"Then for four hours the despatch-box had lain unguarded?"
"No one is ever permitted to enter that room save the housemaid in themorning, 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 possibly have known that there wasanything more valuable than the ordinary departmental papers in mydespatch-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 paper thismorning."
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 have neverbreathed one word to my wife upon this matter."
"Could she have guessed?"
"No, Mr. Holmes, she could not have guessed--nor could anyone haveguessed."
"Have you lost any documents before?"
"No, sir."
"Who is there in England who did know of the existence of this letter?"
"Each member of the Cabinet was informed of it yesterday; but the pledgeof secrecy which attends every Cabinet meeting was increased by thesolemn warning which was given by the Prime Minister. Good heavens,to think that within a few hours I should myself have lost it!" Hishandsome face was distorted with a spasm of despair, and his handstore at his hair. For a moment we caught a glimpse of the natural man,impulsive, ardent, keenly sensitive. The next the aristocratic mask wasreplaced, and the gentle voice had returned. "Besides the members ofthe Cabinet there are two, or possibly three, departmental officials whoknow 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 who wrote it. Iam well convinced that his Ministers--that the usual official channelshave not been employed."
Holmes considered for some little time.
"Now, sir, I must ask you more particularly what this document is, andwhy its disappearance should have such momentous consequences?"
The two statesmen exchanged a quick glance and the Premier's shaggyeyebrows gathered in a frown.
"Mr. Holmes, the envelope is a long, thin one of pale blue colour. Thereis a seal of red wax stamped with a crouching lion. It is addressed inlarge, bold handwriting to--"
"I fear, sir," said Holmes, "that, interesting and indeed essential asthese details are, my inquiries must go more to the root of things. WhatWAS the letter?"
"That is a State secret of the utmost importance, and I fear that Icannot tell you, nor do I see that it is necessary. If by the aid of thepowers which you are said to possess you can find such an envelope asI describe with its enclosure, you will have deserved well of yourcountry, and earned any reward which it lies in our power to bestow."
Sherlock Holmes rose with a smile.
"You are two of the most busy men in the country," said he, "and inmy own small way I have also a good many calls upon me. I regretexceedingly that I cannot help you in this matter, and any continuationof this interview would be a waste of time."
The Premier sprang to his feet with that quick, fierce gleam of hisdeep-set eyes before which a Cabinet has cowered. "I am not accustomed,sir----" he began, but mastered his anger and resumed his seat. For aminute or more we all sat in silence. Then the old statesman shruggedhis shoulders.
"We must accept yo
ur terms, Mr. Holmes. No doubt you are right, andit is unreasonable for us to expect you to act unless we give you ourentire confidence."
"I agree with you, sir," said the younger statesman.