Before you read: Key words
- lantern a lamp with a transparent case, used to carry light outdoors ліхтар
- carriage a vehicle with wheels pulled by horses карета
- gravel small stones used to cover paths or driveways гравій
- porter a person whose job is to carry luggage or guard an entrance носій, швейцар
Match the word to its meaning
When I thought about it calmly, I was really surprised by this sudden job offer. On one hand, I was happy because the payment was much more than what I normally charged, and it could lead to more work in the future. But the man’s strange behaviour and his story about fuller’s earth made me uneasy.
Why did I have to come at midnight, and why the secrecy?
Still, I pushed my worries aside, had a big dinner, went to Paddington Station, and started my trip, keeping my promise and staying quiet.
At Reading, I had to switch both trains and stations. Luckily, I caught the last train to Eyford and arrived just after 11 PM.
I was the only passenger, and the platform was empty except for a sleepy porter with a lantern.
Outside, the colonel grabbed my arm without a word and led me to a waiting carriage. He shut the windows, knocked on the frame, and we sped off quickly.
Holmes interrupted the story here. “Tell me,” he said, “what did the horse look like?”
“It was a chestnut,” Victor replied, “well-fed and fresh. Not a tired animal.”
“Interesting,” said Holmes. “Please, continue.”
We drove for about an hour. Although the colonel said it was seven miles, it felt longer. He sat silently beside me, watching me closely. The ride was bumpy, and I couldn’t see anything through the frosted windows. I tried to chat, but he barely responded.
Finally, we reached a smooth gravel driveway and stopped. The colonel pulled me into a dark house.
Suddenly, a door opened, and a woman holding a lamp appeared. She spoke in German and seemed surprised. The colonel whispered something to her and led me inside.
After you read
1. Why did Victor decide to go despite his doubts?
The payment was much higher than normal and he hoped it would lead to more work in the future.
2. Why did Holmes ask about the horse?
A fresh, well-fed horse suggested it was a local animal — not one that travelled far from London. This was a clue about where the house might be.
3. What did Victor see when they arrived at the house?
He was pulled into a dark house. A door opened and a woman appeared holding a lamp. She spoke in German and seemed surprised to see Victor.
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Example: Victor pushed (push) his worries aside and went (go) to the station.
Victor (catch) the last train and (arrive) just after 11 PM. The colonel (grab) his arm and (lead) him to a carriage.
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
They (drive) for about an hour. They (reach) a gravel driveway and (stop). A woman (appear) holding a lamp.
Sentence order
Put the sentences in the correct order.
Talk to Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has a few questions for you. Answer using Past Simple.
Holmes:
“Victor pushed his worries aside and went anyway. Have you ever done something even though you felt it wasn’t a good idea? What happened?”
Holmes:
“The carriage windows were shut and Victor couldn’t see where he was going. Have you ever been in an unfamiliar place at night? How did you feel?”
Listening Practice
Listen to the audio above. Then fill in the missing words in the text and check your answers.
Speaking Practice
Record your answers
Press record and answer the questions out loud. No pressure, no grades. Just you and your English.
- Why did Victor decide to go despite his worries?
- What was the train platform like when Victor arrived?
- Why do you think the colonel shut the carriage windows?
- Why did Holmes ask about the horse? What was he trying to figure out?
- Who do you think the woman at the door was? Why was she surprised?