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prevent social exposure。〃
〃Criminals？〃 said Holmes。 〃Plural？〃
〃Yes； there were two of them。 They were as nearly as possible
captured redhanded。 We have their footmarks； we have their
description； it's ten to one that we trace them。 The first fellow
was a bit too active； but the second was caught by the under…gardener；
and only got away after a struggle。 He was a middle…sized； strongly
built man… square jaw； thick neck； moustache； a mask over his eyes。〃
〃That's rather vague；〃 said Sherlock Holmes。 〃My； it might be a
description of Watson！〃
〃It's true；〃 said the inspector； with amusement。 〃It might be a
description of Watson。〃
〃Well； I'm afraid I can't help you； Lestrade；〃 said Holmes。 〃The
fact is that I knew this fellow Milverton； that I considered him one
of the most dangerous men in London； and that I think there are
certain crimes which the law cannot touch； and which therefore； to
some extent； justify private revenge。 No； it's no use arguing。 I
have made up my mind。 My sympathies are with the criminals rather than
with the victim； and I will not handle this case。〃
Holmes had not said one word to me about the tragedy which we had
witnessed； but I observed all the morning that he was in his most
thoughtful mood； and he gave me the impression； from his vacant eyes
and his abstracted manner； of a man who is striving to recall
something to his memory。 We were in the middle of our lunch； when he
suddenly sprang to his feet。 〃By Jove； Watson； I've got it！〃 he cried。
〃Take your hat！ Come with me！〃 He hurried at his top speed down
Baker Street and along Oxford Street； until we had almost reached
Regent Circus。 Here； on the left hand； there stands a shop window
filled with photographs of the celebrities and beauties of the day。
Holmes's eyes fixed themselves upon one of them； and following his
gaze I saw the picture of a regal and stately lady in Court dress；
with a high diamond tiara upon her noble head。 I looked at that
delicately curved nose； at the marked eyebrows； at the straight mouth；
and the strong little chin beneath it。 Then I caught my breath as I
read the time…honoured title of the great nobleman and statesman whose
wife she had been。 My eyes met those of Holmes； and he put his
finger to his lips as we turned away from the window。
…THE END…
。