Since he cannot communicate with her direct, he
has recourse to the agony column of a paper. So far all is
clear."
"But what is at the root of it?"
"Ah, yes, Watson--severely practical, as usual! What is at the
root of it all? Mrs. Warren's whimsical problem enlarges
somewhat and assumes a more sinister aspect as we proceed. This
much we can say: that it is no ordinary love escapade. You saw
the woman's face at the sign of danger. We have heard, too, of
the attack upon the landlord, which was undoubtedly meant for the
lodger. These alarms, and the desperate need for secrecy, argue
that the matter is one of life or death. The attack upon Mr.
Warren further shows that the enemy, whoever they are, are
themselves not aware of the substitution of the female lodger for
the male. It is very curious and complex, Watson."
"Why should you go further in it? What have you to gain from
it?"
"What, indeed? It is art for art's sake, Watson. I suppose when
you doctored you found yourself studying cases without thought of
a fee?"
"For my education, Holmes."
"Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons with
the greatest for the last. This is an instructive case. There
is neither money nor credit in it, and yet one would wish to tidy
it up. When dusk comes we should find ourselves one stage
advanced in our investigation.
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