The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1905-06-30

turned TO US with agitation in every
heavy feature
"The duke Is here said he. ''The
duke and Mr. Wilder are In the study.
Come. gentlemen. and I viii 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
tall and stately person. scrupulously
dressed. with a drawn, thin face and
nose which %ss grotesquely curved
and long His complexion was Of
dead pallor, which was more startling
by contrast with a long. dwindllng
beard OF vivid red which flowed down
over his white waistcoat. with his
watch chain cleaning through lts
fringe. Such was the stately presence
who looked stonlly az Us from the cen
ter OF Or. Huxtnbles 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 IL was he
who at once, in an incisive aud positive
tone opened the conversation.
II called this morning. Or Huxtable
too late 10 prevent you from starring
for London. I learned that your object
was to invite Mr.. Sherlock Holmes 20
undertake the conduct OF this ccse. III
grace is surprised, Dr. Huxtable, that
you should have taken such step
without consulting him"
when learned that the police had
failed
"His grace Is by no means convinced
that the police have failed"
but surely, Mr.. Wider
"You are well aware. Dr. Huxtahle.
that his grace is particularly anxious
to avoid oil public scandal. He prefers
TO take as few people as ''Jssible into
bis confidence"
'The matter can be easily remedied."
said the browbeaten doctor. "Nir Sher-
lock Holmes can return TO London by
the morning train"
Hardly that, doctor; hardly that"
said Holmes In his hlandest voice.
This northern air is invigorating and
pleasant 50 / propose TO spend n few
days upon your moors and to occupy
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"
could see that the unfortunate doc
tor was in the last stage OF indecislon.
from which he was rescued by the
deep. sonorous voice OF the red beard
ed duke, which doomed out like a din
ner gong.
II agree with Mr.. Wilder, Or. Hux-
table, chat you would have done wise
I " 20 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 10
ing 10 the inn, Mr. Holmes. shOulC
be pleased II you would come and stay
with me at Holdernesse Hall"
Il thank your grace. For the pur
poses of my investigation ] think tina
1t would be wiser Tor me TO remain a
the scene OF the mystery"
Just as you Ike, Mr.. Holmes. An!
information which Mr.. Wilder or I cal
give you is, Of course, az your dispos
al"
1T viii probably be necessary 10
me 70 see you az the hall" sai'
Hcines. II would only ask you now
sir, whether you have formed any ex
PLANTATION IN your own mind as TO th
mysterious disappearance OF you
SOM
mo, sir, / have not"
Excuse me n allude 10 that whicl
is painful TO you, but have no alter
native. DO you think that the duches
had anything to do with the matterf
The great minister showed percept
bic hesitation.
II do not think so. he said az last
"The other most obvious explanation
Is that the child has been kidnape
for the purpose Of leyying ransom
You have not had any demand Of th
sort?'
NO, sir"
zone more question, your grace
understand that you wrote 70 your so
upon the day when this incide.t o.
Cured"
"No; ] wrote upon the day before"
Exactly. But he received It on tina
day"
Yes"
"Was there anything IN your lette
which might have unbalanced him o
Induced him 20 take such stepT
"No. SIR; certainly not"
"Dld you post that letter yourselfT'
The noblemHn's reply was interrupt
al by his secretary, who broke in wit
. some heat
"IIis grace Is not IN the habit Of pos