Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-06

WINGED that his ministers-that the usual
official channels shave not been employed :"
Holmes considered for some little time
NOW. SIR. L must ask you more particu-
larry what this document is: and why it's
disappearance should have such momentoiis
conSeluenceSr'
Tho two statesmen exchanged a quick
glance and the pranier's shaggy eyebrows
gathered in a frown
Mr.. Holiness the envelope Is long thin
one of pale blue color. There is seal OF
red wax stamped with a crouching lion. 1t
is addressed in large, bold handwriting
TO-
II fear. sir said Holmes that inter
es'ting and indeed essential as these details
are my inquiries must go more to the
root of things. What was the letter?''
THAT is a state secret of the utmost i'm
portance. and l fear that l cannot tell you
nor do see that it is necessary. If by the
aid of the powers which you are said to pos
SeSS YOU can find such an envelope as I de-
scribe with it's inclosure. you will have de-
served well of your country and earned any
reward which it lies in our power to be-
stow"
Sherlock Holmes rose with q smile.
You are two of the most busy men in
the country. said he land in my own
small way L have also good many calls
upon-me. L regret exceedingly that can
not help you in this matter. and any con-
tinuation of this interview would be a waste
Of time
The premier sprang to his feet with that
quick, fierce CLEAN of his deep-Set eyes be-
fore which a cabinet has covered. 81 am
not accustomed. SIR" he began, but mas
tered his anger and resumed his seat. For
minute or more we all sat in silence.
Then the old statesman shrugged his
shoulders.
1--WE must accept your terms. Mr.. Holmes
No doubt you are right, and it is unrea-
sonable for us to expect you to act unless
we give you our entire confidence"
II agree with you said the younger
statesman
Then will tell you. relying entirely upon
your honor and that of your colleague. DIR.
Watson. l may appeal to your patriotism
also, for l could not imagine greater mis-
fortune for the country than that this al
fair should come out.
you may safely trust u.s.
1.-The letter, then. is from certain for
eign pOtentate who has been ruff1ed Dy
some recent colonial developments of this
country. 1t has been written hurriedly and
upon his own responsibility entirely. In
ouiries have shown that his ministers know
nothing of the matter. At the same time
it is ceuched in so unfortunate manner,
and certain phrases in 1t are of so provoca-
tive a character, that its publication would
undoubtedly lead to a most dangerous state
of feeling in this country. There would be
ferment sir, that do not hesitate to say that
within week of the publication or that
letter this country would be involved in
great war
Holmes wrote a name upon a slip of pa
per and handed it to the premier
Exactly. 1t was he. And it is this let
ter-this letter which may well mean the
expenditure of thousand millions and the
lives of a hundred thousand men-which
has become lost in this unaccountable fash
ion"
Have you informed the sender"
Yes. sir, cipher telegram has been dis
patched
perhaps he desires the publication of the
letter.
mo, sir, we have strong reason to be-
Iieye that he already understands that he
has acted in an indiscreet and hot-headed
manner. 1t would be a greater blow to him
and to his country than to us If this letter
We're to come out.
IF this is so. whose interest is it that the
letter should come out? Why should any
one desire to steal it or to publish it?''
There Mr. Holmes, you take me into re-
Gions of high international politics. But If
you consider the European situation you
will have no difficulty in perceiving the mo-
tive. The whole OF Europe is an armed
camp There is double league which
makes a fair balance of military power.
Great Britain holds the scales. If Britain
were driven into war with one confederacy.
it would assure the supremacy of the other
confederacy whether they Joined in the
war or not Do you follOw?"
Very clearly. 1t is then the interest of