The old butler rubbed his skinny hands.

　　"The old butler rubbed his skinny hands.

　　"'Yes, sir, yes, that is Master Godfrey all over. He was alwayscourageous. There's not a tree in the park, sir, that he has notclimbed. Nothing would stop him. He was a fine boy- and oh, sir, hewas a fine man.'

　　"I sprang to my feet.

　　"'Look here!' I cried. 'You say he was. You speak as if he weredead. What is all this mystery? What has become of Godfrey Emsworth?'"I gripped the old man by the shoulder, but he shrank away."'I don't know what you mean, sir. Ask the master about MasterGodfrey. He knows. It is not for me to interfere.'

　　"He was leaving the room, but I held his arm.

　　"'Listen,' I said. 'You are going to answer one question beforeyou leave if I have to hold you all night. Is Godfrey dead?'"He could not face my eyes. He was like a man hypnotized. The answerwas dragged from his lips. It was a terrible and unexpected one."'I wish to God he was!' he cried, and, tearing himself free, hedashed from the room.

　　"You will think, Mr. Holmes, that I returned to my chair in novery happy state of mind. The old man's words seemed to me to bearonly one interpretation. Clearly my poor friend had become involved insome criminal or, at the least, disreputable transaction which touchedthe family honour. That stern old man had sent his son away and hiddenhim from the world lest some scandal should come to light. Godfrey wasa reckless fellow. He was easily influenced by those around him. Nodoubt he had fallen into bad hands and been misled to his ruin. It wasa piteous business, if it was indeed so, but even now it was my dutyto hunt him out and see if I could aid him. I was anxiouslypondering the matter when I looked up, and there was GodfreyEmsworth standing before me."

　　My client had paused as one in deep emotion.

　　"Pray continue," I said. "Your problem presents some very unusualfeatures."