Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-09-12

OF the duke's-waS 1t found In the boys
room after he was gomez"
NO: he had taken it with him. 1
think, Mr.. Holmes. it Is time that we
were leaving for Euston."
II will order a four wheeler. In a
quarter Of an hour we shall be at your
service. If you are telegraphing home,
DR.. Huxtable, it would be we'll to al
low the people in your neighborhood to
imagine that the inquiry is still going
on In Liverpool or wherever else that
red herring led your pack. In the mean
time will do little quiet work at
your own doors, and perhaps the scent
is not SO cold but that two old hounds
like Watson and myself may get sniff
Of It."
That evening found us in the cold,
bracing atmosphere Of the Peak coun-
try, In which DR.. Huxtable's famous
school Is situated. 1t was already dark
when we reached 1t. A card was lying
on the hall table, and the butler whis-
pered something to his master. who
turned to us with agitation in every
heavy feature.
1.-THE duke is here" said he. 1.-THE
duke and Mr. Wilder are in the study.
Come, gentlemen, and I will introduce
you.'
I was, of course, familiar with the
pictures Of the famous statesman, but
the man himself was very different
from his representation. He was a
tall and stately person, scrupulously
n n
nose which was grotesquely curved
and long. His complexion was Of
dead pallor, which was more startling
by contrast with a long, dwindling
beard Of vivid red which flowed down
over his white waistcoat, with his
watch chain cleaning through its
fringe. Such was the stately presence
who looked stonily at us from the CEN
ter Of DR.. Huxtables hearth rug. Be
side him stood very young man,
whom understood to be Wilder, the
private secretary. He was small, nerv-
Gus, alert, with Intelligent light blue
eyes and mobile features. It was he
who at once, in an lncisive and positive
tone. opened the conversation
II called this morning, DIR. Huxtable,
too late to prevent you from starting
for London. learned that your object
was to invite Mr.. Sherlock Holmes to
undertake the conduct of this case His
grace is surprised, DR.. Huxtable, that
you should have taken such step
without consulting him."
when learned that the police had
failed"-
Ellis grace Is by no means convinced
that the police have failed"
But surely, Mr.. Wilder
"You are well aware, DR.. Huxtable,
that his grace is particularly anxious
to avoid all public scandal He prefers
to take as few people as possible into
his confidence"
| teThe matter can be easily remedied,"
said the browbeaten doctor. "Mr. Sher-
lock Holmes can return to London by
the morning train
"Hardly that, doctor; hardly that"
said Holmes in his blandest voice.
This northern air is invigorating and
pleasant, 50 propose to spend a few
days upon your moors and to occupy
i my mind as best may. Whether /
!, have the shelter Of your roof or of the
village inn Is. of course, for you to de-
eide"
I could see that the unfortunate doc
tor was in the last stage Of indecision,
from which he was rescued by the
deep, sonorous voice Of the red beard
ed duke, which doomed out like din.
ner gong.
A i n ATyS n,,
table, that you would have done wise
~ to consult me. But since Mr.
Holmes has already been taken into
your confidence 1t would indeed be
absurd that we should not avail our
selves Of his services. Far from go
ing to the inn, Mr.. Holmes, I should
be pleased If you would come and stay
with ME at Holdernesse Hail.
i II thank your grace. For the pur-
poses Of my investigation l think that
it would be wiser for me to remain at
the scene of the mystery"
1 "Just US you like. Mr.. Holmes. Any
Information which Mr.. Wilder or can
give you is. Of course, at your dispos-
al"
ut will probably be necessary for
me to see you at the hail." said
Holmes. II would only ask you now
4 sir, whether you have formed any ex.
PLANTATION in your own mind as to the
mysterious disappearance Of your
SOM"
mo, sir, have not"
EXCUSE me II allude to that which
10 painful to you, but I have no alter
native. Do you think that the duchess
had anything to do with the matter7'
The great minister showed perceph
BILE hesitation.
II do not think So" he said at last
"The other most obvious explanation
Is that the child has been KIDNAPPED
for the purpose Of levying ransom
You have not had any demand Of thu
} sort1''
mo- SIR"
!. Zone more question, youD grace.
} understand that you wrote to your sol
} upon the day when this incident oc
Cured"
"No; wrote upon the day before
Exactly. But he received 1t on tina
day."
.Yes,"
u ssWaa there anything in your lette
| which might have unbalanced him o
induced him to take such stepT
: "No, sir; certainly not"
"Did you post that letter yourself"
The nobleman's reply was interrupt
ed by his secretary, who broke in wit
some heat,
.His grace is not in the habit of post
ing lAttara hirnselfn said he "Thi