I must detain you all under my personal custody."

The strong, masterful personality of Holmes dominated the tragic

scene, and all were equally puppets in his hands. Williamson

and Carruthers found themselves carrying the wounded Woodley

into the house, and I gave my arm to the frightened girl.

The injured man was laid on his bed, and at Holmes's request I

examined him. I carried my report to where he sat in the old

tapestry-hung dining-room with his two prisoners before him.

"He will live," said I.

"What!" cried Carruthers, springing out of his chair. "I'll go

upstairs and finish him first. Do you tell me that that girl,

that angel, is to be tied to Roaring Jack Woodley for life?"

"You need not concern yourself about that," said Holmes.

"There are two very good reasons why she should under no

circumstances be his wife. In the first place, we are very safe

in questioning Mr. Williamson's right to solemnize a marriage."

03.02.2007