The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-04-23

$50 that is the tail end of the tele-
gram which Godfrey Staunton dis
patched within few hours of his
disappearance. There are at least six
words of the message which have
escaped us: but what remains Stand
by us tor Gods sake!'-proves that
this young man saw a Formidable dam
ger whicn approached him, and from
which some one else could protect
him. Us, mark you! Another per-
son was involved. Who should it be
but the pale-faced. bearded man, who
seemed himself in go nervous a state
What, then, is the connection between
Godfrey Staunton and the bearded
man? And wha4 is the third source
from which each of tncm sought for
help against pressing danger? Ou"
inquiry mas already narrowed down to
that"
1--WE have only TO find to whom that
telegram is addressed I suggested
Exactly, my dear Watson. Your
reflection, though profound, had al
ready crossed my mind. But ] dare
say it may have come to your notice
that, if you walk into post-ofiice and
demand to see the counterfOil of an
other mans message. there may be
some disinclinatiOn on the part Of
the officials to oblige you. There is
so much red tape in these matters.
However, | have no doubt that with
a little delicacy and finesse the end
may be attained. Meanwhile, | should
like in your presence, Mr.. Overton,
to go through these papers which have
been left upon the table"
There were a number of letters,
bills. and notebooks, which Holmes
turned over and examined with quick,
nervous fingers and darting, pcnetrat-
ing eyes. Nothing here" he said.
at last. by the way 1 suppose your
friend was Il. healthy young fellow
nothing amiss with him?''
Sound as bell"
Have you ever known him ill?"
mot a day. He has been laid up
with hack, and once he slipped his
knee-cap, but that was nothing"
Perhaps he was not so strong as
you suppose. | should think he may
have had some secret trouble. With
your assent | will put one or two of
these papers in my pocket, in case
they should bear upon our future in
quiry"
"Onc moment-one moment" cried
a querulous voice, and we looked ZIP
to find a queer little old man, jerking
and twitching in the doorway. He
was dressed in rusty black with a
very broad brimmed top-hat and a
being that of a very rustic parson or
of an undertaker's mute. Yet, in
spite of his shabby and even absurd
appearance, his voice had a sharp
crackle, and his manner a quick in
tensity which commanded attention.
''Who are you, sir, and by what
right do you touch this gentleman
papers?" he asked.
Il am a private detective, and l am
cndeavouring to explain his disap-
pearance."
"oh, you are are you? And who
instructed YOU eh?''
This gentleman, Mr.. Staunton's
friend, was referred to me by Scotland
Yard"
"Who are you, sir?''
Il am Cyril Overton."
"Then it is you who sent me tele-
gram. My name is Lord Mount
James. i came round as quickly as
the Bayswater bus would bring me-
So you have instructed a detective" ?"
Yes, sir.
And are you prepared to meet the
cost?"
81 have no doubt, sir, that my friend
Godfrey, when we find him, will he
prepared to do that"
But if he is never round, Ell? An
swer me that
I'm that case, no doubt his family
Nothing of the sort, sir!'' scream
ed the little man. Don't look to me
for a penny-not a penny! You un-
derstand that, Mr.. Detectivel L am
all the family that this young man
has got. and l tell you that l am
not responsible. IF he has any ex-
pectations it is due to the fact that ]
have never wasted money and Go
not propose to begin to do so now.
AS to those papers with which you
are making so free. | may tell YOU
that in case there should be any
thing of any value among them, you
will be held strictly to account for
what you do With them"
VERY good, sir" said Sherlock
Holmes. MAY | ask, in the mean
while, whether you have yourself any