The Dancing Men

1. Main characters
Holmes, Mr Cubitt, Watson, Elsie

2. Write the summary of the book.

One morning, a sheet of paper covered with a line of strange pictures looking like dancing men arrived by the post at an apartment in Baker Street in London. A man called Hilton Cubitt, of Ridling Thrope Manor in Norfolk, sent it to Sherlock Holmes. Holmes handed to Watson the sheet of paper. A moment later, a tall gentleman entered the room.
Holmes examined the paper carefully and asked Mr Cubitt to tell them his story from the beginning. He told everything he could, including his wife's strange reaction.
A fortnight later, they had another visit from Mr Cubitt. He showed some copies of dancing men and continued his story. After that, he went back to his house as he didn't want to leave his wife Elsie alone at night.
Two days passed. Then on the evening of the second day, Holmes received another letter from Hilton Cubitt. He examined carefully and suddenly jumped up. He told about Mr Cubitt's terrible danger to Watson and they decided to visit Mr Cubitt's house. But unfortunately they were not able to go there as it was late and the last train had gone. In the morning, they travelled to Norfolk. On the way there, they heard the bad news that Mr Cubitt was dead and his wife is seriously injured.

3. Write the feeling about the book in details.

'But I promised Elsie I would never ask her about her past,' replied Hilton Cubitt. 'If she wants to tell me something, sh will. But I will not ask her to tell me.' (see p 26)

Mr Cubitt loved his wife very much and he denied Holme's suggestion.

4. Write the word, phrases or sentences that impressed you most in the book and explain why they impressed you. Or you could write your questions about the book.

But I didn't ask any questions. I knew Holmes would tell me when he was ready. (see p 32)

They are good friends and Watson knew he shouldn't ask Mr Sherlock Holmes at that time.

From Chap 5~

2. Write the summary of the book.

Hearing the stationmaster's story, Holmes did not speak at all during the journey to Ridling Thrope Manor. Then he worked with Inspector Martin on this investigation.
Two bullets killing Mr and Mrs Cubitt had found. The two women told their story very clearly. Then Holmes bent forward and picked up the third bullet in the grass. He thought for a moment, then took his pocket all the papers with the pictures of the dancing men on them. Finally he handed a note to the boy, telling what he wanted the boy to do.
After the boy had left, Holmes gave some instructions to the servants. Time passed.
A man was coming up the path. They waited in silence for a moment. Then the sitting-room door opened and the man stepped into the room. At once, Holmes put a gun against his hand and Inspector Martin put handcuffs on his wrists.

3. Write your feelings about the book in details.

'I knew the Cubitts were in terrible danger. Abe Slany was saying he was going to kill Mrs Cubitt. So Dr Watson and I hurried immediately to Norfolk, but, unfortunately, we were too late(See p 42).

Though Holmes had known the Cubitts' danger, however, he couldn't save them. Poor Mr and Mrs Cubitt.

4. Write the words, phrases or sentences that impressed you most in the book and explain why they impressed you. Or you could write your questions about the book.

See the sheet of paper. ( )

Upper-Intermediate Early, Sherlock Holmes, 2 Audio CDs

Upper-Intermediate Early, Sherlock Holmes