by Arthur Conan Doyle

some dramatic entrances and exits upon our small stage at Baker Street, but recollect anything more sudden and startling first appearance of Thorneycroft Huxtable, M . , Ph D , etc His card, which seemed too small to carry the weight academic distinctions, preceded him by few seconds, and then he entered himself -- so large, so pompous, and so dignified that he very embodiment of self-possession and solidity And yet his first action door had closed behind him was to stagger against the table, whence he slipped down floor, and that majestic figure prostrate and insensible upon our bearskin hearthrug

We had sprung to our feet, and for we stared in silent amazement ponderous piece of wreckage, which told of some sudden and fatal storm far out ocean of life Then Holmes hurried with cushion head and I with brandy lips The heavy white face was seamed with lines of trouble, the hanging pouches under the closed eyes were leaden in colour, the loose mouth drooped dolorously corners, the rolling chins were unshaven Collar and shirt bore the grime of long journey, hair bristled unkempt well-shaped head sorely-stricken man who lay

" it, Watson ? " asked Holmes

"Absolute exhaustion -- possibly mere hunger and fatigue," said I, with my finger thready pulse, where the stream of life trickled thin and small

"Return ticket from Mackleton, North of England," said Holmes, drawing it watch-pocket " twelve o'clock yet He has certainly been an early starter "

The puckered eyelids had begun to quiver, and now pair of vacant, grey eyes looked up at us An instant later the man had scrambled on feet, his face crimson with shame

"Forgive this weakness, Mr Holmes; little overwrought , if glass of milk and biscuit that better personally, Mr Holmes, to ensure that return with me I feared that no telegram would convince you absolute urgency case "

" quite restored ----"

" quite well again imagine how so weak you, Mr Holmes, to Mackleton with me next train "

My friend shook his head

"My colleague, Dr Watson, could tell you that very busy at present retained in Ferrers Documents, Abergavenny murder is coming up for trial Only issue could call me from London at present "

"Important ! " Our visitor threw up his hands " heard nothing abduction only son Duke of Holdernesse ? "

"What ! the late Cabinet Minister ? "

"Exactly We had tried it papers, but some rumour GLOBE last night it reached your ears "

Holmes shot out his long, thin arm and picked out Volume "H" encyclopaedia of reference

"`Holdernesse, 6th Duke, K G , P C ' -- half the alphabet ! `Baron Beverley, Earl of Carston' -- dear me, what list ! `Lord Lieutenant of Hallamshire since 1900 Married Edith, daughter of Sir Charles Appledore, 1888 Heir and only child, Lord Saltire Owns about two hundred and fifty thousand acres Minerals in Lancashire and Wales Address: Carlton House Terrace; Holdernesse Hall, Hallamshire; Carston Castle, Bangor, Wales Lord Admiralty, 1872; Chief Secretary of State for --' Well, well, this man is certainly greatest subjects Crown ! "

"The greatest and perhaps the wealthiest aware, Mr Holmes, that you take very high line in professional matters, prepared to work work's sake tell you, however, that his Grace has already intimated that Cheque for five thousand pounds handed over person tell him where his son is, and another thousand to him name the man, or men, taken him "

" princely offer," said Holmes "Watson, that accompany Dr Huxtable back North of England And now, Dr Huxtable, have consumed that milk kindly tell me what has happened, when it happened, how it happened, and, finally, what Dr Thorneycroft Huxtable, Priory School, near Mackleton, do matter, and why he comes three days after an event -- the state of your chin gives the date -- to ask humble services "

Our visitor had consumed his milk and biscuits The light had come back eyes colour cheeks as he set himself with great vigour and lucidity to explain the situation

" inform you, gentlemen, Priory is preparatory school, the founder and principal `Huxtable's Sidelights on Horace' may possibly recall my name to your memories The Priory is, without exception, the best and most select preparatory school in England Lord Leverstoke, the Earl of Blackwater, Sir Cathcart Soames -- they all have entrusted their sons But that my school had reached its zenith when, three , the Duke of Holdernesse sent Mr James Wilder, his secretary, intimation that young Lord Saltire, ten years old, his only son and heir, was about committed to my charge Little did that the prelude most crushing misfortune life

"On May 1st the boy arrived, that being the beginning summer term charming youth, and he soon fell into our ways tell you -- I trust that not indiscreet, but half-confidences are absurd case -- that not entirely happy at home an open secret Duke's married life peaceful one, matter had ended in separation by mutual consent, the Duchess taking up her residence South of France This had occurred very shortly before, boy's sympathies are known strongly mother He moped after her departure from Holdernesse Hall, and reason Duke desired to to my establishment In fortnight the boy was quite at home , and was apparently absolutely happy

" last seen night of May 13th -- , the night of last Monday His room was second floor, and was approached through another larger room two boys were sleeping These boys saw and heard nothing, so certain that young Saltire pass out that way His window was open, and stout ivy plant leading ground trace no footmarks below, but sure the only possible exit

"His absence was discovered at seven o'clock on Tuesday morning His bed slept in He had dressed himself fully before going off usual school suit of black Eton jacket and dark grey trousers There were no signs that anyone had entered the room, and quite certain that anything nature of cries, or struggle, heard, since Caunter, the elder boy inner room, is very light sleeper

"When Lord Saltire's disappearance was discovered I at once called roll whole establishment, boys, masters, and servants then that we ascertained that Lord Saltire alone flight Heidegger, the German master, was missing His room was second floor, farther end building, facing the same way as Lord Saltire's His bed had also been slept in; but he had apparently gone away partly dressed, since his shirt and socks were lying floor He had undoubtedly let himself down ivy, for we the marks feet where he had landed lawn His bicycle was kept in small shed beside this lawn, and it also was gone

"He with me for two years, and came best references; but silent, morose man, not very popular either with masters or boys No trace found fugitives, and now on Thursday morning as ignorant were on Tuesday Inquiry was, , made at once at Holdernesse Hall only few miles away, and we imagined that in some sudden attack of home-sickness he had gone back father; but nothing heard of him The Duke is greatly agitated -- and me, seen yourselves the state of nervous prostration suspense responsibility have reduced me Mr Holmes, if ever you put forward your full powers, I implore you now, for never in your life could case more worthy "

Sherlock Holmes had listened utmost intentness statement unhappy schoolmaster His drawn brows deep furrow showed that no exhortation to concentrate all his attention upon problem which, apart tremendous interests involved, must appeal so directly love complex unusual He now drew out his note-book and jotted down memoranda