"I agree with Mr.Wilder, Dr.Huxtable, that you would have done wisely to consult me.But since Mr.Holmes has already been taken into your confidence, it would indeed be absurd that we should not avail ourselves of his services.Far from going to the inn, Mr.Holmes, I should be pleased if you would come and stay with me at Holdernesse Hall.""I thank your Grace.For the purposes of my investigation I think that it would be wiser for me to remain at the scene of the mystery.""Just as you like, Mr.Holmes.Any information which Mr.Wilder or I can give you is, of course, at your disposal.""It will probably be necessary for me to see you at the Hall,"said Holmes."I would only ask you now, sir, whether you have formed any explanation in your own mind as to the mysterious disappearance of your son?""No, sir, I have not."
"Excuse me if I allude to that which is painful to you, but I have no alternative.Do you think that the Duchess had anything to do with the matter?"The great Minister showed perceptible hesitation.
"I do not think so," he said, at last.
"The other most obvious explanation is that the child has been kidnapped for the purpose of levying ransom.
You have not had any demand of the sort?""No, sir."
"One more question, your Grace.I understand that you wrote to your son upon the day when this incident occurred.""No; I wrote upon the day before."
"Exactly.But he received it on that day?""Yes."