“Each member of the Cabinet was informed of it yesterday, butthe pledge of secrecy which attends every Cabinet meeting wasincreased by the solemn warning which was given by the PrimeMinister. Good heavens, to think that within a few hours I shouldmyself have lost it!” His handsome face was distorted with a spasmof despair, and his hands tore at his hair. For a moment we caughta glimpse of the natural man, impulsive, ardent, keenly sensitive.
The next the aristocratic mask was replaced, and the gentle voicehad returned. “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, I assure you.”
“But abroad?”
“I believe that no one abroad has seen it save the man whowrote it. I am well convinced that his Ministers—that the usualofficial channels have not been employed.”
Holmes considered for some little time.
“Now, sir, I must ask you more particularly what this documentis, and why its disappearance should have such momentousconsequences?”
The two statesmen exchanged a quick glance and the Premier’sshaggy eyebrows gathered in a frown.
“Mr. Holmes, the envelope is a long, thin one of pale bluecolour. There is a seal of red wax stamped with a crouching lion. Itis addressed in large, bold handwriting to——”
“I fear, sir,” said Holmes, “that, interesting and indeed essentialas these details are, my inquiries must go more to the root ofthings. What WAS the letter?”
“That is a State secret of the utmost importance, and I fear thatI cannot tell you, nor do I see that it is necessary. If by the aidof the powers which you are said to possess you can find such anenvelope as I describe with its enclosure, you will have deservedwell of your country, and earned any reward which it lies in ourpower to bestow.”
Sherlock Holmes rose with a smile.
“You are two of the most busy men in the country,” said he,“and in my own small way I have also a good many calls upon me.
I regret exceedingly that I cannot help you in this matter, and anycontinuation of this interview would be a waste of time.”
The Premier sprang to his feet with that quick, fierce gleam ofhis deep-set eyes before which a Cabinet has cowered. “I am notaccustomed, sir,” he began, but mastered his anger and resumedhis seat. For a minute or more we all sat in silence. Then the oldstatesman shrugged his shoulders.
“We must accept your terms, Mr. Holmes. No doubt you areright, and it is unreasonable for us to expect you to act unless wegive you our entire confidence.”
“I agree with you,” said the younger statesman.
“Then I will tell you, relying entirely upon your honour and thatof your colleague, Dr. Watson. I may appeal to your patriotismalso, for I could not imagine a greater misfortune for the countrythan that this affair should come out.”
“You may safely trust us.”
“The letter, then, is from a certain foreign potentate who hasbeen ruffled by some recent Colonial developments of this country.
It has been written hurriedly and upon his own responsibilityentirely. Inquiries have shown that his Ministers know nothingof the matter. At the same time it is couched in so unfortunate amanner, and certain phrases in it are of so provocative a character,that its publication would undoubtedly lead to a most dangerousstate of feeling in this country. There would be such a ferment, sir,that I do not hesitate to say that within a week of the publicationof that letter this country would be involved in a great war.”
Holmes wrote a name upon a slip of paper and handed it to thePremier.
“Exactly. It was he. And it is this letter—this letter which maywell mean the expenditure of a thousand millions and the livesof a hundred thousand men—which has become lost in thisunaccountable fashion.”
“Have you informed the sender?”
“Yes, sir, a cipher telegram has been despatched.”
“Perhaps he desires the publication of the letter.”
“No, sir, we have strong reason to believe that he alreadyunderstands that he has acted in an indiscreet and hot-headedmanner. It would be a greater blow to him and to his country thanto us if this letter were to come out.”
“If this is so, whose interest is it that, the letter should comeout? Why should anyone desire to steal it or to publish it?”
“There, Mr. Holmes, you take me into regions of highinternational politics. But if you consider the European situationyou will have no difficulty in perceiving the motive. The whole ofEurope is an armed camp. There is a double league which makesa fair balance of military power. Great Britain holds the scales. IfBritain were driven into war with one confederacy, it would assurethe supremacy of the other confederacy, whether they joined inthe war or not. Do you follow?”
“Very clearly. It is then the interest of the enemies of this potentateto secure and publish this letter, so as to make a breach between hiscountry and ours?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And to whom would this document be sent if it fell into thehands of an enemy?”
“To any of the great Chancelleries of Europe. It is probablyspeeding on its way thither at the present instant as fast as steamcan take it.”
Mr. Trelawney Hope dropped his head on his chest and groanedaloud. The Premier placed his hand kindly upon his shoulder.
“It is your misfortune, my dear fellow. No one can blame you.
There is no precaution which you have neglected. Now, Mr.
Holmes, you are in full possession of the facts. What course doyou recommend?”
Holmes shook his head mournfully.
“You think, sir, that unless this document is recovered there willbe war?”
“I think it is very probable.”
“Then, sir, prepare for war.”
“That is a hard saying, Mr. Holmes.”