha própria estupidez em meu convívio com Sherlock Holmes. Ali eu ouvira o que ele ouvira, vira o que ele vira, e no entanto, por suas palavras, era evidente que ele enxergava com clareza não só o que acontecera, mas o que estava prestes a acontecer, ao passo que, para mim, a coisa toda continuava confusa e grotesca. Enquanto seguia de carro para minha casa em Kensington, fiquei matutando em tudo aquilo, desde a extraordinária história do copista ruivo da Encyclopedia até a visita a Saxe-Coburg Square e as palavras agourentas com que ele se despedira de mim. O que seria aquela expedição noturna, e por que eu deveria ir armado? Aonde íamos, e o que tínhamos a fazer? Holmes me dera a entender que aquele assistente de rosto liso do agiota era um homem formidável - um homem capaz de jogar um jogo profundo. Tentei decifrar o enigma, mas desisti em desespero e pus o assunto de lado até que a noite trouxesse uma explicação.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eram nove e quinze quando saí de casa, atravessei o parque e depois segui pela Oxford Street até Baker Street. Duas carruagens esperavam à porta e, ao entrar no vestíbulo, ouvi vozes no andar de cima. Quando entrei no quarto de Holmes, encontrei-o conversando com entusiasmo com dois homens. Um deles era Peter Jones, agente oficial da polícia. O outro era um homem alto e magro, de rosto triste, chapéu muito lustroso e sobrecasaca extremamente correta.

“Ah! Nosso grupo está completo”, disse Holmes, abotoando seu casaco de marinheiro e tirando do cabide seu pesado chicote de caça. “Watson, creio que você conhece o Sr. Jones, da Scotland Yard. Permita-me apresentar o Sr. Merryweather, que nos acompanhará na aventura desta noite.”

“Estamos caçando em duplas outra vez, Doutor, como pode ver”, disse Jones, com seu jeito importante. “Nosso amigo aqui é magnífico para iniciar uma perseguição. Tudo de que precisa é de um cão velho para ajudá-lo a seguir a pista.”

Original English Version

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

Eram nove e quinze quando parti de casa e atravessei o Parque, seguindo depois pela Oxford Street até a Baker Street. Duas carruagens de aluguel estavam paradas à porta, e, ao entrar no corredor, ouvi o som de vozes lá em cima. Ao entrar em seu aposento, encontrei Holmes em animada conversa com dois homens, um dos quais reconheci como Peter Jones, o agente oficial da polícia, ao passo que o outro era um homem comprido, magro e de semblante triste, com um chapéu muito lustroso e uma sobrecasaca de opressiva respeitabilidade.

- Ah! Nosso grupo está completo - disse Holmes, abotoando seu casaco de marinheiro e tirando do cabide seu pesado chicote de caça. - Watson, creio que você conhece o Sr. Jones, da Scotland Yard? Permita que eu lhe apresente o Sr. Merryweather, que será nosso companheiro na aventura desta noite.

- Estamos caçando em duplas de novo, doutor, como o senhor vê - disse Jones à sua maneira presunçosa. - Nosso amigo aqui é um homem admirável para dar início a uma caçada. Só o que ele precisa é de um cão velho que o ajude na perseguição.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Espero que, no fim, não estejamos correndo atrás de uma pista falsa”, disse o Sr. Merryweather com tristeza.

“O senhor pode confiar muito no Sr. Holmes”, disse o agente policial com orgulho. “Ele tem seus próprios métodos, que considero um pouco teóricos e estranhos demais, se ele me permite dizê-lo. Mas possui verdadeiro talento como detetive. É justo dizer que, em casos como o assassinato de Sholto e o tesouro de Agra, ele chegou mais perto da verdade do que a polícia oficial.”

“Ah, se o senhor diz isso, Sr. Jones, então está tudo bem”, disse o desconhecido respeitosamente. “Ainda assim, devo admitir que sentirei falta de minha partida de uíste. Esta é a primeira noite de sábado em vinte e sete anos em que não jogo uma.”

“Creio que descobrirá”, disse Sherlock Holmes, “que esta noite jogará por apostas maiores do que nunca e que será mais emocionante. Para o senhor, Sr. Merryweather, a aposta será de cerca de trinta mil libras. Para o senhor, Jones, será o homem que deseja capturar.”

Original English Version

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

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

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

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

Tradução Integral em Português

- Espero que não venhamos a terminar a nossa caçada correndo atrás do próprio rabo - observou o Sr. Merryweather, sombriamente.

- O senhor pode depositar considerável confiança no Sr. Holmes - disse o agente da polícia com altivez. - Ele tem seus métodos particulares, que são, se ele não se importar que eu o diga, apenas um tantinho teóricos e fantasiosos, mas há nele a matéria-prima de um detetive. Não é exagero dizer que uma ou duas vezes, como naquele caso do assassinato de Sholto e do tesouro de Agra, ele chegou mais perto da verdade do que a força oficial.

- Ah, se o senhor o diz, Sr. Jones, então está tudo bem - disse o desconhecido, com deferência. - Ainda assim, confesso que sinto falta da minha partida de uíste. É o primeiro sábado à noite em vinte e sete anos que fico sem a minha partida.

- Creio que o senhor há de perceber - disse Sherlock Holmes - que esta noite jogará por uma aposta mais alta do que jamais jogou antes, e que a partida será mais emocionante. Para o senhor, Sr. Merryweather, a aposta será de umas 30 mil libras; e para você, Jones, será o homem que tanto deseja pôr as mãos.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“John Clay, assassino, ladrão, arrombador e falsificador. É jovem, Sr. Merryweather, mas é um dos melhores em seu ramo, e eu preferiria colocar minhas algemas nele a colocá-las em qualquer outro criminoso de Londres. O jovem John Clay é um homem extraordinário. Seu avô era um duque de sangue real, e ele próprio estudou em Eton e Oxford. Sua mente é tão hábil quanto suas mãos e, embora vejamos sinais dele por toda parte, nunca sabemos onde encontrá-lo. Numa semana, ele invade uma casa na Escócia; na seguinte, arrecada dinheiro para um orfanato na Cornualha. Eu o persigo há anos e ainda nunca o vi.”

“Espero ter o prazer de apresentá-lo ao senhor esta noite. Também tive alguns assuntos com o Sr. John Clay, e concordo que é o melhor em seu ramo. Mas já passa das dez, e devemos partir agora. Se os senhores tomarem o primeiro cabriolé, Watson e eu os seguiremos no segundo.”

Original English Version

“John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He’s a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He’s a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. He’ll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I’ve been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet.”

“I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I’ve had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.”

Tradução Integral em Português

- John Clay, o assassino, ladrão, arrombador e falsário. É um homem jovem, Sr. Merryweather, mas está no topo de sua profissão, e eu preferiria pôr minhas algemas nele do que em qualquer outro criminoso de Londres. É um homem notável, o jovem John Clay. Seu avô era um duque real, e ele próprio estudou em Eton e Oxford. Seu cérebro é tão astuto quanto seus dedos, e, embora deparemos com sinais dele a cada esquina, nunca sabemos onde encontrar o homem em pessoa. Numa semana ele arromba um cofre na Escócia, e na outra está levantando fundos para construir um orfanato na Cornualha. Ando na trilha dele há anos e ainda não lhe pus os olhos em cima.

- Espero ter o prazer de apresentá-lo a ele esta noite. Também já tive uma ou duas escaramuças com o Sr. John Clay, e concordo com o senhor que ele está no topo de sua profissão. Já passa das dez, contudo, e é mais que hora de partirmos. Se vocês dois tomarem a primeira carruagem, Watson e eu seguiremos na segunda.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Sherlock Holmes falou muito pouco durante o longo trajeto. Recostou-se no cabriolé e cantarolou as melodias que ouvira naquela tarde. Percorremos o que pareciam ser intermináveis ruas iluminadas a gás, até chegarmos à Farrington Street.

“Já estamos perto”, disse meu amigo. “Esse homem, Merryweather, é diretor de banco e está pessoalmente envolvido no assunto. Achei melhor trazer Jones também. Ele não é um homem mau, embora seja um perfeito tolo em seu trabalho. Possui uma verdadeira qualidade: é corajoso como um buldogue e obstinado como uma lagosta quando agarra alguém. Aqui estamos, e eles nos esperam.”

Original English Version

Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.

“We are close there now,” my friend remarked. “This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Sherlock Holmes não se mostrou muito comunicativo durante o longo trajeto e recostou-se no carro cantarolando as melodias que ouvira à tarde. Sacolejamos por um labirinto interminável de ruas iluminadas a gás até desembocarmos na Farrington Street.

- Estamos perto agora - comentou meu amigo. - Esse tal Merryweather é diretor de banco e tem interesse pessoal no assunto. Achei conveniente trazer Jones conosco também. Não é mau sujeito, ainda que um perfeito imbecil em sua profissão. Tem uma virtude positiva. É corajoso feito um buldogue e tenaz feito uma lagosta, quando finca as garras em alguém. Aqui estamos, e eles nos aguardam.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Glossary: New Words (1/2)

Priority words from the simplified reading and post-nominal letters found in this book. Post-nominals are abbreviations placed after a person's name to identify honours, professional memberships, academic titles or qualifications. Each entry shows up to six real uses; Back to B1 opens the exact simplified sentence, while Back to Original opens the exact paragraph in Original English.

abbots /ˈæbəts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abades

Simple English: The heads of monasteries.

Example: Many abbots came to the great meeting.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Eight weeks passed like this, and I had written about abbots, archery, armour, architecture, and Attica. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. Go to

adler /ˈædlər/ (31 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Adler

Simple English: A surname; here belonging to Irene Adler, a famous character.

Example: It was I who caused the break between Irene Adler and the late King of Bohemia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This did not mean he loved Irene Adler. Go to

2. And yet, for him, there was only one woman: the late Irene Adler, remembered with doubt and suspicion. Go to

3. "The facts are these: about five years ago, during a long stay in Warsaw, I met the famous adventuress, Irene Adler. Go to

4. "And Irene Adler?" Go to

5. I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler. Go to

6. “And what about Irene Adler?” I asked. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. Go to

2. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory. Go to

3. “The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler. Go to

4. “And Irene Adler?” Go to

5. I suppose that you have been watching the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler.” Go to

6. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.” Go to

adler's /ˈædlərz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: de Adler

Simple English: Possessive form of the surname Adler.

Example: I suppose you have been watching Miss Irene Adler's habits, and perhaps her house.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I suppose you have been watching Miss Irene Adler’s habits, and perhaps her house.” Go to

adventuress /ədˈvɛntʃərəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aventureira; mulher oportunista (termo histórico)

Simple English: A historical, often disapproving term for a daring or socially opportunistic woman.

Example: They wrongly believed that he was the victim of an adventuress.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "The facts are these: about five years ago, during a long stay in Warsaw, I met the famous adventuress, Irene Adler. Go to

Original English Version

1. “The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known adventuress, Irene Adler. Go to

agra /ˈɑːɡrə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Agra (cidade da Índia)

Simple English: A city in northern India.

Example: The train reached Agra before dawn.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is fair to say that in cases like the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he was closer to the truth than the official police.” Go to

Original English Version

1. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force.” Go to

aldersgate /ˈɔːldərzɡeɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Aldersgate

Simple English: The name of a station and area in London.

Example: We took the Underground as far as Aldersgate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We took the Underground as far as Aldersgate. Go to

Original English Version

1. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. Go to

annoyance /əˈnɔɪəns/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: irritação; aborrecimento

Simple English: A feeling of being slightly angry.

Example: He shook his head in annoyance.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future annoyance. Go to

Anxious /ˈæŋkʃəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ansioso; ancioso; impaciente

Simple English: Feeling worried about something that might happen.

Example: I am anxious about my exam results coming next week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I shall be very anxious.” Go to

archery /ˈɑːrtʃəri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tiro com arco; arco e flecha

Simple English: The skill, sport, or practice of shooting arrows with a bow.

Example: The gallery provided equipment for archery, fencing, and boxing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Eight weeks passed like this, and I had written about abbots, archery, armour, architecture, and Attica. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. Go to

armchair /ˈɑːrmtʃer/ (28 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: poltrona

Simple English: A comfortable chair with supports for the arms.

Example: He read the paper in the same armchair every evening.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said very little, but his eyes were kind as he motioned me to an armchair, threw me his cigar case, and pointed to the spirit case and gasogene in the corner. Go to

2. “Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette and sitting back in an armchair. Go to

3. Sit in that armchair, Doctor, and pay close attention.” Go to

4. "I knew that too," Holmes said softly, sitting back in his armchair and closing his eyes. Go to

5. He sat back in his armchair and joined his fingertips, which he often did when thinking carefully. Go to

Original English Version

1. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Go to

2. “Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an armchair. Go to

3. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best attention.” Go to

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

5. “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. Go to

6. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Go to

arnsworth /ˈɑːrnzwɜːrθ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Arnsworth

Simple English: the name of a fictional castle mentioned in a Sherlock Holmes case

Example: It helped me in the Darlington Substitution Scandal, and also in the Arnsworth Castle case.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It helped me in the Darlington Substitution Scandal, and also in the Arnsworth Castle case. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. Go to

artificial /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: artificial; sintética

Simple English: Made by humans rather than occurring naturally in nature.

Example: Many artificial ingredients can be found in processed foods today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I went there at once, Mr. Holmes, but the address was a factory making artificial kneecaps. Go to

Ashamed /əˈʃeɪmd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: envergonhado; vergonha; humilhado

Simple English: Feeling embarrassed or guilty about personal actions.

Example: She felt ashamed for forgetting her friend's birthday party.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But I know I had never felt more ashamed in my life than when I saw the lovely woman I was helping to trick, and how gently and kindly she cared for the injured man. Go to

assistant's /əˈsɪstənts/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do assistente; do auxiliar

Simple English: The possessive form of "assistant," referring to something belonging to or done by a helper.

Example: He waited each night for the assistant's signal light.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square and followed my assistant’s advice. Go to

assume /əˈsuːm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assumir; supor; presumir

Simple English: To think something is true without proof or evidence.

Example: You cannot just assume everyone agrees with your opinion without asking them.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So we can assume she does not carry it with her.” Go to

astrakhan /ˈæstrəkæn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: astracã; pele de cordeiro karakul

Simple English: The tightly curled fleece or fur of a young karakul lamb, especially when used for clothing.

Example: He kept his hands in the pockets of his astrakhan coat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His coat had heavy astrakhan bands on the sleeves and front. Go to

Original English Version

1. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Go to

atkinson /ˈætkɪnsən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Atkinson

Simple English: a surname used for characters mentioned in a Sherlock Holmes case, the Atkinson brothers

Example: He solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. Go to

Original English Version

1. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Go to

Attempt /əˈtɛmpt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tentativa; tente; tentar

Simple English: To make an effort to achieve something difficult or challenging.

Example: She decided to attempt the difficult puzzle despite its complexity.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We have made five attempts. Go to

2. There have already been two such attempts. Go to

attica /ˈætɪkə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Ática

Simple English: a region of Greece that includes Athens

Example: Eight weeks passed like this, and I had written about abbots, archery, armour, architecture, and Attica.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Eight weeks passed like this, and I had written about abbots, archery, armour, architecture, and Attica. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. Go to

awaken /əˈweɪkən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: despertar; acordar; reavivar

Simple English: To wake someone, or to cause a feeling, memory, or quality to become active.

Example: Bucket only wanted to awaken Gridley's old anger.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then his hunger for the chase would suddenly awaken, and his power of reasoning would rise almost to intuition. Go to

b's /biːz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: letras B

Simple English: the plural of the letter B, referring to entries filed under that letter

Example: I hoped I would soon reach the B's.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I hoped carefully that I would soon reach the B’s. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. Go to

badness /ˈbædnəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: maldade; ruindade

Simple English: The quality of being bad, harmful, or morally wrong.

Example: The badness of the road slowed the cart.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is no badness in him.” Go to

bah /bɑː/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bah!; Ora!

Simple English: A word used to show that you do not respect something.

Example: Bah, that is only an old story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Bah! Go to

2. “Bah! Go to

beak /biːk/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: bico; esporão, proa pontiaguda

Simple English: The hard pointed mouth of a bird, or a pointed part shaped like it.

Example: The crow held a shiny coin in its beak.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He sat there with his eyes closed, and his black clay pipe stuck out like the beak of a strange bird. Go to

beauties /ˈbjuːtiz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: belezas

Simple English: Beautiful things or beautiful people.

Example: He pointed out the beauties of the strange moon forest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “A fine little brougham and a pair of beauties. Go to

Original English Version

1. “A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties. Go to

bellpull /ˈbɛlˌpʊl/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cordão de campainha

Simple English: A cord or handle pulled to ring a bell.

Example: The hidden panel was just above the right bellpull.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The photograph is in a hidden space behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. Go to

Original English Version

1. The photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. Go to

2. Holmes rushed at the bellpull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. Go to

benefactor /ˈbɛnəˌfæktər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: benfeitor

Simple English: A person who gives help, money, or another benefit.

Example: The orphan remained grateful to her benefactor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘My name,’ he said, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the people supported by the fund left by our noble benefactor. Go to

Original English Version

1. “ ‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Go to

beryl /ˈbɛrəl/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: berilo

Simple English: A mineral that forms gemstones such as emerald and aquamarine.

Example: The ring held a pale green beryl.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. Go to

Original English Version

1. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Go to

blackmail /ˈblækmeɪl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: chantagem; chantagear

Simple English: The act of demanding money or action by threatening to reveal damaging information, or to make such a demand.

Example: The criminals planned to blackmail her husband for the secret.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If this young woman shows the letters to blackmail you or for some other reason, how can she prove they are real?” Go to

blazing /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flamejante; ardente; em chamas

Simple English: Burning strongly, or shining very brightly.

Example: We sat around the blazing campfire until midnight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Also, I have heard that if your hair is light red, dark red, or anything except bright, blazing red, you will not succeed. Go to

Original English Version

1. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features. Go to

2. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Go to

Blind /blaɪnd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cego; cega; cegos

Simple English: Window covering that can be rolled up or down.

Example: I pulled down the blind to block the sunlight in the room.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As I looked up, I saw his tall, thin shape pass twice as a dark shadow across the blind. Go to

blinds /blaɪndz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: persianas; venezianas; cega

Simple English: Coverings for windows that can be pulled down or closed.

Example: She lowered the blinds against the afternoon sun.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The lamps were on, but the blinds were still open, so I could see Holmes lying on the couch. Go to

Original English Version

1. The lamps had been lit, but the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay upon the couch. Go to

blotting /ˈblɑːtɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: secando a tinta; mata-borrão

Simple English: Drying wet ink by pressing paper on it.

Example: A blotting pad lay on the desk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You must bring your own ink, pens, and blotting paper, but we provide this table and chair. Go to

Original English Version

1. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Go to

bohemia /boʊˈhiːmiə/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Boêmia

Simple English: a historical region that is now part of the Czech Republic

Example: In Bohemia sulphuric acid is made by a simpler method.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is in a German-speaking country, in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. Go to

2. “The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said. Go to

3. To be clear, the case involves the great House of Ormstein, the hereditary kings of Bohemia." Go to

4. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

5. I slept at Baker Street that night, and in the morning we were eating toast and coffee when the King of Bohemia rushed into the room. Go to

6. “What a woman - oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia after we had all read the letter. Go to

Original English Version

1. It is in a German-speaking country - in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. Go to

2. “The paper was made in Bohemia,” I said. Go to

3. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” Go to

4. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

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

6. “What a woman - oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. Go to

bolder /ˈboʊldər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: mais ousado; mais atrevido

Simple English: More ready to take risks.

Example: The second climber was bolder than the first.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Life is always bolder than anything the imagination can create." Go to

bonnet /ˈbɑːnɪt/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: touca; chapéu feminino amarrado sob o queixo

Simple English: A soft hat tied under the chin, once worn by women and children.

Example: The old photograph shows my great-grandmother in a white bonnet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She is the prettiest thing under a bonnet in the world, so the men at Serpentine-mews say. Go to

Original English Version

1. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. Go to

boswell /ˈbɒzwəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: biógrafo fiel; cronista

Simple English: A devoted companion who records another person's life and words in detail.

Example: Holmes jokingly told Watson that he was lost without his Boswell.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am lost without my Boswell. Go to

Original English Version

1. I am lost without my Boswell. Go to

bowed /boʊd/ (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vergou; curvou-se; inclinou-se

Simple English: Bent forward or downward.

Example: The long grass bowed before the wind.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am honored to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed and turned away without noticing the hand the King had held out. Go to

Original English Version

1. I have the honour to wish you a very good morning.” He bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chambers. Go to

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

bravest /ˈbreɪvɪst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: o mais corajoso; o mais valente

Simple English: Showing the most courage.

Example: The bravest thing he did was admit the mistake.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In his view, he was the fourth cleverest man in London, and perhaps the third bravest. Go to

breastpin /ˈbrɛstpɪn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: broche de peito

Simple English: A decorative pin or brooch worn on the chest.

Example: A bright breastpin gleamed against his dark coat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I will not insult your intelligence by explaining that, especially since you wear an arc-and-compass breastpin, which goes against the strict rules of your order.” Go to

Original English Version

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

bridegroom /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: noivo, no dia do casamento

Simple English: A man on the day of his wedding.

Example: The bridegroom waited at the church door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My sudden arrival saved the bridegroom from going into the streets to find a best man. Go to

Original English Version

1. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. Go to

brightly /ˈbraɪtli/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: intensamente; com brilho

Simple English: In a way that gives a lot of light.

Example: The sun shone brightly all morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His rooms were brightly lit. Go to

Original English Version

1. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Go to

briony /ˈbraɪəni/ (22 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: briônia; norça

Simple English: a climbing plant of the gourd family; briony is a variant spelling

Example: Ivy and briony covered the broken arches.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.” Go to

2. Soon I found Briony Lodge. Go to

3. After I heard everything they could tell me, I began walking up and down near Briony Lodge again and thought over my plan.”}]} Go to

4. I had to decide whether to keep working at Briony Lodge or to look into the man’s chambers in the Temple. Go to

5. I was still thinking about it when a hansom cab stopped at Briony Lodge and a gentleman jumped out. Go to

6. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.” Go to

2. I soon found Briony Lodge. Go to

3. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of campaign. Go to

4. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman’s chambers in the Temple. Go to

5. “I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. Go to

6. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her.” Go to

britannica /brɪˈtænɪkə/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Britânica

Simple English: part of the name of the famous reference work Encyclopedia Britannica

Example: ‘You are to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘You are to copy the Encyclopedia Britannica. Go to

2. It seemed impossible that anyone would make such a will, or pay so much money for something as simple as copying the Encyclopedia Britannica. Go to

Original English Version

1. “ ‘Is to copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica. Go to

2. It seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopedia Britannica. Go to

brooch /broʊtʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: broche

Simple English: a decorative piece of jewelry fastened to clothing with a pin

Example: Marilla wore her amethyst brooch to church.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. Go to

Original English Version

1. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Go to

brougham /ˈbruːəm/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carruagem fechada

Simple English: a light, closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage

Example: There was room for only two passengers in the brougham.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “A fine little brougham and a pair of beauties. Go to

2. “No, my brougham is waiting.” Go to

3. She watched us with a hard, mocking look as we got out of the brougham. Go to

Original English Version

1. “A nice little brougham and a pair of beauties. Go to

2. And good night, Watson,” he added, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. Go to

3. “No, my brougham is waiting.” Go to

4. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham. Go to

bulldog /ˈbʊldɔːɡ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: buldogue

Simple English: A short strong dog with a flat face and wide jaws.

Example: An old bulldog slept by the fire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is as brave as a bulldog and as stubborn as a lobster once he gets hold of someone. Go to

Original English Version

1. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Go to

burglar /ˈbɜːrɡlər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ladrão; arrombador

Simple English: A person who enters a building to steal.

Example: A burglar took the silver spoons.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “John Clay, the murderer, thief, burglar, and forger. Go to

burglars /ˈbɜːrɡlərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ladrões; arrombadores

Simple English: People who illegally enter buildings to steal.

Example: Two men surprised the burglars and joined the pursuit.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Twice, burglars working for me searched her house. Go to

Original English Version

1. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house. Go to

burgled /ˈbɜːrɡəld/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: foi arrombado; invadido para roubo

Simple English: Was illegally entered by someone intending to steal.

Example: The client's house was burgled during the night.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “But it has twice been burgled.” Go to

bush /bʊʃ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bush; arbusto; mato

Simple English: A dense plant with many small branches.

Example: They planted a bush in the garden to add color and beauty.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was weak grass and a few dull laurel bushes, all fighting against the smoky air. Go to

busier /ˈbɪziər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais ocupado; mais atarefado

Simple English: More occupied with work or activity than someone or something else.

Example: Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I have been too busy to think about food, and I will probably be busier this evening. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be busier still this evening. Go to

buttoned /ˈbʌtənd/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abotoado

Simple English: Fastened with buttons.

Example: His coat was buttoned to the neck.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The coachman looked untidy, with his coat only half-buttoned and his tie hanging loose. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. Go to

buttoning /ˈbʌtənɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abotoando

Simple English: Fastening clothing by putting buttons through their holes.

Example: Scrooge spoke while buttoning his coat up to his chin.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Our party is complete,” said Holmes, buttoning up his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Go to

cabman /ˈkæbmən/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cocheiro; condutor de carruagem de aluguel

Simple English: A man who drives a horse-drawn cab.

Example: The cabman waited patiently outside the station.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You can see the value of having a cabman as a friend. Go to

2. He shouted to the cabman to wait, and passed the maid at the door as if he knew the house well. Go to

Original English Version

1. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. Go to

2. He appeared to be in a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly at home. Go to

carelessly /ˈkɛrləsli/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: descuidadamente; sem prestar atenção

Simple English: Without paying enough attention.

Example: He carelessly left the door open all night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They were probably made when someone carelessly scraped around the edge of the sole to remove hard mud. Go to

2. Then I, perhaps too carelessly, wished you good night and started for the Temple to see my husband. Go to

Original English Version

1. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Go to

carlsbad /ˈkɑːrlzbæd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary)

Simple English: a spa town in Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, known by its old German name

Example: It is in a German-speaking country, not far from Carlsbad.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is in a German-speaking country, in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. Go to

Original English Version

1. It is in a German-speaking country - in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. Go to

carriages /ˈkærɪdʒɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vagões; carruagens

Simple English: The separate parts of a train where people sit.

Example: The last two carriages were empty.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The road was crowded with carts, carriages, and people. Go to

2. Two carriages were waiting at the door, and when I entered the hall I heard voices upstairs. Go to

carts /kɑːrts/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carrinhos; carroças

Simple English: Small vehicles with wheels that are pushed or pulled.

Example: The men pushed green carts along the street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The road was crowded with carts, carriages, and people. Go to

cassel /ˈkæsəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Cassel

Simple English: a fictional German duchy, Cassel-Felstein

Example: "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

charing /ˈtʃærɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Charing

Simple English: part of the name of a famous place ('Charing Cross') in London

Example: This is Charing Cross; hear ye! good people all.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She left this morning with her husband on the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.” Go to

Original English Version

1. She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Cross for the Continent.” Go to

chubb /tʃʌb/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Chubb

Simple English: the brand name of a well-known type of lock

Example: The door has a Chubb lock.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The door has a Chubb lock. Go to

Original English Version

1. Chubb lock to the door. Go to

chuckled /ˈtʃʌkəld/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: riu baixinho

Simple English: Laughed quietly to yourself.

Example: He chuckled at the old joke.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

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

2. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. Go to

cigars /sɪˈɡɑːrz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: charutos

Simple English: Thick rolls of tobacco leaves for smoking.

Example: They smoked cigars after dinner.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was a group of poorly dressed men smoking and laughing in one corner, a knife grinder with his wheel, two soldiers flirting with a nurse, and several well-dressed young men walking up and down with cigars in their mouths. Go to

Original English Version

1. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Go to

2. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths. Go to

clapped /klæpt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bateu (palmas); bateu um contra o outro

Simple English: Hit two things together, especially the hands.

Example: She clapped the heels of her shoes together.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. Go to

clergyman /ˈklɜːrdʒimən/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: clérigo; pastor

Simple English: A man who is a priest or a minister of a church.

Example: The clergyman came to visit the sick.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was no one there except the two people I had followed and a clergyman in a surplice, who seemed to be arguing with them. Go to

2. He went into his bedroom and came back a few minutes later dressed as a kind and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. Go to

3. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think badly of such a kind old clergyman. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. Go to

2. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. Go to

3. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. Go to

4. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. Go to

5. Even after I became suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind old clergyman. Go to

cleverest /ˈklevərɪst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: o mais engenhoso; o mais esperto

Simple English: The most intelligent or the most skilfully done.

Example: That was the cleverest answer of the evening.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In his view, he was the fourth cleverest man in London, and perhaps the third bravest. Go to

cleverness /ˈklɛvərnəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: esperteza; inteligência

Simple English: The ability to learn and think quickly.

Example: Her cleverness saved the whole plan.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This is how a great scandal nearly affected the kingdom of Bohemia, and how Mr. Sherlock Holmes was outsmarted by a woman’s cleverness. Go to

Original English Version

1. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. Go to

client's /ˈklaɪənts/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do cliente

Simple English: The possessive form of “client,” showing that something belongs to a customer or person receiving professional help.

Example: The lawyer listened carefully to his client's story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It did not have the dark and strange signs of the two crimes I had already written about, but the kind of case and his client’s high status made it special. Go to

clotilde /kloʊˈtɪld/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Clotilde

Simple English: a woman's first name, a princess mentioned in the story

Example: To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

clumsy /ˈklʌmzi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desajeitado; grosseiro; malfeito

Simple English: Done or made without skill or care.

Example: It was a clumsy trick, and no one believed it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. How do I know that you have been getting very wet lately, and that you have a very clumsy and careless maid?" Go to

Original English Version

1. How do I know that you have been getting yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and careless servant girl?” Go to

coachman /ˈkoʊtʃmən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cocheiro

Simple English: A man who drives a carriage pulled by horses.

Example: The coachman waited outside the hotel.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The coachman looked untidy, with his coat only half-buttoned and his tie hanging loose. Go to

2. I thought about trying to take the photograph right away, but the coachman had come in and was watching me closely, so it seemed safer to wait. Go to

3. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, changed into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you left. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. Go to

2. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it seemed safer to wait. Go to

3. I sent John, the coachman, to watch you, ran upstairs, got into my walking clothes, as I call them, and came down just as you departed. Go to

cobbler's /ˈkɑːblərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do sapateiro

Simple English: The possessive form of cobbler, meaning belonging to or associated with a shoe repairer.

Example: The cobbler's shop stood behind the bakery.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could tell you stories about cobbler’s wax that would make you dislike human nature.’ He went to the window and shouted that the job was taken. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax which would disgust you with human nature.’ He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled. Go to

coburg /ˈkoʊbɜːrɡ/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Coburgo

Simple English: the name of a square in London, Coburg Square

Example: "I have a small pawnbroker's business in Coburg Square, near the City."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I have a small pawnbroker’s business in Coburg Square, near the City. Go to

2. “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square and followed my assistant’s advice. Go to

3. Then a short walk brought us to Saxe-Coburg Square, where we had heard the strange story that morning. Go to

4. We already knew something about Saxe-Coburg Square. Go to

5. When we turned from quiet Saxe-Coburg Square, the street before us was very different. Go to

6. There is Mortimer’s tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. Go to

2. “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. Go to

3. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. Go to

4. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Go to

5. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. Go to

6. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

cocked /kɑːkt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: empinou; ergueu de lado

Simple English: Raised or turned up on one side, of ears or a hat.

Example: The dog stood with ears cocked.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Go to

coldly /ˈkoʊldli/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: friamente; com frieza

Simple English: In an unfriendly way, without warmth or feeling.

Example: He answered coldly and turned back to his newspaper.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “From what I have seen of the lady, she seems to be far above your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. Go to

Original English Version

1. “From what I have seen of the lady, she seems, indeed, to be on a very different level to your Majesty,” said Holmes coldly. Go to

companion's /kəmˈpænjənz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do companheiro; da companheira

Simple English: Belonging to the person who is travelling or spending time with you.

Example: I paid my share and my companion's share as well.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. Go to

confusing /kənˈfjuːzɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: confuso; confundindo; desconcertante

Simple English: Difficult to understand or unclear, causing uncertainty.

Example: The confusing directions led us to the wrong location for the meeting.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. To me, the whole matter was still strange and confusing. Go to

congratulated /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: felicitou; parabenizou

Simple English: Told someone you are pleased about their success.

Example: Everyone congratulated her on the new job.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then he suddenly came forward, shook my hand, and warmly congratulated me on my success. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success. Go to

contralto /kənˈtræltoʊ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: contralto

Simple English: A female singer with the lowest usual female vocal range.

Example: A famous contralto sang jazz at the party.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Contralto, hmm! Go to

Original English Version

1. Contralto - hum! Go to

copyist /ˈkɑːpiɪst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: copista

Simple English: A person employed to copy documents or text.

Example: She whispered that the only other tenant was a legal copyist.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As I drove home to Kensington, I thought about everything, from the strange story of the redheaded copyist at the Encyclopedia to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and Holmes’s serious words before he left me. Go to

courtship /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: corte; namoro

Simple English: The time when a man and a woman are getting to know each other before marriage.

Example: Their courtship lasted two years.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As I went by the familiar door, which I always connected with my courtship and with the dark events of A Study in Scarlet, I suddenly wanted to see Holmes again and learn how he was using his amazing gifts. Go to

curled /kɜːrld/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enroscou-se; encolheu-se

Simple English: Lay down with the body rolled into a round shape.

Example: The dog curled up on the rug beside her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “This is a problem that needs three pipes, and I ask you not to speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled up in his chair, with his thin knees pulled up near his hawk-like nose. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill - gentlemen, ostlers, and servant maids - joined in a general shriek of “Fire!” Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. Go to

2. “It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won’t speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Go to

darlington /ˈdɑːrlɪŋtən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Darlington

Simple English: a surname or place name

Example: Darlington is not going to do anything.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It helped me in the Darlington Substitution Scandal, and also in the Arnsworth Castle case. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. Go to

debt /dɛt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dívida; débito; endividamento

Simple English: Money or favor that is owed.

Example: She worked hard to pay off her credit card debt last year.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We live very quietly, the three of us, and we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts, even if we do nothing more. Go to

Decoration /ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: decoração; enfeite

Simple English: Adding design and beauty to something for visual appeal.

Example: We chose colorful decoration for the party to make it festive.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He wore loose grey check trousers, a black frock-coat that was not very clean and left open in front, and a dull waistcoat with a heavy shiny chain and a small square piece of metal hanging from it as decoration. Go to

deduction /dɪˈdʌkʃən/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dedução

Simple English: A conclusion reached by reasoning from facts or evidence.

Example: The deduction he drew from the observations was simple.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. Go to

2. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his process of deduction. Go to

depended /dɪˈpɛndɪd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dependia

Simple English: Was decided by something else.

Example: The picnic depended on the weather.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My choice depended on this. Go to

Original English Version

1. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman’s chambers in the Temple. Go to

disguises /dɪsˈɡaɪzɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: disfarces

Simple English: Clothes, appearances, or forms used to hide someone's or something's true identity or nature.

Example: The group chose disguises before beginning the journey.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I knew Holmes was very good at disguises, but I still had to look three times before I was sure it was him. Go to

Original English Version

1. Accustomed as I was to my friend’s amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was indeed he. Go to

district (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: distrito; bairro; zona

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Oh, she has made every man in that district lose his head. Go to

2. In fact, for a small street in a quiet district, it was very lively. Go to

doze /doʊz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cochilo; cochilar

Simple English: A short light sleep, or to sleep lightly.

Example: He fell into a doze in the warm carriage.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I thought he had fallen asleep, and I was beginning to doze too, when he suddenly jumped up as if he had made his decision and put his pipe on the mantelpiece. Go to

Dozen /ˈdʌzən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dúzia; dezenas; doze

Simple English: A group of twelve items or units together.

Example: I bought a dozen eggs for the cake I am baking.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews and knew all about him. Go to

drawers /drɔːrz/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gavetas

Simple English: Boxes that slide in and out of a piece of furniture.

Example: He took the heart from a chest of drawers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The furniture was thrown around in every direction, with broken shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had searched them quickly before escaping. Go to

Original English Version

1. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Go to

dreamy /ˈdriːmi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sonhador; de quem sonha acordado

Simple English: Sounding or looking as if you are dreaming.

Example: She had a dreamy look on her face.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His soft smile and dreamy eyes were very different from Holmes the sharp detective, Holmes the strict, quick, and clever hunter of criminals. Go to

Original English Version

1. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. Go to

drifted /ˈdrɪftɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: foi à deriva; afastou-se aos poucos

Simple English: Moved slowly along without control or plan.

Example: The small boat drifted out to sea.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. My marriage had drifted us away from each other. Go to

drug's /drʌɡz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: da droga

Simple English: The possessive form of drug, meaning belonging to or caused by a medicine or narcotic.

Example: The drug's sleepiness dulled his thoughts.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Each week he moved between cocaine and ambition, between the drug’s sleepiness and the strong energy of his own mind. Go to

drugged /drʌɡd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: drogou

Simple English: Gave someone a substance to make them sleep or lose control.

Example: They drugged the guard and took the keys.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He had come out of his drugged dreams and was eagerly following some new problem. Go to

dryly /ˈdraɪli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: secamente

Simple English: In a calm way that hides a joke or a complaint.

Example: That went well, he said dryly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "I knew that," Holmes said dryly. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I was aware of it,” said Holmes dryly. Go to

dusk /dʌsk/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: anoitecer; crepúsculo

Simple English: The time when the day is ending and it becomes dark.

Example: The birds go quiet at dusk.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. Go to

eagerly /ˈiːɡərli/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: avidamente; com entusiasmo

Simple English: In a way that shows strong interest or excitement.

Example: She looked eagerly at the strange new sights.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was walking quickly and eagerly around the room, with his head bent and his hands behind him. Go to

2. He had come out of his drugged dreams and was eagerly following some new problem. Go to

3. He took Sherlock Holmes by both shoulders and looked eagerly into his face. Go to

4. You have shown this in the way you have eagerly written about my little adventures, and, if I may say so, sometimes made them sound a little bigger." Go to

Original English Version

1. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. Go to

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

edgeware /ˈɛdʒwɛər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Edgware

Simple English: the name of a road and area in London

Example: Monica in the Edgeware Road.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘First to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

2. He walked quickly and said nothing for a few minutes, until we turned into one of the quiet streets leading toward Edgeware Road. Go to

Original English Version

1. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

2. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Edgeware Road. Go to

eglonitz /ˈɛɡloʊnɪts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Eglonitz

Simple English: the name of a small town mentioned during a journey

Example: "Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

eglow /ˈɛɡloʊ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Eglow

Simple English: the name of a small town mentioned during a journey

Example: "Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

egria /ˈɛɡriə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Egria

Simple English: the name of a town, an old form of the name Eger

Example: "Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Eglow, Eglonitz - here we are, Egria. Go to

elsewhere /ˈɛlsweər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: noutro lugar; alhures

Simple English: At, in, or to another place, not here.

Example: I decided to look for a job elsewhere, outside my city.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere.” Go to

esq /ɪˈskwaɪər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhor

Simple English: An abbreviated formal title placed after a man's name.

Example: The letter was addressed to Albert Crawford, Esq.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The letter was addressed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. Go to

Original English Version

1. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. Go to

eton /ˈiːtən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Eton

Simple English: a famous, historic private school in England

Example: Many young men saw in Dorian Gray the real example of a type they had dreamed of at Eton or Oxford.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself studied at Eton and Oxford. Go to

Original English Version

1. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. Go to

exactness /ɪɡˈzæktnəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: exatidão; precisão; rigor

Simple English: The quality of being completely correct in every detail.

Example: The old clock keeps time with surprising exactness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His great exactness and sharp mind were, I often thought, a reaction against the poet-like and quiet mood that sometimes controlled him. Go to

Original English Version

1. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. Go to

excitedly /ɪkˈsaɪtɪdli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: excitadamente; agitadamente

Simple English: In a way that shows strong happy feeling.

Example: The boy talked excitedly about his new bike.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Through the sitting-room windows I could see him walking up and down, speaking excitedly, and waving his arms. Go to

2. When I went into Holmes’s room, I found him speaking excitedly with two men. Go to

Original English Version

1. “He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Go to

ezekiah /ˌɛzɪˈkaɪə/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Ezequias

Simple English: A man's first name in the story.

Example: Because of the money left by the late Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, there is now another opening.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “To the Redheaded League: Because of the money left by the late Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another opening. Go to

2. As far as I can tell, the League was started by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very strange in his habits. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. Go to

2. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. Go to

farrington /ˈfærɪŋtən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Farrington

Simple English: A street in London mentioned in the story.

Example: We went through endless gas-lit streets until we reached Farrington Street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We went through what seemed like endless gas-lit streets until we reached Farrington Street. Go to

Original English Version

1. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Go to

fastened /ˈfæsənd/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prenderam; fixaram

Simple English: Joined or fixed one thing firmly to another.

Example: They fastened his head onto his tin body.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. Go to

fasteners /ˈfæsnərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fechos

Simple English: Small things used to hold two parts together.

Example: The box had two bright brass fasteners.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. On the right side there is a large sitting room, nicely furnished, with long windows almost to the floor and those silly English window fasteners that a child could open. Go to

Original English Version

1. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Go to

fastening /ˈfɑːsənɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fecho; fixação

Simple English: A device, knot, or action that attaches or secures something.

Example: They made a sword-mat as an additional fastening for the boat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Our group is complete,” said Holmes, fastening his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Go to

felstein /ˈfɛlstaɪn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Felstein

Simple English: Part of the name of a fictional German duchy in the story.

Example: Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

fenced /fenst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cercado; vedado; murado

Simple English: Surrounded or enclosed with a fence or a barrier.

Example: The garden is fenced to keep the rabbits out.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It was a small, shabby place, with four rows of dirty two-story brick houses around a little fenced yard. Go to

fingertips /ˈfɪŋɡərtɪps/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pontas dos dedos

Simple English: The ends of the fingers.

Example: She touched the glass with her fingertips.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He sat back in his armchair and joined his fingertips, which he often did when thinking carefully. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. Go to

firelight /ˈfaɪərlaɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: luz da fogueira; clarão do fogo

Simple English: The light given out by a fire.

Example: They read by firelight because the lamp had failed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “My eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, where the firelight hits it, there are six nearly parallel cuts. Go to

Original English Version

1. “It is simplicity itself,” said he; “my eyes tell me that on the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Go to

fists /fɪsts/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: punhos

Simple English: Hands closed tightly with the fingers inside.

Example: The boy pressed his fists against his eyes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In a moment the lady, who had stepped out of her carriage, was surrounded by men fighting with fists and sticks. Go to

Original English Version

1. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Go to

flame (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: chama; fogo; labareda

Simple English: the bright burning gas of a fire

Example: A small flame burned in the candle.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But, as Spaulding said, not many had the real bright flame colour. Go to

flaming /ˈfleɪmɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flamejante; em chamas; ardente

Simple English: Burning with flames, or very bright red or orange.

Example: We watched the flaming logs collapse into ash.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. Go to

Original English Version

1. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Go to

2. “I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. Go to

foolscap /ˈfuːlskæp/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papel almaço

Simple English: a traditional large size of writing paper

Example: He wrote the report on several sheets of foolscap.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So I bought a cheap bottle of ink, took a quill pen and seven sheets of foolscap paper, and set off for Pope’s Court. Go to

2. It cost me some foolscap paper, and I had almost filled a shelf with my writing. Go to

Original English Version

1. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court. Go to

2. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings. Go to

forefinger /ˈfɔːrfɪŋɡər/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dedo indicador

Simple English: The finger next to the thumb.

Example: He pointed with his forefinger.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As for your work, if a man comes into my room smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of silver nitrate on his right forefinger, and a bump on the right side of his top hat where he hid his stethoscope, I would be very dull if I did not say he is a doctor.” Go to

Original English Version

1. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Go to

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

forger /ˈfɔːrdʒər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: falsificador

Simple English: a person who makes false documents, signatures, or money

Example: The notorious forger was arrested with the thieves.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “John Clay, the murderer, thief, burglar, and forger. Go to

Original English Version

1. “John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. Go to

Freedom /ˈfriːdəm/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: liberdade

Simple English: Right to act, speak, or think without restriction.

Example: Everyone deserves the freedom to express their own opinions.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You have complete freedom.” Go to

2. I often use the freedom they give. Go to

freemason /ˈfriːmeɪsən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maçom

Simple English: A member of the international fraternal organization of Freemasonry.

Example: Holmes deduced that the visitor was a Freemason.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I can tell no more than this: he has done manual work at some time, he takes snuff, he is a Freemason, he has been to China, and he has done a lot of writing lately.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.” Go to

freemasonry /ˈfriːmeɪsənri/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maçonaria; camaradagem entre semelhantes

Simple English: Freemasonry itself, or a natural bond among people with a shared experience.

Example: There was a kind of freemasonry among the horsemen.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Well, what about the snuff and the Freemasonry?” Go to

Original English Version

1. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Go to

2. “Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?” Go to

frenchman /ˈfrɛntʃmən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: francês

Simple English: A man from France.

Example: A Frenchman sat next to us on the train.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Do you see the unusual sentence order - ‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian would not have written that. Go to

Original English Version

1. Do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence - ‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian could not have written that. Go to

frock /frɑːk/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vestido; túnica

Simple English: A dress, gown, or loose outer garment.

Example: She wore a clean white frock for the ceremony.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He wore loose grey check trousers, a black frock-coat that was not very clean and left open in front, and a dull waistcoat with a heavy shiny chain and a small square piece of metal hanging from it as decoration. Go to

2. The other was a tall, thin man with a sad face, a very shiny hat, and a very proper frock-coat. Go to

Original English Version

1. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Go to

2. On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Go to

fund /fʌnd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fundo; financiar; financia

Simple English: To provide money for a specific purpose or initiative.

Example: They plan to fund the project with donations from local businesses.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘My name,’ he said, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the people supported by the fund left by our noble benefactor. Go to

2. The fund was, of course, meant to support redheads and also to help more of them grow and spread. Go to

gang /ɡæŋ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gangue; quadrilha; bando

Simple English: Group of criminals who work together.

Example: A gang of thieves was caught planning a robbery in the mall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They were a gang, and a rough one too. Go to

gasogene /ˈɡæzədʒiːn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aparelho para fazer água gaseificada

Simple English: An old device for making carbonated water.

Example: Holmes pointed toward the spirit case and gasogene in the corner.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said very little, but his eyes were kind as he motioned me to an armchair, threw me his cigar case, and pointed to the spirit case and gasogene in the corner. Go to

Original English Version

1. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Go to

gazetteer /ˌɡæzəˈtɪr/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dicionário geográfico

Simple English: A reference book or index containing information about places.

Example: He took the heavy gazetteer down from the shelf.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The G with the small t means ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German word for ‘Company.’ It is a common short form, like our ‘Co.’ P stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for ‘Eg.’ Let us look in our Continental Gazetteer.” He took a heavy brown book from the shelf. Go to

Original English Version

1. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Go to

gesellschaft /ɡəˈzɛlʃaft/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sociedade, companhia

Simple English: the German word for 'company' or 'society', often used in business names

Example: The letter G with a small t stands for 'Gesellschaft,' the German word for 'Company.'

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The G with the small t means ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German word for ‘Company.’ It is a common short form, like our ‘Co.’ P stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for ‘Eg.’ Let us look in our Continental Gazetteer.” He took a heavy brown book from the shelf. Go to

Original English Version

1. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Go to

godfrey /ˈɡɒdfri/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Godofredo

Simple English: a man's first name; here, Godfrey de Saint Omer, a founder of the Knights Templar

Example: The spirits of our pure founders, Hugh de Payen and Godfrey de Saint Omer.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is Mr. Godfrey Norton, from the Inner Temple. Go to

2. This Godfrey Norton was clearly important. Go to

3. Then, to my surprise, the three at the altar turned toward me, and Godfrey Norton ran toward me as fast as he could. Go to

4. I was agreeing to things I knew nothing about, and helping to join Irene Adler, a single woman, to Godfrey Norton, a bachelor. Go to

5. She will probably not want Mr. Godfrey Norton to see it, just as our client does not want the princess to see it. Go to

Original English Version

1. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. Go to

2. “This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the matter. Go to

3. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me. Go to

4. “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. Go to

5. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Go to

gottsreich /ˈɡɒtsraɪx/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Gottsreich

Simple English: a German middle name, part of a king's full royal name.

Example: I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

grand /ɡrænd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Grand; miI; grão

Simple English: Impressive in size, style, or appearance; very large.

Example: The grand hotel had beautiful architecture and luxurious accommodations.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

grating /ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: grade; grelha; áspero ao ouvido

Simple English: A frame of metal bars over an opening; also a harsh unpleasant sound.

Example: A metal grating covered the drain.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

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

grinder /ˈɡraɪndər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: moedor; amolador; dente molar

Simple English: A person or device that grinds, or informally a molar tooth.

Example: The organ-grinder passed with a monkey on a string.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was a group of poorly dressed men smoking and laughing in one corner, a knife grinder with his wheel, two soldiers flirting with a nurse, and several well-dressed young men walking up and down with cigars in their mouths. Go to

2. The two guardsmen joined in and took one side, while the scissors-grinder joined the other. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths. Go to

2. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. Go to

grit /ɡrɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: areia grossa; coragem obstinada

Simple English: Very small hard pieces of stone, or firm courage.

Example: The wind blew grit into his eyes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It would be like grit in a delicate instrument, or a crack in a powerful lens. Go to

Original English Version

1. Grit in a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nature such as his. Go to

groan /ɡroʊn/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gemido

Simple English: A long, low sound made by someone in pain or trouble.

Example: She was startled to hear a deep groan nearby.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A disappointed groan came from below, and the people left in different directions until no redhead could be seen except my own hair and the manager’s. Go to

Original English Version

1. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager. Go to

guardsmen /ˈɡɑːrdzmɛn/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: guardas; soldados da guarda

Simple English: Men serving as guards or as members of a military guard unit.

Example: The guardsmen returned to their posts outside the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The two guardsmen joined in and took one side, while the scissors-grinder joined the other. Go to

2. When he fell, the guardsmen ran one way and the loungers another. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths. Go to

2. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. Go to

3. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Go to

guineas /ˈɡɪniz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: guinéus (antiga moeda inglesa)

Simple English: Old British gold coins worth twenty-one shillings.

Example: The horse cost thirty guineas.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A hundred and fifty guineas each. Go to

Original English Version

1. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. Go to

handcuffs /ˈhændkʌfs/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: algemas

Simple English: Metal rings joined by a chain, put on the wrists of a prisoner.

Example: The guard carried a pair of handcuffs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is young, Mr. Merryweather, but he is one of the best in his field, and I would rather have my handcuffs on him than on any other criminal in London. Go to

hankey's /ˈhæŋkiz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Hankey

Simple English: possessive of Hankey, part of the name of a jewelry shop

Example: First to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘First to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

Original English Version

1. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

hansom /ˈhænsəm/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cabriolé hansom; táxi de duas rodas

Simple English: A light two-wheeled horse-drawn cab with the driver seated behind.

Example: They ordered a hansom cab and went for a drive.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was still thinking about it when a hansom cab stopped at Briony Lodge and a gentleman jumped out. Go to

2. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. Go to

2. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.” Go to

harmed /hɑːrmd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: ferido; prejudicado

Simple English: Hurt or damaged.

Example: The birds saw that he was not harmed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You have seriously harmed your own reputation. Go to

heartily /ˈhɑːrtɪli/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cordialmente; vigorosamente; de coração

Simple English: In a sincere, enthusiastic, or energetic way.

Example: They laughed heartily at the harmless joke.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Go to

2. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. Go to

helper /ˈhɛlpər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ajudante; auxiliar

Simple English: A person who helps someone else.

Example: The baker needs a helper in the morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I am sure he will be very useful to me in yours as well." Go to

Original English Version

1. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also.” Go to

hereditary /həˈrɛdɪteri/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hereditário

Simple English: passed from parents to children through genes, family rank, or tradition

Example: The illness was hereditary rather than contagious.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. To be clear, the case involves the great House of Ormstein, the hereditary kings of Bohemia." Go to

2. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” Go to

2. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

hesitate /ˈhɛzɪteɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hesite; duvide

Simple English: To pause before acting due to uncertainty or nervousness.

Example: She always hesitates before making an important decision about her career.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘It would be wrong to hesitate,’ he said. Go to

hesitated /ˈhɛzɪteɪtɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hesitou; vacilou

Simple English: Waited before acting because of doubt or fear.

Example: The Lion no longer hesitated.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it seemed safer to wait. Go to

holmes's /hoʊmzɪz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Holmes

Simple English: Belonging to Sherlock Holmes, the detective who is the main character of the story.

Example: The more I thought about it, the more strange Holmes's idea seemed, that the man had been poisoned.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw people rushing about, and a moment later Holmes's voice came from inside, telling them it was a false alarm. Go to

2. As I drove home to Kensington, I thought about everything, from the strange story of the redheaded copyist at the Encyclopedia to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and Holmes’s serious words before he left me. Go to

3. When I went into Holmes’s room, I found him speaking excitedly with two men. Go to

hooves /hʊvz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cascos

Simple English: The hard parts of the feet of horses and cattle.

Example: We heard hooves on the stones.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As he spoke, I heard the sharp sound of horse hooves and wheels scraping the curb, followed by a hard pull on the bell. Go to

horsey /ˈhɔːrsi/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de aspecto de cavalariço; ligado a cavalos

Simple English: Looking like or interested in horses.

Example: A tall horsey young man met them.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Go to

hummed /hʌmd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cantarolou; sussurrou uma melodia

Simple English: Sang with the lips closed, or made a low steady sound.

Example: He hummed an old tune while he washed the car.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He leaned back in the cab and hummed the tunes he had heard that afternoon. Go to

humming /ˈhʌmɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cantarolando

Simple English: Singing a tune with the lips closed.

Example: She was humming while she washed the plates.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. Go to

hurried /ˈhɜːrid/ (46 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: correram; foram depressa

Simple English: Moved or went quickly.

Example: The mice hurried away through the grass.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I paid the man and hurried inside. Go to

2. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, hurried up the steps, but she stopped at the top. Go to

3. There were several people on the pavement then, but the greeting seemed to come from a slim young man in an ulster who hurried by. Go to

4. “We shall see.” He pushed past the servant and hurried into the drawing room, followed by the King and me. Go to

5. The pavements were full of hurried walkers. Go to

Original English Version

1. I paid the man and hurried into the church. Go to

2. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street. Go to

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

hurrying /ˈhʌriɪŋ/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: apressando-se; apressado

Simple English: Moving or acting quickly, often because time is short.

Example: Small groups were hurrying toward the town.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Go to

ignotum /ɪɡˈnoʊtəm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desconhecido

Simple English: a Latin word meaning 'unknown thing', from the saying 'everything unknown seems magnificent'

Example: "Omne ignotum pro magnifico," he said, meaning that the unknown always seems impressive.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation will suffer if I am too open. Go to

Original English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Go to

imagination (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: imaginação; criatividade; fantasia

Simple English: the ability to create ideas in the mind

Example: Children use imagination when they play.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Life is always bolder than anything the imagination can create." Go to

impatience /ɪmˈpeɪʃəns/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: impaciência

Simple English: The feeling of not wanting to wait.

Example: His impatience showed in his quick steps.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Holmes slowly opened his eyes again and looked at his very large client with impatience. Go to

Original English Version

1. I am all impatience to be gone.” Go to

impatiently /ɪmˈpeɪʃəntli/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: impacientemente

Simple English: In a way that shows you do not want to wait.

Example: He knocked impatiently on the closed door.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client. Go to

inch (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: polegada; medida; unidade

Simple English: a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimetres

Example: The shelf is twelve inches wide.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A very tall man came in, almost six feet six inches high, with a powerful body. Go to

2. “What else can be shown by that right cuff, so shiny for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it on the desk?” Go to

inner /ˈɪnər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: interior; íntimo

Simple English: Situated inside of something else; internal or central.

Example: She found peace in her inner thoughts during her quiet meditation practice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is Mr. Godfrey Norton, from the Inner Temple. Go to

insist /ɪnˈsɪst/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: insistir

Simple English: To urgently demand something or action to occur.

Example: She will insist on meeting with the manager today about her concerns.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is only one thing I must insist on. Go to

inward /ˈɪnwərd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: para dentro; interior; íntimo

Simple English: Towards the inside, or existing in the mind rather than outside.

Example: The door opens inward, so pull the handle.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Go to

iodoform /aɪˈoʊdəˌfɔrm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: iodofórmio

Simple English: A yellow antiseptic chemical formerly used for treating wounds.

Example: The room smelled strongly of smoke and iodoform.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As for your work, if a man comes into my room smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of silver nitrate on his right forefinger, and a bump on the right side of his top hat where he hid his stethoscope, I would be very dull if I did not say he is a doctor.” Go to

Original English Version

1. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Go to

irene's /aɪˈriːnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Irene

Simple English: belonging to Irene, a character in the story

Example: Rilla liked Irene's patronizing manner.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Irene’s photograph!” he said. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Irene’s photograph!” he cried. Go to

jabez /ˈdʒeɪbɛz/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Jabez

Simple English: a male given name

Example: "Jabez Sloane bought the farm and moved the little house out to the road."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Mr. Jabez Wilson has come to see me this morning and has started a story that promises to be one of the most unusual I have heard for some time. Go to

2. Mr. Jabez Wilson sat up in his chair, with one finger on the newspaper and his eyes fixed on my companion. Go to

3. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed loudly. Go to

4. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, wiping his forehead. Go to

5. “This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,” said my assistant. Go to

6. ‘Then goodbye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you again on the important job you have been lucky enough to get.’ He showed me out, and I went home with my assistant. Go to

Original English Version

1. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. Go to

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

3. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. Go to

4. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. Go to

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

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

james's /ˈdʒeɪmzɪz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de James

Simple English: belonging to James, as in "James's Gazette", a newspaper name

Example: "...James's Gazette on the second Tuesday of the following December."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Sarasate is playing at St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he said. Go to

2. When I saw him that afternoon lost in the music at St. James’s Hall, I felt that trouble might soon come to the people he planned to catch. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Sarasate plays at the St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he remarked. Go to

2. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James’s Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down. Go to

kinder /ˈkaɪndər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: mais bondoso; mais gentil

Simple English: More kind than someone or something else.

Example: His new heart felt kinder than the old one.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But when our turn came, the little man was much kinder to me than to the others. Go to

kneecaps /ˈniːkæps/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rótulas

Simple English: The small, round bones at the front of the knees.

Example: Her kneecaps were bruised after the fall from the bicycle.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I went there at once, Mr. Holmes, but the address was a factory making artificial kneecaps. Go to

Original English Version

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

kramm /kræm/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Kramm

Simple English: a false name used by a nobleman character to hide his real identity.

Example: "You may call me the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "You may call me the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Go to

2. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Go to

2. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.” Go to

lady's /ˈleɪdiz/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: da senhora

Simple English: Belonging to a woman of high rank or good manners.

Example: The lady's gloves were left on the seat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "They would have taken the lady's purse and watch if it had not been for him. Go to

Original English Version

1. “They would have had the lady’s purse and watch if it hadn’t been for him. Go to

landau /ˈlændɔː/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: landau (carruagem)

Simple English: A carriage with a roof that folds back.

Example: A black landau stopped at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They drove away, and I was wondering whether to follow them when a small landau came up the lane. Go to

2. I was deciding whether to run after them or jump on behind her landau when a cab came down the street. Go to

3. When I got there, the cab and the landau were already in front of the church, with steam rising from the horses. Go to

4. It was a small smart landau that rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. Go to

2. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. Go to

3. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. Go to

4. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. Go to

landlady /ˈlændleɪdi/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhoria; dona da pensão

Simple English: A woman who rents rooms or a house to other people.

Example: The landlady asked for the rent on Friday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The landlady told me that he had left the house soon after eight in the morning. Go to

2. Now,” he said, and he quickly began to eat the simple food our landlady had given us, “I must talk while I eat, because I do not have much time. Go to

Original English Version

1. The landlady informed me that he had left the house shortly after eight o’clock in the morning. Go to

2. Now,” he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. Go to

langham /ˈlæŋəm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Langham

Simple English: A well-known hotel in London mentioned in the story.

Example: A fighting-machine stood near the Langham.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.” Go to

Original English Version

1. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.” Go to

laziness /ˈleɪzinəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: preguiça

Simple English: The habit of not wanting to work.

Example: He lost the place through pure laziness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His moods could change from deep laziness to strong energy. Go to

leaned /liːnd/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: apoiou; encostou

Simple English: Rested part of the body against something for support.

Example: Dorothy leaned her chin upon her hand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He leaned back in the cab and hummed the tunes he had heard that afternoon. Go to

limp /lɪmp/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: manqueira; passo coxo

Simple English: A slow uneven way of walking after an injury.

Example: He still walks with a slight limp.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

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

lively /ˈlaɪvli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: animada; vívido; alegre

Simple English: Full of energy and excitement; animated in action.

Example: The lively music made everyone want to dance and celebrate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is dark, handsome, and lively. Go to

2. In fact, for a small street in a quiet district, it was very lively. Go to

load /loʊd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carga; carregar; carregamento

Simple English: To fill a space with items in an efficient way.

Example: They need to load the boxes onto the truck for delivery today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler. Go to

loafer /ˈloʊfər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vagabundo; vadio

Simple English: An idle person who avoids useful work.

Example: The harbour loafer spent his days asking sailors for drinks.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. Go to

lodgings /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋz/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aposentos alugados; moradia alugada

Simple English: Rented rooms where someone lives temporarily.

Example: “I think we must stay in lodgings and look for a house.”

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. Go to

lothman /ˈlɒθmən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Lothman

Simple English: part of the surname of a noblewoman character

Example: To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

loungers /ˈlaʊndʒərz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ociosos; pessoas descansando

Simple English: People who spend time sitting or lying idly.

Example: The loungers watched the busy street from the porch.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When he fell, the guardsmen ran one way and the loungers another. Go to

Original English Version

1. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. Go to

2. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Go to

mademoiselle's /ˌmædəmwəˈzɛlz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: da senhorita; de mademoiselle

Simple English: The possessive form of mademoiselle, showing that something belongs or relates to the woman addressed by that title.

Example: It would be contradictory for one in mademoiselle’s state of agreeable jocularity to foam at the mouth, otherwise a tigerish expansion thereabouts might look as if a very little more would make her do it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked. Go to

Original English Version

1. “And Mademoiselle’s address?” he asked. Go to

magnifico /mæɡˈnɪfɪkoʊ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: magnífico

Simple English: a Latin word meaning 'magnificent', part of a quoted proverb

Example: Omne ignotum pro magnifico; and so with heavy hearts we start to find what ships leave.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation will suffer if I am too open. Go to

Original English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Go to

maids /meɪdz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: donzelas; moças

Simple English: Female servants; in older writing, also young unmarried women.

Example: Two maids brought in the trays.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill - gentlemen, ostlers, and servant maids - joined in a general shriek of “Fire!” Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. Go to

majesty's /ˈmædʒəstiz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Sua Majestade

Simple English: Belonging to a king or a queen.

Example: The ship sailed under Her Majesty's flag.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If she does not love your Majesty, then there is no reason for her to stop your Majesty’s plan.” Go to

2. “I am sorry that I could not bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful end.” Go to

Original English Version

1. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason why she should interfere with your Majesty’s plan.” Go to

2. “I am sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty’s business to a more successful conclusion.” Go to

maker's /ˈmeɪkərz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do fabricante; do criador

Simple English: Belonging to the person or company that made something.

Example: The maker's name was stamped beneath the clock.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The maker’s name, I suppose; or rather his monogram.” Go to

manager's /ˈmænɪdʒərz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: do gerente

Simple English: The possessive form of manager, a person who directs work or a business.

Example: They waited outside the manager's office.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A disappointed groan came from below, and the people left in different directions until no redhead could be seen except my own hair and the manager’s. Go to

mantelpiece /ˈmæntəlpiːs/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: consolo da lareira

Simple English: The shelf above a fireplace.

Example: Two candlesticks stood on the mantelpiece.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I thought he had fallen asleep, and I was beginning to doze too, when he suddenly jumped up as if he had made his decision and put his pipe on the mantelpiece. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Go to

mcfarlane's /məkˈfɑːrleɪnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de McFarlane

Simple English: belonging to McFarlane, referring to his carriage-building business

Example: There is McFarlane's carriage-building depot.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

Original English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

meningen /ˈmeɪnɪŋən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Meningen

Simple English: part of a German place name, a duchy, mentioned as connected to a noble family

Example: "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

merryweather /ˈmɛriwɛðər/ (24 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Merryweather

Simple English: a character's surname, a bank director, who joins Sherlock Holmes on a case

Example: Merryweather, who will go with us on tonight’s adventure.”

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Let me introduce Mr. Merryweather, who will go with us on tonight’s adventure.” Go to

2. “I hope we are not chasing a wild goose in the end,” said Mr. Merryweather sadly. Go to

3. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be about £30,000. Go to

4. He is young, Mr. Merryweather, but he is one of the best in his field, and I would rather have my handcuffs on him than on any other criminal in London. Go to

5. “This man Merryweather is a bank director and is personally involved in the matter. Go to

Original English Version

1. Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tonight’s adventure.” Go to

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

3. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some £30,000; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands.” Go to

4. He’s a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. Go to

5. “This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. Go to

mews /mjuːz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: miados

Simple English: The soft cries that cats make.

Example: Mews and barks rose from every side.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She is the prettiest thing under a bonnet in the world, so the men at Serpentine-mews say. Go to

2. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews and knew all about him. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. Go to

2. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. Go to

3. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Go to

mission /ˈmɪʃən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: missão

Simple English: A specific operation carried out in outer space.

Example: The mission aims to gather data about Jupiter's atmosphere and moons.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. Go to

mixed /mɪkst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: misto; misturado; mixado

Simple English: Consisting of different types combined together.

Example: The salad was a mixed variety, containing both leafy greens and colorful vegetables.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler. Go to

Glossary: New Words (2/2)

mixtures /ˈmɪkstʃərz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: misturas

Simple English: Things made by putting several things together.

Example: The old woman sold strange mixtures in bottles.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "You will remember that I said the other day, just before we began the very simple case of Miss Mary Sutherland, that if we want strange results and unusual mixtures, we must look at life itself. Go to

mockery /ˈmɑːkəri/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: escárnio; zombaria

Simple English: Unkind laughing at someone.

Example: There was mockery in his polite bow.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He spoke of softer feelings only with mockery and sarcasm. Go to

monogram /ˈmɑːnəɡræm/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: monograma

Simple English: A design of letters, usually a person’s initials.

Example: The towel bore her monogram.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The maker’s name, I suppose; or rather his monogram.” Go to

Original English Version

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

moods /muːdz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estados de espírito; humores

Simple English: The ways a person feels at different times.

Example: His moods change with the weather.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I knew his habits and moods well, so I could read the scene at once. Go to

2. His moods could change from deep laziness to strong energy. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. Go to

mortimer's /ˈmɔːrtɪmərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Mortimer

Simple English: the possessive form referring to a shop named Mortimer's

Example: There is Mortimer's tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

Original English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

motioned /ˈmoʊʃənd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fez sinal; acenou; indicou com um gesto

Simple English: Made a movement with the hand or head to tell someone something.

Example: The guard motioned us towards the side entrance.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said very little, but his eyes were kind as he motioned me to an armchair, threw me his cigar case, and pointed to the spirit case and gasogene in the corner. Go to

Original English Version

1. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your chance.” Go to

moustache /ˈmʌstæʃ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bigode

Simple English: Hair that grows above a man's mouth.

Example: He curled the ends of his moustache.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was very handsome, dark, sharp-faced, and had a moustache. Go to

mumbling /ˈmʌmbəlɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mastigando; balbuciando

Simple English: Speaking or chewing quietly and not clearly.

Example: He sat mumbling over his food.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I was half pulled up to the altar, and before I understood what was happening, I was mumbling answers into the priest’s ear. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. Go to

murmured /ˈmɜːrmərd/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: murmuraram

Simple English: Said something in a soft, low voice.

Example: The crowd murmured when the lights went out.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Why, indeed?" Holmes murmured. Go to

Original English Version

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

2. “Why, indeed?” murmured Holmes. Go to

3. “Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor,” murmured Holmes without opening his eyes. Go to

mysterious /mɪˈstɪriəs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: misterioso

Simple English: Having puzzling qualities suggesting hidden motives or secrets.

Example: The old house had a mysterious aura that intrigued the children.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “It is a very mysterious matter.” Go to

2. “Usually,” said Holmes, “the stranger a thing is, the less mysterious it is. Go to

nerve /nɜːrv/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nervo; coragem; descaramento

Simple English: Long thread-like structure transmitting messages between brain, body.

Example: The nerve sends signals from the hand to the brain quickly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The smoke and shouting were enough to shake even strong nerves. Go to

nitrate /ˈnaɪtreɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nitrato

Simple English: In this passage, ?nitrate? is used as a noun; its meaning is fixed by the surrounding wording rather than by frequency alone.

Example: Properly prepared, it is extremely inflammable, especially when it has been previously saturated with gunpowder, or boiled in a solution of nitrate or chlorate of potash.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As for your work, if a man comes into my room smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of silver nitrate on his right forefinger, and a bump on the right side of his top hat where he hid his stethoscope, I would be very dull if I did not say he is a doctor.” Go to

Original English Version

1. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Go to

nobleman /ˈnoʊbəlmən/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nobre; fidalgo

Simple English: A man belonging to the highest class in society by birth or title.

Example: A nobleman owned every field in the valley.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "You may call me the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Go to

Original English Version

1. “You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Go to

nodded /ˈnɑːdɪd/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acenou com a cabeça

Simple English: Moved the head up and down to say yes or to greet someone.

Example: The figure nodded kindly at her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He nodded and went into the bedroom. Go to

2. The fat gentleman partly stood up and nodded hello. Go to

nodding /ˈnɑːdɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acenando com a cabeça

Simple English: Moving the head down and up to show yes.

Example: He kept nodding while she talked.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Go to

nonconformist /ˌnɒnkənˈfɔːrmɪst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: não conformista

Simple English: A person who does not follow usual beliefs or behaviour.

Example: As a nonconformist, she chose her own path.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He went into his bedroom and came back a few minutes later dressed as a kind and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. Go to

Original English Version

1. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. Go to

notepaper /ˈnoʊtpeɪpər/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papel de carta

Simple English: Paper used for writing letters or notes.

Example: She wrote the invitation on notepaper.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Since you are interested in these small problems, and since you are kind enough to write about a few of my little experiences, you may like this.” He threw me a sheet of thick pink notepaper that had been open on the table. Go to

2. He held up a piece of white cardboard, about the size of a sheet of notepaper. Go to

Original English Version

1. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted notepaper which had been lying open upon the table. Go to

2. “My private notepaper.” Go to

3. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper. Go to

née /neɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nascida; de solteira

Simple English: Used after a woman's current name to give her birth or maiden name.

Example: The record named her as Irene Norton, née Adler.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Irene Norton, née Adler.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Irene Norton, née Adler.” Go to

observation (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: observação; comentário; percepção

Simple English: the act of watching or noticing something

Example: His conclusion was based on careful observation.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He used his great powers and sharp observation to follow clues and solve mysteries that the police had given up. Go to

observe /əbˈzɜːrv/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: observar; respeitar

Simple English: To carefully watch something to gain knowledge.

Example: In the lab, we observe the behavior of the mice closely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I think he was the best machine for reasoning and observing that the world had ever seen, but as a lover he would have been in the wrong place. Go to

2. “You see, but you do not observe. Go to

3. You have not observed, even though you have seen them. Go to

4. I know there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed. Go to

occupant /ˈɒkjəpənt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ocupante

Simple English: A person who lives in or uses a place or vehicle.

Example: The occupant left the room.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. Go to

odessa /oʊˈdɛsə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Odessa (cidade)

Simple English: A real port city, mentioned as the location of a poisoning case example.

Example: Any expert on poison would know cases like Dolsky in Odessa and Leturier in Montpellier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. Go to

Original English Version

1. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Go to

omne /ˈɒmneɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tudo

Simple English: a Latin word meaning "everything," from the saying "everything unknown seems wonderful"

Example: "Omne ignotum pro magnifico," so we start to find what ships leave for the Black Sea.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation will suffer if I am too open. Go to

Original English Version

1. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Go to

ormstein /ˈɔːrmstaɪn/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Ormstein

Simple English: the fictional royal family name of the King of Bohemia

Example: "The case involves the great House of Ormstein, the hereditary kings of Bohemia."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. To be clear, the case involves the great House of Ormstein, the hereditary kings of Bohemia." Go to

2. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” Go to

2. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

orphanage /ˈɔːrfənɪdʒ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: orfanato

Simple English: A home for children with no parents.

Example: He was sent to an orphanage in the hills.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One week he will break into a house in Scotland, and the next he will be raising money for an orphanage in Cornwall. Go to

Original English Version

1. He’ll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Go to

outsmarted /ˌaʊtˈsmɑːrtɪd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: enganar com inteligência

Simple English: to go beyond, exceed, or be outside something

Example: A woman whose judgment he despised had outsmarted him, and he had given up his pride and freedom without escaping the ruin above him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This is how a great scandal nearly affected the kingdom of Bohemia, and how Mr. Sherlock Holmes was outsmarted by a woman’s cleverness. Go to

overall /ˌoʊvərˈɔːl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: global; geral; total

Simple English: Including all parts; considering everything as a whole.

Example: Overall, the project was successful despite some initial challenges.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That is his main fault, but overall he is a good worker. Go to

overcoat /ˈoʊvərkoʊt/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sobretudo; casacão

Simple English: A long warm coat worn over other clothes.

Example: He hung his overcoat behind the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The large client puffed out his chest with a little pride and pulled a dirty, wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his overcoat. Go to

2. A worn top hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar were on a chair beside him. Go to

Original English Version

1. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Go to

panel /ˈpænəl/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: painel

Simple English: Group of experts gathered to discuss or advise on issues.

Example: A panel of experts discussed climate change solutions last night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The photograph is in a hidden space behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. Go to

papier /paˈpiːɐ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papel

Simple English: the German word for 'paper', explained while decoding an abbreviation in the story

Example: The G with the small t means ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German word for ‘Company.’ It is a common short form, like our ‘Co.’ P stands for ‘Papier.’

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The G with the small t means ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German word for ‘Company.’ It is a common short form, like our ‘Co.’ P stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for ‘Eg.’ Let us look in our Continental Gazetteer.” He took a heavy brown book from the shelf. Go to

Original English Version

1. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Go to

parted /ˈpɑːrtɪd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nos separamos

Simple English: Went away from each other.

Example: We parted at the gate and never met again.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Go to

pavements /ˈpeɪvmənts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: calçadas

Simple English: hard surfaces for walking beside a road

Example: Creatures came from Whitechapel’s pavements.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The pavements were full of hurried walkers. Go to

pawnbroker's /ˈpɔːnˌbrəʊkəz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: casa de penhores

Simple English: a shop run by a pawnbroker

Example: They had just passed the pawnbroker’s shop.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I have a small pawnbroker’s business in Coburg Square, near the City. Go to

2. “A pawnbroker’s business is mostly done in the evening, Mr. Holmes, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings, just before payday. Go to

3. At last he returned to the pawnbroker’s, struck the pavement with his stick two or three times, and went to the door to knock. Go to

4. Holmes had told me that the smooth-faced assistant at the pawnbroker’s shop was a dangerous man, someone who might be planning something clever. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. Go to

2. “Now a pawnbroker’s business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before payday; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Go to

3. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. Go to

4. I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man - a man who might play a deep game. Go to

pierced /pɪrst/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: trespassou; atravessou

Simple English: Made a hole through something with a sharp point.

Example: A nail had pierced the tyre near the rim.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Have you noticed that his ears are pierced for earrings?" Go to

Original English Version

1. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Go to

2. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?” Go to

plainly /ˈpleɪnli/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: claramente

Simple English: in a clear and easy-to-understand way

Example: She spoke plainly about the danger.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” Go to

pooh /puː/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ora essa; bah

Simple English: A word said to show that you do not care about something.

Example: Pooh, said the boy, that is easy.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “Pooh, pooh! Go to

pope's /poʊps/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do papa; de Pope

Simple English: The possessive form of pope; the contexts refer either to the head of the Roman Catholic Church or to the poet Alexander Pope.

Example: The newspaper printed the Pope's peace proposal.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Come in person on Monday at eleven o’clock to Duncan Ross at the League offices, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.” Go to

2. Fleet Street was crowded with redheaded people, and Pope’s Court looked like a market cart full of oranges. Go to

3. So I bought a cheap bottle of ink, took a quill pen and seven sheets of foolscap paper, and set off for Pope’s Court. Go to

Original English Version

1. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o’clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.” Go to

2. Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. Go to

3. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court. Go to

praise /preɪz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: louvor; louvar; elogios

Simple English: To express admiration or approval toward someone or something.

Example: The teacher will praise students who submit their projects on time.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At two o’clock he said goodbye, praised how much I had written, and locked the office door after me. Go to

prettiest /ˈprɪtiɪst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o mais bonito; o mais lindo

Simple English: The most pleasant to look at.

Example: That is the prettiest house in the street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She is the prettiest thing under a bonnet in the world, so the men at Serpentine-mews say. Go to

priest's /priːsts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: do sacerdote

Simple English: Belonging to a religious leader.

Example: They took the priest's side in the argument.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I was half pulled up to the altar, and before I understood what was happening, I was mumbling answers into the priest’s ear. Go to

puffed /pʌft/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estufado; inchado

Simple English: Swollen out, or made bigger with air.

Example: His head was puffed out at the top with brains.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The large client puffed out his chest with a little pride and pulled a dirty, wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his overcoat. Go to

Original English Version

1. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. Go to

quarrel /ˈkwɔːrəl/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: briga; disputa (em quarrel-some, briguento)

Simple English: An angry argument, or to argue angrily.

Example: They had a short quarrel about money and made peace the next day.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. A fierce quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who was equally hot upon the other side. Go to

quill /kwɪl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: espinho; pena

Simple English: A long sharp spine from a porcupine.

Example: The belt was worked with quill patterns.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So I bought a cheap bottle of ink, took a quill pen and seven sheets of foolscap paper, and set off for Pope’s Court. Go to

Original English Version

1. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court. Go to

rattled /ˈrætəld/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sacudiu; fez chocalhar

Simple English: Made a series of short hard sounds; also made someone nervous.

Example: The windows rattled every time a lorry went by.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It was a small smart landau that rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was a smart little landau which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. Go to

2. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Go to

redder /ˈredər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais vermelho

Simple English: More red in colour than before.

Example: His face grew redder as he spoke.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Behind it sat a small man whose head was even redder than mine. Go to

Original English Version

1. “There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine. Go to

redhead ˈrɛdhɛd (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ruivo

Simple English: A person with red hair.

Example: A disappointed groan came from below, and the people left in different directions until no redhead could be seen except my own hair and the manager’s.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A disappointed groan came from below, and the people left in different directions until no redhead could be seen except my own hair and the manager’s. Go to

Original English Version

1. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager. Go to

redheaded ˈrɛdˌhɛdɪd (36 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ruivo

Simple English: Having red hair.

Example: Redheaded people can't wear pink, not even in imagination.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Redheaded League Go to

2. “To the Redheaded League: Because of the money left by the late Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another opening. Go to

3. All redheaded men who are healthy, over twenty-one, and sound in mind may apply. Go to

4. “I wish to God, Mr. Wilson, that I was a redheaded man.” Go to

5. “Because,” he said, “there is another opening in the League of the Redheaded Men. Go to

6. “Have you never heard of the League of the Redheaded Men?” he asked, opening his eyes wide. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Redheaded League Go to

2. “To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. Go to

3. All redheaded men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Go to

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

5. “ ‘Why,’ says he, ‘here’s another vacancy on the League of the Redheaded Men. Go to

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

redheads ˈrɛdhɛdz (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ruivos

Simple English: People with red hair.

Example: Wherever we buy it, those Redheads will be drinking their fine toasts."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The fund was, of course, meant to support redheads and also to help more of them grow and spread. Go to

Original English Version

1. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well as for their maintenance. Go to

regent /ˈriːdʒənt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: regente

Simple English: A person who rules a country when the king or queen cannot.

Example: The queen was a child, so her uncle ruled as regent.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘First to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

Original English Version

1. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Go to

reputation /ˌrɛpjuˈteɪʃən/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: reputação; fama

Simple English: General opinion public holds about someone based on past.

Example: Her reputation as a honest leader helped her win the election.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You have seriously harmed your own reputation. Go to

2. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation will suffer if I am too open. Go to

respectfully rɪˈspɛktfəl (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: respeitoso

Simple English: Showing politeness and regard.

Example: And as for going as cook, - though I confess there is considerable glory in that, a cook being a sort of officer on ship-board - yet, somehow, I never fancied broiling fowls; - though once broiled, judiciously buttered, and judgmatically salted and peppered, there is no one who will speak more respectfully, not to say reverentially, of a broiled fowl than I will.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, then it is all right,” said the stranger respectfully. Go to

revolver /rɪˈvɑːlvər/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: revólver

Simple English: A small gun that holds several bullets.

Example: He kept an old revolver in the drawer.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some small danger, so please put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned around, and vanished at once into the crowd. Go to

Original English Version

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

riddles /ˈrɪdəlz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: enigmas; adivinhas

Simple English: Questions asked as a game, with clever answers.

Example: The children asked each other riddles.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where everything is sweet, delicate, and full of harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to trouble us with their riddles.” Go to

root /ruːt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: raiz; radicular; torcer

Simple English: The part of a plant that grows underground to get nutrients.

Example: The root of the plant spreads deep into the soil for stability.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, turning red to the roots of his bright hair. Go to

rubber (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: borracha; látex; elástico

Simple English: an elastic material

Example: The tyres are made of rubber.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Still, I must admit I miss my game of rubber. Go to

rushes /ˈrʌʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: precipita-se; corre; juncos

Simple English: Moves very quickly; also tall grass-like plants that grow in wet ground.

Example: He always rushes his breakfast and then forgets his keys.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is always using a camera when he should be improving himself, and then he rushes down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. Go to

sarasate /ˌsærəˈsɑːteɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Sarasate

Simple English: Surname of the famous Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate.

Example: Sarasate is playing a concert today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Sarasate is playing at St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he said. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Sarasate plays at the St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he remarked. Go to

saxe /sæks/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Saxe

Simple English: Part of the name of a German royal house, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Example: A committee formed under the Regent of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

2. “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square and followed my assistant’s advice. Go to

3. Then a short walk brought us to Saxe-Coburg Square, where we had heard the strange story that morning. Go to

4. We already knew something about Saxe-Coburg Square. Go to

5. When we turned from quiet Saxe-Coburg Square, the street before us was very different. Go to

6. As I drove home to Kensington, I thought about everything, from the strange story of the redheaded copyist at the Encyclopedia to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and Holmes’s serious words before he left me. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

2. “I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. Go to

3. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. Go to

4. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Go to

5. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. Go to

6. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Go to

scala /ˈskaːla/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Scala

Simple English: Famous opera house in Milan, Italy.

Example: "La Scala, hmm!" he said thoughtfully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. La Scala, hmm! Go to

Original English Version

1. La Scala, hum! Go to

Scale /skeɪl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escala; balança; escalar

Simple English: A measurement of size or degree compared with another item.

Example: The scale of this project is much larger than I expected it to be.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That way of coloring the fish scales a soft pink is very special to China. Go to

scandinavia /ˌskændɪˈneɪviə/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Escandinávia

Simple English: The northern European region including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Example: Their ancestors had brought superstitions from Scandinavia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, the second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

Original English Version

1. “To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. Go to

scraped /skreɪpt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: raspou; arranhou; esfolou

Simple English: Rubbed something hard against a surface to clean it or remove a layer.

Example: He scraped the mud off his boots at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They were probably made when someone carelessly scraped around the edge of the sole to remove hard mud. Go to

Original English Version

1. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Go to

scraping /ˈskreɪpɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: raspando; arrastando com atrito

Simple English: Rubbing hard against a surface, often with a rough sound.

Example: The scraping of chairs filled the hall after the talk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As he spoke, I heard the sharp sound of horse hooves and wheels scraping the curb, followed by a hard pull on the bell. Go to

seat /siːt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assento; sede; banco

Simple English: Something you sit on.

Example: Please take a seat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. All afternoon he sat in the theatre seats, full of happiness, gently moving his long, thin fingers with the music. Go to

sentence /ˈsɛntəns/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sentença; frase; sentencio

Simple English: A group of words expressing an idea.

Example: Write a complete sentence.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Do you see the unusual sentence order - ‘This account of you we have from all quarters received.’ A Frenchman or Russian would not have written that. Go to

serpentine ˈsɜrpəntaɪn (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: serpenteante

Simple English: winding or curving like a snake

Example: She had a serpentine way of coming close at me when she pretended to be vitally interested in the friends and localities I had left, which was altogether snaky and fork-tongued; and when she made an occasional bounce upon Startop (who said very little to her), or upon Drummle (who said less), I rather envied them for being on the opposite side of the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.” Go to

2. She is the prettiest thing under a bonnet in the world, so the men at Serpentine-mews say. Go to

3. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews and knew all about him. Go to

4. We left Baker Street at a quarter past six and reached Serpentine Avenue ten minutes before seven. Go to

5. What a queen she would have made!” He then became silent and thoughtful, and nothing broke his mood until we reached Serpentine Avenue. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John’s Wood.” Go to

2. So say the Serpentine-mews, to a man. Go to

3. They had driven him home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Go to

4. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Serpentine Avenue. Go to

5. What a queen she would have made!” He relapsed into a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue. Go to

settee /sɛˈtiː/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sofá; canapé

Simple English: A long soft seat for two or more people.

Example: She sat on a settee and watched the people dance.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Take the settee," said Holmes. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. Go to

setter ˈsɛtər (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cão setter

Simple English: a hunting dog trained to locate game birds

Example: Skeet was a small Irish setter who quickly became Buck’s friend.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They had every shade of colour: straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, and clay. Go to

Original English Version

1. Every shade of colour they were - straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint. Go to

shabby /ˈʃæbi/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: surrado; maltrapilho; mesquinho

Simple English: Old and worn out; also unfair or mean in behaviour.

Example: He wore the same shabby coat every winter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was untidy, had side whiskers, a red face, and shabby clothes. Go to

2. It was a small, shabby place, with four rows of dirty two-story brick houses around a little fenced yard. Go to

Original English Version

1. The driver looked twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could object. Go to

2. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Go to

shade /ʃeɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sombra; máscara; tonalidade

Simple English: Area blocked from sunlight, producing darkness and coolness.

Example: We sat under the tree's shade to escape the heat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They had every shade of colour: straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, and clay. Go to

shag ??? (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tabaco shag

Simple English: a coarse kind of cut tobacco

Example: I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I helped the stable hands rub down their horses, and in return I got two pence, a glass of beer and ale mixed together, two loads of shag tobacco, and all the information I wanted about Miss Adler. Go to

Original English Version

1. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.” Go to

shaven /ˈʃeɪvən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rapado; de cabeça raspada

Simple English: With the hair cut off very close to the skin.

Example: A shaven monk opened the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It was opened at once by a bright, clean-shaven young man, who asked him to come in. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in. Go to

sholto /ˈʃɒltoʊ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Sholto

Simple English: a character's surname in the story

Example: Sholto will go to Oxford on Wednesday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is fair to say that in cases like the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he was closer to the truth than the official police.” Go to

Original English Version

1. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force.” Go to

shone /ʃoʊn/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilhavam; reluziam

Simple English: Gave out or reflected light.

Example: The little stars shone in the sun like diamonds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘Known for the death of Wallenstein, and for many glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes shone, and he sent up a big blue cloud of smoke from his cigarette. Go to

shrugged /ʃrʌɡd/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: encolheu os ombros

Simple English: Lifted the shoulders to show you do not know or do not care.

Example: She shrugged and said nothing.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. Go to

shutter /ˈʃʌtər/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: veneziana; postigo

Simple English: A wooden or metal cover for a window.

Example: One shutter banged in the wind.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Holmes rushed at the bellpull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. Go to

shutters /ˈʃʌtərz/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: venezianas; postigos

Simple English: Wooden covers that close over a window.

Example: They closed the shutters against the storm.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. Go to

sigismond /ˈsɪɡɪzmɒnd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Sigismundo

Simple English: the name of a king in the story

Example: "...Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

silk /sɪlk/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: seda; sedas

Simple English: Smooth soft fabric made from silkworm threads.

Example: Her silk blouse had a luxurious feel and a beautiful shine under the light.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Over his shoulders he wore a deep blue cloak lined with bright silk and fastened at the neck with a brooch set with a flaming beryl. Go to

sleepiness /ˈsliːpinəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: sonolência

Simple English: The feeling of wanting to sleep.

Example: A heavy sleepiness came over him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Each week he moved between cocaine and ambition, between the drug’s sleepiness and the strong energy of his own mind. Go to

slide (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deslizar; escorregar; slide

Simple English: to move smoothly over a surface

Example: The glass began to slide off the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The photograph is in a hidden space behind a sliding panel just above the right bellpull. Go to

2. Holmes ran to the bell pull, tore back a small sliding cover, and put his hand inside. Go to

smoky /ˈsmoʊki/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: esfumaçado; enfumaçado

Simple English: Full of smoke, or grey like smoke.

Example: The little room was hot and smoky.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was weak grass and a few dull laurel bushes, all fighting against the smoky air. Go to

sneer /snɪr/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escárnio; desprezo na voz

Simple English: An unkind smile that shows you think little of someone.

Example: He answered with a sneer and turned away.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. Go to

snuff /snʌf/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rapé

Simple English: Powdered tobacco taken in through the nose.

Example: He offered his friend a pinch of snuff.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I can tell no more than this: he has done manual work at some time, he takes snuff, he is a Freemason, he has been to China, and he has done a lot of writing lately.” Go to

2. “Well, what about the snuff and the Freemasonry?” Go to

3. “Your experience has been very interesting,” Holmes said when his client stopped and took a large pinch of snuff. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.” Go to

2. “Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?” Go to

3. “Your experience has been a most entertaining one,” remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. Go to

sovereigns /ˈsɑːvrɪnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: soberanos

Simple English: Kings or queens who rule a country.

Example: The two sovereigns sat side by side.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. On Saturday the manager came in and gave me four gold sovereigns for my week’s work. Go to

Original English Version

1. “This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week’s work. Go to

sparkled /ˈspɑːrkəld/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cintilavam; brilhavam

Simple English: Shone with small, bright points of light.

Example: His small black eyes sparkled happily.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Go to

spaulding /ˈspɔːldɪŋ/ (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Spaulding

Simple English: the surname of a character, Vincent Spaulding, mentioned in the story

Example: His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he is not really so young.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he is not really so young. Go to

2. Spaulding came into the office eight weeks ago with this paper in his hand, and he said: Go to

3. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might be useful. Go to

4. But, as Spaulding said, not many had the real bright flame colour. Go to

5. But Spaulding would not let me. Go to

6. ‘Oh, never mind that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. Go to

Original English Version

1. “His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he’s not such a youth, either. Go to

2. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Go to

3. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. Go to

4. Every shade of colour they were - straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint. Go to

5. When I saw how many were waiting, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of it. Go to

6. “ ‘Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. Go to

sprang /spræŋ/ (24 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: saltou; pulou

Simple English: Jumped or moved suddenly and quickly.

Example: He sprang out of bed when the alarm rang.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Go to

2. “I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. Go to

3. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Go to

stage /steɪdʒ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: palco; estágio; fase

Simple English: An elevated platform where performers present plays, shows, or musical acts.

Example: The actors will perform on the stage at 7 PM tonight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Retired from the opera stage - ha! Go to

2. The stage lost a fine actor, and science lost a sharp thinker, when he chose to work on crime. Go to

staggered /ˈstæɡərd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cambaleou

Simple English: Walked in an unsteady way, almost falling.

Example: He staggered out into the cold street.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “What!” Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and surprise. Go to

2. “I was staggered, sir. Go to

stair /ster/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: degrau; escada

Simple English: One step in a set of steps inside a building.

Example: The bottom stair creaks whenever anyone comes home late.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.” Go to

status (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: status; situação; condição

Simple English: the official position or condition of something

Example: Check the status of your application online.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It did not have the dark and strange signs of the two crimes I had already written about, but the kind of case and his client’s high status made it special. Go to

stethoscope /ˈstɛθəˌskoʊp/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estetoscópio

Simple English: a doctor’s instrument for listening to the heart and lungs

Example: The doctor listened to Lucy’s heart with a stethoscope.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As for your work, if a man comes into my room smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of silver nitrate on his right forefinger, and a bump on the right side of his top hat where he hid his stethoscope, I would be very dull if I did not say he is a doctor.” Go to

Original English Version

1. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Go to

stiff /stɪf/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rígida; dura; duro

Simple English: Not flexible; difficult to bend or change shape.

Example: After the long flight, my neck felt stiff and uncomfortable.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is very strong and stiff.” Go to

stout /staʊt/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: grosso e resistente; robusto

Simple English: Rather fat and heavy, or strong and thick.

Example: A stout man opened the gate for us.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "He is small, stout, and very quick in his movements. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Go to

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

3. “Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he’s not short of thirty. Go to

strangest /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o mais estranho

Simple English: The most strange of all.

Example: The strangest thing was the people who lived there.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I have said before that the strangest and most special cases are often tied not to big crimes, but to small ones, and sometimes it is even unclear whether any crime has happened at all. Go to

2. From what I have heard so far, I cannot say if this is a crime, but the events are certainly among the strangest I have heard. Go to

Original English Version

1. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. Go to

stretch /strɛtʃ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: esticar; estiramento; trecho

Simple English: To extend body or body parts to full length.

Example: Before running, it is important to stretch your muscles properly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He put his hands in his pockets, stretched out his legs in front of the fire, and laughed for several minutes. Go to

strict /strɪkt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estrita; rigoroso; rígidas

Simple English: Absolute rules that must always be obeyed.

Example: The school has strict rules about student behavior during classes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You may know how strict her family is. Go to

2. “I will not insult your intelligence by explaining that, especially since you wear an arc-and-compass breastpin, which goes against the strict rules of your order.” Go to

3. His soft smile and dreamy eyes were very different from Holmes the sharp detective, Holmes the strict, quick, and clever hunter of criminals. Go to

stubbornness /ˈstʌbərnnəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: teimosia; obstinação

Simple English: Refusing to change your mind or your way of doing things.

Example: His stubbornness kept the argument going for hours.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The lower part of his face showed a strong, firm man, with thick lips and a long chin that suggested stubbornness. Go to

subject /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assunto; sujeito; objecto

Simple English: The topic being discussed or studied.

Example: History is my favorite subject.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In fact, you are richer by about £30, not counting the useful knowledge you have gained about every subject under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them.” Go to

substitution /ˌsʌbstɪˈtuːʃən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: substituição

Simple English: the act of putting one thing in place of another.

Example: The administration of mutton instead of medicine, the substitution of Tea for Joe, and the baker for bacon, were among the mildest of my own mistakes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It helped me in the Darlington Substitution Scandal, and also in the Arnsworth Castle case. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Arnsworth Castle business. Go to

surplice /ˈsɜrplɪs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: sobrepeliz

Simple English: A loose white garment worn by clergy in church services.

Example: The clergyman put on his surplice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was no one there except the two people I had followed and a clergyman in a surplice, who seemed to be arguing with them. Go to

surround /səˈraʊnd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: surround; cercam; rodeiam

Simple English: To be all around something or someone on every side.

Example: The garden is surrounded by a tall stone wall for privacy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In a moment the lady, who had stepped out of her carriage, was surrounded by men fighting with fists and sticks. Go to

suspect /səˈspɛkt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suspeito; suspeitar; desconfiar

Simple English: To think someone may have committed a crime.

Example: I suspect he took the money when nobody was looking.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I suspected. Go to

sutherland /ˈsʌðərlənd/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Sutherland

Simple English: The surname of a client in a Sherlock Holmes case.

Example: The very simple case of Miss Mary Sutherland.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "You will remember that I said the other day, just before we began the very simple case of Miss Mary Sutherland, that if we want strange results and unusual mixtures, we must look at life itself. Go to

Original English Version

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

sympathy (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: simpatia; compaixão; solidariedade

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He had red hair himself, and he felt great sympathy for all redheaded men. Go to

tack /tæk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bordo; rumo entre duas cambadas

Simple English: A sailing course taken between changes of direction against the wind.

Example: He lengthened the tack toward the north shore.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A small square of cardboard was nailed to the middle of the door with a tack. Go to

Original English Version

1. I went to my work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Go to

tattooed /tæˈtuːd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tatuado

Simple English: Marked with permanent designs made by putting ink into the skin.

Example: A tattooed sailor waited beside the gate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The fish tattooed just above your right wrist could only have been done in China. Go to

Original English Version

1. “The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. Go to

thinker /ˈθɪŋkər/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pensador

Simple English: A person who thinks deeply about ideas.

Example: He was known as a careful thinker.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But for a trained thinker to let such emotions enter his own careful nature would add a disturbing element that could spoil all his mental work. Go to

2. The stage lost a fine actor, and science lost a sharp thinker, when he chose to work on crime. Go to

threaten /ˈθrɛtn/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ameaçar

Simple English: To declare intention to harm if demands are unmet.

Example: They threaten to cancel the event if the conditions are not met.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "She threatens to send them the photograph, and she will do it. Go to

tilted /ˈtɪltɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inclinados; em declive

Simple English: Sloping to one side and not flat.

Example: The tilted floor made the ball roll away.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I cannot remember seeing anything so good.’ He stepped back, tilted his head, and looked at my hair until I felt shy. Go to

tilting /ˈtɪltɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: inclinando

Simple English: Leaning or moving into a sloping position.

Example: But only slipping further into the whale's mouth, and tilting over sideways as it slipped, the boat had shaken off his hold on the jaw; spilled him out of it, as he leaned to the push; and so he fell flat-faced upon the sea.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it, tilting his head, and looked around with bright eyes. Go to

tinted /ˈtɪntɪd/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tingido; colorido de leve

Simple English: Given a slight colour or shade.

Example: The windows were tinted blue.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted notepaper which had been lying open upon the table. Go to

title /ˈtaɪtəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: título; denominação

Simple English: Name given to a book, movie, or other work.

Example: The title of the book was intriguing and made me curious to read it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I can also admit at once that the title I have just used is not really my own." Go to

tobacconist /təˈbækənɪst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tabacista

Simple English: A person who sells tobacco and related goods.

Example: The tobacconist kept pipes behind the counter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s tobacconist shop, the small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

Original English Version

1. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. Go to

trepoff /ˈtrɛpɔf/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Trepoff

Simple English: the name used for a murder case Sherlock Holmes worked on in Odessa

Example: He was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. Go to

Original English Version

1. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Go to

trincomalee /ˌtrɪŋkəməˈliː/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Trincomalee

Simple English: a port city in Sri Lanka

Example: He solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then I heard reports of his work: he was sent to Odessa in the Trepoff murder case, he solved the strange tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and he carried out a careful and successful mission for the royal family of Holland. Go to

Original English Version

1. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Go to

tune (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: melodia; música; toada

Simple English: a series of musical notes

Example: I cannot remember the tune of that song.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He leaned back in the cab and hummed the tunes he had heard that afternoon. Go to

tweed /twiːd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Tweed; rio que marca parte da fronteira entre Inglaterra e Escócia

Simple English: The river forming part of the border between England and Scotland.

Example: His home lay many miles south of the Tweed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Five minutes later, he came out again in a tweed suit, looking proper as before. Go to

Original English Version

1. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Go to

twopence /ˈtʌpəns/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dois pence; por quase nada

Simple English: The sum of two old British pennies, also used to mean a very small amount.

Example: He said he would accept the challenge for twopence.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.” Go to

unexpected (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inesperado; surpreendente; imprevisto

Simple English: not expected

Example: The meeting had an unexpected result.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “This is a very unexpected change,” said I. “What happened then?” Go to

unmarried /ʌnˈmærid/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: solteiro; não casado

Simple English: Not married.

Example: Two of the three sisters were still unmarried.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A married woman grabs her baby; an unmarried woman reaches for her jewel-box. Go to

Original English Version

1. A married woman grabs at her baby; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Go to

untidy /ʌnˈtaɪdi/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desarrumado; desordenado

Simple English: Not clean and not in good order.

Example: His untidy room made his mother angry.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was untidy, had side whiskers, a red face, and shabby clothes. Go to

2. The coachman looked untidy, with his coat only half-buttoned and his tie hanging loose. Go to

verbs /vɜrbz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: verbos

Simple English: words that name an action or a state

Example: Some words have a bad temper, especially verbs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Germans often place their verbs in a less careful way. Go to

Original English Version

1. It is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. Go to

volume /ˈvɒljuːm/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: volume; Fascículo

Simple English: The level of loudness in audio produced by a device.

Example: He turned up the volume to enjoy the music at its best.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The first volume is in that cabinet. Go to

wage /weɪdʒ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: salário; travar; empreender

Simple English: The amount of money paid to a worker for their labor.

Example: Her wage increased after she worked there for over two years successfully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I would have trouble paying him, except that he agrees to work for half wages so he can learn the business.” Go to

2. You seem very lucky to have an employee who works for less than the normal wage. Go to

3. “In fact, at half wages.” Go to

waistcoat /ˈwɛskət/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: colete

Simple English: A short jacket without sleeves worn over a shirt.

Example: He wore a blue waistcoat to the wedding.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He wore loose grey check trousers, a black frock-coat that was not very clean and left open in front, and a dull waistcoat with a heavy shiny chain and a small square piece of metal hanging from it as decoration. Go to

Original English Version

1. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Go to

wallenstein /ˈvɑːləvnstaɪn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Wallenstein

Simple English: a historical Bohemian general, subject of the play 'The Death of Wallenstein'

Example: He was going to read her 'The Death of Wallenstein.'

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. ‘Known for the death of Wallenstein, and for many glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes shone, and he sent up a big blue cloud of smoke from his cigarette. Go to

Original English Version

1. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Go to

wandered /ˈwɑːndərd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vagou; perambulou

Simple English: Walked around slowly with no clear plan.

Example: We wandered through the market all morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Then I wandered down the street and found, as I expected, a stable yard in a lane beside one wall of the garden. Go to

warmly /ˈwɔːrmli/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: calorosamente; com cordialidade

Simple English: In a friendly, kind way.

Example: Come along, said the Scarecrow warmly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "You could not have come at a better time, my dear Watson," he said warmly. Go to

2. Then he suddenly came forward, shook my hand, and warmly congratulated me on my success. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success. Go to

whiskers /ˈwɪskərz/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bigodes; suíças

Simple English: The hair growing on a man's face, or the long hairs on an animal's face.

Example: The soldier with the green whiskers came in.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was untidy, had side whiskers, a red face, and shabby clothes. Go to

whispered /ˈwɪspərd/ (30 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sussurraram; cochicharam

Simple English: Spoke very quietly, so that few people could hear.

Example: They stopped and whispered among themselves.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. Go to

whistled /ˈwɪsəld/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assobiou

Simple English: Made a high sound by blowing through the lips.

Example: The farmer whistled and the dog came running.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Holmes whistled. Go to

Original English Version

1. Holmes whistled. Go to

widower /ˈwɪdoʊər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: viúvo

Simple English: a man whose wife has died

Example: He was a widower when he came, and he stayed that way.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He and a fourteen-year-old girl who does simple cooking and keeps the place clean - that is all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had a family. Go to

Original English Version

1. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean - that’s all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. Go to

wigs /wɪɡz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: perucas

Simple English: false hair worn on the head

Example: Lorry sat at a table among the gentlemen in wigs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But we must be careful, because we have been fooled twice by wigs and once by paint. Go to

Original English Version

1. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. Go to

wilhelm /ˈvɪlhɛlm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Guilherme

Simple English: a man's first name, here the full name of a king character

Example: I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. "Your Majesty had not spoken before I knew I was speaking to Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia." Go to

Original English Version

1. “Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.” Go to

willed /wɪld/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: quis; determinou; deixou em testamento

Simple English: used your mind to decide something or make it happen

Example: The brain that willed the muscles to move.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Did I not tell you how quick and strong-willed she was? Go to

willing /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: disposto; desejando; querendo

Simple English: Ready and enthusiastic to do something or agree.

Example: She is willing to help us with the project this weekend.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “He is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.” Go to

wilson's /ˈwɪlsənz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Wilson

Simple English: belonging to a person named Wilson

Example: Mamie Wilson's grown-up sister had cut out Lizzie Wright's sister's beau.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I said that Mr. Wilson’s assistant seemed very important in the mystery of the Redheaded League. Go to

Original English Version

1. Wilson’s assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Redheaded League. Go to

wiping /ˈwaɪpɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: enxugando; limpando

Simple English: Rubbing something to make it clean or dry.

Example: The Lion spoke, wiping a tear from his eye.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, wiping his forehead. Go to

wise /waɪz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sábio; sensato; prudente

Simple English: Having deep knowledge and experience; capable of giving good advice.

Example: My grandfather is wise; he gives the best advice based on his experience.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You did very wisely,” said Holmes. Go to

wrinkled /ˈrɪŋkəld/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enrugado

Simple English: Covered with small lines and folds.

Example: Behind the screen stood a little man with a wrinkled face.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The large client puffed out his chest with a little pride and pulled a dirty, wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his overcoat. Go to

2. A worn top hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar were on a chair beside him. Go to

Original English Version

1. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. Go to

2. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Go to

wronged /rɔːŋd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prejudiquei; fiz mal a

Simple English: Treated someone in an unfair way.

Example: He said he had never wronged anyone.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The King may do what he likes, without help from the person he has badly wronged. Go to

Original English Version

1. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. Go to

yawn /jɔːn/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bocejo; bocejar

Simple English: To open the mouth wide when tired or bored.

Example: He tried to hide a yawn behind his hand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Oh, then we still have three days,” said Holmes with a yawn. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Oh, then we have three days yet,” said Holmes with a yawn. Go to

Original Text: Rare Words (1/2)

Compact help for additional rare words found only in the original text. Each entry gives the spelling, pronunciation, common Portuguese meanings and one exact return to the source paragraph.

abhorrent /əbˈhɔːrənt/ — abominável. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. Return to Original English Version

abutted /əˈbʌtɪd/ — confinava com; encostava em. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted. Return to Original English Version

accomplice /əˈkʌmplɪs/ — cúmplice. You, of course, saw that everyone in the street was an accomplice. Return to Original English Version

admirable /ˈædmərəbəl/ — admirável; digno de admiração. They were admirable things for the observer - excellent for drawing the veil from men’s motives and actions. Return to Original English Version

admirably /ˈædmərəbli/ — admiravelmente; de modo exemplar. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind. Return to Original English Version

agitation /ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃən/ — agitação; inquietação. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Return to Original English Version

alternately /ˈɔːltərnətli/ — alternadamente; ora um, ora outro. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. Return to Original English Version

amazement /əˈmeɪzmənt/ — espanto; assombro; admiração. The King stared at him in amazement. Return to Original English Version

amiable /ˈeɪmiəbəl/ — amável; afável. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clergyman. Return to Original English Version

amiss /əˈmɪs/ — errado; fora do lugar. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask.” Return to Original English Version

antagonist /ænˈtæɡənɪst/ — antagonista; opositor. “We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call tomorrow. Return to Original English Version

anyhow /ˈɛnihaʊ/ — de qualquer forma; enfim. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court. Return to Original English Version

apiece /əˈpiːs/ — cada um; por pessoa. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. Return to Original English Version

aquiline /ˈækwɪlaɪn/ — aquilino; adunco. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached - evidently the man of whom I had heard. Return to Original English Version

arteries /ˈɑːrtəriz/ — artérias. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. Return to Original English Version

askance /əˈskæns/ — de soslaio; com desconfiança. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. Return to Original English Version

assuring /əˈʃʊrɪŋ/ — assegurando; garantindo. I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Return to Original English Version

astuteness /əˈstuːtnəs/ — astúcia; perspicácia. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. Return to Original English Version

authoritative /ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪv/ — autoritário; que demonstra autoridade. Then there was a loud and authoritative tap. Return to Original English Version

averse /əˈvɜːrs/ — avesso a; contrário a. The chances are that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his princess. Return to Original English Version

bade /beɪd/ — ordenou; pediu; despediu-se. At two o’clock he bade me good day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me. Return to Original English Version

baffled /ˈbæfəld/ — confundiu; deixou perplexo; frustrou. “When I hear you give your reasons,” I remarked, “the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explain your process. Return to Original English Version

baggy /ˈbæɡi/ — folgado; largo e caído. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. Return to Original English Version

barbaric /bɑːrˈbærɪk/ — bárbaro; primitivo; brutal. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. Return to Original English Version

barrow /ˈbæroʊ/ — carrinho de mão; túmulo pré-histórico. Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. Return to Original English Version

bashful /ˈbæʃfəl/ — tímido; acanhado. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Return to Original English Version

beamed /biːmd/ — sorriu radiante; irradiou. It was all done in an instant, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. Return to Original English Version

benevolent /bɪˈnɛvələnt/ — benevolente; bondoso. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. Return to Original English Version

bequest /bɪˈkwɛst/ — legado; herança testamentária. “To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. Return to Original English Version

berths /bɜːrθs/ — beliches; cabines; postos de atracação. He was himself redheaded, and he had a great sympathy for all redheaded men; so, when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that colour. Return to Original English Version

betrothal /bɪˈtroʊðəl/ — noivado; esponsais. “Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. Return to Original English Version

bijou /ˈbiːʒuː/ — joia; pequeno e elegante. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Return to Original English Version

billet /ˈbɪlɪt/ — alojamento; posto. There you must stay, or you lose your billet.’ Return to Original English Version

biographies /baɪˈɒɡrəfiz/ — biografias. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.” Return to Original English Version

blackest /ˈblækɪst/ — o mais negro; o mais tenebroso. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. Return to Original English Version

blackmailing /ˈblækmeɪlɪŋ/ — extorquindo; chantageando. If this young person should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is she to prove their authenticity?” Return to Original English Version

blanche /blɒ̃ʃ/ — Branca. “You have carte blanche.” Return to Original English Version

bracelets /ˈbreɪslɪts/ — pulseiras. He’s a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. Return to Original English Version

brassy /ˈbræsi/ — estridente; semelhante a latão. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

breasted /ˈbrɛstɪd/ — empurrou com o peito; enfrentou de frente. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Return to Original English Version

brilliantly /ˈbrɪljəntli/ — brilhantemente; de modo esplêndido. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind. Return to Original English Version

brimmed /brɪmd/ — encheu até a borda. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. Return to Original English Version

buckles /ˈbʌkəlz/ — fivelas. “Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the buckles. Return to Original English Version

budge /bʌdʒ/ — mover-se um milímetro; ceder. You don’t comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time.’ Return to Original English Version

bulge /bʌldʒ/ — saliência; estufar. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Return to Original English Version

butted /ˈbʌtɪd/ — deu marrada. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to the steps which led to the office. Return to Original English Version

cabby /ˈkæbi/ — taxista; cocheiro. “My cabby drove fast. Return to Original English Version

calves /kævz/ — bezerros; crias. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. Return to Original English Version

candid /ˈkændɪd/ — franco; imparcial. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Return to Original English Version

carte /kɑːrt/ — carta branca; liberdade total. “You have carte blanche.” Return to Original English Version

chagrin /ʃəˈɡrɪn/ — desgosto; despeito. “What!” Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and surprise. Return to Original English Version

chamois /ˈʃæmi/ — camurça. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and laid it on the table. Return to Original English Version

cheekbones /ˈtʃiːkboʊnz/ — maçãs do rosto; ossos malares. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. Return to Original English Version

clasped /klæspt/ — apertou; segurou firme; entrelaçou. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. Return to Original English Version

clumps /klʌmps/ — tufos; aglomerados. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

comical /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ — cômico; engraçado. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter. Return to Original English Version

commonplace /ˈkɒmənpleɪs/ — lugar-comum; banal; livro de anotações. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. Return to Original English Version

communicative /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪtɪv/ — comunicativo. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. Return to Original English Version

complicates /ˈkɑːmplɪkeɪts/ — complica. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters. Return to Original English Version

complimented /ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪd/ — elogiado; lisonjeado. At two o’clock he bade me good day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me. Return to Original English Version

compromising /ˈkɑːmprəmaɪzɪŋ/ — comprometedor. Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back.” Return to Original English Version

compunction /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/ — escrúpulo; remorso. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. Return to Original English Version

concealment /kənˈsiːlmənt/ — ocultação; dissimulação. Too large for easy concealment about a woman’s dress. Return to Original English Version

conceive /kənˈsiːv/ — conceber; imaginar. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. Return to Original English Version

condescend /ˌkɑːndɪˈsɛnd/ — tratar com superioridade; dignar-se. “If your Majesty would condescend to state your case,” he remarked, “I should be better able to advise you.” Return to Original English Version

confidant /ˈkɑːnfɪdɑːnt/ — confidente. See the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. Return to Original English Version

confide /kənˈfaɪd/ — confiar; contar em segredo. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. Return to Original English Version

consequential /ˌkɑːnsəˈkwenʃəl/ — consequente; importante; presunçoso. “We’re hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see,” said Jones in his consequential way. Return to Original English Version

conspiring /kənˈspaɪrɪŋ/ — conspirando. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. Return to Original English Version

contemplation /ˌkɑːntəmˈpleɪʃən/ — contemplação; meditação. “A considerable crime is in contemplation. Return to Original English Version

contemplative /kənˈtemplətɪv/ — contemplativo; meditativo. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. Return to Original English Version

contraction /kənˈtrækʃən/ — contração; encolhimento. The G with the small t stands for ‘Gesellschaft,’ which is the German for ‘Company.’ It is a customary contraction like our ‘Co.’ P, of course, stands for ‘Papier.’ Now for the ‘Eg.’ Let us glance at our Continental Gazetteer.” He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Return to Original English Version

conundrums /kəˈnʌndrəmz/ — enigmas; problemas difíceis. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to vex us with their conundrums.” Return to Original English Version

conveyed /kənˈveɪd/ — transmitiu; deu a entender. It will end in my being conveyed into the house. Return to Original English Version

copier /ˈkɑːpiər/ — copista. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Return to Original English Version

cordially /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/ — cordialmente. “You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson,” he said cordially. Return to Original English Version

coster's /ˈkɑːstərz/ — de um vendedor ambulante. Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. Return to Original English Version

crib /krɪb/ — berço. If my hair would only change colour, here’s a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.’ Return to Original English Version

cruelly /ˈkruːəli/ — cruelmente; com crueldade. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. Return to Original English Version

crusted /ˈkrʌstɪd/ — coberto por crosta; endurecido. Obviously they have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Return to Original English Version

cunning /ˈkʌnɪŋ/ — astuto; astúcia. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. Return to Original English Version

curt /kɜːrt/ — seco; lacônico. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter. Return to Original English Version

daintiest /ˈdeɪntiəst/ — o mais delicado. She is the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. Return to Original English Version

dangling /ˈdæŋɡəlɪŋ/ — pendente; balançando. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

dashed /dæʃt/ — correu; lançou-se; chocou-se. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. Return to Original English Version

dashing /ˈdæʃɪŋ/ — correndo; precipitando-se; garboso. He is dark, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and often twice. Return to Original English Version

deceived /dɪˈsiːvd/ — enganado. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. Return to Original English Version

deduce /dɪˈduːs/ — deduzir. “I see it, I deduce it. Return to Original English Version

deference /ˈdefərəns/ — deferência. “Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right,” said the stranger with deference. Return to Original English Version

dejected /dɪˈdʒektɪd/ — abatido; desanimado. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.” Return to Original English Version

delicacy /ˈdelɪkəsi/ — delicadeza. “The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. Return to Original English Version

delicately /ˈdelɪkətli/ — delicadamente. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Return to Original English Version

desirous /dɪˈzaɪərəs/ — desejoso; ansioso por. Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back.” Return to Original English Version

deuce /duːs/ — diabo; diacho. “Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been.” Return to Original English Version

devouring /dɪˈvaʊərɪŋ/ — devorador. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Return to Original English Version

dimly /ˈdɪmli/ — debilmente; com pouca luz. “I’ve heard that voice before,” said Holmes, staring down the dimly lit street. Return to Original English Version

dingy /ˈdɪndʒi/ — encardido; sujo e desbotado. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

discontent /ˌdɪskənˈtent/ — descontentamento. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features. Return to Original English Version

disentangled /ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡəld/ — desenredou; desembaraçou. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. Return to Original English Version

dismantled /dɪsˈmæntəld/ — desmontado; desmantelado. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Return to Original English Version

disqualify /dɪsˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/ — desqualificar; impedir. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them. Return to Original English Version

disreputable /dɪsˈrɛpjətəbəl/ — de má reputação; desonroso. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Return to Original English Version

distracting /dɪˈstræktɪŋ/ — distraindo; desviando a atenção. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Return to Original English Version

diverted /daɪˈvɜːrtɪd/ — desviada; afastada. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Return to Original English Version

docketing /ˈdɑːkɪtɪŋ/ — catalogando; fichando. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish information. Return to Original English Version

doings /ˈduːɪŋz/ — atos; atividades. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Return to Original English Version

doormat /ˈdɔːmæt/ — capacho. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my foot over the doormat. Return to Original English Version

doubting /ˈdaʊtɪŋ/ — duvidando; em dúvida. “A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting.” Return to Original English Version

drab /dræb/ — pardacento; sem graça. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

drowsiness /ˈdraʊzinəs/ — sonolência; torpor. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. Return to Original English Version

dubious /ˈduːbiəs/ — duvidoso; suspeito. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory. Return to Original English Version

earnestly /ˈɜːnɪstli/ — seriamente; com sinceridade. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his pocket and looked at it earnestly, ‘Drive like the devil,’ he shouted, ‘first to Gross & Hankey’s in Regent Street, and then to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Return to Original English Version

eclipses /ɪˈklɪpsɪz/ — eclipses; ofusca. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. Return to Original English Version

effusive /ɪˈfjuːsɪv/ — efusivo; expansivo demais. His manner was not effusive. Return to Original English Version

ejaculated /ɪˈdʒækjəleɪtɪd/ — exclamou de repente; bradou. “What on earth does this mean?” I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement. Return to Original English Version

elbowed /ˈelboʊd/ — acotovelou; abriu caminho a cotoveladas. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. Return to Original English Version

embellish /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/ — embelezar. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.” Return to Original English Version

encircled /ɪnˈsɜːrkəld/ — cercou; envolveu; circundado. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes. Return to Original English Version

endeavour /ɪnˈdevər/ — esforçar-se; empenho. “We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. Return to Original English Version

endeavoured /ɪnˈdevərd/ — esforçou-se; procurou. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Return to Original English Version

endeavouring /ɪnˈdevərɪŋ/ — esforçando-se; procurando. “The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. Return to Original English Version

enemy's /ˈenəmiz/ — do inimigo. We are spies in an enemy’s country. Return to Original English Version

entangled /ɪnˈtæŋɡəld/ — enredado; emaranhado. Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is now desirous of getting those letters back.” Return to Original English Version

entitles /ɪnˈtaɪtəlz/ — dá direito; intitula. “To the Redheaded League: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. Return to Original English Version

entrusted /ɪnˈtrʌstɪd/ — incumbido; confiado a. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. Return to Original English Version

enwrapped /ɪnˈræpt/ — absorto; envolvido. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James’s Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down. Return to Original English Version

epistle /ɪˈpɪsəl/ — epístola. “What a woman - oh, what a woman!” cried the King of Bohemia, when we had all three read this epistle. Return to Original English Version

equalled /ˈiːkwəld/ — igualado; equiparado. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. Return to Original English Version

exalted /ɪɡˈzɔːltɪd/ — exaltado; erguido bem alto. I was already deeply interested in his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Return to Original English Version

exceedingly /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/ — extremamente; sobremaneira. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor.’ Return to Original English Version

expostulating /ɪkˈspɑːstʃuleɪtɪŋ/ — protestando; ponderando em desacordo. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. Return to Original English Version

faculties /ˈfækəltiz/ — faculdades; capacidades mentais. He was still, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. Return to Original English Version

fathom /ˈfæðəm/ — braça; medida de profundidade. “That also I could fathom.” Return to Original English Version

featureless /ˈfiːtʃərləs/ — sem traços que o distingam. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. Return to Original English Version

fishes /ˈfɪʃɪz/ — peixes. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes. Return to Original English Version

flattened /ˈflætənd/ — achatado; amassado. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Return to Original English Version

florid /ˈflɔːrɪd/ — rebuscado; avermelhado. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Return to Original English Version

flurried /ˈflɜːrid/ — agitado; atrapalhado. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than before. Return to Original English Version

flushed /flʌʃt/ — corado; ruborizado. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Return to Original English Version

flushing /ˈflʌʃɪŋ/ — corando; ruborizando. “I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. Return to Original English Version

footpaths /ˈfʊtpæθs/ — calçadas. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Return to Original English Version

forfeit /ˈfɔːrfɪt/ — penalidade. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever. Return to Original English Version

forgery /ˈfɔːrdʒəri/ — falsificação. Forgery.” Return to Original English Version

frayed /freɪd/ — desfiado; gasto. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Return to Original English Version

fro /froʊ/ — para trás; de um lado para outro. “You see,” remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, “this marriage rather simplifies matters. Return to Original English Version

furnish /ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/ — fornecer; mobiliar; prover. For many years he had adopted a system of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at once furnish information. Return to Original English Version

gazed /ɡeɪzd/ — contemplou; olhou fixamente. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Return to Original English Version

genteel /dʒenˈtiːl/ — fino; de boa sociedade; afetadamente educado. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

gentleman's /ˈdʒɛntəlmənz/ — do cavalheiro; do senhor. On the issue of this question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman’s chambers in the Temple. Return to Original English Version

gibe /dʒaɪb/ — zombaria. He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. Return to Original English Version

gilt /ɡɪlt/ — dourado; com fios de ouro. Three gilt balls and a brown board with “Jabez Wilson” in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our redheaded client carried on his business. Return to Original English Version

gipsy /ˈdʒɪpsi/ — cigano. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was a lad.” Return to Original English Version

glanced /ɡlænst/ — lançou um olhar; deu uma olhada. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Return to Original English Version

glances /ˈɡlænsɪz/ — olhares rápidos. Sherlock Holmes’ quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Return to Original English Version

glancing /ˈɡlænsɪŋ/ — olhando rapidamente. “Yes,” he continued, glancing out of the window. Return to Original English Version

gleam /ɡliːm/ — brilho; lampejo. As he spoke the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. Return to Original English Version

glimpses /ˈɡlɪmpsɪz/ — vislumbres; relances. “He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Return to Original English Version

gloomily /ˈɡluːmɪli/ — sombriamente; tristemente; melancolicamente. “I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase,” observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Return to Original English Version

grasping /ˈɡræspɪŋ/ — ávidos; sempre a agarrar. “You have really got it!” he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Return to Original English Version

gravely /ˈɡreɪvli/ — gravemente; seriamente. “ ‘Dear me!’ he said gravely, ‘that is very serious indeed! Return to Original English Version

graver /ˈɡreɪvər/ — mais grave; mais sério. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear.” Return to Original English Version

greatcoat /ˈɡreɪtˌkoʊt/ — sobretudo pesado. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. Return to Original English Version

grievance /ˈɡriːvəns/ — queixa; motivo de ressentimento. “As far as you are personally concerned,” remarked Holmes, “I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league. Return to Original English Version

grotesque /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/ — grotesco. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. Return to Original English Version

guardianship /ˈɡɑːrdiənʃɪp/ — tutela; guarda. She could trust her own guardianship, but she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be brought to bear upon a business man. Return to Original English Version

hammered /ˈhæmərd/ — martelaram. I went to my work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Return to Original English Version

hansoms /ˈhænsəmz/ — cabriolés hansom; táxis de duas rodas. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. Return to Original English Version

hindrance /ˈhɪndrəns/ — estorvo; empecilho. The King may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wronged. Return to Original English Version

hoarsely /ˈhɔːrsli/ — roucamente. “And the papers?” asked the King hoarsely. Return to Original English Version

hoofs /hʊfs/ — cascos. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses’ hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bell. Return to Original English Version

humdrum /ˈhʌmdrʌm/ — monótono; rotineiro. “I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. Return to Original English Version

hungrily /ˈhʌŋɡrəli/ — famintamente; com fome. Now,” he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time. Return to Original English Version

hurled /hɜːrld/ — arremessou; atirou com força. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. Return to Original English Version

hurriedly /ˈhʌrɪdli/ — apressadamente. The furniture was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before her flight. Return to Original English Version

idler /ˈaɪdlər/ — vadio; ocioso. I lounged up the side aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Return to Original English Version

imbecile /ˈɪmbəsiːl/ — imbecil; pessoa muito tola. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Return to Original English Version

imitate /ˈɪmɪteɪt/ — imitar. “The man who wrote it was presumably well to do,” I remarked, endeavouring to imitate my companion’s processes. Return to Original English Version

imitated /ˈɪmɪteɪtɪd/ — imitou; imitado. “Imitated.” Return to Original English Version

implicates /ˈɪmplɪkeɪts/ — implica; envolve. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia.” Return to Original English Version

improvisations /ɪmˌprɒvɪˈzeɪʃənz/ — improvisações. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Return to Original English Version

imprudently /ɪmˈpruːdəntli/ — imprudentemente. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good night, and started for the Temple to see my husband. Return to Original English Version

incisive /ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/ — incisivo; cortante. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Return to Original English Version

incognito /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/ — incógnito. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you.” Return to Original English Version

incorrigible /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒəbəl/ — incorrigível. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it out.” Return to Original English Version

indebted /ɪnˈdetɪd/ — em dívida; grato. “I am immensely indebted to you. Return to Original English Version

indiscretion /ˌɪndɪˈskrɛʃən/ — indiscrição; imprudência da juventude. Your Majesty has indeed committed an indiscretion.” Return to Original English Version

inextricable /ˌɪnɪkˈstrɪkəbəl/ — inextricável. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. Return to Original English Version

inflamed /ɪnˈfleɪmd/ — inflamado. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Return to Original English Version

informality /ˌɪnfərˈmæləti/ — informalidade. It seems that there had been some informality about their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in search of a best man. Return to Original English Version

injuring /ˈɪndʒərɪŋ/ — ferindo; prejudicando. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. Return to Original English Version

inquired /ɪnˈkwaɪərd/ — perguntou; indagou. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him.” Return to Original English Version

insensibly /ɪnˈsɛnsəbli/ — insensivelmente; sem se dar conta. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. Return to Original English Version

introspect /ˌɪntrəˈspɛkt/ — fazer introspecção; examinar os próprios pensamentos. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Return to Original English Version

introspective /ˌɪntrəˈspektɪv/ — introspectivo. Then he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular introspective fashion. Return to Original English Version

intrusion /ɪnˈtruʒən/ — intrusão; intromissão. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me. Return to Original English Version

intrusions /ɪnˈtruʒənz/ — intrusões; intromissões. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Return to Original English Version

invariable /ɪnˈveriəbəl/ — invariável. So accustomed was I to his invariable success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to enter into my head. Return to Original English Version

inviolate /ɪnˈvaɪələt/ — inviolado; intacto. I know that her word is inviolate. Return to Original English Version

keenly /ˈkiːnli/ — vivamente; intensamente; atentamente. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Return to Original English Version

kempt /kɛmpt/ — bem-arrumado; bem cuidado. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Return to Original English Version

Original Text: Rare Words (2/2)

kindliness /ˈkaɪndlinəs/ — bondade; doçura de trato. I do not know whether he was seized with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited upon the injured man. Return to Original English Version

labyrinth /see source pronunciation/ — termo lexical. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Return to Original English Version

languid /ˈlæŋɡwɪd/ — lânguido; sem energia. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Return to Original English Version

languor /ˈlæŋɡər/ — langor; moleza. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Return to Original English Version

lengthened /ˈlɛŋθənd/ — alongaram-se; ficaram mais longas. “My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Return to Original English Version

lids /lɪdz/ — tampas; pálpebras. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Return to Original English Version

lighted /ˈlaɪtɪd/ — acesa; iluminada. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, waiting for the coming of its occupant. Return to Original English Version

loafing /ˈlæʌfɪŋ/ — termo inglês: loafing. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. Return to Original English Version

loathed /ˈlæʌθɛd/ — termo inglês: loathe. My own complete happiness, and the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. Return to Original English Version

loftily /ˈlɔːftɪli/ — com altivez; do alto. “You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir,” said the police agent loftily. Return to Original English Version

londoners /ˈlʌndənərz/ — londrinos. ‘You see it is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. Return to Original English Version

lounged /laÊŠndÊ’d/ — ficou descansando; ficou largado. “I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the garden. Return to Original English Version

lounging /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/ — vadiando; recostado à toa. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Return to Original English Version

makings /ˈmeɪkɪŋz/ — qualidades necessárias. “He has his own little methods, which are, if he won’t mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. Return to Original English Version

malignant /məˈlɪɡnənt/ — malignos; maléficos. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. Return to Original English Version

manufactory /ˌmænjəˈfæktəri/ — fábrica. “I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial kneecaps, and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.” Return to Original English Version

marm /mɑːrm/ — senhora. May we bring him in, marm?” Return to Original English Version

masterly /ˈmæstərli/ — magistral; de mestre. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inextricable mysteries. Return to Original English Version

menaced /ˈmɛnəst/ — ameaçava; apontava contra. “Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. Return to Original English Version

monograph /ˈmɑːnəɡræf/ — monografia. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes. Return to Original English Version

mopping /ˈmɑːpɪŋ/ — enxugando; esfregando. “Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. Return to Original English Version

mortals /ˈmɔːrtəlz/ — mortais; seres humanos comuns. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. Return to Original English Version

moustached /məˈstæʃt/ — bigodudo. He was a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached - evidently the man of whom I had heard. Return to Original English Version

necessitate /nəˈsesɪteɪt/ — tornar necessário. It looked as if the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. Return to Original English Version

nocturnal /nɑːkˈtɜːrnəl/ — noturno. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Return to Original English Version

obliging /əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/ — prestativo; solícito. “What is the name of this obliging youth?” asked Sherlock Holmes. Return to Original English Version

obstinacy /ˈɑːbstɪnəsi/ — obstinação; teimosia. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Return to Original English Version

occupations /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃənz/ — ocupações; afazeres. “ ‘Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one’s other occupations.’ Return to Original English Version

ominous /ˈɑːmɪnəs/ — agourento; de mau presságio. That sounded ominous. Return to Original English Version

operatic /ˌɒpəˈrætɪk/ — operístico. Retired from operatic stage - ha! Return to Original English Version

oppressively /əˈpresɪvli/ — opressivamente. On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Return to Original English Version

opulence /ˈɒpjələns/ — opulência. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. Return to Original English Version

ornament /ˈɔːrnəmənt/ — ornamento; enfeite. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

ostlers /ˈɒstlərz/ — tratadores de cavalos. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half-and-half, two fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whose biographies I was compelled to listen to.” Return to Original English Version

overpowering /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊərɪŋ/ — avassalador; irresistível. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have more than once taken advantage of it. Return to Original English Version

overtopped /ˌoʊvərˈtɑːpt/ — dominado em altura; ultrapassado por cima. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter. Return to Original English Version

pacing /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/ — que caminha; em marcha lenta. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. Return to Original English Version

particulars /pərˈtɪkjələrz/ — detalhes. “ ‘Well,’ said he, showing me the advertisement, ‘you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. Return to Original English Version

paused /pɔːzd/ — fez uma pausa. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Return to Original English Version

peculiarly /pɪˈkjuːljərli/ — particularmente; de modo especial. It is peculiarly strong and stiff.” Return to Original English Version

pedestrians /pəˈdɛstriənz/ — pedestres. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Return to Original English Version

peering /ˈpɪrɪŋ/ — perscrutando; espiando com atenção. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have equalled. Return to Original English Version

pensioners /ˈpɛnʃənərz/ — pensionistas. “ ‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Return to Original English Version

perch /pɜːrtʃ/ — poleiro; empoleirar-se; lugar alto. I was just balancing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her landau when a cab came through the street. Return to Original English Version

piling /ˈpaɪlɪŋ/ — amontoando; empilhando. “You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Return to Original English Version

piteous /ˈpɪtiəs/ — lastimoso; de dar dó. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. Return to Original English Version

planked /plæŋk/ — coberto com tábuas. “This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week’s work. Return to Original English Version

plumber's /ˈplʌmərz/ — do encanador. “It is an ordinary plumber’s smoke-rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Return to Original English Version

plunged /plʌndʒd/ — lançaram-se; precipitaram-se. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success. Return to Original English Version

plunging /plʌndʒ/ — mergulhando. Holmes rushed at the bellpull, tore back a small sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph and a letter. Return to Original English Version

poky /poʊki/ — apertado. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

pompous /ˈpɑːmpəs/ — pomposo; presunçoso. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. Return to Original English Version

portly /ˈpɔːrtli/ — corpulento e digno; entroncado. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. Return to Original English Version

precaution /prɪˈkɔʃən/ — precaução. “The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. Return to Original English Version

precipitance /prɪˈsɪpɪtəns/ — precipitação. A little over-precipitance may ruin all.” Return to Original English Version

predominated /prɪˈdɑːmɪneɪtɪd/ — predominou; prevaleceu. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. Return to Original English Version

predominates /prɪˈdɑːmɪneɪts/ — predomina. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. Return to Original English Version

preposterous /prɪˈpɑːstərəs/ — absurdo; despropositado. Large sitting-room on the right side, well furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Return to Original English Version

prima /ˈpriːmə/; /ˌpraɪmə/ — principal, em prima donna; à primeira vista, em prima facie. Prima donna Imperial Opera of Warsaw - yes! Return to Original English Version

propagation /prɑpʌɡeɪʃʌn/ — propagação. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well as for their maintenance. Return to Original English Version

pshaw /ʃɔː/ — ora bolas! (desdém). “Pshaw! Return to Original English Version

puckered /ˈpʌkərd/ — franzir. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Return to Original English Version

puzzling /ˈpʌzəlɪŋ/ — intrigante; desconcertante; enigmático. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. Return to Original English Version

quench /kwɛntʃ/ — saciar. “The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Europe. Return to Original English Version

quitted /ˈkwɪtɪd/ — deixou; abandonou, arcaico. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted. Return to Original English Version

railed /reɪld/ — vociferou contra. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

ransacked /ˈrænsækt/ — revirou; saqueou. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her house. Return to Original English Version

reasoned /ˈriːzənd/ — raciocinou; concluiu; ponderado. Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing. Return to Original English Version

reasoner ˈri˙zənər — pessoa que raciocina. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Return to Original English Version

recommence ˌriːkəˈmɛns — recomeçar. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. Return to Original English Version

refreshed rɪˈfrɛʃt — revigorou. “Your experience has been a most entertaining one,” remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. Return to Original English Version

refreshingly rɪˈfrɛʃɪŋli — de forma revigorante. It is most refreshingly unusual. Return to Original English Version

reigning /ˈreɪnɪŋ/ — reinante. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Return to Original English Version

rejoiced rɪˈdʒɔɪst — alegrou-se. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend’s arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Return to Original English Version

rejoin /riˈdʒɔɪn/ — reencontrar; juntar-se de novo a. You may then walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutes. Return to Original English Version

relapsed /rɪˈlæpst/ — recaiu. What a queen she would have made!” He relapsed into a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Serpentine Avenue. Return to Original English Version

relapsing /rɪˈlæpsɪŋ/ — recaindo. “Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. Return to Original English Version

relish ˈrɛlɪʃ — acompanhamento saboroso. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.” Return to Original English Version

reopened ˌriːˈoʊpənd — reabriu. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gigantic client. Return to Original English Version

reproachfully rɪˈproʊtʃ — reprovação. “But a very serious one to me,” returned the King reproachfully. Return to Original English Version

resolute ˈrɛzəluːt — resoluto. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Return to Original English Version

richness /ˈrɪtʃnəs/ — riqueza; abundância; untuosidade. His dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon as akin to bad taste. Return to Original English Version

roadway /ˈroʊdweɪ/ — leito da estrada; pista. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Return to Original English Version

rueful /ˈruːfəl/ — contrito; de ar aflito. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter. Return to Original English Version

rumble /ˈrʌmbəl/ — ronco; estrondo surdo. But I hear the rumble of wheels. Return to Original English Version

sandwiched /ˈsænwɪtʃt/ — espremido. In this case I found her biography sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fishes. Return to Original English Version

sardonic /sɑːrˈdɑːnɪk/ — sardônico. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped from the brougham. Return to Original English Version

savagely /ˈsævɪdʒli/ — ferozmente. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Return to Original English Version

scribbled /ˈskrɪbəl/ — rabiscou. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his notebook and handed it to him. Return to Original English Version

scuffle /ˈskʌfəl/ — briga confusa; refrega. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a number of better dressed people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Return to Original English Version

secreted /sɪˈkriːtɪd/ — escondeu; secretou. As to your practice, if a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him to be an active member of the medical profession.” Return to Original English Version

secreting /sɪˈkrit/ — secretando. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Return to Original English Version

secretive /ˈsiːkrətɪv/ — reservado; sigiloso. Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting. Return to Original English Version

shabbily /ˈʃæbəli/ — de modo surrado. There was a group of shabbily dressed men smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cigars in their mouths. Return to Original English Version

shepherd's /ˈʃɛpərdz/ — do pastor. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

shipwreck /ˈʃɪprek/ — naufrágio. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Return to Original English Version

shoving /ˈʃʌvɪŋ/ — empurrando. “No, no,” cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen. Return to Original English Version

shriek /ʃriːk/ — grito agudo; guincho. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of “Fire!” The word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of spectators, well dressed and ill - gentlemen, ostlers, and servant maids - joined in a general shriek of “Fire!” Thick clouds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. Return to Original English Version

sidelights /ˈsaɪdlaɪts/ — informações secundárias. As he spoke the gleam of the sidelights of a carriage came round the curve of the avenue. Return to Original English Version

silhouette sɪlʌwɛt — silhueta. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the blind. Return to Original English Version

simplifies sɪmplʌfaɪz — simplifica. “You see,” remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the house, “this marriage rather simplifies matters. Return to Original English Version

simplify sɪmplʌfaɪ — simplificar. “Then that will simplify matters.” We descended and started off once more for Briony Lodge. Return to Original English Version

slashed /slˈæʃt/ — cortar com golpe. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Return to Original English Version

slavey /ˈsleɪvi/ — criada doméstica. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. Return to Original English Version

sleuthhound /slˈuθhaʊnd/ — cão farejador. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. Return to Original English Version

slitting /slˈɪtɪŋ/ — fenda. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting specimen of the London slavey. Return to Original English Version

smartest /smˈɑrtʌst/ — esperto. “He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. Return to Original English Version

smasher /smˈæʃɝ/ — sucesso. “John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. Return to Original English Version

snapping /ˈsnæpɪŋ/ — estalando; batendo ao vento. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. Return to Original English Version

solemnly /ˈsɑːləmli/ — solenemente; com gravidade. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings from my post by the window. Return to Original English Version

spinster /ˈspɪnstər/ — solteirona. “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. Return to Original English Version

stagnant /ˈstæɡnənt/ — estagnado; parado. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted. Return to Original English Version

staining /ˈsteɪnɪŋ/ — tingindo. That trick of staining the fishes’ scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. Return to Original English Version

startled /ˈstɑːrtəld/ — assustada; sobressaltada. “I am Mr. Holmes,” answered my companion, looking at her with a questioning and rather startled gaze. Return to Original English Version

stately /ˈsteɪtli/ — imponente; majestoso. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted. Return to Original English Version

steaming /ˈstiːmɪŋ/ — fumegante; quente que solta vapor. The cab and the landau with their steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. Return to Original English Version

storied /ˈstɔrid/ — célebre em histórias; com andares. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

succinct /səkˈsɪŋkt/ — conciso. The house was just such as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes’ succinct description, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. Return to Original English Version

suggestive /səɡˈdʒestɪv/ — sugestivo; que faz pensar em. From the lower part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Return to Original English Version

summons /ˈsʌmənz/ — convocação; chamado; intimação. From time to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Return to Original English Version

superscribed /ˌsuːpərˈskraɪbd/ — inscrito no alto. The photograph was of Irene Adler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to “Sherlock Holmes, Esq. Return to Original English Version

surpliced /ˈsɜrplɪst/ — vestido com sobrepeliz. There was not a soul there save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seemed to be expostulating with them. Return to Original English Version

swarm /swɔːrm/ — enxame. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. Return to Original English Version

sweetness /ˈswiːtnəs/ — doçura; suavidade. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to vex us with their conundrums.” Return to Original English Version

temperament /ˈtemprəmənt/ — temperamento; índole. But for the trained reasoner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Return to Original English Version

tenacious /təˈneɪʃəs/ — tenaz. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Return to Original English Version

theorise /ˈθɪəraɪz/ — teorizar. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Return to Original English Version

thrusting /ˈθrʌstɪŋ/ — enfiando; impelindo com força. “It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won’t speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Return to Original English Version

thumped /θʌmpt/ — bateu com pancada surda. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. Return to Original English Version

tint /tɪnt/ — tom; tonalidade. “Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Return to Original English Version

tradesman /ˈtreɪdzmən/ — comerciante; artesão. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. Return to Original English Version

tramped /træmpt/ — caminhou pesadamente; percorreu a pé. From north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Return to Original English Version

treachery /ˈtrɛtʃəri/ — traição. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had entrusted to me. Return to Original English Version

trifle /ˈtraɪfəl/ — pequena quantidade; coisa sem importância. Just a trifle more, I fancy, Watson. Return to Original English Version

trifling /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/ — insignificante; fútil; ninharia. By the way, since you are interested in these little problems, and since you are good enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you may be interested in this.” He threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted notepaper which had been lying open upon the table. Return to Original English Version

trimmed /trɪmd/ — guarnecidos; debruados. Boots which extended halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which was suggested by his whole appearance. Return to Original English Version

triumphant /traɪˈʌmfənt/ — triunfante. ‘Remarkable as being the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous glass-factories and paper-mills.’ Ha, ha, my boy, what do you make of that?” His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Return to Original English Version

trooped /truːpt/ — foram em grupo. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager. Return to Original English Version

tugged /tʌɡd/ — puxavam. ‘You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.’ With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain. Return to Original English Version

unacquainted /ˌʌnəˈkweɪntɪd/ — que não conhece; não familiarizado. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. Return to Original English Version

unbuttoned /ˌʌnˈbʌtnd/ — desabotoou. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. Return to Original English Version

uncongenial /ˌʌnkənˈdʒiːniəl/ — pouco agradável; incompatível. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

uncontrollable /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbəl/ — incontrolável. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in uncontrollable agitation. Return to Original English Version

uncourteous /ʌnˈkərtiəs/ — descortês. It is the German who is so uncourteous to his verbs. Return to Original English Version

undated /ˌənˈdeɪtɪd/ — sem data. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Return to Original English Version

unpleasantness /ʌnˈplezəntnəs/ — desagrado; atrito. There will probably be some small unpleasantness. Return to Original English Version

uproar /ˈʌprɔːr/ — alvoroço; algazarra; clamor. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my friend’s arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Return to Original English Version

vacancies /ˈveɪkənsiz/ — vagas; espaços vazios. It’s worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits’ end what to do with the money. Return to Original English Version

vex /veks/ — irritar; incomodar. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no redheaded clients to vex us with their conundrums.” Return to Original English Version

vigorously /ˈvɪɡərəsli/ — vigorosamente. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. Return to Original English Version

vizard /ˈvɪzərd/ — máscara; viseira. He carried a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. Return to Original English Version

vouching /ˈvaʊtʃɪŋ/ — garantindo; afirmando ser verdade. “I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. Return to Original English Version

waylaid /weɪˈleɪd/ — emboscou; apanhou no caminho. Twice she has been waylaid. Return to Original English Version

wedged /wedʒd/ — encaixado à força; entalado. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.” Return to Original English Version

wedlock /ˈwɛdlɑk/ — matrimônio; casamento. “Wedlock suits you,” he remarked. Return to Original English Version

weedy /ˈwidi/ — cheio de ervas daninhas; magricela, esguio. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Return to Original English Version

whence /wɛns/ — de onde; donde. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Return to Original English Version

whiskered /ˈwɪskərd/ — de bigodes; barbudo. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Return to Original English Version

widened /ˈwaɪdənd/ — alargou; arregalou. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry. Return to Original English Version

wits /wɪts/ — juízo; inteligência; esperteza. It’s worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits’ end what to do with the money. Return to Original English Version

witted /ˈwɪtɪd/ — em compostos: quick-witted, perspicaz; half-witted, simplório. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuthhound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. Return to Original English Version

wooing /ˈwuːɪŋ/ — corte; galanteio; namoro. As I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Return to Original English Version

wriggled /ˈrɪɡəld/ — rastejou; serpenteou. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. Return to Original English Version

wrung /rʌŋ/ — torceu; espremeu. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success. Return to Original English Version