"Let me see," said Holmes, seating himself on Staunton's bed " the day porter, not ? "

"Yes, sir; I go off duty at eleven "

"The night porter saw nothing, I suppose ? "

"No, sir; one theatre party came in late No one else "

"Were you on duty all day yesterday ? "

"Yes, sir "

"Did you take any messages to Mr Staunton ? "

"Yes, sir; one telegram "

"Ah ! that's interesting What o'clock ? "

"About six "

"Where was Mr Staunton when he received it ? "

"Here room "

"Were you present when he opened it ? "

"Yes, sir; I waited if an answer "

"Well, was there ? "

"Yes, sir He wrote an answer "

"Did you take it ? "

"No; it himself "

"But he wrote it in your presence ? "

"Yes, sir standing door, and he back turned table When he had written it , `All right, porter, take this myself '"

"What did he write it with ? "

"A pen, sir "

" telegraphic form table ? "

"Yes, sir; it top one "

Holmes rose Taking the forms he carried them over window and carefully examined that uppermost

" pity write in pencil," said he, throwing them down again with shrug of disappointment " frequently observed, Watson, the impression usually goes through -- fact dissolved many happy marriage However, find no trace here I rejoice, however, to perceive that he wrote with broad-pointed quill pen, and hardly doubt that we some impression blotting-pad Ah, yes, surely very thing ! "

He tore off strip blotting-paper and turned towards us the hieroglyphic

Cyril Overton was much excited "Hold it glass ! " he cried

" unnecessary," said Holmes "The paper is thin, reverse will give the message Here " He turned it over and we read it

"So tail end telegram which Godfrey Staunton dispatched within few hours disappearance six words message escaped us; but what remains -- `Stand for God's sake ! ' -- proves young man saw formidable danger which approached him, and someone else could protect him `US,' mark you ! Another person was involved it be but the pale-faced, bearded man, who seemed himself in so nervous state ? What, then, connection between Godfrey Staunton bearded man ? And the third source each sought for help against pressing danger ? Our inquiry has already narrowed down "

" only that telegram is addressed," I suggested

"Exactly, my dear Watson Your reflection, though profound, had already crossed my mind But I dare say it come to your notice that walk into post-office and demand the counterfoil of another man's message some disinclination officials to oblige you red tape matters ! However, that with little delicacy and finesse the end attained Meanwhile, like in your presence, Mr Overton, through these papers been left table "

There were number of letters, bills, and note-books, which Holmes turned over and examined with quick, nervous fingers and darting, penetrating eyes "Nothing here," , at last " , I suppose your friend was healthy young fellow -- nothing amiss ? "

"Sound as bell "

" ever known him ill ? "

"Not day He laid up with hack, and once he slipped his knee-cap, but that was nothing "

"Perhaps not so strong suppose think had some secret trouble With your assent put papers in my pocket, they should bear upon our future inquiry "

"One moment ! one moment ! " cried querulous voice, and we looked up queer little old man, jerking and twitching doorway dressed in rusty black, with very broad brimmed top-hat and loose white necktie -- the whole effect being that of very rustic parson or of an undertaker's mute Yet, shabby and even absurd appearance, his voice had sharp crackle, manner quick intensity which commanded attention

"Who , sir, and by what right touch this gentleman's papers ? " he asked

" private detective, and endeavouring to explain his disappearance "

"Oh, , ? And who instructed you, eh ? "

"This gentleman, Mr Staunton's friend, was referred by Scotland Yard "

"Who , sir ? "

" Cyril Overton "

"Then you who sent me telegram My name is Lord Mount-James round as quickly Bayswater 'bus would bring me So instructed detective ? "

"Yes, sir "

"And prepared to meet the cost ? "

" , sir, that my friend Godfrey, when him, prepared to "

"But if never found, eh ? Answer me that ! "

" case his family ----"

"Nothing sort, sir ! " screamed the little man "Don't look for penny -- not penny ! You understand that, Mr Detective ! all the family young man has got, and I tell you that not responsible If he has any expectations due fact that never wasted money, and propose now As papers making so free, tell you that there anything of any value among them held strictly to account for what "

" , sir," said Sherlock Holmes "May I ask meanwhile whether yourself any theory to account young man's disappearance ? "

"No, sir, big enough and old enough to look after himself, and if so foolish lose himself I entirely refuse to accept the responsibility of hunting for him "

"I quite understand your position," said Holmes, with mischievous twinkle eyes "Perhaps you don't quite understand mine Godfrey Staunton appears poor man If he kidnapped it for anything which he himself possesses The fame of your wealth has gone abroad, Lord Mount-James, and entirely possible that gang of thieves have secured your nephew to gain some information your house, your habits, and your treasure "

The face unpleasant little visitor turned as white as his neckcloth

"Heavens, sir, what an idea ! I never thought villainy ! What inhuman rogues ! But Godfrey is fine lad -- staunch lad Nothing would induce him his old uncle away I'll have the plate moved over bank this evening meantime spare no pains, Mr Detective ! I beg you to leave no stone unturned to bring him safely back money, well, as fiver, or even tenner, goes, always look "

Even chastened frame of mind the noble miser could no information which could , for little private life nephew Our only clue lay truncated telegram, and with copy hand Holmes set forth second link chain We had shaken off Lord Mount-James, and Overton had gone to consult other members team over the misfortune which had befallen them

telegraph-office at short distance hotel We halted outside it