"The main fact he HAD the pearl, and moment, when person, pursued police factory he worked, and that he had only to conceal this enormously valuable prize, which would otherwise be found on him when searched Six plaster casts of Napoleon were drying passage was still soft In an instant Beppo, skilful workman, made small hole wet plaster, dropped pearl, and with few touches covered over the aperture once more an admirable hiding-place No one could possibly find it But Beppo was condemned to year's imprisonment, and meanwhile his six busts were scattered over London tell which contained his treasure Only by breaking them could he see Even shaking would tell him nothing, for plaster was wet probable pearl would adhere -- as, , it Beppo despair, and he conducted his search with considerable ingenuity and perseverance Through cousin who works with Gelder out the retail firms who had bought the busts He managed employment with Morse Hudson, and way tracked down three The pearl was not there Then, help of some Italian EMPLOYE, he succeeded in finding out where the other three busts had gone The first was at Harker's There dogged by his confederate, who held Beppo responsible loss pearl, and he stabbed him scuffle which followed "

"If his confederate why should he carry his photograph ? " I asked

"As means of tracing him if to inquire about him from any third person That obvious reason Well, murder I calculated that Beppo would probably hurry rather than delay his movements fear police would read his secret, and so he hastened on should get ahead of him , I that he found the pearl in Harker's bust I even concluded for certain the pearl; but evident that looking for something, since he carried the bust past the other houses to break it garden which had lamp overlooking it Since Harker's bust was one in three the chances were exactly as you, two to one against the pearl being inside it There remained two busts, and obvious that go London one first I warned the inmates house, so avoid second tragedy, and we went down happiest results , , for certain the Borgia pearl that we were after The name murdered man linked the one event other There only remained single bust -- the Reading one -- pearl there I bought it in your presence owner -- and there it lies "

We sat in silence for moment

"Well," said Lestrade, "I've seen you handle cases, Mr Holmes, but I don't know that I ever knew more workmanlike one than that We're not jealous of you at Scotland Yard No, sir, very proud of you, and come down to-morrow there's not man, oldest inspector youngest constable, who wouldn't to shake you hand "

" ! " said Holmes " ! " and as he turned away it seemed that more nearly moved softer human emotions than I had ever seen him moment later he cold and practical thinker once more "Put the pearl safe, Watson," said he, "and get out the papers Conk-Singleton forgery case Good-bye, Lestrade If any little problem comes your way happy, if , hint or two its solution "