I came
personally, Mr. Holmes, in order to ensure that you would return
with me. I feared that no telegram would convince you of the
absolute urgency of the case."
"When you are quite restored ----"
"I am quite well again. I cannot imagine how I came to be so weak.
I wish you, Mr. Holmes, to come to Mackleton with me by the next train."
My friend shook his head.
"My colleague, Dr. Watson, could tell you that we are very busy
at present. I am retained in this case of the Ferrers Documents,
and the Abergavenny murder is coming up for trial. Only a very
important issue could call me from London at present."
"Important!" Our visitor threw up his hands. "Have you heard
nothing of the abduction of the only son of the Duke of Holdernesse?"
"What! the late Cabinet Minister?"
"Exactly. We had tried to keep it out of the papers, but there
was some rumour in the GLOBE last night. I thought it might
have reached your ears."
Holmes shot out his long, thin arm and picked out Volume "H"
in his encyclopaedia of reference.
"`Holdernesse, 6th Duke, K.G., P.C.' -- half the alphabet!
`Baron Beverley, Earl of Carston' -- dear me, what a list!
`Lord Lieutenant of Hallamshire since 1900.
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