5.

Question

Read the following excerpt from Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle, and use it to answer question

“I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast how you saved him in the Tankerville Club Scandal.”

“Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards,”

“He said that you could solve anything.”

“He said too much.”

“That you are never beaten.”

“I have been beaten four times.”

“But what is that compared with the number of your successes?”

“It is true that I have been generally successful.”

“Then you may be so with me.”

“I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favor me with some details as to your case.”

“It is no ordinary one.”

All of the following support the idea that the speaker would seek out Holmes (and his help) except:

I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes.

Then you may be so with me.

He said too much.

That you are never beaten.

Answer 1

The option that does not support the idea that the speaker would seek out Holmes and his help is:

He said too much.

This statement indicates that the speaker acknowledges that Major Prendergast may have exaggerated Holmes's capabilities, rather than expressing a direct desire to seek Holmes's help.