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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is here in full — 524 sentences across 105 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE 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 re

Cover illustration for The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Context Illustration Reading 1/104 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
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 sleuth-hound, 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.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is here in full — 524 sentences across 105 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/104 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.
Line 2
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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.
Line 3
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.
Line 4
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.
Line 5
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.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Thin adjective US /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading “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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.”

All words in this reading · 137

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

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From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

afternoon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

against

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

agent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

All

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

alternately

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

amid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

an

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

and

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From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

armchair

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

as

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

askance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

asserted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

astuteness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

at

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

been

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

being

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

black-letter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

brilliant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

but

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

capable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

character

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

chase

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

come

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

composer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

conceive

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

contemplative

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

criminal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

days

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

devouring

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

dreamy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

dual

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

editions

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

end

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

energy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

enthusiastic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

exactness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

extreme

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

eyes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

face

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

fingers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

for

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

formidable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

friend

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

from

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

gently

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

had

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

happiness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

he

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

him

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

himself

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

his

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

Holmes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

I

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

improvisations

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

intuition

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

it

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

itself

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

keen-witted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

knew

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

knowledge

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

languid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

languor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

level

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

long

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

look

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

lounging

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

lust

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

merit

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

methods

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

mood

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

mortals

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

music

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

musician

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

My

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

nature

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

never

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

no

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

not

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

occasionally

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

often

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

on

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

ordinary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

perfect

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

performer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

poetic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

possible

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

power

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

predominated

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

reaction

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

ready-handed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

reasoning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

relentless

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

represented

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

rise

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

sat

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

singular

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

sleuth-hound

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

smiling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

so

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

stalls

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

suddenly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

swing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

Then

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

those

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

thought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

time

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

took

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

truly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

unacquainted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

unlike

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

until

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

upon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

was

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit.

waving

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

well

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

were

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

when

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

while

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

who

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

whose

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

with

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

would

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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.

wrapped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 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 sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive.

Chapter Quiz

Use these questions to verify literal comprehension before continuing to the next chapter.

What is the central narrative or theme conveyed in this section of Case 02: The Red-Headed League?

Which core linguistic virtue or character attribute is emphasized in this passage?

According to the text: "II....", what tone does the author establish?

Shadowing Practice

Repeat the selected source lines aloud to practice rhythm, stress, and clear US English pronunciation.

Narrator: II.
Narrator: much,” said he.

Chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle holds 524 sentences, grouped into 105 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes contain?

Chapter 2 holds 524 sentences of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, unabridged, divided into 105 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 524 sentences, grouped into 105 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?

Work through the 105 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 105 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Common questions about reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes?

Yes. All 6586 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #1661 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #1661, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes take to read?

About 548 minutes of reading across 1318 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes section by section

How to work through The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 13 chapters of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Adventures
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sherlock
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Holmes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Arthur
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.