"We have not done so, nor is
it possible that we should do so. To inform the police must,
in the long run, mean to inform the public. This is what we
particularly desire to avoid."
"And why, sir?"
"Because the document in question is of such immense importance
that its publication might very easily -- I might almost say
probably -- lead to European complications of the utmost moment.
It is not too much to say that peace or war may hang upon the
issue. Unless its recovery can be attended with the utmost
secrecy, then it may as well not be recovered at all, for all
that is aimed at by those who have taken it is that its contents
should be generally known."
"I understand. Now, Mr. Trelawney Hope, I should be much
obliged if you would tell me exactly the circumstances under
which this document disappeared."
"That can be done in a very few words, Mr. Holmes.
The letter -- for it was a letter from a foreign potentate --
was received six days ago. It was of such importance that I have
never left it in my safe, but I have taken it across each evening
to my house in Whitehall Terrace, and kept it in my bedroom in a
locked despatch-box.
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