Huxtable's hearthrug. Beside him stood a very
young man, whom I understood to be Wilder, the private
secretary. He was small, nervous, alert, with intelligent,
light-blue eyes and mobile features. It was he who at once,
in an incisive and positive tone, opened the conversation.
"I called this morning, Dr. Huxtable, too late to prevent you
from starting for London. I learned that your object was to
invite Mr. Sherlock Holmes to undertake the conduct of this
case. His Grace is surprised, Dr. Huxtable, that you should
have taken such a step without consulting him."
"When I learned that the police had failed ----"
"His Grace is by no means convinced that the police have failed."
"But surely, Mr. Wilder ----"
"You are well aware, Dr. Huxtable, that his Grace is particularly
anxious to avoid all public scandal. He prefers to take as few
people as possible into his confidence."
"The matter can be easily remedied," said the brow-beaten doctor;
"Mr. Sherlock Holmes can return to London by the morning train."
"Hardly that, Doctor, hardly that," said Holmes, in his
blandest voice. "This northern air is invigorating and pleasant,
so I propose to spend a few days upon your moors, and to occupy
my mind as best I may.
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