Sherlock Holmes Investigates

 

"The coroner investigated my sister's death with great care, because no-one in the area trusted doctor Roylott. But the coroner was not able to find out what killed her.

I gave evidence to the court that the door of my sister's room had been locked on the inside. The windows were blocked by shutters with iron bars, and these were locked in the night. The police checked the walls carefully but they were completely solid all round, and the floor was also thoroughly examined, with the same result.

The chimney is wide, but is blocked by four strong bars. So I am certain that my sister was completely alone when she met her fate. Besides, there were no signs of any violence on her.

"How about poison?" asked Holmes

"The doctors examined her, but they could not find any".

Vocabulary:

Evidence: Facts given to a court.
Block: To prevent something from coming through.
Shutters: Small doors which are put on windows for security or to block light.
Solid: Of one piece, without holes or air inside.
Bars: Long pieces of metal.
Fate: Destiny. Here it means "death".