CBSE Class 11 Woven Words NCERT Solutions: The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Woven Words presents 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs,' a captivating Sherlock Holmes mystery. This short story, explored through NCERT Solutions, showcases Holmes's brilliant deductive skills as he uncovers a deceptive plot. The narrative centers on John Garrideb, who attempts to trick Holmes into helping him find a supposed treasure, only to reveal his true, less noble intentions. The solutions meticulously analyze the subtle clues Holmes picks up on, such as Garrideb's inconsistent British accent despite claiming to be American, which expose the elaborate ruse. We delve into Garrideb's motivations, his fear of involving the police, and his connection to Roger Presbury. The text also highlights the enduring bond between Holmes and Watson, illustrating the warmth and loyalty that underpins their professional partnership. Ultimately, the story reinforces the idea that no criminal, however clever, can escape leaving behind traces that a keen observer like Holmes can decipher, making it an excellent study for understanding narrative, character, and logical reasoning.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Woven Words
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	4. The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs - (Short Stories)

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs,' focuses on Sherlock Holmes's investigation into a seemingly straightforward case that turns out to be a elaborate deception. The NCERT Solutions cover the analysis of clues that expose the ruse, John Garrideb's motives and failed plan, and the relationship dynamics between Holmes and Watson. The solutions emphasize the theme that criminals inevitably leave clues, and explore Holmes's deductive methods in gathering information through seemingly irrelevant questions.

Learning outcomes

Understand the plot and characters in 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs'.
Analyze the clues used by Sherlock Holmes to uncover the deception.
Identify John Garrideb's motives and the flaws in his plan.
Explain the relationship between Holmes and Watson as depicted in the story.
Discuss the theme that criminals leave behind clues.
Evaluate Holmes's deductive reasoning and information-gathering techniques.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Sherlock Holmes mysteries
Deductive reasoning
Plot analysis
Character motivation
Deception and ruses
Clues and evidence
Detective fiction
Holmes and Watson relationship
Narrative structure
Literary analysis

Important topics

Unraveling the ruse
John Garrideb's motives and plan
Holmes's deductive methods
The significance of clues
Holmes and Watson's relationship
Narrative structure of the story

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Questions and Solutions

Q1. What clues did Sherlock Holmes work upon to get at the fact that the story of the three Garridebs was a ruse?

What clues did Sherlock Holmes work upon to get at the fact that the story of the three Garridebs was a ruse?

Solution: Sherlock Holmes identified several key clues that indicated John Garrideb's story was a fabrication. Firstly, he noted the stark contrast between the supposed American detective's appearance and mannerisms, which were distinctly British. This inconsistency immediately raised suspicion. Garrideb's explanation that he was a lawyer from Kansas was merely a tactic to allay suspicion, but the initial observation about his British demeanor was a significant clue. As the narrative progressed, further details and inconsistencies emerged, solidifying Holmes's belief that the entire account was a carefully constructed deception.

Q2. What was John Garrideb's objective in inventing the story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and his legacy?

What was John Garrideb's objective in inventing the story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and his legacy?

Solution: John Garrideb's primary objective in inventing the elaborate story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and his supposed legacy was to deceive others and achieve his own selfish goals. He aimed to trick people into believing a false narrative, which would ultimately lead them to reveal the location of the third Garrideb, Nathan Garrideb. His plan was to exploit this information to gain access to Nathan's house and steal a valuable printing press. While he was a clever planner, his scheme ultimately failed because even the most astute criminals often leave behind traces that can be discovered.

Q3. Why didn't John Garrideb like the idea of including Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb?

Why didn't John Garrideb like the idea of including Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb?

Solution: John Garrideb was hesitant to involve Sherlock Holmes in his scheme because he recognized Holmes's exceptional reputation as a detective. Garrideb feared that if Holmes became involved, his elaborate deception would be quickly uncovered. Bringing a renowned detective into such a dubious plan was akin to jeopardizing his own scheme, as Holmes's sharp intellect and keen observational skills were likely to expose the material facts and the truth behind the fabricated story.

Q4. Who was Roger Presbury and how was John Garrideb connected with him?

Who was Roger Presbury and how was John Garrideb connected with him?

Solution: Roger Presbury was an individual who had a significant connection to John Garrideb's plan. Garrideb had previously shot Roger Presbury during a dispute over a game of cards. The crucial link was that Roger Presbury owned the printing press which was the central focus of the entire episode. This printing press was located in the house of Nathan Garrideb, the third Garrideb, and was the object of John Garrideb's planned theft. Thus, Presbury was connected to Garrideb as the owner of the very item Garrideb intended to steal.

Q5. 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?

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?

Solution: Holmes deduced that John Garrideb would head to 136, Little Ryder Street by carefully analyzing the details of the situation and Garrideb's likely actions. Holmes, being a master of deduction, understood that Garrideb's plan revolved around Nathan Garrideb, who resided at that address and possessed the printing press. Holmes intentionally gained Garrideb's confidence by appearing uninterested in the case, which allowed him to observe Garrideb's movements and intentions more freely. Before going to Little Ryder Street, Holmes anticipated that he would find John Garrideb deeply engrossed in executing his plan, likely attempting to break into the premises or otherwise acting suspiciously.

Q1. It was worth a wound—it was worth many wounds—to know the depth of loyalty and love that lay behind that cold mask'—how does this comment throw light on the kind of relationship between Holmes and Watson?

It was worth a wound—it was worth many wounds—to know the depth of loyalty and love that lay behind that cold mask'—how does this comment throw light on the kind of relationship between Holmes and Watson?

Solution: This poignant comment, made by Watson, beautifully illuminates the profound and affectionate relationship he shares with Sherlock Holmes. Watson observes that despite Holmes's typically stern, unemotional, and professional demeanor (the 'cold mask'), there is a deep well of loyalty and love beneath the surface. This realization, even if it came at the cost of Watson being wounded (referring to Holmes's injury while helping Watson), was incredibly meaningful to him. It revealed a side of Holmes that was rarely seen, showcasing his genuine care and concern for his friend. The statement signifies that their bond transcends a mere professional association; it is built on mutual respect, deep affection, and unwavering loyalty.

Q2. The cleverest of criminals leave behind clues to their crime.

The cleverest of criminals leave behind clues to their crime.

Solution: This statement holds universally true and is vividly demonstrated in 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs.' John Garrideb, despite his meticulous planning and perceived foolproof scheme, inadvertently left numerous clues that Sherlock Holmes expertly deciphered. For instance, Garrideb's British appearance and mannerisms, which contradicted his claimed American identity, were a significant oversight. Additionally, the subtle errors and implications within the advertisement he placed served as further evidence. Holmes's success in unraveling the plot underscores the idea that no criminal plan is so perfect that it cannot be penetrated by a keen observer who notices the small details and inconsistencies that inevitably surface.

Q3. How did Holmes' digressions sometimes prove in the end to have a bearing on the matter on hand? Discuss this with reference to all the apparently irrelevant points he was trying to gather information from.

How did Holmes' digressions sometimes prove in the end to have a bearing on the matter on hand? Discuss this with reference to all the apparently irrelevant points he was trying to gather information from.

Solution: Sherlock Holmes often employed a unique method of information gathering, which involved asking seemingly irrelevant or tangential questions. This technique, far from being a distraction, was a deliberate strategy to gather crucial details without alerting his subject. In 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs,' Holmes's approach is evident when he inquires about a person's nationality in relation to their attire. By asking questions that might appear disconnected from the main issue, Holmes could observe the subject's reactions and elicit vital information they might not have otherwise revealed. He would then mentally piece together these seemingly minor details, connecting the dots to form a complete picture of the situation and expose the underlying deception. This method allowed him to deviate the attention of his quarry while subtly extracting the most important pieces of the puzzle.

Q1. Examine the structure of the short story 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs' with the help of this framework

Examine the structure of the short story 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs' with the help of this framework

Solution: The structure of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs' follows a classic detective fiction pattern, often seen in Sherlock Holmes stories. It begins with an intriguing premise or a client presenting a seemingly unusual problem, setting the stage for mystery. The narrative then progresses through the investigation phase, where Holmes gathers clues and interviews relevant parties. This phase often includes elements of misdirection and apparent irrelevancies, which are characteristic of Holmes's methods. The story builds suspense as Holmes pieces together the puzzle, leading to a climax where the truth is revealed, often in a dramatic confrontation or explanation. Finally, the story concludes with a resolution, where the motive is explained, and the case is closed, often with a reflection on the events or the characters involved, such as the bond between Holmes and Watson.

Common mistakes

Overlooking subtle clues that Holmes uses.
Misinterpreting John Garrideb's true intentions.
Failing to connect seemingly irrelevant details to the main plot.
Underestimating the importance of the Holmes-Watson dynamic.

Revision tips

Reread the story, paying close attention to the details Holmes observes.
Summarize John Garrideb's plan and identify its weaknesses.
Analyze the dialogue between Holmes and other characters for hidden meanings.
Consider how the story illustrates the principle that criminals leave clues.
Reflect on the character development of Holmes and Watson.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary reason Sherlock Holmes suspected the story of the three Garridebs was a ruse?

Q2. What was John Garrideb's ultimate goal in fabricating the story?

Q3. Why did John Garrideb hesitate to involve Holmes in his plan?

Q4. Who was Roger Presbury in relation to John Garrideb?

Q5. How did Holmes deduce John Garrideb's intended destination?

Q6. The comment 'It was worth a wound... to know the depth of loyalty and love that lay behind that cold mask' refers to:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Adventure Of The Three Garridebs'?

The main theme is that even the most cunning criminals leave behind clues, and that deception can be uncovered through careful observation and deduction, as exemplified by Sherlock Holmes's investigation.

How does Sherlock Holmes uncover the truth in this story?

Holmes uses subtle clues, such as the suspect's appearance and mannerisms contradicting his claimed nationality, and analyzes the details of the advertisement to expose John Garrideb's fabricated story and intentions.

What does the story reveal about the relationship between Holmes and Watson?

The story highlights the deep loyalty and affection between Holmes and Watson, showing that beneath Holmes's professional exterior lies a caring individual who values his friend.

Why is the story considered an 'adventure'?

It is considered an adventure due to the element of mystery, the cleverness of the deception, and Holmes's skillful unraveling of the plot, which involves potential danger and a race against time.

How can these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the story's plot, character motivations, and the literary techniques used, helping students understand the text thoroughly for exams and improve their analytical skills.

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