Read the excerpt from “The Red-Headed League.” “And you did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is remarkable. I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me, I think graver problems hang from it than might at first sight appear. Tell me, what is he like, this assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement, this Vincent Spaulding?”

“Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, around thirty years old. Has a white splash of acid on his forehead.”

Holmes sat up in his chair. “I thought as much,” said he. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?”

“Yes, sir. He told me that a gypsy had done it for him when he was a lad.”

“Hum!” said Holmes, sinking back, deep in thought. “And he has cared well for your business while you were away?”

“Nothing to complain of, sir. Though he does have his faults,” said Mr. Wilson. “Never was such a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be learning, then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault; but, on the whole, he’s a good worker.”

Holmes nodded. “Mr. Wilson,” he said, “today is Saturday. I hope that by Monday we will have solved your case.”

Question 1

Part A

Which conclusion can be drawn, based on the details in the excerpt?

Holmes is suspicious of Spaulding.

Holmes feels pressured to solve the case quickly.

Holmes and Spaulding are friends.

Holmes takes Mr. Wilson’s case out of sympathy.

Question 2

Part B

Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

“'Hum!' said Holmes, sinking back, deep in thought. 'And he has cared well for your business while you were away?'"

“’Tell me, what is he like, this assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement, this Vincent Spaulding?’”

“’Mr. Wilson,’ he said, ‘today is Saturday. I hope that by Monday we will have solved your case.’”

“’And you did very wisely,’ said Holmes. ‘Your case is remarkable. I shall be happy to look into it.’”