"Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, no more but, calling cashier, I ordered him over fifty 1000 pound notes When alone once more, however, precious case lying table in front of me, but think with some misgivings immense responsibility which it entailed upon me There that, as national possession, horrible scandal would ensue if any misfortune should occur I already regretted having ever consented charge of it However, too late to alter the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned once more to my work

"When evening came an imprudence to leave so precious thing office behind me Bankers' safes forced before now, and why mine be ? , how terrible the position find myself ! I determined, therefore, that next always carry the case backward and forward with me, so might never be really out reach intention, I called cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel with me breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and locked it bureau dressing-room

"And now word my household, Mr Holmes, for you to thoroughly understand the situation My groom and my page sleep house, and set aside altogether three maid-servants who with me number of years and whose absolute reliability is quite above suspicion Another, Lucy Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service She came with an excellent character, however, and has always given me satisfaction very pretty girl and has attracted admirers occasionally hung place only drawback which found to her, but we believe her thoroughly good girl in every way

" servants My family itself is so small not take me long to describe it widower an only son, Arthur He disappointment , Mr Holmes-- grievous disappointment that myself to blame People tell me that spoiled him Very likely When my dear wife died that all I had to love bear the smile fade even for moment face never denied him wish Perhaps it better for both of us had I been sterner, but I meant it best

" naturally my intention that succeed me in my business, but not of business turn wild, wayward, and, the truth, trust him handling of large sums of money When young he became member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming manners, soon the intimate of number of men with long purses and expensive habits He learned to play heavily at cards and to squander money turf, until he had again and again and implore me him an advance upon his allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour He tried more than once to break away dangerous company which keeping, but the influence friend, Sir George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again

"And, indeed, wonder that such man as Sir George Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently brought him to my house, and found myself that hardly resist the fascination manner older than Arthur, man world finger-tips, one who everywhere, seen everything, brilliant talker, and man of great personal beauty Yet when of him in cold blood, far away glamour presence, convinced cynical speech look which caught eyes that one deeply distrusted So , and so, too, thinks my little Mary, who has woman's quick insight into character

"And now only she described my niece; but when my brother died five and left her alone I adopted her, looked upon her as my daughter sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and gentle as woman my right hand know what do without her In matter has she ever gone against my wishes Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he loves her devotedly, but she has refused him that if anyone drawn him right path it she, his marriage changed his whole life; but now, alas ! too late--forever too late !

"Now, Mr Holmes, the people who live under my roof, and continue with my miserable story

"When we were taking coffee drawing-room that night after dinner, Arthur and Mary my experience, and precious treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name client Lucy Parr, who had brought coffee, had, , left the room; but swear door was closed Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished the famous coronet, but it better not to disturb it

"'Where put it ? ' asked Arthur

"'In my own bureau '

"'Well, to goodness the house won't be burgled during the night ' said he

"' locked up,' I answered

"'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau When youngster opened it myself key box-room cupboard '

"He often had wild way of talking, little of what He followed me to my room, however, that night with very grave face

"'Look here, dad,' said he eyes cast down, ' let me have 200 pounds ? '

"'No, ! ' I answered sharply ' far too generous in money matters '

"' very kind,' said he, 'but this money, or else never show my face inside the club again '

"'And thing, too ! ' I cried

"'Yes, but me leave it dishonoured man,' said he ' bear the disgrace raise the money in some way, and if let me have it, then try other means '

" very angry, for the third demand during the month 'You farthing from me,' I cried, he bowed and left the room without another word Josef Friedrich, 1906

"When gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my treasure was safe, and locked it again Then I started round the house that all was secure--a duty which I usually leave to Mary but which it well to perform myself that night As down the stairs Mary herself side window hall, which she closed and fastened as I approached

"'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, , little disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave out to-night ? '

"'Certainly not '

"'She came in just now back door that she has only been side gate someone, but hardly safe and stopped '

"' speak to her morning, or prefer it sure that everything is fastened ? '

"' , dad '

"'Then good-night ' I kissed her and went my bedroom again, where soon asleep

" endeavouring you everything, Mr Holmes, have any bearing case, but I beg that question me upon any point which make clear "

" contrary, your statement is singularly lucid "