“The Adventure of the Three Garridebs” by Arthur Conan Doyle is more than just another thrilling case solved by Sherlock Holmes. It's a rare story where intellect meets emotion, and the world’s most logical detective reveals his deeply human side. At the heart of this mystery lies not only deception and danger—but also a powerful moment of friendship, concern, and raw emotion.
When Dr. Watson is wounded during the investigation, Holmes’s reaction breaks his usual calm. For a brief moment, we see the walls around his heart fall away. He isn’t just a detective anymore—he’s a friend hurting for a friend. That emotional outburst makes this chapter unforgettable.
At www.dasklibro.com, we’ve designed these NCERT solutions to help you not only understand the plot and characters but also feel the emotional gravity of this story. We guide you through:
The intricate twists of the plot
The subtle expressions of care and connection
CBSE exam-style questions that value emotional depth alongside textual clarity
This story reminds us: even the sharpest minds can be softened by the strength of human connection.
Understanding the Text –
1. What clues did Sherlock Holmes work upon to get at the fact that the story of the three Garridebs was a ruse?
20 words:
Holmes noticed the man’s English clothes, fake accent, false story, and no ad printed—clear signs of a fraud.
40 words:
Holmes doubted the story due to the man’s English outfit, false accent, no newspaper ad, and fake details. He realized something was wrong and sensed a hidden motive behind the story of the three Garridebs.
60 words:
Holmes found the man’s English clothing odd for a supposed American. There were no actual ads published, and his story had factual errors. The ad's spelling was American, and the references were unknown. All these clues led Holmes to believe that the whole tale of inheritance was a clever lie to achieve a secret purpose.
80 words:
Holmes grew suspicious after noticing John Garrideb’s worn English clothes, despite his claim of being newly arrived from America. The man lied about placing advertisements, used American spellings, and gave false references, like Dr. Starr. Holmes’s sharp observation and deep reasoning uncovered that the story about the three Garridebs and a huge inheritance was completely fake. It was just a smart trick to get access to Nathan’s room for some hidden motive, possibly connected to a past crime.
2. What was John Garrideb’s objective in inventing the story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and his legacy?
20 words:
John Garrideb wanted to remove Nathan from his room to search for a hidden treasure or criminal evidence.
40 words:
John Garrideb created the fake story of inheritance to send Nathan away. His real aim was to search the room for something valuable or criminal, connected to an old counterfeiting racket. It was a trick to access the hidden cellar.
60 words:
John Garrideb, also known as Killer Evans, invented the story to trick Nathan into leaving his house. He wanted to secretly search the room once occupied by a criminal named Presbury. He hoped to find hidden counterfeit notes or a printing press. The inheritance story was a smart cover-up to achieve his criminal goal without raising suspicion.
80 words:
John Garrideb’s real identity was Killer Evans, a notorious criminal. His plan was to get Nathan out of the house so he could search the room that once belonged to forger Roger Presbury. He believed something valuable or illegal was hidden there. The story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and the five-million-dollar legacy was purely fictional. It was meant to fool both Nathan and Holmes, so Evans could find the counterfeit press without being disturbed or questioned by anyone.
3. Why didn’t John Garrideb like the idea of including Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb?
20 words:
John Garrideb feared Sherlock Holmes would expose his lie, so he didn’t want him involved in the fake inheritance case.
40 words:
John Garrideb disliked Holmes’s involvement because Holmes could easily detect lies. He feared Holmes might uncover his real identity and motives. Since the story was fake, any smart investigation could destroy his entire plan to reach the hidden cellar.
60 words:
John Garrideb was actually a criminal named Killer Evans. He didn’t want Holmes involved because Holmes had a sharp mind and great investigative skills. Garrideb feared that Holmes might discover his true plan, which was to search for hidden counterfeit money. Holmes’s presence could ruin his criminal intentions, so he got irritated and tried to exclude him.
80 words:
John Garrideb was deeply uncomfortable with Holmes’s involvement because Holmes was famous for solving complex cases with ease. Garrideb, being a criminal, knew that Holmes could easily expose his true identity and fake story. Since the inheritance was just a trap to send Nathan away and get into the room, any investigation could spoil the plan. That’s why he reacted angrily and tried to hide things from Holmes, but Holmes’s sharp observations and methods ultimately exposed everything.
4. Who was Roger Presbury and how was John Garrideb connected with him?
20 words:
Roger Presbury was a forger. John Garrideb, actually Killer Evans, shot him and knew where his fake press was hidden.
40 words:
Roger Presbury was a famous American counterfeiter. John Garrideb, or Killer Evans, shot him and wanted access to his hidden printing press in Nathan’s room. That’s why he created the Garrideb story—to search the room secretly.
60 words:
Roger Presbury was a notorious forger and counterfeiter from America. Killer Evans (posing as John Garrideb) had once shot Presbury. He knew Presbury operated a hidden counterfeiting press, which was likely still hidden in Nathan Garrideb’s room. To get to it, Evans made up the story of the inheritance and searched for a way to remove Nathan from the house.
80 words:
Roger Presbury was a known American forger and counterfeiter. He was shot by Killer Evans, who later came to London under the fake identity of John Garrideb. Evans suspected that Presbury’s hidden counterfeiting setup was still inside the room Nathan Garrideb now occupied. So, to access the hidden press and forged notes, he invented a story about three Garridebs and inheritance. His connection to Presbury was both criminal and secretive, and it was the key reason behind the whole plot.
5. How did Holmes guess that John Garrideb would go to 136, Little Ryder Street? Did he expect to find what he ultimately did before he went there?
20 words:
Holmes guessed he would go there to access something hidden. He suspected trouble but didn’t know about the counterfeit press.
40 words:
Holmes figured out John Garrideb’s plan to send Nathan away. He suspected he would secretly visit the house. Though Holmes knew something was hidden, he did not know exactly what it was until they discovered the counterfeiting press below the floor.
60 words:
Holmes observed that John Garrideb was desperate to get Nathan out of the house. So, he correctly guessed the man would go there to access something. Though Holmes wasn’t sure what exactly was hidden, he anticipated a serious crime. The discovery of the counterfeit press proved Holmes’s suspicions right and showed the brilliance of his investigative thinking.
80 words:
Holmes, using his logical mind, realized that the entire story was created just to get Nathan out of his room. He correctly predicted that once Nathan left, John Garrideb would secretly enter the house. Holmes didn’t know exactly what was hidden there, but he suspected a criminal motive. When Holmes and Watson hid inside and later caught the man in action, they discovered the hidden printing press used for counterfeiting. It confirmed Holmes’s sharp guess and careful planning.
LANGUAGE WORK – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs
1(a). Identify the words in the advertisement that gave away the fact that it was placed by John Garrideb.
Words like "plows", "buckboards", and "artesian wells" showed American usage, revealing that the ad was written by John Garrideb.
1(b). Make a list of words which are spelt differently in American and British English.
British: colour, plough, centre, travelled
American: color, plow, center, traveled
Question 2 Explain the figurative meaning of the highlighted expressions from the text.
1. "I went through it, sir, with a fine-toothed comb and never a Garrideb could I catch."
The expression means that he examined every part of the country very thoroughly and attentively, like using a fine comb on hair. Despite this detailed search, he didn’t find anyone with the name “Garrideb.” It shows deep effort with no result.
2. "They are my favourite covert for putting up a bird, and I would never have overlooked a cock pheasant as that."
Holmes compares ads to a forest where birds hide, and spotting a "cock pheasant" means catching a big clue. He says he always watches newspaper columns closely and would never miss such a big suspicious clue if it really existed.
3. "There is no bolt-hole for you in this country."
A "bolt-hole" means a hiding place or escape route. Holmes is telling the criminal that he has no place left to run or hide. Law enforcement will catch him, and he cannot avoid punishment or escape the consequences of his crime.
4. "When his castle in the air fell down, it buried him beneath the ruins."
The phrase "castle in the air" refers to big dreams built on fantasy. When the fake inheritance was exposed, Nathan’s dream collapsed. He was so hurt that he couldn’t recover emotionally. His hopes had become his downfall, ruining his spirit.
EXTRA QUESTIONS
1. Who was Killer Evans and why did he disguise himself?
20 words:
Killer Evans was a criminal who disguised himself as John Garrideb to search for hidden counterfeit money in Nathan’s room.
40 words:
Killer Evans, a dangerous American criminal, pretended to be John Garrideb. His aim was to remove Nathan from his room and secretly access a hidden counterfeiting press left behind by Presbury, a criminal Evans had shot earlier.
60 words:
Killer Evans was a well-known American criminal, also called James Winter. He took on the false identity of John Garrideb to trick Holmes and Watson. His real plan was to send Nathan Garrideb out of his room, which once belonged to Presbury. Evans believed Presbury’s hidden printing press and counterfeit notes were still inside and wanted to retrieve them.
80 words:
Killer Evans, also known as James Winter, was a notorious American criminal with a record of violent crimes. He disguised himself as a lawyer named John Garrideb to carry out a clever plan. His goal was to send Nathan away from his room so he could search for hidden counterfeit notes and a printing press used by his former partner, Presbury. Evans’s intelligent but criminal plot was eventually exposed by Sherlock Holmes through sharp observation and logical reasoning.
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2. Why was Nathan Garrideb so interested in the inheritance?
20 words:
Nathan loved his collection and needed money to expand it. The promise of five million dollars excited him deeply.
40 words:
Nathan Garrideb was obsessed with his collection of fossils, coins, and artifacts. The inheritance offer promised him huge wealth, which he thought could help him build a national-level collection. He believed the story and felt hopeful about his future.
60 words:
Nathan Garrideb lived a quiet life dedicated to collecting rare fossils, coins, and historical items. When he heard about a five-million-dollar inheritance, he became extremely excited. For him, the money meant he could finally complete his dream of building a great collection. He was so emotionally attached to this hope that he believed the story completely, unaware it was fake.
80 words:
Nathan Garrideb was an old, lonely collector deeply attached to his museum-like room filled with fossils and historical items. He rarely left the house and was very passionate about his hobby. When told he could inherit five million dollars just by finding another Garrideb, he saw it as a golden opportunity to expand his life’s work. The idea filled him with hope and joy, making him easy to manipulate. Unfortunately, this dream turned out to be a cruel lie.
3. What did Holmes find strange about John Garrideb’s clothing?
20 words:
Holmes noticed the man’s clothes were British, though he claimed to be American. This made Holmes suspicious about his story.
40 words:
John Garrideb’s clothes, especially his coat and boots, were clearly of British style and worn out. Holmes knew no newly arrived American would dress like that. This detail made Holmes doubt the man’s real identity and story immediately.
60 words:
Though John Garrideb claimed to be from America, Holmes observed that his clothing was distinctly British and well-worn. The coat had a specific English cut, and the boots were typical London style. Holmes’s sharp eyes caught this mismatch, making him suspicious of the man’s entire story. This small observation became a major clue in exposing the lie.
80 words:
One of Holmes’s early suspicions came from John Garrideb’s appearance. His coat’s shoulder cut and his shoes were unmistakably British, and both were visibly worn. This didn’t match someone who claimed to have arrived from Kansas recently. Holmes realized that the man had been living in London for a long time and was pretending to be American. This detail was one of the first signs that the entire story about the Garrideb inheritance was just a trap.
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4. What was the fake story about Alexander Hamilton Garrideb?
20 words:
The story claimed he left millions for three Garridebs, but it was fake, created to trick Nathan.
40 words:
John Garrideb said Alexander Hamilton Garrideb left $15 million for three men with the same surname. Each would get five million. This story was made up by Killer Evans to make Nathan leave his room so he could find hidden money.
60 words:
The fake story revolved around a rich American named Alexander Hamilton Garrideb, who supposedly left a will giving $15 million to three men sharing his rare surname. Killer Evans used this fabricated tale to lure Nathan Garrideb and Holmes into a wild search. His real goal was to remove Nathan from his room and recover a counterfeiting setup hidden inside.
80 words:
Killer Evans invented a fictional tale about Alexander Hamilton Garrideb, a wealthy American who supposedly left an inheritance of $15 million to be divided among three Garridebs. This unique condition made it necessary to find two more people with the same name. Evans used this fabricated legal story to manipulate Nathan Garrideb into leaving his room. In reality, his goal was to search for counterfeit money and a printing press left behind by a dead criminal, Roger Presbury.
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5. Why did John Garrideb want Nathan to go to Birmingham?
20 words:
He wanted Nathan out of the house so he could secretly enter and find the hidden counterfeit press.
40 words:
John Garrideb planned to send Nathan to Birmingham to meet the "third Garrideb." In reality, this was a trick to leave Nathan’s room empty so he could access the hidden trapdoor and retrieve counterfeit notes left by his partner.
60 words:
The trip to Birmingham was part of Killer Evans’s plot. By convincing Nathan to visit the third Garrideb there, he ensured the house would be empty. His goal was to search the floor of Nathan’s room, which once belonged to the forger Presbury, and retrieve counterfeit money. Holmes, however, suspected the trap and stopped him in time.
80 words:
Killer Evans used the excuse of meeting a third Garrideb in Birmingham to send Nathan Garrideb out of the house. While Nathan was away, Evans planned to break into the floor of the room and recover counterfeit money left behind by the criminal Roger Presbury. This was his real objective all along. Sherlock Holmes, sensing something suspicious, planned a trap and caught Evans red-handed during the act, revealing the true reason behind the fake inheritance scheme.
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6. What role did the forged advertisement play in the plot?
20 words:
It helped Evans convince Nathan that a third Garrideb was found. Holmes noticed its American spelling and exposed it.
40 words:
The advertisement was fake and planted by Killer Evans to trick Nathan into believing another Garrideb was found in Birmingham. However, Holmes noticed American spellings like “plow,” which exposed the fraud and confirmed that Evans had written the ad himself.
60 words:
The advertisement about Howard Garrideb was a key part of Evans’s plan. He created it using American spellings to make it seem real. But Holmes caught the inconsistencies. Words like “plow” and “buckboards” revealed that the ad was American, not British, and was likely planted by the same man who posed as John Garrideb. It helped Holmes uncover the truth.
80 words:
Killer Evans placed a fake advertisement in a Birmingham newspaper claiming that another Garrideb—Howard Garrideb—had been found. This was designed to convince Nathan Garrideb to travel there and leave his room vacant. However, Holmes noticed American terms like “plow” and “buckboards,” which wouldn't appear in a British ad. This linguistic clue helped Holmes confirm that the advertisement was fraudulent and planted by Evans himself. The forged ad was a clever trick, but Holmes’s attention to detail exposed it completely.
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(For space, we’ll now continue with remaining Q7–Q20 in same structure. Let's go!)
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7. What does the phrase “castle in the air” mean in Nathan’s case?
20:
It refers to Nathan’s unrealistic dream of becoming rich, which later collapsed and left him mentally broken.
40:
Nathan built false hopes around the fake inheritance. His dream was like a “castle in the air”—beautiful but baseless. When the truth was revealed, he was devastated and never recovered from the emotional shock.
60:
The phrase “castle in the air” means an imaginary dream without any foundation. Nathan believed he would receive five million dollars and expand his collection. When he realized it was all fake, his dream shattered. The disappointment broke his spirit so deeply that he had to be moved to a nursing home.
80:
Nathan Garrideb had high hopes of becoming rich and creating a world-class museum with the inheritance money. But these hopes were built on lies—just like a “castle in the air.” When the fraud was exposed, his imaginary world collapsed. The emotional pain was so severe that he mentally gave up on life and was never the same again. This expression captures how false hopes can crush a person from within.
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8. How did Holmes trap Killer Evans?
20:
Holmes pretended to believe the fake story and hid with Watson in the room, catching Evans red-handed.
40:
Holmes sensed danger and faked trust in Evans. He sent Nathan away and hid in the room with Watson. When Evans returned and opened the trapdoor to the cellar, Holmes caught him in the act with guns drawn.
60:
Holmes didn’t confront Evans immediately. Instead, he allowed Nathan to go to Birmingham and used the chance to investigate. He and Watson hid behind a cupboard in Nathan’s room. When Evans broke in and tried to access the hidden compartment, Holmes and Watson jumped out with pistols and caught him red-handed. It was a planned and clever trap.
80:
Sherlock Holmes’s brilliance shone in how he handled Killer Evans. Rather than confronting him early, Holmes pretended to believe the story. Once Nathan left for Birmingham, Holmes and Watson hid inside the room. As Evans entered, tore the carpet, and opened the secret floorboard, Holmes caught him by surprise. Evans tried to shoot, injuring Watson slightly, but Holmes overpowered him. This brilliant trap exposed both Evans’s motive and his true identity as a criminal.
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9. Why did Holmes get emotional when Watson was shot?
20:
Holmes deeply cared for Watson. Seeing him wounded made Holmes show rare emotion and true friendship.
40:
Holmes, usually calm and logical, panicked when Watson was hurt. His worry showed how much he valued their friendship. For the first time, Holmes revealed the emotional bond he shared with Watson.
60:
Holmes was known for his sharp brain and cold logic, but when Watson was shot, he showed genuine fear and affection. He held Watson close, checked the wound, and expressed relief when it wasn’t serious. This rare moment proved the deep loyalty, care, and silent love Holmes had for Watson. Their bond was stronger than words.
80:
When Killer Evans shot at Holmes and Watson, Watson was wounded. Holmes’s reaction was immediate and emotional. He ran to Watson, panicked, and checked his injury with trembling hands. This rare moment showed how much Holmes truly loved and respected Watson. He said, “If you had died, he wouldn’t have left this room alive.” That powerful line revealed the depth of their lifelong bond, which went far beyond logic and professional partnership.
10. What was hidden beneath the floor in Nathan’s room?
20 words:
Under the floor, Holmes found a secret cellar containing a printing press, forged currency notes, and counterfeiting materials.
40 words:
A hidden trapdoor led to a secret cellar below Nathan’s room. Inside, Holmes and Watson discovered a printing press and bundles of forged currency. This proved that the room once belonged to Presbury, a master forger, and was Killer Evans’s true target.
60 words:
Beneath the wooden floor of Nathan’s room, Holmes and Watson uncovered a hidden cellar. It contained a large printing press, rolls of special paper, bottles of chemicals, and stacks of counterfeit notes. This setup belonged to Presbury, a criminal forger. Killer Evans returned to retrieve this illegal treasure, exposing the entire plot behind the fake inheritance story.
80 words:
When Holmes and Watson opened the hidden trapdoor beneath the floor of Nathan Garrideb’s room, they discovered the truth. A complete counterfeiting press was hidden underground, left behind by Roger Presbury—a criminal whom Killer Evans had previously shot. The room also contained stacks of forged banknotes, ready to be used. It was this secret treasure that Killer Evans wanted to retrieve, not any inheritance. This discovery confirmed Holmes’s suspicions and gave proof of the real crime behind the Garrideb hoax.
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11. Who was Roger Presbury and how is he connected to the plot?
20 words:
Roger Presbury was a criminal forger who once lived in Nathan’s room. Killer Evans tried to find his hidden press.
40 words:
Presbury was a master forger from America. He once lived in the same room now occupied by Nathan. Killer Evans, his former partner, knew Presbury’s printing press was hidden there. That’s why he created the Garrideb story—to retrieve it secretly.
60 words:
Roger Presbury was a famous forger and criminal from Chicago. He lived in Nathan Garrideb’s room years ago and had hidden a counterfeiting press under the floor. Killer Evans, who had shot Presbury during a fight, knew about the setup. He returned under the fake name “John Garrideb” to find the hidden press. His fake story about the inheritance was a cover to access Presbury’s old crime den.
80 words:
Roger Presbury was a criminal who ran a counterfeiting racket in London. Years ago, he used the very same room now rented by Nathan Garrideb to hide his illegal printing press. Killer Evans, once Presbury’s associate, had shot him during a fight. After serving prison time, Evans came back to retrieve the hidden press and forged notes. Instead of breaking in, he created a fake legal story about inheritance, hoping to remove Nathan and search the room peacefully.
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12. What made Holmes doubt the story from the beginning?
20 words:
Holmes found the man’s accent, clothes, and advertisement suspicious. He felt the story lacked logic and needed investigation.
40 words:
Holmes doubted the story because the man’s British clothes didn’t match his American identity. The fake ad used American spellings, and references like Dr. Starr were unknown. These clues convinced Holmes that the Garrideb inheritance story was suspicious and fake.
60 words:
From the beginning, Holmes noticed inconsistencies in John Garrideb’s behavior and claims. His clothes were British, not American. The advertisement had American spellings, and the supposed reference “Dr. Starr” was made up. Holmes also noted there were no agony column ads. These clues didn’t match the story being told, leading Holmes to believe something deeper and darker was going on.
80 words:
Sherlock Holmes doubted the Garrideb story almost immediately. John Garrideb’s worn English clothes, false references, and the American-style advertisement were big red flags. Holmes also noticed that no actual ads had been published in the agony columns, despite claims otherwise. The inconsistencies between the man’s words and actions triggered Holmes’s suspicion. He pretended to go along with the story, but in reality, he was observing everything. His instincts and logic led to the truth behind the fake inheritance.
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13. How did Holmes’s observation skills help solve the mystery?
20 words:
Holmes noticed small details—like accents, clothing, spelling, and behavior—that helped him expose the criminal and solve the case.
40 words:
Holmes’s sharp observation helped him detect lies. He spotted American spellings in the ad, noticed the man’s British outfit, and doubted the strange story. By watching behavior and matching facts, Holmes uncovered the real motive behind the fake inheritance.
60 words:
Holmes’s attention to detail was the key to solving the case. He caught the American spelling in the ad, noticed that the supposed American lawyer wore British clothes, and found that no ads were actually placed. His careful observation of the man’s tone, expression, and inconsistencies helped him expose the fraud. His ability to read between the lines helped solve the entire mystery.
80 words:
Sherlock Holmes used his exceptional observation skills to spot the lies in the Garrideb story. He noticed that John Garrideb’s clothing was British, not American. The advertisement used American spelling, which stood out in a British context. He also caught false references and realized there were no real newspaper ads. Holmes stayed calm and gathered every clue before taking action. By analyzing each detail logically, he uncovered Killer Evans’s identity and stopped a major criminal from escaping with counterfeit money.
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14. Why did Holmes not expose the criminal immediately?
20 words:
He wanted more evidence and planned to catch him red-handed to ensure he couldn’t escape or deny the crime.
40 words:
Holmes knew something was wrong but chose not to confront John Garrideb immediately. Instead, he planned a trap. By pretending to believe the story, Holmes gave Evans confidence. This allowed Holmes to catch him red-handed and collect solid proof.
60 words:
Holmes’s goal was to gather clear evidence and stop Killer Evans completely. Confronting him too early could have let him escape or hide the counterfeit press. So Holmes played along, sent Nathan away, and hid in the room with Watson. This way, when Evans returned, Holmes caught him in the act, ensuring the criminal had no chance to deny the crime or flee.
80 words:
Holmes suspected John Garrideb (Killer Evans) was lying but chose not to act immediately. He knew that without evidence, confronting the man could result in failure. Instead, Holmes carefully studied the clues, let Nathan travel to Birmingham, and set up a trap by hiding in the room with Watson. This strategy helped him catch Evans red-handed while trying to open the floor. By doing so, Holmes ensured there was undeniable proof of the crime, making the case strong and foolproof.
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15. What does this story teach us about appearances and truth?
20 words:
It teaches that appearances can deceive. One must observe carefully and think logically to find the hidden truth.
40 words:
The story shows that people and stories may look convincing on the surface. But truth is hidden beneath appearances. Holmes’s logical mind and observation reveal how one should not blindly trust what seems obvious. Truth requires investigation.
60 words:
This story teaches that we should never judge based on appearances. Killer Evans looked polite and harmless but was actually a dangerous criminal. The inheritance story seemed real but was completely fake. Only Holmes’s sharp mind and attention to detail helped uncover the truth. The lesson is clear—look deeper, question things, and don’t be fooled by outer appearances.
80 words:
One of the key lessons from this story is that appearances can be misleading. John Garrideb appeared to be a respectable lawyer with a heartwarming story. Nathan’s dream seemed believable. But underneath it all was a cunning criminal plan. Holmes’s success came from questioning what others accepted as truth. He looked beyond appearances, studied people, and relied on facts. The story encourages us to think critically, observe closely, and understand that truth often hides behind well-crafted lies and sweet words.
16. How is the story a mix of comedy and tragedy?
20 words:
It’s funny due to the odd name hunt, yet tragic because Nathan’s dreams are shattered, and Watson is injured.
40 words:
The story has comic moments, like searching for Garridebs and Nathan’s obsession with coins. But it turns tragic when Holmes uncovers the truth, Watson is wounded, and Nathan’s hope is destroyed. The blend of humor and sorrow makes it unique.
60 words:
Arthur Conan Doyle blends light humor and deep tragedy beautifully. At first, the idea of finding three men named Garrideb seems amusing, especially Nathan’s excitement. But later, things get serious—Holmes uncovers a dangerous criminal, Watson is shot, and Nathan’s hopes crash. His emotional collapse brings out the story’s tragic side. It’s a masterful combination of laughter, suspense, and sorrow.
80 words:
The story begins with comic elements—like the rare name "Garrideb", Nathan’s museum-like room, and his excitement over becoming rich. Holmes’s witty remarks and the absurdity of the inheritance tale add to the humor. However, the mood turns tragic when the real criminal is revealed. Watson is shot, and poor Nathan’s dreams are shattered forever. He becomes mentally broken and is sent to a nursing home. The story shows how quickly a light situation can become deeply emotional and painful.
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17. Why did Holmes fake interest in the Garrideb case?
20 words:
Holmes sensed danger early. He pretended interest to gain the criminal’s trust and collect evidence without raising suspicion.
40 words:
Though Holmes knew something was wrong, he didn’t react immediately. He acted interested in the inheritance story to avoid alerting the criminal. This allowed Holmes to gather clues, track the real plan, and eventually catch Killer Evans red-handed.
60 words:
Holmes used clever strategy by pretending to believe the story about the three Garridebs. This made Killer Evans relax and continue his plan. Holmes played along, sending Nathan away and preparing to catch the criminal. His fake interest gave him time to gather evidence and set a trap. It shows Holmes’s brilliance in handling cases without alarming suspects too soon.
80 words:
Holmes suspected the story was false from the beginning but chose to act calm and interested. By pretending to believe John Garrideb’s tale, he gained the criminal’s trust and avoided alarming him. This gave Holmes time to study the case, gather crucial details, and plan a trap. His method helped catch the criminal in the act. It proves how Holmes uses intelligence, patience, and psychological tricks to outsmart criminals without them ever knowing they’re being watched.
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18. What was the emotional impact of the case on Nathan Garrideb?
20 words:
Nathan was emotionally crushed. His dream was fake, and the shock left him mentally broken and hopeless.
40 words:
When Nathan discovered the inheritance was a lie, he was deeply heartbroken. His dream of becoming rich and expanding his collection collapsed. The emotional shock was so intense that he lost interest in life and needed medical care.
60 words:
Nathan Garrideb had built his life around his collection. The promise of five million dollars filled him with joy and excitement. But when he learned it was all fake, the truth hit him hard. His mental state worsened. The betrayal, shattered dreams, and public humiliation emotionally broke him. He was later sent to a nursing home, unable to recover from the trauma.
80 words:
Nathan Garrideb’s mental state depended heavily on his dream of expanding his collection through the promised inheritance. The idea gave him new hope and energy. But when the truth was revealed—that there was no inheritance and it was all a criminal trap—his world came crashing down. The emotional damage was so severe that he never recovered. He lost his will to live and was eventually moved to a nursing home. The story shows how false hope can completely destroy a person.
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19. How does the story show Holmes’s concern for justice?
20 words:
Holmes didn’t just expose the criminal—he made sure justice was served and protected innocent people like Nathan and Watson.
40 words:
Holmes wasn’t interested in money or fame. His focus was on protecting Nathan, catching the criminal, and preventing future crimes. He worked silently, gathered clues, and ensured Killer Evans was arrested and justice was delivered lawfully and effectively.
60 words:
Holmes always stood for justice. In this case, he wasn’t fooled by the inheritance story and worked to uncover the truth. He protected innocent Nathan Garrideb, saved Watson from further harm, and caught Killer Evans. Instead of taking shortcuts, Holmes made sure the criminal faced legal punishment. His dedication to truth and fairness made him a true hero in the eyes of law and readers.
80 words:
Throughout the story, Sherlock Holmes is focused on justice rather than recognition. He instantly suspects a fraud and investigates quietly, not to embarrass Nathan, but to protect him. He even warns Watson of danger, showing care. Holmes’s trap catches Killer Evans in the act, but instead of harming him, Holmes hands him over to the police. He believes in letting the law take its course. His actions show that Holmes is not just a genius detective, but a defender of justice.
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20. What makes this story a classic Sherlock Holmes case?
20 words:
It has suspense, disguise, clever crime, Holmes’s logic, emotional moments, and a surprising twist—everything a Holmes fan expects.
40 words:
This story contains all the elements of a classic Sherlock Holmes case—mystery, false identity, a hidden motive, subtle clues, and sharp observation. It also shows Holmes’s emotional side and loyalty to Watson, making the tale unforgettable and heart-touching.
60 words:
“The Adventure of the Three Garridebs” stands out as a classic Holmes case because it blends suspense, drama, emotion, and mystery. Holmes uncovers a hidden crime using his usual sharp logic. It involves false names, fake inheritance, and a clever criminal plot. But the story also reveals Holmes’s hidden emotions when Watson is hurt, adding a rare personal touch to a brilliant investigation.
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This story is a perfect example of why Sherlock Holmes is a legendary detective. It features a complex mystery filled with clever lies and disguise. Holmes uses small details—clothes, spellings, behavior—to crack the case. The dramatic reveal, the emotional scene where Watson is injured, and Holmes’s unexpected warmth all make the story powerful. There’s humor, danger, intelligence, and heart. All these elements combined create a timeless detective story that reflects Holmes’s genius and Arthur Conan Doyle’s storytelling brilliance.
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