more than that it was a name which is a household word all over the

earth—one of the highest, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was

overwhelmed by the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he

plunged at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry quickly

through a disagreeable task.


“‘Mr. Holder,’ said he, ‘I have been informed

that you are in the habit of advancing money.’


“‘The firm does so when the security is good.’ I

answered.


“‘It is absolutely essential to me,’ said he, ‘that I

should have £ 50,000 at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sum ten

times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it a matter of business

and to carry out that business myself. In my position you can readily

understand that it is unwise to place one’s self under obligations.’


“‘For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?’ I

asked.


“‘Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then

most certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you think it

right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the money should be paid

at once.’


“‘I should be happy to advance it without further parley from

my own private purse,’ said I, ‘were it not that the strain would

be rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do it in the

name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must insist that, even in

your case, every businesslike precaution should be taken.’


“‘I should much prefer to have it so,’ said he, raising

up a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. ‘You

have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?’


“‘One of the most precious public possessions of the

empire,’ said I.


“‘Precisely.’ He opened the case, and there, imbedded

in soft, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery which he

had named. ‘There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,’ said he,