The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-04-14

BY some recent colonial Developments
Of this country II has been written
hurriedly and upon his own respon-
sibihty entirely Inquiries have shown
that his ministers know nothing of the
natter At the same time, ii is couched
IN so unfortunate a manner, and cer-
tain phrases in il are of so provocative
.character, that its publication would
undoubtedly lead to most dangerous
state of feeling In this country. There
would be such ferment, sir, that do
not hesitate to say that within a week
of the publication of that letter this
country would be involved in great
war"
Holmes wrote name upon a slip
of paper and handed il to the premier.
Exactly. II was he. And this let
ter-this letter which may well mean
the expenditure of thousand millions
and the lives of hundred thousand
men-which has become lost in this un-
accountable fashion"
Have you informed the sender"
yes. sir, cipher telegram has been
dispatched
Perhaps he desire the publication Of
the letter"
No, sir, we have strong reason to
OShSNS mat NC diCduy uhuclstatuS tndt
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 II this letter were to come out"
IF this Is so, whose interest is il that
the letter should come out7 Why should
any one desire to steal il or to pub
lish itl"
There, Mr. Holmes, you take me into
regions of high international politics.
But II You consider the European sitlia-
ton you will have no difficulty in per-
ceiving the motive. The whole Of Eu-
ropey-is an armed camp There is a
double league which makes fair bal
ance of military power Great Britain
holds the scales II Britain were driven
into war with one confederacy, it would
assure the supremacy of the other con-
federacy, whether they joined in the war
or not Do you followH
VERY clearly. Iris then the interest
OF the enemies of this potentate to Sc
cure and publish this letter, 50 as to
make breach between his country and
ours?"
"Yes, sir"
"And 70 whom would this document
be sent If it fell into the hands Of an
eneny?"
ITO any of the great chancelleries of
Europe. II is probably speeding on its
way thither at the present instant as
fast as steam can take il.
Mr.. TrelawneyS Hope dropped his
head on his chest aud groaned aloud,
The premier placed his hand kindly
uponshis shoulder.
Z 1T Is your misfortune, my dear fell
low No one can blame you. There is
no precaution which you have neglected,
Now, Mr.: Holmes, you are in full pos
session of the facts. What course do
you recommend%
Holmes shook his head mournfully
you think, sir, that unless this docu-
ment is recovered there will be warp
think 1t is very probable"
Then, sir, prepare for war"
HThat Is hard saying. Mr.. Holmes"
Consider the facts, sir. II is neon
ceivable that it was taken after 1870
at night, since understand that Mr.
Hope and his wife were both in the
room from that hour until the loss was
found out. II was taken, then, yester-
day evening between 1880 and II go
probably near the earlier hour, since
whoever took it evidently knew that It
was there, and would naturally secure
il as early as possible. Now, sir, IL a
document of this Importance were taken
at that hour. where can It be nowl No