" not to blame, Mr Holmes His Grace was extremely desirous to avoid all public scandal afraid family unhappiness being dragged world He has deep horror of anything kind "

"But some official investigation ? "

"Yes, sir, and it has proved most disappointing An apparent clue was at once obtained, since boy and young man were reported seen leaving neighbouring station by an early train Only last night we had news couple hunted down in Liverpool, prove no connection whatever matter in hand Then it in my despair and disappointment, after sleepless night, straight early train "

"I suppose the local investigation was relaxed while this false clue was being followed up ? "

" entirely dropped "

" three days wasted The affair most deplorably handled "

" it, and admit it "

"And yet the problem capable of ultimate solution very happy to look been able to trace any connection missing boy and this German master ? "

"None at all "

"Was he master's class ? "

"No; he never exchanged word as "

" certainly very singular Had the boy bicycle ? "

"No "

"Was bicycle missing ? "

"No "

" certain ? "

"Quite "

"Well, now, mean to seriously this German rode off upon bicycle dead night bearing the boy arms ? "

"Certainly not "

"Then the theory in your mind ? "

"The bicycle may blind It may hidden somewhere pair gone off on foot "

"Quite so; but it seems rather an absurd blind, does it not ? Were there other bicycles shed ? "

"Several "

"Would he not have hidden COUPLE had he desired the idea had gone off upon them ? "

"I suppose "

" The blind theory won't do But the incident is an admirable starting-point for an investigation After all, bicycle an easy thing to conceal or to destroy One other question Did anyone call the boy day before he disappeared ? "

"No "

"Did he get any letters ? "

"Yes; one letter "

"From whom ? "

" father "

" open the boys' letters ? "

"No "

"How father ? "

"The coat of arms was envelope, and addressed Duke's peculiar stiff hand Besides, the Duke remembers having written "

"When had he letter ? "

"Not for "

"Had he ever one from France ? "

"No; never

" the point questions, Either the boy was carried off by force or he went own free will latter case expect that some prompting from outside needed so young lad do such thing If he has had no visitors, that prompting come in letters Hence I try out who were his correspondents "

" much His only correspondent, as , was his own father "

"Who wrote to him very day disappearance Were the relations between father and son very friendly ? "

"His Grace is never very friendly with anyone completely immersed in large public questions, rather inaccessible to all ordinary emotions But always kind boy own way "

"But the sympathies latter were mother ? "

"Yes "

"Did he say so ? "

"No "

"The Duke, then ? "

"Good heavens, no ! "

"Then how could ? "

" some confidential talks with Mr James Wilder, his Grace's secretary he who the information about Lord Saltire's feelings "

" , that last letter Duke's -- found boy's room after gone ? "

"No; he had taken it , Mr Holmes, time that we were leaving for Euston "

" order four-wheeler In quarter of an hour at your service telegraphing home, Mr Huxtable, it well to allow the people in your neighbourhood to imagine inquiry is still going on in Liverpool, or wherever else that red herring led your pack meantime do little quiet work at your own doors, and perhaps the scent so cold but that two old hounds like Watson and myself may get sniff of it "

That evening found us cold, bracing atmosphere Peak country, Dr Huxtable's famous school is situated already dark when we reached it card was lying hall table, butler whispered something master, who turned with agitation in every heavy feature

"The Duke is here," said he "The Duke and Mr Wilder are study Come, gentlemen, introduce you "

, , familiar pictures famous statesman, but the man himself was very different representation tall and stately person, scrupulously dressed, with drawn, thin face, and nose grotesquely curved and long His complexion was of dead pallor, more startling by contrast with long, dwindling beard of vivid red, which flowed down over his white waistcoat, watch-chain gleaming fringe Such stately presence who looked stonily at us centre of Dr Huxtable's hearthrug Beside him stood very young man, whom I understood Wilder, the private secretary small, nervous, alert, with intelligent, light-blue eyes and mobile features he who at once, in an incisive and positive tone, opened the conversation

"I called , Dr Huxtable, too late you from starting for London I learned that your object was to invite Mr Sherlock Holmes to undertake the conduct of His Grace is surprised, Dr Huxtable, that taken such step without consulting him "

"When I learned police had failed ----"

"His Grace is by no means convinced police have failed "

"But surely, Mr Wilder ----"

" well aware, Dr Huxtable, that his Grace is particularly anxious to avoid all public scandal He prefers as few people as possible into his confidence "

"The matter easily remedied," said the brow-beaten doctor; " Mr Sherlock Holmes can return to London morning train "

"Hardly that, Doctor, hardly that," said Holmes, blandest voice "This northern air is invigorating and pleasant, so I propose upon your moors, and to occupy my mind as best Whether the shelter of your roof or village inn is, , to decide "

I unfortunate doctor was last stage of indecision, rescued deep, sonorous voice red-bearded Duke, which boomed out like dinner-gong

"I agree with Mr Wilder, Dr Huxtable, that done wisely to consult me But since Mr Holmes has already been taken into your confidence, it would indeed be absurd that we avail ourselves services Far from going inn, Mr Holmes, pleased come and stay with me at Holdernesse Hall "

"I thank your Grace purposes investigation wiser to remain scene mystery "