Read the excerpt from “The Red-Headed League.”

“I went round to the offices, but no one had ever heard of the Red-Headed League or Mr. Duncan Ross. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, and so,” concluded Jabez Wilson, “as I had heard that you give advice to poor folk who need it, I came right away to you.”

“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?”

Question 1
Part A

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


Mr. Wilson relies on others to solve his problems.

Holmes believes the Red-Headed League is dangerous.

The Red-Headed League is a fake business.

Spaulding wants to help his employer succeed.
Question 2
Part B

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


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

‘”I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, and so,’ concluded Jabez Wilson, ‘as I had heard that you give advice to poor folk who need it, I came right away to you.’”

“’I went round to the offices, but no one had ever heard of the Red-Headed League or Mr. Duncan Ross.’”

“From what you have told me, I think graver problems hang from it than might at first sight appear.’”