Sherlock Holmes Investigates

 

So tall was he that his hat actually brushed the top of the doorway, and his breadth seemed to span it from side to side. A large face, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and marked by every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of us, his eyes, and his high-set fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old bird of prey.

"Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition.

"My name sir, but you have the advantage of me" said my companion quietly.

"I am Dr Grimsby Roylott of Stoke Moran."

"Indeed Doctor" said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat."

"I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?"

"It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes.

Vocabulary:

Breadth: An old word for width
Span: to Stretch from one side to the other.
Seared: Burned without flame.
Passion: Strong emotion.
Bird of prey: Birds which kill other animals.
Apparation: Something strange which has appeared.
Blandly: Without any strong feeling.
Pray: Please.
Traced: Located, found.