“Because the document in question is of such immenseimportance that its publication might very easily—I might almostsay probably—lead to European complications of the utmostmoment. It is not too much to say that peace or war may hangupon the issue. Unless its recovery can be attended with theutmost secrecy, then it may as well not be recovered at all, for allthat is aimed at by those who have taken it is that its contentsshould be generally known.”
“I understand. Now, Mr. Trelawney Hope, I should be muchobliged if you would tell me exactly the circumstances underwhich this document disappeared.”
The Return of Sherlock Holmes 1067
“That can be done in a very few words, Mr. Holmes. Theletter—for it was a letter from a foreign potentate—was receivedsix days ago. It was of such importance that I have never left itin my safe, but have taken it across each evening to my housein Whitehall Terrace, and kept it in my bedroom in a lockeddespatch-box. It was there last night. Of that I am certain. Iactually opened the box while I was dressing for dinner and sawthe document inside. This morning it was gone. The despatch-boxhad stood beside the glass upon my dressing-table all night. I ama light sleeper, and so is my wife. We are both prepared to swearthat no one could have entered the room during the night. Andyet I 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. I waited up for her. It washalf-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 housemaidin the morning, and my valet, or my wife’s maid, during therest of the day. They are both trusty servants who have been withus for some time. Besides, neither of them could possibly haveknown that there was anything more valuable than the ordinarydepartmental papers in my despatch-box.”
“Who did know of the existence of that letter?”
“No one in the house.”
“Surely your wife knew?”
“No, sir. I had said nothing to my wife until I missed the paperthis morning.”
The Premier nodded approvingly.
“I have long known, sir, how high is your sense of public duty,” saidhe. “I am convinced that in the case of a secret of this importance itwould rise superior to the most intimate domestic ties.”
The European Secretary bowed.
“You do me no more than justice, sir. Until this morning I havenever breathed one word to my wife upon this matter.”
“Could she have guessed?”
“No, Mr. Holmes, she could not have guessed—nor couldanyone have guessed.”
“Have you lost any documents before?”
“No, sir.”
“Who is there in England who did know of the existence of thisletter?”
“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 Prime1068 The Complete Sherlock Holmes
Minister. 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 caughtglimpse 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. Itaddressed 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 thatcannot 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.
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 patriotismThe Return of Sherlock Holmes 1069
also, 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.