‘and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The lowest estimate

would put the worth of the coronet at double the sum which I have asked. I am

prepared to leave it with you as my security.’


“I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some perplexity

from it to my illustrious client.


“‘You doubt its value?’ he asked.


“‘Not at all. I only doubt—’


“‘The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at

rest about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely certain

that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a pure matter of form.

Is the security sufficient?’


“‘Ample.’


“‘You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong

proof of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I have heard

of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to refrain from all gossip

upon the matter but, above all, to preserve this coronet with every possible

precaution because I need not say that a great public scandal would be caused

if any harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as serious as

its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the world to match these, and it

would be impossible to replace them. I leave it with you, however, with every

confidence, and I shall call for it in person on Monday morning.’


“Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, calling

for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty £ 1000 notes. When I was alone

once more, however, with the precious case lying upon the table in front of me,

I could not but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which

it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it was a national

possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any misfortune should occur to

it. I already regretted having ever consented to take charge of it. However, it

was too late to alter the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and

turned once more to my work.