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I yielded - as I have always yielded - to his prayers, and instantly James hurried off to the Fighting Cock to warn Hayes and give him the means of flight.

I could not go there by daylight without provoking comment, but as soon as night fell I hurried off to see my dear Arthur.

I found him safe and well, but horrified beyond expression by the dreadful deed he had witnessed.

In deference to my promise, and much against my will, I consented to leave him there for three days under the charge of Mrs. Hayes, since it was evident that it was impossible to inform the police where he was without telling them also who was the murderer, and I could not see how that murderer could be punished without ruin to my unfortunate James.

You asked for frankness, Mr. Holmes, and I have taken you at your word, for I have now told you everything without an attempt at circumlocution or concealment.

Do you in turn be as frank with me."

"I will," said Holmes.

"In the first place, your Grace, I am bound to tell you that you have placed yourself in a most serious position in the eyes of the law.

You have condoned a felony and you have aided the escape of a murderer; for I cannot doubt that any money which was taken by James Wilder to aid his accomplice in his flight came from your Grace's purse."

The Duke bowed his assent.

"This is indeed a most serious matter. Even more culpable in my opinion, your Grace, is your attitude towards your younger son. You leave him in this den for three days."

"Under solemn promises --"

"What are promises to such people as these? You have no guarantee that he will not be spirited away again. To humour your guilty elder son you have exposed your innocent younger son to imminent and unnecessary danger. It was a most unjustifiable action."

The proud lord of Holdernesse was not accustomed to be so rated in his own ducal hall. The blood flushed into his high forehead, but his conscience held him dumb.

"I will help you, but on one condition only. It is that you ring for the footman and let me give such orders as I like."

Without a word the Duke pressed the electric bell. A servant entered.

"You will be glad to hear," said Holmes, "that your young master is found. It is the Duke's desire that the carriage shall go at once to the Fighting Cock Inn to bring Lord Saltire home.

"Now," said Holmes, when the rejoicing lackey had disappeared, "having secured the future, we can afford to be more lenient with the past.

I am not in an official position, and there is no reason, so long as the ends of justice are served, why I should disclose all that I know.

As to Hayes I say nothing.

The gallows awaits him, and I would do nothing to save him from it.

What he will divulge I cannot tell, but I have no doubt that your Grace could make him understand that it is to his interest to be silent.

From the police point of view he will have kidnapped the boy for the purpose of ransom.

If they do not themselves find it out I see no reason why I should prompt them to take a broader point of view.

I would warn your Grace, however, that the continued presence of Mr. James Wilder in your household can only lead to misfortune."

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