Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-06-23

1 The premier nodded approvingly.
 'T have long known, sir. how high is your sense of public duty" said he. 1 The European secretary bowed.
 You do me no more than justice sir. Until this morning I have never breathed one word to my wife upon this matter"
 Could she have guessed?' "No. Mir. Holmes, she could not have guessed, nor could any one have guess: ed"
 Have you lost any documents be, foreT'
 No, sir"
 "Who is there in England who did know of the existence of this letter?'
 Each member ot the cabinet was in formed of it yesterday, but the pledge of secrecy which attends every cabinet meeting was increased by the solemn warning which was given by the prime minister Good heavens. to think that within a few hours I should myself have lost it. Besides the members of the cabinet there are two or possibly three departmental officials who know of the letter. No one else in England, MT. Holmes, assure you" But abroady'
 '1 believe that no one abroad has seen it save the man who wrote it. I am well convinced that his minister's that the usual official channels have not been employed"
 Holmes considered for some little time.
 "Now, sir, l must ask you more par ticularly what this document is, and why its disappearance should have such momentous -consequencesf"
 The two statesmen exchanged quick glance. and the premier's shaggy eyebrows gathered in a frown.
 MT. Holmes, the envelope is a long, thin one of pale blue color There is a seal of red wax stamped with a crouch ing lion. It is addressed in large, bold handwriting to-
 'I fear. sir" said Holmes. that. in- teresting and. indeed. essential as these details are. my inquiries must go more to the root of things. What was the letteri'
 That is q state secret of the utmost importance. and I fear that cannot tell you. nor do I see that it is neceS- sary. If by the aid of the powers which you are said to possess you can find such an envelope as I describe. with its inclosure, you will have de served well of your country and earned any reward which it lies in our power to beSt0w"
 Sherlock Holmes rose with smile.
 You are two of the most busy men in the country said he. "and in my own small way I have also a good many calls upon me. regret exceed ingly that cannot help you in this matter. and any continuation of this interview would be a waste of time
 The premier spranC to his feet with that quick. fierce gleam of his deep set eyes before which cabinet has cow cred. T am moi accustomed. sir he began. but mastered his anger and re- sumei his seat Then the 0ld states man shrugged his shoulders.
 We must aecept your terms. NIT. Holmes. No doubt you are right. and it is unreasonable for us to expect you to act unless we give you our entire confidence"
 T agree with you said the younger statesman.
 Then I will tell yOu- relying entirety upon your honor and that of your col league. Dr. Watson I may appeal tO TOUT patriotism also. for could not imagine a greater misfortune for the country thzn that this affair should come out You may safely trust us--
 The letter. then is from a certain 1 foreign pUteatste who has been ruff l aed by some recent colonial deTelop- l nents 0f this country It has been written haxrieily and upon his own responsibility entirely Inquiries have shown that his ministers know nothing of the matter Al the same tine # is