But not our prisoner Holmes was giving his attention Squatted doorstep, engaged in most carefully examining that which the man had brought house bust of Napoleon like the one which we had seen that morning, and it broken into similar fragments Carefully Holmes held each separate shard light, but in no way did it differ from shattered piece of plaster He had just completed his examination hall lights flew up, the door opened, owner house, jovial, rotund figure in shirt and trousers, presented himself

" Mr Josiah Brown, I suppose ? " said Holmes

"Yes, sir; and you, , are Mr Sherlock Holmes ? I had the note which you sent express messenger, and exactly what you told me We locked every door inside and awaited developments Well, I'm very that got the rascal , gentlemen, that come in some refreshment "

However, Lestrade was anxious his man into safe quarters, so within our cab summoned and we were all four upon our way to London Not word would our captive say; but he glared at us shadow matted hair, and once, when my hand seemed within his reach, he snapped at it like hungry wolf We stayed long enough police-station to learn that search clothing revealed nothing save few shillings and long sheath knife, the handle bore copious traces of recent blood

"That's all right," said Lestrade, parted "Hill knows all these gentry, and give name to him You'll find that my theory Mafia will work out all right But I'm sure exceedingly obliged , Mr Holmes, workmanlike way laid hands upon him I don't quite understand it all yet "

" rather too late an hour for explanations," said Holmes "Besides, details which finished off, and one cases which are worth working out very end come round once more to my rooms at six o'clock to-morrow to show you that even now grasped the entire meaning business, which presents some features which make it absolutely original history of crime If ever I permit you to chronicle any more little problems, Watson, I foresee that enliven your pages by an account singular adventure Napoleonic busts "

When we met again next evening Lestrade was furnished with much information concerning our prisoner His name, it appeared, was Beppo, second name unknown well-known ne'er-do-well Italian colony He had once been skilful sculptor and had earned an honest living, but he had taken to evil courses and had twice already been in gaol -- once for petty theft and once, had already heard, for stabbing fellow-countryman talk English perfectly well His reasons for destroying the busts were still unknown, and he refused to answer any questions ; but the police had discovered same busts might made by his own hands, since engaged class of work establishment of Gelder and Co To all , much we already knew, Holmes listened with polite attention; but I, who knew him , could clearly see that his thoughts were elsewhere, and I detected mixture of mingled uneasiness and expectation beneath that mask which wont to assume At last he started chair eyes brightened There ring bell minute later we heard steps stairs, and an elderly, red-faced man with grizzled side-whiskers was ushered in right hand he carried an old-fashioned carpet-bag, which he placed table

"Is Mr Sherlock Holmes here ? "

My friend bowed and smiled " Mr Sandeford, of Reading, I suppose ? " said he

"Yes, sir, that little late; but the trains were awkward You wrote about bust in my possession "

"Exactly "

" your letter here You said, ` to possess copy of Devine's Napoleon, and am prepared you ten pounds one in your possession ' right ? "

"Certainly "

" surprised at your letter, for imagine how that I owned such thing "

" been surprised, but the explanation is very simple Mr Harding, of Harding Brothers, said had sold you their last copy, and he your address "

"Oh, that , ? Did he tell you what I paid ? "

"No, "

"Well, an honest man, though not very rich one I only gave fifteen shillings bust, and you ought that before I take ten pounds "

" the scruple does you honour, Mr Sandeford But named that price, so I intend to stick "

"Well, very handsome of you, Mr Holmes I brought the bust up with me, asked me Here ! " He opened his bag, and at last we saw placed upon our table complete specimen bust which we had already seen more than once in fragments

Holmes took paper pocket and laid ten-pound note table

" kindly sign that paper, Mr Sandeford, presence witnesses simply that you transfer every possible right that you ever had bust methodical man, , and you never know what turn events might take afterwards , Mr Sandeford; your money, and you evening "

When our visitor had disappeared Sherlock Holmes's movements were such rivet our attention He began by taking clean white cloth from drawer and laying it over the table Then he placed his newly-acquired bust centre cloth Finally, he picked up his hunting-crop and struck Napoleon sharp blow top head The figure broke into fragments, and Holmes bent eagerly over the shattered remains Next instant, with loud shout of triumph, he held up one splinter, round, dark object was fixed like plum in pudding

"Gentlemen," he cried, "let me introduce you famous black pearl Borgias "

Lestrade and I sat silent for moment, and then, with spontaneous impulse, we both broke out clapping as well-wrought crisis of play flush of colour sprang to Holmes's pale cheeks, and he bowed like the master dramatist who receives the homage audience at such moments that for an instant he ceased reasoning machine, and betrayed his human love for admiration and applause The same singularly proud and reserved nature which turned away with disdain from popular notoriety was capable of being moved to its depths by spontaneous wonder and praise from friend