Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-04-17

serve this coronet with every possible pre-
caution, because L need not say that great
public scandal would be caused were anv
harm to betall 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 1 shall call for it in
person on Monday morning
Seeing that nv client was anxious to
leave l said no more, but calling for my
cashier / ordered him to paw over ESQ, ,00O
notes When was alone once more, how
ever, with the precious case lying upon the
table in front of me, could not think but
with some misgivings of the immense re-
sponsibility which it entailed upon me.
There could be no doubt that, as it was a
national possession, horrible scandal
would ensue if any misfortune should occur
to it. / already regretted having ever con-
sented to take charge of it However, it
was too late TO alter the matter now, so ]
locked it up in my private safe and turned
once more TO nv work.
"When evening came I felt it would be
In imprndence to leave so precious thing
in the Office behind me. Bankers safes had
been forced before now, and why should not
mine be? If so, how terrible would be the
determined, therefore, that for the next few
days l should always carry the case back
ward and forward with me, so that it might
never really be out of nv reach. With this
intention called a cab and drove out to my
house at Streatham, carrying the jewel with
me. l did not breathe freely until had
taken 1t up stairs and locked it in the bu-
reau Of my dressing room.
And now a word as to my household,
Mr. Holmes, for L wish YOU to thoroughly
understand the situation. My groom and
my page sleep out of the house, and may be
set aside altogether. I have three maid
servants who have been with me number
Of years, and whose absolute reliability is
quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy
Barr, the second waiting maid, has only
been in my service few months. She
came with an excellent character, however,
and has always given me satisfaction. She
is very pretty girl and has attracted ad-
mirers who have occasionally hung about
the place. That is the only drawback
which We have found to her, but We believe
her to be thoroughly good girl in every
way.
$50 much for the servants. NV family
Itself is so small that it will not take me
long to describe it / am a widower and
have an only son, Arthur. He has been a
disappointment to me, Mr.. Holmes, a
grievous disappointment. l have no doubt
that am myself to blame. People tell ME
that have spoiled him. Very likely 1
have. When my dear wife died felt that
he was all had to love. 1 could not bear
TO see the smile fade even for moment
from his face. l have never denied him a
wish. Perhaps it would have been better
for both of us had been sterner, but 1
meant 1t for the best.
at was naturally my intention that he
should succeed me in my business, but he
was not OF business turn. He was wild,
wayward, and, to speak the truth, could
not trust him in the handling of large
sums of money. When he was young he
s-aasme member of an aristocratic club,
sid there, having charming manners. he be-
came the intimate OF a number of men with
long purses and expensive habits He
learned to play heavily at cards and to
squarder money on the turf, until he had
again and again to come to me and i'm
plore me to give him an advance upon his
allowance, that he might settle his debts of
honor. He tried more than once to break
away from the dangerous company which
he was keeping, but each time the influence
of his friend, Sir George Burnfeld, was
enough to draw him back again.
stAnd indeed 1 could not wonder that
such a man as Sir George Burnfeld should
gain an influence over him, for he has fire.
Quently brought him to nv house, and I
have found that could myself hardly resist
the fascination of his manner He was
older than Arthur man Of the world to
his finger tips, one who had been every
where, seen everything, . brilliant talksr