The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-05-07

L
am light sleeper, and so is my wife.
We are both prepared to swear that
no one could have entered the room
during the night. And yet L repeat
that the paper is gone.''
What time did you dine?"
"Half-past seven.''
How long was it before you went
to bed?"
My wife had gone to the theatre.
1 waited up for her 1t was half-past
eleven before we went to our room. ;"
Then for four hours the despatch
box had lain unguarded?"
No one is ever permitted to enter
that room save the house-maid in
the morning, and my valet, or my
wife's maid, during the rest of the
day. They are both trusty servants
who have been with us for some time
Besides, neither of them could possi-
bly, have known that there was any,
thing more valuable than the ordinary
departmental papers in my despatch
box
"Who did know of the existence of
that letter?''
mo one in the house."
Surely your wife knew"
mo, sir, l had said nothing to my
wife until 1 missed the paper this
morning."
v.
Il have long known, sir. how high
is your sense of public duty" said he.
II am convinced that in the case of
secret of this Importance it would
rise superior to the most intimate do
mestic ties"
The European Secretary bowed.
You do me no more than Justice,
sir. Until this morning / have never
breathed one word to my wife upon
this NATTER
Gould she have guessed ?"
mo, Mr.. Holmes, she could not
have guessed-nor could anyone have
guessed
Have you lost any documents DC !.
fore?"
mo, sir
who is there in England who did
know of the existence of this let
ter?'
Each member OF the Cabinet was
informed 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
should myself have lost it.'' His
handsome face was distorted with a
spasm of despair, and his hands tore
at his hair. For a moment we caught
a glimpse of the natural man, inn
pulsive, ardent, keenly sensitive. The
next the aristorcratic mask was re-
placed, and the gentle voice had re-
turned. Besides the members of the
Cabinet there are two, or possibly
three, departmental officials who
know of the letter. No one else in
England, Mr. Holmes, / assure YOU"
But abroad?"
Il believe that no one abroad has
seen it save the man who wrote it,
| am we'll convinced that his Minis
ters-that the usual official channels
have not been employed"
Holmes considered for some little
time.
'Ncw, sir, I must ask you more
particularly what this document is,
and why its disappearance should
have such momentous consequences? %
The two statesmen exchanged q
quick glance and the Prcmier's shaggy
eyebrows gathered in a frown.
Mr.. Holmes, the envelope is q long,
thin one of pale blue colour. 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, in
teresting and indeed essential as these
more to the root of things. What was
the letter."
That is a State secret of the ut
most importance, and / fear that I
can not tell you, nor do | see that it
is necessary. If by the aid of the
powers which you are said to possess
you can find such an envelope as [
describe with its inclosure, you will
have deserved well of your coun-
try, and earned any reward which it
lies in our power to be stow
nrln noly IA1f, l, 10
You are two of the most busy
men in the country" said he land
in my own small way l have also q
good many calls upon me. | regret
exceedingly that ] can not help you
IN this matter and any continuation
OF this interview would be a waste of
time
The Premier sprang to his feet with
that quick, fierce gleam of his deep
set eyes before which a Cabinet has
Il am not accustomed, |
SIR he began, but mastered his an
ger and resumed his seat. For min
ute or more we all sat in silence. Then |
the old statesman shrugged his !
shoulders.
I'VE must accept your terms, Mr.
Holmes. No doubt you are right, and |
t is unreasonable for us TO expect
you to act unless we give you our en-
Il agree with you" said the young
ar statesman.
Then l will tell you, re ng en-
irely upon your honour and that OF
1our colleague DR.. Watson. l may
appeal to your patriotism also. for
could not imagine a greater misfor
une for the country than that this
lffair should come OUT
You may safely trust us"
'"The letter, then, is from a certain
oreign potentate VINO has heen ruf
led by some recent Colonial develop
nents of this country It has been
written hurriedly and upon his own
responsibility entirely. Inquiries have
hown that his Ministers know moth
ng of the matter. At the same time
t is couched in so unfortunate man
Ter, and certain phrases in it are of
o provocative a character that its
would undoubtedly lead
o most dangerous state of feeling
n this country. There would be such
ferment. sir. that l do not hesitate
o say that within a week Of the pub
lcation of that letter this country