constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with his arms

folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge him with theft. I

answered that it had ceased to be a private matter, but had become a public

one, since the ruined coronet was national property. I was determined that the

law should have its way in everything.


“‘At least,’ said he, ‘you will not have me

arrested at once. It would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might

leave the house for five minutes.’


“‘That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what

you have stolen,’ said I. And then, realising the dreadful position in

which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only my honour but that

of one who was far greater than I was at stake; and that he threatened to raise

a scandal which would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would

but tell me what he had done with the three missing stones.


“‘You may as well face the matter,’ said I; ‘you

have been caught in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more

heinous. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling us

where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.’


“‘Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,’ he

answered, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened for

any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for it. I called in

the inspector and gave him into custody. A search was made at once not only of

his person but of his room and of every portion of the house where he could

possibly have concealed the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor

would the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our threats.

This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after going through all the

police formalities, have hurried round to you to implore you to use your skill

in unravelling the matter. The police have openly confessed that they can at